Top Keys
Cultural News
For nearly 30 artists who live throughout the Florida Keys, the spreading 50-year-old bougainvillea at 12420 Overseas Highway, mile marker 53.5 gulfside, is far more than a pink-blossomed reminder of nature’s beauty. Find out why by clicking here.
Top Keys
Fishing News
In the Florida Keys, anglers match the catch. Every month, there's a choice of targets, tackle and tactics that makes the Keys one of the world's truly unique saltwater sport-fishing locations. Click here for more information.
Top Keys
Dive News
Mix an adventurous crowd of snorkelers and scuba divers with warm water and sunshine, and the result is Island Sun Splash '06 — five days of in-, on- and underwater fun set for June 12-16 in Key Largo and Islamorada. Click here for more details.
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Upcoming
Keys Events:
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May 2-16
in Key West
Key West Players Present "New Plays in May" |
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Local authors give free readings of their latest works at the Waterfront Playhouse, adjacent to Mallory Square, on three Tuesdays: May 2, 9 and 16, 8:30 p.m. Click here or call (305) 294-5015 for more details.
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May 3-27
in Key West
The Key West Players Present "The Glass Menagerie" |
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The famous play by Tennessee Williams, a former Key West resident, is presented at Waterfront Playhouse, adjacent to Mallory Square, 8:30 p.m. Click here or call (305) 294-5015.
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May 3-7
in Key West
Key West Songwriters’ Festival |
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The 11th annual showcase of musical magic features America's foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate island settings. Hear the country's chart-topping hits sung by their writers. Presented by Hog's Breath Saloon. Click here or call (305) 296-4222.
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May 6-7
in Key Largo
The 20th Annual Maroone MS 150 Bike Tour Presented by Wachovia |
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Cyclists help fight multiple sclerosis by pedaling from Miami Dade College Kendall Campus south to the white sands and ocean breezes of Key Largo. After a Saturday dinner and party, they pedal back to Miami Sunday morning. Click here or call (954) 731-4224.
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May 7
in Key West
Performance at St. Paul's Presents Pianist Franko Richmond |
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The classically inspired pianist and composer is to perform at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St. Call (305) 296-5142.
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May 13
in Key West
Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival |
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Participants in the fast-growing sport of dragon boat racing are to compete in the protected quay at Truman Waterfront to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Their narrow, sleek craft are decorated like dragons in honor of ancient Chinese designs. Excellent viewing is to be available at Truman Waterfront. Click here, call (305) 872-4456, or e-mail events @habikeys.org.
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May 18-21
in Marathon
Marathon Offshore Grand Prix |
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World-class high-speed powerboats compete in the waters surrounding Marathon and the historic Seven Mile Bridge in the middle Florida Keys. Click here or call Randy Mearns at (305) 743-5805.
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May 19-20
in Key West
Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium |
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Experts explore “Native Americans and American Indian Affairs During the Truman Presidency." The event includes panel discussions, reception and tours of the Little White House where Truman worked and relaxed during his time in office. Click here or call (305) 294-9911.
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May 20-21
in Islamorada
2006 Island Festival Featuring the Taste of Islamorada |
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Enjoy a day of musical entertainment and another day of the area’s best chefs showcasing their culinary specialties for all to enjoy. Click here or call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (305) 664-4503.
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May 26-27
in Key West
Key West Players Present "The Tom & Danny/Danny & Tom Show" |
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These rollicking performances feature Tom Luna and Danny Weathers. 8:30 p.m. Waterfront Playhouse, adjacent to Mallory Square. Click here or call (305) 294-5015.
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June 3-11
in Key West
Pridefest Key West |
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Presented by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, this annual celebration honors diversity, openness and freedom in the city that is consistently recognized as one of the world’s top gay and lesbian vacation destinations. Click here or call (305) 292-3223.
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June 10-17
in Key West
7th Annual Cuban American Heritage Festival |
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Saluting the island city’s Cuban roots, the festival showcases the culture and customs Cubans brought to Key West. Click here or call (305) 295-9665.
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June 12-16
in Key Largo
Island Sun Splash |
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The Upper Keys Association of Dive and Snorkel Operators presents five days of fun-filled family adventure. Participants can experience a discover-scuba class, a snorkel adventure, or dive the Upper Keys shipwreck trail. Click here or call (305) 852-1655.
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July 8
in Big Pine & the Lower Keys
22nd Annual Underwater Music Festival |
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This quirky concert broadcast underwater for divers, snorkelers and the occasional mermaid is to take place at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The event emphasizes reef preservation. Click here or call (305) 872-2411.
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July 18-23
in Key West
Hemingway Days |
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This 26th annual event celebrates the work and lifestyle of the legendary author who lived in Key West throughout the 1930s. The event comprises literary readings, a theatrical premiere, a short story competition, a museum exhibit, a fishing tournament and of course the Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest. Click here or call (305) 296-2388 (look-alike); (305) 294-0320 (literary).
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October 20-29
in Key West
28th Annual Fantasy Fest |
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“Key Weird on the Dis-Oriented Express” is the theme for this outrageous 10-day celebration, with a packed schedule of costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats. Click here or call (305) 296-1817.
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Songwriters’ Fest Just Around the Corner
The Key West Songwriters' Festival, set for May 3-7, presents more than 60 of the United States' top performing songwriters, singing and playing their hits during more than 20 concerts staged in relaxed island locales. Shown here showcasing their songs at a previous festival during a sunset cruise on the Catamaran Fury are, from left, D. Vincent Williams, who co-wrote "I'm Movin' On" for Rascal Flatts; Dillon Dixon, writer of "Honey Hush" for George Jones as well as songs for major motion pictures; and James Dean Hicks, who has penned notable tunes for stars ranging from the Oak Ridge Boys to pop sensation Jessica Simpson.
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Bob Doughty, center, won the 2005 “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar.
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Keys Events Heat Up
The Summertime
BY JOSIE GULLIKSEN
Florida Keys News Bureau
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Offshore powerboat racing fans view last year’s Marathon Offshore Grand Prix.
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FLORIDA KEYS — Summertime heats up in the Florida Keys with a bevy of activities each month, heralding outdoor fun in the sun all season long. With events that range from historic and cultural celebrations to a unique underwater music festival, the Keys summer calendar offers a good time for everyone.
Even before summer officially begins, the Keys host a variety of appealing events.
Powerboat racing is to take place in Marathon during the Marathon Offshore Grand Prix May 18-21, where world-class high-speed vessels race through the waters surrounding the historic Seven Mile Bridge.
Visitors can taste culinary delicacies indigenous to the Florida Keys and enjoy live music at the Island Festival in Islamorada, May 20-21, when the area’s best chefs showcase their specialties and bands entertain crowds.
Several historical events take place throughout the year including the Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium, which examines the life and impact of the former president who loved Key West. This year’s symposium is scheduled for May 19-20.
Summer brings the annual Cuban American Heritage Festival, a showcase of the rich Cuban customs and culture still present in Key West. The event is slated for June 10-17.
The “One Human Family” approach to living is celebrated during PrideFest Key West June 3-11, and Key West’s Womenfest, featuring art shows, water activities and comedy performances Sept. 5-10.
Island Sun Splash, set for June 12-16 in the Upper Keys, features five days of in-, on- and underwater fun, and combines lots of diving and snorkeling with land-based entertainment and educational activities.
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A diver pretends to serenade a mermaid at the 2005 Underwater Music Festival.
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On July 8, the Underwater Music Festival provides a quirky concert broadcast underwater for divers and snorkelers at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
In July, the 26th annual Hemingway Days draws fans of Ernest Hemingway’s literature and lifestyle to Key West, the island where the author lived and wrote throughout the 1930s. The festival, which features a look-alike contest, author readings and presentations, the Drambuie Key West marlin fishing tournament, the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition and an offbeat “Running of the Bulls,” is scheduled July 18-23.
In late August and early September, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary takes center stage with an annual natural phenomenon scuba diving enthusiasts have dubbed “Sex on the Reef.” It’s the annual coral spawning ritual, and dive shops throughout the area conduct evening excursions to witness the ritual some compare to an upside-down underwater snow storm.
From Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, the Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival celebrates the natural wonders of Florida wildlife at the peak of the fall birding season. Taking place in Marathon and the Lower Keys, the festival includes presentations and field trips focusing on education and conservation relating to Keys birds and wildlife, as well as an environmental fair.
Even when summer ends, the revelry continues into the fall with Fantasy Fest, Oct. 20-29. The 10-day masking and costuming celebration features elaborate costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, masquerade galas and a grand parade with lavish floats and eccentric marching groups.
For more information about the Florida Keys & Key West, including a complete schedule of events, visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com or, in the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free 1-800-FLA-KEYS (800-352-5397).
Key West Attractions Debut Added-Value Program
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Visitors can discover the former home of Ernest Hemingway, the former vacation White House of Harry Truman and eight other Key West attractions at half the usual admission price through Oct. 15, 2006.
The Key West Attractions Association has created “twice the fun, half the price” specials to provide added value for visitors to the southernmost city in the continental United States.
The program offers two-for-one adult admission coupons to the Conch Tour Train, Old Town Trolley, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Harry S. Truman Little White House, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West Aquarium, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Pat Croce’s Pirate Soul Museum, Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Two-for-one coupons can be downloaded from the Key West Attractions Association’s Web site at www.keywestfun.org until Oct. 15, 2006.
For more travel information on the Florida Keys:
www.fla-keys.com
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