Big Pine Key & the Lower Keys

Three Meaningful Ways to Observe Earth Day in the Keys

Every day brings a reason to celebrate the planet’s beauty in the Florida Keys — an area of natural wonders set against a backdrop of sea, land and sky. And this coming Earth Day, Keys visitors and residents can honor the environment with activities that include helping restore the island chain’s treasured coral reef.

By |2023-04-12T17:53:55-04:00April 12, 2023|

Nautical Expo and Unique Attractions Await on Big Pine Key

Attention, watersports enthusiasts: boating, fishing and nautical merchandise galore will be available at the 19th annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo, an eclectic market set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14-15. But that’s far from the only attraction in the area — other must-see spots include the Blue Hole and Grimal Grove.

By |2022-12-14T14:26:38-05:00December 14, 2022|

Events Bring Enchantment to Florida Keys Holiday Season

Sunny subtropical holidays in the Florida Keys & Key West are filled with warmth and good cheer throughout the 125-mile-long island chain. From Key Largo to Key West, the 2022 holiday season features spirited events such as lighted boat parades, historic inn tours, only-in-the Keys frivolity, sparkling waterfront celebrations and other island festivities.

By |2022-12-07T11:05:25-05:00December 7, 2022|

Dave Vaughan: Steward of Coral Fragmentation

Summerland Key resident Dave Vaughan, founder of the Plant a Million Corals Foundation, is known worldwide for his “Eureka mistake” that led to a revolutionary coral fragmentation technique allowing the rapid growth of coral. His technique is proving to be a vital tool in restoring and protecting the Florida Keys’ living coral barrier reef.

By |2022-11-30T16:57:18-05:00November 30, 2022|

Key West’s 58-Year-Old Tournament Promotes Fishery and Fun

Nearly 60 years ago, Captain Gainey Maxwell conceived a way to encourage people to visit and fish Florida Keys waters — and then come back to do it again. He called it the Key West Fishing Tournament. Today, an impressive 46 backcountry and offshore species are targeted during the free-entry tournament’s eight-month span.

By |2022-11-09T14:41:14-05:00November 9, 2022|

The ‘Code of the Keys’ Guides Eco-Protection Practices

Florida Keys residents, and others who love the island chain, are guided by a code of conduct designed to protect the region’s amazing natural environment. Its core is the 10 Keymandments — a lighthearted yet informative set of recommendations for enjoying meaningful, memorable experiences while respecting and helping to preserve the Keys’ treasured eco-realm.

By |2022-10-12T13:02:15-04:00October 12, 2022|

George Bellenger: Steward of the Natural Backcountry

George Bellenger, who co-founded Key West Eco Tours with wife Carla 20 years ago, believes that even a five-minute commitment helps with preserving the Keys’ natural backcountry and dense mangrove islands. The Bellengers’ backcountry eco-tours are operated from the Geiger Key Paddle Hut out of Geiger Key Marina fish camp and RV park.

By |2022-10-05T14:20:52-04:00October 5, 2022|

After Ian: Florida Keys Update

Most people who care about the Florida Keys probably know that the island chain felt some impacts from Hurricane Ian’s tropical storm-force winds and storm surge when Ian passed well to the west of Key West. So this week, Keys Voices breaks from its usual format to provide readers a post-Ian update.

By |2022-10-02T19:26:58-04:00September 28, 2022|

Discover Seafood with a Florida Keys Twist

In the Florida Keys, fresh fish and seafood are menu staples at most popular restaurants. It’s easy to find just-caught snapper, grouper and mahi-mahi served grilled, blackened or fried. In addition, many chefs and restaurateurs in the island chain enjoy showcasing “only in the Keys” dishes, unusual species or innovative preparation techniques.

By |2022-09-07T14:40:23-04:00September 7, 2022|
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