Farewell Captain Finbar, the Conch Republic’s Beloved Mariner
Recently the Florida Keys’ Conch Republic lost a beloved guiding spirit: Captain Finbar Gittelman. Owner and master of the majestic Schooner Wolf, he was the longtime First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of the Keys’ picturesque Conch Republic Military. Now those who loved him, and the Conch Republic, will carry on his legacy.
Enjoy the Culture of the Keys — Four Ways!
Visitors seeking cultural experiences to supplement the Florida Keys’ subtropical “fun and sun” lure will find arts offerings in virtually all genres. Enthusiasts can discover galleries from Key Largo to Key West, festivals that spotlight the island chain’s rich creative heritage, eclectic events that showcase the talents of local residents — and even gyotaku.
Ashley’s Guide to Keys Cuisine
Some people who come to the Florida Keys are hungry for adventure in the island chain’s turquoise waters. Some are hungry for time to recharge in nature, or share sun-splashed romance with that special someone. And others are hungry for something more elemental: the chance to enjoy the Keys’ enticing seafood-based cuisine.
Soothe Your Soul in the Backcountry
When the “real world” seems especially stressful, escape to a place that recharges the body, soothes the soul and inspires reconnection with life’s natural rhythms. The Florida Keys backcountry is that place — a realm of wild beauty and tranquil waters, with one of the most diverse assortments of marine life on the planet.
Taylor Hale: Artist/Steward of the Keys’ Natural World
Artist Taylor Hale, a Florida Keys native raised in Key Largo, has come home. Hale is known for his stunning ethereal works of clouds and surreal scenes of the Keys’ natural world, mostly on and around the water. He recently unveiled an Islamorada gallery to display his artistry, with a second coming soon.
Gerrit Marshall’s Birthday Gift: Just Call Him ‘Papa’
Meet the newest “Papa.” White-bearded Wisconsin man Gerrit Marshall has won the 2023 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, a highlight of Key West's Hemingway Days festivities. The retired television broadcast engineer triumphed over nearly 140 other contest entrants on his 68th birthday — just a day after the July 21 birthday of the original "Papa" Hemingway.
Personal Renewal in the Lower and Middle Keys
In the Middle and Lower Keys and Key West, personal renewal, wellness, mindful pursuits, and enriching experiences take center stage to create an unforgettable vacation. Visitors can stroll a historic bridge between seemingly endless sea and sky, taste tropical fruits in a hidden grove, kayak to discover secret mangrove realms, and much more.