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HAPPENINGS in the Florida Keys! Still Stone Crab Season, Humphrey Bogart Film Festival and Dolphin Rodeo, all with KeysCaribbean Luxury Resort Villas & Marinas!
The Florida Keys / October 15 – May 15
Stone Crab Season
Those succulent claws, brought to shore fresh daily from the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, will drip with drawn butter and mustard sauce on the chins of hungry locals and visitors. A series of food festivals during the season celebrate the sustainable seafood resource throughout the Keys.
The Upper Keys:
In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has two exclusive locations -Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn
Key Largo / May 1 – 4
The second annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival is to screen a rotating selection of Bogie classics and a group of movies centered around the festival’s theme, Romance. Celebrating the life and films of the man the American Film Institute named “America’s greatest male screen legend,” the festival is the only event of its kind to be backed by the Bogart Estate, which is producing the event in partnership with the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Key Largo Chamber 305-451-1414
Email: info@bogartfilmfestival.com
Islamorada / May 2 – 4
A tournament honoring the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student, funds from this event benefit a namesake community scholarship fund, distributing nearly $70,000 to date. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, cash prizes and $25,000 to the angler with the dolphin that beats the state record. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, entry fee for adults is $150, $35 for juniors.
Contact: Marcia Panse 305-393-3733
Email: mpmanate@bellsouth.net
The Middle Keys:
In the Middle Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon
Marathon / April 30 – May 2
Tarponian Tournament
For enthusiastic tarpon anglers, silver kings mean springtime. This high-energy, three-evening tournament mandates that teams fish with a different captain each evening. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon, so any potential “hot spots” are shared among all anglers.
Contact: David Breznicky at 215-542-1492
Email: dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com
Marathon / May 1 – 4
Marathon Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament
A $10,000 first prize awaits the angler with the largest bull and cow combined, as well as prizes awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and tripletail, grouper and snapper.
Contact: Jack Carlson 305-481-0495
Email: carlson.jack@ymail.com; bigtimetackle@comcast.net
The Lower Keys:
In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals
Key West / December 1 – April 30
Key West Art & Historical Society presents: Tennessee Williams, The Playwright & the Painter
Chiefly known as a playwright, Tennessee Williams also had an artistic flair for painting. To mark the 30-year anniversary of his death, the Custom House is exhibit a number of Williams’ paintings revealing a different facet of his life and his talents. Custom House Museum is located at 281 Front Street, and open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Christmas.
Contact: 305-295-6616
Key West / March 1 – June 30
Key West Art & Historical Society presents: Marky Pierson, Night Visions in Technicolor
Emerging local artist and graphic designer Marky Pierson is to exhibit new paintings and designs focusing on three distinct categories: ‘Conch Night’ Series featuring the Hemingway House, Custom House and Curry Mansion; ‘Squishy Femme’ Series explores soft, squishy and everything womanly; ‘Graphic Design’ Series features graphic posters of iconic Key West images and large format paintings inspired by vintage tourism posters. Custom House Museum is located at 281 Front Street, and open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: 305-295-6616
Key West / April 6 – November 30
More than 40 species of fish are targeted during these months, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 14) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). The Key West Fishing Tournament strongly encourages the release of game fish. All participating anglers receive certificates noting their catches and qualify for a variety of prizes.
Contact: Rob Harris 305-587-6718; Doris 305-295-6601
Email: kwft@comcast.net
Key West / April 15 – July 31
6th Annual Key West Art Garden
The cost of admission to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden brings visitors an added value and wealth of beauty with 19 sculptures, each made of recycled materials, and some interactive, placed throughout the garden from local contemporary artists. Garden is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Email: mmcrae@kwbgs.org
Key West / May 1 – 4
During this ocean paddleboard race, participants enjoy a challenging 12-mile course over crystal blue waters, circling Key West through scenic mangroves, passing by the Historic Seaport district and more. The race around Key West is open to paddlers on standup paddleboards, prone boards, outrigger canoes, dory boats, surf skis and kayaks. Other weekend beach and paddling activities are planned.
Contact: Sue Cooper 305-304-4259
Email: sue@lazydog.com
Key West / May 2
Celebrate “Women of the Lighthouses” at the Key West Lighthouse Museum
From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Key West Lighthouse Museum, 938 Whitehead Street. Ms. Kathleen “Katy” Moore, the namesake of the next Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter being commissioned on 10 May in its home port of Key West and a lightkeeper, is to be honored, among all the Women of the Key West Lighthouse. Meet Key West writer, Joanna Brady Schmida, author of “The Woman at the Light” for a special book signing. A $30 donation includes entry to the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, complimentary wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. In addition, there is to be silent auction items and a 50/50 raffle.
Contact: Cindy McCausland 305-942-9748
Key West / May 3
Crowds are expected to gather at Truman Waterfront for an evening event from 6-11 p.m., featuring The Doobie Brothers and the Lower Keys’ musical favorite, Howard Livingston and the MM 24 Band. General admission tickets are $45; VIP tickets $100 each. Tickets available online.
Contact: Lazy Lakes 305-745-1079
These are some of my favorite happenings this week and next in the Florida Keys. If you’re comig down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share some of your favorite experiences with us …
