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Duval Street Loop Keys Bonefishing Seven Mile Keys Wildlife Refuges fla-keys.com 4 Photograph by Rob O’Neal ROB O’NEAL Southernmost Keys Traveler The Magazine Contents Exposure Editor Andy Newman Managing Editor Carol Shaughnessy 4 Only in the Keys Copy Editor Buck Banks 6 National Wildlife Refuges Protect Keys Wonders Senior Writer 7 Duval Loop: Free, Frequent and Friendly Laura Myers Walking Tour Showcases Island’s Literary Richness Staff Writer Julie Botteri 8 Bonefishing as Art Production Assistant 10 REEF Makes Waves for Marine Conservation Ashley Serrate 11 Taking Stock: Island Recalls Old “Keys Traveler” 12 Seven Mile Bridges Endure as Keys Icons is published by the 14 Zany Parade Salutes Rebel Artist’s Legacy Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the official visitor marketing 15 Keys Embrace ‘One Human Family’ Philosophy agency for the & Key West. Offering Three New Resorts Director of Marketing Back Traveling tips to the Florida Keys Stacey Mitchell Director of Sales Jim DeKreyel Florida Keys & Key West 6 Visitor Information fla-keys.com fla-keys.co.uk fla-keys.de fla-keys.it fla-keys.ie fla-keys.fr fla-keys.nl fla-keys.be fla-keys.cn Toll-Free in the U.S. and Canada 1-800-FLA-KEYS For the free monthly

“Keys Traveler” ANDY NEWMAN electronic newsletter, subscribe at www.fla-keys.com/keystraveler @thefloridakeys ©2018 Monroe County Tourist Development Council 8 Printed in the U.S.A. By Print Farm facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest

youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV Sun and sand worshippers enjoy the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West. The natural sand beach is among Insta favorites for residents and visitors alike in the southernmost city BOB KRIST in the continental United States. keysvoices.com @thefloridakeys

Cover photograph of the Seven Mile bridges and near Marathon by Andy Newman ANDY NEWMAN species that live only in the Lower ROB O’NEAL Keys, can be seen grazing typically in the early morning and at dusk.

FRAZIER NIVENS Spotting them isn’t always easy, but it’s a real treat when you do. Attend a music festival — un- derwater. Join several hundred divers and snorkelers at Looe Only in the Keys Key Reef during July’s Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. The unique subsea concert spotlights reef protection and environ- mentally responsible diving. Swim among vivid marine life and coral formations while listening to music broadcast by a local radio station and piped underwater. Costumed “mermaids” pretend to play artist- By Carol Shaughnessy crafted musical instruments.

Explore the homes of former Visitors enter the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West. President Harry Truman and liter- ary legend Ernest Hemingway. southernmost land mass in the con- unique and memorable activities Divers photograph a trumpetfish on Conch Reef off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Key West is home to the Harry S. tinental United States. Overlooking can be enjoyed in the Keys. lorida Keys locals and in-the-know visitors often Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, it looks much like it did Truman Little White House Museum, the on Whitehead From eco-adventure “voluntour- greet the news of some particularly offbeat hap- on the silver screen. Come aboard for a 90-minute Key Florida’s only presidential museum, Street, its brightly-painted body ism” opportunities to special events Fpening by grinning, nodding and sagely murmur- Largo canal cruise or even a dinner cruise. where Truman spent approximately bears lettering that proclaims it’s showcasing the island chain’s rich ing, “Only in the Keys.” “Hook and cook” in the Sportfishing Capital of six months of his 1945-53 presi- just 90 miles from . What bet- environment, heritage and fun-lov- The phrase also describes an inviting array of envi- the World. Book a skilled charter captain or guide dency. View items including the ter spot for a selfie than this Keys ing vibe, they offer ample proof that ronmental, cultural and adventure activities that can’t in Islamorada for exhilarating offshore, reef or original piano and poker table (ask icon? the best vacation experiences can be enjoyed anywhere except in the island chain. To backcountry fishing. The Keys claim more saltwater about its unassuming “disguise”) As well as these, scores of other be found “only in the Keys.” make lasting vacation memories, sample the “only in fishing world records than anyplace else on the globe. used by the former POTUS. ANDY NEWMAN (2) the Keys” experiences suggested here. After catching your fish (like or Nearby stands the Ernest Snorkel or dive on the continental United States’ tuna), take it to one of many nearby restaurants to Hemingway Home & Museum, only living coral barrier reef — the third largest in the have it cooked. There’s nothing like savoring perfectly where Hemingway lived and wrote world — and discover stunning coral formations and prepared fish that you caught yourself. masterpieces in the . Tour brilliantly hued tropical fish. Dive and snorkel operators Meet “patients” at a pioneering sea turtle hospital. his Spanish colonial home, peer around the Florida Keys offer excursions led by experts Encounter rescued sea turtles during a behind-the- into his second-story writing studio who are passionate about the underwater realm. The scenes tour of the planet’s first licensed veterinary and even pet the descendents of treasured reef, hospital specializing in these fascinating creatures. A his six-toed cat. BOB CARE like all Keys dedicated team at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital rescues, Take a “southernmost selfie.” waters, is pro- rehabilitates and nurtures sick and injured turtles and, Key West’s red, black and yellow tected within whenever possible, releases them back into the ocean. Southernmost Point marker isn’t the Florida Occasionally it’s possible to witness a turtle release — terribly picturesque, but hundreds Keys National a truly heartwarming experience. BOB CARE of visitors take their photos beside Marine Sanctu- Drive (or run!) across the Seven Mile . It’s a it every day. Why? Because the ary. “bucket list” adventure to drive over the landmark Sev- ungainly buoy replica marks the Channel en Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges classic cinema in the world and the centerpiece of the iconic Florida icons in Key Keys . The majestic span, which con- Largo by cruis- nects Marathon and the Lower Keys, stretches above ing on the re- the blue Atlantic Ocean and — giving stored African drivers the sensation that they’re floating over water. Queen. The And each April 1,500 athletes test their stamina on the original vessel bridge in the famed Run. from the 1951 Discover tiny Key . On Big Pine Key, if you’re

Where else but the Florida Keys would you film starring lucky, you can glimpse a real-life “Bambi” that’s about find a paddleboarding chicken? Karly Venezia Humphrey the size of a large dog. Tiny , an endangered A rescued sea turtle hatchling is cleaned at A footrace over the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico is only possible enjoys a sunset paddle with Loretta. the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. during the Seven Mile Bridge Run in the Florida Keys.

4 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 5 National Wildlife Refuges Protect Keys Wonders By Carol Shaughnessy

idely known for fishing, ROB O’NEAL snorkeling and diving, Wthe Florida Keys also are acclaimed for residents’ commit- ment to environmental protection. This commitment, launched over a century ago to ensure preserva- tion of the Keys’ natural wonders, is reflected in four national wildlife refuges. The oldest is the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, lying west of Key West and accessible only by boat. It was designated in 1908 to create a safe haven for migratory species. Today it provides nest- ing, roosting and foraging habitat ROB O’NEAL for 250-plus species of migratory birds and a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. The refuge covers over 2,000 acres of land and more than 200,000 acres of Duval Loop: Free, Frequent and Friendly co-managed state waters. hat’s a convenient way to fewer cars and parking challenges residents and treasured natural Established in 1938, the Great get around Key West’s pic- on Key West’s scenic streets — environment. White Heron National Wildlife turesque Historic Seaport benefiting the island’s visitors, carfreekeywest.com/duval-loop Refuge provides safe nesting and W area and downtown Duval Street breeding areas for great white district — both alive with attrac- herons — North America’s largest tions, shops, restaurants and bars? Walking Tour Showcases wading bird — and other migratory Via the free hop-on, hop-off Duval birds and wildlife. Stretching Loop bus service. between Key West and Marathon, The recently launched service Island’s Literary Richness it features more than 375 square features colorful buses that travel ost savvy Key West visitors A knowledgeable and entertaining miles of open water and islands in the seaport’s Caroline Street by are aware that the colorful guide leads the 90-minute ramble, the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors’ primary the Gulf of Mexico, Simonton and Msubtropical island was once intriguing participants with tidbits access is by kayak, canoe or Whitehead streets paralleling lively home and inspiration to world- and tales about famous (and a few shallow-draft boat. Duval, and United Street near the renowned writers Ernest not-so-famous) resident writ- The Atlantic Ocean. Hemingway and Tennessee ers and their works. was created in 1957 to protect The route includes 16 stops, Williams. The contemporary explora- hundreds of plant and wildlife spe- enabling visitors to get on and off Far fewer realize the tion was inspired by a previ- cies — most notably the diminutive A Key deer fawn prowls the grounds of the National Key Deer Refuge. just steps from popular spots like depth of its literary heri- ous walking tour created by Key deer. Today, it shelters spe- correlating species including two refuge typically is closed to the the Key West Butterfly & Nature tage — or that many other the late author and literary cies including deer, Lower Keys alligators. public to protect inhabitants, but a Conservatory, Ernest Hemingway notable writers have been seminar founder David marsh rabbit, Bartram’s hairstreak A visitor center and nature trails community butterfly garden is open. captivated by the island’s Kaufelt. It features the former Home & Museum, Southernmost Judy Blume butterfly, American alligator and are located on Big Pine Key and the Visitors can learn more about Point marker and seaport boutiques charm, natural beauty and or current homes and haunts migratory and resident birds. The new Florida Keys National Wildlife the refuges at the family-friendly and eateries. unconventional characters. of eccentric author Shel Silverstein, refuge encompasses more than Refuge Nature Center is to open on Outdoor Fest each spring, featuring The Duval Loop is scheduled to The Old Town Literary Walking beloved young adult novelist Judy 8,000 acres ranging from Bahia Big Pine Key in the fall. action-packed exploration into the operate daily December through Tour, launched by the team behind Blume, poets Elizabeth Bishop Honda Key to the eastern shores of Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Keys’ environment. The festival is April and Thursday to Sunday from the acclaimed annual Key West and Robert Frost, renegade writer . Refuge, a 37-year-old refuge in up- hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wild- May through November. Buses run Literary Seminar, now brings that Thomas McGuane and many more. Do not feed Key deer or other per Key Largo, includes habitat and life Service’s Florida Keys National every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to rich history to light. Insightful and well researched, the in the refuges. nesting sites favored by the Ameri- Wildlife Refuges Complex and the 10 a.m. and every 15 minutes from Scheduled Friday evenings and tour provides an intimate glimpse The Key Deer Refuge’s Blue Hole can Crocodile and a habitat restora- Florida Keys Wildlife Society. 10 a.m. until midnight. Saturday mornings, the tour de- of the Key West that typical visitors is an abandoned rock quarry that tion program for the endangered facebook.com/floridakeysrefuges As well as being free and fre- parts from the island’s pink-walled rarely discover — but should. is filled with mostly freshwater with Key Largo wood rat. The remote floridakeyswildlifesociety.org quent, the innovative service means public library at 700 Fleming St. kwls.org/tour

6 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 7 FKAA “I am prepared to state that I feel almost certain, if I spent By Doug Kelly another month bonefishing, I would become obsessed and Painting by Pasta Pantaleo perhaps lose my enthusiasm for other kinds of fish. … He is the wisest, shyest, wariest, strangest fish I ever studied.” — Zane Grey, from “Tales of Fishes,” 1919

t’s agonizing, it’s tantalizing — but in an oh-so-thrilling way. That’s because you’re a bonefish angler, and it matters not if you’ve Ijust caught your first one or your hundredth. Bonefishing is addictive because it’s a skill that resembles art: a saltwa- ter flat becomes the canvas, a rod the brush, a cast a stroke of paint and the catch and release an ideal frame. Although it is special to fish in water so shallow you can see a wading bird’s knees, the beauty of it is that one doesn’t have to be a Rembrandt to enjoy toe-to-fin tussles with the fish known as the grey ghost of the flats. Even if you can’t draw a stick figure, it’s simple enough to stand motion- less on the bow of a skiff and remain alert. Knowing that a bonefish tilts diagonally to root the for munch- ables, keep your peepers peeled for any sign of a telltale tail waving above the surface like a stiletto. While one can successfully sit in an anchored boat and fish blindly, sight casting is the ultimate buzz. Just stay primed and ready to present a shrimp, crab or other offering in Mr. Bone’s path. If fishing with a guide — highly recommended for newbies — he or she will likely spot the fish first and put you in an ideal casting position. Bonefishing is 50 percent hunting, 50 percent fishing and 100 percent exciting. The learning curve might entail missed casts or pulled hooks, but the payoff is frantic fantasy as a bonefish strikes, jets off and the line rooster tails in its wake. You’re now literally off to the races, and that’s the magical moment when you’re hooked as firmly as the bonefish. Every bonefish encounter offers the blitzing speed of an aquatic bullet that could outsprint Olympic runner Usain Bolt. It’s at once electric, cataclysmic and utterly contagious. Just fishing in any shallow water won’t do. What Italy’s Florence is to art, the Florida Keys are to bonefishing. The flats from Key Largo to Key West boast 22 world records for bonefish, with Islamorada alone accounting for 18 — more than all other destinations in the world combined. Bonefish, the Florida Keys and you — it’s the perfect painting. Bonefishing as Art

Stephen Byrd shows off a nice bonefish caught and released by Sara Stanczyk About the Art and the Artist off Islamorada, world renowned as the Created by Islamorada artist “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” Roberto “Pasta” Pantaleo, “Bonefish” is one of a series of acrylics on canvas that showcase prized light-tackle gamefish in the Florida Keys. Pantaleo has lived and painted in Islamorada for 15 years, and his work can be viewed at his ANDY NEWMAN RICHARD STANCZYK Signature Gallery. artbypasta.com. The Florida Keys scenery while bonefishing is always spectacular.

8 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 9 REEF Makes Waves for Marine Conservation Photographs by Rob O’Neal he Key Largo–based nonprofit By Julie Botteri Taking Stock Reef Environmental Education TFoundation, commonly called REEF, is dedicated to conserving Island Recalls Old Key West marine ecosystems worldwide. NATHAN BROWN/REEF NATHAN tock Island, lying just REEF inspires and enlists divers Al Nelson and Lindsey across Cow Key Channel to help protect that biodiversity Rader take a stroll from Key West, is undergo- along the dock near the through education and community S Hogfish Bar & Grill on ing a dramatic transition with partnerships. . two recently opened upscale These volunteer citizen scientists marina-based hotels. can participate in reef survey and But the island’s true identity annual fish count projects to help as the hub of the Florida Keys’ collect and report data on fish commercial fishing industry populations. Collected using a fun endures. and easy standardized method, the The funky, still-unpolished data is utilized by local and national island’s main attractions include agencies to develop management a walk-about boardwalk, afford- plans for resources in able and rustic dining venues, a the islands of the Florida Keys, the working waterfront with industri- , Hawaii and the North al shipyards, picturesque shrimp Pacific. boats, colorful “boatels” and Each fall, the organization hosts hidden artist studios. REEF Fest, a multiday celebration “Stock Island is old Key West,” of marine conservation’s positive im- said Bobby Mongelli, co-founder pact on the Florida Keys and around of the annual I Love Stock Island ing known for an eclectic culinary new hotel dining includes Matt’s the world. Participating ocean aficio- Festival and owner of the island’s scene that features everything from Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, the nados can experience social events, lively Hogfish Bar & Grill. food trucks to a French bakery to Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill at eco-adventures and presentations Stock Island is believed to be fine casual fare. Popular among The Perry and the Yellowfin Bar and by renowned marine experts. named for the livestock kept there locals are Hogfish, Roostica Wood- Grill at Oceans Edge. Activities include educational by early Key Westers, according to Fire Pizzeria, Rusty Anchor and El Boyd’s Key West Campground has seminars, gatherings, snorkeling, the 1939 Works Progress Admin- Mocho for Cuban dishes. been serving RVers and campers diving, paddling and adventures on A REEF volunteer diver records data on a school of golden grunt off Key Largo. istration’s Federal Writer’s Project. The two new resorts are helping for more than 50 years with tent the water at America’s best fish- conservation. Gourmand World Cookbook Awards Local lore says the island’s Safe the island evolve into a distinctive and full hookup RV sites, including filled coral reefs with some of the In addition, REEF is widely rec- held in China. Harbor even served as a staging Lower Keys destination. those with waterfront views most prestigious names in marine ognized as a leading authority in “Remove lionfish and the reefs are area for the of The 20-acre, 175-unit, dog- Two nearby Stock Island fish lionfish research, healthier. The key is regular remov- Cuba in 1961. friendly Oceans Edge Key West houses sell fresh off-the-boat removal practices and als, year round,” said Akins. “From Today, Stock Island is becom- Hotel & Marina offers six pools seafood: Stock Island Lobster Co., educational outreach. a culinary standpoint, lionfish are and spacious suites. Its billed as Florida’s largest dockside Alongside the Keys’ incredible. boardwalk-style, white lobster supplier, and Fishbusterz commercial fishing “The fish has a mild, white meat clapboard buildings have Key West Seafood Market, Florida’s and restaurant com- and is not overpowering,” he said. wooden porches and largest wholesale fishery and sea- munities, the organi- An annual Lionfish Derby Series waterfront walkways. Its food market. zation has adopted across Florida also is an important on-site marina has 111 Meanwhile, Rafael Garcia, the new an “eat them to beat part of REEF programs, spearhead- wet and 52 dry slips. owner of the Gulf Seafood marina, them” mantra to help ed in partnership with the Florida The modernist 100- said he plans to open a retail outlet control the invasive Keys National Marine Sanctuary and room The Perry Hotel has to sell fish while keeping the facility species. the dive community. Scuba and skin one of the Florida Keys’ as a commercial fishing hub. REEF’s founder Lad divers can take action and help pre- largest deep-water mari- “Stock Island is finding its iden- Akins co-authored serve Keys reefs by competing in nas. Future plans include tity,” Mongelli said. “It’s a true work- “The Lionfish Cook- a fun, challenging event to capture an on-site distillery and ing waterfront community — one of book,” which earned and remove as many non-native lion- private charter cruises the few left in the United States.” prestigious recogni- fish as possible from Keys waters. from the marina. — Laura Myers tion at the 2017 REEF.org Stock Island Lobster Co. workers dump a basket of REEF’s Lad Akins helped write the book on preparing lionfish. fresh-off-the-boat stone crab claws for final processing. Casually sophisticated ILoveStockIsland.org

Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 10 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler 11 By Laura Myers Photograph by Andy Newman

Seven Mile Bridges Endure as Florida Keys Icons

ll those traveling the length of the Florida Keys that lures avid runners of all ages. on the famed Overseas Highway cross the Seven The Old Seven Mile Bridge, listed on the National AMile Bridge that connects Marathon with the Register of Historic Places, was built as part of railroad Lower Keys and Key West. magnate Henry Morrison Flagler’s Florida Keys Over- The span, and even its predecessor, are fascinating Sea Railroad, completed in 1912 and stretching from engineering marvels that quite simply stun the senses. Florida’s southern mainland to Key West. Rising in an arc toward its center, the 35-year-old Construction of Old Seven was grueling. The bridge’s Middle Keys bridge offers sweeping panoramic views four sections consisted of steel-girder spans laid on top of a picturesque horizon where turquoise-colored seas of concrete foundation piers. The piers were secured meet the azure sky. to bedrock up to 28 feet deep below the waterline, and The original Seven Mile Bridge, now called the Old a swinging span allowed boat passage between the Seven Mile Bridge or “Old Seven,” runs parallel to the Gulf and Atlantic. modern structure. It was converted from a railroad In recent years, a 2.2-mile section of Old Seven has bridge to carry automobiles in 1938, and did so for 44 been a popular spot for walking, running, biking and years. fishing — and as the gateway to 5-acre Pigeon Key, the The two salt-sprayed structures — recognized historic railroad work camp where up to 400 workers throughout the world as enduring symbols of the Keys lived from 1908 to 1912. — still withstand the test of time, even when lashed by Old Seven currently is closed for restoration for pe- winds and water. destrians and cyclists, with completion set for 2021. The modern-day bridge, opened to traffic in 1982, is For Florida Keys residents returning home, the sight one of the world’s longest segmental bridges at 6.79 of the two parallel Seven Mile bridges provides a warm, miles or nearly 36,000 feet long. A 65-foot-high clear- comforting welcome. A glimpse of “Fred,” an Australian ance allows boat passage between the Gulf of Mexico pine tree growing out of Old Seven’s roadbed, typically and Atlantic Ocean. inspires a smile and a wave. Built from precast concrete sections with 440 spans, The two bridges stand resolutely, an enduring legacy it connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. to Flagler, the persevering dreamer who envisioned Each year in April, up to 1,500 athletes test their en- what the Keys would become. durance in the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run, an event friendsofoldseven.org • 7mbrun.com.com

12 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 13 Keys Embrace ’One Human Family’ Philosophy he Florida Keys are known

ROB O’NEAL (2) around the world for residents’ inclusive and accepting at-

T ROB O’NEAL titude toward people of all kinds. It took Key West designer J.T. Thomp- son, however, to initiate formal recognition of that attitude. In 2000, hoping to emphasize the inherent unity and equality of people everywhere, Thompson began print- ing bumper stickers that read, “All people are created equal members of ONE HUMAN FAMILY.” When he started giving the stickers away, they were immediately snapped up. In October 2000, the Key West City Commission unanimously adopted One Human Family as the southernmost city’s official phi- losophy. The Keys’ Monroe County Commission followed suit, embrac- ing it for the entire island chain. To date, Thompson and support- One Human Family motto emblazoned on a Key West sidewalk. ers have distributed 2.75 million According to Thompson, it also than a world where all people enjoy Participants in the 2017 Papio Kinetic Sculpture and free One Human Family bumper Art Bike Parade reach the lower end of Duval Street. has been referenced in speeches equal rights, dignity and respect,” stickers. The unifying slogan has and writings by Barack Obama, said Thompson. reached people in 95 countries and Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama. One Human Family stickers are Zany Parade Salutes Rebel Artist’s Legacy places as remote as the South Pole “There is possibly no greater gift available free worldwide. and Africa’s Sahara Desert. we can give to future generations onehumanfamily.info f one man’s junk is another man’s welding business in 1949, was for their inventiveness and humor, treasure, then the late Key Largo known for his welded “junkyard art” are recognized as culturally im- Ifolk artist Stanley Papio was an incorporating elements like recy- portant American artwork. Fans of Key Largo Offering Three New Resorts unparalleled treasure hunter. cled car parts, pipes and machine renegade creativity and craftsman- ey Largo continues a dra- resort in the Keys. and can host events such as wed- The rebel metal sculptor’s legacy scraps. Blending satirical social ship can view more than 100 of his matic transformation in the Featuring a “Keys chic” design, ding parties and retreats of up to is saluted in Key West each May commentary and offbeat whimsy, sculptures at Key West’s Fort East northernmost Florida Keys, rooms will average about 800 62 people. Event space can accom- with a people-powered parade of his constructions are an eclectic Martello Museum. K with three new properties coming square feet, with private outdoor modate 100. mobile sculptures, all crafted in the celebration of found objects. — Carol Shaughnessy online. plunge pools or tubs. The property Five stand-alone villa homes offer spirit of his quirky recycled cre- Today Papio’s pieces, acclaimed papiokineticparade.com Bungalows Key Largo, a 13-acre, is to offer two larger in-ground one to three bedrooms. A sixth, the ations. 135-unit property billing itself as pools, multiple restaurants and Nautilus House estate, sleeps up to Staged by the Key West Art & “luxury inclusive,” is to open in bars, 1,000 feet of shoreline, sev- 16 with a large wrap-around porch. Historical Society, the Papio Kinetic spring 2018 as the first all-inclusive eral piers for boats up to 40 feet Dolphin Point Villas is located at Sculpture and Art Bike Parade long and 4,000 square MM 102 bayside. typically features colorful sculp- feet of indoor and outdoor In fall 2018, the Hilton Key Largo tural floats, fantastically decorated event space. is to reopen as the 13-acre, 200- bicycles with costumed riders and Rates will include lodg- room Baker’s Resort, a Curio other mobile masterpieces. Each is ing, food and premium bev- Collection by Hilton. Caribbean- propelled by human effort alone. erages, hotel amenities, Creole cuisine is to be offered at The zany procession begins at BUNGALOWS KEY LARGO activities and water toys. the property, located at MM 97 Key West’s Custom House Museum, The new resort is lo- bayside. with Papio-inspired artisans pow- cated at mile marker 99 — Laura Myers ering their kinetic creations on a bayside. mile-long route along the island’s There is no shortage of creativitgy at the Papio Kinetic Dolphin Point Villas bungalowskeylargo.com Duval Street. Sculpture and Art Bike Parade opened in December 2017 dolphinpointvillas.com Papio, who opened a Key Largo in Key West. Photo illustration of a lodging unit at Bungalows Key Largo, set to open in the spring of 2018. adjacent to Dolphins Plus, bakerscayresort.com

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The 125-mile-long Florida Keys island Driving Data to Keys/Key Largo Weather/Climate chain is linked to mainland Florida by U.S. FROM MILES KM HOURS Wherever you are right now, chances are Highway 1, the Overseas Highway. Visitors Miami 50 80 1 the weather is better in the Florida Keys. can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) Fort Myers 200 320 4 That’s true even on a summer day. The or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Tampa 300 480 6 Orlando 280 450 5.25 hottest it’s ever been in Key West is 97° F Airport (FLL) and from there can reach (36° C), and that was in 1880. At the the Keys by airport shuttle bus or rental Distance from Miami peak of summer, the average high air car. Travelers can reach Key Largo, the REGION MILES KM MILE MARKER temperature is about 89° F (32° C). The gateway to the Keys, in about an hour from Key Largo 50 80 107–90 Keys are devoid of superhighways or Islamorada 76 122 89–66 Miami or an hour and 45 minutes from Fort urban sprawl to absorb and radiate the Lauderdale. Marathon 111 178 65–45 Lower Keys 128 205 45–4 sun’s heat. And the subtropical islands are Air Service to the Florida Keys Key West 159 254 4–0 cooled by sea breezes. In the winter, the Keys are typically the For an up-to-date roster of commercial Via Bus warmest region in the continental U.S. airlines and on-demand charter operators Bus/shuttle connections from MIA and There has never been a frost in Key West, serving Key West International and Florida FLL to the Florida Keys allow traveling to the according to the U.S. Weather Service. Keys Marathon International Airports, go Keys without renting a car. Below are the average monthly air to fla-keys.com/how-to-get-here. Via Boat temperatures for the past 30 years, Driving Directions Ferry connections from Fort Myers or according to the Key West weather office. Temperatures in blue shades are Fahrenheit From Miami International Airport (MIA), Marco Island to Key West are offered and those in light red are Celsius. take LeJeune south to 836 West. via the Key West Express. Voyages take Take the Florida Turnpike south toward Key approximately 3.5 hours. West. Extensive details on getting to the Florida The Turnpike ends at U.S. 1 in Florida City. Keys & Key West are available at: Follow U.S. 1 south about 22 miles fla-keys.com/how-to-get-here to Key Largo and you and your travel companions will be in the Florida Keys. From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Inter- national Airport (FLL), exit the airport and facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest follow the signs for I–595 West. Take 595 to the Florida Turnpike and follow the signs Help and More Information for the Florida Keys. If you’re traveling in the Keys and From farther north, take the Florida @thefloridakeys need any help, call the toll-free visitors Turnpike south to just below Fort assistance line at 800-771-KEYS. It’s Lauderdale, where Exit 4 joins the southern staffed 24 hours a day. To contact visitor portion of the Turnpike that ends at U.S. 1 offices in the Keys, call 800-FLA-KEYS. in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south into the youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV The Keys website at fla-keys.com has a Florida Keys. live chat feature with visitor information From Florida’s west coast, take I–75 Insta specialists available during regular U.S. (Alligator Alley) south to the Miami exit, and weekday business hours to aid travelers in south to the Turnpike Extension. keysvoices.com @thefloridakeys vacation planning.