Gerrit Marshall’s Birthday Gift: Just Call Him ‘Papa’
Meet the newest “Papa.” White-bearded Wisconsin man Gerrit Marshall has won the 2023 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, a highlight of Key West's Hemingway Days festivities. The retired television broadcast engineer triumphed over nearly 140 other contest entrants on his 68th birthday — just a day after the July 21 birthday of the original "Papa" Hemingway.
JT Thompson: The Human Behind ‘One Human Family’
Key West is well known for its residents’ welcoming and accepting attitude toward all people -- an attitude that gained formal recognition when local artist JT Thompson conceived the now global “One Human Family” concept.
‘Connections Project’ Bridges the Keys with Creativity
The quirky, charismatic Florida Keys & Key West are connected by a vibrant community of creative spirits — and pieces of their work have been collected into a mural that bridges the Keys with colorful artistry. It’s called, fittingly, “The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys."
Key West for the Watersports Lover
No Key West visit is complete without experiencing the incredibly beautiful blue-green water, vivid coral reef -- the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States -- and (last but not least) sunsets that will knock your socks off.
Four Keys Cultural Experiences You Just Can’t Miss
In the laid-back Florida Keys, vacationing is an art form. And if you’re seeking cultural experiences to supplement the Keys’ subtropical “fun and sun” vibe, you’ll find arts offerings in just about every genre. Check out four can’t-miss gems to enjoy and remember.
Get ‘Honking’ to Compete in Key West Contest
For those fascinated by the unusual art of conch shell blowing, it’s time to pucker up and hone your “honking” skills on your favorite oceanic instrument — because Key West’s 55th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest is coming up fast.
Diana Nyad’s Key West Connection
Diana Nyad is known around the globe for her iconic swim of nearly 111 miles from Cuba to Key West without a shark cage. During a recent Key West visit, she talked about her life’s accomplishments and her unique connection to the island city.