Local Color

The Tale of Santa Keys

Santa does things a little differently in the holiday-loving Florida Keys -- and he even brings some Keys warmth and cheer to people who can't spend the season in the subtropical island chain. Unless you're on the naughty list, you might just get a visit from jolly old Santa Keys this year!

By |2017-12-20T16:54:03-05:00December 20, 2017|

Key West’s Red Shoe Drop: Dorothy, You’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Key West by watching beloved drag queen Sushi, perched in a super-sized red high-heel shoe, "drop" to famed Duval Street in a wacky takeoff on the Times Square ball drop. The Key West event marks its 20th anniversary this year -- and features celebrity guest host Austin Armacost, best known for Logo TV’s “The A-List.”

By |2017-12-06T18:42:32-05:00December 6, 2017|

Southernmost Snow, ‘Fur Kids’ Meet Santa and Decking the Hulls

Despite the Florida Keys' subtropical climate, residents tend to go a little overboard with holiday decorations (for example, an inflatable 10-foot-tall reindeer perched atop a small houseboat!) and throw themselves gleefully into extended merrymaking. In fact, from Key Largo to Key West, the December calendar is packed with events designed to spread seasonal cheer.

By |2017-12-08T15:46:28-05:00November 29, 2017|

Discover the Keys Connection

The Florida Keys are rich in "mañana mindset," irreverent humor and unexpected joys. Now is a great time to discover and connect with the island chain and the spirit that defines it — and with the special Keys experiences that will make your senses tingle and your smile spread from ear to ear.

By |2021-05-13T15:37:04-04:00November 7, 2017|

A Crowning Achievement for the Florida Keys’ AIDS Help

Who were the monarchs that reigned over Key West's 2017 Fantasy Fest celebration? "King" Paul Murphy, "Queen" Destiny Montgomery, "Duke" Bucky Montgomery and "Duchess" Vicki Hodgson — a royal family that earned their titles by raising more than $129,000 for the Florida Keys' AIDS Help organization!

By |2017-11-07T23:10:37-05:00November 7, 2017|

Recalling Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Key West Heart’ Concert

Thousands of Jimmy Buffett's fervent "Parrot Head" fans are gathered in Key West, widely known as the cradle of Buffett’s creativity, to celebrate his music and the “Margaritaville mindset” it inspires. This “Keys Voices” column looks back at a surprise concert Jimmy performed during the Parrot Heads' visit in 2011 — and his spontaneous comments that revealed an undiminished affection for the island city.

By |2017-11-01T21:30:50-04:00November 1, 2017|

Why People Go ‘Crab Crazy’ in the Keys

Once the stone crab season began Oct. 15, the savory claws started starring on the menus of top Keys restaurants — triggering a virtual stampede of savvy seafood aficionados. That's because the claws contain sweet and scrumptious meat that’s among the Keys’ most popular (and deservedly famous) delicacies.

By |2017-10-25T16:32:01-04:00October 25, 2017|
Go to Top