The Florida Keys experience is all about a laid-back attitude, a sense of welcome, and an approach to living that blends individuality and a deep appreciation for relaxation. But it doesn’t have to end when a vacation ends. With a little imagination, the essence of the Keys experience can be savored all year long.
Traditionally, people spend Christmas Eve anticipating a visit from Santa Claus. Yet those who love the Florida Keys (but can’t spend the holidays in the island chain) await another jolly bearded fellow: the legendary “Santa Keys.” Of course, as expected from a colorful Keys character, he does things a little bit differently …
Maybe it’s because the Florida Keys have never experienced a traditional white Christmas. Or because Keys residents are passionate about celebrating special occasions. But whatever the reason, despite the subtropical climate, people in the island chain go a little bit overboard with holiday decorations — and even “deck the hulls” for festive boat parades.
In the Florida Keys, the holidays are celebrated with festivities that range from traditional to eccentric — with a unique island twist. Despite the lack of typical “winter” weather, people throw themselves gleefully into extended merrymaking. Discover some of the Upper and Middle Keys’ creative, colorful and heartwarming events sure to spark seasonal cheer.
Spencer Slate, who owns Captain Slate’s SCUBA Adventures in the Upper Florida Keys, grew up watching television’s iconic “Sea Hunt” and today believes every diver is an ecologist. Inducted into the International SCUBA Diving Hall of Fame in 2004, he encourages people to be watch-keepers who help preserve and protect the world’s oceans.
For Florida Keys foodies, Oct. 15 rivals a national holiday in importance. Why? Because that marks the opening of the annual stone crab season. The orange-red, pale yellow and black stone crab claws contain a sweet, tender meat that’s among the Keys’ most popular delicacies — and they're served at restaurants around the island chain.
One of Florida Keys’ greatest “natural resources” is the friendly, easygoing people who make the region their home — charterboat captains, artists, restaurateurs, animal rescuers, attractions operators, musicians and more. By seeking local residents’ insights and recommendations for unique new adventures, visitors can begin to sample the authentic lifestyle of the colorful, magical islands.
The Florida Keys are a truly friendly place. The island chain is one of those rare locales where you might be a stranger when you arrive on vacation, but you won’t be one when you depart. So make plans for a Keys getaway and discover some warmhearted, quirky “friends you haven’t met yet.”
Islamorada fishing guide and captain Steve Friedman loves water: salt water, fresh water, blue water and particularly clean water. Friedman’s love of water includes prioritizing the preservation and restoration of the South Florida ecosystem, and the management of fisheries that provide a safe haven for the Florida Keys fish he loves to catch.
A determined young Florida Keys “resident” is participating in the Tour de Turtles, the sea turtle equivalent of television’s “The Amazing Race.” Her name is Roseleigh, and she’s a juvenile green sea turtle who was found off Islamorada with a debilitating disease — and recovered after receiving in-depth care at the Keys’ Turtle Hospital.