“You broke my heart, ‘cause I couldn’t dance; you didn’t even want me around; and now I’m back, to let you know, I can really shake ’em down. Do you love me now that I can dance?” (Lyrics from the 1962 Contours’ song “Do you love me?” written by Motown’s Berry Gordy, Jr.) What does the … Read more
The flotilla was headed to American soil. It was 9:30 p.m. in the evening of November 19, 1821. A new member ship of the fledgling U.S. Navy, the USS Alligator, had been tacking back and forth to stay within range of the slower small flotilla of vessels following it, which the crew of the Alligator … Read more
Islamorada’s kinda got it going on. Somehow, without much fanfare, it has reached a tipping point where, because of a batch of new eateries and resorts, it feels like the “cool” key. That wasn’t always the case. In the past, the Florida town’s venues had tired nautical themes and shells galore. Now you’ll find local … Read more
Robert Cvetkovski, who also owns Smugglers Cove in Islamorada, told TRD that he hopes to close on the purchase within three months. He then plans to spend $5 million to renovate the rooms and upgrade the property, including bringing in a new restaurant concept. The 48-room Days Inn, at 82749 Overseas Highway, is spread … Read more
A state marine officer found two undersized nurse sharks and a dead moray eel while inspecting a catch made from an Islamorada dock Thursday. Officer Paul Hein of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spotted several people fishing off a private dock near Tea Table Key around 3 p.m. Hein saw two nurse sharks, … Read more
Sanctuary Reef, a unique traveling exhibit that gives a shrimp’s eye view of an oversized coral reef, is now on display at Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada, through Feb. 28, 2016. This interactive display developed by Mote Marine Laboratory brings the ocean’s coral reefs and vital scientific research to life through hands-on … Read more
Tiff, Roger, Jenny and Dan kayaking in the Fla Keys! August 2015 Tour Guide: Kristy (K-Bear) Batista Location: Robbie’s Marina/ Back Country Mangroves Critters Seen: Nurse Sharks, Reef Sharks, Osprey, Starfish
It was 80 years ago, on Sept. 2, 1935, the fiercest storm (even today) to hit North America, came ashore in Islamorada, wreaking death and destruction from Tavernier to Duck Key. The event marks a significant period in the life of the Upper Keys, a time that should never be forgotten. For the 80th anniversary, … Read more
Islamorada Only half an hour south of Key Largo, this is a chain of islands measuring only 20 miles long. The small group is known as the “sports fishing capital of the world,” so for avid adventurers and sports enthusiasts, this is a must-stop spot. Robbie’s of Islamorada is a popular locale, as guests can … Read more
Another skeleton has tumbled out of Danny Rayburn’s closet, and this one looks a lot like John Leguizamo. Spoiler Alert: It is John Leguizamo. The multi-hyphenate is joining Bloodline‘s upcoming second season in a series-regular role that has strong ties to Ben Mendelsohn’s late (but still viable) black sheep, TVLine has learned exclusively. Leguizamo’s character, Ozzy Delvecchio, is a … Read more
For a little over two decades, Karen Sunderland has helped local state parks fill the financial gap when their budgets fall short. Sunderland, a founding member of Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks, described the volunteer group’s focus as one geared primarily toward fundraising. The group’s most lucrative project comes during the year-end season of … Read more
Publix will begin demolishing the 10 buildings that sit on its planned market site in Islamorada before the end of the month. Most notably, the buildings include the former Fish Bowl bowling alley, which closed in 2012, and the Coral Grill, a decaying Islamorada landmark that closed more than 15 years ago. Publix attorney Andy … Read more
Islamorada resident Bill Camp works as a wedding officiant and gives clients the option of marrying them dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, from the blockbuster movie franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean.” It was your typical white wedding on a Key Largo beach — until a pirate invaded the ceremony. Pirate Wedding. The bride and the … 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
Islamorada kinda got it going on. Somehow, without much fanfare, it has reached a tipping point where, because of a batch of new eateries and resorts, it feels like the “cool” Key. That wasn’t always the case — in the past, the Florida town’s venues had tried to out “Key” each other with tired nautical … Read more
As Eric Billips reaches the bottom of the reef, 90 feet down, he spots a cloud of minnows around a coral head, and as expected, finds half a dozen lionfish lurking nearby. They’re beautiful, hovering like little resplendent flowers. But they’re dangerous, housing 18 venomous spines that repel predators. Billips is able to spear three … Read more
Perennial critic and audience favorites like “Game of Thrones” and “Mad Men” made the cut when the 2015 Emmy nominations were recently announced, but some TV show names may have had the average viewer scratching their heads. What’s “Bloodline”? “Bloodline,” for which actor Kyle Chandler received a Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series Emmy … Read more
A Miami man reeled in a lobster at Tavernier Creek, leading to a Wednesday case filed by the FWC. Robert R. Harden, 21, was booked on three conservation counts. FWC Officer Chris Mattson was on road patrol at Tavernier Creek at mile marker 91 when he “observed a man fishing in an unorthodox method,” Dube … Read more
Price: $5,950,000 Location: 101 Carroll Street Islamorada, Florida 33036. Square Footage: 959 Land Size 5+ Acres Located oceanfront in downtown Islamorada, the historical Gilmore Estate is locally known as the Bay Bourne Houseboat. Situated on 5+ acres, with 300 feet of beach, the Houseboat is an actual 60 foot 1948 Chris Craft with 1 stateroom, … Read more
The view out across the Atlantic from Jerry Wilkinson’s house is the stuff of dreams. Between the mix of sky and ocean exists differing shades of blue for as far as the eye can see, while inside the house exists of bit of historical chaos. Walls are lined with books and old cameras, glass bottles and books … Read more