Carol Shaughnessy

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So far Carol Shaughnessy has created 258 blog entries.

Sloppy Joe’s, Key West’s Hemingway Hangout, is Open Again!

When Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s, he spent much of his leisure time with friends at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. On Sept. 17, the beloved Key West watering hole reopened after being closed for six months because of the global COVID-19 crisis — and several Hemingway look-alikes were there.

By |2020-09-23T15:43:07-04:00September 23, 2020|

Remembering Key West’s ‘Conch Ambassador’

For decades, Bishop Al Kee welcomed visitors to Key West’s Southernmost Point marker, acting as a smiling ambassador for the island. He sold fluted, pink-lined conch shells beside the iconic waterfront landmark, sliced open coconuts for those who wanted to drink the sweet coconut water inside, and cheerfully posed for innumerable visitor photos.

By |2020-09-16T16:02:43-04:00September 16, 2020|

The Sea Monster of Carysford Reef

In the 1800s, the wrecking industry made Key West the richest city per capita in the United States. The Florida Keys wreckers were famed for their courage in salvaging crews and cargoes from sinking ships. Yet few people know they once salvaged a sea monster off Key Largo’s Carysford (today called Carysfort) Reef.

By |2023-01-10T11:21:19-05:00September 9, 2020|

Key West’s ‘Amazing Race’ of 1913

Legions of television viewers are obsessed with the adventurous reality show “The Amazing Race.” But most of them don’t realize that, in 1913, Key West was the site of one of the most amazing races in history — a competition between two aviators to make the first flight from Key West to Havana, Cuba.

By |2020-09-02T14:52:18-04:00August 12, 2020|

Flavorful Florida Keys Lobster Season Begins Aug. 6

Attention, crustacean fans: Aug. 6 marks the start of the Florida Keys lobster season. Given their location surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys are a paradise for lovers of fish and seafood. And topping the list of seafood standouts is the native lobster — often called spiny lobster.

By |2020-08-05T15:10:27-04:00August 5, 2020|

Traveling the Highway That Goes to Sea

The road unrolls like a long gray ribbon, with vast vistas of turquoise water and paler blue sky stretching endlessly on either side. Driving down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, it’s clear why this roadway is sometimes called the Highway That Goes to Sea — and a “bucket list” drive that everyone should experience.

By |2020-09-02T14:47:58-04:00July 22, 2020|

Pirates, Wreckers and Treasure Hunters Helped Shape Florida Keys

The buccaneering spirit of adventure and individuality is one of the most intriguing — and enduring — attributes that help define the Florida Keys island chain. The Keys’ renegade seafaring heritage is alive in museums and attractions, colorful shipwreck and treasure tales, dive and snorkel trips to wrecksites, and sailing cruises aboard historic tall ships.

By |2020-09-02T14:49:57-04:00July 15, 2020|

Online or In Person, Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival Rocks

Conservation-minded divers and snorkelers can enjoy a unique underwater concert that supports reef protection Saturday, July 11, in the Florida Keys — home to the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef. The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival takes place at beautiful Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

By |2020-09-02T15:12:32-04:00June 17, 2020|

Welcome Back to the Keys!

The wait is over. The Florida Keys & Key West reopened June 1, and are welcoming visitors again after being closed for more than two months because of the global COVID-19 crisis. While Keys businesses are committed to safeguarding visitors’ health, travelers are encouraged to share the responsibility by adopting local health protocols.

By |2021-03-24T10:56:12-04:00June 3, 2020|

Keys Welcoming Visitors Again Starting June 1

Throughout the Florida Keys, businesses ranging from resorts and restaurants to attractions and watersports charters are making final preparations to welcome visitors back beginning Monday, June 1 — embracing enhanced measures to protect all travelers’ health and safety. The Keys have been closed to nonresidents since March 22 because of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

By |2020-06-04T21:39:10-04:00May 27, 2020|
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