Key West is often described as “close to perfect, but far from normal,” and it certainly lives up to that designation. Renowned for its enthusiastic diversity, the island boasts a freewheeling spirit and an all-welcome attitude. And while people elsewhere celebrate Pride in June, in Key West they live it all year long.
Kristie Killam’s love of nature is an underlying theme in her life and career. As park ranger for the Florida Keys’ four national wildlife refuges, Kristie oversees the refuges’ Nature Center, opened last fall, and the nonprofit Florida Keys Wildlife Society “friends” group of volunteers and partners. She’s also a skilled nature photographer.
There is no other acrobatic fish on the inshore fishing scene that’s more coveted by anglers than the tarpon. Known for their high-leaping ability, these “silver kings” are powerful and tenacious. It’s sometimes easy to get them to bite a bait, but often they have lockjaw and can frustrate anglers and captains alike.
Recently Key West city workers installed four permanent rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets, the heart of the island’s LGBTQ entertainment district (affectionately nicknamed the Pink Triangle). The crosswalks replaced those installed in 2015, and Key West’s Mayor Teri Johnston explains why they symbolize the community’s all-inclusive spirit.
Conservation-minded divers and snorkelers can enjoy a unique underwater concert that supports reef protection Saturday, July 11, in the Florida Keys — home to the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef. The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival takes place at beautiful Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Rachel Bowman, the Florida Keys’ only female commercial lionfish harvester, is passionate about protecting native species by controlling the population of invasive lionfish. A licensed boat captain, she moved to the Keys nearly two decades ago. Now she captures thousands of pounds of lionfish annually, contributing significantly to the “conservation through consumption” movement.
Whatever open-ocean adventure visitors are seeking, chances are they can find it in the waters around Key West -- with two LGBTQ on-the-water leaders poised to share incredible experiences with customers. Spectacular reefs lie only a short boat ride from shore, often located in water that’s just 10 to 15 feet deep.
The wait is over. The Florida Keys & Key West reopened June 1, and are welcoming visitors again after being closed for more than two months because of the global COVID-19 crisis. While Keys businesses are committed to safeguarding visitors’ health, travelers are encouraged to share the responsibility by adopting local health protocols.
Throughout the Florida Keys, businesses ranging from resorts and restaurants to attractions and watersports charters are making final preparations to welcome visitors back beginning Monday, June 1 — embracing enhanced measures to protect all travelers’ health and safety. The Keys have been closed to nonresidents since March 22 because of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
During the Florida Keys’ temporary closure to visitors because of the COVID-19 crisis, Key West's LGBTQ hoteliers have upgraded their properties and incorporated new health and safety measures — prepping for the Keys’ reopening June 1. Now they’re ready to welcome guests who need to relax and recharge after the very tough recent months.