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Keys Traveler
Vol. 5, No. 4 Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West February 2009

New Key West Airport Terminal to Open Feb. 25

Construction of the long-awaited new terminal building at Key West International Airport is substantially complete. According to Florida Keys airports director Peter Horton, passengers are expected to begin using the new facility Feb. 25.

The new terminal building features second-level ticketing, baggage and security areas for departing passengers, a restaurant, concessions and restrooms. Elevated over parking, the building measures approximately 30,000 square feet.

Plans call for construction crews to begin renovating the existing 1957 airport building shortly after Feb. 25, with the completion date set for early June. The airport remains fully operational throughout the project.

For more information, click here.

Featured Stories
Lower Keys Winter Star Party to Celebrate 25 Years Of Stargazing
As many as 650 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world will gather in the Lower Florida Keys Feb. 21-28 to view stars and constellations that aren't visible anywhere else in the United States. Learn about the 25th annual Winter Star Party by clicking here.
Original Marathon Seafood Festival Offers Feast and Fun
The Original Marathon Seafood Festival takes aim at the tummy March 14-15, when pink shrimp, lobster, stone crab claws and other local seafood can be savored at Marathon Community Park. To tempt your taste buds, click here.
Casa Marina and Reach Resort Join Waldorf Astoria Collection
After undergoing a collective $85 million in renovations, Key West's historic Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club and the Reach Resort recently became part of the elite Waldorf Astoria Collection. Discover the prestigious properties by clicking here.
Marine Bargains Abound at Annual Islamorada Nautical Flea Market
At the 14th annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market, bargain hunters can check out new and used boat parts, marine products, scuba and snorkel gear, nautical arts and crafts, fishing gear and more. Check out the Feb. 21-22 market by clicking here.
Keynotes
ARTS & CULTURE
Thirty-two contemporary sculptures enhance the land- and seascapes around two historic Civil War-era forts during the 14th annual Sculpture Key West exhibition, set to run through April 18. Explore the artistry by clicking here.
DIVING
Whether referred to as a "marine imaging specialist" or "underwater photographer," Key Largo's Stephen Frink is all pro — and he draws considerable inspiration from the colorful fish and historic shipwrecks of his island home. Click here to "get the picture."
FISHING
The Poor Girls Billfish Tournament, a large regional charity competition, is expected to draw some 200 female anglers to Islamorada waters Feb. 17-18. Angling for more information? Click here.
"KEYS VOICES"
Culinary artistry is the norm in the Florida Keys, and a select group of gourmet chefs lead the way with innovative cuisine created using fresh local ingredients and a unique flair. Learn their recipe for success by clicking here.
Upcoming Keys Events
Feb. 7-8
in Marathon
15th Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival
The acclaimed art show is held at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and free for those under age 12. Attractions include free parking and shuttle service, kids' corner, food vendors, live music and an art raffle. Contact (305) 289-9555, e-mail reneeshain1@hotmail.com or click here.
Feb. 11
in Key Largo
Dagny Johnson Botanical State Park Lecture Series: "Women Conserving the Florida Keys"
Women who have worked to conserve the Florida Keys, including Dagny Johnson, the park's namesake, are spotlighted. Held at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitor Center, mile marker 102.5 oceanside, the lecture is set for 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 7 p.m. Admission is free but seating is limited. Contact the visitor center at (305) 451-9570 or click here.
Feb. 21-22
in Key West
Old Island Days Art Festival
The 44th annual juried fine art show is set on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town. The highly acclaimed show features oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, photography and other offerings by artists from around the United States. Contact (305) 294-1241 or click here.
Feb. 21-22
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
Paradise Quilter's Guild Quilt Show
Discover the unique and centuries-old art form of quilt making at the Paradise Quilter's Guild biennial show to be held at Sugarloaf School. The show is open to the public free of charge. Raffle tickets are $1 for the chance to win a bird of paradise quilt. Contact Mary Quirk at (305) 744-0139 or click here.
Feb. 26-28
in Islamorada
Backcountry Fly Championship
Anglers in this fly-fishing tournament are to compete to catch the largest snook and redfish in a region of the Keys that is famous for them. Contact (305) 664-2444 or e-mail csasun@aol.com.
Feb. 28
in Islamorada
Pops In The Park - From Bach to Beatles
Florida Keys Community Concert Band presents musical magic at Islamorada Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key. Performances are outdoors (no chairs provided) and start at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Contact (305) 853-7294 or click here.
March 5 -
April 5

in Marathon
Florida Keys Watercolor Society 27th Annual Judged Exhibition
The art show can be viewed daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. before the curtain and during the intermission of performances of "Company" at the Marathon Community Theatre. A society member will welcome viewers day and evening. Contact the theater's box office at (305) 743-0994 or click here.
March 7
in Key Largo
Cypress String Quartet
Islamorada Community Entertainment presents this South Florida Center for the Arts Upper Keys concert at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 90. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Contact (305) 304-9059 or click here.
March 7
in Key West
47th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
Aspiring "pucker pros" of all ages compete to make music using the fluted conch shell that's the symbol of the Florida Keys. The wacky competition is held in the garden of Key West's Oldest House, 322 Duval St., at 1:30 p.m. For details, click here.
March 28
in Marathon
Green Living & Energy Education Expo
Attendees at this free event will find seminars and booths demonstrating ways to "green" their lives, save money, conserve natural resources and make positive sustainable choices. For details, click here.
The Florida Keys & Key West Key Largo Islamorada Marathon Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys Key West Key Largo Islamorada Marathon Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys Key West www.fla-keys.com Webcams Weddings Arts & Culture Fishing Diving & Snorkeling Accommodations
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