The last text from Islamorada before Hurricane Irma plowed into the Keys was about fishing. “Look forward to a visit after things get back to normal. Bonefish are making a comeback,” wrote Richard Stanczyk, proprietor of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina for the past 40 years. Fishing is always a central topic in Islamorada, with its well-earned reputation as … Read more
Hurricane Irma Message from Monroe County BOCC – Monroe County will open re-entry into the Keys for residents and business owners in Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Entry requires a yellow re-entry sticker or proof of residency or business ownership in those three cities. A roadblock will be put around Mile Marker … Read more
An award-winning “Ladies Lets Go Fishing!” weekend university provides a girls’ getaway Friday through Sunday, Oct. 20-22, where female anglers can learn techniques from prominent fishing captains in the Florida Keys’ sport fishing capital of Islamorada. More than 8,000 graduates to date have learned to become anglers or polished their angling skills as well as … Read more
Atlanta-based developer Songy Highroads and partner the Wardman Group of Washington, D.C., purchased two oceanfront Islamorada hotels this summer, paying a combined $16 million. The companies closed on the 37-room Days Inn & Suites Key on Islamorada’s Upper Matecumbe Key on July 27 for $8.8 million. They bought Harbor Lights Resort on Windley Key, also a 37-room … Read more
Built in 1873, Alligator Reef Lighthouse stands guard in honor of its namesake, the USS Alligator. In 1822, just two years out of the shipyard, the Navy schooner was on rounds to recapture and free ships that were taken in the pirate-heavy seas of the Caribbean. At Alligator Reef, a notoriously difficult area to navigate, the … Read more
Harbor Lights Resort, a 37-unit oceanfront hotel in Islamorada, just sold for $7 million. The oceanfront hotel was built in 1953 and 1970, and has 37 rooms and cottages Harbor Lights Resort in Islamorada TWG Overseas, LLC, purchased the property at 84951 Overseas Highway on Windley Key from Holiday Isle Resort & Marina Associates. The … Read more
Netflix’s dark family drama Bloodline Season 3 comes to an end with John (Kyle Chandler) facing the son of his older brother Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), whom John killed back in the show’s first season. The kid, Nolan (Owen Teague), is looking for answers about how his dad died. As the audience wonders whether John will … Read more
Upper Keys historian Brad Bertelli made a recent public claim about local history that contained many errors and omissions that need clarification. I guess Brad was using his creative writing skills. Yes, the Upper Keys Historical Preservation Society (HPSUK) was formed in 1976 by a small group including Irving Eyster, which Brad omitted. Darlene Brown … Read more
Standing just east of U.S. Route 1 at mile marker 82 in Islamorada is the Florida Keys Memorial Hurricane Monument designed by the Florida Division of the Federal Art Project and constructed using Keys limestone (“keystone”) by the Works Progress Administration. Unveiled in 1937 with more than 4,000 people in attendance, a frieze depicts palm … Read more
Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s most recent Smith Travel Research report shows Florida Keys Tourism is doing just fine. The Florida Keys continued with Florida’s best average daily rate. during the first quarter of 2017, at $315. The report on Florida Keys Tourism, with data from January through March 2017, provides a look at the average … Read more
Activities at the Islamorada Founders Park Summer Recreation Camp include: Games, Arts and Crafts, Sports, Movies, Board Games, Swimming at the Pool and Beach and more. Camp Dates: June 12 through August 4, 2017. Monday – Friday 8 am to 5:30 pm. Ages: 6 – 12 only. Registration Fees: $85 per Week – $65 per Sibling … Read more
Netflix has released its trailer for the third and final season of Bloodline Season 3, and from the looks of it, this embattled family is going to be dealing with a lot of turmoil as they answer for their litany of crimes. The series will pick up with adult siblings John Rayburn (Kyle Chandler), Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), … Read more
The Race Club Swim Summer Camp are unlike any other swim camps or clinics. Sign up for the sessions you’d like during a camp. We recommend that swimmers attend all camp sessions to gain a comprehensive knowledge of our methodologies to improve your swimming technique. All camps below are open for registration. 2017 Swim Camps … Read more
REEF Ocean Explorers Summer Camp will immerse you into an ocean of learning and fun! Explorers will be exposed to the underwater world, all of its amazing creatures, and a week filled with creative activities and adventures. Discover all that the ocean has to offer and experience conservation actions in the sunny, salty, and the … Read more
Mike and Bryan spend a day in Islamorada fishing for Giant Tarpon with Capt. Drew Nobregas of Fishy Business.
As you would expect Seafood Rules in the Florida Keys restaurants. But you can’t eat seafood for every meal…or can you? Most serve up cuisine reflecting the tropical Caribbean flavors. Tropical fruits and veggies, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (you must try Mrs. Mac’s Key Lime Freeze). In season you can enjoy … Read more
Snorkeling and Scuba diving unlocks a new world, one that offers amazing adventures and underwater encounters. Explore beautiful coral reefs full of candy-colored sea fans, schools of exotic fish and friendly creatures. Swim face-to-face with a sea turtle or saying hello to a stingray hiding in the sand. New and Experienced divers can do all … Read more
Florida Keys Saltwater Fishing According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commision (FWC), Florida is recognized as the “Fishing Capital of the World” based on the number of freshwater and saltwater anglers, amount of time spent fishing, economic impact, diversity of recreational species, international fishing records set here and tourists who use our resources. The … Read more
The historic houseboat estate on Upper Matecumbe Key sold recently for $3.8 million, according to Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty. Rich in history, this 5-acre property at 101 Carroll St. has entertained many dignitaries over the years, including President Harry S. Truman, President George H.W. Bush and legendary news anchor Edward R. Morrow. The centerpiece is a … Read more