Beware of Strange Bedfellows in Strange Key West Race
In most places, beds are reserved for sleeping or amorous activities. But not in the Florida Keys’ colorful Conch Republic — where, on a Saturday afternoon in late April each year, beds on wheels are propelled by teams of strange bedfellows along Key West’s Duval Street in the Conch Republic Blue Ribbon Bed Race.
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.
Five LGBTQ Cultural Icons Who Helped Shape Key West
Authors, playwrights, composers and poets have been lured to Key West by its one-of-a-kind environment of creativity, natural beauty and sometimes eccentric qualities — making it the muse for some of their most acclaimed career accomplishments. Those entranced by the island have included Tennessee Williams, Leonard Bernstein, Elizabeth Bishop, Terrence McNally and Jerry Herman.
Connect with the Keys While Staying ‘Safer@Home’
The Florida Keys tourism council has debuted a social media-based “Safer@Home” program — to entertain and inspire during coronavirus-induced stay-at-home sojourns, and provide a virtual connection between the island chain and people who love it. Fans can tune in to the Keys’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for unique live-stream content direct from the destination.