| Vol. 4, No. 12 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
October 2008 |
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Maintaining its reputation as the Indianapolis of offshore powerboat racing, Key West is set to host the 28th annual contest to crown the world's top teams Nov. 2-9.
The 2008 Key West World Championship is to kick off with a parade of race boats down the island's legendary Duval Street, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The action continues through the week with races on Wednesday, Nov. 5; Friday, Nov. 7; and Sunday, Nov. 9.
For racers, Key West is famous as a race course that can test equipment endurance in rough water conditions and minutes later, hull and propulsion design for the fastest possible speeds.
A portion of the 6.5-mile course runs through Key West Harbor, providing smooth water where speeds can exceed 140 mph and affording spectator opportunities found in few other venues.
For more information on the adrenaline-charged action, click here.
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Go For Golf in the Keys
While many people visit the Florida Keys for water-based activities, others seek out new and picturesque places to indulge in their favorite sports. Passionate golfers can find unique courses to play throughout the island chain. Find out where to tee off by clicking here.
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Key Largo Pirate Fest to Offer Revelry and Re-enactments Oct. 17-19
According to history and legend, the pirate Black Caesar roved Florida's coastal waters in the early 19th century. According to the organizers of the Key Largo Pirate Festival, set for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-19, the notorious pirate is about to make a comeback. Click here for the dastardly details.
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Fantasy Fest Parade to Spotlight Pre-election Antics Oct. 25
The lavish Fantasy Fest parade, the highlight of Key West's outrageous annual costuming and masking celebration, falls just 10 days before America's presidential election — and many float and costume entries are expected to spoof the campaign chaos. To cast your ballot for hilarity, click here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
An exhibition of more than 70 original painted wood carvings by the late Key West folk artist Mario Sanchez, comprising a pictorial chronicle of the island's history, is to debut Friday, Oct. 10, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Sanchez' Oct. 7 birthdate. For details, click here.
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DIVING
Florida boasts the only living coral reef ecosystem in the United States and, with it, world-class fishing and diving. The diverse marine life that thrives on the reef and in deeper waters provides excellent spearfishing opportunities. Sample the sport by clicking here.
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FISHING
The Mercury Redbone Celebrity Tournament, a respected Keys angling challenge that raises funds for cystic fibrosis research, marks its 21st year by moving to a new venue at Hawks Cay Resort. For the latest on the Nov. 7-9 tournament, click here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
Cheryl Messenger's work at Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay Resort includes nurturing and caring for pregnant dolphin, monitoring the growth of their calves via monthly ultrasounds, celebrating as they give birth and watching the calves thrive and grow. Click here to discover her "dolphin connection."
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Oct. 5
in Marathon
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Florida Keys Council of the Arts Evening
Enjoy a potpourri of song, dance and poetry in support of the arts in the Keys. Wonderful culinary delights and wine from Leigh Ann's Coffeehouse will be served. From 6-8 p.m. at Marathon Community Theatre. E-mail director@keysarts.com.
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Oct. 17-18
in Islamorada
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Casting for Cats Women's Backcountry Tournament
Ladies are to cast bait, artificials and flies to compete for nearly 20 trophies. The tournament is to benefit Caring for Cats, a nonprofit that rescues, spays/neuters and cares for feral cats in the Upper Keys. Call (305) 664-2012.
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Oct. 17-18
in Marathon
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Marathon Community Theatre Presents "The Best Little Rockin' Hillbillies In The Keys!"
Combining music, dance and skits, this show runs one weekend only. Tickets are $45 per person, which includes a buffet after the show. Click here.
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Oct. 17-18
in Key West
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Goombay Celebration in Bahama Village
This lively street carnival features Caribbean sights, tastes and sounds, arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment. The event runs from noon to midnight off Duval and Petronia streets in Key West's Bahama Village. Click here.
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Oct. 19
in Key West
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Lower Keys Chamber Annual Golf Tournament
Come out for a day of fun and golf at the Key West Golf Course. Hole prizes are as high as $25,000. Prizes will be awarded on every hole for a "Specialty Shot." The event also includes golf raffles, a 50/50 drawing and an auction. For information and an application, click here.
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Oct. 24-25
in Islamorada
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Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic 2008
The Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic is a one-day fun tournament for the whole family. Jim Mandich hosts the event and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Mariners Hospital. Click here for details.
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Oct. 27
in Key Largo
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Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Scuba divers participate in a unique jack-o'-lantern carving contest held against a coral reef backdrop. Take the plunge and attempt to carve the winning pumpkin 30 feet beneath the surface. Click here.
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Nov. 13
in Key Largo
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Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Annual Cookoff
Attendees savor the kitchen creations of amateur and professional chefs during public samplings. Join the island-style fun at this jubilee when festivities start at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, mile marker 100. For details, call the chamber at (305) 451-4747.
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Nov. 28 - Dec. 7
in Key West
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Nutcracker Key West
Discover the magical Keys-flavored version of the beloved holiday ballet, set to take place at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. For more information, click here.
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Dec. 7
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Big Pine & The Lower Keys Island Art Festival
Highlights of this holiday event include live music by local entertainers, food, exhibits and booths featuring locally produced arts and crafts. Festivities take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside. Click here.
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