| Vol. 5, No. 5 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
March 2009 |
Discover the Florida Keys & Key West from an insider's viewpoint on the new Keys Voices blog. Recently debuted by the Keys' tourism council and edited by a 30-year resident, the blog is linked from the council's visitor Web site at www.fla-keys.com and also can be accessed at www.keysvoices.com.
Keys Voices presents feature-style stories on Florida Keys festivals and events, food, history, natural environment, quirky attributes, laid-back atmosphere, favorite local spots, unique characters and more.
To get to know the new voice of the Keys, click here.
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Lower Keys Reggae Fest to Star Johnny Dread April 5
Reggae master Johnny Dread is to showcase his Caribbean-flavored musical magic for Florida Keys audiences during the Lower Keys Reggae Fest, scheduled for Sunday, April 5, on West Summerland Key. Rock to the rhythms by clicking here.
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Florida Keys Island Fest Set for April 4-5
Live music in an amphitheater setting, mouthwatering food and artistry ranging from raku pottery to stitchery and sandcastles will whet attendees' appetites for color, creativity and cuisine at the 18th annual Florida Keys Island Fest. To join the fun, click here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
The Redbone Gallery, today renowned for its collection of saltwater fishing art, began as an unexpected offshoot of the fishing tournament its owners organized out of their kitchen. Click here to learn about the gallery and its artists.
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DIVING
After an almost nine-month stall, a Key West artificial reef project is back on course. The 524-foot Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is undergoing final cleanup and inspections so it can be towed to Key West for a planned scuttling in late spring. Dive into the details by clicking here.
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FISHING
Anglers targeting sailfish can expect fierce competition and unparalleled cash prizes at the 2009 World Sailfish Championship April 14-18. Reel in more information by clicking here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
Laura Quinn is the quintessential "bird lady," a name she earned over the years since founding the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier. Find out how her unique facility took flight by clicking here.
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March 5
in Key Largo
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Marine Resource Volunteer Program
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is seeking volunteers with snorkeling, diving and boating skills and experience. The Marine Resource Volunteer Program is aimed at coral reef protection within park waters. A coral nursery project is planned. Meet at the park's visitor center, mile marker 102.5, at 6 p.m. For details, call (305) 451-1202 or click here.
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March 7
in Key West
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47th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
A fun-filled Key West tradition, this unique contest features novel sounds produced by contestants in several age categories as they attempt to make "music" on conch shells. The contest takes place in the garden of the Oldest House, 322 Duval Street. Contact (305) 294-9501 or click here.
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March 7
in Marathon
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33rd Annual Marathon House & Garden Tour
Tour beautiful homes and extraordinary gardens in the Marathon area — all selected for their uniqueness and reflection of Keys living. Each home is adorned with floral arrangements created by members of the Marathon Garden Club. Contact (305) 743-4971 or click here.
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March 14-15
in Marathon
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Original Marathon Seafood Festival
Gourmet delicacies from the waters of the Florida Keys highlight this annual event at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside. The fish and seafood feast is sponsored by the Organized Fishermen of Florida and Marathon Chamber of Commerce. Click here.
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March 21
in Islamorada
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The Best of Banu Gibson
Gibson and her band perform jazz, swing, dance music and more at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 90. The show starts at 8 p.m. Contact the Upper Keys Concert Series at (305) 304-9059 or click here.
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March 27-28
in Key Largo
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Key Largo Art Gallery: 'The Highwayman Willie Reagan'
The name "Highwaymen" was given to African American landscape artists who traveled and painted what they saw, then sold pieces out of the trunk of their cars or in local Florida businesses or set up along the highway. Reagan's realistic landscapes will be on display at Key Largo Art Gallery, mile marker 103. Contact (305) 451-0052.
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March 28
in Islamorada
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Pops In The Park — Florida Heritage Concert
Florida Keys Community Concert Band presents a highlight of its 2009 season at Islamorada Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key. Set for 4 p.m., the performance is outdoors; no chairs are provided. Admission is free. Contact: (305) 853-7294 or click here.
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April 15-19
in Key West
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15th Annual Key West Robert Frost Poetry Festival
The festival features workshops, readings and poetry and haiku contests. Events are headquartered on the grounds of the Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage, 410 Caroline St., where Frost spent many island winters. For details, click here.
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May 15-17
in Big Pine & the Lower Keys
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Lower Keys & Key West Reef Shootout
Targeting bottom fish, kingfish and wahoo, the tournament benefits the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. For details, e-mail fishnkw@aol.com or contact Captain Mike Weinhofer at (305) 395-3474.
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May 16-17
throughout the Florida Keys
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Keys 100 — Prostate Cancer Benefit Races
The second annual "Keys Ultras" will include three separate ultra-marathon road races between Key Largo and Smathers Beach in Key West. Click here.
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