Come Back to the Keys Starting Oct. 1

The Florida Keys are reopening to visitors Sunday, Oct. 1, following recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma impacted the island chain Sept. 10. Recovery is progressing well and the spirit and resilience of Keys residents is strong, despite the difficult hurricane impacts and aftermath. Many Keys special events — including Key Largo’s Oct. 18-22 Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Key West’s Oct. 20-29 Fantasy Fest and Marathon’s Oct. 21 Stone Crab Eating Contest — are to take place as planned.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-01-17T19:10:53-05:00September 27, 2017|

The Florida Keys’ Road to Recovery

The southern stretch of U.S. Highway 1, running from mainland Florida throughout the Florida Keys to Key West, has been called the Overseas Highway, the Highway That Goes to Sea, and -- for those of us who love the island chain -- the road home. Now, following Hurricane Irma’s assault on the Keys and parts of mainland Florida, it's also an enduring symbol of our road to recovery.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-09-16T21:29:10-04:00September 16, 2017|

A Partnership to Protect Keys Visitors

For those of us whose job and passion it is to showcase the Florida Keys to visitors, major storms are something to take seriously — and be proactive and honest about. As concerns about Hurricane Irma loom for so many people, the Keys tourism website is featuring the latest updates about the storm and its potential path, strength and timing, and vital evacuation information.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-09-06T00:34:42-04:00September 5, 2017|

Savor Tasty Temptations During ‘WineDine’ Restaurant Month

Fans of fine food can enjoy multicourse prix fixe meals at a number of Key West and Islamorada restaurants Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, during WineDine festivities designed to showcase indigenous Florida Keys cuisine and the talents of local chefs. Featured restaurants range from casual waterfront spots to trendy bistros and award-winning gourmet emporiums.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-08-23T20:22:42-04:00August 23, 2017|

Lobster Lovers, Let the Feast Begin!

Early August marks the start of the Florida Keys’ annual commercial lobster season -- so it's time to savor the sweet, clawless local lobsters in restaurants ranging from waterside seafood shacks to gourmet emporiums. Some foodies even design their own “lobster quest" to sample chefs’ crustacean creations at a variety of eateries from Key Largo to Key West.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:42:51-04:00August 9, 2017|

‘Ernest’ Competition Earns Texan the 2017 Look-Alike Title

There’s a new “Papa” Hemingway in the island city where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived during the 1930s. White-bearded Texan Richard Filip won the 2017 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the undisputed highlight of Key West's annual Hemingway Days celebration.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-07-26T22:00:46-04:00July 26, 2017|

In Hemingway’s Footsteps

As the first widely-renowned author to make Key West his home, Ernest Hemingway inspired generations of writers and readers to follow in his footsteps and explore the island’s innate creativity. His legacy and love for Key West are celebrated each July during Hemingway Days.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-07-12T19:49:37-04:00July 12, 2017|

Underwater Music Festival ‘Makes Waves’ for Reef Protection

For more than three decades, the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival has spotlighted coral reef protection and environmentally responsible diving. The unique “submerged songfest” takes place in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary at beautiful Looe Key Reef (about six miles south of Big Pine Key).

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:35:24-04:00July 5, 2017|

Simply Delicious: Unforgettable Keys Cuisine

Florida Keys diners feast on local fish, shrimp, lobster and stone crab — often flavored with tropical fruits and spiced with influences from the island chain's rich melting-pot history. As well as fueling many local eateries’ success, this simply delicious cuisine has inspired culinary experiences from festivals to classes.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-06-07T16:52:36-04:00June 7, 2017|

Key West Regatta Gives Minimalist Movement a Seafaring Spin

Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, fans of the fast-growing minimalist trend cheer teams powering boats made of bare-bones materials in the annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta. Now in its 26th year, the quirky regatta is an undisputed tradition in the Florida Keys -- featuring minimally constructed vessels, plucky mariners displaying a “sink or swim” spirit, and maximum fun for spectators.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-05-24T22:06:46-04:00May 24, 2017|

Carol Shaughnessy

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