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| Vol. 6, No. 9 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
July 2010 |
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The 25th anniversary of shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher's discovery of the sunken Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha is to be commemorated Thursday through Sunday, July 15-18, during Mel Fisher Days on the island the late salvor called home.
Fisher and his crew uncovered a $400 million cache of Atocha treasure and artifacts July 20, 1985, after a 16-year search. The galleon sank approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West during a 1622 hurricane.
Fisher's son Kim Fisher (shown at right) and grandson Sean Fisher lead the continuing search for Atocha artifacts and treasures remaining on the ocean floor. Each year, Fisher family members and friends present the festival.
Events include a reunion of the "golden crew" that searched for the Atocha with Fisher, scheduled just two days before the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the fabled shipwreck.
Dive into the adventure by clicking here.
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Underwater Music Festival to Spotlight 'Waterland' July 10
Divers and snorkelers might encounter "Alice in Waterland," the "Cheshire Catfish" and their fictional friends beneath the sea during the 26th annual Underwater Music Festival, set for July 10 in the Lower Florida Keys. Dive into the fun by clicking here.
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Yummy Key Largo Food & Wine Fest Set for July 30 - Aug. 8
Each summer, the gateway to the Florida Keys transforms into a food and wine lover's paradise as Key Largo's culinary experts step up to the "palate" to present nearly 30 tasty food, wine and spirits events all over the island. For a mouthwatering preview, click here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Fans of good writing can explore a roster of literary and theatrical events July 20-25 during Hemingway Days 2010, which celebrates the literary accomplishments and exuberant Key West lifestyle of legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. Get info on the "write stuff" here.
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DIVING
A Wreck Trek Passport Program, spotlighting the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail, now awaits certified divers visiting the Florida Keys and exploring the destination's sunken vessels and artificial reefs. Begin the trek by clicking here.
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FISHING
Renowned as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is set to host the "best of the best" July 13-15 during the 2010 Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship. Angle for details by clicking here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
The average family might spend an afternoon flying a Charlie Brown-style kite, but Islamorada's Walsh family is anything but average. Their family "kiting" afternoons are filled with extreme jumps, twists, flips and other acrobatics on the open water of the Florida Keys. Click here to "meet" kiteboarding entrepreneurs Mike and Shana Walsh.
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July 3, Aug. 7
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Pet Patio Party
The first Saturday of each month, Boondocks offers a chance for pet lovers to share cocktails while their pets mingle and play in kiddie pools! Dogs, cats, birds, snakes and even three-toed sloths have visited the pet-friendly patio. Raffles, specials and pet-only menus are available. Boondocks is located at mile marker (MM) 27.5. Click here.
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July 4
throughout
the Florida Keys
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Celebrate Independence Day & Evening Fireworks
Beachside events throughout the Keys coincide with spectacular free fireworks shows: Big Pine & Lower Keys Rotary Club’s show takes place at Sugarloaf Airport; a patriotic parade starts at 10:30 a.m. in Marathon, with the parade route ending at Sombrero Beach for a picnic celebration and giant fireworks show at sundown; Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound comes alive at the bayfront at 9 p.m. Click here for more details.
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July 10
in Marathon
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Marathon Dolphin Scramble
Back by popular demand, this tournament consists of a shotgun start off Sombrero Beach at 9 a.m. The first angler bringing a legal dolphin back to the committee boat wins $1,000. Anglers who catch the largest dolphin earn $1,000 (first place), $500 (second place) and $200 (third place). The tournament raises money for scholarships in the Keys. Click here.
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July 16-17
in Islamorada
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Conch Life Scramble Golf Tournament
Tee off on the water and play golf with a twist to benefit a local charitable cause. Teams of four golfers take to the water off Islamorada, boating between holes, after a shotgun start at 9 a.m. To register a team, click here.
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July 21-24
in Key West
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Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament
Anglers pursue the mightiest of offshore species in the same waters plied by novelist Ernest Hemingway. The catch-and-release tournament, held in conjunction with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration, offers $50,000 in guaranteed prize money. Click here.
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Aug. 20-21
in Key Largo
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Anything that Floats Race & Regatta
Hand-built boats from plywood and other material compete to stay afloat in this wacky Upper Keys event. Call 305-394-3736.
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Aug. 27-28
in Islamorada
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Islamorada Swordfish Tournament
This modified release tournament benefits the Billfish Foundation, and is the first leg of the Florida Swordfish Series. Anglers compete for valuable prizes, including a $10,000 cash payout to the overall series champion and another $5,000 to the angler with the largest fish in the series. Click here.
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Sept. 13-19
in Marathon
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First Annual Conchtoberfest
A weeklong celebration throughout Marathon culminates in a weekend of family-focused activities at Hawks Cay Resort. Attractions include games and fun, food and beverages, vendor booths featuring local artists, clothing, boats and more. Click here.
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Sept. 16-19
in Key West
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Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run
Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the U.S. are to travel the Keys' scenic Overseas Highway from mainland Florida to Key West to raise money for charity. Stops are arranged throughout the Keys with a final celebration in Key West. Click here.
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