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

Bat Masterson is Named Key West’s Newest ‘Papa’

His long-established nickname is “Bat,” and even many friends don’t know his real name is David. But now Bat Masterson has a new nickname: “Papa.” That’s because Bat recently won the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, a highlight of Key West's Hemingway Days festival that ended July 21 — the 125th anniversary of “Papa” Hemingway’s birth.

By |July 24, 2024|

What Does Pride Mean? Key West Locals Speak Out

As Key West prepares to celebrate its June 2-6 Pride festivities, what does Pride — or the concept of pride — mean to island residents? An acknowledgement of life's beautiful diversity, a reminder to use the past to build a better future, and joy for the Key West community’s caring nature are among the answers provided.

By |May 19, 2021|

Time to Reconnect with Family in the Florida Keys

In the Florida Keys, the 125-mile-long island chain at the southern tip of Florida, family members can find seemingly endless ways to reconnect. A family road trip through the Keys features five destinations in one vacation: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and the southernmost island of Key West.

By |May 12, 2021|

Reconnect with Simple Pleasures in the Keys

Miles of wide-open spaces, warm fragrant breezes and vibrantly colorful scenery invite Florida Keys visitors to spend most of their time outdoors. Simple pleasures abound throughout the 125-mile-long island chain, an outdoor playground for all ages, where it’s easy to discover seemingly endless ways to reconnect with family, friends and the natural world.

By |May 5, 2021|

LGBTQ Charter Company Offers Key West Yachting Adventures

Key West visitors can enjoy activities like dolphin watching, kayaking, swimming, sunning and exploring protected local waters during cruises on the 55-foot luxury yacht “Bottoms Up,” thanks to a charter business launched by LGBTQ business leader Joe Schroeder. Captain Joe’s team creates an exclusive “dream day at sea” for each charter group.

By |May 5, 2021|

Reconnect in the Keys

These days, people are hungry to reconnect with the individuals and activities that matter most to them. And the Florida Keys are uniquely positioned to satisfy that desire. The Keys’ vast open spaces offer seemingly endless opportunities to rediscover the natural world after coronavirus confinement, and share unforgettable experiences with friends and family.

By |April 28, 2021|

Elena Muratori: Steward of the Upper Keys’ State Parks

In May, Elena Muratori celebrates 25 years with the Florida Park Service. With two decades of working at John Pennekamp Coral Reef and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical state parks, she’s one of the longest-serving stewards at any Florida Keys state park. And she’s deeply dedicated to restoring and preserving natural resources.

By |April 21, 2021|
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