What happens when two best friends, a few pieces of ghost-hunting equipment, and some of Key West’s most historic buildings come together? Apparently, quite a few stories that will make you think twice about walking down a dark hallway alone.
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When most people think of Key West, they picture turquoise water, colorful sunsets, Duval Street, and maybe a rooster or two wandering through breakfast.
But there’s another side to this island.
A side filled with historic buildings, unexplained sounds, ghost stories, and spirits that, according to some, have never quite checked out.
And if you’re wondering whether Key West really is haunted, I recently sat down with two women who have spent plenty of time trying to find out.
Meet Andi and Feliz, best friends, teachers, paranormal investigators, and the hosts of the You Two Scare Me Podcast.
These two have investigated some of Key West’s most intriguing locations, encountered things they couldn’t explain, and even developed their own ghost-hunting experiences for people who want to do more than just hear a spooky story.
And yes, despite all their investigations, they still get scared.
Which, personally, makes me feel a whole lot better.
The Key West Theatre: When a Spirit Box Knows Your Real Name
Let’s start with one of their stranger experiences.
During a paranormal investigation at the Key West Theatre, Andi and Feliz were leading a small group through the building.
One of the gentlemen participating had introduced himself as Hal.
Everyone called him Hal throughout the evening.
But Andi and Feliz knew something the rest of the group didn’t. His full name, which he’d used when registering, was Harold.
At one point, Hal stepped onto the theater’s stage with a set of dowsing rods, a tool sometimes used during paranormal investigations.
A spirit box was also running nearby.
For anyone unfamiliar with these devices, a spirit box is equipment that paranormal investigators use in an attempt to receive responses during an investigation. Depending on the device, it may scan radio frequencies or generate words.
And right as Hal stepped onto the stage, the box said one word.
“Harold.”
Not Hal.
Harold.
Andi and Feliz looked at each other immediately.
How interesting was that?
And here’s the part I loved most. Hal wasn’t frightened. He thought the whole thing was fantastic!
Now, could it have been a coincidence? Absolutely.
But when you’re standing in a historic theater, investigating possible paranormal activity, and a device unexpectedly says a guest’s full name, that’s the kind of moment you remember.
When the Spirit Box Told Them to GET OUT
Their other Key West Theatre experience wasn’t quite as entertaining.
Andi and Feliz were walking through the building alone, getting a feel for the space.
At first, everything seemed playful. They were receiving responses through their equipment and enjoying the investigation.
Then the atmosphere changed.
The spirit box produced the word “Problem.”
The activity stopped, and the building began to feel different.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
They went upstairs, and then the spirit box said something that would have sent me straight for the door.
“Get out. Get out.”
Now, you might think two experienced paranormal investigators would stand their ground.
Not these two.
After one final exchange involving the familiar “shave and a haircut” rhythm, they decided they’d had enough.
They left.
And I don’t blame them one bit!
Sometimes the smartest part of ghost hunting might be knowing when to call it a night.
Why Is Key West Considered So Haunted?
During our conversation, I asked Andi and Feliz a question I’ve wondered about for years.
Why does Key West seem to have so many ghost stories?
Their answer involved something that surrounds the island every single day.
Saltwater.
There’s a belief in some paranormal traditions that salt can act as a protective barrier against spirits.
You’ve probably heard stories about creating a circle of salt for protection.
Now think about Key West.
It is an island completely surrounded by saltwater.
Andi and Feliz shared an intriguing theory: What if that water keeps spirits from entering, but also prevents those already here from leaving?
Imagine that.
A beautiful tropical island filled with wandering spirits that can’t quite find their way off the rock.
Of course, this is paranormal folklore, not a scientifically established explanation. But it certainly adds an interesting dimension to the island’s haunted reputation.
And consider Key West’s history.
Generations of residents have lived and died there. Hurricanes have changed the island. Graves have been moved. Historic buildings have served different purposes over the years.
All those stories are layered into a remarkably small piece of land.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that Key West has a fascinating past.
And sometimes, the stories attached to that past are just a little unsettling.
The Haunted Key West Firehouse: Who Was Cal?
One of my favorite stories from our conversation came from the historic Key West Firehouse.
Andi and Feliz have investigated the building more than once, and they say each visit has been different.
During one investigation, they were upstairs near the old bunk and recreation area.
They had their paranormal equipment running and were attempting to communicate with any possible spirits in the building.
At one point, the spirit box produced the rather unexpected greeting, “Hey, pussycat.”
That’s certainly one way to start a conversation!
Then they asked who was there.
The response?
“Cal.”
As they continued investigating, one of them started looking at the names on the old lockers.
Three names down, they spotted something interesting.
Callahan.
Could Cal have been short for Callahan?
They couldn’t confirm a connection, but it certainly caught their attention.
They also reported hearing knocks and experiencing activity with their paranormal equipment.
What I found especially interesting was that their second investigation at the firehouse wasn’t nearly as active as the first.
Same building. Different experience.
That’s one of the things Andi and Feliz find so intriguing about investigating reportedly haunted locations.
You never know what, if anything, you might experience.
The Artist House and Robert the Doll
You can’t have a conversation about haunted Key West without eventually mentioning Robert the Doll.
Andi and Feliz actually launched their podcast with an episode about Robert, one of Key West’s most famous paranormal legends.
But their own investigation at the Artist House, the historic home associated with Robert’s early years, produced a different kind of experience.
The two were invited to spend an afternoon investigating the property.
And although they were familiar with stories about Robert and his former owner, Eugene Otto, the responses they received seemed to point in another direction.
They described the activity as distinctly female-oriented.
They even received what they interpreted as an instruction not to sit in a particular seat on the couch.
Who might have been communicating?
They wondered whether it could have been a former female resident, servant, or nanny.
There’s no way to know for certain.
But that’s part of what makes the Artist House so interesting. There are many stories connected to a historic home, not just the most famous one.
And the building itself is beautiful.
If you love exploring Key West history, it’s another reminder to look beyond the best-known legends. Sometimes the lesser-known stories are just as fascinating.
Where Can You Look for Ghosts in Key West?
Naturally, I had to ask Andi and Feliz where they’d send someone who wanted to experience Key West’s haunted side.
Not necessarily on a ghost tour, but simply to visit a place with a spooky reputation.
They shared several favorites.
The Historic Key West Firehouse
This is one of their top recommendations, especially because they’ve personally participated in investigations there.
The firehouse has an interesting history, and its quieter location away from the busiest tourist streets adds to the atmosphere.
For anyone hoping to investigate on a tour – check this out.
Captain Tony’s Saloon
One of Key West’s best-known bars also has a reputation for ghost stories.
Andi and Feliz mentioned hearing reports of unusual experiences there from several people.
It’s a fun stop for visitors who enjoy Key West history, an unusual atmosphere, and a place with plenty of stories attached.
La Concha
La Concha is another historic Key West landmark the pair mentioned.
They’ve heard accounts of unusual occurrences at the hotel and have included it in their paranormal tour plans.
Even without the ghost stories, the building has a rich place in the island’s history.
The Key West Theatre
Considering their experiences involving Hal, the spirit box, and the unsettling command to leave, it probably isn’t surprising that the Key West Theatre belongs on this list.
It’s one of the places where Andi and Feliz have reported some of their most memorable moments.
Keep in mind that these are historic businesses and properties, so always respect access restrictions and investigate only where you have permission.
Want to Try Ghost Hunting Yourself? Meet Spirits With Spirits
Here’s where the adventure gets even more interesting.
Andi and Feliz don’t just investigate haunted places for their podcast.
They also organize Spirits With Spirits, an interactive paranormal experience in Key West.
And I have to admit, combining ghost hunting with a cocktail and a bite to eat sounds like a pretty good evening to me.
Their events are designed for small groups, which gives participants an opportunity to ask questions and actually get involved.
During the experience they described to me, guests begin at The Saint Hotel, where the group gathers for a cocktail and a small plate.
Andi and Feliz introduce everyone to the paranormal equipment and explain how it works.
They also share the hotel’s history and invite staff members who have had unusual experiences to tell their stories.
From there, the group heads out for a short walk through Old Town, learning more about Key West’s haunted history.
Depending on the event, the experience may include investigations at locations such as La Concha or the Key West Theatre.
It’s not just a walking tour where someone tells you scary stories.
You get to participate.
You can handle some of the equipment, ask questions, and see what happens during an investigation.
Andi and Feliz generally organize these experiences periodically rather than on a daily schedule, so the best way to find their next event is to check their website.
👻 Find upcoming Spirits With Spirits events:
Looking for other haunted adventures in Key West?
I’ve put together a collection of some of my favorite ghost tours and paranormal experiences around the island.
Explore My Favorite Key West Ghost Tours
From Classroom Teachers to Paranormal Podcasters
One of the things I enjoyed most about talking with Andi and Feliz was hearing how their podcast began.
These two didn’t meet at a haunted hotel or during a spooky investigation.
They met at school.
Both were teachers starting at a new school and trying to figure out where they were supposed to go.
That first conversation turned into a friendship.
And they discovered they shared an interest in all things paranormal.
For about ten years, they talked about starting a podcast together.
Ten years!
Life had other plans for a while. Moves, children, teaching, and everyday responsibilities all took priority.
Eventually, they decided it was time.
They bought microphones, figured out the technology, and jumped into podcasting.
They even attended Podfest in Orlando to learn more about the process.
Today, their You Two Scare Me Podcast combines paranormal investigations, unusual history, folklore, cryptids, and personal stories.
What makes their show different is that they don’t take themselves too seriously.
The subjects can be genuinely creepy, but Andi and Feliz bring humor, friendship, and curiosity into every conversation.
They’re also interested in learning what’s behind the legends, sometimes discovering that a popular story changes significantly when you dig into the actual history.
That combination of curiosity and humor is a big part of their charm.
Their Adventures Go Far Beyond Key West
Although we spent much of our conversation talking about Key West, Andi and Feliz have investigated places well beyond the Florida Keys.
One particularly memorable destination was the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
They described staying overnight in a room where their paranormal equipment repeatedly activated.
At one point, the activity was so frequent that they wondered whether something was malfunctioning.
They also reported responses from their spirit box, movement from their dowsing rods, and unexplained voices captured on recordings.
What was especially interesting was how much they enjoyed Eureka Springs itself.
They described it as a quirky, friendly town that reminded them of Key West.
Apparently, there’s something about small towns, colorful characters, and a little haunted history that makes for a wonderful adventure.
And Then There’s the West Virginia Penitentiary…
During our conversation, Andi revealed that she’d entered the two of them into a contest without telling Feliz.
And they won.
The prize?
An overnight paranormal investigation at the historic West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville.
Now, this is where I had to share my own experience.
I’ve been to that penitentiary.
And I didn’t make it past the front entrance.
I’m serious.
When I walked into that building, I felt an overwhelming heaviness in my chest. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I immediately told Kevin I was done.
I couldn’t explain it.
I just knew I didn’t want to go any farther.
So when Andi and Feliz told me they were planning to spend an entire night inside, I had questions!
They seemed more worried about the cold November temperatures than the building’s haunted reputation.
I’ll be very interested to hear what they eventually experience there.
And Yes, They Get Into Adventures That Aren’t Haunted
One of the funniest stories in our conversation had absolutely nothing to do with ghosts.
It involved circus yoga.
Andi once convinced Feliz to try a class she’d found through Groupon.
Sounds harmless enough, right?
Except the experience somehow involved unusual spring-loaded shoes, an unexpected trip to the beach, and eventually a giant metal hoop suspended from a frame.
While Andi gracefully spun around for sunset photographs, Feliz’s turn was, well, a little less graceful.
By the time the adventure ended, she was probably questioning why she ever agreed to go.
I think we all have a friend like Andi.
The one who says, “Come on, it’ll be fun!”
And before you know it, you’re participating in something you never imagined doing.
That’s what makes their friendship so entertaining.
Whether they’re investigating a historic theater or discovering new ways to embarrass themselves on a beach, they genuinely seem to enjoy the adventure.
Listen to the You Two Scare Me Podcast
If you love haunted history, strange experiences, unexplained mysteries, or just listening to two friends have a great time, give Andi and Feliz a listen.
Their episodes explore everything from paranormal investigations to folklore, cryptids, and unusual historical stories.
They also have a recurring segment called So Someone Told Me, where they share paranormal experiences submitted by listeners.
And they’re always looking for more!
Have a strange experience from your hometown?
Know a building with an unusual history?
Experienced something you still can’t explain?
They’d love to hear about it.
You can find their podcast on popular listening platforms and follow along with their adventures through their website.
🎙️ Visit You Two Scare Me Podcast
Is Key West Really Haunted?
After spending time talking with Andi and Feliz, I’m reminded why I love exploring the history of this island.
Key West is full of stories.
Some are well documented. Others have been passed along through generations. And some leave us with more questions than answers.
Maybe there’s a logical explanation for every sound, every strange feeling, and every unexpected word coming from a spirit box.
Or maybe there are a few island residents who simply haven’t decided to leave.
Either way, there’s something fascinating about standing inside a historic building and imagining all the people who walked those same floors before you.
And if you’re someone who enjoys a little mystery with your Key West vacation, the island certainly has plenty to offer.
Now I’m curious: Have you ever had an experience in Key West that you couldn’t explain?
I’d love to hear your story.
And if you’re ready to explore the island’s spooky side yourself, don’t forget to check out some of my favorite Key West ghost tours.
Just remember, if the spirit box tells you to get out, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to listen!
