KeysKash coupons feature added-value offers for Keys vacations.

From admissions to area attractions to value-added offerings from restaurants and accommodations, the KeysKash program features a wide variety of savings opportunities.

For example, a Key Largo snorkel tour operator is offering a free underwater disposable 35mm film camera with the purchase of four tour tickets to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

In Marathon, a dolphin interaction facility is providing reduced general-admission rates when visitors arrive with a value-added coupon.

A Key West guesthouse is offering a Sunday-through-Thursday special providing a third night free for vacationers that purchase a room for two nights from June 1 to Oct. 16.

But perhaps the most unique offer is free admission to a drag cabaret performance at a noted Key West bar.

Timing of the KeysKash program should provide additional cost-saving opportunities for travelers seeking spring and summer vacations in the Keys. And for Americans who choose to use economic stimulus tax rebate checks for personal travel, it means their travel dollar should garner more in the Keys.

A decorated bed makes its way down Key West's Duval Street during a previous Conch Republic Red Ribbon Bed Race.

By Carol Shaughnessy
Florida Keys News Bureau

With events ranging from a "drag" race for female impersonators to a lighthearted sea battle between tall ships, the Conch Republic's 10-day birthday party commemorates the founding of "the world's first fifth-world nation." Scheduled for April 18-27, the 26th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration showcases the irreverent, freethinking spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys.

Photo by Andy Newman/FKNB

Conch Republic residents and visitors display the island nation's flag during a re-enactment of the historic secession.

As well as the drag race and the sea battle (where combatants employ weapons such as water cannons and flying vegetables), scheduled festivities include the World's Longest Parade, so named because it begins at the Atlantic Ocean and proceeds down Key West's Duval Street to the Gulf of Mexico; and the 24th annual Conch Republic Red Ribbon Bed Race, a charity challenge billed as "the most fun you can have in bed with your clothes on."

Conch Republic celebrants also can enjoy approximately 20 other events during the 10-day festival.

For more information about the Conch Republic Independence Celebration and a complete schedule of events, call (305) 294-2298 or visit the republic's Web site at www.conchrepublic.com.

Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Miss Geico speeds under the old and new Seven Mile bridges to take overall honors at the 2007 Marathon Offshore Grand Prix.

The race's course passes beneath the old Seven Mile Bridge, once part of a historic railway stretching from mainland Florida to Key West, and the contemporary Seven Mile Bridge, the centerpiece of the Overseas Highway spanning the Keys.

The larger boats are expected to navigate nine laps for a total course length of about 80 miles.

Race fans can view the boats and meet race teams Friday and Saturday when the dry pits open to the public at the Marathon City Event field, situated near mile marker 52 between 98th and 99th streets.

Spectators can view race action free from Sunset Park at mile marker 47 on the east end of the Seven Mile Bridge.

For more race information, go to www.superboat.com.

By Carol Shaughnessy
Florida Keys News Bureau

Photo by Alan L. Mayor

The 13th annual Hog's Breath Key West Songwriters' Festival is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, through Sunday, May 4.

The roster of performers is headed by unparalleled Texas singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen; former Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, renowned for his rich, fluid tenor; Jeffrey Steele, whose award-winning cuts include "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts; Scotty Emerick, who has penned such smashes as "I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight" and "As Good as I Once Was" for Toby Keith; and Don Schlitz, whose first cut in a meteoric writing career was "The Gambler," recorded by Kenny Rogers.

Shows are to be staged at intimate, audience-friendly tropical resorts, waterfront taverns, an excursion catamaran at sunset and other sites where music lovers can meet the writers of their favorite hits and learn the stories behind the songs.

The schedule also includes a rocking "big stage" outdoor show set for 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3. Starring the Jeffrey Steele Band, the event is to take place in the parking lot of Hog's Breath Saloon, 400 Front St., just off Key West's famed Duval Street.

For more information about the Key West Songwriters' Festival and a detailed schedule of performances, visit www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com or call Hog's Breath at (305) 296-4222.

By Nancy Lucas
Florida Keys News Bureau

Learn and explore how to live in a more environmentally responsible manner at the third annual Green Living and Energy Expo in Marathon.

Open to the public Friday through Sunday, May 9-11, the expo is to take place at Marathon High School, 350 Sombrero Beach Road in Marathon.

The free three-day event features demonstrations and seminars about sustainable living, renewable energy and conservation. Continuing education classes are set for Friday, while Saturday boasts 28 workshops with local and national speakers plus 60 exhibitors.

Sunday's schedule includes a brunch and tours of local homes built or operating with earth-friendly practices. Throughout the Keys, eco-tours are to be offered of the backcountry waters through leafy green tunnels of mangroves.

For more information, log on to www.keysGLEE.com, e-mail info@keysglee.com or call (305) 293-7658.

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