During this uncharted period of social distancing and stay-at-home mandates, Keys Voices presents a selection of video clips of the serene natural world. Hopefully, viewing them will help blog readers escape momentarily from the deep stress of the coronavirus crisis — as the underwater beauty of the Florida Keys soothes mind, body and soul.
The Florida Keys are temporarily closed to visitors until further notice. Yet in five protected Keys preserves, animals, birds, marine life and plants are thriving — unchanged and untouched by human cares. Dwelling on their serene lives and pristine natural habitats can provide a vital moment of tranquility in times that might seem overwhelming.
In this very difficult and stressful time, soothe your spirit with some tranquil images from the Florida Keys & Key West. Stay safe and well.
Fans of the fluted, pink-lined conch shell displayed their pucker power Saturday, March 7, during Key West's quirky annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest. Participants ranging from kids to seniors to groups attempted to coax the most impressive sounds from their “instruments” — with one woman even tootling parts of melodies including Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Key West’s sunset is famed for its spectacular colors over the Gulf of Mexico, and for the nightly Mallory Square celebration that salutes it. Sunday, March 8, the South Florida Symphony presents a full-scale musical tribute to the colorful phenomenon: the Key West world premiere of John Gottsch’s orchestral symphonic poem titled “Sunset.”
This spring in the Florida Keys & Key West, it’s a great time to revel in the island chain's spectacular weather — with average daytime temps in the mid-70s to low 80s. Discover and enjoy activities on land and sea, and the welcoming spirit that makes the Keys a popular choice for LGBTQ travelers.
Clinton Curry is a seventh-generation Key West resident or “Conch” whose ancestors arrived some 180 years ago from the Bahamas’ Green Turtle Cay. The fifth generation of his family to be born in Key West, he’s passionate about preserving the history and culture of his hometown — through means including masterful conch shell musicianship.
This winter, angling aficionados can vie to win a two-destination vacation to fish freshwater and saltwater species — in the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway” that spotlights recreational angling in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, and the Florida Keys. The two locales feature the northernmost and southernmost points in the contiguous United States.
One of the most popular spots at Key West's Equator Resort is Billy Record's bar. Not only is Billy a talented bartender, but he also manages karaoke shows at two LGBTQ venues, where he blends hilarious commentary and outlandish costumes. Recently Billy offered some insights into Key West and Equator’s enduring appeal.
Each year, some 650 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world gather in the Lower Florida Keys for the Winter Star Party. Its main attraction is the incredible number of southern constellations, comets and stars visible from the region — virtually the only place in the continental United States where they can be seen.