Keys Voices | The Florida Keys & Key West Blog2025-04-24T13:28:20-04:00

John David Hawver: Artist and Steward of the Keys

Oil painter John David Hawver, one of the best-known artists in the Florida Keys, is soft-spoken, modest and friendly. While he loves the people of the Keys, he paints the 125-mile-long island chain’s environmental scenes and nature-scapes. He likes to use color in his work — particularly the colors of the water and sky.

By |January 29, 2025|

‘Nutcracker Key West’ Features Island Flair (and Roosters!)

Audiences can discover the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage, coral reef environment and holiday spirit during eight performances of “Nutcracker Key West.” Debuting Dec. 5, the production gives the classic ballet a unique twist, transforming the well-loved tale of a young girl’s dream into a celebration of Key West’s culture, traditions and underwater wonders.

By |November 13, 2024|

Celebrate the Hogfish Bar’s Anniversary With a Stellar Concert

The Hogfish Bar & Grill, a funky Keys-style emporium overlooking the water at Stock Island’s Safe Harbour Marina, has long been popular with locals and visitors – including Jimmy Buffett. Fans of the iconic spot can celebrate its 22nd anniversary Nov. 30 with a free concert starring some of the late Buffett's musical colleagues.

By |November 6, 2024|

Spencer Slate: A Steward Diving into Adventure

Spencer Slate, who owns Captain Slate’s SCUBA Adventures in the Upper Florida Keys, grew up watching television’s iconic “Sea Hunt” and today believes every diver is an ecologist. Inducted into the International SCUBA Diving Hall of Fame in 2004, he encourages people to be watch-keepers who help preserve and protect the world’s oceans.

By |October 30, 2024|

Time to Savor Stone Crab Season

For Florida Keys foodies, Oct. 15 rivals a national holiday in importance. Why? Because that marks the opening of the annual stone crab season. The orange-red, pale yellow and black stone crab claws contain a sweet, tender meat that’s among the Keys’ most popular delicacies — and they're served at restaurants around the island chain.

By |October 23, 2024|

Flash Back to the ’90s at Key West’s Fabulous Fantasy Fest

Each year, thousands of people head to Key West for the Fantasy Fest celebration, eager to don exotic masks and costumes and escape their real-world cares in a whirl of revelry. Set for Oct. 18-27, the festivities include lavish costume competitions, street fairs, masquerade parties, unparalleled creativity and the dazzling Fantasy Fest Parade.

By |October 16, 2024|

A Presence of Peace Beneath the Sea

In difficult times, it’s calming to recall places that engender a sense of peace — such as the majestic "Christ of the Deep" statue, installed in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1965. The 9-foot bronze has become an iconic symbol of Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

By |October 9, 2024|
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