‘Nutcracker Key West’ is an Island-Flavored Holiday Gem

Discover the seafaring heritage and vibrant coral reef environment of the Florida Keys, blended with a sizeable helping of heartfelt holiday spirit, during performances of the lovely and unforgettable “Nutcracker Key West.” The unique subtropical version of the classic “Nutcracker” ballet is being performed Dec. 7-16 — flavored with characters and sets that celebrate Key West’s colorful history, culture, traditions and even free-roaming roosters.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2018-12-05T16:12:39-05:00December 5, 2018|

Spotlight: Christopher Peterson, North America’s Famed Female Impersonator

Super-talented female impersonator Christopher Peterson brings to life dozens of celebrity icons for Key West audiences — including Joan Rivers, Bette Midler, Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe. Christopher developed and stars in his one-man show, EYECONS, at the island's famed La Te Da Cabaret.

By Greg Tromba|2018-12-05T17:26:25-05:00December 5, 2018|

Recording a Legend: “A Mother’s Love” by Coffee Butler and Cliff Sawyer

Coffee Butler is a Key West treasure. The 90-year-old musician recently released an album with vocalist Cliff Sawyer, backed by a cast of stellar Key West musicians -- a collaboration that has been called a Key West version of the phenomenal Buena Vista Social Club. In words and photographs, guest blogger Ralph De Palma chronicles the story of the album's release.

By keysvoices|2018-11-28T18:42:17-05:00November 28, 2018|

Four Don’t-Miss Spots to Encounter Keys Wildlife and Wonders

Whether you’re intrigued by marine mammals, sea turtles, wild birds or the plants that add lushness to the Florida Keys landscape, you can indulge your interest at the island chain’s many environmental attractions. Among them are the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, the Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden — four "must-visit" spots in the colorful Keys.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-03-16T13:16:42-04:00November 20, 2018|

‘Free to Be’ in the Florida Keys

Imagine a subtropical island paradise in the continental U.S. where year-round temperatures average 77.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Where LGBTQ travelers are free to be themselves wherever they go, Tennessee Williams helped establish the rich cultural community, and the locals' favorite beach is affectionately nicknamed to salute Elizabeth Taylor. Luckily, that paradise is real — and it’s Key West.

By Greg Tromba|2021-05-13T15:57:54-04:00November 20, 2018|

Rachel Bowman, the Lionfish Queen

Rachel Bowman, a dedicated pole spear huntress, is the Florida Keys’ only female commercial lionfish fisherman. She spears several thousand lionfish each year, removing as many of the invasive species from Keys waters as she can. Visitors can help the cause by ordering lionfish in local restaurants, where their delicate and delicious light white meat makes them a popular culinary choice.

By Julie Botteri|2018-11-14T20:30:16-05:00November 14, 2018|

Athlete Ends 5,400-Mile Run from Alaska at Key West’s Southernmost Point

A 31-year-old athlete jogged up to Key West’s Southernmost Point marker just before 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, successfully concluding a nearly unbelievable feat: an almost 5,400-mile cross-continental run that began in Alaska. Pete Kostelnick, an ultramarathon runner who lives near Cleveland, began his incredible journey July 31 at Anchor Point on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula — the westernmost end of the North American highway system.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2018-11-06T22:37:20-05:00November 6, 2018|

Spotlight: The Colorful Life of Renowned Drag Queen “Sushi”

One of Key West’s most talented residents is Gary Marion (aka “Sushi”), who entertains nightly on the second floor of the popular LGBTQ hangout 801 Bourbon Bar with the “Sushi and the 801 Girls” show. Over the years, Sushi has become a drag icon who's known worldwide for her “Red Shoe Drop” appearances on CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve television program.

By Greg Tromba|2018-11-07T04:08:42-05:00November 6, 2018|

Haunted Hunt and ‘Haunting’ Atmosphere Draw Visitors to Key West

According to paranormal expert David Sloan, Key West is one of the most haunted cities in the entire United States. Visitors can discovery the island's “haunting” appeal for themselves by experiencing David's "ghost hunt" walking tour, taking an eerie excursion by trolley, "meeting" a supposedly supernatural doll or even staying in a lovely inn with a spirit guest or two.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:57:57-04:00October 31, 2018|

Five Preserves Protect the Florida Keys’ Natural World

For more than 100 years, the Florida Keys’ fascinating environment has been recognized and protected by forward-thinking conservation efforts. Connect with this natural world by learning about five vital preserves that protect endangered plants, animals and marine life — as well as the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:57:54-04:00October 24, 2018|

Keys Voices Main Archive