Key West’s giant buoy will vanish for a year. Here’s when a substitute will open
Key West has set a date for the Southernmost Point Bouy swap.
Starting Thursday, Sept. 4, a new temporary Southernmost Point Bouy replica will be ready for your Instagram selfies on the ocean end of Duval Street Pocket Park at 1400 Duval St. The statue of Bishop Albert Kee, once located near the original buoy, will be placed at the entrance of the park.
The temporary replacement of the island’s most-photographed landmark is happening for a simple reason: The intersection of the Southernmost Point Plaza a block away needs major repairs.
MORE ON THE BUOY: Why is the famous Key West buoy closing and what’s taking its place? Take a look
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Years of storms and erosion undermined the existing landmark area at the corner of South and Whitehead streets.
Crews need to close off the area to get the year-long rejuvenation work done so the existing buoy will be protectively boxed off while seawall construction, road work and revamping of the plaza proceeds.
If you’re heading to the Keys for Labor Day or for the four-day Jimmy Buffett tribute event Friday to Monday with its parades, concerts and special events, you can still head over to the original buoy on South and Whitehead for your I Was There Instagram and TikTok testimonials.
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 5:16 AM.
