Hosted by local legend Captain Jack Carlson of Two Conchs Sportfishing Charters, the event kicks off with final registration and a drop-in Captain’s Meeting on Friday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Two Conchs,11499 Overseas Highway. Lines go in at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 14, and it's game on for dolphin in waters from Key West to North Key Largo until 3:30 p.m. 

These acrobatic, fast-growing pelagic fish, also known as mahi-mahi or dorado, are showing up in better numbers and bigger sizes, lighting up the deep blue with their signature electric greens and yellows. And with the Gulf Stream hugging the reef and bringing nutrient-rich waters, the big fish are within striking distance, with reports of some bulls tipping the scales at 30 or more pounds. From seasoned offshore captains to weekend warriors, the word is the same: “Dolphin are running strong and the bite is hot.” 

Participants weigh their catch from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Two Conchs Bait, Tackle & Marina, 11587 Overseas Highway, followed by an awards banquet at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Highway, with cash prizes for the top four adults and rod and reel combos for junior anglers. 

Anglers can register online at fathersdaydolphintournament.com. ;Early entry fees are $150 per person until June 6 and $195 after that. Registration for junior anglers age 15 and unis $50. For more information, contact Capt. Jack Carlson at twoconchstackle@gmail.com or 305-481-0495. 

###

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)

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.

###

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)

“This tournament is more than just a fun day on the water,” said Christine Todd Young, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys. “Every dollar raised will directly fund construction costs for a new duplex on 105th Street here in Marathon.” 

Presented by Liechty Marine of Marathon and Suzuki, the tournament wrapped up with a lively awards banquet at the Marathon Yacht Club, where anglers were recognized across four competitive divisions. Top tournament winners include: 

Lady Division: 

● 1st Place: Bennett Sheltra – 24.4 lbs (Indiantown, Florida) 

● 2nd Place: Erika Goodman – 14.2 lbs (Marathon, Florida) 

● 3rd Place: Kristina Helms – 13.4 lbs (Grassy Key, Florida) 

Junior Division: 

● 1st Place: Justin Torro – 15.8 lbs (Virginia Gardens, Florida) 

● 2nd Place: Damian Santana – 11.4 lbs (Key West, Florida) 

● 3rd Place: Caidyn Young – 3.4 lbs (Marathon, Florida) 

Weekend Warrior Division: 

● 1st Place: Nate Duncan – 25.0 lbs (Key West, Florida) 

● 2nd Place: Donna Hart – 23.8 lbs (Big Pine Key, Florida) 

● 3rd Place: Jonathan Flatt – 18.4 lbs (Big Pine Key, Florida) 

Pro Division: 

● 1st Place: Ethan Wohlers – 21.8 lbs (Marathon, Florida) 

● 2nd Place: Chase Johnson – 20.0 lbs (Summerland Key, Florida) 

● 3rd Place: Steve Bellovich – 18.6 lbs (Key West, Florida) 

The event has become a beloved tradition in Marathon, blending the thrill of fishing with a heartfelt cause, with this year’s tournament dedicated to creating safe, affordable places to call home for those who live and work in the community. 

###

Bennet Sheltra of Indiantown, Florida, pictured with her family and tournament organizer Christine Todd Young, celebrates her big win in the Lady division of the 19th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament. Organized by Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, the event raised $59,000 for affordable housing projects.

The outdoor feast is a top draw for seafood lovers and Florida Keys families. Now in its 49th year, the popular festival is one of the Keys’ largest and takes place each March at the Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside.

Marathon–area commercial fisheries and markets catch, clean and cook the nearly 15,000-pound spread of fresh Keys seafood and tasty smoked fish dip prepared according to safeguarded “only-in-the-Keys” recipes.

Fishermen-turned-chefs, their families and hundreds of volunteers serve up the delectable seafood delights with sides of baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies or french fries. Attendees also can savor fish tacos, oysters, crab cakes, lobster and crab bisque, Cuban croquetas and more.

Although it’s not harvested in the Keys, conch is dished up as ceviche and golden fried fritters. Hot dogs and hamburgers are to be available too, as are sweet treats — homemade Key lime pie and other baked goods — along with adult beverages including cold beer, frozen margaritas and daiquiris.

Over 200 merchant booths are to span the park displaying locally crafted spices, honey, salt scrubs and soaps; jewelry and artwork; nautical items; tropical apparel and accessories; plants, home and outdoor décor; and information about Keys nonprofit, marine animal and rescue organizations. Other attractions include a boat show, children's games and raffle prizes.

Daily live music performances are to include reggae, trop rock, blues, country and high-energy rock and roll. This year’s festival music lineup features reggae band I-Land Vibe, rockers Silver Spine and Monster, Airplane Mode, and Keys favorites the Marshall Morlock Band, Brian Roberts, John Bartus and Adrienne Z among others. The entertainment lineup can be found at marathonseafoodfestival.com/entertainment-lineup.

Sunday brings the festival’s annual military tribute at 1 p.m., with a color guard procession and the singing of the national anthem.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per adult and free for children under age 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission Sunday is free for retired and active military members with identification.

Proceeds benefit local continuing-education programs and scholarships presented by the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce.

Event information: marathonseafoodfestival.com

###

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/

###

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

###

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 

###

The high-energy tournament, filled with camaraderie and fun with other like-minded tarpon anglers, mandates that teams fish with a different captain each day. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in the Middle Keys — the Seven Mile, Long Key and Bahia Honda bridge channels — so any potential "hot spots" are shared among all anglers.

Tarponians are set to gather Saturday, April 26, for the tournament’s 6:30 p.m. kick-off and meet-the-captains party at Tranquility Bay Tiki Bar, 2600 Overseas Highway.      

Fishing is to get underway Sunday and Monday, April 27-28, with lines-in at 4 p.m. Lines-out is to be called at 8 p.m. There is no tournament fishing Tuesday.

The third and final fishing day is Wednesday, April 30, with 4-8 p.m. fishing followed by a 9 p.m. awards banquet at Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, 3660 Overseas Highway.

Entry fee is $1,500 per angler for three-person teams or $2,250 per angler for two-person and four-person teams. Tournament fees cover fishing, banquets, shirts and prize money. Prize payouts are to be determined depending on the total number of teams participating.

The tournament is filling quickly so interested anglers should contact the event’s director as soon as possible. To register or for more information, call or email David Breznicky at 267-210-1952 or dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com.

Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284

###

MARATHON, Florida Keys – Interacting with bottlenose dolphins in the Florida Keys provided physical and emotional therapy Sunday for a group of wounded U.S. military veterans.

The activity at Dolphin Research Center ended the Wounded Warrior Project’s annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride, a three-day cycling experience for vets that took some 40 participants and their families on a trip down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway to Key West.

The soldiers, whose injuries range from missing limbs to those affecting their mental health, rode through the Upper Keys Friday and then crossed the Middle Keys’ iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Saturday, they joined Key West community members for a patriotic ride around the island city.

The half day of dolphin therapy at DRC gave participants an opportunity to interact with the marine mammals as they performed behaviors including shaking flippers, dolphin kisses, splash sessions and dorsal pulls. Engaging directly with dolphins helped participants momentarily forget about their injuries, and for many it was a dream come true.   

For retired U.S. Marine Corp. Staff Sgt. Kemmini Washington, who was severely injured during his last tour in Iraq, which ended his military career in 2007, the chance to participate and interact with dolphins was a highlight of his continuing recovery.

“Once they come around and you get to feel and touch the dolphins, it takes you into a different mindset, which is completely off of what you're going through on a day-to-day basis,” Washington said. “So that experience today was life-changing.”

For Washington, involvement in the Wounded Warrior Project program has meant a long but incredibly successful recovery of his ability to walk again.

“The different things, different transitions, different opportunities has not only been instrumental in regaining the full ability and the use of my legs, but mentally as well,” he said. “I went down a dark path and didn't want to be on this side of the world anymore, but due to those programs, it has helped me tremendously.”

The team at Dolphin Research Center looks forward to providing the experience every year at the conclusion of the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride. The facility’s co-founder and chief operating officer, Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez, is himself a Vietnam veteran.

“It's one of the ways that we can say thank you and help these warriors come back into life here after battle,” said Rita Irwin, president and CEO of Dolphin Research Center. “So it's a very emotional day that's gratifying to us.”

Irwin said that the dolphins’ ability to instinctively interact with the warriors is incredibly special.

“Let's say someone is paralyzed and their arm can't reach out,” Irwin said. “The dolphins observe that and they adapt to the needs of each individual. It's not something that we can teach them.

“It's because they're observing and they're creating a relationship with each individual, and it's magic,” she added. “It's incredible to watch this connection being made.”

Soldier Ride is organized annually by the Wounded Warrior Project to raise public awareness and support the needs of severely injured members of the military. Funds raised help develop peer-mentoring programs, foster veterans' independence, and arrange needed transport between home and a rehabilitation hospital.

Community organizations such as Dolphin Research Center help support the initiative, providing services free or at reduced cost. The dolphin interaction session was funded by the Charles Evans Foundation.

###

FTP Information*
Host: ftp://216.194.165.19/ 
UserID: floridakeys@news.fla-keys.com
Password: islands
Folder: News Video
Filename: KeysSoldierRideDolphins.mp4
*Access and download files from the FTP site using dedicated software such as Fetch.

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

###

Pre-festival kick-off parties are to take place at two Marathon locations Friday evening, Jan. 10. Attendees can gather from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dockside at Boot Key Harbor, 35 Sombrero Blvd., for appearances by the West of Galway duo and the Police Pipe and Drum Corps of Florida. The Police Pipe and Drum Corps is then to make its way to play at the second kick-off party beginning at 7 p.m. at Keys Fisheries, 3502 Gulfview Ave.

The weekend festival is to be filled with Celtic musicians including Scottish band Albannach; the West of Galway duo; the high-energy five-piece Irish band Jamison; and Ireland’s four-sister group, The Screaming Orphans.

Weekend festival highlights include performances by the Police Pipe and Drum Corps; a Highland Athletics competition, including the nation’s only sanctioned women’s Scottish Highland Games challenge; sheepherding demonstrations; Irish and Scottish dancing; a Florida Keys Art in the Park art show; and a Children’s Glen with pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, games and more activities.

Other attractions include Celtic merchandise, offerings by local vendors and booths representing various Scottish clans. Rounding out the weekend’s festivities are authentic Celtic food and beverages including high tea in the Iona Tea Garden, vendors offering Scottish eggs and fish and chips, and a selection of Keys food vendors.

Tickets are available for a special Afternoon Tea at 3 p.m. Saturday with Mary Queen of Scots that includes a lunch plate, tea and scones.

Non-enthusiastic runners can register to participate in the Zero K Nessie Fun Run, a “run” so short that it isn’t even measured. All registered participants are to receive a T-shirt and medal.

Those seeking to delve deeper into Celtic culture or celebrate their own Scottish or Irish heritage can take advantage of workshops in the Celtic Crossroads area. Participants can learn about Celtic history, literature, food, dance, clothing, storytelling and even how to play bagpipes.

The festival takes place at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event supports Hammock House at St. Columba Episcopal Church that provides free after-school care and summer and school break camps for children in Marathon.

Single-day admission tickets for Saturday or Sunday are $12 per person, while a two-day pass is $17. Children age 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Parking is free.

Event information: floridakeyscelticfestival.com

###

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

###

 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 

###

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

###

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)

###

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.

###

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

###

The magic begins on the ride to the 5-acre island that lies beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge, with its signature train and “Old Henry” engine transformed into the Pigeon Key Polar Express for the scenic ride over the restored section of the old bridge.

The train and ”Henry” name are particularly appropriate since, in the early 1900s, the tiny island was a camp for laborers constructing the bridge — the centerpiece of railroad magnate Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.

Setting the holiday event apart from others on Pigeon Key is to be the day’s weather outlook, with a forecast of blowing snow — courtesy of snow machines — contrasting with the Keys’ typically balmy breezes throughout the afternoon and evening.

Attendees will find fun holiday craft stations, including one for cookie decorating hosted by Marathon’s Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop. As always, the island’s fascinating past will be highlighted during Pigeon Key’s intriguing history tours.

In addition, a team from The Tackle Box in Marathon will be on hand to help youngsters amplify their angling skills during a catch-and-release fishing clinic and derby to be held at the end of the island’s dock.

Kids and adults interested in marine science can explore wet lab touch tanks to learn about marine life, hosted by Pigeon Key’s marine science center educational team.

Food trucks serving tasty dishes including empanadas, seafood and barbeque are to be on hand, along with a full bar.

As evening approaches, the island’s holiday spirit is to come alive with tens of thousands of twinkling lights and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. At dusk, holiday-themed films are to be screened on a giant inflatable screen.  

After 4 p.m., participants in the inaugural 7 Mile SantaCon poker run — decked out in Santa suits and other holiday-themed attire — are to make their last stop on the island for award ceremonies and evening festivities.

The roundtrip train journey, including entry to the island, is specially priced at $10 for the duration of the afternoon and evening event.

Attendees are advised to purchase train tickets in advance online at pigeonkey.net. With limited seating available for train transportation, additional shuttle service is also to be available. Trips depart from the Pigeon Key Visitor Center, 1090 Overseas Highway at mile marker 47.5.

Those choosing to walk or bike the 2.2 miles each way across the Old Seven Mile Bridge can enter the island event for $5.

Event information: pigeonkey.net/holiday-spectacular

###

Visitors can dive into the facility’s 200,000-gallon Coral Reef Tank to scuba dive, snorkel, or use a surface regulator on a hookah breathing system to swim with tropical reef fish, playful cownose rays, spiny lobsters and other Keys reef dwellers.

Divers and snorkelers can also feed fish during the immersive experience — a rare opportunity, since feeding fish isn’t permitted in the open waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

It’s even possible to feed a shark, because a plexiglass panel inside the Coral Reef Tank separates the resident sharks from the other reef fish. Visitors can safely hand-feed the curious sharks by passing tidbits through holes in the panel.

Other touch tank experiences enable guests to interact with docile nurse sharks or stingrays without immersive swimming, and to assist a marine biologist working with young stingrays on behavioral training.

Aquarium Encounters’ experiences are an ideal Middle Keys activity choice on days when high winds or rain might cause less-than-optimal boating conditions out on the Keys’ offshore reef.

The team at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is committed to providing educational and insightful experiences for all participants. An equal commitment is to be highly accessible for people of varying abilities, so they can safely experience the thrill of swimming in a coral reef ecosystem.

Immersive underwater experiences are priced separately from the attraction’s general admission. Group rates are available for school or family groups, birthday parties, weddings and other celebrations.

Attraction information: floridakeysaquariumencounters.com or 305-407-3262

Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284

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

###

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.

###

MARATHON, Florida Keys -- A Florida Keys commercial fisherman took first place in the Keys Fisheries’ Stone Crab Eating Contest held Saturday in Marathon.

Bobby Hanousek (HAN-ah-sek) of Big Pine Key, Florida, triumphed over 46 other individual contestants in the raucous amateur eating competition. It was his second time as champion, since he also won the contest in 2022.

Contestants had to crack and eat 25 of the tasty stone crab claws and pick them completely clean in the fastest time. Participants received a 30-second penalty for each piece of claw meat left behind.

The 2023 winner, Scott Milison of Chicago, returned to compete Saturday and narrowly missed taking first place after being penalized for leaving crab meat behind.

Hanousek’s final time to finish 25 claws was 12 minutes and 3 seconds. A commercial lobster and stone crab fisherman, he said he always sells his catch because the Florida seafood favorite is in such high demand.

 “When the first day of season comes, everyone is just grabbing it because stone crab is just a delicacy down here,” Hanousek said. “The only time I eat them is at this event every year,” he added.

“It feels good to be the champion again,” he said.

Marathon residents Tom Zajac and Justin Hare claimed the top team title for the second consecutive year, finishing in 5 minutes and 56 seconds to break their previous record.

Stone crabs are considered a renewable resource because of the crabs’ ability to re-grow harvested claws. The Florida Keys are responsible for about half of the state's stone crab harvest that averages about 2 million pounds annually, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Keys Fisheries is the largest processor of stone crab claws in Florida. Stone crab harvest season runs Oct. 15 to May 1 each year.  

###

FTP Information

Host: ftp://216.194.165.19 
UserID: floridakeysnews@news.fla-keys.com
Password: islands
Folder: News Video
Filename: FLKeysCrabContest.mp4

It is best to access and download files from the FTP site using a dedicated FTP software package such as Fetch.

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/.

###

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.

###

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/

###

Staged at Keys Fisheries Market and Marina, located on 35th Street gulfside in Marathon, the munch-a-thon begins promptly at noon. Entrants must register and be present by 11 a.m.

Contestants compete to crack, clean and eat all the meat from 25 stone crab claws in the fastest time.

Although entrants are provided with industrial-strength shell crackers, some choose to employ an effective method that’s popular among Keys locals — smacking the rounded area of the claw’s shell with the back of a large serving spoon or a simple butter knife.

Prizes such as overnight stays and passes to Keys attractions and eateries are to be awarded to the top three finishers and top teams.

If a tie occurs, the tied contestants must face off in an additional 10-claw competition to determine the winner.

Interested crab consumers are encouraged to register early to secure a contestant spot at the table. Individual entry fee is $50 and two-person teams can register for $100. Competitors must be at least 18 years old.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit a Marathon-based charity.

The Keys are Florida's top supplier of the succulent crustacean claws, considered a renewable resource because of the crabs’ ability to regrow harvested claws after being returned to the water. Every year, about 2 million pounds of stone crab claws are steamed, cracked and served at local markets and restaurants or distributed around the nation.

Event information: keysfisheries.com/upcoming-events/

###

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/.

###

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/

###

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.

###

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.

###

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

###

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

###

Long before those vessels were sunk in Keys waters, countless ships met their demise due to hard-to-navigate shallow reefs and strong currents surrounding the subtropical island chain. Some of these lesser-known wrecks offer a unique look into Florida Keys history and an unforgettable experience for divers to add to their logbooks.

ISLAMORADA

The San Pedro, one of the Keys’ oldest shipwrecks, hosts a variety of sea creatures living amid ballast stones and coral heads. The 287-ton, Dutch-built ship sank in 18 feet of water just south of Indian Key near Islamorada during a 1733 hurricane. The ship was part of a Spanish treasure fleet attempting to sail from Cuba to Spain. Discovered in 1960, the San Pedro was heavily salvaged by treasure hunters, but its allure still draws divers and snorkelers to explore the site. Now protected as San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, the wreck site is located one mile south of Indian Key. The colorful fish and soft corals that reside on the wreck make it popular with underwater photographers, snorkelers and novice divers. 

The Cannabis Cruiser was a 70-foot trawler used to smuggle drugs into the U.S. in the 1970s. The craft was scuttled five miles off the coast of Islamorada and about three miles from Alligator Reef Light when those on board feared getting caught by an approaching Coast Guard ship. Many species of fish and sea creatures such as moray eels can be found on the wreck.

MARATHON

Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, lauded on its completion as the most unique railway in the world, connected the Keys with mainland Florida and each other for the first time in 1912. Now portions of its structure lie submerged in 115 feet of water at a lesser-known site referred to locally as Marathon Reef or 7 Mile Bridge Reef, located approximately 3.2 nautical miles off Sombrero Beach.

Regarded as one of Marathon’s more challenging drift dives, the artificial reef site was created in July 1982. At that time, 4,500 tons of concrete and steel debris taken from the center swing span of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, also called the Moser Channel Bridge, were sunk.

Today those massive remnants provide refuge to abundant populations of large pelagic and reef fish, corals, colorful gorgonians, and plant and invertebrate marine life among the superstructure’s lateral bracing, fenders, gears and circular bearings that supported the bridge operator’s shed.

Divers can explore the concrete and steel rubble spread over 1.6 acres, rising off a flat sandy bottom as much as 30 feet in some areas.

KEY WEST 

Seventy miles west of Key West in the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park lies the Windjammer shipwreck. Windjammer is the nickname of an iron-hulled ship-rigged sailing vessel whose last assigned name was Avanti. It sank during a winter storm in 1907 while transporting lumber from Pensacola, Florida, to Montevideo, Uruguay.

The Avanti remains in excellent condition because of iron's resistance to corrosion. There are two main wreckage fields, with the bow section oriented east-west and the stern section aligned north-south, resting at a depth of 22 feet at Loggerhead Reef about 1,000 yards southwest of the Tortugas’ Loggerhead Key.

Today the wreck offers divers and snorkelers a haunting glimpse of a once-proud sailing ship. The Avanti is the park’s most complete wreck site and provides a breathtaking backdrop for a wide variety of colorful reef fish, coral and marine life.

For more information about diving in the Florida Keys, visit fla-keys.com/diving/. 

###

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/

###

MARATHON, Florida Keys -- A juvenile green sea turtle rehabilitated at the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital was fitted with a satellite-tracking transmitter and released from a Keys beach Friday to join the 17th annual Tour de Turtles, a marathon-like “race” that follows the long-distance migration of sea turtles over three months.

The turtle’s rescuers returned early from an African vacation to witness the release.
 
The educational outreach program is organized annually by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to raise awareness about sea turtles and threats to their survival.
 
“Roseleigh” (pronounced Rose-lee), named by her rescuers after being found floating off Islamorada in March 2024, is swimming to raise awareness about water quality. Roseleigh was treated for a severe case of fibropapillomatosis, a deadly tumor-causing disease that may be linked to pollution in the oceans and nearshore waters. 

After a series of successful surgeries and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood, Roseleigh is back in good health and is swimming strongly. 

Roseleigh’s rescuers, Cindy Wright and her husband Bosley, returned early from an African vacation to watch the turtle be released back to her ocean home.

“We just returned from Africa specifically to see Roseleigh released, and now I’m going to cry,” said Cindy Wright. “This is so amazing -- we thought she was going to die when we dashed her to the Turtle Hospital and to see her now, all recovered, is just amazing.”

Cindy Wright, a University of Maryland journalism professor who splits time between the Florida Keys and the Baltimore region, described the turtle’s condition when found as extremely dire. 

“She was in critical condition, bleeding from her right flipper, just covered -- the tumors covered her eyes, covered her shoulders -- it was so invasive,” she said.

 Hundreds of spectators including Wright cheered and applauded when Roseleigh swam away from Marathon’s Sombrero Beach into the Atlantic Ocean.

“Roseleigh being a girl turtle has the capacity to lay hundreds, if not thousands, of eggs and help up the population of the endangered green turtles,” Wright said. “So that makes her even more special, I think.”

Roseleigh’s progress — and that of nine other hard-shell turtles that have been released to participate in the Tour de Turtles — can be monitored online at TourDeTurtles.org through Oct. 31.

The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning sea turtles to the wild for over 35 years.

###

The special weekend event at Hawks Cay — located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. on Duck Key in the Middle Florida Keys — is to feature concerts by the Jay Valor band and Austin James, paired with patriotic fun and moving tributes. 

Events include Saturday’s Heroes Salute Run/Walk to benefit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The race is open to Hawks Cay guests, Keys visitors and residents. Participants are encouraged to dress in their patriotic best or represent their department, with friends and family invited to attend and cheer on the racers. Advance registration and a $35 participation fee are required.

On-site registration and early packet pickup are slated for 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday in the Hawks Cay Resort lobby.

Saturday morning’s registration and check-in starts at 6:30 a.m. at the resort’s Angler and Ale parking area. The race is to begin at 7 a.m.

A free 8-10 a.m. touch-a-truck event, open to the public, is to take place outside Angler and Ale, giving kids and adults a chance to view vehicles and life-saving equipment used by everyday heroes from fire and police departments.

Also Saturday, live music and special guest appearances are planned for 5-10 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. Heroes Tribute is scheduled to honor fallen heroes and those formerly and currently in action, with guests from the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, regional and service dignitaries and representatives from Firehouse Subs.

Guests can then listen to live music by the Jay Valor band, followed by a dazzling 10 p.m. fireworks show. Attendees also can opt to enjoy a Splash and Spark Dinner with a spot on Hawks Cay’s waterfront Dolphin Deck and prime fireworks viewing.

Sunday’s schedule features 7-10 p.m. live music by Austin James at the resort’s seaside venue.

Hawks Cay Resort continues to uplift heroes beyond the weekend, donating a portion of proceeds to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Between Aug. 1 and Dec. 25, 2024, the Heroes Salute program features exclusive value-added offers for watersports activities, a weekly Heroes Tribute ceremony and specially priced rooms at Hawks Cay Resort for current and former military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel and their civilian supporters.

Supporters also can book exclusive rates when donating $5 or more to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Event information: floridakeysheroes.com  

###

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

###

Plans include a weekend packed with live entertainment, tropical food and beverage treats, pool parties and fun activities — all taking place on the grounds of the resort, located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. on Duck Key in the Middle Florida Keys.

Events begin Thursday, Aug. 15, when guests checking in can attend a welcome reception with Hawks Cay staff and members of the bands that are to perform throughout the weekend.

The schedule both Friday and Saturday features Tropical Smash Pool Parties with attractions that include limbo and hula hoop contests, Parrots to Pirates tailgate costume contests and Jimmy Buffett Look-Alike contests.

South Florida trop rockers Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways entertain from noon to 3 p.m. poolside Friday and Saturday. From 4 to 6 p.m., family trio and Coral Reefer Band members Peter, Brendan and Jim Mayer are to perform on the Oasis Cay Stage. A 7-10 p.m. Fins in Paradise party starring Gary Roland and the Landsharks Band is scheduled both nights.

Special dining options for lunch and dinner follow Buffett-inspired themes including “I Will Play for Gumbo,” “Boats, Beaches and Pitas” and more.

To add an extra splash of color to the festivities, Nancy Blauers, senior designer for Buffett’s iconic Margaritaville, is to create live art poolside during the Friday and Saturday events.

Trop rock fans can either book a resort stay to enjoy the full slate of activities or purchase general admission daily resort passes.

Event information: hawkscay.com/fins-in-paradise

###

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

###

Crane Point’s earliest inhabitants were Native Americans. A prehistoric midden consisting of large shells has been documented on the site by the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy.

The earliest known modern-day inhabitants were George and Olivia Adderley, Black Bahamians who purchased 32 acres of the area’s undeveloped land and established their homestead in the early 1900s. They built their home out of tabby, a homemade concrete created by burning oyster, conch and other seashells and then mixing the result with water, sand, ash and bits of shells.

George Adderley invited several other Bahamian families to move there, where they lived a simple life among exotic tropical trees such as the lignumvitae. The now-endangered tree is only found in the Keys and its incredibly hard wood is so heavy it won’t float.

The settlement became known as Adderley Town, with George serving as its Episcopal minister. The Adderleys’ tabby home, now the oldest home in the Keys outside of Key West, has been restored and today is a popular stop along the 1.2 miles of trails and walkways crisscrossing the hammock. 

Adderley sold the property in 1950 to Francis and Mary Crane, a wealthy conservationist couple who soon realized what a priceless purchase they had made. The Cranes vowed to protect the native hardwood forest and wetlands from the inroads of advancing civilization and development.

The couple hired Miami architect Wahl Snyder, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design their home. Completed in 1954, the mid-century modern structure has recently been restored to its original splendor.

The house is raised, with living quarters on the second level and both covered and open patios on the ground level. The interior features large windows with sweeping Gulf of Mexico views. These elements serve to bring the outside world into the home’s living area, a hallmark of Snyder’ architectural design style.

Interior design touches by artist and Crane Point board member Lynn Voit include restored friezes encircling the top of the library-den walls. The friezes honor the Great Pyrenees dogs the Cranes saved during World War II and brought to America, becoming the founders of the breed in the U.S.

Now used to host special events, the home can be seen during guided tours of the entire Crane Point property — typically offered multiple times per day in the winter months and once daily during the summer, or by special request.

Near the front of the property is the wonderfully curated Museum of Natural History, where visitors can discover how Native Americans forged a living from the area, view a 600-year-old dugout canoe and remnants of pirate ships, and learn about the exploits of early explorers and pioneers. Visitors can also see exhibits about the natural world, including the endangered Key deer and sea turtles, and a walk-though coral reef habitat.

Apart from the cultural gems located on the property, the meandering trails and boardwalks throughout Crane Point are a popular escape for those seeking to familiarize themselves with the many species of plants and trees native to the Keys, as well as those in search of quiet time in nature.

The entire Crane Point property, acquired by the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust in 1989, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places — fulfilling the Cranes’ original dream of preserving their personal sanctuary, filled with biodiversity and cultural significance, for the public to enjoy.

For information, visit cranepoint.net.

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

###

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.

###

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.

###

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

### 

Kristy Yeider of Marathon earned the top lady angler award — and the largest-in-tournament honors — for her 27.8-pound dolphin fish, taking home $1,250 in cash. Captain Picariello’s son, Luca, a Marathon eighth-grade student, was named top junior angler for his 15.5-pounder and won $250.

Also on board the lucky Outlaw was Trisha Hopp of Key West, Florida, winning $500 as second-place lady angler for her 16.3-pound dolphin fish.

Marathon resident Mike Sessler earned first place in the weekend warrior category with a 26-pounder, claiming a $2,000 cash prize.

Timothy Hayes of Duck Key, Florida, took the top spot in the pro category, earning $2,000 for his 16.4-pound dolphin fish.

The tournament is a leading fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys’ projects and programs.

###

Joe Broderick and Mike McGrath, both of Huntingdon Valley, captured first place with their tally of eight tarpon and took home $4,500 in prize money.

The brothers were recruited by their father, Bill Broderick, also of Huntingdon Valley. He fished the tournament for the first time last year and called it one of the best times of his life.

The senior Broderick, fishing this year with tournament newcomers Joe Gentile of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Dan Powell of Sea Isle City, New Jersey, also released eight tarpon to earn second-place honors and $3,300.

The winners’ eighth tarpon was caught earlier than the second-place team’s fish, giving Joe Broderick and Mike McGrath the win.

Brothers Rusty and Ray Martz from Ambler, Pennsylvania — last year’s champions — caught seven tarpon to finish in third place and win $2,100.

Each year the high-energy tournament mandates that teams must fish with a different captain each evening, so no one group of anglers has an advantage with potential "hot spots."

Teams rotated among the three major bridge channels in the Middle Keys — at the Seven Mile, Long Key and Bahia Honda bridges. Because of this format, captains are awarded for the overall number of tarpon caught from their boats. 

Named the first-place captain with 13 fish was Captain John Callion of Marathon. Captain Jared Dieguez, also of Marathon, tallied 10 tarpon to land the second-place slot. Marathon’s Captain Charlie Turner, fishing the Tarponian for the first time, took third place with nine tarpon.

A field of 50 anglers on 16 boats participated in the event, releasing a total of 82 tarpon.

Next year’s tournament is scheduled April 26-30, 2025. To participate, anglers must register and submit deposits in advance by Aug. 31, 2024. For information, contact David Breznicky at 267-210-1952.

###

"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

###

The No Slack team, all from Marathon, released four sailfish during the contest’s two days of fishing to earn winners’ trophies. The tournament is a fundraiser for Mission Fishin’, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding marine adventures for kids with special needs and their families.

Captain Platt’s 7-year-old son, James Platt III, caught and released the first sailfish of the tournament and earned the title of top junior angler.

No Slack angler Melissa Bennett released two sailfish while mate and angler Ely Hernandez released one, bringing the team’s total to four and securing the win based on time.

Team Yeti or Not, captained by Marathon’s Jared Dieguez, returned to the dock in second place with four releases. Team members were Jonathan Sanchez, Tony Palm, Luca Picariello and mate Tod Picariello, all from Marathon; and Caden Hudson and Kevin Reid, both from Naples, Florida.

Two of Yeti or Not’s four releases were caught by Sanchez, earning him the top male angler award.

Third-place team Memory Maker ended the tournament with three releases. Teammates included Captain Jon Henry, mate Casey Yaworsky and angler Christina Henry — all from Marathon — with Florida anglers Sean Marrero of Key Largo and Alissa Keiler of Fort Lauderdale.

Keiler scored all three of Memory Maker’s sailfish releases to garner the top lady angler award.

The tournament drew 75 registered anglers on 16 boats. Collectively, they released a total of 27 sailfish.

Next year’s tournament is set for April 24-26, 2025, according to organizers.

###

Locator Super: Marathon, Florida Keys
Video: Video to match this story is available on the Florida Keys News Bureau's FTP server (download details below) or can be downloaded now via Google Drive lin here. B-roll of turtle release; SOTs with Bette Zirkelbach (pronounced Betty ZIR kull back), Turtle Hospital manager. 

TRT: 01:40

Filename: FLKeysEarthDayTurtles.mp4
Video Source: Florida Keys News Bureau

MARATHON, Florida Keys -- In celebration of Earth Day, the staff from the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital released two rehabilitated green sea turtles back to their ocean home Monday from Sombrero Beach in Marathon.

“Sherry” was rescued in September 2023 off Marathon, where she was found floating and entangled in fishing line, and suffering from fibropapillomatosis, a debilitating tumor-causing viral disease that affects sea turtles around the world.

The larger of the two turtles, “PG,” short for “Pretty Girl,” was rescued in October 2023 off the Upper Keys where she was found with a heavy tumor load.

Treatment for both turtles included tumor-removal surgeries, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood.

Both turtles are now tumor-free, swimming strongly and back in good health.

“There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day than releasing two green sea turtles back to their ocean home in the Florida Keys,” said Bette Zirkelbach, the Turtle Hospital's manager.

“It’s important to protect our oceans for future generations,” Zirkelbach added. “Sea turtles are an indicator species -- what happens to them is eventually going to affect all of life.”

Before the turtles were released, kids and their parents had a chance to see the turtles up close and learn from Zirkelbach about the need to protect the world’s oceans.

 The Turtle Hospital, based in Marathon in the Middle Keys, opened in 1986 as the world's first state-licensed veterinary hospital solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. The facility has been rescuing, rehabilitating and returning turtles to the wild for 38 years. 

###

FTP Information
Host: ftp://216.194.165.19  
UserID: floridakeys@news.fla-keys.com
Password: islands
Folder: News Video
Filename: FLKeysEarthDayTurtles.mp4

It is best to access and download files from the FTP site using a dedicated FTP software package such as Fetch.

The region has several full-service resorts perfect for both family vacations and romantic getaways, as well as charming boutique properties. Vacation rentals range from individual condo units to large homes that can accommodate multi-generational families or groups of friends.

Throughout the Middle Keys and Marathon, options abound that enable individuals, couples, families and friends to dedicate time to the pursuit of relaxation and personal renewal.

Escape to Serenity: The pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly Old Seven Mile Bridge provides an only-in-the-Keys path to fitness and wellness. A restored two-mile span of the old bridge offers a four-mile roundtrip “course” with a view of crystal-clear waters below. During the walking workout, frequent stops are a must to peer into the water for an illuminating look at sea life swimming by. Sightings of sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, rays and other marine creatures are frequently reported. The span also provides spectacular views of both the sunrise and sunset. And if time allows, the tiny island of Pigeon Key at one end of the restored span awaits exploration. ci.marathon.fl.us/community/page/old-seven-mile-bridge

Escape on the Water: Find a clear window on the undersea world while snorkeling on Sombrero Reef, a quick 3.5-mile boat trip from Marathon. Depths on the reef range from two to 30 feet with bordering seagrass beds and sand flats. Snorkelers can expect to see a wide range of sea life including turtles, rays and many species of colorful fish. Marathon dive and snorkel providers Captain Hooks and Dive Isla Bella are certified by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as Blue Star operators, committed to coral conservation and environmentally sound on-the-water practices. captainhooks.com, diveislabella.com

Escape into Renewal: Marathon is the perfect spot to support the Florida Keys’ marine ecosystem while embarking on a new culinary adventure. Diners can tempt their taste buds with lionfish, a specialty at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar, located on the waterfront at 1406 Ocean View Ave. Restaurant owner John Mirabella led the charge to feature invasive lionfish on restaurant menus to help remove them from the delicate reef ecosystem, where they are aggressive predators of native Keys fish species. Luckily lionfish are also tasty table fare — so consuming them not only satisfies culinary curiosity, but it also helps sustain local fish populations. castawayfloridakeys.com

Escape into Nature: Curry Hammock State Park is home to Florida Keys Hawkwatch, whose volunteer members monitor the migration of avian species — especially birds of prey. Each fall it’s possible to view or count thousands of falcons, raptors and eagles that fly through the Keys on their annual migratory path. The park is known as the peregrine falcon migration capital of the world. Located at mile marker 56.2 on Little Crawl Key, Curry Hammock is also a favorite spot for kayakers, paddleboarders and kiteboarders to launch from shore. There are paddling routes through mangrove tunnels with sandbars and open ocean within easy reach. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/curry-hammock-state-park

Escape to a Hidden Haven: Tucked away at the end of Sombrero Beach Boulevard is Sombrero Beach, a lovely sandy beach framing a shady public park with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms and showers. The park is open from sunrise to dusk and is an ideal spot for watching both sunrises and sunsets in waterfront tranquility. Marathon’s Turtle Hospital sometimes schedules public turtle releases at the beach, drawing wildlife supporters who cheer enthusiastically as rehabilitated sea turtles swim back to their ocean home. ci.marathon.fl.us/parksrec/page/sombrero-beach