The Flagship of Key West

Thanks to the the Florida State Legislature, the Schooner Western Union is now just one step away from being not only the Flaghip of Key West, but also the Flagship of the State of Florida. Wednesday, March 7, 2012, the Florida House of Representatives passed SB 326 unanimously (115-0). The Florida Senate has already passed the bill, and now all that is left is for Florida Govenor Rick Scott to sign the bill into law. Those of you who care to read the bill, can find it here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0395/Analyses/H8TPkAPipqgEzRyk1jNJm4r6C5g=%7C11/Public/Bills/0300-0399/0395/Analysis/h0395c.SAC.PDF

The Schooner Western Union was built here in Key West. It was the last tall ship built on the island and was launched on April 7, 1939. The 130 ft. schooner was constructed of mahogany and yellow pine and is an example of a traditional American coasting schooner. The schooner's name comes from the Western Union Telegraph Company. For 35 years the Schooner Western Union served as a cable tender for the company, repairing and maintaining undersea telegraph cable from Key West to Cuba, and throughout the Caribbean. Today locals and visitors alike can enjoy sunset sails each evening on the Flagship of Key West, soon to be the Flagship of the State of Florida.