Sloppy Joe’s, the iconic Key West bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented during the 1930s, reopened Thursday after closing six months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.
By noon, the bar had already reached the 50% capacity allowed by law, including three Ernest Hemingway look-alikes. Concerns about COVID-19 had forced cancellation of the 40th Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Contest held at Sloppy Joe’s each July during the subtropical island’s annual Hemingway Days festival.
Charlie Boice, who won the contest in 2015, traveled nearly 250 miles (400 kilometers) from Jupiter, Florida, to attend the reopening.
In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, Ron and Gayle Pates chat with server Yani Kopkovael, center, at Sloppy Joe's, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Key West, Fla. The iconic Florida Keys bar reopened Thursday after being closed for six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bar's management plans to operate at 50 percent capacity, maintain strict social distancing and require patrons to wear face coverings except when seated to eat or drink. (Rob O'NealFlorida Keys News Bureau via AP)
“Coming back to Sloppy Joe’s is a wonderful thing," Boice said. “For most people, it’s just a destination on a cruise or a destination on vacation. But for the Papas, this is home.”
The three-night competition typically draws about 150 stocky, bearded entrants from the U.S. and other countries, as well as their supporters and hundreds of spectators. The Duval Street bar has been associated with the legendary author since he lived in Key West during the 1930s.
With the noted exception of the Key West Marlin Tournament, most other area festival events were canceled as well.
The reopening of Sloppy Joe’s comes three days after bars were allowed to resume business operations throughout most other Florida regions.
“With the pandemic, we did the best we could to minimize our costs," Sloppy Joe’s brand manager Donna Edwards said. "We had limited income with online sales, so we’re very happy to have the doors open and to be able to share Sloppy Joe’s Bar again with everyone in the world.”
Besides operating the bar at 50% capacity, management is maintaining strict social distancing and requiring patrons to wear face coverings except when seated to eat or drink.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver faces strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.
The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.
“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”
Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team.
The NFL issued a statement saying Diggs is eligible to play.
News of the charges against Diggs emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money.
Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the allegations as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.
A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Vrabel said he didn't anticipate the situation being a distraction for his team. The Patriots are currently 13-3 and have already wrapped up their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against Miami on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference's top seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.
“I think these are allegations. ... Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins.”
Diggs, 32, joined New England before this season after a trade from Houston. He has been a standout player for the Patriots, leading the team with 82 catches and 970 yards receiving.
AP reporters Mike Casey in Boston, and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contributed.
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New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)
