Florida Keys Travel Blog

Fine arts, music and culinary nuances of the Purple Isles are growing evermore popular as a burgeoning arts and cultural district in Islamorada showcases its eclectic galleries rich with affordable, original artwork as well as offering monthly, evening walkabouts for residents and visitors to take in...

Happily, last week I witnessed the strength of the human spirit’s resolve to maintain the delicate balance between man, mammal and nature in these islands. Thursday, May 5, a massive stranding response team of skilled veterinarians, and volunteers – more than 500 strong — joined forces with...

A full refurbishment of the 130-foot historic schooner Western Union required more than three years and $1.25 million, spearheaded by a local organization formed to preserve the vessel and keep it in Key West, where it was originally built and launched 72 years ago, in 1939. Western Union is a traditional...

Photos by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau SUGARLOAF KEY, Florida Keys — Seven weeks after he fell off a stage in Sydney, Australia, singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett surprised guests at a Florida Keys wedding reception late Saturday evening with three songs during an impromptu concert. Buffett...

In an environment of grassroots organizations stemming change across this country, perhaps you’d be interested in following a Florida Keys project that, although seemingly small, has enormous impact. The Seven Mile Bridge runs parallel to the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge (right) By now you may...

In January 1912, the first Oversea Railway train steamed from the Florida mainland through the Florida Keys to Key West, marking the completion of the railroad that connected the previously isolated islands with each other and the mainland. Florida East Coast Railway, Key West Extension. Train on the...

The new Pegasus Thruster, the world’s first hands-free diver propulsion unit (or, underwater scooter) was recently tested and adapted for use in the waters of the Florida Keys — a fitting “first” for the island chain known as the dive capital of North America. Dean Vitale, an aerospace...

Today there is a new twist to the “drive-to islands” of the Florida Keys. A new all-electronic system toll-collection system that launched Saturday, Feb. 19, affects motorists driving to and from the Florida Keys via the Florida Turnpike. The new system affects four toll plazas between mile...

Reggae legends Pato Banton and Calton Coffie are to showcase their world-renowned rhythms during the third annual Lower Keys Reggae Fest, scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 2. The festival presents the sounds of the islands set against Gulf of Mexico waters at Sugarloaf Lodge, mile marker (MM)...

People have divergent reasons for visiting the Keys, and for a group of New York buddies a recent fishing trip was testament to a conquest over the rigors of cancer, the bonds of male friendship and one big ole’ wahoo. (L-R) Timi Lober, Matt Dalton, Frank Cowden, Pat Holbrook For eight years, Long...