Pucker Pros Take Center Stage in Key West’s ‘Conch Honk’
Maybe chart-topping rock stars aren’t abandoning their guitars to play the conch shell. But that’s okay — because the “pucker pros” playing pink-lined shells were treated like rock stars at Key West’s recent Conch Shell Blowing Contest. The event saluted the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage and centuries-old use of the “conch horn” for signaling.
Key West’s LGBTQ Lodgings Ready to Welcome Visitors Back
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.
Key West’s Spirit Lives in Buffett Songs
Longtime Key Westers remember famed singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett when he lived on the island, savoring the lifestyle that helped inspire his songs. As the world slowly emerges from COVID-19 shutdowns and the Florida Keys prepare to reopen to visitors June 1, Buffett's music can evoke the spirit of Key West and memories of a more carefree time.
Enter the ‘At Home’ Video Challenge and Vie For a Keys Getaway
If you’re craving the Florida Keys during this time of widespread COVID-19 travel restrictions, there’s a remedy for that: recreate your favorite Keys memory while staying safe at home, capture it in a mini-video, and submit the video to the island chain’s new Instagram contest. Hashtagged #FLKeysAtHomeChallenge, the competition continues through May 25.
Five Great Ways to Enjoy a Taste of Key West at Home
Despite COVID-19 travel restrictions, a “virtual Florida Keys experience” can still be enjoyed while staying safely sequestered at home. With a little bit of imagination and the delivery of some fabulous Keys goodies, it’s not difficult to get a temporary "Keys fix" until officials determine that the destination can begin welcoming travelers again.
Discover the Keys ‘By the Book’
Many books about the Florida Keys are so well crafted that they seemingly transport readers to the island chain — portraying it so vividly that it’s almost possible to feel the humidity and smell the salt air. During this time of COVID-19 travel restrictions, what books provide the best “virtual visit” to the Keys?
Lisa Mongelia: Steward of the Sea
Lisa Mongelia, the executive director of Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum, is a passionate diver. A member of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s advisory council, she’s extremely active in protecting the oceans to benefit future generations. Her goals for the museum include increasing educational outreach and, through diving, leading Keys environmental initiatives.