Key Largo

Steward of the Keys: Dan Dawson Dives

Dan Dawson, co-owner with wife Mollie of Key Largo’s Horizon Divers, certified by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as an environmentally responsible Blue Star operator, discovered his passion for diving at an early age. Today, he’s energized by seeing kids and young adults learn about the Keys’ environment and its protection.

By |2024-02-28T10:46:19-05:00February 28, 2024|

How Florida Keys Fishing Legends Created the March Merkin

Roughly 18 years ago, the March Merkin permit tournament was born in the Florida Keys. One of the longest-running permit challenges in the world, the fly-fishing tournament is hard to fish and hard to win. Guest blogger Allison Delashmit provides a look at the angling event, and ways people can support it.

By |2024-02-21T15:09:08-05:00February 21, 2024|

Explore the Family-Friendly Florida Keys

From special animal encounters to meeting sea turtles in their own hospital, the Florida Keys & Key West offer family-friendly activities to captivate visitors of all ages. Families can explore unique aquariums; lush botanical gardens; nurturing facilities for dolphins and wild birds; or a wildlife refuge that protects tiny indigenous Key deer.

By |2024-02-07T12:41:06-05:00February 7, 2024|

Connect to the Environment with New Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail Pass

There’s a new way to explore the Florida Keys — a way that’s fun, fascinating and focused on nature. Visitors can now discover the island chain’s eco-attractions and environmental offerings by using the free Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail pass, featuring nearly 50 geo-tagged, bookable activities that encourage connecting with the Keys’ natural world.

By |2024-01-24T16:47:43-05:00January 24, 2024|

Only-in-the-Keys Dive Spots for Your Underwater Bucket List

As well as the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys feature unique dive spots that provide unparalleled adventures for underwater enthusiasts. The majestic "Christ of the Deep" statue, an artificial reef created from a historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad bridge, and much more await divers in the island chain.

By |2024-01-10T15:51:03-05:00January 10, 2024|

Erin Allison: Steward of the Keys’ Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Erin Allison has been executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center Inc. since June 2023. Though just 26 years old, she is a dedicated Keys nonprofit leader who’s big on achievable goals. They include broadening the organization’s local outreach through education and by holding public releases of rehabilitated wild birds.

By |2023-12-27T15:23:52-05:00December 27, 2023|

The Sunny Tale of Santa Keys

In the Florida Keys & Key West, the holiday season is welcomed with great fanfare, festivities and flair. But for those who aren't lucky enough to be celebrating in the island chain, "Santa Keys" has dreamed up a special surprise. Discover the jolly guy’s warmhearted plan — and have a joyful and meaningful holiday.

By |2023-12-20T11:09:14-05:00December 20, 2023|

Holiday Hint: Experiences Are Better Than Geese

Instead of celebrating the lead-up to Santa’s Dec. 25 arrival by bestowing daily gifts (as suggested in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”), consider celebrating with experiences. Florida Keys experiences, to be exact — because the island chain’s December calendar is packed with creative, colorful and heartwarming events designed to spark smiles and lasting memories.

By |2023-12-06T14:11:05-05:00December 6, 2023|

Terry Helmers: Steward of Keys Volunteerism

Terry Helmers is a Florida Keys volunteer extraordinaire. His underwater specialty, as a volunteer and as a NOAA- and national parks-authorized diver, is mooring buoys. The dedicated Helmers has logged about 800 volunteer hours with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and more than 2,300 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

By |2023-11-29T10:52:19-05:00November 29, 2023|

Rejoice and Celebrate Life in the Florida Keys & Key West

Every year, many thousands of visitors flock to the Florida Keys & Key West — the continental United States’ southernmost island chain — to celebrate life and its milestones. With sunrise on one side of the islands and sunset on the other, the Keys are an ideal place to romance, celebrate and share memorable moments.

By |2023-11-22T13:19:06-05:00November 22, 2023|
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