Regions

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.

By |2024-03-13T12:46:25-04:00March 13, 2024|

Fred the Tree: The Florida Keys’ ‘Celebri-Tree’

Fred the Tree, the Florida Keys’ thriving and resolute “celebri-tree” that grows improbably on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, is debuting as a movie star in the remake of “Road House.” The beloved Fred is also memorialized in a song and a children’s book — and his Facebook page has 34,000 followers!

By |2024-03-14T18:42:49-04:00March 6, 2024|

Steward of the Keys: Dan Dawson Dives

Dan Dawson, co-owner with wife Mollie of Key Largo’s Horizon Divers, certified by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as an environmentally responsible Blue Star operator, discovered his passion for diving at an early age. Today, he’s energized by seeing kids and young adults learn about the Keys’ environment and its protection.

By |2024-02-28T10:46:19-05:00February 28, 2024|

How Florida Keys Fishing Legends Created the March Merkin

Roughly 18 years ago, the March Merkin permit tournament was born in the Florida Keys. One of the longest-running permit challenges in the world, the fly-fishing tournament is hard to fish and hard to win. Guest blogger Allison Delashmit provides a look at the angling event, and ways people can support it.

By |2024-02-21T15:09:08-05:00February 21, 2024|

‘Business Travel’ … With a Key West Twist

A Key West vacation should be an escape from “real-world” business pressures, and a chance to remember that personal priorities are far more self-defining than professional ones. For those who can’t let go of the business-first mindset, Keys Voices presents three guidelines to ease potential guilt during a pleasure trip to the island.

By |2024-02-14T13:24:46-05:00February 14, 2024|

Explore the Family-Friendly Florida Keys

From special animal encounters to meeting sea turtles in their own hospital, the Florida Keys & Key West offer family-friendly activities to captivate visitors of all ages. Families can explore unique aquariums; lush botanical gardens; nurturing facilities for dolphins and wild birds; or a wildlife refuge that protects tiny indigenous Key deer.

By |2024-02-07T12:41:06-05:00February 7, 2024|

Michelle Nicole Lowe: Steward of the Keys Through Art

Michelle Nicole Lowe, one of the Florida Keys’ best-known artists, paints colorfully whimsical and expressive wide-eyed marine life, wild birds and multi-hued flora and fauna. Through her artwork, the fifth-generation Keys resident promotes conservation of the island chain’s natural life — sea turtles, tarpon, herons, indigenous creatures, subtropical florals, mangrove hammocks and more.

By |2024-01-31T16:45:19-05:00January 31, 2024|

Connect to the Environment with New Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail Pass

There’s a new way to explore the Florida Keys — a way that’s fun, fascinating and focused on nature. Visitors can now discover the island chain’s eco-attractions and environmental offerings by using the free Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail pass, featuring nearly 50 geo-tagged, bookable activities that encourage connecting with the Keys’ natural world.

By |2024-01-24T16:47:43-05:00January 24, 2024|

Seeing Stars in the Lower Keys

The Lower Keys are so well known as a stargazer’s paradise that, for four decades, the tranquil region has been the site of an exclusive gathering called the Winter Star Party — a gathering beside the Atlantic Ocean that provides an unparalleled opportunity for astronomers and enthusiasts. This year, it’s set for Feb. 5-11.

By |2024-01-18T11:29:48-05:00January 17, 2024|

Only-in-the-Keys Dive Spots for Your Underwater Bucket List

As well as the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys feature unique dive spots that provide unparalleled adventures for underwater enthusiasts. The majestic "Christ of the Deep" statue, an artificial reef created from a historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad bridge, and much more await divers in the island chain.

By |2024-01-10T15:51:03-05:00January 10, 2024|
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