Audiences can discover the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage, coral reef environment and holiday spirit during eight performances of “Nutcracker Key West.” Debuting Dec. 5, the production gives the classic ballet a unique twist, transforming the well-loved tale of a young girl’s dream into a celebration of Key West’s culture, traditions and underwater wonders.
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.
In difficult times, it’s calming to recall places that engender a sense of peace — such as the majestic "Christ of the Deep" statue, installed in the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1965. The 9-foot bronze has become an iconic symbol of Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Thousands of Jimmy Buffett fans gathered on Key West’s Duval Street Sept. 1 for a march honoring the world-renowned singer/songwriter on the one-year anniversary of his passing. Jimmy lived in Key West during some of his most productive years, developing the “trop-rock” style and laid-back persona that helped make him a musical icon.
Visitors to Key West will find palm-shaded streets, picturesque historic homes, a lively multicultural culinary scene and a flourishing arts community. But perhaps the most appealing aspect is the mellow, easygoing pace of life — a pace that inspires new arrivals to release everyday pressures, breathe deeply and absorb the island’s revitalizing rhythm.
It’s called the No Name Pub, and it’s billed as “a nice place if you can find it.” But the out-of-the-way location doesn’t keep people from discovering the quirky eatery — or becoming captivated by its historic “Old Keys” charm, world-class pizza and ramshackle décor that includes interior walls papered with dollar bills.
In most places, beds are reserved for sleeping or amorous activities. But not in the Florida Keys’ colorful Conch Republic — where, on a Saturday afternoon in late April each year, beds on wheels are propelled by teams of strange bedfellows along Key West’s Duval Street in the Conch Republic Blue Ribbon Bed Race.
Florida Keys fun fact: Years ago, during an action-packed confrontation between Arnold Schwarzenegger and a pack of dastardly villains, missile strikes blew up the Keys’ Old Seven Mile Bridge. Okay, that isn’t STRICTLY factual, but it’s based on fact — one of many offbeat facts that give the island chain an engagingly colorful vibe.
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.
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.