Since Hurricane Irma crossed the Florida Keys on Sept. 10, 2017, the island chain has recovered, re-energized, refurbished and renewed elements impacted by the storm. Even so, some work remains — so today, on the one-year anniversary of Irma, we salute the strength and spirit of those who are still recovering. And we send heartfelt thanks to the visitors who have supported us by spending time in our islands during the past year.
In the Florida Keys, restaurants range from gourmet hotspots to dockside seafood “shacks” and trendy food trucks offering a wide variety of options. And while many great restaurants along the historic Florida Keys Overseas Highway provide tasty temptations, venturing into less-explored areas reaps mouthwatering rewards for diners. “Keys Voices” explores five places that should top any foodie’s “don’t-miss list.”
How does it feel to a have an up-close and personal encounter with two exotic pink flamingos? Nature lovers can find out during the exclusive “Flamingle” experience at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — believed to be the only butterfly facility in the entire United States that also houses flamingos.
Key West’s Higgs Beach has been recognized as one of the world's 11 best gay beaches in a recent article in “Gay Cities: Your Gay Travel Guide.” Find out what makes it so appealing — and discover the sandy spot affectionately nicknamed Fort Liz Taylor Beach by the island’s gay community.
The Florida Keys are full of attractions that can make vacation days together absolutely unforgettable for parents, kids, grandparents and extended families. And from Sept. 3-30, the Key West Attractions Association invites families to explore everything from fun-filled tours to watersports adventures with the value-added "Kids Free" program.
It's sea turtle nesting and hatching season in the Florida Keys — AND two sea turtles rehabilitated at Marathon's Turtle Hospital were recently released to take part in the famed Tour de Turtles. Keys visitors and residents are buzzing about heartwarming video of brand-new hatchlings and the chance to track the Tour de Turtles "competitors" online.
Key West’s legendary Fantasy Fest is coming up Oct. 19-28 with a roster of world-class festivities. This year's theme is “Oh … The Games We Play!” — and the over-the-top costuming, unparalleled parties and amazing energy generated by the festival will impress even the most seasoned party animals out there (you know who you are!).
Intriguing artistry can be seen along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway that traverses the length of the island chain — including, thanks to two Key West philanthropists, the large-scale pieces that make up the new Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. The 81-mile trail stretches along the highway from Islamorada to Key West, where the distinctive sculptures can be easily discovered and admired by art lovers.
Divers in the Lower Keys can explore wonders such as Looe Key Reef, one of the most beautiful shallow reefs to be found, and the 210-foot Adolphus Busch Sr. Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in December 1998, today the Busch is populated by marine life including huge southern stingrays, reef sharks and massive schools of tarpon.
Key West's Womenfest, taking place Sept. 5-9, is renowned as one of North America’s largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends. It was created to allow singles, couples and groups of women to experience camaraderie, adventures on land and sea, live entertainment and lively celebrations for “Party Girls.”