America 250 Florida Keys Pennekamp Paddle Day Set for Sept. 12 in Key Largo

KEY LARGO, FL (AUGUST 31, 2026) — Monroe County and Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park invite residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in true Florida Keys style at the America 250 Florida Keys Pennekamp Paddle Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

Thanks to Florida State Parks, park admission will be free, giving the community an opportunity to enjoy one of the Florida Keys’ most treasured natural resources as part of the yearlong America 250 Florida Keys celebration. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature:

• A Progressive Red, White, & Blue Paddleboard and Kayak Parade through the mangrove trail – kayaks and paddleboards provided
• Glass-bottom boat experiences at 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. (first come, first served)
• Snorkeling Experiences (fins and mask included; must buy or bring your own snorkel) at noon and 1: 30 p.m. (first come, first served)
• Hot dogs, chips, and a soda plus chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie
• Live entertainment from local musicians
• Interactive activities from community partners

“America’s 250th birthday gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation and our state's history throughout 2026, including the places, people, and experiences that make the Florida Keys so special,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “This event brings our celebration to an incredible park and gives our community members a chance to see our natural history up close and personal.”

Pennekamp is known as the nation’s first undersea park and is home to mangrove forests, tropical hammocks, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

“We are proud to welcome the community to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for this special celebration,” said Ann Helmers, president of the Friends group. “Pennekamp is an important part of our local history and identity, and there is no better place to celebrate than Pennekamp, a world-renowned destination and one of the Florida Keys’ most cherished treasures.”

The event is part of America 250 Florida Keys, which is Monroe County and the Tourist Development Council’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Several free events are being planned to highlight the islands’ history, culture, natural resources, and community spirit. On Oct. 10, a sunset celebration will be held at the Old 7-Mile Bridge in Marathon, and events in Big Pine Key and Islamorada are being planned for November.

More information and event updates will be available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/250.

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The Spirit of Pennekamp carries visitors toward the coral reef off Key Largo. Glass-bottom boat experiences are among the activities planned for America 250 Florida Keys Pennekamp Paddle Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (Bob Care/Florida Keys News Bureau)