Florida lobsters, sometimes called spiny lobsters, are known for their sweet, tender meat. Unlike their northern cousins, the spiny specimens have no claws.
Purists savor them steamed, with each bite dipped in melted butter. They also can be baked and stuffed, served cold in salads or incorporated into dishes ranging from bisques to fritters to omelets.

The festival’s enticing “entrée” is the Key West Lobsterfest Street Fair, set for noon through 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, in the 100 through 500 blocks of Duval.
Lobster lovers can sample dishes ranging from tempting appetizers to traditional lobster dinners with all the trimmings. Chefs from as many as 20 local restaurants are to prepare specialties featuring fresh crustaceans caught by Florida Keys lobster fishermen.

Attendees also can browse and buy art, crafts and merchandise from on-site vendors.

A free outdoor concert is slated to begin at 1 p.m. and continue through 10:30 p.m. from a stage at the intersection of Duval and Greene streets. The talent lineup includes top local and regional acts Alphonse, Bubba System, Cool Breeze and Techno Dread.

Other Lobsterfest events include a kick-off party Friday, Aug. 6, at Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex, 202 Duval St., a Friday night Duval Crawl and a mouthwatering lobster brunch Sunday, Aug. 8.

The crustacean celebration benefits a scholarship fund for Key West High School students.

For more information, visit www.keywestlobsterfest.com or e-mail info@ricksanddurtyharrys.com. For accommodations information in Key West, call the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys website at www.fla-keys.com.

Related posts

• Lobster Mobsters Get Early Start on Mini Season (0)
• More Lobster Mobsters Arrested (0)
• Key Largo Lobster Mobsters Convicted (0)
• Lobster Mobster Harry Bethel Jr Found Guilty (0)
• Lobster Mobster Caught Off Grassy Key (0)
• More Lobster Mobsters Sentenced to Prison (0)
• Another Lobster Mobster Trial Begins (0)
• Adios Lobster Casitas & Lobster Mobsters (0)
• More Lower Keys Lobster Mobsters Arrested (0)
• Lobster-poaching ring leader gets 2.5 years in federal pen (0)
• Gary Graves — Crab King of Keys Fisheries (0)
• Commercial Lobster/Crawfish Management Open Forum (0)

Related posts

• No related posts.

Commissioners said the lack of a specific site raised too many questions, calling it premature to begin the process of changing land-use rules to allow for designated “naturist” areas. They also said the proposed referendum could confuse voters.

“This is also not a proposal for Fantasy Fest. I want to end those comparisons,” Commissioner Clayton Lopez said. “I actually do support the naturists in their quest to find a place where they can go in comfort, but we have an obligation both to the naturists and to those who don’t want to be — excuse the pun — exposed to it.”

Interim Commissioner Joe Pais, who is filling out the term of Dan Kolhage, reminded commissioners of the long-gone businesses like Naked Lunch and Atlantic Shores and said that naturism may not be the economic draw supporters portray.

“They [the aforementioned businesses] failed. The thousands of people that are going to be here, they’re not going to be here,” Pais said. “We’re not going to trade our businesses for businesses that have already failed. Buy your own property. Start your own business.”

Mayoral candidate Sloan Bashinsky called out commissioners for not having the political courage to make a tough decision, rather than sending the nude beach issue to a non-binding referendum.

“You seven should have made the decision. That’s what you were elected to do,” Bashinsky said. “I will never pass the buck like that. That is weenie-ing out and I accuse you, Mr. Verge, of being a weenie.”

District I Commissioner Bill Verge laughed that off and joined the rest of the commission in killing the referendum.

City staff is working with commissioners to set up public workshops to discuss the idea of designated naturist beaches. For more information, go to www.kwfb.org .

Related posts

• No related posts.

Both accolades were determined by the TripAdvisor Popularity Index and TripAdvisor editors.

TripAdvisor-branded Web sites provide online travel reviews and feature more than 25 million monthly visitors and 10 million registered members.

For more than 30 years, Key West’s Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square has drawn large nightly crowds to applaud talents of colorful street performers, view local artisans’ handmade wares and watch the sun sink beneath the horizon beyond Key West Harbor. A tightrope walker, jugglers, mimes, quirky animal acts, fortune tellers, musicians and foodstuffs including “Pretty Good Popcorn” are among attractions as well as unobstructed views of the setting sun.

In its announcement of the designation, TripAdvisor lauded the nightly event as “a celebration of dazzling Key West sunsets” and quoted a TripAdvisor traveler who said, “You can’t imagine the beauty of this, it is just awesome.”

via NewmanPR » KEYS’ SUNSET CELEBRATION, BEACH LAUDED BY TRIPADVISOR.

Related posts

• Key West Casa Marina Resort Tops List of Best U.S.Budget Resorts (0)

Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings by nationally acclaimed authors, an awards ceremony for the renowned literary competition directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Lorian Hemingway, a commemoration of the 110th anniversary of Ernest’s July 21 birth, a one-man play exploring the literary legend’s life and motivations, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a zany “Running of the Bulls” and a three-day marlin tournament recalling Hemingway’s devotion to the deep-sea sport.

During his Key West residence, Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most enduring works and spent his leisure hours fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle come together for Hemingway Days.

HEMINGWAY DAYS 2009 Schedule of Events, July 21-26

DAILY Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum guided tours. Visit the home where Hemingway lived throughout the 1930s and wrote some of his most enduring classics. 907 Whitehead St. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours $12 per adult and $6 per child age 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. For info, visit hemingwayhome.com.

DAILY “Hemingway in Key West” museum exhibition. Explore Ernest Hemingway’s life in Key West, fishing adventures and Cuban connection in the 1930s — the inspiration for his classic novel “To Have and Have Not,” published in 1937. View rarely exhibited Hemingway photographs and memorabilia, including previously unseen items from the Bruce Family Archive. Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front St. Museum hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special Hemingway Days half-price admission of $5 per person. For info, visit www.kwahs.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 21

7 p.m. “Hemingway On Stage: The Death Factory.” The fifth segment of actor Brian Gordon Sinclair’s six-part one-man dramatic presentation on Hemingway’s life focuses on the World War II era. Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square. All proceeds benefit the Key West Art & Historical Society. $12 per person for adults, $5 per person for students. For info, visit kwahs.com.

8:45 p.m. Canada’s “Hemingway On Stage” Award Presentation. Brian Gordon Sinclair is to present the $1,000 “Hemingway On Stage” award for extraordinary dedication to the festival. Waterfront Playhouse. Cost included in admission to play.

9 p.m. “Hemingway On Stage” reception and Ernest Hemingway birthday party at the Key West Museum of Art & History. Mingle, discuss Hemingway and meet actor and playwright Brian Gordon Sinclair at this post-performance gathering for playgoers, and enjoy a birthday cake celebrating the 110th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s birth. Cost included in admission to play. For info, visit kwahs.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

4-6 p.m. Registration for the Key West Marlin Tournament. Registration is $1,500 per boat ($1,800 after June 15) to compete for more than $250,000 in available cash prizes for targeting marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo. Conch Republic Seafood Co., 631 Greene St. For info, visit keywestmarlin.com.

5:30-7:30 p.m. Meet the “Papas.” Enjoy food, fun and a chance to get to know the contestants and previous winners of the “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Attractions include a cash bar and Hemingway-esque hors d’oeuvres. Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd.

6-8 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament captains meeting, auction and raffle. The auction benefits a college scholarship fund for local students pursuing marine-related studies. Conch Republic Seafood Co.

8-10 p.m. “Voices, Places, Inspirations.” This evening of readings and presentations features critically acclaimed author Lorian Hemingway, “Crazy in Alabama” author and screenwriter Mark Childress, mystery/nonfiction author and photographer Tom Corcoran and author/photographer and expert angler Jeffrey Cardenas. Wyland Galleries of Key West, 623 Duval St. Free admission. For information, call (305) 294-0320 or visit shortstorycompetition.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

8:30 a.m.- Lines in the water for Key West Marlin Tournament first day of fishing. 4 p.m. For info, visit keywestmarlin.com.

11 a.m. Jean Klausing Memorial Performance of “Hemingway On Stage: The Death Factory.” Honoring Sloppy Joe’s late manager emeritus Jean Klausing, Brian Gordon Sinclair’s dramatic presentation focuses on Hemingway’s life during the World War II era. Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square. All proceeds benefit the Hemingway Look-Alike Society Scholarship Fund. $12 per person for adults, $5 per person for students. For info, visit kwahs.com.

4-6 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament weigh-in. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks.

5:30-7 p.m. Book signing featuring Tom Corcoran and Lorian Hemingway. Meet Tom Corcoran, author of the Alex Rutlege mystery series set in Key West, and Lorian Hemingway, author of the acclaimed “Walking into the River,” “Walk on Water” and “A World Turned Over,” at this reception and book signing. Free admission. Key West Art Bar, 901 Caroline St. For information, call (305) 294-0320 or visit shortstorycompetition.com.

6 p.m. Hemingway Look-Alike Society scholarship presentations. The society is to announce the winners of its annual scholarships for Florida Keys students. Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St.

6:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s 29th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, first round. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $35 entry fee. Free to watch. For info, visit sloppyjoes.com.

6:30 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament cocktail party. Festivities for anglers include a Key West–style pig roast. Doubletree Grand Key Resort. Free to tournament participants.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Lines in the water for Key West Marlin Tournament ‘s second day of fishing. For info, visit keywestmarlin.com.

3 p.m. “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Fish-Off. Cheer your favorites as the “Papas” compete in this dockside catch-and-release challenge using traditional hand lines. Prizes are awarded for the largest fish and most fish caught. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks. Free to watch.

4-6 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament weigh-in. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks.

6:30-8 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament dockside cocktail party and fish fry. Key West Harbour Yacht Club, 6000 Peninsular Ave. Free to tournament participants.

6:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s 29th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, second round. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $35 entry fee. Free to watch. For info, visit sloppyjoes.com.

8 p.m. Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition winners announcement and reception. This literary highlight takes place at Hemingway’s first Key West residence, Casa Antigua, and features acclaimed author/journalist Lorian Hemingway. Events include a presentation on Casa Antigua’s history by owner Tom Oosterhoudt and a reading of the winning short story. 314 Simonton St. Free admission. For contest info, visit shortstorycompetition.com.

9 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament Party Key West Style. Establishments along the island city’s famed Duval Street celebrate with the Drambuie Promotional Team.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Lines in the water for Key West Marlin Tournament’s third day of fishing. For info, visit keywestmarlin.com.

10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Caribbean Street Fair presented by HELPLINE. Duval Street is closed to vehicular traffic from Front to Fleming streets and transformed into an open-air island market with arts, crafts, jewelry, tropical clothing and food. For info, call Keith at (305) 292-8445 or visit keyshelpline.org.

Noon – 4 p.m. Hemingway Days/BW Promotions 5k Sunset Run registration at Caribbean Street Fair. Register and pick up race packets at the booth at Fleming and Duval streets. Racers also can pre-register online at www.active.com. $20 entry fee before July 25, $25 on race day. For info, call (305) 296-7182.

Noon Photos with Papas. “Papa” Hemingway look-alikes provide a photo opportunity for fans. Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s.

1 p.m. Running of the Bulls. This wacky event is sponsored by Sloppy Joe’s Bar and features past “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners dressed in their Pamplona best — and a breed of “bull” found only in Key West. The fun begins outside Sloppy Joe’s. For info, visit sloppyjoes.com.

3-5 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament weigh-in. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks.

5-7:15 p.m. Hemingway Days/BW Promotions 5k Sunset Run registration. Register and pick up race packets. Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St. For info, call (305) 296-7182.

6:30 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament awards banquet and silent auction. Cocktails and silent auction are set for 6:30, with the dinner and awards presentations to follow at 7:30. Open to tournament participants and their guests only. Marriott Key West Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Cost included in tournament registration.

6:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s 29th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, final round. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Free to watch. For info, visit sloppyjoes.com.

7:30 p.m. Hemingway Days/BW Promotions 5k Sunset Run through Old Town Key West. Racers start at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States, Whitehead and South streets. An awards ceremony and silent auction are scheduled after the race at the Southernmost Hotel. For info, call (305) 296-7182.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

Noon-7 p.m. Green Parrot “Off the Wall” Sidewalk Art Show. Local artists’ work is showcased during this lighthearted cultural celebration on the island Hemingway loved. Other attractions include live music. 601 Whitehead St. For info, visit greenparrot.com.

Noon Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway Days Arm Wrestling Championship. Medals and prizes await winners in multiple weight categories. Sign-up is at noon and the contest begins at 1 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s. $5 entry fee; free to watch. For info, visit sloppyjoes.com.

Related posts

• No related posts.

Saturday June 13
1-Mile & 2-Mile Open Water Swim
7:30 am
Southernmost Beach Café Beach at the foot of Duval

FKCC Swim Around Key West
8:30 am
Southernmost Beach Café Beach at the foot of Duval

Post Race Party
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Southernmost Beach Café

For more information click this link FKCC Swim Around Key West

Related posts

• No related posts.

But this same ship was the “Star” of the 1999 movie Virus with Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Sutherland and William Baldwin, a Russian spaceship tracking vessel somewhere in the Pacific. The scientists onboard are in direct communication with their pals onboard the MIR spacestation. A bright bolt out of the sky goes whipping through the spacestation and follows the invisible communication beam down to the ship below. The ship is loaded to the gills with research labs and only one Russian crewmember is still alive, raving about “intelligent lightning.” They soon discover that an alien life form has taken over the ship’s computers and is churning out biomechanical warriors to attack Earth’s virus, better known as humans.

Anyway, here is a video of the sinking.

Related posts

• No related posts.

The Vandenberg arrived in Key West on April 22. The ship is to be scuttled about seven miles south of Key West in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

On the surface, it sounds like a simple plan.

Each of 42 charges totaling 179 pounds of explosive material will create 3 million pounds of pressure per square inch, tearing 42 holes in the hull of the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg below the water line.

That’s the science, but bringing the old ship down will require as much art as engineering savvy. Getting the ship and the 6 million pounds of iron and concrete ballast inside it to settle properly on the sandy floor — seven miles southeast of Key West and half a mile from the nearest reef — required years of model-making, planning and input from explosive experts, engineers and scientists, said project founder Joe Weatherby.

Permits from 18 different agencies define the location, surveyed during more than 130 dives, according to Sheri Lohr of Artificial Reefs of the Keys.

Anyone who wants to get close to the 522-foot Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg when it sinks will be disappointed.

The Navy, Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Key West Police Department will be out in force to ensure that no boaters breach a one-mile-radius perimeter around the vessel as it goes down.

Authorities, led by the FWC, will encircle the ship with their boats during the sinking, spokesman Bobby Dube said.

The boundary will be enforced when the Vandenberg arrives at its final resting place, between Sand Key and Western Sambo, south of the Hawks Channel Marker 32. Encroaching boaters will be given a warning, Dube said. Those who repeatedly cross the line could be detained and arrested, he added.

Related posts

• Key Largo Shipwreck Studied (0)
• Wreckfest 2008 – Key Largo (0)

(visit www.premiere-racing.com)

Related posts

• No related posts.

Related posts

• No related posts.