Valerie Preziosi: Steward of Endangered Key Deer
Valerie Preziosi, founder and president of the nonprofit Save Our Key Deer Inc., works to save the diminutive, indigenous and federally protected herd of about 800 Key deer from human-provoked tragedies. Also an avid nature photographer, she is opening a new state-authorized Key deer rehabilitation facility on Big Pine Key in late December.
Underwater Music Fest to ‘Make Waves’ for Reef Protection
The Lower Florida Keys’ sub-sea world will become a concert venue Saturday, July 13, when divers and snorkelers immerse themselves in a musical adventure that promotes reef protection. It’s called the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, and it’s unlike any other dive or snorkel experience — OR any other music festival — on the planet.
Allison Delashmit: Steward of the Lower Keys Guides Association
Allison Delashmit is the executive director of the Lower Keys (Fishing) Guides Association, which includes more than 100 vetted guide members and 150-200 angler members. Her goals include protecting and maintaining the organization’s integrity, helping to protect and preserve the Keys fishery, and providing a voice for future fisheries management in the Keys.
Plywood, Duct Tape and That Dreaded ‘Sinking Feeling’
Sometimes in Key West, people get that “sinking feeling.” It happens each Memorial Day weekend when they compete in the weird and wonderful Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta — where, in the course of one wacky afternoon, many participating vessels simply disintegrate in the water, leaving their “captains” dogpaddling intrepidly while spectators howl with laughter.
Key Lime Pie Stars in ‘Sweet’ Key West Festival
Fans of sweet, tart Key lime pie can salute the Florida Keys’ signature dessert, and the tiny fruit that inspired it, July 3-7 during the annual Key Lime Festival. Events include a (very messy!) Key lime pie–eating contest, “limey” dining delights, a wacky Key lime pie drop, and culinary and libation tastings.
Bill Keogh: Steward of the Lower Keys’ Natural World
Naturalist, eco-guide, photographer-writer and paddling guidebook author Bill Keogh, a 44-year resident of Big Pine Key, operates Big Pine Kayak Adventures. He provides kayak and low-impact motorboat excursions and private motorboat trips to the Lower Florida Keys’ remote wilderness of the National Key Deer Refuge and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
Escape to Key West
Visitors to Key West will find palm-shaded streets, picturesque historic homes, a lively multicultural culinary scene and a flourishing arts community. But perhaps the most appealing aspect is the mellow, easygoing pace of life — a pace that inspires new arrivals to release everyday pressures, breathe deeply and absorb the island’s revitalizing rhythm.