By Nancy Lucas
Florida Keys News Bureau

Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Cheeca Lodge's annual sand sculpture on the beach carries a colorful environmental message.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, mile marker (MM) 103 oceanside in Key Largo, is to celebrate by hosting a native plant day Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with guest speakers, activities for children, guided tours and plant giveaways. Mention Earth Day at the park entrance for free admission. For information, call (305) 451-2102.

One of the Keys' biggest Earth Day celebrations is set for Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bahia Honda State Park, MM 36.8. Park entry is free, and attractions include live music, a sand sculpture contest and more than 20 environmental education booths. For information, call (305) 872-9807.

Dolphin Research Center, MM 59 bayside on Grassy Key, plans to host its annual Ocean Celebration Day Thursday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Geared toward school-age children, the event includes dolphin behavior demonstrations, environmental exhibits and puppet shows. General admission is $19.50 for adults, $16.50 for senior citizens and $13.50 for children 4 to 12. For information, call (305) 289-1121.

Marathon's Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Center, MM 50 bayside, is planning an Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can enjoy an environmental art show and fair, tours of the property, guest speakers and a kids' angling challenge. Crane Point admission is $8 per adult, $7 for senior citizens, $5 for students and free for anyone younger than 6. For information, call (305) 743-3900.

Cheeca Lodge and Spa, MM 81.8 oceanside in Islamorada, is hosting its 15th annual Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19. Highlights are to include a beach sand sculpture event where "sculptors" spell out an environmental message in gigantic letters that are visible from the air. The 2008 message is "Living Green is the Key." The schedule also includes a kids' fishing tournament and sand castle contest, a kiteboarding demonstration over the Atlantic, environmental education exhibits, live music and a beachfront grill. For information, call (305) 517-4411.

Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Construction is progressing on the new McCoy Terminal Complex at Key West International Airport. The new terminal's name honors Florida Keys Mayor Charles "Sonny" McCoy, who was also mayor of Key West for a decade, and his late wife Merili, a longtime Key West city commissioner.

By Carol Shaughnessy
Florida Keys News Bureau

Construction of the new McCoy Terminal Complex at Key West International Airport is expected to be complete by fall 2008, said Peter Horton, the Monroe County (Florida Keys) airports director.

Completion of a new elevated building over parking is targeted for summer 2008, with renovation of the existing 1957 facility also planned. The airport expansion more than doubles the current terminal space.

"The existing space is 24,000 square feet, and the new building adds 30,000 square feet," said Horton.

The complex is to include second-level ticketing, baggage and security areas for departing passengers, a restaurant, concessions and restrooms. A planned skyway will lead to a 300-seat departure lounge with restrooms and a 160-seat restaurant and tavern in the existing terminal building.

The renovated terminal also is to include a passenger arrival and baggage claim area with rental car counters, restrooms and a baggage service office.

About a half-million passengers arrive and depart the Key West International Airport annually. Up to 100 commercial flights — including arrivals and departures — are scheduled daily, operated by five commercial carriers and two commuter airlines.

The airport, using existing facilities, remains fully operational throughout the construction project.

By Carol Shaughnessy
Florida Keys News Bureau

Contestants from kids to seniors are puckering up for the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.

The 46th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, on the Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Zero Duval St., overlooking Key West Harbor.

Conch shell blowing is a longtime Key West tradition. Early settlers blew blasts to signal shipwreck salvagers that a sinking ship had been spotted offshore, and native-born islanders are commonly called Conchs.

In addition, conch fritters and chowder are prominently featured on local restaurant menus.

As many as 60 people from several states, ranging in age from toddlers to seniors, typically compete in the quirky contest. Musical ability is not required; winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make.

The 2008 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Entrants can register at the Mallory Square Museum in historic Mallory Square from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8, or at the contest if space is still available.

For more information, call (305) 294-9501, e-mail oldisland@bellsouth.net or click here.

By Carol Shaughnessy
Florida Keys News Bureau

The tranquil blues of the subtropical sky are to blend with melodic blues at the seventh annual Lower Keys Jazz and Blues Festival, scheduled 1-6 p.m. Sunday, April 13. The event is to be presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce on the grounds of the chamber's visitor center, mile marker 31 oceanside.

Themed "Rhythms in Blues," the fest features masterful musicians performing sultry jazz and blues in a shady open-air setting.

International touring and recording artist Joe Donato is to head the talent lineup. Also a composer, Donato electrifies audiences with a repertoire that spans early and contemporary jazz, blues, Broadway classics and more.

Libby York is one of the scheduled headliners at the Lower Keys Jazz & Blues Festival.

Attendees also can discover a different type of blues — and virtually every other hue — in the oils, watercolors, sculptures and fine crafts available at a juried art show on site.

The arts of cuisine and mixology won't be neglected at the event. Food and libations, including cocktails from an exotic martini bar, are to add to the afternoon's appeal.

Music lovers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

Tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 per person at the door and can be purchased at the chamber's visitor center.

A guaranteed $100,000 cash awaits the first-place team at the sixth annual World Sailfish Championship, scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, April 15-19, in Florida Keys waters. Second and third prizes are $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.

The tournament traditionally draws winners of prestigious South Florida sailfish tournaments, celebrities and other elite anglers for three days of hard-fought fishing.

Also scheduled are opening ceremonies with a military flyover, VIP social events, a charity auction, a non-fishing "lay day" and a free concert at Key West's Mallory Square.

For more information and registration, click here.

For more travel information on the Florida Keys:
www.fla-keys.com