Final answer:
Key West, Florida, referred to as '90 miles from Cuba,' is a strategic location for its proximity to major waterways. The Conch Republic was established here in a symbolic protest. The term 'Southernmost' highlights Key West's unique geographical position as the southernmost point of the continental U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "90 miles from Cuba" phrase commonly refers to the proximity of the southernmost point of the continental United States, which is found in Key West, Florida. This area has significant geographical importance due to its location near the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, making it a strategic location for trade and military purposes. The establishment of the Conch Republic stems from a symbolic declaration of independence by Key West citizens in 1982 as a tongue-in-cheek protest against a United States Border Patrol roadblock and checkpoint. This mock secession and the declaration of the Conch Republic were efforts to draw attention to their community's economic dependence on the free movement of people.
The term "Southernmost" is often used to describe Key West because it is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and, by extension, the continental United States. This descriptor emphasizes its unique location and has become a cultural and touristic highlight, due in part to its tropical climate and historic significance.