The Florida Keys have long been a popular choice for film producers seeking a subtropical adventure setting for their next cinematic project. Since the late 1940s, the island chain has played a role in many notable films — ranging from Bogart's "Key Largo" to James Bond classics and contemporary fare like "The Beach Bum."
To highlight the best points of interest along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, “special correspondent” Matty Meltzer — who happens to be both an intrepid traveler and a wisecracking puppet — was commissioned to chronicle memorable sights and activities on a road trip through the Keys. Follow along with Matty on his fun-filled video journey.
Stretching from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge to Stock Island, the Lower Keys are home to two national wildlife refuges including one protecting Key deer, a state park and part of a national marine sanctuary. The region’s focus on the environment has earned it the title of the Natural Keys.
Islamorada, heralded for its angling diversity, features the Florida Keys' largest fleet of offshore charter and shallow-water “backcountry” boats. The area also offers eco-tours, reef diving and snorkeling, watersports such as stand-up paddling and kiteboarding, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes, enticing galleries and beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay.
What’s the most difficult thing about fishing in the Florida Keys? According to George Poveromo, host of television’s “George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing,” it’s deciding what to fish for — because Keys waters offer a wealth of offshore pelagics to target, incredible bottom and wreck action, world-class flats fishing and exciting backcountry adventures.
Dining outdoors while watching the picturesque sunset is a signature Florida Keys experience, enjoyed by countless visitors to the subtropical destination. One of the primary places to enjoy it is Islamorada’s Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar, an outdoor Mediterranean bistro café set in the sand that’s known for spectacular sunset views.
In this very difficult and stressful time, soothe your spirit with some tranquil images from the Florida Keys & Key West. Stay safe and well.
In late 2018, Key West’s first lesbian mayor was elected. Teri Johnston, a former City Commissioner, is also the first openly gay woman elected mayor of a major Florida city. Popular and well-respected, Johnston was interviewed recently by the leading news source Towleroad — and Towleroad permitted Keys Voices to share excerpts from that interview.
LGBTQ personalities, influences and events have played a huge role in the modern-day history of Key West, a leading gay vacation mecca for decades. With WorldPride well under way, it’s a great time to celebrate the milestones that helped shape the island that draws nearly 300,000 LGBTQ visitors per year.
Most Florida Keys anglers embrace the mantra that “a fish is too valuable to be caught only once.” While conservation of fish didn’t originate in the Florida Keys, the region is now the world’s poster child for it. Even novice anglers release every bonefish, permit and tarpon — generally all species except those that make tasty dinners.