As well as the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys feature unique dive spots that provide unparalleled adventures for underwater enthusiasts. The majestic Christ of the Deep statue, an artificial reef created from a historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad bridge, and much more await divers in the island chain. KEY LARGO … Read more
Welcome to the mesmerizing world of the Florida Keys, a tropical paradise renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. Among the many coral species that grace the Florida Keys waters, the Florida Keys Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) stands out as an essential and captivating component of the region’s diverse ecosystem. In this … Read more
Local, state and federal agencies strictly enforce lobster harvesting and boating safety regulations in the Florida Keys during the lobster mini-season the last Wednesday and Thursday in July (July 26-27), and regular season that begins Aug. 6. Captain David Dipre of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discusses important points to know before you go. … Read more
Starting in March 2013, recreational crab traps in Florida will be required to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 x 6 inches at the narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch bycatch reduction devices installed to reduce accidental trapping of diamondback terrapins, which has been a significant threat to the species. The rule was approved by … Read more
Florida Manatees are large, aquatic mammals native to the waters of Florida and the surrounding states. During the winter months, these animals can often be found in the warm waters of Florida’s springs and power plants as well as the Florida Keys, where they gather to avoid the cold. Manatees are generally slow-moving creatures, with … Read more
In the Florida Keys & Key West, fresh seafood is a must for just about every meal. And with the abundance of fish and seafood in Keys waters, most restaurants along the island chain make it a menu staple. It’s easy to find just-off-the-boat snapper, grouper and mahi-mahi served grilled, blackened or fried. In addition, … Read more
Springtime in the Florida Keys & Key West is easy and breezy, with weather that’s ideal for all types of outdoor activities on and in the water and in the Keys’ scenic wide-open spaces. As sustainability remains a priority with the restoration and preservation of the Keys’ fragile environment and natural resources, plans for a … Read more
The Florida Keys Transportation Coordination Committee (FKTCC) met on Monday to recommend and rank a set of potential solution projects approved in the U.S. 1 Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The list will be presented to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in February for approval to be given to the Florida Department of … Read more
Nature lovers can explore the 15-acre Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and acquire native and exotic plants Saturday, March 5, during “GardenFest Key West: The Green Market Place 2022.” The event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the garden, a rare and protected habitat located at 5210 College Road. Established … Read more
Celtic history, culture, food and music are to be celebrated by attendees at the Florida Keys Celtic Festival, a favorite family event in the Middle Keys. The 2022 event is set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 7-9, after a one-year hiatus due to coronavirus concerns in early 2021. Celtic rock and traditional musicians are scheduled … Read more
Indigenous Florida Keys cuisine typically means fresh fish and seafood harvested from local waters, headlining nearly every restaurant menu. For a delicious bite to spark your taste buds, check out some small, off-the-grid and new-location eateries that Keys locals favor for their flavors. In Key Largo, diners can kick off their shoes, dip their toes … Read more
With a welcome resurgence of Florida Keys Summer family travel, the Florida Keys & Key West continue to be in demand as a top bucket-list destination that’s known for wide open spaces, a variety of outdoor activities and scenic vistas of sea and sky. Summer is set to bring new nonstop flights into Key West … Read more
The following species will reopen to recreational harvest May 1 in Florida state and federal waters of the Atlantic: hogfish; blueline tilefish; and Grouper gag, black, red, yellowmouth and yellowfin; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby. Hogfish will remain open through Oct. 31, 2021, on the east coast of Florida as well as … Read more
Engel & Völkers Florida today announced the record-breaking sale of 1150 Bulevar De Palmas. Joani Towe, an advisor with Engel & Völkers Islamorada represented the buyer in their $11,995,000 purchase, which was the highest price seen for a home in Marathon, Florida. “It was an absolute pleasure working to bring the buyer and seller together … Read more
Traditionally, performing artists in the Florida Keys share their musical talent in island-style venues that range from outdoor amphitheater lawns to historic halls and waterfront clubs. But since coronavirus precautions currently prohibit large concert gatherings, like the Florida Keys Music Events listed below, performance stages now include virtual and streaming versions to maintain the health … Read more
You would think something called “Joes Tug” would actually be a tugboat. However, it is a 75-foot, steel-hulled shrimp boat, and one of the most well-known novice scuba diving wreck sites in the Lower Keys, located just 7 miles southeast of Key West. According to tales shared among Florida Keys dive operators, in 1986 Joe’s … Read more
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your input on a proposal for a seasonal fishing closure in a 1-square-mile area near Western Dry Rocks. This area is about 10 miles southwest of Key West and is an important spawning location for many recreationally and commercially important species such as snapper, grouper and … Read more
It began with an unannounced U.S. Border Patrol roadblock installed in 1982 at the head of the Florida Keys, causing massive traffic delays and inspiring irritated residents to ceremonially secede from the Union They formed the independent Conch Republic. “Citizens” and friends of the colorful “country” can celebrate its continued fame Friday through Monday, Nov. … Read more
It took scientists in Japan more than 50 years to successfully spawn eels in captivity to help preserve the species. In a race to solve a major challenge for conservation aquaculture, a breakthrough by researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in collaboration with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is the first in the world to successfully spawn … Read more
Enter Dry Tortugas National Park, one of just three designated national parks in Florida — and one of the most remote in the entire U.S. National Park System.Wide-open spaces are the name of the game in today’s pandemic-ravaged tourism landscape, which is why travelers all over the U.S. are flocking to national parks. But a national park … Read more