
| Vol. 5, No. 1 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
November 2008 |
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Perhaps because the southernmost islands in the continental United States have never experienced a snowy white Christmas, businesses and organizations in the subtropical Florida Keys are extraordinarily enthusiastic about showing their holiday spirit.
From Key Largo to Key West, the calendar is packed with events designed to spread holiday cheer including a trio of festive lighted boat parades featuring vessels whose decorations range from traditional greenery to offbeat salutes to the season.
For a calendar of holiday happenings, all spiced with an individualistic Florida Keys flair, click here.
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Keys to Celebrate 100 Years of Conservation
Visitors from around the world are drawn to the Florida Keys to experience the island chain's priceless natural resources. Protection of these resources began a century ago, and an anniversary celebration is scheduled Nov. 15 to commemorate these 100 years of conservation. Find out more by clicking here.
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Pirates to Drop Anchor in Key West Nov. 29 - Dec. 7
Scurvy pirates and winsome wenches are to celebrate Key West's adventurous seafaring history Saturday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 7, during the annual Pirates in Paradise Festival. For the swashbuckling scoop, click here.
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Pier House Debuts $10 Million Renovation
For approximately four decades, Pier House Resort has played a starring role in Key West. Now the island city landmark, a favorite of renegades and celebrities alike, is putting the finishing touches on a $10 million renovation. To explore the property, click here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
A classic holiday ballet, recast as a unique interpretation of Key West's seafaring history, coral reef environment and free-ranging rooster population, is set for a 13-performance run in the island city beginning Friday, Nov. 28. Preview "Nutcracker Key West" by clicking here.
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DIVING
For some 30 years, legendary divemaster Captain Spencer Slate has befriended, nurtured and fed slithery sea creatures at coral reefs off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Learn about his Creature Feature dives by clicking here.
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FISHING
The 45th annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, one of the oldest tournaments in the Keys, is set for Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 4-7. For the latest on the popular all-release tournament, click here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
When Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 step onstage to perform their trademark tropical rock, they bring along an unusual "instrument": a 1952 Johnson 5.5-horsepower outboard motor used to blend margaritas for the audience. Click here to learn what inspires Livingston's musical mindset.
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Thru Nov. 30
in Key West
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Every Four Years: The Presidential Electoral Process Exhibit-Campaign 2008
Visit the Truman Little White House, a public, living museum that also serves as a political retreat. Tickets are $15, with discounts for seniors and children. Click here for details.
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Nov. 2-9
in Key West
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Key West World Championship
High-speed powerboats continue Key West's longstanding tradition in a challenge described as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing. Attractions include three days of racing and unparalleled spectator viewing areas. Click here for details.
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Nov. 7-9
in Islamorada
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Mercury Cheeca Redbone Celebrity Tournament
Anglers are to catch and release bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Trilogy. Call (305) 664-2002 or e-mail redboneinc@aol.com.
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Nov. 11
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Veteran's Day & Remembrance Day at Bahia Honda
The afternoon of events includes a moment of silence recalling Sept. 11, 2001, a laying of a wreath in respect and a human peace sign at 5 p.m. Events are to be held at Bahia Honda State Park from 1-4 p.m., and park entrance is free for the day.
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Nov. 13
in Key Largo
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Cook-Off 2008
Sample great food as local chefs battle for culinary kudos in this tasty event at Key Largo's Holiday Inn from 6-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door, or before the event at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Call (305) 451-4747.
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Nov. 13-15
in Marathon
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"The Amorous Ambassador" at Marathon Community Theater
Romantic rendezvous and British hilarity come together in this Michael Parker production. Show times are at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee set for 3 p.m. Additional dates are Nov. 20-22 and Nov. 28-30. For more information, click here.
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Nov. 14-16
in Key Largo
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Key Largo's "NASCAR-Ford 400 Weekend"
Stay in beautiful, neighboring Key Largo during this three-day championship tradition at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the South Florida finish line for NASCAR's series crowning finale, Ford Championship Weekend. Call (305) 451-4747 or visit the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce for weekend accommodation packages.
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Nov. 29
in Islamorada
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Pops in the Park American Family Celebration
Florida Keys Community Concert Band kicks off its 2008-09 season at Islamorada's Founders Park on Plantation Key. Performances are outdoors and chairs are not provided. The concert starts at 4 p.m.; admission is free. Call (305) 853-7294.
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Nov. 29
in Marathon
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Fall Festival at Marathon Garden Club
Attractions include tropical nursery plants and decorative planters, baked goods, educational booths, raffles, local artisans, crafts and ornaments, live music and children's activities. Call (305) 743-4971.
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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 traditionally take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. Call (305) 872-2411.
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