Here’s what’s happening up and down the island chain this June.

Summer Solstice Celebration at Mallory Square - June 1–20, Key West
Kick off summer the Keys way — with sunsets and street performers! From June 1 through the Summer Solstice on June 20, Key West’s iconic Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square features nightly performances, vibrant artists, and island-style fun starting at 7 p.m. Toast to longer days with a tropical drink in hand and let the magic of the sunset guide you into the evening. Learn more. 

Coralpalooza™ 2025 – 10^th Anniversary Celebration - June 5–7, Various Locations
Celebrate World Oceans Day by giving back to the sea. Coralpalooza™ 2025 invites divers and snorkelers to help restore coral reefs while learning about ocean conservation. This is reef-saving with a splash of adventure! If you don’t want to dive in, there are several family-friendly events taking place as well. Learn more.

REEF Ocean Exploration Center Grand Opening - June 7–8, Key Largo
Dive into the future of marine conservation at the new REEF Ocean Exploration Center (MM 98). This free, family-friendly event includes food trucks, hands-on activities, and exhibits that bring the magic of the sea right to your fingertips. Learn more. 

Reef Relief: International Ocean Film Festival - June 7, Key West
Sit back, relax, and enjoy short films that make a splash, all while supporting Reef Relief’s mission to protect the ocean. Reception at 5 p.m., followed by screenings and a Q&A with filmmakers and conservationists. Learn more.

REEF Fish Out of Water 5K - June 8–14, Key Largo
Lace up or just cruise in your flip-flops. This flexible race along the scenic Overseas Heritage Trail benefits marine conservation efforts and features custom race swag. Bonus: post-run snacks and ocean views. Learn more. 

I Love Stock Island Fest - June 11-15, Stock Island

Get ready to taste, toast and tour your way through the fun and up-and-coming community of Stock Island at the annual I Love Stock Island Festival. Enjoy five days of festivities showcasing the best of Stock Island’s culinary delights, artistic talents and local businesses. From delicious food tastings to refreshing cocktail toasts, and guided tours of the charming island, it’s sure to be a perfect celebration. Learn more. 

College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West  - June 14, Key West
It’s the ultimate swim for adventurous souls — a 12.5-mile loop around the island, with shorter races available. Dive into crystal-clear waters and compete solo or with a team in this one-of-a-kind open-water event. Learn more. 

Free “Immerse Yourself!” Talk: Diving & Salvage Ops - June 18, Islamorada
Hear firsthand tales of daring dive missions and underwater recovery at the History of Diving Museum. The event starts at 7 p.m., both in person and online. Learn more.

Key West Pride: “Still Rising” - June 22–29, Key West
Pride in paradise! Celebrate love, inclusion, and island flair. From trolley bar crawls to sunset cruises, drag shows, pool parties, and a powerful “50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising” exhibit, Pride in the Keys is as vibrant as a rainbow over the Gulf. Learn more. 

FISHING EVENTS

Cast your lines for the chance to win cash, support great causes and enjoy camaraderie in tournaments spanning the Keys. 

Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament (June 6-8): Anglers compete for over $35K in prizes, with a $20K bonus for dolphin (mahi) over 50 lbs. for the first 50 registered boats. Learn more.

Florida Keys Elks Ladies Dolphin Tournament (June 6-7): Ladies take the lead in this all-female mahi-mahi showdown with great prizes and a fun, supportive atmosphere in Tavernier. Learn more. 

Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament (June 10-12): A prestigious, all-release fly-fishing event connecting women from around the world during peak tarpon season. Learn more.

Father’s Day Dolphin Derby (June 13-14): Celebrate dad with fishing, fun, and big rewards. Kids 15 and under compete for rod & reel combos. Learn more.

Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby (June 13-15): With $15K in guaranteed prizes, this event reels in both the fish and the good vibes — all for a great cause supporting local students. Learn more. 

Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament (June 16-20): A premier fly fishing tournament limited to 25 invited anglers, held during prime tarpon migration. Hosted at the Lorelei Restaurant and Marina. Learn more. 

University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrity Fishing Tournament (June 19-21): Join Hurricane sports legends to fish for dolphin and other species. Social events are open to the public and raise funds for the UM Sports Hall of Fame. Learn more. 

VFW Fishing Tournament (June 20): More than $75K in cash and prizes are up for grabs — and this year, boats can fish both days without extra registration. Learn more.

Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Dolphin Tournament (June 25-26): With a potential $25K grand prize, anglers compete for the combined weight of three mahi. Learn more. 

Florida Keys PBA Charity Dolphin Tournament (June 27-29): Hosted at Oceans Edge Marina, this family-friendly tournament supports the Autism Society and Love Fund, with big cash prizes and a tuna rod-and-reel bonus. Learn more.

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Celebrate World Oceans Day by giving back to the sea. Coralpalooza™ 2025 invites divers and snorkelers to help restore coral reefs while learning about ocean conservation. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of the Coral Restoration Foundation™)

Celebrate World Oceans Day by giving back to the sea. Coralpalooza™ 2025 invites divers and snorkelers to help restore coral reefs while learning about ocean conservation. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of the Coral Restoration Foundation™)

“The Loud Mime,” aka Will Flederman, whose talents include squeezing their entire body through a small, gutted tennis racket, will appear as a featured performance artist during the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square in Key West. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo by Harry Purdy)

“Reidiculous Reid” Conklin, pictured in action during an audience participation stunt, is to team up with “Juggling Jase” Anderson for a collaborative act and demonstration on June 15 as a highlight of the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo by Carol Tedesco)

Pride in paradise! Celebrate love, inclusion, and island flair at Key West Pride June 22-29. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Larry Blackburn/Florida Keys News Bureau)

Pride in paradise! Celebrate love, inclusion, and island flair at Key West Pride June 22-29. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Larry Blackburn/Florida Keys News Bureau)

Registration is open for the 39th Annual Father’s Day Dolphin Derby, set for Saturday, June 14. The popular Marathon tournament brings together families, friends and fishing fanatics for a laid-back celebration of dads and dolphinfish, with big prize payouts for anglers. Visit fathersdaydolphintournament.com. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of the Father’s Day Dolphin Derby)

Opening in June 2025, the Ocean Exploration Center represents REEF's commitment to connecting people to oceans. This 4,000-square foot facility will be a launchpad for inspiring future ocean stewards, pioneering research, fostering collaboration, and transforming marine conservation. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of The Reef Environmental Education Foundation)

The “Great Walks of the Florida Keys” section guides visitors on leisurely walks through Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the Snake Bight and other Everglades National Park trails in the Upper Keys; along Islamorada’s Old Highway; through uniquely scenic and historic Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park in Islamorada and Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys; through Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails and across the Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon; around Key West’s Smathers and Higgs beaches past the Edward B. Knight Pier; and along the island city’s Whitehead Street, known for its literary, artistic and maritime attractions.

The “Great Walks” website section was created by the Florida Keys tourism council and can be accessed at fla-keys.com/great-walks/.

It provides guidance and tips such as each walk’s difficulty level, need-to-know information about admission to attractions along the way, and suggestions about nearby lodging establishments and dining venues.

Suggested planning times for the walks range from a half to a full day.

Florida Keys Great Walks information: fla-keys.com/great-walks/

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While a number of notable musical happenings are listed here, a comprehensive calendar of offerings can be found at fla-keys.com/calendar/arts-culture/Florida-keys/current/.

Florida Keys Concert Association presents extraordinary performances in both Marathon and Islamorada through February. Audiences can enjoy the energy of the lively Trio Zimbalist Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 10-11; the artistic and technical prowess of rising stars Stella Chen on violin and George Li on piano Feb. 17-18; and the prize-winning Esme String Quartet Feb. 24-25. Monday concerts take place at the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center at 350 Sombrero Beach Road, while Tuesday concerts are at the Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center at 89901 Old Highway. Shows start at 7:30 p.m.

The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., presents multiple opportunities to enjoy live music. Scheduled highlights include rooftop concerts by vocalist Libby York — “Full Moon Love Stories” set for Feb. 12 and “Spring Has Sprung” March 27; the musical “confessional masterpieces” and timeless vocals by husband-and-wife duo Over the Rhine (March 4-5); folk music’s “rustic renaissance man” John McCutcheon (April 15-16); and worldwide "bluegrass ambassadors" the Henhouse Prowlers (April 22-23). Times of shows vary.

Impromptu Classical Concerts of Key West has brought a variety of stellar ensembles playing classical music in all styles to the southernmost island city for over 50 years. The acclaimed organization’s 2025 concerts continue that tradition Feb. 9 with the Dover Quartet, named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years; this season’s rising star, pianist Avery Gagliano, performing Feb. 23; the pioneering oboe, bassoon and piano ensemble Poulenc Trio on March 9; and Duo Beaux Arts, Catherine Lan and Tao Lin, March 23. Performances take place at 4 p.m. at the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 401 Duval St.

Rams Head Presents Key West brings several big-name acts to two separate venues as part of the Key West Concert Series:

• The Key West Theater at 512 Eaton St. features a packed season of performances in an intimate setting. Upcoming performances include the “greatest front porch blues band in the world,” The Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band, playing Feb. 5; The Steel Wheels set for Feb. 13; Western swing virtuosos Asleep at the Wheel Feb. 28; Awaken: The Music of YES April 6; and Delta blues virtuoso Tab Benoit with Sierra Green and the Giants April 11.
• At the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 E. Quay Road, music lovers can enjoy top names performing live in an open-air waterfront setting. Upcoming concerts include the legendary Gipsy Kings featuring Nicholas Reyes Feb. 8; The Beach Boys Feb. 28; multi-platinum-selling country star Brett Young March 8; and Nate Smith with Chase Matthews appearing May 1 as part of the annual Key West Songwriters Festival.

Also in Key West, the Tennessee Williams Theatre, located at 5901 College Road, presents a sparkling lineup of top musical talent including the star of TV’s “Will & Grace” in “Eric McCormick in Concert” Feb. 8; a celebration of the iconic music of Broadway with “The Four Phantoms” Feb. 12; “A String Quartet Plays” Feb. 21; Bobby Nesbit starring in “The Cabaret with Bobby in the Lobby” Feb. 23-24; Neil Berg’s ultimate rock concert and history lesson, “50 Years of Rock 'n’ Roll” Feb. 28; singer-songwriter Sam Carlos March 5; Spanish guitarist Martina Bevis March 7; “Joy in the Cabaret” starring Joy Hawkins March 12-13; “Free Fallin’ — the Tom Petty Experience” March 29; the “Buckets N Boards” comedy percussion show April 1; and a trip back in time to the hottest entertainment of Las Vegas with “The Rat Pack — One More Time” set for April 5.

Also at Tennessee William Theatre, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, launched 27 years ago in Key West under the direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, presents dynamic performances for music enthusiasts in the island city. The orchestra’s Valentine’s Day concert Feb. 14 is to focus on compositions that celebrate love, headlined by the swashbuckling “Don Juan,” a musical tale of the fictional Spanish rogue by Richard Strauss. An homage to composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is scheduled March 15, as the symphony performs the hauntingly beautiful “Requiem” with vocal performances by four remarkable soloists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus.

For an outdoor concert experience, the Florida Keys Community Concert Band hosts the free “Pops in the Park” series. Upcoming performances, each on Saturday afternoons at 4 p.m., include “Kokomo Key” Feb. 22, showcasing Florida songs and tropical music with special guests Mangrove Swamp Band; “Twilight Tunes” March 29 featuring movie and show tunes with special guests Ukulele Joy; and “Conch Classics” April 19 presenting international music from throughout time. The February performance is to be held at Murray Nelson Government Center’s Peace Park, mile marker 102 bayside, with the remainder at Islamorada’s Founders Park amphitheater, mile marker 87 bayside.

Islamorada Community Entertainment brings quality entertainment and cultural events to the Upper Keys including performances in the Beats on the Bay music series at the amphitheater in Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. Dark Side of the Sol recreates the sounds of Pink Floyd Feb. 14, and The Freebirds pay tribute to the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd March 7. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free but there is a $10 fee for parking. The Beats on the Bay series finale, Bay Jam, takes over the amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 13. The annual art and music festival features a packed lineup of musicians along with art, craft and food vendors.

The annual Afro Roots Fest returns to the Keys Friday through Sunday, April 4-6, with a weekend of free musical entertainment highlighting Afro-Caribbean vibes in the beer garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company, 81611 Old Highway in Islamorada. Performances are to feature Cortadito playing traditional Cuban folk music of the early 20th century, roots and reggae beats with Philip Montalban, Latin funk and fusion by Electric Piquete and more.

The Key West Songwriters Festival, set for April 30 through May 4, is to showcase America’s foremost performing songwriters on multiple stages and venues in the island city. The highly acclaimed event typically includes more than 50 shows and over 200 country and pop music hitmakers. Now in its 29th year, the festival has become a tradition for top writers and musicians, while offering an unparalleled experience for music fans.   

Florida Keys calendar of events: fla-keys.com/calendar

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Since 1978, The Key Players group has brought live community theater to the Upper Keys. The next production, “Almost, Maine,” is scheduled to run Feb. 27 through March 9. The romantic comedy is written by John Cariani and features nine short plays that explore the themes of love and loss in a remote “town” called Almost, Maine. Performances take place at the Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center, located at 102050 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. For tickets and more information, visit thekeyplayers.org or call 305-942-4339.

Founded as a small community group in 1944, the Marathon Community Theatre, located at 5101 Overseas Highway, has grown into a vibrant hub for memorable and popular performances by talented local residents. Productions include Jones Hope Wooten's comedy "Always a Bridesmaid," concluding its winter run Feb. 6-8 with an 8 p.m. curtain. The show "Nunsense" is to run from March 13 through April 12 at 8 p.m., with a March 30 matinee at 3 p.m. This musical comedy follows five nuns from The Little Sisters of Hoboken as they stage a talent show to raise money to bury their sisters, who tragically died from botulism after eating tainted soup. For more information, visit marathontheater.org or call 305-743-0994.

Originally built in 1829 as a carriage house, Key West’s Red Barn Theatre at 319 Duval St., rear, has hosted modern-era performances since 1981. This season’s lineup features “Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B” (through Feb. 22), a darkly comic, feminist reimagining of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson; “Brooklyn Laundry” (March 4-29), John Patrick Shanley’s poignant and funny exploration of three sisters and a Brooklyn laundry owner; and “Short Attention Span Theatre: Alternative Facts” (April 8 through May 3), an audience favorite showcasing eclectic short plays with surprising twists. For tickets and details, visit redbarntheatre.com or call 305-296-9911.

Entertaining audiences for over 80 years at its 310 Wall St. location near Key West’s Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse presents the Florida premiere of the newly published farce “The Angel Next Door” through Feb. 8. Capturing the joy, sophistication and wit of 1940s screwball comedies, the production sets the stage for an exciting spring lineup, including the classic musical “La Cage Aux Folles” (Feb. 26 through March 22), the one-man show “A Distant Country Called Youth” celebrating Tennessee Williams (March 27–29), and Frederick Knott’s suspense drama “Wait Until Dark” (April 16 through May 3). For tickets and details, visit waterfrontplayhouse.org or call 305-294-5015.

Fringe Theater Key West, dedicated to art-house productions in intimate settings, will stage most of the season’s performances at The Armory, 600 White St. The lineup features “Goodnight Oscar” running Feb. 18 through March 1, a darkly comic drama about actor and composer Oscar Levant's genius, mental health struggles and unforgettable 1958 Tonight Show appearance. The schedule also includes “Kaleidoscope,” set for March 12-14 and celebrating pianist Michael D. Robinson and his chromesthesia (a sound-to-color perceptual phenomenon). “More Key West Characters,” running April 23-24, is a community project with Key West’s Williams Hall that showcases true local stories. For tickets, visit fringetheater.org or call KeysTix at 305-295-7676.

The Tennessee Williams Theatre, at 5901 College Road on the campus of the College of the Florida Keys, is a nonprofit venue showcasing Broadway national tours, performing artists and theatrical experiences. Highlights this season include “A Blonde, Brunette, & Some Duets,” scheduled Feb. 8 and featuring Eric McCormack and Laura Bell Bundy in an unforgettable evening of Broadway hits, cinematic charm and chart-topping tunes. "Joy Hawkins in the Cabaret" is set for March 12-13; and “MOMIX: Alice,” inspired by the classic Alice in Wonderland story, is to blend illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy March 19. “The Peking Acrobats,” showcasing trick cycling, precision tumbling and gymnastics, are to take the stage March 23. The theater supports the Florida Keys community through its Children’s Outreach Series, which provides accessible live theater experiences for Keys kids. Visit keystix.com/twt or call 305-295-7676 for tickets.

The Key West Theater, a versatile performing arts center at 512 Eaton St., hosts national touring artists, comedy shows, concerts, local songwriter showcases and more. Upcoming comedic performances include Garrison Keillor (Feb. 17), Nick Swardson (Feb. 20), Kevin Nealon (March 2) and the hilarious "Golden Girls: The Tribute Show — A Drag Parody" (March 16). Visit thekeywesttheater.com for a full calendar of upcoming shows and tickets.

Comedy Key West, located at 218 Whitehead St., Unit 5, showcases top-notch local and visiting stand-up comedians including Comedy Central stars and nationally recognized performers. February highlights include Doug Stanhope (Feb. 1), Matt Bergman (Feb. 3-5), Dave Smith (Feb. 6-8), “Hemingway in a Funny Way” (Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28), the “Brothers from Another Mother Comedy Tour” (Feb. 10-12), Dave Landau (Feb. 13-16), a special Comedy Music Jam (Feb. 17), the MadHouse Open Mic (Feb. 18), Louis C.K. (Feb. 20-22), Ross Bennett (Feb. 23-25) and Mary Mack (Feb. 26 through March 1). March features Kurt Metzger (March 2-4), Dwayne Perkins (March 5-8), “Hemingway in a Funny Way” (March 7, 14, 21 and 28), Chad Daniels (March 9-11), John Caparulo (March 13-16), Comedy Music Jam (March 17), the MadHouse Open Mic (March 18 and 25) and Patrick Garrity (March 26-29). April brings Jim Norton (April 18-19) and “Hemingway in a Funny Way” (April 4, 11 and 25). For tickets and information, visit comedykeywest.com or call 305-985-7370.

The Studios of Key West supports artists, inspires creativity and builds community. Located at 533 Eaton St., the facility hosts performances, workshops, concerts and exhibitions while also featuring local studios and an artist residency program. February highlights include "Write Me a Romance," a romantic comedy by award-winning author and television producer Hy Conrad (through Feb. 1); "Microparty," a unique performance blending acting, live music, puppetry and dance (Feb. 14-16); and "The Myth of the Two Marcos" by Tony Meneses (Feb. 20 and 22). March offerings include "Journey of the Two Spirit: Table Read and Conversation with Moriah Joy" (March 7), which explores finding one’s voice through art and transforming marginalization into power; "Swimming in the Dark," an opera about choice and political freedom (March 21–22); and Carey Perloff’s "Vienna, Vienna, Vienna" (March 28-29), a poignant play about forgiveness and survivor guilt. Visit tskw.org or call 305-296-0458.

Florida Keys cultural information: fla-keys.com/culture 

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The first hour-long episode of the show’s third season premiered Wednesday, Jan. 8, on ABC. Typically, stars from TV, movies, sports and other professions compete with trivia knowledge to raise funds for charities. 

The Jan. 8 contestants were comedian W. Kamau Bell, a CNN series “United Shades of America” host; actor Max Greenfield, who plays Schmidt in the Fox sitcom “New Girl”; and actress Camilla Luddington, who portrays Jo Wilson in ABC’s medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Contestants correctly responded regarding two Keys personalities: the late songwriter Jimmy Buffett, whose hit songs include “Son of a Son of a Sailor” and “I Have Found Me a Home”; and Judy Blume, famed author of young-adult and adult books, who opened a Key West bookstore with her husband George Cooper. They also correctly identified the island as the birthplace of Key lime pie.

But participants did not correctly respond about two of Key West’s most famous residents: Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s; and former President Harry S. Truman, whose “Little White House” was the president’s working headquarters during 11 trips to the island city. Today, the Little White House is Florida’s only presidential museum.

“Past ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ episodes have drawn audiences in excess of 4 million viewers,” said Diane Schmidt, chair of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. “We are ecstatic that the Florida Keys and Key West were highlighted on a game show that appeals to an audience whose demographics are important to our destination.”

“Celebrity Jeopardy!” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, and distributed domestically by CBS Media Ventures and internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution, both units of Paramount.

“The office is pleased to see the acknowledgement of our tiny island nation located in Key West, Florida,” said James Gilleran, the Conch Republic’s secretary of state. “As should be noted, the Conch Republic truly is a ‘farce’ to be reckoned with!”

Fans and friends of the Conch Republic can celebrate the anniversary of the Keys’ secession during the annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration, slated April 18-27.

Planned activities are inspired by the 1982 establishment of a U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the top of the 125-mile-long island chain that stopped traffic on the only road connecting the Keys to mainland Florida.

Jeopardy website: jeopardy.com

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While this listing contains selected highlights for 2025, the Florida Keys & Key West also feature a vibrant cultural community that presents theatrical productions, musical performances, film screenings, lecture series and more.

Of course, event dates may change due to unforeseen circumstances. A comprehensive and frequently updated year-round calendar of Keys events can be found at fla-keys.com/calendar.

January 2025

The Key West Literary Seminar (Jan. 9-12; kwls.org) presents some 20 leading American and international writers, exploring the topic of “Family” in solo and paired readings, lectures, and panel discussions. The keynote speaker is John Irving, renowned author of “The World According to Garp” among other standouts. Headquartered at Key West’s San Carlos Institute, the seminar includes Sunday afternoon presentations that are open to the public.

The Florida Keys Celtic Festival (Jan. 11-12; floridakeyscelticfestival.com) enables visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the Scottish Highlands and the Emerald Isle in Marathon in the Middle Florida Keys. Attractions include live music by Albannach, The Screaming Orphans, Jamison and West of Galway, plus bagpipers, Irish dancers, highland athletic games, sheepherding demonstrations, authentic Celtic food, children's games, vendors and more.

The Southernmost Regatta (Jan. 20-25; southernmostregatta.com) brings top sailing teams from around the world to compete in the azure waters off Key West, showcasing colorful sails and avid sportsmanship during five consecutive days of racing. Competition is open to One Design and ORC Racing/Cruising Keelboats. Spectators can watch the races from various waterfront venues.

The Key West Half Marathon & Runfest (Jan. 18-19; keywesthalfmarathon.com) attracts thousands of runners from around the U.S. and other countries to compete in a top U.S. winter half marathon, run beside the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy Key West’s typically balmy “winter” weather. The half marathon takes place Jan. 19, with shorter races and additional events rounding out the schedule. 

Mile 0 Fest (Jan. 21-25, mile0fest.com) features more than 60 celebrated musicians and bands from the Americana and “Red Dirt” genres, all performing in subtropical Key West. Attendees can enjoy five nights of open-air main stage shows at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, plus acoustic jams and songwriter swaps at other island locations.

The 33rd annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girl’s Flag Football Championship (Jan. 21-27; iwffa.com) in Key West is expected to draw more than 30 teams of women and girls representing the U.S. and countries around the world for flag football games along with team-building activities and social gatherings. The popular event is named for McGillis, the “Top Gun” movie actress and former Key West resident.

The Island Boat Show (Jan. 24-26; islandboatshow.com), billed as the Florida Keys’ premier boat show, is held on the grounds of Island Community Church in Islamorada. Planned attractions include top boat brands and dealers, a large silent auction, food and drink vendors, and nautical merchandise for the entire family. 

The Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo (Jan. 25-26; lowerkeyschamber.com) brings more than 100 vendors to Big Pine Key for a large marine marketplace event. Attendees can find values on gear and everything imaginable for boating, fishing, diving and more, plus marine-influenced clothing, art, jewelry and crafts, live entertainment, food and beverages. The event takes place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce visitor center.

February 2025

The Winter Star Party (Jan. 27-Feb. 2; scas.org/winter-star-party) draws several hundred astronomers and astro-imagers from around the world to view southern constellations, comets and stars in the Lower Florida Keys’ clear night skies — virtually the only place in the continental U.S. where they can be viewed. Lectures, programs and other attractions round out the event that’s held beside the Atlantic Ocean at Scout Key.

The Upper Keys Garden Walk (Feb. 15; gardenclubupperkeys.org) is a unique self-guided tour that showcases beautiful private garden properties in the Upper Keys. The event also includes an art show and Garden Market.

The Florida Keys Seafood Festival (Feb. 15-16; floridakeysseafoodfestival.com) at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park features the freshest Keys seafood — all caught, cleaned, prepared and served by local fishermen. Other attractions include live music, an eco-discovery zone for kids, and vendors selling Keys-made wares and art. 

Presidential Families Weekend (Feb. 15-17; trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events) celebrates Presidents’ Day weekend at the state of Florida’s only presidential site, the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Events include a panel discussion with presidential descendants, performances of the stage production, “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” and a President’s Day cookout. 

The Sombrero Beach Run (Feb. 21-23; sombrerobeachrun.org) in Marathon attracts several hundred people for a weekend of running and sunning. The running event is held Saturday, Feb. 22, at Sombrero Beach, located at the end of Sombrero Beach Road at mile marker 50. Awards are given to overall finishers in a 5k walk and 5k and 10k runs. Those completing the event’s 15k challenge receive special gifts. Celebrations and beach activities fill the weekend.

The Key West Art & Craft Festival (Feb. 22-23; keywestartcenter.com) is a juried show that draws scores of artists and artisans displaying their creations. Vendor booths are set up along the harbor at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park, and the popular event also features artist demonstrations.

The Gigantic Nautical Market (Feb. 22-23; rotarynauticalmarket.com) in Islamorada brings bargains on everything nautical including boats, dive gear, furnishings for boat and home, art, clothing, fishing gear and more from hundreds of vendors. Plans call for as many as 18 food trucks on the grounds of Islamorada’s Founders Park during the event.

March 2025

The Conch Shell Blowing Contest (March 8; oirf.org) has been a Key West tradition for over 60 years. Held at the Oldest House Museum and Garden, the unique challenge celebrates the historic importance of the conch mollusk in the Keys and features contestants from toddlers to seniors attempting to make “music” using fluted conch shells.

The Original Marathon Seafood Festival (March 8-9; marathonseafoodfestival.com) lures thousands of seafood lovers to the Middle Keys to savor Keys-harvested seafood including lobster, stone crab, shrimp and fish prepared and served by Florida Keys fishermen. Additional attractions at the family-friendly feast include musical acts, raffles, prizes, a kids’ area and vendors offering artisan wares.

The second annual St. Paddy’s Island Run 5k/10k (March 16; runsignup.com/Race/FL/Islamorada/StPattysIslandRun) is hosted by Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada. Runners are to receive a free beer, finisher’s medal and T-shirt — and can enjoy a St. Paddy’s party in the beer garden after the race.

NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular (March 29-30; keywestairshow.com) brings high-flying action to Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field near Key West, with aerial demonstrations by military and civilian performers including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team.

April 2025

The 7 Mile Bridge Run (April 5; 7mbrun.com) attracts a field of 1,500 runners to the city of Marathon each year to compete on a course across one of the world’s longest segmental bridges, the centerpiece of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

The Florida Keys Island Fest (April 5-6; islamoradachamber.com/island-fest) highlights nearly 100 artists and crafters in a juried art show, along with live music, homemade boat races and a “Taste of Islamorada” competition for foodies. The 33rd annual event takes place at Islamorada’s Founders Park.

The Historic Days Celebration (April 3-6); keywesthistoricdayscelebration.com) highlights the Key West Woman’s Club’s 110th anniversary with history-focused tours, presentations, and panel discussions at the club’s headquarters, the Hellings Curry Museum, and other island locations. Receptions are planned featuring appetizers prepared from recipes in the “Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook,” while other events include a High Tea of Years Gone By.

The 43rd annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration (April 18-27; conchrepublic.com) commemorates the Florida Keys’ symbolic 1982 secession from the United States and rebirth as the independent and eccentric Conch Republic. Events are held in Key West and typically include a parade along Duval Street, a mock battle at sea with tall ships, sunset sailing cruises, parties and the wacky Great Conch Republic Drag Race.

May 2025 

The Key West Songwriters Festival (April 30-May 4; facebook.com/keywestsongwritersfest) features America’s foremost performing songwriters and artists at dozens of concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly Key West settings. Typically included are more than 50 shows and 200-plus country and pop hitmakers. Now in its 29th year, the festival revolves around five days and nights where live music bliss introduces crowds to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs.

The I.CARE Trash Derby and Festival (May 1-4; icaretrashderby.com) includes two days of trash collection by scuba divers and on-land participants, who compete for prizes for the largest hauls at cleanup locations throughout the Keys. Divers can register with their favorite dive shop while non-divers can assemble teams for land-based debris removal. A public festival May 4 at Islamorada’s Founders Park celebrates the cleanup with award ceremonies, live music, food and booths by Florida Keys conservation organizations.

 June 2025 

The College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West (June 14); swimaroundkeywest.org) is a 12.5-mile endurance swim, open to individuals and relay teams, around the island of Key West through Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico waters. Organized by The College of the Florida Keys, it’s billed as the only sanctioned, insured and U.S. Coast Guard-permitted swimming race around Key West. Associated events include shorter open-water swims. 

Key West Pride (June 22-29; gaykeywestfl.com/pride/) features a lively roster of fun for Key West’s LGBTQ visitors, friends and allies on the island known for its accepting “One Human Family” atmosphere. Events typically include pool parties, late-night drag shows and soirees, on-the-water adventures, a street fair, pageants and a colorful parade.

July 2025

The Key Lime Festival (July 3-7; keylimefestival.com) in Key West celebrates the world’s most sensational citrus with a bountiful array of festivities across the island where Key lime pie was conceived. Over five days, lovers of the lime can indulge in activities including a gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition from the top of the Key West Lighthouse, a Key lime cocktail sip and stroll, Key lime brunches and dinners, and the world-famous Key lime pie eating championship set for July 4.

Celebrating Freedom Parade & Fireworks (July 4; 305-451-1414) in Key Largo is the Upper Keys area’s 49th annual salute to America’s independence. The fun kicks off with a midmorning community parade featuring patriotic floats along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. The Celebrating Freedom event with live music and vendors takes place in the evening, culminating in a magnificent fireworks show over Blackwater Sound.

The 41st annual Underwater Music Festival (July 11-12; lowerkeyschamber.com), a sub-sea concert staged to promote environmentally responsible diving and reef protection, begins with a July 11 welcome event at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Summerland Key facility. On July 12, divers and snorkelers submerge at Looe Key Reef alongside costumed characters “playing” faux instruments. Participants listen to ocean-themed music that’s piped underwater, interspersed with messages about ways to enjoy the underwater world while minimizing environmental impacts.

Hemingway Days (July 22-27; hemingwaydays.com); honors the literary legacy and Key West lifestyle of Ernest Hemingway, the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Events include the legendary Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the wacky Running of the Bulls, a commemoration of the 126th anniversary of Hemingway's birth, a museum exhibit, a marlin tournament, a 5k run and a street fair.

August 2025

At Key West Lobsterfest (Aug. 7-10; keywestlobsterfest.com), seafood lovers can chow down on Florida’s clawless lobster. The tasty “feast-ival” features a savory schedule of events ranging from a traditional lobster boil to a pub crawl, pool parties, a brunch, and the lively annual street fair and concert Aug. 9.

The City Bikes Key Largo Triathlon (Aug. 15-17; gameonraceevents.com) set at Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, brings athletes of all ages to compete in Olympic and sprint distance triathlon and duathlon races as well as an Olympic distance aquabike race. 

Just a Few Friends Key West (Aug. 29-Sept. 1; justafewfriendskeywest.com) is a memorial celebration honoring Key West’s favorite son, Jimmy Buffett, on the second anniversary of his Sept. 1, 2023 passing. The weekend is filled with tours, bar crawls, rum tastings and music events. The highlight is the Second Line Parade along Duval Street, culminating in a free music festival at Truman Waterfront Park with local and national entertainment.

September 2025 

Womenfest Key West (Sept. 3-7; gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest) is Key West’s popular annual festival for lesbians and their friends — designed to enable singles, couples and groups of women to experience the atmosphere of openness and acceptance that has made Key West an internationally acclaimed lesbian and gay vacation destination. Activities range from beach parties, snorkeling and sunset cruises to live entertainment and more.

The Swim for Alligator Lighthouse (Sept. 13; swimalligatorlight.com) is a world-class, 8-mile open-water swim to the iconic Alligator Reef Lighthouse and back to shore in Islamorada. The unique and challenging experience can be conquered solo or on 2-, 3- or 4-person relay teams. Proceeds from the race go toward the effort to fully restore the 152-year old lighthouse. 

October 2025

Taste the Keys (Oct. 1-31; tastethekeys.com) provides a culinary journey through Key Largo and the Upper Keys to experience delectable Florida Keys cuisine on weekly foodie tours by trolley, culminating in a cook-off competition event. Participating locations include Skipper’s Dockside, Playa Largo, The Catch, Gus’ Grille at Reefhouse Resort & Marina, Mrs. Mac’s and many more.

REEF Fest (Oct. 16-19; reef.org/reeffest), hosted by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation in Key Largo, enables ocean lovers to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation through dive, snorkel and kayak trips along with ocean-themed seminars and social events.

Key West Fantasy Fest (Oct. 17-26; fantasyfest.com) is an annual 10-day costuming and masking extravaganza that features dozens of exciting and exotic events. The theme for 2025 is “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters.” The fun begins with the exuberant Goombay Festival and continues with standouts including the Royal Coronation of the 2025 Fantasy Fest king and queen, lavish Headdress Ball, wacky and wonderful Key West Pet Masquerade, colorful Captain Morgan Masquerade March, and the world-famous Key West Fantasy Fest Parade set for Oct. 25. 

The Zombie Bike Ride (Oct. 19; zombiebikeride.com) features thousands of “the bicycling dead” in a lighthearted pre-Halloween trek along Key West’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline and streets. Visiting and local adults, kids and even a few pets dress in offbeat zombie garb, ragged finery and scary face paint for the spooky spectacle, which also includes “Zombieland” pre-ride festivities and a rollicking after party.

November 2025

The Race World Offshore Key West World Championship (Nov. 2-9); raceworldoffshore.com/key-west) brings the world’s top powerboat teams to compete in high-speed races in the waters surrounding the island city. Activities include a parade of powerboats and teams down Duval Street, parties, concerts, and viewing from the Race Village at Truman Waterfront Park and from waterfront hotels and restaurants. The spectator-friendly course layout means fans can watch from vantage points breathtakingly close to the action.

The Key West Film Festival (November dates to be announced; keywestff.com), named one of the top 25 coolest film fests in the world by Moviemaker magazine, includes screenings of as many as 75 films, panel discussions, parties and the presentation of awards including the Golden Key for emerging talent and excellence in costume design.

Key West Holiday Fest (Nov 26-Dec. 31; keywestholidayfest.com)  includes a merry range of celebrations during Key West’s busy holiday season, starting the night before Thanksgiving and ending on New Year’s Eve. Events traditionally include the lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights, tours of historic inns, a lighted boat parade, festive Old Town Trolley and Conch Train tours to see neighborhoods elaborately decorated with holiday lights, seasonal artisan markets and bazaars, and quirky New Year’s Eve “drops” that spoof New York City’s annual Times Square “ball drop.”

 December 2025

Experience a Waterfront Winter Wonderland (Dec. 12-27; waterfrontwinterwonderland.com) at Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park. Despite the island’s typically balmy holiday breezes, the festive grounds “chill” with an ice skating rink and “snow” showers. The family-friendly event features rides including a Ferris wheel, a carousel, swings and giant slides. Visits with Santa and live music add to the holiday atmosphere. 

New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) in Key West includes a series of delightfully quirky “drops” that spoof New York City’s annual Times Square “ball drop.” Standout celebrations to welcome the New Year include the midnight “drop” of a female impersonator in a spangled super-sized red high heel shoe outside the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex; the “drop” of a gigantic manmade conch shell atop the roof of Sloppy Joe’s bar; the lowering of a “pirate wench” from atop the mast of the tall ship America 2.0 at Schooner Wharf Bar; and the midnight “landing” of a replica Pan Am aircraft carrying a costumed flight attendant at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery.

Florida Keys calendar of events: fla-keys.com/calendar
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
Social: Facebook • Twitter or X • Instagram • YouTube • Pinterest • TikTok • Keys Voices Blog

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 The year 2025 brings a long-awaited expansion at Key West international Airport with an all-new Concourse A and extended TSA lanes. Passengers are soon to experience a contemporary sleek new concourse A at the southernmost airport in the continental United States.

New culinary experiences and dining options at hotels throughout the island chain, from Key Largo to Key West, also are unveiled.

Enhanced attractions include Key West's Oldest House Museum, showcasing a pioneering life in Key West from the 1820s with added artifacts. And the restored Elizabeth Bishop House, where the celebrated poet lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s and ‘40s, is to offer visitor tours slated to begin in mid-March.

Here’s what’s new in the Keys:

Keys Airlift

At Key West International Airport (EYW), a 49,000-square-foot Concourse A expansion is targeted for completion in April 2025, and its extended TSA lanes are to be completed in September 2025. Overall airport improvements are slated for final completion in summer 2026 — with eight passenger boarding jet bridges, a 446-panel electrochromic glass curtain wall, state-of-the-art baggage carousels and additional restrooms. Dining offerings are to include a First Call Beach Bar at baggage claim, a Southern Point Bar, Chili's restaurant and Farm 2 Air Market. Six carriers — Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Silver — currently serve EYW with more than 20 nonstop domestic flights and destinations. This year, more than 1.3 million passengers have traveled through the airport, with a passenger increase of 10 percent compared to calendar year 2023. Visit eyw.com/concourse-a or call 305-809-5200.

Keys Accommodations

Islamorada's 15-acre, 214-room Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, Marriott Bonvoy's collection of independent hotels, has opened the brand's first in the Keys. Located at 84001 Overseas Highway, the resort features The Cove, an adult-centric resort-within-a-resort with island-inspired rooms and king suites, a private beach lagoon, and restaurants Kindler and The Hideaway, both slated to open in January. The resort’s Wave Motion Studio is a beachfront fitness center. A rum library offers daily afternoon rum tastings. With 80,000 square feet of indoor and alfresco event spaces, the property also offers additional multiple dining outlets: a fully renovated Tiki Bar; Little Limon, Mercado Morada, Lucky Twist, Islamorada Pizza Co. and Kokomo. Also featured are two retail shops, a water taxi and full-service marina. Activities include fly-casting, kayaking, offshore and backcountry fishing, diving and snorkeling, and ocean adventures by Spray Watersports with a 26-mile personal backcountry watercraft tour. Nearby are the sister Islamorada Resort Collection properties: the 110-room Amara Cay Resort and the 55-unit La Siesta Resort & Villas. Visit islamoradaresortcollection.com or call 866-806-0730. 

A fully renovated Islander Resort Islamorada, at 82100 Overseas Highway, is unveiling new dining options that include Drift, a beachside dining pavilion serving breakfast classics and flame-grilled fresh catches; and the renovated casual Tides Beachside Bar & Grill, with coastal-inspired fare and tropical cocktails for lunch and dinner. In addition, Coccoloba offers fresh dishes and beverages during the day at the resort’s lively pool area; Sandy's features chilled libations under a thatched roof; and Seaside Sports provides convenient grab-and-go snacks. On-site activities include Beach Movie Night on Fridays, Moonrise Bonfires on Saturdays, live music Fridays and Saturdays, beachfront yoga, snorkeling and paddle-boarding, complimentary loungers, seaside putting golf and rentable beach cabanas. Refreshed units also are at the Bayside Villas by Islander Resort, located at 81450 Overseas Highway. Visit islanderfloridakeys.com or call 305-664-2031.

The Middle Keys' Faro Blanco Resort, known for its iconic 65-foot Faro Blanco Lighthouse that dates from the 1950s, recently completed $14 million in renovations. Enhancements include updates to both the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and sister property, the Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort, located at 1996 Overseas Highway in Marathon. Dining options at Faro Blanco include the Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar, Blue Waters Bar & Grill by the Courtyard's infinity pool, El Farito Coffee and Market, and The Bistro for grab-and-go items. The two resorts offer a total of 250 guest rooms, four pools, four dining options, a white sand beach and various watersports. The site also features the historic Parrish House, a two-bedroom bungalow that is one of Marathon's oldest buildings. Additional renovations slated for completion by late December include a pool deck with new cabanas, a full-service spa and wellness center and a state-of-the-art fitness studio. The Faro Blanco Marina offers slips for vessels ranging from 35 to 140 feet as well as boat rentals. Visit faroblancoresort.com or call 305-743-1234.

In Marathon, Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa has become 95% plastic-free, installing drinking water stations throughout the property and replacing plastic bottles with reusable aluminum bottles and single-use takeout service ware with reusable utensils and service ware made from sustainable materials. The hotel also has implemented a 1% impact fee, paid by guests on checkout, to create on-site programming and allocate funds to Florida Keys nonprofit organizations. Isla Bella has partnered with the Conch Republic Marine Army, a Florida Keys volunteer group dedicated to cleanup and restoration of mangrove habitats in the Keys, donating $85,000 for acquisition of a new 33-foot boat offering cleanup trips. This spring, an on-site beekeeping program is to return to provide fresh honey for the resort's dining outlets, support the environment through pollination, and serve as an educational resource for guests. Featuring 199 oceanfront units, the resort is located at 1 Knights Key Blvd. at mile marker 47. Visit islabellabeachresort.com or call 800-405-1948.

In Key West, the historic six-room Kona Kai Oasis, located at 630 South St., has been acquired by HP Hospitality, a full-service boutique management and investment group, making the “micro-boutique” guest house its first  property in Key West and its 11th in the Keys. Kona Kai Oasis is branded as an extension of the boutique cottage-style Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo. The Old Town Key West property’s amenities include complimentary bikes, pool, stocked in-room refrigerator and coffee maker, a grill and outdoor sundeck, and beach chairs, an umbrella and a cooler for beach outings. It’s located 0.2 miles from Duval Street and a short walk from major attractions such as the Southernmost Point, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters and Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. In addition to Kona Kai Oasis and Kona Kai Resort, HP Hospitality owns nine other Keys boutique resorts: Amoray Dive Resort, Azul Del Mar, Dolphin Point Villas and Rock Reef Resort in Key Largo; Drift Hotel in Tavernier; La Jolla Resort and Lodge and Pines and Palms Resort in Islamorada; and Gulf View Waterfront Resort and Conch Key Fishing Lodge & Marina in Marathon. Visit konakaioasis.com or hphospitality.com or call 305-852-6914.

In Key West, the downtown 160-room La Concha Key West, an Autograph Collection Hotel at 430 Duval St., has completed full restorations to its public spaces, including the lobby and exterior façade. On-site dining venues include the Tropicado mojito bar, with crafted mojitos, daiquiris, and tapas inspired by tropical Spanish cuisine; Perla, with contemporary Cuban cuisine, serving signature breakfasts and upscale dinners; and El Dom Café, a Cuban-inspired coffee café with café con leches and sandwiches in a bright, domino-themed space. The property’s new seventh-floor Grand Dame Villas at the Rooftop offer seven rooftop villas with a dedicated concierge, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies overlooking Duval Street. Villas feature textured furniture, diagonal square wooden tile patterns, gold and rattan details, Bose sound systems, and amenities such as fresh flowers, stocked fridge, welcome gift, Panama hats, seasonal fruit and assorted beverages. La Concha originally opened in 1926 with marble floors, private baths and ocean views. Visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/eywaw-la-concha-key-west/overview/ or call 305-296-2991.

Key West's downtown 178-unit Opal Key Resort & Marina, located at 245 Front St., is undergoing renovations: upgrading its lobby for a sleek new arrival experience; expanding its pool area and deck; and unveiling a new signature restaurant, Lolitas, with a new dining concept. Completions are slated for early 2025. Guests currently can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner from a tented waterfront pop-up location by the marina. Visit opalcollection.com/opal-key/ or call 305-294-4000.

The landmark 311-room Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, at 1500 Reynolds St., has unveiled its newest restaurant. Dorada Key West serves “Baja-Med” fare infused with Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian flavors; shareable bites and cocktails. Diners can enjoy a “Toes in the Sand” six-course, chef-curated tasting menu at the ocean’s edge. Additional food and beverage venues include the signature Flagler’s restaurant with outdoor patio, the Canary Room lobby bar and lounge, and Morrison's Market with takeaway provisions, goods and gifts. Casa Marina Key West’s recent renovations include a new 5,000-square-foot oceanfront event lawn, added to an existing 11,000 square feet of indoor event space — including the newly enhanced 3,100-square-foot Flagler's Ballroom, 2,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom and versatile 5,000-square-foot Keys Ballroom. Visit casamarinaresort.com or call 305-296-3535.

Keys Attractions 

In Key Largo, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is constructing its new $6 million REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation, to be unveiled June 7-8, 2025, to coincide with World Ocean Day. The 4,000-square-foot, two-story facility is to feature an ocean exploration gallery, science discovery classroom, ocean outreach gallery, program planning areas and a second-floor balcony, as well as exhibits celebrating scientific innovation, history, humanities and arts. REEF programs include educational experiences about fish identification, invasive lionfish and citizen science. The center is to be a launchpad for inspiring future ocean stewards, pioneering research, fostering collaboration and transforming marine conservation. REEF's headquarters, home to its campus administration, is a classic conch-style house. Known as the Upper Keys' oldest building that’s still in its original location, it stands at 98300 Overseas Highway. Visit REEF.org/OEC or call 305-852-0030.

In Islamorada, The Protect Center’s interactive museum Exploratorium has opened with nearly a dozen aquariums and educational exhibits about marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, conservation research and Keys ecology. In addition, The Protect Center’s boutique gift shop Sustain, offering mostly sustainable items, features a new “re-fillery” enabling visitors and residents to refill eco-friendly home and personal care supplies of cleaners, soaps, shampoos, body wash and other necessities to reduce single-use plastics. The Protect Center, located at 82748 Overseas Highway, is to be the Keys’ only whale and dolphin hospital with a 56,000-gallon intensive care unit. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025. Visit connecttoprotect.org/hospital or call 305-453-4321.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, a sanctuary where more than 150 animals are cared for with the help of selected county inmates guided by Farmer Jeanne Selander, has a new pair of two-toed sloths. Sid, age 10, and 9-year-old Sylvia were gifted by the Shell Factory Nature Park in Fort Myers, Florida, which closed its doors in September. The Animal Farm, located just off College Road on Stock Island, is open to the public on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. with free admission. Community and school groups can schedule tours. Visit facebook.com/KeysAnimalFarm/ or call 305-293-7300.

Key West's Elizabeth Bishop House, where the celebrated United States poet lived and wrote during the 1930s and 1940s, is to open March 6, 2025, after a structural restoration; visitor tours are scheduled to begin the week of March 11. The Elizabeth Bishop's Postcards exhibit, on loan from Vassar College Libraries and showcasing Bishop's postcard correspondence from early life to her final years, is to run March 10 through May 5, with closing events including a conversation with the curators scheduled April 24-27. Bishop was the United States poet laureate in 1949-50 and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1956. She purchased the 19th-century eyebrow house in 1938 for $2,000 in financial support from her partner Louise Crane. The on-site Elizabeth Bishop Garden — to include plants from a list drawn from botanical and garden references in Bishop’s letters, poems, paintings and sketches — is to feature an accessible garden pathway leading through exhibits illuminating the poet’s life and work, and to a small seating area for reflection and reading. A rear yard presentation area is to seat about 50. The property, a registered Literary Landmark and home of the Key West Literary Seminar, is located at 624 White St. Visit kwls.org or call 305-293-9291.

Celebrating its 195th year, the Oldest House Museum, located at 322 Duval St., showcases life in Key West during the 1820s and '30s. The Wreckers' Room — where Captain Francis Watlington, a Florida state representative from 1858 to 1861, lived during his final days — is refurbished with newly conserved pieces including a blacklist for illegal wrecking practices, an insurance policy for "pirate-infested waters," and navigational charts from the 1600s to the 1800s. The Oldest House now features an original 1825 Dubois & Stodart box piano — one of only three in the U.S. on exhibit — a Cuban mahogany ice box, elegant whale oil lamps, and newly restored original pieces that arrived on a ship with 16-year-old Emeline Johnson, married nearly 200 years ago. The museum's restored Cistern Room is to feature an exhibit, "Water at the Watlington’s,” focusing on limited water on a frontier island, beginning Jan. 10 thru March. Visit OIRF.org or call 305-294-9501.

Key West’s retired U.S. Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM, docked at Truman Waterfront Park at the end of Southard Street as the INGHAM Maritime Museum and National Historic Landmark, is now open for sunset celebrations on Fridays, depending on weather. INGHAM was in service for 52 years, from 1936 to 1988, and is the only Coast Guard cutter afloat to receive two Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. Events take place from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunset. Visit uscgcingham.org or call 305-292-5072.

The Key West Wildlife Center is unveiling a new elevated tropical green wildlife clinic and renovated wildlife recovery aviary, both targeted for completion in early 2025, within the 7-acre Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park at 1801 White St. near Atlantic Boulevard. The new $2.4 million facility is to feature a large aviary with expansive room for flight conditioning and a clinic with a dedicated treatment area and additional interior space for patient care. The new facility also provides more exterior space for rehabilitation and protected space for education and outreach. The wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, with a 24-hour wildlife rescue line, provides rehabilitation for native wildlife including birds, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. Visit keywestwildlifecenter.org or call 305-292-1008.

Keys Environment

On Big Pine Key, Save Our Key Deer Inc., led by founder-president Valerie Preziosi, is opening a new state-authorized Key deer rehabilitation facility in late December. The center is to provide care for orphaned fawns and medical assistance to Key deer injured by vehicles or needing attention because of entanglements, objects embedded in their hoofs or legs, illness, infections or wounds. While not open to visitors, the new facility is to provide webcam viewing and educational information on social media platforms. Save Our Key Deer conducts scientific research, including a study on the availability of natural drinking water sources for Key deer. Many of the endangered deer today depend on human sources for fresh water. Visit saveourkeydeer.org or call 760-807-9064.

The Monroe County Artificial Reefs Department has deployed 10 of 45 concrete power poles at a new artificial reef area about 16 nautical miles northeast of Key West in federal waters off the Gulf of Mexico. Additional poles and structures are to be added to the site to increase habitat complexity and space for marine life. “This deployment is the first in a long line of projects being developed to provide several ecosystem and economic-related services,” said Hanna Koch, Monroe County’s artificial reefs director. Monroe County has been awarded $15 million from the state of Florida to create a Florida Keys artificial reefs program. The most recent artificial reef placed in Keys waters was the 524-foot decommissioned Air Force ship General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, sunk off Key West in 2009. Visit monroecounty-fl.gov/reefs.

Marking its fifth anniversary, Mission: Iconic Reefs has launched a new website about the NOAA-led, partner-driven $35 million program to restore seven reef sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The seven include Carysfort Reef, Horseshoe Reef, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor, Eastern Dry Rocks, Sombrero Reef and Looe Key Reef. “When Mission: Iconic Reefs launched it was only an idea — nothing more than words on paper,” said Jennifer Moore, the program’s senior manager. "Practitioners are outplanting corals on the reef, research is underway alongside restoration, and terabytes of data are being collected and analyzed. Our five-year pace has been nothing short of astonishing.” Mission Iconic Reefs was launched Dec. 9, 2019. A trailer for a soon-to-be-released mini-documentary on the program, produced by the office of National Marine Sanctuaries, is also on the detailed site. Visit MissionIconicReefs.org.

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • Pinterest • TikTok • Keys Voices Blog 

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Each multi-creativity event is to feature a mosaic mural made up of nearly 100 small canvases decorated by Florida Keys artists, paired with performances by outstanding local musicians. Presented annually by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the Connections Project is designed as an experiential way to connect people with members of the Keys’ dynamic arts community.

“The Connections Project 2025 will be a fabulous blend of what we’ve done in past years with some fresh ideas for this season,” said Elizabeth Young, executive director of the Arts Council. “Attendees can expect the usual high quality of creative expression, along with a surprise or two that adds to the fun.”

The series’ Jan. 8 grand opening reception is set for 5:30 p.m. at Berkshire Hathaway in Marathon, located at 9141 Overseas Highway, in conjunction with a Marathon Chamber of Commerce gathering. Subsequent popup events are planned from Key Largo to Key West at venues including galleries and cultural spaces, open-air art shows and other locations that support local creativity.

A unique mosaic mural is to be unveiled at every event, with each featuring a collection of colorful 6-by-8-inch canvases. The small canvases typically include works in oils, watercolor, photography, collage, mixed media, quilting, beadwork and more, depending on the individual artist’s whim and talent.

A calendar of Connections Project showcases, times and locations can be found at keysarts.com/artist_connections/Mosaic/Mosaic3.html.

At each event, attendees who donate $100 to the Arts Council can select and take home a small canvas of their choice. As well as making a permanent connection to the Keys’ arts community, those who purchase a canvas benefit the council’s grants for artists living and working in the island chain. 

Connections Project information: keysarts.com

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Boat parades from Key Largo to Key West are to illuminate the waters around the island chain, featuring decorated vessels ranging from majestic tall ships to fishing craft and tiny skiffs. Captains and crews typically “deck the hulls” with everything from traditional lights and greenery to offbeat Yuletide salutes.

Visitors can revel in the Keys holiday spirit by viewing the parades from local harbors and hotspots, or even become part of the festivities by adorning their own boats with dazzling lights and eye-catching decorations.

Following is a roster of boat parades slated throughout the island chain.

Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m.

Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade (Duck Key)

Festively decorated boats of all types are to cruise the waters around Duck Key in this seasonal event presented by the Duck Key Fishing Club and Hawks Cay Resort, located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. Boats are to begin at Bimini Bridge in Indies Canal and proceed to the Angler and Ale grand stage at Hawks Cay. Plans call for an in-water raft-up and on-shore after-party to round out the holiday happening. Proceeds are to benefit the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation. Visit facebook.com/events/1062299111781242.

Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (Stock Island)

Decorated vessels ranging from dinghies and schooners to fishing boats and yachts stage a holiday cruise through the Stock Island waters around the Perry Hotel & Marina. The free-to-watch boat parade is presented by the Rotary Club of Key West and the Perry, with pre-parade activities beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the lawn at the Perry, 7001 Shrimp Road. Attractions include activities and treats for kids, a surprise snowfall, live entertainment and photos with Santa and the Grinch. Visit keywestrotary.com.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Key Largo Boat Parade (Key Largo)

Boats of all sizes are to show off festive decorations in a lively procession on Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound. Presented by the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, the parade is to be themed “Christmas in the Keys!” to showcase the community’s lighthearted holiday spirit. Spectators can enjoy the fun from official viewing spots at Reefhouse Resort & Marina, Sundowners, Salty’s Bar & Grill, the Caribbean Club and Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill. Visit keylargoboatparade.com.

Saturday, Dec. 14, Dusk

Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade (Marathon)

Everything from lighted and decorated dinghies to yachts are to cruise in the 28th annual Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade that’s open to all vessels. The festive parade begins at dusk and meanders past popular Boot Key Harbor waterfront restaurants. Parade awards and an after-party are to take place at Dockside, 35 Sombrero Blvd. Visit bootkeyharbor.com or call 561-542-2727.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.

Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade (Key West)

Decorated dinghies, fishing craft, sailing vessels and classic tall ships are to light up the Key West Historic Seaport and harbor areas during the 33rd annual Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade. Spectators can view the dozens of creatively bedecked vessels from the parade’s headquarters at the Schooner Wharf, 202 William St., where the judges stand is located, and around the seaport’s harborwalk and docks. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and feature a performance by the Bahama Village Music Program’s “House of Pan” steel drum band. Visit schoonerwharf.com.

Sunday, Dec. 15, Dusk

Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Marathon Area)

Spectators can applaud vividly lit boats in the Middle Keys at the Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Typically featuring boats of all shapes and sizes, the parade is set to start at the 7th Street canal and wind its way through canals and cuts. The best viewing spots include the Sadowski Causeway at mile marker 53.5 and the dock area behind city hall. Visit facebook.com/keycolonybeachca.

Saturday, Dec. 21, Dusk

Kiki’s Lighted Boat Parade and Drone Show (Lower Keys)

All vessels are welcome to participate in this family-friendly Lower Keys event presented by Kiki’s Sandbar, located at 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key. Revelers of all ages — and even their canine companions — can celebrate the holidays by watching lighted and decorated craft promenade around Newfound Harbor in front of Kiki’s. A synchronized music and drone show and an appearance by Santa are to round out the seasonal merriment. Visit kikissandbar.com or call 305-780-7753.

Florida Keys events calendar: fla-keys.com/calendar/

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)

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Successful bidders must demonstrate a “complete understanding of both the domestic and international tourism economy across multiple market segments,” according to TDC officials.

The new 3-year contracts are set to begin March 1, 2025.

Bidders can submit responses for either or both contracts as well as optional work listed in the scope of services for each agreement.

A three-person committee is to review RFPs and select successful bidders. Committee members are to be a TDC board member, a Keys community representative and an executive from Visit Florida Keys, the TDC’s operating organization.

Deadlines to submit bids for the RFPs are Thursday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. ET for website development services; and Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET for advertising services.

Kara Franker and Heidi Barfels, Visit Florida Keys’ CEO and vice president of marketing and communications respectively, are to oversee implementation of the service contracts.

Both executives are recent additions to the Visit Florida Keys team and are active members of Destinations International, the global association for destination professionals.

Details on the RFPs are available at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/163096 for the advertising contract and https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/162693 for the web development contract.

Bidders should submit questions as directed in the RFPs or to Ammie Machan at ammie@fla-keys.com or by calling 305-296-1552.

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Jan. 7-9: Islamorada SailFly Tournament. Islamorada. Teams gather for the 25th anniversary of this challenging and exciting competition to fly fish for Atlantic sailfish. Captains slow-troll with live baits with no hooks to raise and tease the sailfish, so fly anglers can cast to the fish. Visit islamoradasailfly.com or call Capt. Randy Towe at 305-394-2667.

Jan. 14-15: IFC Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Presented by the Islamorada Fishing Club, the event is the second leg of the three-pronged Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship trifecta, attracting teams of elite sport fishermen. A total winner-take-all cash payout for a full field at the IFC Sailfish Tournament could reach $25,000. Visit theislamoradafishingclub.com or email ditournaments@aol.com.

Jan. 15-19: Key West Kingfish Mayhem. Key West and the Lower Keys. Headquartered at The Perry Hotel & Marina, this competitive tournament event takes place in the waters where sizeable king mackerel, also called kingfish, gather each year before their annual migration. A single open division welcomes all interested teams, and the winning team is to receive a  $75,000 prize. Visit meatmayhemtournaments.com/key-west-kingfish-mayhem/schedule/.

Jan. 17-19: Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. One of the most prestigious offshore tournaments in the Florida Keys, the Presidential serves as the final leg of the three-pronged Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Visit cheeca.com/presidential.

Jan. 26-27: Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open. Islamorada. Headquartered at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, this fun fishing event is open to actively employed Keys bartenders and restaurant employees. Trophies are awarded to individual anglers as well as the bar a team represents, with the perpetual trophy and year-long bragging rights going to the winners. Contact Dianne Harbaugh at 305-522-4868 or ditournaments@aol.com.

Jan. 31–Feb. 1: Swamp Guides Ball. Islamorada. In this annual all-release competition organized by the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, anglers target bonefish, redfish and snook. The tournament benefits the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Foundation and the Guides Trust Foundation — organizations that provide funds to people in the local fishing industry in times of need. Visit fkfga.org.

Jan. 31–Feb 2: Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This light-tackle challenge celebrates its 40th year along with its new affiliation with the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing organization. Instruction on how to sailfish will be provided to those who request it via an online meeting. Awards await the first, second and third place teams plus awards for high point angler, captain and mate on the first place team. Other awards are to be given for the top mahi-mahi, tuna and kingfish. Anglers may register to fish from their own boats or sign up for individual or shared charters. Visit ladiesletsgofishing.com/islamorada-womens-sailfish-tournament.

Feb. 4-5: Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Women anglers vie for trophies awarded to the first-, second- and third-place teams, grand champion and runner-up grand champion anglers, as well as for the largest dolphin fish, kingfish and tuna. Kick-off and awards events are held at the Islander Resort. The competition benefits the Upper Keys Veterinary Hospital’s Spay and Neuter Fund and the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Visit castingforcats.org/poor-girls-sailfish-tournament.

Feb. 6-8: Cuda Bowl. Key West and the Lower Keys. Shallow-water flats anglers and guides are invited to hook up and fight their barracuda rivals. The event is headquartered at South of the Seven Restaurant on Sugarloaf Key. Prizes are awarded in spin and fly divisions. Top-scoring female and junior anglers are also recognized. Visit cudabowl.com or email info@cudabowl.com.

Feb. 7-8: Keys Kids Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. This tournament is free for anglers 16 years of age and younger. Contact Diane Harbaugh at 305-522-4868 or ditournaments@aol.com.

Feb. 11-12: Al Flutie Over the Hill Rip-Off Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. Known as the "Flutie," this all-release sailfish tournament welcomes anglers age 50 and over who compete for awards for the top three teams and high-point male and female anglers. Tournament events are headquartered out of Ocean View Inn and Sports Pub, mile marker 84.5 bayside. Contact Diane Harbaugh at 305-522-4868 or ditournaments@aol.com.

Feb. 28–March 1: Backcountry Fly Championship Series. Islamorada. Tournament anglers are to compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a challenge where 1 inch equals one point. Awards are to be given to the grand champion and runner-up, and to the anglers who catch the largest snook and redfish. The field is limited to 30 boats. Visit BFCtournament.com.

March 4-8: Jimmy Johnson's ‘Quest for the Ring’ Championship Fishing Week. Key Largo. Hosted by Jimmy Johnson, two-time Super Bowl winning coach and former head coach at the University of Miami, the prestigious event includes the two-day Billfish Competition with a guaranteed total purse of at least $1 million and the Superbowl-style championship ring. A separate sportfish tournament and the annual Celebrity Pro-Am round out the tournament week. Visit questfortheringfl.com.

March 10-13: March Merkin Invitational Permit Tournament. Key West and the Lower Keys. This charity flats-and-fly-only tournament challenges anglers to catch and release silvery permit to vie for elite titles. The event is held at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina on Stock Island. Visit marchmerkin.com.

March 27-29: Key West Sailfish Tournament. Key West. The Key West Sailfish Tournament brings bring world-class teams together for a two-day shootout-style battle for the top of the leaderboard and prize money. Visit kwst.profishingtournaments.com.

April 3-5: Spanish Fly Shark Tournament. Key West. Targeting bull sharks, this second annual catch-and-release tournament is focused on increasing knowledge about bull sharks in the Florida Keys. With both inshore and offshore divisions, the challenge is to be televised by Outdoor America. Visit keywestsharktournament.com.

April 24-26: Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament. Marathon. A boat tournament with a release format, the challenge benefits Mission Fishin’, a South Florida nonprofit that helps fund on-the-water adventures for foster children, youngsters with special needs and their families — as well as local charitable organizations including Marathon Special Olympics. Prizes are to be awarded to the top three boat teams and top male, female and junior anglers among others. Visit marathonsailfish.com.

April 26-30: Tarponian Tournament. Marathon. Rules of this high-energy three-evening tournament mandate that each team fishes with a different captain for each outing. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon, so any potential “hot spots” are shared among all anglers. Email dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com or call 267-210-1952.

May 2-4: Tom Thumb Marathon Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament. Marathon. Up to $25,000 in cash and prizes awaits the top anglers who catch the largest bull and cow dolphin fish combined, while other prizes are awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and tripletail. Visit marathonoffshoretournament.com.

May 2-4: Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo. Islamorada. Honoring the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student, this tournament benefits a namesake community scholarship fund that has distributed over $456,000 to date. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, the event features cash prizes and $25,000 to the angler with a dolphin fish that beats the state record. Visit nicksheahan.com.

May 4-10: 37th Annual Bob Traa Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament. Marathon. Newly renamed to honor tournament founder Bob Traa, this team event allows two to four anglers per team/boat, who fish three nights with three different captains at three different bridges: Bahia Honda, Long Key and the world-famous Seven Mile. Proceeds from the charity tournament benefit Ronald McDonald House. Contact Donna Vankirk at 305-393-0699 or captdonna1@aol.com.

May 16-18: ‘Ladies Let’s Go Fishing’ Screamin’ Reels Tournament. Islamorada. Intended for novice anglers, this weekend is about learning and a nonintimidating, fun competition with the “Ladies Let’s Go Fishing” university organizers. Participants can charter a professional boat or fish on their own boat. This is a casual tournament with prizes for the heaviest offshore fish and longest inshore fish, drawings for prizes for those who caught fish, and bonus drawings. Visit ladiesletsgofishing.com.

May 18-21: Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. Top fly anglers and world-class guides test their skills in this three-day, invitation only fly-fishing tournament. Winners receive custom art and sculpture from notable wildlife artists as well as the latest gear and apparel from the premier fly-fishing brands in the industry. Visit goldenfly.org

May 30–June 1: Skippers Dolphin Tournament. Key Largo. Headquartered at Skippers Dockside Restaurant behind Key Largo’s Holiday Inn, this tournament pays cash prizes of over $60,000, including a first-place prize of $20,000, as well as prizes for the top six teams and top lady and junior anglers. Visit skipperstournaments.com or email ditournaments@aol.com.

June 6-7: Ladies Dolphin Tournament. Tavernier. Hosted by the Florida Keys Elks Lodge, this event welcomes female angler teams to compete for the highest aggregate weight of three dolphin fish. Cash and prizes are awarded to first- through third-place finishers and for the largest dolphin caught. Visit floridakeyselks1872.com or email ditournaments@aol.com.

June 6-8: 32nd Annual Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament. Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys. Anglers contend for over $35,000 in cash prizes and awards in this popular annual tournament. A cash prize of $20,000 is given for the largest dolphin fish over 50 pounds. Additional prizes await winners in open, ladies and youth divisions. Visit lowerkeyschamber.com/chamber-events/.

June 9-12: Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament. Islamorada. Hosted by Florida Keys Outfitters, this all-release, fly-fishing invitational tournament for women is held each June during the height of the famed tarpon migration. Started in 1977, the tournament represents a rich history of women who love the sport of saltwater fly fishing. Visit ladiestarponfly.org or call 305-484-4336.

June 13-14: Father’s Day Dolphin Derby: Marathon. This popular dolphin tournament pays out cash and prizes to the top four adults with the heaviest fish. Visit fathersdaydolphintournament.com.

June 13-15: Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby. Key West. The boat team weighing in the heaviest dolphin fish wins $5,000. Prizes are awarded through fifth place and to the top lady and junior anglers. Proceeds benefit Gator Club scholarships for University of Florida students who graduated from Key West High School. Contact kwgatorclub@outlook.com.

June 16-20: 62nd Annual Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament. Islamorada. This annual challenge appeals to experienced anglers who apply to compete in what is locally called the “Wimbledon of tarpon fishing.” Headquartered at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, the all-release event is limited to 25 anglers by invitation only. Proceeds benefit the Guides Trust Foundation of the Florida Keys. Visit goldcuptt.com.

June 19-21: University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Fishing Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers mingle with sports celebrities in this annual charity tournament that targets dolphin fish and raises funds for the UM Sports Hall of Fame and other charities. Visit canesfish.com or contact Diane Harbaugh at ditournaments@aol.com.

June 20-22: VFW Fishing Tournament. Key West. A family fun tournament, this event awards over $15,000 in total cash and prizes including $5,000 for the heaviest dolphin fish. All proceeds benefit disabled and needy veterans in the Florida Keys’ Monroe County. Email vfw391110@yahoo.com.

June 25-26: IFC Captain’s Cup Dolphin Tournament. Islamorada. Teams of up to four anglers compete for top prizes, and the total combined weight of three dolphin fish determines the winning team in this Islamorada Fishing Club tournament. If up to 25 boats register, first-prize cash winnings can reach $25,000. Visit theislamoradafishingclub.com or contact Diane Harbaugh at ditournaments@aol.com.

June 27-29: Florida Keys PBA Dolphin Tournament. Stock Island. Hosted by volunteers on behalf of the Florida Keys Police Benevolent Association, the tournament targets dolphin fish. Cash prizes await the first- through fourth-place anglers and the top junior, female and PBA member anglers. Proceeds primarily benefit the Autism Society of the Keys and the Love Fund Inc. Visit keysdolphintournament.com.

July 4-6: Billy Knowles Memorial Poor Boys Tarpon Fly Tournament. Islamorada. This tarpon-on-fly tournament is open to all anglers. The team with the most releases of tarpon measuring 4 feet or longer wins. Tournament events are held at the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar in Islamorada. Visit poorboys.info or email poorboystournment@gmail.com.

July 7-10: Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament. Sugarloaf Key. Anglers fly fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as anglers. Visit delbrown.com or call 305-360-6969.

July 23-26: Key West Marlin Tournament. Key West. Anglers can ply the waters once fished by legendary writer Ernest Hemingway while vying for $50,000 in cash prizes. Teams are to earn points for blue marlin, white marlin, spearfish and “fun fish” species. Activities include a nightly dinner, a silent auction and an awards banquet. For anglers of every skill level, the contest coincides with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival that celebrates the literary giant’s adventurous spirit. The tournament is limited to 75 entries. Visit keywestmarlin.com.

Aug. 18: Bartenders Dolphin Tournament. Layton. This one-day tournament targets dolphin fish and is open to bartenders and restaurant employees. Kick-off and weigh-in events are to be held at the Florida Boy restaurant at mile marker 68 in Layton. Email ditournaments@aol.com.

Sept. 19-21: Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship. Islamorada. Named after the man known affectionately as “Mr. Everglades,” the event is headquartered at the Islander Resort. Anglers target fish only in the boundaries of Everglades National Park — fishing areas that Lucerne favored — and are challenged to catch at least one tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum or bass with the goal being to catch all seven species. Awards are given in 22 individual categories at a ceremony hosted at the Islander Resort. Visit hermanlucernememorial.com or email wesley@lockeandkeyproductions.com.

Sept. 26-28: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Key Largo. The annual tournament put on by the Rotary Club of Key Largo offers anglers the opportunity to win coveted trophies for trout, snook and redfish. Fishing is allowed around the clock from Friday night through Sunday afternoon. A popular weekend auction showcase and Sunday evening dinner are open to the public. Proceeds support vocational and educational scholarships for financially challenged Upper Keys students. Visit keylargorotary.org.

Oct. 17-19: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Florida Keys Saltwater Seminar and Fishing Fever Inshore/Offshore Tournament. Islamorada. Female fishing fans can learn or polish angling skills during the award-winning weekend seminar with two days of optional charter fishing and the Fishing Fever Fun Tournament. More than 9,000 female graduates have immersed themselves in the lighthearted yet skill-heavy curriculum to learn and hone abilities in offshore, bottom, inshore and fly fishing. Visit ladiesletsgofishing.com or email fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Oct. 17-18: Casting for Cats Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada. This formerly all-female tournament now has a co-ed division and a women’s division. Anglers earn points for catching bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle. Points are also awarded for ladyfish, sharks, jacks and spotted sea trout. The event is a major fundraiser to help control the feral cat population in the Upper Keys. Call Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at 305-664-2012.

Oct. 31–Nov.1: Fall Backcountry Fly Championship. Islamorada. Tournament anglers compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a challenge where 1 inch equals one point. Awards are to be given to the grand champion, the anglers who catch the largest snook and redfish, and the “King of the Backcountry” series grand champion among others. Visit BFCtournament.com.

Nov. 13-15: Cheeca Lodge & Spa All-American Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for prizes and trophies in this annual all-release event targeting snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. The tournament was inspired by George H. W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, and honors war heroes in an esteemed competition held over Veterans Day weekend. Proceeds benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Visit cheeca.com/allamerican.

Nov. 13-15: Sugarloaf Showdown. Sugarloaf Key. Angling teams can vie for victory by targeting bonefish, permit and barracuda during the annual Sugarloaf Showdown in support of the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation. The catch-and-release challenge is presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association. Visit sugarloafshowdown.com.

Dec. 5-7: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship trifecta is the only tournament in the series to offer a junior division for anglers age 16 and younger. Unlimited anglers are allowed per boat. Visit islamoradasailfishtournament.com or email ditournaments@aol.com.

Dec. 12-14: Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The Florida Keys’ oldest sailfish tournament for kids age 16 and under celebrates its 61st year in 2025. Email islajuniorsail@gmail.com.  

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

Florida Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing

Florida Keys fishing tournaments: fla-keys.com/calendar/fishing

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Select Keys holiday events are outlined below, while additional Florida Keys & Key West events can be found at fla-keys.com/calendar.

Nov. 23: Light Up Key Largo. Key Largo. Kick off the holiday season at Light Up Key Largo, an annual celebration sponsored by the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation. The 15th annual family-friendly event features train rides, holiday vendors, games, food, treats, festive music, caroling and an appearance by Santa. Activities are set for 4-8 p.m., with the lighting of “Holly,” Key Largo’s 45-foot holiday tree, scheduled for just after dark at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, mile marker 102. Parking is available at Key Largo School with free shuttle service provided. Visit facebook.com/LUKLKEYLARGO/ or call 305-394-7530 or 904-463-0513.

Nov. 27: Lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights. Key West. The Harbor Walk of Lights at the Key West Historic Seaport stretches along the harbor past Greene, William and Margaret streets to the Key West Ferry Terminal. Activities include lighting of a 20-foot-tall Fishing Buoy tree and a Key West Lobster Trap tree. Music begins at 5 p.m. beside the Fishing Buoy tree, with the lighting at 6 p.m. Music at the Lobster Trap tree is to begin at 6 p.m., with its lighting at 7 p.m. The displays will be illuminated nightly through Dec. 31. Visit keywestchristmas.org.

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 5-6: Key West International Dance Co.: Fiesta de Navidad Tropical. Key West. Celebrate the season with Fiesta de Navidad Tropical, a lively holiday show featuring world-class Latin dance, vibrant costumes and festive energy. Audience members of all ages are invited to join the performers on stage and dance to live music. Performances begin at 8 p.m. at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St. for tickets and information, visit kwinternationaldancecompany.com/fiesta-de-navidad.

Nov. 29: Black Friday Shopping Extravaganza. Key West. Join the Key West Artisan Market, Truman Waterfront Farmers Market and Shop Mom and Pop Key West vendors for a day of unique gifts and handmade items. Featuring local artists, crafters and makers, this event offers one-of-a-kind art, culinary delights and beverages at Truman Waterfront, 21 Quay Road. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., shoppers can enjoy a waterfront setting with views unlike any indoor mall. Visit facebook.com/events/1074747156827154.

Nov. 30: Lower Keys’ Island Art Festival. Big Pine Key. Get holiday shopping off to a great start at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce’s Island Art Festival. Find one-of-a-kind handcrafted items that typically include jewelry, stained glass, paintings, fragrant soaps, gourmet foodstuffs and more created by talented regional artisans. Enjoy live music and food throughout the event, slated for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Chamber of Commerce grounds, mile marker 31 oceanside. Visit lowerkeyschamber.com/chamber-events/.

Dec. 1, 15, 22 and 29: Artisan Market. Key West. A Key West holiday shopping tradition filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, the open-air bazaar is set for selected Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1801 White St. Markets feature Keys artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers, live music and adult beverages. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/KeyWestArtisanMarket or call 305-509-3385.

Dec. 3-8: Zonta’s Festival of Trees. Marathon. The Zonta Club of Marathon, a women’s service organization, offers a free-admission display of decorated trees at its 14th annual Festival of Trees at Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway. View and bid to purchase decorated trees from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3:30-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Kids can enjoy cookies with Santa and the Grinch Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Raffle tickets can be bought for a chance to win a tree, with a drawing for all trees at 8 p.m. Dec. 7.Visit zontaclubofmarathon.com or call 305-289-1221.

Dec. 5: Pet Pictures with Santa. Key West. Bring Fido, Fifi and the family for Pet Pictures with Santa, hosted by All Animal Clinic. Photos are taken from 6-8 p.m. at the nautical Christmas tree at the foot of William Street along the Key West Bight Marina/Harbor Walk of Lights. A $25 cash-only donation provides a professional high-resolution digital image, with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys. Visit keywestchristmas.org.

Dec. 5-8, 13-15: Nutcracker Key West. Key West. Audiences can discover the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage, coral reef environment and holiday spirit during eight performances of “Nutcracker Key West.” The production gives the classic ballet a unique twist, transforming the well-loved tale of a young girl's dream into a celebration of Key West's culture, traditions and underwater wonders. Showtimes vary at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road. Visit nutcrackerkeywest.com for tickets and more information.

Dec. 6: Islamorada Holiday Fest. Islamorada. Kids can frolic on a 30-ton snow mountain during the 20th annual Holiday Fest, set for 4-10 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. Families can view the 6 p.m. lighting of a 35-foot-tall tree with snow blowing through its branches, enjoy holiday treats from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, bid on Keys-crafted ornaments by 50 local artists during an online auction, shop at the Holiday Gift Bazaar and enjoy live performances. New this year is the Publix Holiday Sweet Shoppe featuring gourmet desserts, holiday cookies and seasonal giveaways. A variety of savory food will also be available. The holiday parade kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with Santa, antique cars, bands and floats. Visit islamoradachamber.com/holiday-fest/ or call 305-664-4503.

Dec. 6: Wesley House Family Services Holiday Village and BeLighted Bike Ride. Key West. The annual family-friendly Holiday Village is set for 5-9 p.m. at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park, 21 Quay Road, with community vendor booths, holiday-themed inflatable obstacle courses for kids, rides, food trucks, a “best bike” contest and photos with Santa. The bike ride, featuring a parade of bicycles decorated with holiday lights, leaves at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 each (four for $70) for those age 4 and up, and free for kids age 3 and under. Visit wesleyhouse.org/events/belighted2024 or call 305-809-5000.

Dec. 6 and 13: Holiday Historic Inn Tours. Key West. Old Town Key West is filled with lovely historic inns, and two Friday evenings of 6-8 p.m. tours offer a chance to glimpse lavish decorations, discover unique architecture and experience holiday cheer and treats at featured properties. Visit keywestholidayfest.com for information and ticketing.

Dec. 7: Garden Club of the Upper Keys Holiday Market. Tavernier. Browse and shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the club’s Holiday Garden filled with artists, artisans, plants and more. The market is held at 94040 Overseas Highway. Visit gardenclubupperkeys.org.

Dec. 7: Lignumvitae Christmas. Islamorada. Discover Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at a holiday event presented by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks. Attractions include guided nature hikes, tours of the island park’s century-old caretaker’s home, storytelling presentations by historian and author Brad Bertelli, 1930s-era games, seasonal live music and an arts and crafts station. Lunch is available for a donation. Tickets include roundtrip ferry transportation to the park from Robbie’s Marina, 77522 Overseas Highway. Advance reservations and ticketing are required. Visit friendsofkeysparks.org/event-5921557.

Dec. 7: Key West Hometown Holiday Parade. Key West. Holiday spirit is to fill the streets during the annual Key West Holiday Parade, showcasing the island city’s local charm with marching bands, school groups, motorized and non-motorized floats and lively community participation. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at Truman Avenue and White Street beside Bayview Park and proceeds down Duval Street. Seeing Santa is a highlight for kids.

Dec. 8: Christmas on the Sheriff’s Animal Farm. Stock Island. Children and adults are invited to visit the unique Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm for a special holiday open house from 1-3 p.m. It’s located just northeast of Key West at 5501 College Road. Holiday donations are encouraged. Call 305-293-7300 for more information.

Dec. 8: Eaton Street Christmas Stroll. Key West. Eaton Street becomes a southernmost North Pole Sunday, Dec. 8. Wander the blocks between Whitehead and Simonton from 3:30-7 p.m., stopping at venues including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 401 Duval St. for a traditional Christmas concert, and Tropic Cinema at 416 Eaton St. for some classic cartoons. The Studios of Key West hosts an open house at 533 Eaton St. during the stroll. Visit tskw.org/eaton-street-christmas-stroll.

Dec. 9-23: Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours. Key West. The popular green and orange trolleys, festively adorned with holiday lights, showcase Key West's best-decorated neighborhoods, buildings and homes on fun-filled 60-minute excursions. Tours depart each evening from Mallory Square at 6:30, 7, 8 and 8:30 p.m. Visit trolleytours.com/key-west/christmas-holiday-tours or call 855-623-8289 or 305-296-6688.

Dec. 9-10 and 13-23: Conch Tour Train's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours. Key West. Lively Conch Tour Train tours depart from Key West High School, 2100 Flagler Ave., at 6:30, 7, 8 and 8:30 p.m. Included are holiday lights glasses as keepsake items. The hourlong tour, with holiday caroling, takes riders past the island's most elaborately decorated houses, buildings and neighborhoods. Visit conchtourtrain.com/key-west-christmas-holiday-tours/ or call 305-707-5775 or 305-296-6688.

Dec. 11: Gay Key West Holiday Lights Trolley Tour. Key West. Dress in festive gear and join the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour for a night of dazzling holiday displays around Key West. The event begins with a jingle-and-mingle at Bobby’s Monkey Bar at 5:30 p.m., with the trolley’s departure at 6:30 p.m. for a two-hour tour and a few merry stops. Participants are encouraged to bring holiday treats to share. The tour ends around 8:30 p.m. at Bobby’s. Registration is required. Visit facebook.com/events/918157406915499.

Dec. 13: Key West Art & Historical Society: Holiday Concert & Bazaar. Key West. Join the Key West Art & Historical Society for the 7th Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar set for 5-9 p.m. on the historic verandah and street in front of the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House. This popular event features some of Key West’s finest artisans, musicians, and choirs, including live holiday music from the Bahama Village Music Program’s Joyful Voices Choir and House of Pan Steel Pan Drums ensemble. Attendees can also enjoy food, libations, and a holiday light show by Key West High School’s Conch 5 Studios, projected onto the exterior of the Custom House. The event is free and open to the public. 281 Front St. Visit kwahs.org/bazaar.

Dec. 13-14: Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular. Marathon. The holiday season comes alive at Pigeon Key, the 5-acre island that lies beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge, with a VIP viewing of the island’s holiday decorations Friday, Dec. 13. Saturday, the "Polar Express" begins running at 1 p.m., with trips throughout the day and into the evening. Families can spend a full day on Pigeon Key enjoying marine science activities, holiday food and drinks, guided tours, holiday-themed movies on the big screen, Santa encounters and snow. Admission is $5 for walkers and bikers. Tickets to ride the Polar Express are $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event. Call 305-743-5999 for information.

Dec. 13, 14, 15, 21: Lighted Boat Parades. Stock Island, Key Largo, Key West, Duck Key, Marathon, Key Colony Beach, Little Torch Key. Festively decorated boats are set to cruise the waters around the Florida Keys, creating dazzling holiday spectacles. For details on the Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 13), visit keywestrotary.com. For the Duck Key Holiday Boat Parade on Duck Key (Dec. 13), visit facebook.com/events/1062299111781242. For the Key Largo Boat Parade on Blackwater Sound, themed “Christmas in the Keys” (Dec. 14), visit keylargoboatparade.com. For the Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade in Marathon (Dec. 14), visit bootkeyharbor.com. For the Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade around the Key West Historic Seaport and harbor (Dec. 14), visit schoonerwharf.com. For the Key Colony Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 15), call 518-859-5662. For Kiki’s Sandbar Holiday Boat Parade and Drone Show on Little Torch Key (Dec. 21), call 305-780-7753.

Dec. 13-28: Waterfront Winter Wonderland. Key West. The Waterfront Winter Wonderland transforms the Coffee Butler Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park into a festive holiday experience for all ages. The family-friendly event features an ice-skating rink, rides like a Ferris wheel and carousel swings, games, live music, light displays and more. The amphitheater’s vendor village offers food and local artisan goods perfect for holiday shopping. Enjoy visits with Santa, a kids’ craft tent and festive celebrations. Admission is $12, with children 5 and under free. Additional costs apply for ice skating and rides. The fun takes place at 21 Quay Rd. Visit waterfrontwinterwonderland.com.

Dec. 14: A Positive Step 5K Rudolph Red Nose Run. Key West. Dress in festive holiday pajamas for the 15th annual A Positive Step 5k Rudolph Red Nose Run. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, the race starts and finishes at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m. Registrants receive a free T-shirt. Visit apsmc.org  for information.

Dec. 19: Third Thursday Art Walk. Islamorada. Showcasing the area’s fine arts, music and culinary nuances, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District features national and local artisans whose work is showcased in galleries along Morada Way between mile markers 81 and 82. Art Walks are held on the third Thursday of each month — and this 6-9 p.m. holiday edition features live music, local beer and wine and other seasonal cheer. Admission is free. Visit moradaway.org or call 305-664-2471.

Dec. 31: Key West New Year's Eve “Drops.” Key West. Ring in 2025 with a “conch shell drop” at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.; the descent of a super-sized red high-heel shoe carrying a female impersonator at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; the lowering of a pirate wench at midnight from atop a tall ship’s mast at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.; and  the “flight” of a uniformed “stewardess” in a section of a replica aircraft at a ticketed Gatsby-style party at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead St. Visit sloppyjoes.com, bourbonstpub.com, schoonerwharf.com  and firstflightkw.com.

The National Hurricane Center early Thursday cancelled a tropical storm warning for the Florida Keys from the Channel 5 Bridge through Key West including Layton, Marathon, and Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, and the Dry Tortugas.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges, is fully open.

Key West and Florida Keys Marathon International airports are open and unaffected.

No emergency protective actions, including visitor or resident evacuations, were taken by Monroe County Emergency Management officials. Florida Keys utilities are operating normally.

Throughout the Keys, almost all accommodations, attractions, museums, restaurants and other businesses of interest to visitors remained open as the storm passed. Charter fishing and dive boats are to resume operations as winds and seas subside.

Some Florida state parks that closed in the Middle and Lower Keys are reopening Thursday and Friday morning.

With Wednesday’s first race canceled because of the weather, organizers at the Race World Offshore Key West World Championship plan to stage races Friday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 10.

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The Turtle Hospital in Marathon and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail Pass received silver awards in the Best Conservation Initiative and Best New Tourism Experience categories respectively.

Staged in London last Thursday, the awards event gathered travel industry leaders to honor excellence across multiple categories. Entries were judged independently by a panel of leading travel journalists.

The awards also marked the launch of the quarterly JRNY America magazine, committed to sharing unique stories of United States travel. JRNY America is a spin-off of JRNY magazine, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic by a collective of travel writers and photographers. The magazine is now one of the U.K.’s leading travel publications.

“A longstanding favorite with U.K. visitors and travel writers, the Turtle Hospital stands out for its educational work (and) care and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles,” said JRNY co-founder Kav Dafar. “Meanwhile the Eco-Experience Trail Pass gives visitors an easy way to learn about and access responsible travel throughout the Keys, encouraging engagement with the island chain’s natural environment and increasing visitation to local businesses which offer sustainable experiences.”

JRNY Awards information: jrnymag.com/jrny-america-awards-winners-2024/.

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Barfels is overseeing the island chain’s tourism marketing and communications strategy for advertising, branding, public relations, social media, website and content marketing. Previously, she was chief marketing officer of Colorado’s Visit Estes Park for three years.

"Heidi is a proven go-getter in the tourism industry and is the kind of innovative leader we need on the team," said Kara Franker, president and chief executive officer for Visit Florida Keys. "Her first assignment is to breathe new life into our marketing plan and initiatives, and I have all the confidence in the world that she is going to knock it out of the park."

Among other honors, Barfels’ work has earned the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International’s Adrian Awards and the Colorado Tourism Office’s Governor’s Awards.

She serves on Destinations International’s public relations & communications committee and is a Public Relations Society of America member. She co-authored a pioneering white paper on generative AI and is known as a technology and destination branding expert.

"The Florida Keys & Key West are a place where people disconnect from the ordinary and immerse themselves in something truly special," Barfels said. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to build onto the already strong marketing efforts to highlight this wonderful community." 

Barfels previously held marketing management roles with Visit Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Miami. She was principal of her own communications company, and also worked with Lou Hammond Group publicizing luxury hotels and destinations including Panama City Beach, Fla., and Charleston, S.C.

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The 14th annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run offers stunning land and water vistas and a physical challenge in the Keys’ typically balmy December conditions.

The timed 5k run/walk is to start and end on the access road to Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club, just off the Jewfish Creek Bridge at mile marker 107.8. Runners and walkers are to travel back and forth across the 65-foot-high bridge, considered the entryway to the Florida Keys, that is part of the Overseas Highway connecting mainland South Florida to Key Largo.

Participants can pick up race packets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Key Largo’s First State Bank, mile marker 97.6. Packets will also be available at the starting line beginning at 6 a.m. the morning of the race.

The race is to start at 7:30 a.m. for both runners and walkers.

Many racers are attracted to this event by the panoramic morning views of Lake Surprise, Blackwater Sound and vistas of the eastern Everglades and Upper Keys that are visible from the course.

A participant pre-party is set for 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at The Catch Restaurant and Bar, mile marker 102 oceanside. Entrants are encouraged to attend to meet other runners and walkers, and to get the latest event information from organizers.

Friday evening, Dec. 6, Italian Food Company, located in the median at 98070 Overseas Highway, is to welcome race participants with dinner specials on select pizza and pasta dishes.

On the morning of the race, due to limited on-site parking, participants and spectators are encouraged to use the free parking and shuttle service at Key Largo School, mile marker 104 oceanside. Pre-race shuttles are to depart from the school between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., and travel from the finish line back to the school between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

The awards ceremony is scheduled immediately after the race at the Anchorage. Awards await the top three male and female overall finishers, masters male and female finishers, and the top three finishers in different age groups. Each participant earns a medal on completion.

Several food trucks are to be on site during the awards ceremony. A post-race celebration is to follow at The Catch Restaurant and Bar.

Registration is $55 per adult participant through Oct. 31 ($60 after that date) and $40 per person for those age 17 and under. Online registration is open, and the first 500 registrants are to receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Two host hotels in Key Largo have special participant rates — Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club, and Bayside Inn at 99490 Overseas Highway — and racers should call the properties to request them.

Event information and registration: keylargobridgerun.com

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The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges, is open as usual.

Key West and Florida Keys Marathon international airports are open and operational as is the Port of Key West, which is receiving cruise ships.

No emergency protective actions, including visitor or resident evacuations, were taken during Hurricane Milton by Monroe County Emergency Management officials as the storm’s dangerous core remained far from the Keys island chain.

Throughout the Keys, accommodations, attractions, museums, restaurants and other businesses of interest to visitors are open.

Dive, snorkel and fishing charters are operating with normal schedules.

Florida state parks throughout the Keys are open.

Everglades National Park and its Guy Bradley Visitor Center at Flamingo are open in mainland Monroe County. Dry Tortugas National Park, located 68 miles west of Key West, is open with the Yankee Freedom III and Key West Seaplane Adventures resuming ferry and seaplane trips.

All activities for Key West’s upcoming Fantasy Fest 2024 — scheduled Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27, and themed “It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival” — are to take place. The internationally renowned costuming and masking festival features masquerade parties, costume competitions, street fairs, performance art, glamorous galas and a glittering grand parade. 

Live Florida Keys webcams: fla-keys.com/webcams/

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Carmen Perez-Padron took the backcountry champion title with 79.75 combined inches of one redfish, snook and trout. Her husband, Nelson Padron, earned the title of top guide.

“I have been fishing mostly charitable tournaments for over 12 years and truly enjoy the Take Stock in Children tournament format — and it’s such a great cause,” said Perez-Padron, whose passion is backcountry fishing in the Keys.

Perez-Padron also was named top artificial division angler and won awards for the adult division’s largest snook at 33.75 inches and largest redfish at 29.25 inches.

Also in the adult division, the award for second-place snook went to Key Largo’s Angel DiGiorgio with a 31.5-incher. Clay Cowart of Tavernier placed third with his 30.25-inch linesider.

Anglers winning awards for adult-division redfish after Perez-Padron were Kris Todd of Key Largo in second place with a 26-incher, and Reed Tudor of Tavernier with a 24.5-inch red.

Taking the adult division’s top trout award was PJ Abolafia of Key Largo with a 22.5-inch fish. Close behind in second place was Reed Tudor with a 20-incher and Jesus Estrada of Tavernier with an 18-inch trout.

In the junior division for anglers age 13-17, the backcountry champion title went to 16-year-old Haley Hanson of Key Largo with a combined three-fish total of 70.25 inches. She fished with her father, Key Largo’s Captain Chris Hanson, who was named top pro in the competition.

In the kids division for participants age 12 and under, awards are presented for the largest trout catches. First place went to Dawson DelosSantos with an 18-inch trout caught while fishing with his father, Key Largo’s Captain Tony DelosSantos. Coming in second was Easton Meyers of Key Largo with a 14-incher.

The tournament drew 56 anglers as well as hundreds of supporters, educators, mentors and members of the Rotary Club of Key Largo. The annual challenge and its popular silent auction raise funds for Take Stock in Children and other scholarship programs.

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The documentary-style episodes present local personalities throughout each of the Keys’ five districts. Featured are Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary-certified Blue Star diving, fishing and snorkeling operators; environmentalists; culturalists and chefs.

Podcast subjects include sustainability; hidden Florida Keys; culture of literature, history and art; culinary heritage; Blue Star diving, and Blue Star fishing and snorkeling.

Podcast host-writer Elizabeth Harryman Lasley, a past president of the prestigious SATW or Society of American Travel Writers, has been a CBS Morning Show travel contributor and hosted travel shows on KABC Radio and Southern California Public Radio station KPCC.

Produced by Armchair Productions in conjunction with the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the podcast is available on more than 20 platforms including Audible, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify and others.

The new podcast episodes dropped during the week of Sept. 23.

The first season of Florida Keys Traveler, with 30 episodes airing in 2023 and celebrating the island chain’s bicentennial, commemorated the Florida Legislature’s July 3, 1823, establishment of Monroe County. Twice-weekly episodes debuted from March 23 to July 3, 2023. Ten were aired additionally through inflight syndication on Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., the flag carrier of Hong Kong; and Singapore Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of Singapore.

Listen to Florida Keys traveler podcast episodes: podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/florida-keys-traveler/id1677811386 and fla-keys.com/podcast/.

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Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center discontinued all tropical storm warnings for the Florida Keys and the rest of the Florida peninsula.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) is open without impacts, officials said.

Key West and Florida Keys Marathon international airports are open and operational. Passengers should contact their airlines, as flight arrivals and departures could be altered due to Helene’s weather effects outside South Florida and the Keys. The Port of Key West is open as well.

Throughout the Keys, land-based accommodations, attractions, museums, restaurants and other venues are open to visitors.

Most Keys state parks are reopening Friday, with Bahia Honda and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic state parks scheduled to reopen by Saturday morning, said John Lakich, assistant bureau chief for Keys state parks. 

The Keys National Weather Service Office issued a small craft advisory through at least Friday afternoon, cautioning boaters to remain in port until winds and seas subside. Almost all fishing, diving, boating and other water-based attractions are expected to resume normal operations once the small craft advisory is canceled.

Live Florida Keys webcams: fla-keys.com/webcams/

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Crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Their task: transform the naturally buoyant pumpkins into masterful sculptures incorporating the theme of “Creatures from the Black Lagoon” — or, if they prefer, carve traditional jack-o’-lanterns’ toothy grins.

As dive knives pare away stringy shreds of pumpkin flesh, quick-swimming reef fish typically dart in for a closer look and a nibble before the tidbits float away.

Divers can join in to celebrate the fall harvest fun with Amoray Dive Resort, located at mile marker 104.5 bayside.

Carvers of the top three pumpkins chosen by judges win prizes, including a first-place dive trip for two.

The entry fee is $99 per certified diver for the two-location dive including tanks, weights and a pumpkin ready for carving. For $69 per person, snorkelers are welcome to observe the underwater carvers in action and explore the reef.

Check-in is at 12:30 p.m. and the boat departs at 1 p.m.

All activities are conducted under a Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary permit.

Space is limited, so contestant divers are encouraged to sign up early for the special pre-Halloween event by calling the Amoray Dive Center at 305-451-3595.

Event information: amoray.com/scuba-diving or 305-451-3595

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Schmidt was unanimously chosen Tuesday, Sept. 17, during the board's scheduled meeting at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. The meeting also was the first for new TDC President/CEO Kara Franker.

A respected hospitality industry veteran, Schmidt has spent the last 18 years working in Key West with Ocean Properties Ltd. The former general manager of Opal Key Resort & Marina and Sunset Key Cottages, she is currently civic and community liaison for the properties.

“Our primary goal is to embrace the changes necessary to restore the public’s faith in our organization and our purpose,” said Schmidt, adding that she is humbled by the TDC board’s faith in her. “Like Kara, I believe in the principles of trust, integrity and truthfulness.”

Schmidt began serving on the Keys tourism council’s board in 2018. Before that, she was a member of the council’s District I advisory committee for five years. Her stated priorities for her tenure as TDC chair include moving forward under Franker’s leadership while not losing sight of the people and entities that have contributed to the Keys’ success in growing the tourism-based economy. 

“This will be a year of fast-paced change and adaptation, and solidifying the framework for TDC operations,” said Schmidt.

George Fernandez, co-founder of the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, was re-elected the TDC board’s vice chairman.

Fernandez and Key West Mayor DeeDee Henriquez are to serve as co-treasurers.

Revenues that fund the TDC come from an added sales tax that only visitors pay when they stay in a lodging facility in the Keys.

The TDC's fiscal year runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.

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In Islamorada, the expansive new 15-acre contemporary Three Waters Resort & Marina — featuring an adults-only resort-within-a-resort and Marriott Bonvoy’s first Tribute Portfolio Resort in the Keys — is to be unveiled in early October. Several additional refurbished and expanded Keys properties are nearing completion.

Attractions that provide outdoor opportunities include new pickleball courts in Key Largo, an Upper Keys fox sanctuary offering public tours and an upgraded Key West wildlife aviary.

Here’s what’s new in the Keys:

Keys Airlift

At Key West International Airport (EYW), a 49,000-square-foot Concourse A expansion — with completion set for spring 2025 and overall project completion in summer 2026 —includes eight passenger boarding jet bridges, with the first bridge installed this summer; a 446-panel electrochromic glass curtain wall; state-of-the-art baggage carousels; extended TSA lanes; and additional restrooms. New venues include a First Call Beach Bar at baggage claim, a Southern Point Bar, Chili's restaurant and Farm 2 Air Market. The facility is designed to withstand 200 mph winds while addressing long-term passenger needs. Six carriers — Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Silver — serve EYW with 21 destinations and more than 20 nonstop flights. The airport tallied a 10.3% passenger increase through August 2024, compared with the same eight months in 2023. Visit eyw.com/concourse-a or call 305-809-5200.

Keys Accommodations

Islamorada’s 15-acre, 214-room Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, Marriott Bonvoy's collection of independent hotels, is to open Oct. 3, 2024, as the brand's first in the Keys. Located at 84001 Overseas Highway, the resort features The Cove, an adult-centric resort-within-a-resort with island-inspired rooms and king suites, a private beach lagoon, and the Wave Motion Studio, a beachfront fitness center. A rum library offers tastings upon check-in. With 80,000 square feet of indoor and alfresco event spaces, the property offers nine dining concepts including Islamorada Pizza Co., a signature venue featuring wood-fired fare, and an outdoor Central American food hall. Also featured are two retail shops, a water taxi, full-service marina and renovated Tiki bar. Activities include fly-casting, kayaking, offshore and backcountry fishing, and ocean adventures by Spray Watersports with a 26-mile personal backcountry watercraft tour. Nearby are sister Islamorada Resort Collection properties: the 110-room Amara Cay Resort and the 55-unit La Siesta Resort & Villas. Visit islamoradaresortcollection.com or call 866-806-0730. 

Islander Resort Islamorada, at 82100 Overseas Highway, is unveiling new dining options this fall that include the renovated coastal casual Tides Beachside Bar & Grill, and Drift, a new beachside dining pavilion. The dining venues join Elements Restaurant and the resort’s Oasis oceanfront food truck, serving fresh local flavors in a laid-back setting amid swaying palms. Additional renovations to expand the resort's beachfront area and one of the main pools are to be unveiled later this year. The upgrades are among recently completed resort enhancements, including fully renovated oceanside rooms and suites and the nearby Bayside Villas at Islander Resort, at 81450 Overseas Highway. Islander Resort's activities include Beach Movie Night on Fridays, Moonrise Bonfires on Saturdays, live music Fridays and Saturdays, beachfront yoga, snorkeling and paddle-boarding, complimentary loungers and rentable beach cabanas. Visit islanderfloridakeys.com or call 305-664-2031.

The Middle Keys’ Faro Blanco Resort, known for its iconic 65-foot Faro Blanco Lighthouse that dates from the 1950s, recently completed $14 million in renovations. Enhancements include updates to both the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and sister property, the Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort, located at 1996 Overseas Highway in Marathon. Together, the resorts offer a total of 250 guest rooms, four pools, four dining options, a white sand beach and various watersports. The site also features the historic Parrish House, a two-bedroom bungalow that is one of Marathon's oldest buildings. Dining options at Faro Blanco include the Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar, Blue Waters Bar & Grill by the Courtyard's infinity pool, El Farito Coffee and Market, and The Bistro for grab-and-go items. Additional renovations encompass 10 to 12 poolside cabanas, the Ocean Spa — a 3,200-square-foot spa and wellness center — and a state-of-the-art fitness studio. The Faro Blanco Marina offers slips for vessels ranging from 35 to 140 feet as well as boat rentals. Visit faroblancoresort.com or call 305-743-1234.

In Key West, the downtown 160-room La Concha Key West, an Autograph Collection Hotel at 430 Duval St., has unveiled its new Grand Dame Villas at the Rooftop. The property's seventh floor now offers seven rooftop villas with a concierge-level experience. Villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and a dedicated concierge. They include the Hemingway Suite, the largest, with a sunroom and guest copy of "To Have and To Have Not," written by Hemingway and set primarily in Key West; and the Sunrise, Sunset, Havana, Hibiscus, Tortuga and Flagler villas. Units feature textured furniture, diagonal square wooden tile patterns, gold and rattan details, floor-to-ceiling windows and Bose sound systems — with amenities such as fresh flowers, stocked fridge, welcome gift, seasonal fruit, assorted beverages and handcrafted Panama hats. The property's public spaces, including the lobby and exterior façade, are undergoing a full restoration set for completion by year’s end. Food and libation venues include Tropicado with classic crafted cocktails; Perla and El Dom Coffee Shop with fine and casual Cuban cuisine; and Epicurean, a market with Key West goods and gourmet dining options. La Concha originally opened in 1926 with marble floors, private baths and ocean views. Visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/eywaw-la-concha-key-west/overview/ or call 305-296-2991.

Key West’s downtown 178-unit Opal Key Resort & Marina, located at 245 Front St., is undergoing renovations to its lobby, pool deck and signature restaurant Bistro 245, slated for completion as a new venue in December. The popular restaurant is to be unveiled as Lolitas, with a new dining concept. Guests currently can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner from a tented waterfront pop-up location by the marina. Visit opalcollection.com/opal-key/ or call 305-294-4000.

Keys Attractions

In Key Largo, the nonprofit Pawsitive Beginnings Inc., founded to provide a safe haven and permanent home to foxes saved from the fur trade, has been honored with the county proclamation of “Pawsitive Beginnings Day in Monroe County,” designated Aug. 27 each year. A new Healing Den at Pawsitive Beginnings assists individuals seeking bonding  and animal-assisted therapy for trauma, depression and anxiety. Visitors can book private hourlong tours of the Pawsitive Beginnings sanctuary for up to four participants ages 10 and older, with a prior appointment, to learn about the sanctuary’s eight foxes and the history of fox fur farming. Tour donation fee is $150 for the group. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Visit pawsitivebeginnings.org or call 305-376-1887.

In Key Largo, the Monroe County Parks and Beaches Department has unveiled the Keys’ largest standalone pickleball complex, with 10 new dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at Key Largo Community Park, located at 500 St. Croix Place, mile marker 99.5. The courts are open from 7:30 a.m. until sunset. Three additional county courts are to be built at Blue Heron Park at 30451 Lyttons Way on Big Pine Key. Visit parksandbeaches.fun or call 305-453-8748 or 305-453-8808.

The Key West Wildlife Center is unveiling a new elevated lime-green avian clinic and a welcome center, both targeted for completion in early 2025, within the 7-acre Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park at 1801 White St. near Atlantic Boulevard. The clinic is to offer therapy baths and digital X-rays to better serve native and injured wildlife. The new $2.4 million facility is to feature a dedicated treatment area with additional interior space for patient care, more exterior space for rehabilitation and protected space for education and outreach. The wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, with a 24-hour wildlife rescue line, also provides rehabilitation for non-avian species. Some 1,500 native wildlife patients were rescued in 2023, said executive director Tom Sweets. The facility is currently open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, with variable hours during the week; visitors should call ahead. Visit keywestwildlifecenter.org or call 305-292-1008.

In Key West, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum at 200 Greene St. is debuting a comprehensive “Spirits of the Passage” exhibit that documents the history of the transatlantic slave trade, its legacy and Florida Keys heritage — including Key West’s 19-century role as headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s antislavery squadron. The exhibit’s centerpiece is an extensive collection of artifacts recovered from the English merchant slave ship Henrietta Marie, which sank 35 miles west of Key West in 1700 after unloading enslaved Africans in Jamaica. Exhibit modules place the transatlantic trade in the context of its time, re-creating portions of the Henrietta Marie as well as depicting captured Africans’ homeland, the Jamaican plantation experience and Florida Keys elements ranging from Key West’s African Cemetery to the Cuban slave shipwreck Guerrero discovered off Key Largo. Plans call for the exhibit’s soft opening in October and a grand opening in mid to late November. Visit melfisher.org or call 305-294-2633.

The Key West Art & Historical Society has acquired the woodcarving “Elegant Lady,” hand-carved by acclaimed Cuban-American folk artist Mario Sanchez, a Key West resident who died in 2005. “Elegant Lady” portrays a Bahama Village street scene at the intersection of Petronia and Thomas streets with Blue Heaven restaurant as a backdrop. With 200 works by Sanchez in its permanent collection, KWAHS has the world’s largest assemblage of the artist’s works and personal artifacts, ranging from paper bag sketches to handcrafted paper kites to intricate woodcarvings. The society operates the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, Fort East Martello Museum, the Tennessee Williams Museum and the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters. Visit kwahs.org/exhibit/mario-sanchez/ or call 305-295-6166.

Keys Environment

In the Lower Keys, the Plant a Million Corals restoration organization has successfully cultivated 40,000 corals at its land-based nursery in Summerland Key. PAMC, with goals of cultivating 100,000 corals by the end of 2024 and plans for future expansion, was founded in 2019 by Dave Vaughan, a Keys coral reef scientist known globally for pioneering the micro-fragmentation method of growing corals. Each of the 100,000 corals can be fragmented into 10 pieces, with PAMC targeting a goal of cultivating a million corals by year-end 2025. “Reaching 40,000 corals is a monumental step forward in our mission to restore the Florida Reef Tract,” Vaughan said. The organization also is growing mangroves in partnership with Key West–based Coastlove to help restore Keys coastlines. Visitors can book a tour of the organization’s Summerland Farms facility at 23801 Overseas Highway. Visit plantamillioncorals.org or call 772-216-0391.

Mote Marine Laboratory on Summerland Key has deployed a SeapHOx sensor at Looe Key in the Lower Keys to monitor pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature, to assess coastal acidification. Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is absorbed into seawater, reducing the pH (increasing acidity) and negatively impacting calcifying organisms like corals, shellfish and some plankton species. “Deploying the SeapHOx sensor is a milestone for our efforts to preserve coral reefs,” said Emily Hall, manager of Mote's Ocean Acidification and Chemical and Physical Ecology research programs. High-resolution data collected by the sensor tracks subtle changes in the reef environment, offering early warning signs of stress conditions. The deployment is funded by the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association. Complimentary public tours are conducted Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Mote's Summerland Key facility, 24244 Overseas Highway. Visit mote.org/news/mote-leads-successful-sensor-deployment-initiative-to-impr or call 305-745-2729.

Key Dives, a conservation-minded dive shop in the Upper Keys, has a new location in Islamorada after moving from Bud N’ Mary’s to 85960 Overseas Highway, located bayside off Snake Creek Bridge. Key Dives was founded by Mike Goldberg, a CNN Hero and co-founder of the nonprofit Island Conservation and Restoration Education, known as I.CARE, with a goal of empowering divers to help restore Keys coral reefs. I.CARE is dedicated to restoring reefs off the Upper Keys including Alligator Reef. Key Dives conducts coral restoration and outplanting dive trips on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Visit icareaboutcoral.org or keydives.com or call 305-664-2211.

Keys Transportation

Conch Connect, a new on-demand, door-to-door rideshare service between Key West and neighboring Stock Island, has been launched by Monroe County. Conch Connect operates daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with all-electric Teslas. Rides are $2 per person, per ride, with payments made via the Freebee app. Cash is not accepted. Users can download the app by searching "Ride Freebee" on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Users should request rides at least 30 minutes in advance. Visit conchconnect.org or call 855-918-3733.

Keys Arts

Key West’s “Walk on White” kicks off Oct. 17 from 6-9 p.m., and is set for the third Thursday evening of each month through May. Strollers can sip complimentary libations and explore an array of arts-focused venues with works by painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic and mixed media artists, and artisan jewelers. Arts lovers can enjoy creative demonstrations and musical and literary performances. WOW, launched in 1999 to promote and showcase the island’s midtown artists, now features more than 25 businesses in the White Street Gallery District. Visit WalkonWhiteKeyWest.com.

Keys Accolades

Noble House Hotels & Resorts’ Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Lower Keys and The Marquesa Hotel in Key West have earned prestigious rankings in the “First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States.” Little Palm Island Resort & Spa earned a top “Three Keys: Extraordinary Hotels” honor. “This 4-acre island is home to a mere 30 suites and a couple of rules — no guests under 18, no audible cell phones — serve to keep the atmosphere properly tranquil,” MICHELIN stated. The Marquesa Hotel earned “Two Keys,” with MICHELIN citing its rooms as “just what you’d expect, breezy and open, with gently rotating ceiling fans and robust antique furniture.” Visit guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/all-the-key-hotels-united-states-michelin-guide-2024.

The Key West Art & Historical Society has been chosen for a Smithsonian Institution's Traveling Exhibition Service partnership program sharing local narratives on food. "Peeling back the layers of our local and regional food, you uncover a much larger story centering around Key West's diverse community," said KWAHS curator Cori Convertito, manager of "FOOD: Celebrating Conch Cuisine." The exhibit is to debut in early 2026 with additional funding provided by the nonprofit Florida Humanities, a National Endowment for the Humanities affiliate. Visit kwahs.org or call 305-295-6166.

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The Kids Keys Deals program continues through Sunday, Oct. 13, and is spearheaded by the Key West Attractions Association.

Families can visit KidsKeysDeals.com to download coupons or book visits to historic attractions, museums and wildlife centers, as well as sightseeing tours and on-the-water adventures. The site features links to participating businesses and information about their offerings.

The program requires that each child be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and is open to both visiting families and Keys residents.

Participating attractions in Key West include the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Conch Tour Train, Key West Aquarium, Old Town Trolley Tours, Sails to Rails Museum, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Elsewhere in the island chain, participants include the Middle Keys’ Dolphin Research Center, an acclaimed nonprofit marine mammal research and education facility; Marathon’s world-renowned Turtle Hospital and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters marine park; and Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum.

Also featured are watersports excursions such as snorkeling and dolphin-watch trips and sunset sails. Participating watersports operators include Sunset Watersports, Fury Water Adventures and Brightwild Adventures.

And when kids get hungry, restaurant values are available from White Street Pizza, Island Dogs Bar and Rainbow Cone.

Participants and offer information: KidsKeysDeals.com

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Dubbed the ReMARCable Tour de Keys, the cycling trek benefits two Keys nonprofits: the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, providing life services for developmentally and intellectually disabled Keys adults; and A.H. Monroe, providing health and housing services to underserved individuals in the island chain.

Cyclists can participate in a full 100-mile “century” ride from Key Largo to Key West, or a 50-mile ride from Marathon to Key West. Organizers estimated the event, now in its ninth year, will attract 150 or more solo and team participants.

“This ride isn’t just about the miles; it’s about making a difference,” said coordinator Becki Balcer. “All funds raised stay in the Keys’ Monroe County to help support our two nonprofits.”

Cyclists can pick up their Tour de Keys packets at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Skippers Dockside, 528 Caribbean Drive, mile marker 100, in Key Largo. A late pickup is planned for early morning Saturday, Oct. 5, at the event’s start points.

Riders in the 100-mile challenge are to depart shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday from the Holiday Inn Key Largo, 99701 Overseas Highway, and begin pedaling through the Keys. Those choosing the 50-mile journey are to depart at approximately 10:30 a.m. from Marathon’s Royal Furniture, 6001 Overseas Highway in the Middle Keys.

The route takes participants across landmarks including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys, on their way to the continental United States’s southernmost city of Key West. Rest stops and hydration stations are to be located throughout the course.  

A finish line party is slated for 3 p.m. at Key West’s Opal Key Resort & Marina, 245 Front St., with recognition of the top individual fundraiser and top fundraising team at 4:45 p.m. 

The per-rider registration fee is $85 through Sept. 22, $95 from Sept. 23 through Oct. 4, and $105 on the event day. In addition to the fee, each rider is asked to raise at least $100 in donations for the two nonprofits’ missions.

Event information: tourdekeys.com

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The catch-and-release challenge targets redfish, snook and trout. A silent auction and raffle ticket sales are integral parts of the family fun event.

A public kick-off party for anglers and supporters is scheduled Friday, Oct. 4, at Doc’s Diner, mile marker 99.7 bayside in Key Largo. The event features a cash bar, registration and appetizers starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:15 p.m. captains and anglers meeting.

After kick-off festivities end Friday night, fishing is to begin and continue night and day through 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. An awards dinner and live and silent auctions are planned for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Tavernier Elks Lodge, mile marker 92.6 bayside.

Awards are to be presented for adult and junior backcountry champions for the largest combined total of all three species, the adult artificial division largest combined species, top professional guide, top professional angler, largest fish of each species in the adult division and largest trout in the kids division.

Entry fees are $150 per adult angler (age 18 and above), $75 per junior angler (ages 13-17) and $30 for kids 12 and under. Fees include social events. Nonanglers can purchase tickets for Friday and Sunday social events for $30 and $60, respectively. After Oct. 3, there is an additional $25 fee per angler and an additional $10 for social tickets.

The event is limited to 70 anglers, so organizers encourage early registration.

Proceeds help fund scholarships for college-bound Upper Keys students and adult vocational residents. Students from grades 7-12 pair with a mentor to qualify. The state of Florida matches funds raised to provide the scholarships.

Event information and registration: keylargorotary.org

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Ocean conservation, education initiatives and demonstrating positive impacts of citizen science in the Florida Keys and around the world are at the core of the mission for the nonprofit Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).

The four-day festival features social events, ocean-themed seminars, coral reef dives, snorkeling excursions with REEF fish surveyors to share helpful fish species knowledge, and guided kayak eco-tours to search for wading birds and nearshore marine life.

REEF Fest events kick off Thursday, Oct. 17, with morning dive and snorkel trips with area operators. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the REEF Campus, mile marker 98.3 in the Florida Keys Overseas Highway median, attendees can participate in an open-house gathering to meet and mingle, enjoy wine and craft beer, tour the interpretive center and walk a native plants trail.

Friday and Saturday, participants can again join morning dive, snorkel or kayak trips. Dedicated boat charters with Pirates Cove Watersports and Quiescence Diving Services are available for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday dive and snorkel excursions. A REEF representative is to be onboard with fish identification and survey materials. For paddlers, guided three-hour kayak tours with Florida Bay Outfitters can be booked Friday and Saturday mornings. Tours include all rental equipment, a lesson on paddling techniques, snacks, water and guide. Visit REEF.org/REEFfest/diving.

Friday and Saturday afternoons, marine conservation seminars are scheduled at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center, mile marker 102 bayside. Sessions are to begin each afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. There is also an evening session at 6 p.m. Friday. Registration is requested. Visit REEF.org/REEFfest/registration.

A 5-6 p.m. Friday social hour is planned as well.

Seminars are to cover topics that include ways citizen scientists are contributing to marine conservation, how upside-down jellyfish serve as bioindicators, underwater photographer Stephen Frink’s look back at his five decades of diving experience in Key Largo, and the Diving With a Purpose organization’s work to restore coral ecosystems and document maritime history.

At Saturday night’s “For the Love of the Sea” open-air celebration, festivalgoers can connect with friends for dinner, drinks and a Keys sunset over Florida Bay. The 5-8:30 p.m. festivities are to be held at a waterfront venue next to Quiescence Diving Services, mile marker 103.6 on Key Largo's Blackwater Sound.

The limited-seating dinner event is to feature passed appetizers, culinary stations, an open bar and a large silent auction. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets to “For the Love of the Sea” in advance on the registration page. The $95 price per person increases to $105 after Sept. 27.

REEF Fest is to conclude Sunday, Oct. 20, with a guided nature tour at Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Coffee and pastries are to be served before the tour. Visit REEF.org/REEFfest/conservation.

Event information: REEF.org/REEFfest or 305-852-0030

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Key West and Florida Keys Marathon international airports were not affected by the storm and remained open and operational. Some flight arrivals and departures were delayed or cancelled due to the weather. Passengers with reservations during the next day or two should continue contacting their airline to ensure flights are not impacted by weather in other regions.

Most land-based attractions, museums, restaurants and other businesses of interest to visitors remained open as the storm passed by the islands. Dive and fishing charterboats suspended operations, but are to return to normal operations as wind and seas subside. A “small craft should exercise caution” advisory for boaters, issued by the Florida Keys National Weather Service, should be discontinued by Monday night, said Jon Rizzo, the warning coordination meteorologist.

Electric utilities reported several outages that were quickly repaired.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges, is open, said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

No emergency protective actions, including visitor or resident evacuations, were taken by Monroe County Emergency Management officials who closely monitored the tropical cyclone.

The National Hurricane Center discontinued tropical storm warnings and watches for all Keys land areas Sunday morning.

Live Florida Keys webcams: https://fla-keys.com/webcams/

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With an emphasis on conservation and protection of the undersea environment, “Destination Dive” takes viewers on adventures as unique as the area it covers – the Florida Keys. The 125-mile-long chain of subtropical islands is the perfect setting for viewers to explore, and one of the global epicenters for conservation and regeneration.

“The Florida Keys is an area teeming with amazing marine life and people who are passionate about protecting our oceans,” said Mike Zimmer, the program’s executive producer. “Our audience will be captivated by the stories, the people and the visual beauty.” 

Episodes are to include:

Dive Like a Native: Sunday, Aug. 4, at 8 a.m. ET/PT
In this episode, viewers explore where Florida Keys locals dive and experience underwater gems they enjoy most. 

Wrecks -- Where Locals Love to Dive: Sunday, Aug. 11, at 8 a.m. ET/PT 
The episode chronicles some of the wrecks in the Florida Keys that locals love to dive, sharing each ship’s rich history and the stories it holds. The program also takes a deep dive to discuss how shipwrecks are beneficial to the environment. 

Volunteering to Help Our Oceans: Sunday, Aug. 18, at 8 a.m. ET/PT 
Viewers can meet people determined to make a difference by volunteering to help the marine environment in the Florida Keys. Find out how both residents and visitors are choosing to give back to the Keys’ underwater world. 

Groups Working to Restore Vital Ecosystems: Sunday, Aug. 25, at 8 a.m. ET/PT
The episode highlights organizations and programs making a difference in the Florida Keys. Viewers can learn how they help protect and restore vital ocean ecosystems.

What’s Being Done to Protect Keys Reefs: Sunday, Sept. 1, at 8 a.m. ET/PT
In this episode, the program explores what’s being done in the Keys to protect and save coral reefs. Segments will show innovative solutions researchers have created to protect and nurture corals and showcase the recovery that’s taking place.

“Destination Dive focuses on protecting our oceans,” Zimmer said. “I’m proud of the cinematography throughout our third season and the people whose stories we will share.”

For a sneak peek, visit destinationdive.tv.

For more information contact:
Mike Zimmer at mikezi007@aol.com

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The racing challenge, produced by Game On! Race Events and presented by City Bikes, includes swimming in calm waters off the beach at Pennekamp; biking on U.S. Highway 1, called the Florida Keys Overseas Highway; and running through the state park and Key Largo areas.

Competitors can choose the Olympic-distance or sprint-distance triathlon or duathlon or the Olympic aquabike event. Relay teams can compete in the Olympic triathlon or duathlon, with individual team members tackling different legs of the selected races.

The Olympic-distance triathlon features a .9-mile swim, a 24.8-mile bicycle ride through north Key Largo and a 6.2-mile run. Sprint-distance contenders are to complete a .25-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3.5-mile run.

Olympic aquabike entrants complete a .9-mile swim and 24.8-mile bike ride. Olympic duathlon athletes run for 1 mile, bike 24.8 miles and then run 6.2 miles; while sprint-distance duathlon entrants run for 1 mile, bike 12 miles and then run another 3.5 miles.

There are also two options for differently abled people to participate in the days’ athletic activities with volunteers through Special Compass Power Buddies.

Participants can pick up race packets from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at City Bike Aventura at 20335 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura, Florida.

Pickup in Key Largo is at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, and on race day from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. at the race site.

A first-timer’s clinic is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday during the Pennekamp Park packet pickup.

Sunday’s races are to have staggered starts from 6:40 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. All participants should arrive at the race venue by 5:30 a.m.

A post-event party and awards ceremony is to take place at Pennekamp’s Cannon Beach. Awards await the top three finishers in varying age groups, top three overall male and female finishers, and top three male and female masters (age 40 and above).

One northbound lane of U.S. 1 from mile marker 102.5 (the entrance to Pennekamp Park) to mile marker 105 is to be coned off for cyclists’ use between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The other northbound lane will remain open to vehicular traffic.

Race registration, information and course maps: keylargotriathlon.com 

Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088

Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • Pinterest • TikTok • Keys Voices Blog

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The 24-hour period Sunday, July 14, limited to Florida residents only, is an addition to the recreational spiny lobster sport season, also known as “mini season” and held annually on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July.

The “bonus” day begins at 12:01 a.m. July 14 and carries the same rules and regulations that apply to the regular July 24-25 mini season. In addition, the Keys’ Monroe County and local municipalities have their own rules regarding shoreline diving that are to be enforced. For example, night diving is not permitted in the Keys during sport season days.

It should be noted that some rules in the Keys, especially bag limits, differ from the remainder of Florida. Bag limits in the Keys are six lobsters per person, per day. All “keepers” must be larger than 3 inches on the carapace and be measured in the water.

“Size and bag limits really matter in the Florida Keys,” said Captain David Dipre of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Regulations are important because this is a national marine sanctuary.”

Keys lobster-catching regulations for the sport season days and regular lobster season can be found at KeysLobsterSeason.com. The dedicated website features videos highlighting dive and boating safety tips, and up-to-date rules and regulations for lobster harvesting within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Law enforcement agencies work together to strictly enforce lobster harvest and boating safety regulations. Divers should be in good physical health and, before embarking on their lobster excursion, ensure they are current with their dive certification and verify that their dive equipment and boating gear are all in good working order.

Regular lobster season begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, and continues through March 31.

Keys lobster season information: KeysLobsterSeason.com

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

Florida Keys dive information: fla-keys.com/diving/

Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • Pinterest • TikTok • Keys Voices Blog

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The nautical challenge brings boaters to the Keys for a fun-filled competition, with points earned based on timing of arrivals and departures at scheduled locations, as well as sporting activities including paddleboarding, a treasure hunt, a costume contest and more.

Three categories of boats are to participate — sport line boats, cabin cruisers and high-performance craft.

Rally boaters are to kick off the weekend with a captains meeting Thursday, Aug. 1, to pick up their boat number, rally shirts, detailed information on the weekend’s competitions and safety information.

Friday, Aug. 2, participating boats are to travel from Miami’s Biscayne Bay with stops at Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo and Islamorada’s sandbar, with a full afternoon schedule of competitive activities to accrue points. Boaters are scheduled to depart the sandbar at 5 p.m. and travel to Marathon’s Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club for the night.

Saturday, Aug. 3, rally boaters are to head to a sandbar in the Grassy Key area for a relaxing day of fun in the sun and a costume contest — the final chance to earn points in the rally competition.

The rally’s closing and award ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Faro Blanco.

Sunday, Aug. 4, boaters can remain in the Keys or return to the Florida mainland on their own schedule.

Registration is $200 per boat for up to four participants, with additional participants $75 each. Fees include admission to the rally along with Miami Boat Rally/Florida Keys Rendezvous shirts, nautical guides, logistics, support boats and participation in boating and sandbar activities that are to be accompanied by photo and video teams.

Event information: miamiboatrally.com

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Derby teams in two divisions are to hit the water to capture and remove as many non-native lionfish as possible. The Apex Predators division is designed with greater prize money for competitive divers, while Reef Defenders is a more casual division with less prize money but equally credible bragging rights.

Over $6,000 in cash and prizes is to be awarded to those scoring the most lionfish, the largest lionfish and the smallest, and to the winner of the golden fish raffle award.

Teams of two to four people can register online by Friday, July 12, for an early bird rate of $90 per team. Thereafter, registration is $120 per team until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.

A mandatory team captains meeting is set for Aug. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the REEF campus, 98300 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Remote attendance by team captains will be allowed this year, but all team members are encouraged to attend the in-person meeting. The meeting’s focus is lionfish ecology, the best collecting tools and safe handling techniques.

Derby participants can hunt from sunrise to sundown Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17, collecting lionfish by spearing, netting or by hook and line while scuba diving, snorkeling or free diving and following all federal and state fishing regulations. Participants can dive from a private vessel or with a professional dive operator.

“Invaders on Tap, a Lionfish Awareness Celebration,” is slated for 4-9 p.m. Saturday at Florida Keys Brewing Company, 81611 Old Highway in Islamorada. Open to the public as well as Lionfish Derby participants, it is to feature engaging activities, the Tacos Jalisco food truck, live music and family-friendly fun.

Although there is no scheduled hunting Sunday, Aug. 18, all fish are to be turned in to the scoring station at REEF between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.  

Sunday’s festival activities, open to the public and set for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the REEF campus, include team scoring and awards. Attendees can also enjoy games, educational demos and raffles for prizes.

REEF staff will provide lionfish fillet and dissection demonstrations, plus free lionfish ceviche samples. Although commonly served as ceviche or sushi, lionfish can be prepared like any other fish and is similar to halibut or grouper in texture and flavor.

The Lionfish Derby awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Winning teams do not need to be in attendance, but teams must arrange to pick up any prizes if they are not at the awards.

Founded in Key Largo in 1990, REEF has joined the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Keys dive community to provide hands-on opportunities for “citizen scientist” recreational divers.

Lionfish hunters focused on sustainability can actively remove the invasive, voracious species that was introduced to Florida waters during the 1980s, lessening the pressure on existing reef fish ecosystems and providing a healthy new food source for human consumption.

Event details and REEF information: REEF.org/derby or 305-852-0030

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Several resort properties in the Keys have been enhanced and rebranded, with changes including the full renovations of two hotels established during the 1920s and of a gay men’s resort in Key West. An expansive new contemporary resort in Islamorada is to open this fall.

Here’s what’s new in the Keys:

Keys Airlift

Key West International Airport (EYW) experienced a 20% increase in airline seat capacity and tallied more than 450,000 passengers during the first quarter of 2024. A 49,000-square-foot Concourse A expansion, with overall project completion targeted by spring 2026, is to include eight glass jet bridges, state-of-the-art baggage carousels, extended TSA lines, additional restrooms and is designed to withstand 200 mph winds and storm surge while addressing long-term passenger needs. New venues are to include a First Call Beach Bar at baggage claim, Chili's restaurant and Farm 2 Air Market. At EYW, Signature Aviation recently unveiled a new private 4,500-square-foot terminal with covered parking facilities, second-story patio with panoramic views, a pilot's lounge, café and work areas. Six carriers — Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Silver — serve EYW with 21 destinations and more than 20 nonstop flights. Visit eyw.com/concourse-a or call 305-809-5200.

In the Middle Keys at Marathon International Airport, a Million Air fixed-base operations facility is tentatively slated to open in late 2025. Facilities are to include a full-service indoor-outdoor restaurant and parklike green roof, open to both passengers and the Marathon community. Million Air offers a staffed beverage cart on arrival for passengers. The operation includes 16 acres of ramp space and a 5,008-foot-long runway. Million Air acquired the former Marathon Jet Center at the Middle Keys airport in January 2022 as the aviation company’s fourth fixed-base operation in Florida. Visit millionair.com/locations/mth/ or call 305-743-1995.

Keys Accommodations

At Everglades National Park, an all-new 75-seat stand-alone restaurant is open at the 24-unit Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant, unveiled in fall 2023 with studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, kitchenettes and balconies overlooking Florida Bay. Offering catch-and-cook options and casual fare, the restaurant is open to all park visitors. The park’s pink Guy Bradley Visitor Center — with a Florida National Parks Association bookstore, interactive nature and art exhibits, and expansive views overlooking Florida Bay — is open Fridays through Tuesdays (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 31) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 2,400-square-mile Everglades National Park is the continental United States' third-largest national park. Park entrance fees for vehicles and vessels are $35 for a seven-day pass. Visit flamingo everglades.com/flamingo-lodge-restaurant or call 855-708-2207.

In Key Largo, the 200-room Baker’s Cay Resort at 97000 Overseas Highway is revitalizing its rooftop garden with fresh herbs, tomatoes, edible flowers, cucumbers and other vegetables to enhance garden-to-table fare. Executive Chef Carolann Wheeler is developing the resort’s Chef’s Garden to seasonally enhance menus with fresh produce. Sustainability elements throughout the resort include no single-use plastics in meeting setups, handmade organic confetti for wedding packages, refillable and recyclable bottles of water by Florida-based Proud Source, and team activities involving local conservation groups. A resort team-building activity includes group raft building using repurposed materials. Groups of up to six can build rafts to race on Florida Bay. Visit bakerscay.com or call 305-852-5553.

Islamorada Resort Collection is to offer 379 guestrooms and a world-class fishing fleet when its newest resort, the 214-room Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, is unveiled in Islamorada this fall. Billed "as an unexpected oceanfront experience unlike any resort currently in the Florida Keys," the resort joins Tribute Portfolio, Marriott Bonvoy’s collection of independent hotels, as the brand's first in the Keys. The new resort is to offer The Cove, an adult-centric resort-within-a-resort with island-inspired rooms and suites with only king beds, a private beach lagoon, and the resort's Wave Motion Studio, a fitness center overlooking the beach. A rum library is to offer tastings on check-in. The property, with 80,000 square feet of meeting space, is to feature nine dining concepts including an island-style pizza restaurant and those featuring wood-fired fare and Central American cuisine; two retail shops; a water taxi for guests; a full-service marina; and a renovated Tiki bar. Planned activities include fly-casting and kayak fishing; offshore and backcountry fishing; and ocean adventures by Spray Watersports, with a 26-mile personal watercraft tour of backcountry mangroves and wildlife preserves. The collection currently includes the 110-room Amara Cay Resort and the 55-unit La Siesta Resort & Villas. Visit islamoradaresortcollection.com or call 866-806-0730. 

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, located in the heart of the Keys at 1996 Overseas Highway in Marathon, is to convert July 10 to Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Curio Collection by Hilton. The property, known for its iconic 65-foot-tall Faro Blanco Lighthouse from the 1950s, is unveiling fully renovated guest rooms, the restored historic Parrish House featuring a private suite, and additional experiences throughout the resort by late this year. Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club and the adjacent Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort, combined, are to feature four pools, four dining options, a white sand beach, watersports and 250 guest rooms. Also new are one-story bungalows, a multilevel pool deck with bar and infinity pool, poolside cabanas, and a spa and fitness center. Visit faroblanco.com or call 305-743-1234.

In Key West, the 39-unit Island House Resort is nearing the completion of its extensive property renovation of rooms and apartments, poolside bar, 24-hour café, expansive sundeck and indoor spa. Completion is slated for October before the island’s popular Fantasy Fest celebration. Resort manager James Braun designed and fabricated the guest rooms’ custom-made LED backlit headboards complementing the property's new aesthetic, described as “mid-century modern Key West chic.” The clothing-optional resort, operational since 1976 with a unique longevity among men’s gay-owned and -operated properties, is billed as “the best gay resort in the world” and stands at 1129 Fleming St. Visit islandhousekeywest.com or call 800-890-6284 or 305-294-6284.

In Key West, the downtown La Concha Key West hotel at 430 Duval St. offers 160 freshly renovated rooms and 14 additional seventh-floor suites named Grande Dame Villas at the Rooftop. Suites feature textured furniture, diagonal square wooden tile patterns, gold and rattan details, floor-to-ceiling windows and Bose sound systems — as well as concierge services and amenities such as fresh flowers, stocked fridge, welcome gift, seasonal fruit, assorted beverages and a La Rubia Panama hat. Undergoing complete renovations are the property's public spaces including the lobby, exterior façade and rooftop pool. Food and libation venues include Tropicado with classic crafted cocktails; Perla and El Dom Coffee Shop with fine and casual Cuban cuisine; and Epicurean with gourmet grab-n-go items, gifts from Key West stores such as La Rubia Key West Authentic Panama Hats, Rodriguez cigars, handcrafted jewelry and sandals. La Concha originally opened in 1926 as a luxury hotel with marble floors, private baths and ocean views. The hotel is expected to join Marriott's Autograph Collection when renovations are completed. Visit laconchakeywest.com or call 305-296-2991.

Key West’s Pier House Resort & Spa, with 119 rooms and 23 suites, is launching an educational Marine Science Eco Experience at 1 p.m. on July 12, 19 and 26. The program explores hands-on experience with sea urchins and cucumbers, decorator crabs and other sea life, loggerhead turtle nesting and the role of coral reefs, marine mammals and invasive species and mangrove and seagrass ecology. The property is located at 1 Duval St. Visit pierhouse.com or call 305-296-4600.

The landmark 311-room Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, at 1500 Reynolds St., this summer opens its newest beachfront restaurant Dorada, the resort’s outdoor oceanside dining outlet serving “Baja-Med” fare and cocktails. Additional food and beverage venues include the signature Flagler’s restaurant with outdoor patio, the Canary Room lobby bar and lounge, and Morrison's Market with takeaway provisions, goods and gifts. Casa Marina Key West’s renovation includes a new 5,000-square-foot oceanfront event lawn, added to an existing 11,000 square feet of indoor event space — including the newly enhanced 3,100-square-foot Flagler's Ballroom, 2,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom and versatile 5,000-square-foot Keys Ballroom. All guest rooms — including 63 suites, many with large oceanfront balconies and patios — are renovated. Two upgraded piers accommodate watersports and group activities such as personal watercraft tours, sunset sails and private snorkeling trips on a luxury catamaran. Visit casamarinaresort.com or call 305-296-3535.

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers restaurant Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen, at 601 Front St. as a waterfront sea-to-table venue that launched as a pop-up in May 2023. It features fresh catches, hand-crafted cocktails and a daily 5-6 p.m. happy hour. In addition, Hyatt Centric Key West is the first Hyatt resort to implement "The Infinite Bottle Project," serving Proud Source Water in "infinitely recyclable" aluminum packaging. Working toward a goal of becoming a single-use plastic-free resort, the Key West resort has marked a milestone collection of one ton of aluminum from the property and surrounding community. Visit fourflamingoskeywest.com or hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/kwest-hyatt-centric-key-west-resort-and-spa/environmental-sustainability, or call 305-809-4000 or 305-809-1234.

Keys Sustainability

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has launched its Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail pass featuring 55 free geo-tagged, bookable experiences such as visiting Keys eco-attractions, taking a backcountry kayak tour or exploring the island chain’s wildlife refuges and state parks. Newly added vendors include Key West Aquarium, Sol Chaser Charters and Mellow Ventures. Trail participants can discover unique nature tours, wildlife centers and refuges, coral restoration opportunities and fishing, diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The mobile-exclusive digital Florida Keys Eco-Experience pass features offers, added values and Keys-branded prizes. Visit fla-keys.com/experience. 

Eco-friendly choices for booking Keys accommodations and diving and fishing trips — through the Florida Green Lodging and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Blue Star programs — are now highlighted by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council through designated icons on the Keys’ website. Choices in each of the Keys’ five districts are designated on the website with a Green Lodging leaf graphic or a Blue Star logo. Currently, state-designated Green Lodging properties include 17 Keys lodging establishments, while the Blue Star program features 34 dive operators and 20 fishing operators throughout the Keys. Visit fla-keys.com.

World-renowned marine conservationist Sylvia Earle and her organization Mission Blue have declared South Florida’s coastal area — the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands, including Biscayne Bay — a Hope Spot, scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean. “This Hope Spot combines the mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs and the deep waters beyond all together, making this an amazing place highly regarded by people all over the world,” Earle said. The new Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Island Hope Spot connects the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary with the waters of the national parks of Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands and Biscayne Bay, forming a link between the established Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal South Florida Hope Spots. Visit missionblue.org/hope-spots/.

In Key Largo, the new REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation at the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is to be unveiled June 8, 2025, on World Oceans Day. The $5 million, 4,000-square-foot two-story facility, with a second-floor balcony, is to feature an ocean exploration gallery and three centers for discovery science, ocean outreach and program planning. REEF’s headquarters is a classic conch-style house, known as the oldest building in the Upper Keys still in its original location. Its on-site Interpretive Center, for groups of up to 80, currently provides educational experiences about fish identification, lionfish and mangrove ecology. REEF is located at 98300 Overseas Highway. Visit reef.org/oec or call 305-852-0030.

The Key West Wildlife Center is constructing a new wildlife rescue and rehabilitation clinic within the 7-acre Indigenous Park, located off White Street near Atlantic Boulevard. The new facility, as an avian clinic and a welcome center, is to feature a dedicated treatment area with 25% more interior space for patient care, 40% more exterior space for rehabilitation, and ample protected space for education and outreach. The center also provides rehabilitation for non-avian species. Some 1,500 native wildlife patients were rescued in 2023, said executive director Tom Sweets. The center, at 1801 White St., currently is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, with variable hours during the week due to the construction. Visit keywestwildlifecenter.org or call 305-292-1008.

Keys Parks

The Monroe County Parks and Beaches department is installing more than 30 public pickleball courts this year to meet Keys demand to participate in the recreational sports craze. At Key Largo Community Park at 500 St. Croix Place,10 are set for completion this summer. On Big Pine Key, three courts at Blue Heron Park at 30451 Lyttons Way are to be completed this year, for a total of six. Pickleball lines have been added to two Big Pine Key Community Park tennis courts at 31009 Atlantis Drive. Courts are available at Bay Point Park, 6 W. Circle Drive at mile marker 15 in the Lower Keys. In Key West at Higgs Beach on Atlantic Boulevard, there are six permanent courts and two multipurpose courts with an additional six pickleball courts on two tennis courts. Visit parksandbeaches.fun or call 305-453-8748.

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Events include:
 
Key West

The Rotary Club of Key West kicks off the morning of Thursday, July 4, at 7:30 a.m. with a healthy “bang” during the annual 4th of July 5k Walk/Run, beginning and ending at the Edward B. Knight Pier, 1801 White St. In-person registration starts at 6:45 a.m. Later in the day, the club presents its Patriotic Party capped by the annual Independence Day fireworks show staged from the pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Starting at 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy music and purchase drinks and food including burgers and hot dogs, with proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club’s scholarship fund. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Visit keywestrotary.com.

The Key Lime Festival features culinary and libation adventures Wednesday through Sunday, July 3-7, showcasing the tiny fruit that inspired Key lime pie, the Florida Keys’ signature dessert. The lip-smacking World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, the festival highlight, is set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the oceanfront Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. Participants with their hands behind their backs must dive in face-first to devour an entire 9-inch Key lime pie faster than their rivals. The event is free for spectators and gates open at 11 a.m. Visit keylimefestival.com.

The Key West Mermaid Festival pod welcomes the public Thursday, July 4, for its “Red, White and Blue and Mermaids, Too” splashing party at Lagerheads Beach Bar, 0 Simonton St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival continues Saturday, July 6, with the second-annual Meet the Mermaids event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 Quay Road. Expect a “mer-velous” ocean of mermaids throughout the center, including King Neptune, Ariel and Prince Eric, and members of the Key West mermaid pod. Ocean and mermaid-themed costumes for kids are encouraged but not required. The event is free, but donations are encouraged to fund the Eco-Discovery Center. Visit facebook.com/keywestmermaidfestival.

Big Pine & the Lower Keys
The Lower Keys Rotary Club hosts Independence Day festivities Wednesday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31. Attractions include vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities and entertainment. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554889078505.    

Marathon

A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach, followed by food and games. Fireworks hosted by the City of Marathon and the Marathon Rotary Club start around 9 p.m. US1 Radio 104.1 is to play patriotic music to accompany the fireworks display. Boaters are encouraged to watch from the beach. Admission is free. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com.

Isla Bella Beach Resort is to stage its first Keys’ Musician Fest with a full day of live music Thursday, July 4. The event is free for resort guests, with tickets available for non-guests. The music starts at 11 a.m. and continues through 8:30 p.m., followed by a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. Visit islabellabeachresort.com/summer-music-festival.

Islamorada

The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada co-host a 6-10 p.m. Independence Day Celebration Thursday, July 4, at Founders Park, mile marker 87. Food and beverage options are to include food truck fare and soda, water, beer and rum punch for purchase. Activities include music, face painting and a Patriotic People and Puppy Parade at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning after sunset. Attendance is free with a $10 donation for parking. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Visit Islamorada.fl.us/486/July-4^th-Celebration-and-Fireworks. 

Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill, mile marker 85.3 oceanside, is to presents its traditional Fourth of July Party & Fireworks celebration Saturday, July 6. The evening features music by Wide Open, a Jason Aldean tribute band, as well as fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. Visit hogheavenbarandgrill.com. 
           
Key Largo

The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual “Celebrating Freedom” Fourth of July parade 10-11:45 a.m. beginning at mile marker 98.2 and proceeding to Laguna Avenue near Key Largo Community Park. The celebration continues beginning at 5 p.m. at Rowell’s Waterfront Park, mile marker 104.5 bayside, with live music, games and activities for kids, plus food and beverages for purchase. The annual Blackwater Sound fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are available for an adults-only VIP tent. Free parking with shuttle service is available at Key Largo School, mile marker 104.8 oceanside. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. The fireworks also can also be viewed at several businesses located on the Bay. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events.

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July 12-13: Key West Association of Realtors Charity Fishing Tournament. Key West. Anglers fish for the largest dolphin fish by weight with prizes awarded for first-, second- and third-place fish, and additional prizes for the largest tuna and wahoo. Tournament activities are based at the Key West Yacht Club and proceeds benefit the KWAR CARES foundation, providing help to many charities in the Florida Keys. Visit kwarfishing.com. 

July 14-17: Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament. Sugarloaf Key. Anglers fly fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as anglers. Visit delbrown.com or call 305-360-6969.

July 17-20: Key West Marlin Tournament. Key West. Anglers can ply the waters once fished by legendary writer Ernest Hemingway while vying for $50,000 in cash prizes. Teams are to earn points for blue marlin, white marlin, spearfish and “fun fish” species. Activities include a nightly celebratory dinner, a silent auction and an awards banquet. For anglers of every skill level, the contest coincides with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival that celebrates the literary giant’s adventurous spirit. Only 75 entries are available. Visit keywestmarlin.com.

Aug. 12: Bartenders Dolphin Tournament. Layton. This one-day dolphin tournament is open to bartenders and restaurant employees. Kick-off and weigh-in events are to be held at the Florida Boy restaurant at mile marker 68 in Layton. Email ditournaments@aol.com.

Sept. 20-22: Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Fishing Championship. Islamorada. Named after the man known affectionately as “Mr. Everglades,” the event is headquartered at the Islander Resort. Anglers target fish only in the boundaries of Everglades National Park, fishing areas that Lucerne favored, and are challenged to catch at least one tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum or bass with the goal being to catch all seven species. Awards are given in 22 individual categories at a ceremony hosted at the Islander Resort. Visit hermanlucernememorial.com or email wesley@lockeandkeyproductions.com.

Oct. 4-6: Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Key Largo. This annual tournament put on by the Rotary Club of Key Largo offers anglers the opportunity to win coveted trophies for trout, snook and redfish. Fishing is allowed around the clock from Friday night through Sunday afternoon. A popular weekend auction showcase and Sunday evening dinner are open to the public. Proceeds support vocational and educational scholarships for financially challenged Upper Keys students. Visit keylargorotary.org.

Oct. 14-16: Islamorada Fall All-Tackle Bonefish and Permit Championship. Islamorada. Dubbed the “Fall All-Tackle,” the three-day challenge attracts energized newcomers to face seasoned veterans in a competition that has taken place since 1970. One angler per boat pairs with a licensed captain to vie for division winners’ trophies for the three longest bonefish and three longest permit. Email islamoradafallalltackle@gmail.com.

Oct. 16-17: Casting for Cats Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada. This formerly all-female tournament now has a co-ed division and a women’s division. Anglers earn points for catching bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish using bait, artificial lures or fly tackle. Points are also awarded for ladyfish, sharks, jacks and spotted sea trout. The event is a major fundraiser to help control the feral cat population in the Upper Keys. Call Sharon Mahoney Ellenwood at 305-664-2012.

Oct. 18-20: “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Florida Keys Saltwater Seminar and Fishing Fever Inshore/Offshore Tournament. Islamorada. Female fishing fans can learn or polish angling skills during the award-winning weekend seminar with two days of optional charter fishing and Fishing Fever Fun Tournament. More than 8,000 female graduates have immersed themselves in the lighthearted yet skill-heavy curriculum to learn and hone abilities in offshore, bottom, inshore and fly fishing. Visit ladiesletsgofishing.com or email fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Nov. 1-2: Fall Backcountry Fly Championship. Islamorada. Tournament anglers compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly in a challenge where 1 inch equals 1 point. Awards are to be given to the grand champion, the anglers who catch the largest snook and redfish, and the “King of the Backcountry” series grand champion among others. Visit BFCtournament.com.

Nov. 7-9: Cheeca Lodge & Spa All-American Backcountry Tournament. Islamorada. Anglers compete for prizes and trophies in this annual all-release event targeting snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. The tournament was inspired by George H. W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, and honors war heroes in an esteemed competition held over Veterans Day weekend. Proceeds benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Visit cheeca.com/allamerican.

Nov. 14-16: Sugarloaf Showdown. Sugarloaf Key. Angling teams can vie for victory by targeting bonefish, permit and barracuda during the annual Sugarloaf Showdown in support of the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation. The catch-and-release challenge is presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association. For more information and registration, visit sugarloafshowdown.com.

Dec. 6-8: Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship trifecta is the only tournament in the series to offer a junior division for anglers age 16 and younger. Unlimited anglers are allowed per boat. Visit islamoradasailfishtournament.com or email ditournaments@aol.com.

Dec. 13-15: Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament. Islamorada. The Florida Keys’ oldest sailfish tournament for kids age 16 and under celebrates its 60th year. Contact fishnbully@msn.com or call 305-240-9337.

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

Florida Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing

Florida Keys fishing tournaments: fla-keys.com/calendar/fishing

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Captained by Skye Stanley of Islamorada, Florida, Hurricane II’s team of Josh Hufstetler of Thomasville, Georgia, and Matthew Carlton from Tallahassee, Florida, captured first place and $27,980 with a combined weight of 41.1 pounds for three dolphin fish caught over two days of fishing. Hufstetler’s 29.9-pounder earned him $8,485 for the largest dolphin fish caught on the tournament’s first day, bringing the team’s total winnings to $36,465.  

Shaka Kai was the second-place team, winning $15,985 for a combined weight of 39.5 pounds for three dolphin fish. Consisting of Captain Joshua Holmes of Homestead, Florida, Ryan Clevenger of Grandville, Ohio, and Shawn Shipman of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Shaka Kai brought in additional cash prizes of $6,844 for Shipman’s 15-pound mahi-mahi, the second-largest fish on day two; and $500 for Holmes’ 20.3 pounder, the third-largest fish on day one, for total team winnings of $23,329.

In third place was Team Crazyfish, with Florida anglers from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key Biscayne who caught three dolphin fish that totaled 36 pounds to win $5,000.

The second-largest fish on day one weighed 20.8 pounds, with a payout of $4,990 for Daniel Frade of Fort Pierce, Florida, fishing on Putemindakoola.

The largest fish on day two, weighing 16.7 pounds, was caught by Daniel Gonzalez of Ormond Beach, Florida, aboard team Net Worker with a prize of $2,500.

Jill Paglia from Ocala, Florida, won $2,000 for the largest fish caught by a lady angler with 13.6 pounds aboard Executive Decision.

The award for the largest fish caught by a senior angler and a $1,000 prize went to Paul Knapp of Pompano Beach, Florida, for an 8.2-pound fish aboard Pauly’s Girl.

The top junior angler, Brock Stoky of Key Largo, won $500 for his 7.3-pound fish caught on the Reel Stoked.

The “largest other species fish” winners each took home a King Sailfish Mount trophy and $750. They were Deep Green angler Michael Born from Key Largo with a 10-pound kingfish; Eco Marine’s Lindsay Nara of Port Charlotte, Florida, who caught a 13.7-pound wahoo; and Jessie Hall from Islamorada with a 16.9-pound tuna caught while fishing on Salt Shaker.  

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One of the world’s largest coral restoration efforts, Coralpalooza helps raise awareness about the importance of preserving and conserving the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys. It is planned each year around World Oceans Day, commemorated internationally on June 8.

Hundreds of recreational divers from across the United States are to join the effort to care for coral Thursday through Saturday, June 6-8. Hands-on dive activities include helping CRF staff and interns in underwater coral nurseries.

Although the 2024 dive days are sold out, Coralpalooza offers exciting free-admission land events that are open to the public.

Land-based events in the Keys begin with a Sips and Science gathering set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the CRF Exploration Center, 5 Seagate Blvd. in Key Largo. Attendees can enjoy complimentary beer, wine and other beverages while listening to speakers discuss the science of saving coral reefs.

To mark World Oceans Day itself, CRF is to host an unforgettable day of fun, learning and making a difference for coral reefs at a land-based extravaganza at the CRF Exploration Center.

Set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., activities are to include hands-on reef outplanting demonstrations; virtual reality dives that enable participants to immerse themselves in a virtual coral reef without getting wet; create-your-own-reef art activities; multiple hands-on learning stations and fun photo ops.

Divers interested in participating in Coralpalooza’s dive activities next year can register to receive a first-alert email shortly before the 2025 registration opens.

Event information: coralrestoration.org/coralpalooza-2024, facebook.com/CoralRestorationFoundation

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"Resorts throughout the Keys are enhancing group programming, adding unique opportunities for learning about and experiencing sustainability and eco-tourism,” said Jack Meier, group sales manager for the Keys' Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

“Our resorts have also revitalized and expanded outdoor event spaces to further accommodate increasing attendee levels, another trend we continue to see,” Meier said.

The Keys are an ideal island destination for meetings of 15 to 100 attendees.

Nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, sustainability and historic preservation offer unique only-in-the Keys educational and networking opportunities — among driving forces with face-to-face in-person meetings — for groups.

The Keys are easily accessible from 21 major U.S. cities with six airlines providing more than 20 nonstop flights, some with newly added jet service to Key West International Airport.

To download the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s meeting planner guide and read its Keys Traveler MICE edition, visit fla-keys.com\kla-mice.

Keys Airlift

Key West International Airport (EYW) tallied more than a 20% increase in airline seat capacity and more than 450,000 passengers during the first quarter of 2024. Six carriers — Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Silver and United — serve EYW with 21 destinations and more than 20 nonstop flights. A 49,000-square-foot Concourse A expansion, set for completion in 2026, is to include spaces for eight gates, additional restrooms, support areas and is to improve the airport's service and operational flexibility with ramp operations, safety and efficiency while addressing long-term passenger needs. New venues are to include a First Call Beach Bar at baggage claim, Chili’s restaurant and Farm 2 Air Market. Also at EYW, Signature Aviation has unveiled a new private 4,500-square-foot aviation terminal with covered parking facilities, second-story patio with panoramic views and pilot’s lounge, work areas and a café. Visit eyw.com/airlines, eyw.com/concourse-a or call 305-809-5200.

Keys Accommodations

In Key Largo, the 200-room Baker's Cay Resort — with over 20,000 square feet of meeting space including a 7,000-square-foot outdoor garden set among shady coconut palm trees — is revitalizing its rooftop garden with fresh herbs, tomatoes, edible flowers, cucumbers and other vegetables to enhance garden-to-table fare. Executive Chef Carolann Wheeler is developing the resort's Chef's Garden to seasonally enhance menus with fresh produce. Sustainability initiatives throughout the resort include no single-use plastics in meeting setups, handmade organic confetti for wedding packages, refillable and recyclable bottles of water by Florida-based Proud Source, and team activities involving local conservation groups. A resort team-building activity includes group raft building using repurposed materials. Groups of up to six can build rafts to race on Florida Bay. The property is located at 97000 Overseas Highway. Visit bakerscay.com or call 305-852-5553.

The beachfront Islander Resort Islamorada, undergoing a multi-phase renovation set for completion by mid-December, has unveiled refurbished guest rooms, amenities and resort activities at the 82100 Overseas Highway property. Fully renovated bungalows feature oceanside rooms and suites with updated furniture and interiors in creams, whites, soft pinks and light blues, complementing each room's private patio and lush manicured foliage. Its nearby renovated Bayside Villas at Islander Resort, with townhome-style accommodations redone in the same aesthetic with refurbished kitchens, is at 81450 Overseas Highway. Indoor meeting space, totaling 18,000 square feet, also is slated for renovations. Upgrades are planned at three on-site dining options: Tides Beachside Bar & Grill, offering lunch, dinner and cocktails with poolside and beachside service; Elements Restaurant, serving breakfast; and the Oasis oceanfront food truck. Visit islanderfloridakeys.com or call 305-664-2031.

Islamorada Resort Collection is to offer 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 379 guestrooms,12 dining outlets and a world-class fishing fleet when its newest resort, the 214-room Three Waters Resort & Marina, is unveiled in Islamorada this fall as an independent Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio hotel — the brand’s first Florida Keys location. The property is to feature an island-style pizza restaurant, wood-fired fare and Central American cuisine; two retail shops; a water taxi for guests; a full-service marina; and a renovated Tiki Bar. The Collection currently includes the 110-room Amara Cay Resort and the 55-unit La Siesta Resort & Villas. Planned activities include offshore and backcountry fishing and ocean adventures by Spray Watersports, with a 26-mile personal watercraft tour of backcountry mangroves and wildlife preserves. Visit islamoradaresortcollection.com or call 866-806-0730. 

Islamorada’s 27-acre oceanfront Cheeca Lodge & Spa — with 243 rooms and suites, and 11 standalone casitas that can be booked as a group buyout — has a total 70,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. Its standalone 10,000-square-foot Islamorada Ballroom is billed as the Keys' largest and accommodates up to 1,500 for receptions and 788 for banquet-style dinners. Forty-three premier oceanfront suites each offer over 550 square feet, a private balcony and open-air spa tub. The Casitas at Cheeca Lodge feature personalized butler service and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 750 to 2,100 square feet. Cheeca Lodge is located at 81801 Overseas Highway. Visit  cheeca.com or call 844-489-9664.

The 125-unit Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, with over 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and located by Marathon's iconic 1950s lighthouse, is to convert to Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, in July. Located at 1996 Overseas Highway, the property is to include one-story bungalows, a new multi-level pool deck with bar and infinity pool, poolside cabanas and an all-new spa and fitness center. On the resort's third floor, premium king and queen rooms are fully renovated with new furniture and accents featuring light wood tones, natural textures and Keys-inspired tropical art. All guest rooms are to be renovated by the end of summer 2024. Visit faroblancoresort.com or call 305-743-1234.

The Middle Keys' newest luxury property, the 24-acre,199-unit Isla Bella Beach Resort, a Virtuoso Preferred resort at 1 Knights Key Blvd. in Marathon, has more than 20,000 square feet of function space, including 16,000 of outdoor space and a 2,800-square-foot Hibiscus Event Center. The resort recently launched a partnership with Conch Republic Marine Army, with complimentary voluntourism excursions available for hotel guests. The organization dedicates resources to the cleanup and restoration of mangrove habitats in the Florida Keys. For new groups of 20 or more rooms per night, group perks include an "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" welcome reception, breakfast vouchers at Marketplace, private pool for a day, fee-waived indoor meeting space, reduced outdoor site fees, premium room upgrades, one complimentary room night for 40 booked, and reduced resort and parking fees. Offerings include a recently launched Sushi Cabana, on-site fishing, diving and watersports charters, a 4,000-square-foot spa, five pools, and five food and beverage venues. Visit islabellabeachresort.com or call 305-481-9451.

The legendary 311-room Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, has unveiled extensive renovations to its 1500 Reynolds St. property. Accommodating groups from 10 to 500, a new 5,000-square-foot oceanfront event lawn has been added to its existing 11,000 square feet of indoor event space — which includes the newly enhanced 3,100-square-foot historic Flagler's Ballroom, 2,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom and versatile 5,000-square-foot Keys Ballroom. All guest rooms — including 63 suites, many with large oceanfront balconies and patios — are renovated. The resort's food and beverage outlets include the new lobby bar and lounge inspired by Ernest Hemingway, The Canary Room, as well as Morrison's Market and Flagler's Ballroom. A new beach bar has opened with food service. Dorada, the resort’s signature oceanside restaurant, is scheduled to open in late May. Two upgraded piers accommodate watersports and group activities such as personal watercraft tours, private snorkeling trips on a luxury catamaran and sunset sails. Sister property The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, is located at 1435 Simonton St. on Key West's only private natural sand beach. The Reach caters to small groups and retreats with over 4,000 square feet of indoor event space and nearly 6,000 square feet of outdoor space including an oceanfront event lawn and Overseas Gazebo that can be converted into an intimate boardroom floating above water. Visit casamarinaresort.com or call 305-296-3535, or reachresort.com or call 305-296-5000.

Key West’s Beachside Resort, with 10,000 total square feet of meeting space including a 5,675-square-foot ballroom, has been rebranded as the 222-room Beachside Resort & Residences by Spottswood Companies, based in Key West. Its management company Brightwild, which connects guests to local culture, offers guest experiences, managers and city guides to customize visitor experiences like those enjoyed by residents. “Over the years, our journey with legacy brands like Marriott, Hyatt and IGH has shown us that the transition to a model like Brightwild is precisely what Beachside Resort needs to ensure that we remain one of the best resorts in Key West,” said Robert Spottswood Jr., president of Spottswood Companies and co-founder of Brightwild. Spottswood Companies opened Beachside Resort, located at 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd., in 2007. Visit beachsidekeywest.com or call 305-295-8100.

Keys Attractions

In Key Largo, The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is constructing its new REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation, to be unveiled June 8, 2025, on World Ocean Day. The $5 million, 4,000-square-foot, two-story facility, with a second-floor balcony, is to feature an ocean exploration gallery and three centers for discovery science, ocean outreach and program planning. REEF’s headquarters is a classic conch-style house, known as the oldest building in the Upper Keys still in its original location. Its on-site Interpretive Center, for groups of up to 80, provides educational experiences about fish identification, lionfish and mangrove ecology. REEF is located at 98300 Overseas Highway. Visit reef.org/mccproject or call 305-852-0030.

In Islamorada, the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center — a stand-alone 7,500-square-foot facility on the north side of the oceanfront Islander Resort, currently undergoing a multi-phased resort renovation — focuses on the Keys’ maritime history, the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad and exhibits about the island chain’s reef ecosystem. A second-floor 35-seat theater screens documentaries. The center’s first floor showcases Upper Keys history including First Nation people, early Spanish treasure hunters and pirates. A Coral Reef Exploration Exhibit has three aquariums, interactive kiosks and views on monitors of coral reef ecosystems. The center is on-site at Islander Resort, 82100 Overseas Highway. Visit keysdiscovery.com or call 305-922-2237.

In the Middle Keys at Dolphin Research Center, groups can meet dolphins and participate in memorable interactive experiences including team-building exercises with the marine mammals. It offers two separate meeting rooms: the 702-square-foot Key Largo Room and the 672-square-foot Key West Room, each with a full-screen monitor and Wi-Fi, and hosting up to 70 attendees theater-style or 44 for dinner. An airy 378-square-foot outside porch hosts smaller breakouts or an alfresco meal. Business memberships include use of event space once annually and include other perks. Visit dolphins.org/events or dolphins.org/business_memberships_overview, or call 305-289-1121.

At Mote Marine Laboratory's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration on Summerland Key in the Lower Keys, groups can book a private tour of the land-based coral nursery, with outdoor research and indoor labs, to learn how Keys scientists are restoring Florida's Coral Reef. The facility has classroom space for 25, and continental breakfasts and bag lunches can be arranged. Mote also offers private group tours and interactive coral experiences at its satellite coral nurseries at Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo, and at Bud N’ Mary's marina in Islamorada. Visit mote.org/locations/details/international-center-for-coral-reef-research-and-restoration/islamorada-coral-nurseryredirect or call 305-745-2729.

In  the Lower Keys on Summerland Key, the Plant a Million Corals Foundation and the Key West–based Coastlove are collaborating to grow mangroves at the foundation’s Summerland Farms, located at 23801 Overseas Highway. Prescheduled small groups can tour the facility to learn about global coral restoration and micro-fragmentation, and the Florida Keys Mangrove Nursery, where mangrove propagules are potted and raised for planting programs. Mangroves and coral reefs offer natural protection against tropical storms, buffering waves and storm surge. Visit plantamillioncorals.org or call 772-216-0391.  

On Key West's Truman Waterfront, the state-of-the-art 6,000-square-foot Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center offers new contemporary exhibits highlighting Florida Keys mangrove, coral and seagrass habitats. A freestanding main exhibit focuses on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, with others showcasing the science behind coral restoration. There’s also an exhibit on shipwrecks and maritime history. A conference room seats 30 and there’s access to a small kitchenette. Visit floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_discovery.html or call 305-809-4753.

Keys Adventures

In Key West, Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School School — founded in 1964 by Olympian and America’s Cup competitor Steve Colgate — offers three-day Learn to Sail and weeklong Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising courses for US Sailing certification. The renowned sailing school packages its courses with a resort stay at Beachside Resort & Residences; courses are also offered without accommodations. Sailing lessons and bareboat cruising courses are taught aboard a Colgate 26 sailboat or a Lagoon 40 Catamaran, used for six days with cruising certification courses. In honor of the company’s 60th anniversary, course pricing starts at $1,964 per person, excluding accommodations; with sailing lessons priced at $125 per person per hour with a two-hour minimum. Visit OffshoreSailing.com, email info@OffshoreSailing.com or call 888-385-6177. 

Florida Keys meetings information: fla-keys.com\kla-mice

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Known as the Diving Capital of the World, the area includes many extraordinary dive sites. From Key Largo, scuba divers and snorkelers can easily access the quiet underwater beauty along the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef.

On land, numerous restaurants serve everything from gourmet delights to “Keys casual” dishes, many featuring the area’s bounty of fresh seafood, with tropical cocktails in waterfront settings.

It's easy to embrace fitness in the Upper Keys enclave with a variety of ways to work off vacation indulgences and boost spirits. Options include paddling kayaks or paddleboards through mangrove tunnels and nearshore waters, nature hikes or classes at area fitness and yoga studios.

Escape to Serenity: Visitors can cultivate contentment during the weekly Monday sunset yoga class on the dock over the waters of Florida Bay at Baker’s Cay Resort, mile marker 97 bayside, led by an instructor from Key Largo Yoga. A mind-body connection can also be created during a gentle candlelight yoga class, perfect for finding relaxation and rejuvenation, at the organization’s studio located at 99198 Overseas Highway. keylargoyoga.com

Escape on the Water: Few experiences can equal an underwater pilgrimage to snorkel or dive Key Largo Dry Rocks, the location of the famous Christ of the Deep statue — an enduring symbol of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The reef, located six miles offshore in 25 feet of water, is only accessible by boat. Both divers and snorkelers can see and swim past the 9-foot-tall statue with arms upraised toward the light above. The location can be accessed by booking boat trips at the state park or with area dive operators such as Amoray Dive Center, which schedules Wednesday morning trips to view the inspiring underwater work of art. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park, amoray.com/scuba-diving

Escape into Renewal: An enriching learning experience can be shared with Keys locals and other visitors during engaging, ocean-themed presentations by guest speakers at the REEF Fish & Friends free, monthly community social and seminar hosted by Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Complimentary light refreshments are provided during the events at the REEF Key Largo campus at 98300 Overseas Highway. reef.org/reef-fish-friends

Escape into Nature: The peaceful, shady world of the native hardwood forest at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park can be enjoyed on a self-guided nature walk or bike ride. The protected enclave of more than 2,000 acres is home to 84 species of plants and animals, including the endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly. The park is located at mile marker 106 off County Road 905. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dagny-johnson-key-largo-hammock-botanical-state-park

Escape to a Hidden Haven: At the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, located at mile marker 93.6 overlooking Florida Bay, people can visit rehabilitated native Florida and migratory birds that are physically unable to be released back into the wild. Cared for by staff and volunteers, the birds live out their lives on the sanctuary’s peaceful grounds, where some serve as educational ambassadors to raise awareness about ways to help native wildlife. The sanctuary’s scenic waterfront boardwalk is a perfect spot to take in a Key Largo sunset or simply enjoy moments of quiet reflection. keepthemflying.org/laura-quinn-wild-bird-sanctuary

Significant prize money is to be shared by the event’s top six teams including $20,000 cash to the overall first-place team, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place. Also to be awarded are cash prizes to the leading daily angler and leading lady, senior and junior anglers; for the first-, second- and third-largest fish caught each day; and for the largest tuna, wahoo and kingfish caught during the tournament.

A kickoff, final registration party and captains meeting are set for 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 31, at Skippers Dockside Restaurant. Serving as tournament headquarters, the restaurant is located at 528 Caribbean Drive behind the Holiday Inn Key Largo, an IHG Hotel, at mile marker 100.

Fishing begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, followed by a daily dockside party and an awards event after Sunday's weigh-in and party. Anglers must get their fish to the weigh-in by 5 p.m. each day.

Eligible species for the tournament are dolphin fish, tuna, wahoo and kingfish. Only dolphin catches are to be eligible for overall prizes. Each team can weigh in two dolphin per day and the combined weight of a team’s three largest fish is to determine the winners.

Online registration is recommended. Junior anglers must be under age 16 and seniors at least age 65 on the first day of the tournament.

Nonrefundable early entry fees are $225 per angler on or before April 26. After April 26, registration is $275 per angler until May 30. In-person registration is available Friday, May 31, for $350 per angler. An unlimited number of anglers is allowed per boat.

Event information and registration: skipperstournaments.com

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With sponsorship from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Goal: Clean Seas initiative, certified divers can sign up for free dives to clean up submerged debris. Individuals can sign up at participating dive shops from Key Largo through Key West, and each diver receives one raffle ticket per dive for a chance to win gear and other prizes.

Crews on land are to focus on cleaning shorelines and inland areas. Participants also can collect debris using their own boats. Private boat and land-based teams have opportunities to win cash prizes. All teams are to submit their most unique “found” item for a special prize package.

Training for proper removal and permit details are to be covered at a mandatory team leaders’ meeting from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Bud N' Mary's Marina, mile marker 79.8 oceanside in Islamorada.

Collection is to take place Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, from sunrise to sunset.

All debris is to be weighed and catalogued, with prizes awarded to top collectors and raffle ticket holders at the Trash Derby Festival set for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5, on the Great Lawn at Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside.

The free, family-friendly festival is open to the public with attractions including live music, raffles, a silent auction, games and activities, environmental vendors and exhibits by local organizations helping to restore Keys reefs. 

All cleanup activities are permitted by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Event information and dive trip signup: icaretrashderby.com

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The backcountry is a shallow region of flats and mangrove islands that lies mostly along the north side of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Not easily accessible to boat traffic, it’s home to one of the most diverse assortments of marine life in the world.

In part because its waters are protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the region is ideal for exploring nature by kayak. Shallow-draft kayaks, requiring no special skills or experience to paddle, enable just about anyone to venture into the backcountry waters for a respite from modern-world stress.

Both guided tours and kayak rentals are available throughout the Keys, but a guided tour is usually the way to go for first-timers. Most guides are eager to share their knowledge about the region’s environment, so a tour can become a fascinating mixture of field trip, natural history lesson and soul-soothing downtime.

The Keys’ backcountry environment ranges from mangrove communities to turtle grass flats to sponge flats. Mangrove islands are composed of tangled stands of mangroves, their aerial roots forming tunnels and fantastic twisted shapes that engender a sense of hush and wonder.

Wildlife and rare birds abound; you might spot roseate spoonbills, osprey, great white herons and maybe even bald eagles. Gazing over the side of your craft, you’ll discover the rich biodiversity within the mangrove root systems (the roots are actually a nursery for young grouper, lobster, barracuda and other species).

Turtle grass areas too are a unique part of the backcountry. Turtle grass looks a lot like lawn grass — but anyone who pulls up a flat green blade is likely to see snails, tiny aquatic animals, scurrying juvenile fish and other inhabitants of this busy ecosystem.

Appearing completely engrossed in their small world, unaware of being observed, they offer a fascinating lesson in mindfulness.

Also part of the backcountry are the sponge flats — the rocky sea-bottom home to bright-colored sponges and soft corals. The grass flats and sponge flats can also support small lobster, young reef fish, turtles, stingrays and big predators like shark and barracuda. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a graceful rolling tarpon.

Some people define the tranquil Keys backcountry as a place whose natural wonders take their breath away. Others say it’s a place where they can finally catch their breath after being exhausted by the relentless pace of contemporary life.

Either way, exploring the area offers a chance to reconnect with nature and renew body and soul.

So next time responsibilities start feeling too heavy, consider unplugging, slowing down and escaping to the Florida Keys — the real, unspoiled Florida Keys — and savoring a backcountry kayak excursion.

The family-friendly angling challenge is named in honor of Nick Sheahan, a beloved student at the Upper Keys’ Coral Shores High School who died tragically in a diving accident in 2004.  

The event is intended to raise awareness of shallow-water blackout and raise money for scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at Coral Shores High School through the Nick Sheahan Scholarship Fund. Since its inception, the tournament’s individual scholarships have totaled $408,000.

Events kick off Friday, May 3, with a dinner, silent auction and rules meeting planned at the tournament’s headquarters inside Tavernier Creek Marina, mile marker 90.8. Non-anglers who want to attend and participate in the auction and festivities can purchase tickets for $40 per person.

Adults and junior anglers ages 12 and under are to fish Saturday, May 4, from lines-in at 7:30 a.m. to lines-out at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each year, nearly 150 anglers compete in hopes of breaking the Florida state record of 81 pounds for the largest dolphin fish to take the grand prize of $25,000.

If the state record goes unbroken, the first-place angler with the heaviest dolphin fish receives $5,000, with second- and third-place participants receiving $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. First- through third-place trophies are slated for the top junior anglers, and prizes are to be bestowed for the largest wahoo and tuna as well.

Entry fees are $200 per adult and $75 per junior angler until April 29. Anglers must register online for advance pricing at nicksheahan.com/dolphin-rodeo/#register. Walk-up registration, priced at $225 for adults and $100 for junior anglers, is available May 3 at the rules meeting and dinner.

Tournament information: nicksheahan.com

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When “real-world” pressures and uncertainties seem especially intense, it’s time to escape to a place that recharges the body and re-centers the spirit. A place that, ideally, fosters a reconnection with life’s natural rhythms.

For many people, that haven is the Florida Keys. 

A Florida Keys escape is an opportunity for personal renewal and meaningful activities that nurture body, mind and spirit. A time to discover rejuvenating, memorable and even transformational pursuits. A respite for replenishing a stress-depleted soul while connecting to a genuine culture, community and lifestyle.

In the subtropical island chain, from the northernmost part of Key Largo to the southernmost shores of Key West, opportunities abound to experience “unplugged” relaxation, in-the-moment enjoyment and activities that support personal wellness.

The vibrant natural world, clear tranquil waters and vast open spaces — paired with an uncontrived appeal and easygoing vibe — make the Keys the perfect place to breathe deeply, reconnect with self-care practices and embrace new adventures.

For example, banish stress while gliding through the backcountry shallows in a kayak, watching graceful seabirds dip and dance against a pure blue sky. Try paddleboard yoga, using the board as a mat for a session that realigns body and mind in an open-air saltwater “studio.”

Or dive into the blue Atlantic, exploring the Keys’ coral reef ecosystem while breathing rhythmically and opening your eyes to undersea beauty.

Discover adventures that feed the spirit — inspirational guided art or photography experiences, viewing dolphins in the wild, picnicking on a secluded out-island surrounded by sea and sky, communing with nature in a Keys wildlife refuge or journeying to the remote and timeless realm of Dry Tortugas National Park.

Even wading in the shallows off one of the Keys’ many beaches can be a meditative occasion, as you still your mind by focusing on sun-warmed sand and the lull of lapping waves.

In addition to mindful and enriching activities, visitors to the island chain will find plenty of opportunities for health and wellness therapies that can enhance a much-needed escape. Numerous rejuvenating day spas feature massages, facials, body and beauty treatments to renew, energize and soothe.

In fact, the Keys are the ideal place to rediscover passions, reset priorities and reawaken a sense of wonder. So treat yourself to the vacation you richly deserve … a restorative escape to the Florida Keys. 

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Throughout the Keys, resorts are undergoing refurbishments and upgrades to enhance visitors’ experiences and stays. In addition, the island chain offers sustainability activities focused on and in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, with opportunities including participation in coral and mangrove restoration.

Meanwhile, increased seat capacity on carriers flying into Key West International Airport is helping to make the Keys more easily accessible than ever for visitors traveling to the island chain from major U.S. cities.

Among what’s new:

Keys Airlift

Key West International Airport (EYW) is projecting an increase in airline seat capacity of more than 20% during the first quarter of 2024, with airlines averaging 33 daily flights. Six carriers currently serve EYW — Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Silver. The airport is currently constructing a new 48,000-square-foot Concourse A expansion set for completion now in early 2026 and is also adding an eighth gate. Planned new airport venues include a First Call Beach Bar at baggage claim, Chili’s restaurant, Farm 2 Air Market and Southern Point bar. Also at EYW, Signature Aviation has unveiled a new private 4,500-square-foot aviation terminal with covered parking facilities, second-story patio with panoramic views and pilot’s lounge, work areas and coffee café. Visit eyw.com or call 305-809-5200.

Keys Accommodations

The beachfront Islander Resort Islamorada, undergoing a multi-phased renovation, recently unveiled refurbished guest rooms, amenities and new resort activities. Highlights include fully renovated bungalows featuring oceanside rooms and suites with updated furniture and interiors and a calm color palette of creams, whites, soft pinks and light blues. Refreshed interiors complement each room's private patio and lush, manicured foliage. The resort’s renovated Bayside Villas at Islander Resort, at 81450 Overseas Highway, offer townhome-style accommodations redone in the same aesthetic with refurbished kitchens. Bayside Villas offer a private marina, bayfront pool and access to all resort amenities. Islander Resort’s activities now include yoga, shell jewelry making, Beach Movie Night on Fridays, live music, Moonrise Bonfires on Saturdays, complimentary loungers and rentable beach cabanas. Guests also can enjoy the resort's saltwater pool, freshwater pool and hot tub. Additional renovations are soon to include upgrades to three on-site dining options: Tides Beachside Bar & Grill, offering lunch, dinner and cocktails with poolside and beachside service; Elements Restaurant, serving breakfast; and the Oasis oceanfront food truck with fresh seafood. A new beachside dining pavilion and redesigned menus at each venue are to be added at 82100 Overseas Highway. Visit islanderfloridakeys.com or call 305-664-2031.

Islamorada Resort Collection is to offer 379 guestrooms,12 dining outlets, 80,000 square feet of meeting space and a world-class fishing fleet when its newest resort in Islamorada is unveiled this summer with 214 rooms. Culinary experiences are to include an island-style pizza restaurant, a new signature restaurant featuring wood-fired fare and an outdoor venue with Central American cuisine; two retail shops; a water taxi for guests and a full-service marina; and renovated Tiki Bar. The Collection currently includes the 110-room Amara Cay Resort and the 55-unit La Siesta Resort & Villas. Activities are to include offshore and backcountry fishing and ocean adventures by Spray Watersports, with a 26-mile jet ski tour of backcountry mangroves and wildlife preserves. Visit islamoradaresortcollection.com or call 866-806-0730. 

On Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort has launched a pup-friendly “Vacay Pup” program with a planner concierge; menu items such as roasted pig ears, a “quarter hounder” burger and “dog beer;” and doggie activities, including a new Pup Paradise Park with artificial turf and native shade trees, for guests with furry friends. "Becoming pet-friendly is a significant enhancement for both new and returning guests," said Tiffiany Holmes, resort director. Guests can register pets at check-in and get a Pup Pass bandana. Amenity packages feature a “pup nap time” door sign, in-room dog bowl, relief bags, VIP (Very Important Pups) play ball and dog beds on request. Dogs must be leashed at all times; nightly fees apply. The resort is located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. Visit hawkscay.com or call 888-395-5539.

The 125-unit Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, located at Marathon's iconic 1950s lighthouse, is undergoing conversion as the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Curio Collection by Hilton. The conversion is scheduled for completion this summer. On the resort’s third floor, premium king and queen rooms are now renovated with new furniture with light wood tones, natural textures and Keys-inspired tropical art. All guest rooms are to undergo renovations in upcoming months. The property is to include over 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, one- and two-story bungalows, a new multilevel pool deck with bar and infinity pool, two-story poolside cabanas and an all-new spa and fitness center. Adjacent to the resort, located at 1996 Overseas Highway, is the 74-slip Faro Blanco Marina. Visit faroblancoresort.com or call 305-743-1234.

On Sugarloaf Key in the Lower Keys, the 44-unit, all-suite Sugarloaf Key Hotel at the Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort is now open. Guests can enjoy KOA resort amenities including boat rentals, poolside pub and café, scheduled weekly activities and events such as trivia nights and live music, ice cream and s’mores socials. Well-appointed hotel suites can accommodate up to six guests and include private outdoor decks overlooking the property, kitchens with dishwasher and full-size washer and dryer, and separate living room and bedroom. Unveiled in December 2023, the new hotel is located at 251 State Road 939. Visit sugarloafkeyhotel.com or call 305-745-3549.

In Key West, the newly independent Key West Historic Inns — a portfolio of five historic boutique properties in the Old Town district — is now under new management with Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical division of Davidson Hospitality Group. The five inns include Ella's Cottages, Fitch Lodge, Lighthouse Hotel, Ridley House and Winslow's Bungalows. The Davidson portfolio also includes Islamorada Resort Collection in Islamorada and Baker's Cay Resort in Key Largo. Visit keywesthistoricinns.com or call 305-294-3333.

The Key West Marriott Beachside Resort has been rebranded as the 222-room Beachside Resort & Residences by Spottswood Companies, based in Key West. Its management company Brightwild, which connects guests to local culture, offers guest experiences, managers and city guides to customize visitor experiences like those enjoyed by residents. “Over the years, our journey with legacy brands like Marriott, Hyatt and IGH has shown us that the transition to a model like Brightwild is precisely what Beachside Resort needs to ensure that we remain one of the best resorts in Key West,” said Robert Spottswood Jr., president of Spottswood Companies and co-founder of Brightwild. Spottswood Companies opened Beachside Resort, located at 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd., in 2007. Visit beachsidekeywest.com or call 305-295-8100.

Key West’s Southernmost Beach Resort has unveiled its newly renovated guest houses, four restored 19th-century Victorian homes for adult-only accommodations. The guest houses — Avalon, Dewey, Duval Gardens and La Mer — blend intimate charms of bed-and-breakfast properties with a modern resort's amenities and services. Fostering a sense of community, they include shared spaces such as the beachfront Dewey Deck and the new Parlour Bar at Avalon, offering an array of hand-crafted cocktails and local beers and an extensive wine list. Guests have access to amenities including three pools, bars, a spa, private Atlantic Ocean beach and the Southernmost Beach Cafe. Southernmost Beach Resort, located at 1319 Duval St., offers live entertainment, group yoga classes, and programming including cocktail tastings and trivia activities. Visit southernmostbeachresort.com or call 800-354-4455.

Keys Water Adventures

In Key West, Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School is offering three-day Learn to Sail and weeklong Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising courses for US Sailing certification. The renowned sailing school packages its courses with a resort stay at Beachside Resort & Residences in Key West. Courses are also offered without accommodations. Sailing lessons and bareboat cruising courses are taught aboard a Colgate 26 sailboat or a Lagoon 40 Catamaran, utilized for six days with the cruising certification courses. In honor of the company’s 60th anniversary, course pricing starts at $1,964 per person, excluding accommodations; with sailing lessons priced at $125 per person per hour with a two-hour minimum. Olympian and America’s Cup competitor Steve Colgate founded the company in 1964. Visit OffshoreSailing.com, email info@OffshoreSailing.com or call 888-385-6177. 

Yankee Freedom, the National Park Service ferry concessionaire that takes visitors to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park 70 miles west of Key West, has ordered a larger high-speed catamaran to replace its vessel currently in operation. The new all-aluminum Yankee Freedom IV is to carry 175 passengers daily and measure 112.5 feet long and 31.6 feet at the beam. The new boat is to offer main-cabin seating for 130 passengers as well as tables, a snack bar and an audio-visual passenger information center. The aft deck is to feature a covered open-air area with shower area, stowage for kayaks and camping gear, four passenger heads, and a two-level platform and handrails installed on the open bow deck for passenger viewing. Top speed will be more than 28 knots; delivery is scheduled in 2025. Visit drytortugas.com or call 800-634-0939.

Keys Sustainability

Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation recently welcomed three additional Keys dive operators to its public dive program. In Key Largo, Pirate Cove Watersports and Conch Republic have joined as participants, while Southpoint Divers has been added in Key West. The dive program is open to both certified divers and snorkelers, who work to clean, maintain, monitor and plant corals in underwater nurseries. Upcoming events are scheduled. Visit coralrestoration.org/dive-programs or call 305-453-7030.

In  the Lower Keys on Summerland Key, the Plant a Million Corals Foundation and the Key West-based Coastlove are partners in a collaboration to grow mangroves at the foundation’s Summerland Farms, located at 23801 Overseas Highway. Visitors and residents can tour the facility and mangrove nursery where mangrove propagules are potted and raised for planting programs. Mangroves and coral reefs are effective natural protections against tropical storms and serve as buffers for waves and storm surge. Visit plantamillioncorals.org or call 772-216-0391.   

Mote Marine Laboratory, with its Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration located on Summerland Key, has unveiled an Adopt-A-Coral program in the Keys. Mote also operates coral nurseries in Key Largo and Islamorada, and has permanent exhibits at Islamorada’s Florida Keys History & Discovery Center and the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. Digital E-Pal coral adoptions are $30 and come with a digital adoption certificate and photo of the “adoptee” with fact sheet. Adoption donations help Mote scientists breed corals with higher resilience to increasing heat, test various disease treatments and plant new corals onto damaged reefs. Visit mote.org/adopt/animal/adopt-a-coral or call 305-395-2757.

Keys Attractions

In Key Largo, Kona Kai Gallery at the 14-unit Kona Kai Resort has unveiled its latest gallery collection, “Almost Sexy,” by Islamorada abstract artist Beth Kaminstein, regarded for her work in ceramics, clay and drawing. Kaminstein, a well-known Keys studio artist, has worked and lived in New York City and Florence, Italy. The resort, with boutique cottage-style units, is located at 97802 Overseas Highway. Visit konakairesort.com or call 305-852-7200.

The structural restoration of Key West’s Elizabeth Bishop House, where the famed United States poet laureate lived and wrote during the 1930s and 1940s, is nearing completion and expected to open in early 2025. Bishop purchased the 19th-century eyebrow house in 1938. Plans for the on-site Elizabeth Bishop Garden — to include plants from a list drawn from botanical and garden references in Bishop’s letters, poems, paintings and sketches — include public visitor tours in 2025. An accessible garden pathway is to lead visitors through permanent exhibits illuminating Bishop’s life and work and to a small seating area for reflection and reading. A rear yard presentation area will seat about 50. The property, a registered Literary Landmark and the new home of the Key West Literary Seminar, is located at 624 White St. Visit kwls.org or call 305-293-9291.

Key West’s Aquaplex, located in the heart of the island city’s LGBTQ entertainment district, recently debuted its Birdcage Cabaret with Christopher Peterson show starring the Key West-based female impersonator. Peterson is known for performing his EYECONS show at Key West venues and in other cities. His Birdcage performances blend traditional impersonations of famous divas with elaborate new elements and feature a rotating cast of Aquanettes, the complex’s signature drag queens. Located at 504 Angela St. just off Duval Street, The Birdcage can seat 80 to 100 guests. The new 90-minute cabaret show is staged Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Visit aquakeywest.com/the-birdcage-cabaret or call 305-916-1255.

Keys Dining

In Islamorada, the all-new 3,700-square-foot Papa Joe’s Waterfront — known for its signature sunset views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay on Upper Matecumbe Key — serves “elevated casual fare” such as calamari, tuna nacho and “conch puppy” appetizers; hamburgers and fresh fish sandwiches for lunch; and fish and steak plates for dinner. Stretching over Florida Bay, the venue seats 130 indoors and 32 on the outdoor patio and features a large open Tiki bar. Originally built in 1938, Papa Joe’s was a Florida Keys institution until it was demolished in 2011. “The Keys were built on history and it’s nice to be able to rebuild history,” said owner Charles Hertel, a former Keys fishing guide. Papa Joe’s is located at 79786 Overseas Highway. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (closed Wednesday) and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Plans include a new apparel business. Visit PapaJoesWaterfront.com or call 305-433-4662.

In Islamorada at Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina, the new PR Café, open for breakfast and lunch daily, is operated by Erik Rodriguez, the executive chef at Islamorada’s Ziggie & Mad Dog’s restaurant. PR Café’s breakfast offerings include meat, egg and cheese options on croissants, bagels and English muffins. Sandwiches and take-away lunches, with weekly specials, are available for diners and fishing charters departing daily out of the complex’s adjacent marina. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the 20-seat café has inside and outdoor seating and is located at 79851 Overseas Highway. Call 305-664-0166.

Keys Accolades

The City of Key West has won the Historic Florida Keys Foundation’s Award of Excellence for rehabilitation of the Key West Aquarium, the island’s first attraction, at 1 Whitehead St. The recent renovation of the aquarium building’s front exterior is a redesign resembling the original open-air aquarium that opened its doors in the 1930s. Visit keywestaquarium.com. In other Historic Florida Keys Foundation awards, the Key West Lighthouse, located at 938 Whitehead St. and operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society, won for preservation, for upgrades and repairs made to the 66-foot, 1848 tower that protects a Fresnel lens at its top. Visit kwahs.org/museums. Both attractions have earned a Historic Preservation Star.

For the 12th time, the City of Key West has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Key West are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life,” said Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation’s chief executive.

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For example, “Dive the Florida Keys,” a 20-minute episode of the syndicated “How to Do Florida” program, is all about diving in the Keys. Host Chad Crawford shows why the island chain is the ultimate dive destination, with more dive shops per mile than anywhere else in the country.

Crawford leads viewers through a tour of the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada to explore remarkable gear that has made diving possible through history, and to find out more about the sinking of the Spiegel Grove ship as an artificial reef 6 miles off Key Largo.

The shipwreck is famous for its unusual sinking in May 2002 that went awry, with the vessel ultimately landing on its side. Three years later, Hurricane Dennis brought strong ocean currents that righted the Spiegel Grove, and it remains fully upright for the enjoyment of divers from around the world.

In the show, the host details the sinking saga and then experiences diving the Spiegel Grove himself.

Six episodes of the Keys-focused diving series “Destination Dive” showcase diving experiences throughout the island chain. As each area of the Keys is explored, you’ll meet local dive operators, coral restoration experts and others influential in experiencing and protecting the Keys’ underwater world.

New episodes of “Destination Dive” are to be added to the channel later this year.

Also featured is “Diving the Florida Keys,” a beautiful compilation of underwater footage from acclaimed aquatic cinematographer Frazier Nivens. Paired with mellow music, it runs for just under two hours.

The footage is excellent for playing during gatherings of ocean enthusiasts. Viewers will see scenes of divers exploring many of the shipwrecks off the Keys along with scenery of fish, coral and the miracle of coral spawning, sea turtles and more.

You’ll also see footage of the sinking of the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a 522-foot former military troop transport and missile-tracking ship that is the second-largest vessel ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef.

In another program, travel photographer and filmmaker Rick Southers, known as “Rick on the Run,” takes viewers along during “Living the Conch Life.” Footage chronicles his video exploration of the conservation activities that many Keys locals, known as “conchs,” engage in regularly to preserve and protect the island chain’s unique ecosystems.

Southers follows the philosophy of becoming as engrossed as possible in an area’s local culture to find out how he can give back and be of service during every visit. Encouraging this mindset among visitors to the Keys underlies the area’s “Connect and Protect” mantra, which encourages connection with the Keys’ natural world to inspire support for protecting it for future generations.

Several of the experiences highlighted in the program involve diving. You’ll watch the host planting nursery-raised coral on area reefs during a recreational dive through the I.CARE organization in Islamorada — an activity in which recreational divers can participate.

He also submerges in Key Largo to capture invasive lionfish, a non-native predator that can decimate native reef fish populations. Since lionfish are delicious to eat, this activity is encouraged throughout the island chain to help the undersea environment, while also providing excellent table fare.

Whether planning a Keys dive vacation or recalling the pleasures of a previous trip, let FloridaKeysTV be your window into the region’s enthralling underwater world. Visit floridakeystv.com, find the channel on one of many popular streaming platforms, or download it free from Google Play or the Apple app store.  

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The winner of the “Florida Keys Cultural Heritage Quest” and a guest are to receive a four-night stay to embark on a journey of personal creativity, participating in experiential activities including an art class, a performance evening and arts and literary tours.

To enter, participants must complete a short trivia quiz about the Keys’ cultural heritage milestones, offerings and role as a haven for legendary writers and visual artists. The “Cultural Heritage Quest” is presented by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the entry period continues through Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

The giveaway’s entry page link can be found in posts on the Florida Keys’ Facebook page and as a link below the bio (@thefloridakeys) on Instagram, TikTok and X/Twitter. Rules and terms are available on the entry page.

Valued at nearly $2,700, the prize includes two nights' accommodations for two at the exclusive Casa Morada in Islamorada and two nights’ accommodations for two at historic Westwinds Inn in Key West. The winner and a guest also can tour Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts District guided by renowned Upper Keys artist Michelle Nicole Lowe, discover the art of gyotaku or fish rubbing with Upper Keys artist Lisa Lee, explore Key West’s literary past and present on a guided Old Town Literary Walking Tour, take an art class at Key West’s Sacred Space Gallery, enjoy a performance at Key West Theater, experience four cultural museums and receive unique pieces of Keys-crafted artistry from their creators.

Just one entry per person is valid, with the winner to be randomly selected from all eligible submissions. Entrants must be legal U.S. residents and age 21 or older. The winner is to be notified on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Cultural Heritage Quest information: m.cmpgn.page/t5CVNW

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While a number of notable musical happenings are listed here, a comprehensive calendar of offerings can be found at fla-keys.com/calendar/arts-culture/florida-keys/current/.

Florida Keys Concert Association presents extraordinary performances in both Marathon and Islamorada through February. Audiences can enjoy the energy of the prize-winning Balourdet String Quartet Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 12 and 13; the vibrant Denmark-based Trio Con Brio piano and strings ensemble Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 19 and 20; and the brilliance of rising star pianist Eric Lu Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 26 and 27. Monday concerts take place at the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center at 350 Sombrero Beach Road, while Tuesday concerts are at the Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center at 89901 Old Highway. Shows start at 7:30 p.m.

For an outdoor bring-your-own-lawn-chair experience, the Florida Keys Community Concert Band hosts free public “Pops in the Park” concerts. Upcoming performances, each on Saturday afternoons at 4 p.m., include the pet-friendly “Where the Wild Things Are” set for Feb. 17; a “March Madness” concert featuring college fight songs and marches March 30; and a “Sci-Fi Serenade” concert April 27 featuring space movie and other out-of-this-world music. Performances are held at Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside.

Islamorada Community Entertainment brings quality entertainment and cultural events to the Upper Keys including performances in the Beats on the Bay music series at the amphitheater in Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87. Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Kendell Marvel is to present his brand of outlaw country Feb. 16, mixing southern twang with roadhouse rock and roll. Fans can enjoy the hits from super groups Journey and Styx March 8 with the highly sought-after tribute band, The Majesty of Rock. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and items from food trucks and beverage vendors are to be available. The Beats on the Bay series finale, Bay Jam, is to take over the amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 14. The annual art and music festival features a packed lineup of musicians along with art, craft and food vendors. Admission to the individual performances and Bay Jam is free, but there is a $10 charge for parking.

Islamorada Community Entertainment also hosts a special free performance March 15 by French-Algerian acoustic guitar virtuoso Pierre Bensusan. The show is set for 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the amphitheater in Founders Park. Food vendors will not be on hand for the performance, so picnic baskets are to be permitted.

The annual Afro Roots Fest returns to the Keys Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, with a weekend of free musical entertainment highlighting Afro-Caribbean vibes in the beer garden at Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada, 81611 Old Highway. Performances are to begin Friday at 6 p.m. with Jean P. Jam’s special blend of world beat music called Deep Roots, combining African, Soca, Caribbean and reggae influences into a unique amalgamation. Saturday at 6 p.m., Cortadito is to present traditional Cuban music of the early 20th century, followed by the Afro-Venezuelan rhythms of Venozonix and San Juan USA. Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Manny Swagg delivers his unique blend of Latin jazz, Afro-Latin beat, Caribbean folk and traditional Cuban music; followed by Stella Fusion’s smooth cumbia salsa funk from Colombia.

The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St., presents multiple opportunities to enjoy live music. Highlights include Grammy Award-winning Nashville singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell Feb. 13-14; Jazz on the Roof with vocalist Libby York Feb. 15, March 6 and April 3; Golden Globe-winner Amanda McBroom performing “Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues,” singing in the voices of Shakespeare’s heroines Feb. 29 and March 1; and singer/songwriter Otis Gibbs April 16-17. Times of shows vary.

Impromptu Classical Concerts of Key West has brought a variety of stellar ensembles playing classical music in all styles to the southernmost island city for over 50 years. The acclaimed organization’s 2024 concerts continue that tradition with the blissful trio of soloists comprising Ensemble Shumann Feb. 4; the Lomazov-Rackers piano duo Feb. 18; this season’s rising star, violinist Keila Wakao, March 3; and the Merz Trio March 17. Performances take place at 4 p.m. at the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 401 Duval St.

Rams Head Presents Key West brings several big-name acts to two separate venues as part of the Key West Concert Series:

• The Key West Theater at 512 Eaton St. offers a packed season of performances in an intimate setting. Upcoming shows spotlight Grammy Award nominee James Slater with his March 3 “Famous in Key West” album release party; Dave Mason, co-founder of the iconic classic rock group Traffic, March 12; Get the Led Out, capturing the essence of Led Zeppelin, March 19; Tab Benoit, master of Delta swamp blues, April 10; the Wallflowers with Jakob Dylan April 26; and renowned lyricist John Hiatt June 15. Performances take place at 8 p.m.
• At the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 E. Quay Road, music lovers can enjoy top names performing live in an open-air waterfront setting. Upcoming concerts star Willie Nelson Feb. 12, ZZ Top March 2, Foreigner March 10, the Temptations and Four Tops March 15, the Marshall Tucker Band March 16, Old Dominion for three evening shows March 22-24, and Cole Swindell appearing May 2 as part of the annual Key West Songwriters Festival.

Also in Key West, the Tennessee Williams Theatre, located at 5901 College Road, presents a romantic night of love songs from a string quartet Feb. 14, an exhilarating Japanese drum performance from Drum Tao Feb. 16, “A Celebration of the Music of Joni Mitchell” March 11, the Paradise Big Band March 24, and a tribute to the music of Queen in “One Night of Queen” May 12. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

The Tennessee Williams Theatre also hosts the acclaimed South Florida Symphony Orchestra March 1 and March 29 with performances at 7:30 p.m. The March 1 Masterworks concert is to showcase Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125, and a musical tapestry of grand opera finales. Four virtuoso vocal soloists and the South Florida Symphony Chorus are to join the orchestra. The March 29 Masterworks concert includes Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite,” Maurice Ravel’s stirring “Bolero” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Three Dance Episodes” from his Broadway musical “On the Town.” The program is highlighted by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Clarinet Concerto, a moving elegy on America’s 9/11 attacks that is to feature soloist David Shifrin on clarinet.

The Key West Art & Historical Society welcomes Donovan Frankenreiter Featuring Goodnight, Texas: A Special Full Band Tour for a concert under the stars on the grounds of historic Fort East Martello, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. The show is scheduled 6-10 p.m. Feb. 15. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the “backyard casual” setup that is to include food vendors and a cash bar.

In May, the Key West Songwriters Festival is to showcase America’s foremost performing songwriters on multiple stages and venues in the island city. Set for Wednesday through Sunday, May 1-5, the highly acclaimed event typically includes more than 50 shows and over 200 country and pop music hitmakers. Now in its 28th year, the festival has become a tradition for top writers and musicians, while offering an unparalleled experience for music fans.   

Florida Keys calendar of events: fla-keys.com/calendar

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Since 1978 The Key Players group has provided live community theater in the Upper Keys. The next production, “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville,” is slated to run April 18-22 and 25-28. This musical comedy is a jubilant tribute to Jimmy Buffett's timeless classics such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano” and others. Crafted by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley, the show promises a hilarious and heartwarming experience. Performances are to be staged at the Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center at 102050 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org or call 305-942-4339.

Started as a small community group in 1944, the Marathon Community Theatre at 5101 Overseas Highway has grown to perform memorable and popular shows with a talented group of local residents. Productions include the theater’s annual “One Weekend Only Silent Auction and Variety Show” running Feb. 8-10. Tickets are $45 each and include a champagne toast and buffet dinner. Another show, "Disenchanted," is to run March 14-16, 21-24 and 28-30. The new musical comedy features original storybook heroines challenging their pop culture portrayals with humor and a fresh perspective. The production has garnered nominations for "Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical" and "Best New Off-Broadway Musical." Additionally, "Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap," a famed classic murder mystery with a surprise finish, is set for May 2-4, 9-11 and 16-19. Visit marathontheater.org  or call 305-743-0994.

Originally built in 1829 as a carriage house, the building that is home to Key West’s Red Barn Theatre at 319 Duval St., rear, has hosted modern-era performances since 1981. This season’s standouts include “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.” To run Jan. 30 – Feb. 24, the outrageous farce chronicles how seven brilliant women scramble to keep the president out of trouble. "The Thanksgiving Play," set for March 5-30, satirizes "woke" teaching artists attempting to produce a holiday pageant that celebrates both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month. "The Lifespan of a Fact," scheduled April 9 – May 4, explores the conflict between factual truth and literary deception. All curtain times are at 8 p.m. Visit redbarntheatre.com or call 305-296-9911.

Entertaining audiences for over 80 years at its 310 Wall St. location beside Key West’s renowned Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse presents the world-renowned musical "Singin' in the Rain" Jan. 24 – Feb. 17. The production promises a downpour of unforgettable songs including “You are My Lucky Star,” “Fit as a Fiddle” and “Make ’Em Laugh.” Other springtime performances include "Murder on the Orient Express," a captivating adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic slated March 13 – April 6; "Ten Blocks on the Camino Real," celebrating Tennessee Williams' birth with a staged reading March 17; "Trunk Material," a musical evening March 31 with local and out-of-town talent; and Neil Simon’s 1942 Brooklyn tale “Lost in Yonkers,” to run April 24 – May 11. Visit  waterfrontplayhouse.org  or call 305-294-5015.

Dedicated to art-house theater that showcases intimate settings and Key West talent, Fringe Theater Key West is to stage most of its upcoming performances at the Armory, 600 White St. Fringe presents "Key West Characters True Stories" Feb. 22-23, featuring short plays, monologues and musical tributes celebrating the island city. The spring lineup includes "The Last Five Years" by Jason Robert Brown, a poignant exploration of love and loss over five years set for March 13-23; and "Death and the Maiden" by Ariel Dorfman, a gripping thriller about trust and deception scheduled April 17-27. Performances promise engaging stories and thought-provoking themes. Visit fringetheater.org or call the KeysTix box office at 305-295-7676.

Located on the Key West campus of the College of the Florida Keys at 5901 College Road, the Tennessee Williams Theatre is a nonprofit that presents Broadway national tours, performing artists and theatrical experiences. Highlights this season include "Little Women, the Broadway Musical" on March 5, "Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock n' Roll, Part IV" scheduled March 20, the family-friendly "Dinosaur World, Live!" on April 2 and April 25’s "Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.” The theater also supports the community through its Children Outreach Series that creates accessible opportunities for Florida Keys kids to experience live theater. Visit keystix.com or call 305-295-7676.

The Key West Theater, an all-around performing arts center at 512 Eaton St., presents national touring artists, comedy, concerts, local songwriter showcases and more. Upcoming comedic shows include performances by Tom Papa on Feb. 3-4 and "Kathy Gilmore and Friends” featuring Karen Morgan and Gwen Filosa slated for Feb. 26. Visit thekeywesttheater.com  or call 305-985-0433.

Comedy Key West, located at 218 Whitehead St., Unit 5, exclusively features local and visiting stand-up comedians including Comedy Central stars and nationally recognized performers. February’s scheduled performers include Kerryn Feehan (Feb. 1-3), Shane Mauss (Feb. 6-7), Chad Daniels (Feb. 8-10), Dan Bulger (Feb. 13), Colum Tyrrell (Feb. 14-17), Kevin Bozeman (Feb. 21-24), and Mary Mack (Feb. 29 – March 3). March shows are to feature Derrick Stroup (March 6-9) and Joe Matarese (March 24-27). Amos Gill is set to perform April 3-6. Visit comedykeywest.com or call 305-985-7370.

The Studios of Key West, located at 533 Eaton St., supports artists, inspires creativity and builds community. The Studios present performances, workshops, concerts and exhibitions, while also featuring local studios and an artist residency program. Upcoming highlights include the "First Look" staged reading series featuring “Upstate” by Drew Larimore Feb. 2-3, “The Papers, A Musical” by Rob Baumgartner Jr. and Nathan Dame scheduled April 5-7, and “King Tide” by Key West playwright Michael Marrero slated April 26-27. In addition, the Feb. 23 “Telling My Story” recreates stories by incarcerated women through dance and spoken word, and Moriah Joy presents "Tearing Out My Hair" March 15 — a series of monologues providing insights into the service industry. Visit tskw.org or call 305-296-0458.

Florida Keys cultural information: fla-keys.com/culture  

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