​KEY WEST, FL — One of Key West’s most photographed and beloved landmarks is about to take a short break from the spotlight.

Starting in mid-August or early September 2025, the Southernmost Point Buoy and the surrounding plaza will temporarily close to the public as crews begin critical shoreline and seawall repairs. The restoration project comes in response to structural erosion caused by past hurricanes and tidal events, prompting city officials to act before conditions worsen.

Located at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets, the buoy marks the southernmost tip of the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba, and draws thousands of visitors daily.

But don’t cancel your selfie plans just yet.

To maintain the flow of tourism and tradition, the City of Key West is installing a replica of the iconic buoy nearby at Duval Street Pocket Park. The temporary stand-in will give visitors a similar backdrop to capture their vacation memories while the original site is under construction.

City officials estimate the closure may last several months, depending on weather conditions and project complexity. The repair initiative is part of a broader effort to protect Key West’s coastal infrastructure from the impacts of rising seas and storm surges.

“We know how much this landmark means to both visitors and locals,” said a city spokesperson. “We’re committed to preserving it for generations to come while also ensuring everyone can still experience a piece of it during the renovation.”

Tourists and photographers are advised to follow local signage and updates from the City of Key West regarding reopening timelines and detours.

For now, the Southernmost Point may be under wraps, but the island’s charm—and photo ops—aren’t going anywhere.

📸 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to tag your buoy selfies with #SouthernmostPointReplica while the original gets its well-deserved makeover!