Fannie Oden, 74, said her family has lived on the same Key West property since the early 1900s. Over the years, she has watched the island change drastically as tourism continued to grow.
Oden believed tourists come for a good time and to see popular attractions in a “partying paradise,” but she feels that they were not truly learning about Key West.
“It’s a lot of history. It’s a lot of things that people don’t know,” Oden said.
There is a lot of history involving the government, from the Little White House where President Truman stayed to Mallory Square, which was built for the U.S. Navy, now known for its sunset celebrations.
Oden also mentioned the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and its significance beyond the six-toed cats, and Key West’s historic inland lighthouse, the only lighthouse in the country operating within city limits.
“Different areas in Key West have a lot of historical facts, some that you don’t even find in the history books,” Oden said. She hoped people who visit the island would learn more about what makes it such a special place.
As tourism continues to grow, she thinks the culture of Key West is being lost.
“Growing up, we used to have a lot of the tropical trees. Tourists come down here and those who stay purchase property and destroy a lot of our trees,” Oden said.
She expressed frustration at the rising cost of living for locals, with many being forced to relocate, as tourists became permanent residents.
Despite her concerns about tourism, Oden recognizes that there is something in Key West for everyone to enjoy and still hopes that visitors have a good time there.
“Depending on what a person is looking for when they come down here, they can probably find it,” Oden said. “If you’re coming to party, or to come for the history, there’s a lot of it here.”