While many folks associate cactus with the sand and heat of a desert in the western part of the United States, South Florida and the Florida Keys are home to six species of native cacti. In this week’s edition of Nature’s Corner, we will introduce you to two native Florida Keys cacti: the barbed-wire cactus … Read more
The Florida Keys Sanctuary Advisory Council has started work on a new program that would reward charter fishing boat captains for practicing sustainable fishing and conservation. During its most recent meeting at the Ocean Reef Club, the council agreed to form a roughly 12-member working group to come up with the structure and the guiding … Read more
Thinking of visiting the Florida Keys? Contributing writer Margot Black planned a road trip with her family, and discovered some family-friendly activities and hotels along the way. I had not traveled to the Florida Keys since I was a little girl and was excited to plan a trip there with my own family in tow. … Read more
We often think we need to escape to the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean to get to paradise, but the truth is that we have a paradise right at home in the U.S. That’s right, we’re talking about the Florida Keys. Most of us have heard about how awesome Key West is, but the … Read more
The Florida Keys are known for swaying palm trees, the flip-flop state of mind and searching for that lost shaker of salt. But there’s so much more to explore here. A rich history, an underwater forest beautiful sunsets and great food. Flagler’s folly: The eighth wonder of the world For centuries, the Florida Keys were … Read more
In an attempt to lure KZK Productions, the company behind the Florida Keys-based Netflix series “Bloodline,” back to the area, the Village Council has agreed to waive future permitting and location fees associated with shooting. At the June 30 meeting, Mayor Deb Gillis brought forward the idea (Return of Bloodline) after speaking with Rita Troxel, … Read more
An Annapolis firm is turning a Florida community’s waste into mulch, with long-term plans of transforming it into electricity. Last year, Energy3 — which designs, builds, operates and finances municipal energy products — became the yard waste hauler for Monroe County, Florida. Currently, the waste is taken to Moore Haven, Florida, where it is being turned … Read more
If you’re planning any Florida Keys Flights this year, check out these deadlines on best dates to fly. Moving an itinerary a single day could make the difference between a fare that’s a deal or a deal-breaker. For spring break flights Figure out when spring break week occurs where you live (check the school’s website) … Read more
The Florida Keys are rightfully among the most popular areas of the Sunshine State. Here are six things to try. CATCH THE LAST RAYS: As much as it is great to watch a brilliant orange sun sink into the sea at Mallory Square in Key West, the real fun is watching the people around you. … Read more
Florida Marine Fisheries
Living in South Florida means never having to experience a full-blown winter. Not with this heat, anyway. Luckily, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it means that we can hop in the car and be in a tropical destination like the Florida Keys in just a matter of hours, in search of some laid-back … Read more
November 15th marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a federally designated area protecting some 2,900 nautical miles of waters that surround the Keys island chain including the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. The preserve features an ecosystem with shallow seagrass beds, mangrove-fringed islands and … Read more
During a recent visit to the Florida Keys State Parks I tried to do something I’d neglected in the past. I attempted to visit as many of the state parks as I could to get a better sense of what they have to offer. My main destination was Bahia Honda State Park to look for butterflies … Read more
THE FLORIDA KEYS ALONG THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY — Harry Appel and Jen DeMaria live in a secluded beachside retreat in the Lower Florida Keys. On a recent afternoon, an endangered Key deer drops by as they sip iced tea in their backyard. The deer poses for a photo, then scampers away. For years, New Jersey … Read more
A Key West woman tells her story about getting airlifted – then getting the bill. In July 2014, Ellen Engelson’s leg broke spontaneously, weakened from radiation treatments years before. She lives in Key West, so she went to the emergency room at the only hospital within 50 miles. But because her leg needed specialized care, she … Read more
KeysCaribbean Luxury Resort Villas & Marinas salutes four Florida Keys events in September and offers three compelling reasons to enjoy an end-of-summer escape to the Keys. “September in the Florida Keys is a great time to experience events that can only be found here.” said Sam Schorr, KeysCaribbean managing director. KeysCaribbean Luxury Resort Villas & … Read more
The Chica Travelsita, Travel Blogger and Travel Agent explores the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West! She stays at The Casa Morada in Islamorada, explores the waters with Upper Keys Sport Fishing and The Florida Fisherman and experiences delicious food and drinks at Lorelei’s Restaurant and Bar, Bitton Bistro and The Square Grouper. … Read more
As an uneventful lobster mini-season came to a close, commercial lobster fishermen remained optimistic about the start of the regular season on Aug. 6. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Coast Guard did not report any accidents, injuries or deaths as of Thursday evening. The FWC did cite multiple people diving on … Read more
This large Burmese python, weighing 162 pounds and more than 15 feet long at the time of its capture in 2009, was caught alive in Everglades National Park and was found to have eaten an American alligator that measured about 6 feet in length. University of Florida researchers in the photo: Michael Rochford is holding … Read more