Prime viewing of southern constellations, comets and stars is to draw several hundred amateur and professional astronomers to the Lower Florida Keys Jan. 27 through Feb. 2 for the Winter Star Party.
Astronomers and astro-imagers from several countries typically gather for the renowned event, held at two Scout camps around mile marker 34 on U.S. Highway 1, to explore the night sky.
The primary attractions are the clear, steady conditions and large number of celestial objects that are visible from the Lower Keys — virtually the only place in the continental United States where they can be seen. The Keys’ southern location and relative absence of large-scale artificial lighting at night provide optimal viewing opportunities.
The South Florida Symphony Orchestra, launched 27 years ago in Key West under the direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, is celebrating its 2025 season with three performances for music lovers in the island city. The first Key West concert is Jan. 19, with the symphony’s premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s satirical masterpiece “Candide."
The Florida Keys' welcome as many as 800,000 divers each year to discover the wonder and beauty to be found in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Some of the area’s top dive pros offer tips for successful and memorable dive experiences, and suggestions on giving back to the Keys marine environment.
The final leg of the three-event Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship Series, the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, is scheduled Jan. 17-19 in Islamorada. After a kickoff and a beach banquet at Cheeca Lodge, anglers spend two days testing their light-tackle skills against the high-flying acrobatic sailfish, known for tail-walking the waves.
Johnny Vance, concierge director at Stock Island’s Perry Hotel & Marina, has a deep radio-host voice and a passion for urging visitors to get out on Florida Keys waters. When he’s not providing white-glove service that helps clients fall in love with the Keys, where does Vance like to dine, explore and relax?
International teams of women and girls are to unite in Key West for adrenaline-charged sports matches and associated activities Jan. 21-27. They’ll compete in the Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship, named for and endorsed by the acclaimed actress and former Key West resident who starred in “Top Gun.”
Chris Bergh, The Nature Conservancy’s Florida field program director based in the Lower Keys, is optimistic about the Florida Keys’ future and ability to adapt to environmental challenges in the coming decades. His priorities include protecting the Keys’ water quality and environmental biodiversity to save endangered and rare species such as Key deer.
The 125-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States' only coral barrier reef. The teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore, offering divers vacation memories that last a lifetime. Mike Papish’s video spotlights the colorful denizens of this fascinating underwater world.
