‘Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend’ to Mark Labor Day Holiday at Hawks Cay Resort

DUCK KEY, Florida Keys — Hawks Cay Resort is to celebrate and give thanks to the men and women who serve the United States with its 16th annual Heroes Salute and Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend set for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 30 — Sept. 1. The events honor active and retired men and women military, fire rescue, police and medical personnel.

The special weekend event at Hawks Cay — located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. on Duck Key in the Middle Florida Keys — is to feature concerts by the Jay Valor band and Austin James, paired with patriotic fun and moving tributes.  

Events include Saturday’s Heroes Salute Run/Walk to benefit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The race is open to Hawks Cay guests, Keys visitors and residents. Participants are encouraged to dress in their patriotic best or represent their department, with friends and family invited to attend and cheer on the racers. Advance registration and a $35 participation fee are required.

On-site registration and early packet pickup are slated for 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday in the Hawks Cay Resort lobby. 

Saturday morning’s registration and check-in starts at 6:30 a.m. at the resort’s Angler and Ale parking area. The race is to begin at 7 a.m. 

A free 8-10 a.m. touch-a-truck event, open to the public, is to take place outside Angler and Ale, giving kids and adults a chance to view vehicles and life-saving equipment used by everyday heroes from fire and police departments. 

Also Saturday, live music and special guest appearances are planned for 5-10 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. Heroes Tribute is scheduled to honor fallen heroes and those formerly and currently in action, with guests from the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, regional and service dignitaries and representatives from Firehouse Subs. 

Guests can then listen to live music by the Jay Valor band, followed by a dazzling 10 p.m. fireworks show. Attendees also can opt to enjoy a Splash and Spark Dinner with a spot on Hawks Cay’s waterfront Dolphin Deck and prime fireworks viewing. 

Sunday’s schedule features 7-10 p.m. live music by Austin James at the resort’s seaside venue. 

Hawks Cay Resort continues to uplift heroes beyond the weekend, donating a portion of proceeds to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Between Aug. 1 and Dec. 25, 2024, the Heroes Salute program features exclusive value-added offers for watersports activities, a weekly Heroes Tribute ceremony and specially priced rooms at Hawks Cay Resort for current and former military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel and their civilian supporters. 

Supporters also can book exclusive rates when donating $5 or more to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. 

Event information: floridakeysheroes.com