Applications available for FWC’s 2019-2020 High School Fishing Program The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2019-2020 High School Fishing Program offers high school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant. This grant program is focused on recruiting new anglers, retaining active anglers and … Read more
As state approaches 275,000 patients, Trulieve’s latest storefront brings Florida’s largest selection of medical cannabis to patients in the Keys. To celebrate their newest store, Trulieve will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, September 17th at 10:00 AM, with doors opening and press tours of the new dispensary immediately following. WHAT: Trulieve Key … Read more
There are still many individuals, businesses, and local governments Still Waiting on Funding for damages caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Two years after Hurricane Irma barreled into the Florida Keys, some neighborhoods still show obvious signs of the aftermath of Category Four storm that leveled homes and sent boats from the water into … Read more
You have probably been reading and listening to news reports of the Mosquito born diseases plaguing the US this year. There are EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis which as killed at least 11 in the US), Dengue (In the USA, as of August 7, 2019, 216 dengue cases were reported to the CDC. During 2019, Florida, California and New York have … Read more
Anyone who’s been to the beach in South Florida or the Caribbean in recent months has probably seen — or smelled — sargassum piled up on shore. The (Sargassum Problem) algae is hitting record levels. In the Keys, some want their local governments to address the problem. Robert Moser’s family has had a place in … Read more
The Florida Keys with community efforts to sustain precious natural resources through the Connect & Protect initiative, continue to unveil ways to preserve the Keys’ environment and connect visitors who love the outdoors to the island chain’s unmatched beauty. Efforts to replant and preserve coral along the Florida Reef Tract are ongoing. In addition, two new eco-stay properties, tucked … Read more
While the Bible’s Ten Commandments advise people what NOT to do, these “Ten Keymandments” are designed to guide visitors in what you CAN do to have meaningful, memorable vacations while respecting and helping preserve the Florida Keys environment. An education campaign focusing on the preservation of the environment is being introduced to motorists entering the … Read more
These Florida Keys hotels are blessed with warm sunshine, fresh seafood, and stellar beaches—and are the perfect passport-free alternative to the Caribbean. A Caribbean getaway can mean good things like relaxing on an island, soaking up the sun, and swimming in clear blue water. But it can also mean long flights, passport hassles, and endless customs lines. … Read more
When most people think of Florida’s sandy beaches, they think warm, sunny summer. But what the locals already know is that winter at the beach has tons to offer. The sand and water may be cold, but it’s a perfect time for collecting seashells. Maybe it’s because less people are on the beach, or maybe it’s … Read more
Lionfish, a brightly-colored, spiny fish that are not native to Florida, are taking over our reefs. How can we fight off this alien invasion? Floridians have come together to fight them off and save the reef. Lionfish, a brightly-colored, spiny fish that are not native to Florida, are taking over our reefs. How can we … Read more
Having extra eyes on the water can help law enforcement, aid in the rescue of distressed people or wildlife, and even support research on rare and unusual marine events. Report Wildlife Violations. It is always best when the individual witnessing an incident makes the phone call directly, so that the agency receiving the report can … Read more
Safe Boating navigating Florida Keys shallow waters can be a challenge for even the most experienced boater. Unfortunately, inadvertent or careless boating practices can cause serious trouble for the Florida Keys ecosystem. With a little care, you can avoid damaging valuable Keys habitat (and your boat) and avoid fines, fees, and other costs associated with … Read more
Just a few short hours from Miami lies a place where palm trees sway in the breeze, restaurants and tiki bars line the water’s edge, boats bob up and down in the blue-green water, and colorful signs are found at many of the local shops. It’s the Florida Keys, a chain of islands 120 miles long, … Read more
Florida Keys locals and in-the-know visitors often greet the news of some particularly offbeat happening by grinning, nodding and sagely murmuring, Only in the Florida Keys. FLORIDA KEYS — Florida Keys locals and in-the-know visitors often greet the news of some particularly offbeat happening by grinning, nodding and sagely murmuring, “Only in the Keys.” The phrase … Read more
With two new hotels, Stock Island, an under-the-radar spot in the Florida Keys known for its laid-back, vintage vibe, may not be a locals-only spot for much longer. I’m chatting with Bobby Mongelli, owner of Hogfish Bar & Grill, the delightfully ramshackle Stock Island institution situated on Safe Harbour Marina, roughly a 15-minute drive north of Key West, … Read more
The Florida Keys are famous as a place to party. That’s how they got the nickname “Margaritaville.” But the hard-drinking lifestyle is taking a toll on the residents. “We have the highest percentage of binge drinkers in the state of Florida,” said Alison Kerr, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Health in the Keys. Wasted Away Again in … Read more
Research provided by the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust in conjunction with local guides in the Florida Keys has provided state biologists with information suggesting that the May through July closed season for harvesting spawning permit may not be long enough. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2011 created a Special Permit Zone — state … Read more
After the Florida Keys were impacted by Hurricane Irma Sept. 10, local government officials announced Monday that the island chain would reopen to visitors Sunday, Oct. 1. While Key Largo and Key West were least impacted by the Category 4 storm, not all lodging, including RV resorts and other tourism facilities throughout the Keys, are … Read more
Early Florida Tourism In the early 1900s, thousand of tourists were coming to Florida. They came to stay in the new hotels, rest in the warm weather, enjoy the natural beauty, and some even came to recover from illnesses. Many wealthy people, such as Thomas Edison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Henry Ford, built winter homes … Read more
Ever wondered about Florida Keys Names and why certain locations are named as they are? You may be on vacation in the Florida Keys, or a resident, and asked that question. If you’re boating and come across Alligator Reef, don’t think the name means it’s overrun with reptiles. The reef was named after the USS … Read more