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Keys Traveler Weddings Edition

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fla-keys.com After ROB O’NEAL Keys Traveler The Magazine

Editor Andy Newman Managing Editor Carol Shaughnessy Copy Editor Buck Banks Senior Writer Laura Myers Dear Friends, Production Assistant The southern stretch of U.S. Highway 1, running from mainland Florida through the Ashley Serrate to , has earned many names over the years. It’s been called the , The Highway That Goes to Sea and an All-American . “Keys Traveler” is published by the But for those of us who love the Keys, whether as residents or visitors, it’s our road Monroe County Tourist Development home. Council, the official visitor marketing 8 Following Hurricane Irma’s unwelcome visit to the Florida Keys and mainland agency for the Florida Keys & Key West. Florida, that highway also became an enduring symbol of our road to recovery. Director of Marketing Contents That’s because many islands along the Overseas Highway sustained damage from Stacey Mitchell Irma. Some, like and the bayside/gulf areas of Islamorada and Marathon, Director Emeritus 4 Come back to the Keys as well as the southernmost island of Key West, felt less of the storm’s wrath. Others, Harold Wheeler 6 Only in the Keys such as the Lower Keys and the oceanside regions of Islamorada and Marathon, Florida Keys & Key West experienced more and will require more time to recover. Visitor Information 8 ‘The cavalry’… helps restore Keys infrastructure The hurricane might have impacted the Keys’ landscape, but the storm couldn’t fla-keys.com 10 Prepared for visitors’ safety touch the island chain’s greatest asset and greatest strength — the tough, fla-keys.co.uk 12 Traveling tips to the Florida Keys independent and warmhearted spirit of its people. fla-keys.de fla-keys.it ANDY NEWMAN Our focus is now on recovery, re-energizing and renewing affected areas. Just three fla-keys.ie weeks after the Sept. 10 storm, the Keys reopened to visitors — an important step in fla-keys.fr 4 our recovery and a vital one for residents whose livelihood depends on welcoming fla-keys.nl both first-time and repeat travelers. fla-keys.be fla-keys.cn Many news reports and erroneous assesments unfairly portrayed the Florida Keys Toll-Free in the U.S. and Canada as being completely devastated. That simply is not true and, to demonstrate that, 1-800-FLA-KEYS each editorial photograph in this special edition of “Keys Traveler” was shot after Irma’s passage through the Keys. For the free monthly “Keys Traveler” Today, as before Irma, the island chain continues to offer a laid-back atmosphere, a electronic newsletter, much-needed respite from the demands of everyday life, the natural wonders of our subscribe at marine sanctuary, appealing attractions and galleries, unique environmental features www.fla-keys.com/keystraveler and eateries serving fresh-from-the-ocean specialties. ©2017 Monroe County Tourist It’s not only these elements, however, that capture so many visitors’ hearts and Development Council minds. The Florida Keys’ motto is “One Human Family,” representing a respect for Printed in the U.S.A. @thefloridakeys By Print Farm diversity and people of all kinds — and that spirit is stronger than ever. So, wherever you travel along the Overseas Highway when you journey to the ROB O’NEAL Keys, you can expect a welcome as warm as our year-round subtropical climate. facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest Sincerely, We invite you to become part of our revitalization. Stacey Mitchell Director of Marketing youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV Florida Keys & Key West

All editorial photographs in Insta this edition of “Keys Traveler” were shot after Hurricane Irma keysvoices.com @thefloridakeys passed through 4 the Florida Keys. Cover photographs by Andy Newman Cover “We Are 1” photo illustration by Rick Blitman and Vanessa Burguiere ANDY NEWMAN hree weeks after Hurricane Irma made an unwel- But amazing progress was made very quickly after and many of our residents’ livelihoods depend on it, other and the Florida mainland, was inspected by state come visit to the Florida Keys Sept. 10, tourists Irma wrecked residents’ electricity, running water and we also know that we need to begin asking visitors to officials and declaired safe for vehicular traffic. Twere able to return to the 125-mile subtropical communications. Within two weeks, almost all power return.” But perhaps most important, the spirit and resilience island chain. and water had been restored from Key Largo through Key West Mayor Craig Cates was on hand person- of most Keys residents is in equally good condition Of course, that doesn’t mean the Keys are complete- Marathon, as well as throughout and Key ally to greet passengers disembarking Empress of the despite the hurricane’s impacts and aftermath. ly back to normal or that every tourism and lodging West, and cell phone service was restored as well. Seas, the first cruise ship to return to the Port of Key As an example of that spirit, many Keys special facility is fully operational. For Keys officials, the decision to reopen to visitors West after Irma. The port call, Cates said, marked a events scheduled for mid-to-late October took place as Hurricane Irma caused varying degrees of damage was based in great part on their concern for residents. significant step in the Keys’ recovery. planned, including Key Largo’s Humphrey Bogart Film along the island chain. Key West and the northernmost Getting the islands’ tourism-based economy back up In addition to the port, Key West International Airport Festival, Marathon’s Stone Crab Eating Contest and island of Key Largo reported the fewest impacts, but in and running is vital for those who earn their living by is open for commercial service and general aviation. Key West’s internationally renowned Fantasy Fest. other areas — especially the Lower Keys and parts of serving visitors. Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is open for The calendar for the coming months is full as well. Marathon and Islamorada — many homes and busi- “We know we have a long way to go before the Keys general aviation and charter flights as usual. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of events that nesses were hard hit by the storm. Recovery efforts fully recover,” said Monroe County Mayor George Neu- And the 127-mile-long Florida Keys Overseas High- celebrate the character, lifestyle and natural wonders there are likely to go on for weeks or months. gent. “But because tourism is our top economic engine way, the iconic road that connects the Keys with each of the resilient, remarkable Florida Keys. MIKE WEINHOFER ANDY NEWMAN

Relaxing

Sunset dining at Morada Bay in Islamorada.

By Carol Shaughnessy Fish are biting and Keys charter captains have resumed angling excursions.

Cars cross the Florida Keys’ near Marathon after Irma. Come back to the Keys

BOB CARE ROB O’NEAL ANDY NEWMAN

Key West Mayor Craig Cates (right) welcomes cruise ship passengers to the Many hotels in the Keys, like Guy Harvey Outpost’s Stephanie and Robert Boes married Oct. 7 at the Palm Inn in Tavernier. island during the first post-Irma port call. Islander Bayside, are accommodating guests.

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 the blue and Gulf of ROB O’NEAL Mexico — giving drivers the sensa- tion that they’re floating over water.

FRAZIER NIVENS And each April 1,500 athletes test their stamina on the bridge in the famed Seven Mile Bridge Run. Discover tiny . On Big Only in the Keys Pine Key, if you’re lucky, you can glimpse a real-life “Bambi” that’s about the size of a large dog. Tiny Key deer, an endangered species that live only in the Lower Keys, can be seen grazing especially in the early morning and at dusk. 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 Key Reef during July’s Lower Keys Visitors enter the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West. Underwater Music Festival. The unique subsea concert spotlights where Truman spent approximately Key West’s red, black and yellow Divers examine a trumpetfish on Conch Reef off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. reef protection and environ- six months of his 1945-53 presi- Southernmost Point marker isn’t lorida Keys locals and in-the-know visitors often it to one of many nearby restaurants to have it cooked. mentally responsible diving. Swim dency. View items including the terribly picturesque, but hundreds greet the news of some particularly offbeat hap- There’s nothing like savoring perfectly prepared fish among vivid marine life and coral original piano and poker table (ask of visitors take their photos beside Fpening by grinning, nodding and sagely murmur- that you caught yourself. formations while listening to music about its unassuming “disguise”) it every day. Why? Because the ing, “Only in the Keys.” Meet “patients” at a pioneering sea turtle hospital. broadcast by a local radio station used by the former POTUS. ungainly buoy replica marks the The phrase also describes an inviting array of envi- Encounter rescued sea turtles during a behind-the- and piped underwater. Costumed Nearby stands the Ernest southernmost land mass in the con- ronmental, cultural and adventure activities that can’t scenes tour of the planet’s first licensed veterinary “mermaids” pretend to play artist- Hemingway Home & Museum, tinental United States. Overlooking be enjoyed anywhere except in the island chain. To hospital specializing in these fascinating creatures. A crafted musical instruments. where Hemingway lived and wrote the Atlantic Ocean on Whitehead make lasting vacation memories, sample the “only in dedicated team at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital rescues, Explore the homes of former masterpieces in the . Tour Street, its brightly-painted body the Keys” experiences suggested here. rehabilitates and nurtures sick and injured turtles and, President Harry Truman and liter- his Spanish colonial home, peer bears lettering that proclaims it’s Snorkel or dive on the continental United States’ whenever possible, releases them back into the ocean. ary legend Ernest Hemingway. into his second-story writing studio just 90 miles from . What bet- only living coral barrier reef — the third largest in the Occasionally it’s possible to witness a turtle release — Key West is home to the Harry S. and even pet the descendents of ter spot for a selfie? world — and discover stunning coral formations and a truly heartwarming experience. Truman Little White House Museum, his six-toed cat. As well as these, scores of other brilliantly hued tropical fish. Dive and snorkel operators Drive (or run!) across the Seven Mile Bridge. It’s a Florida’s only presidential museum, Take a “southernmost selfie.” unique and memorable activities around the Florida Keys offer excursions led by experts “bucket list” adventure to drive over the landmark Sev- can be enjoyed in the Florida Keys. RICHARD STANCZYK who are passionate about the underwater realm. The en Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges From eco-adventure “voluntourism” treasured reef, like all Keys waters, is protected within in the world and the centerpiece of the iconic Florida opportunities to special events the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Keys Overseas Highway. The majestic span, which con- showcasing the island chain’s rich Channel classic cinema icons in Key Largo by cruis- nects Marathon and the Lower Keys, stretches above environment, heritage and fun-lov- ing on the restored African Queen. ing vibe, they offer ample proof that SARAH GAGLIARDO The original vessel from the 1951 the best vacation experiences can film starring Humphrey Bogart and be found “only in the Keys.” Katharine Hepburn, it looks much like it did on the silver screen. Come THE TURTLE HOSPITAL aboard for a 90-minute Key Largo canal cruise or even a dinner cruise. “Hook and cook” in the Sportfish- ing Capital of the World. Book a skilled charter captain or guide in Islamorada for exhilarating offshore, reef or backcountry fishing. The Keys claim more saltwater fishing world records than anyplace else on the globe. After catching your fish A rescued sea turtle hatchling, named Where else but the Florida Keys would you find a paddleboarding chicken? Karly Venezia Stephen Byrd shows off a nice bonefish caught by Sara Stanczyk off Islamorada, world “Irma,” is cleansed at the Turtle Hospital. (like yellowtail snapper or tuna), take enjoys a sunset paddle with Loretta. renowned as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.”

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 A Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority ROB O’NEAL crew repairs a water line break. FKAA Crews working for Keys Energy deploy in the Lower Keys. prioritized energizing the airport and hospital. Linemen were working ‘The cavalry’… 16-hour days in the blistering sun.” Crews at Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, with 50,000 customers, had restored water throughout the Keys just 11 days post-Irma. FKAA had pre-contracted an additional 18 crews, including some from Tennes- see and South Carolina. FKAA, overseeing seven waste- water facilities, lifted all boil-water notices by Sept. 25. “Our people, from dawn to dusk, from the day after Irma, were fully dedicated to the restoration of water and wastewater,” said Kirk Zuelch, FKAA’s executive director. “We had no major transmission breaks. With so many islands, it was difficult,” Zuelch said. “It was sea turtle. showcasing the destination’s impor- an island-by-island recovery.” Today Irma’s lingering effects tance to Florida’s tourism industry. FKAA crews operated genera- vary. In parts of Islamorada and “All across the world, when peo- …helps restore Keys infrastructure tors during prolonged outages and Marathon, and particularly the ple think about Florida, they think pumped out grinder stations on Lower Keys, the storm left more about the Keys,” Scott said. “Our private properties to ensure all sys- nfrastructure throughout the Stuart added. impacts and recovery could take job is to make sure that everyone By Laura Myers tems met regulatory compliance. Florida Keys was restored quickly Throughout the Keys, hundreds months. comes back in droves.” Eric Anderson, an FKAA wastewa- after Hurricane Irma struck the decision paid off, ensuring we had of municipal and Monroe County Florida Gov. made fla-keys.com I ter mechanic, even rescued a baby several post-Irma trips to the Keys, KeysRecovery.org 125-mile-long island chain Sept. 10. all the outside assistance and sup- employees weathered the storm. Within three weeks nearly all power, plies we needed.” “Within 48 hours all the in water, sewage and cell services More than 300 contracted Marathon were clear, homes were were restored. outside workers and another 120 being searched and our sewer sys- And most importantly, the Florida FKEC workers finished restoration tem was restored,” said Marathon Department of Transportation by Sept. 22. City Manager Chuck Lindsey. deemed all 42 bridges of the Flor- “Our surprise was that we were Keys Energy Services, a public ida Keys Overseas Highway safe able to get our main transmission power utility with 29,000 custom- to travel on and completed emer- line up in 24 hours,” Stuart said. ers from the Seven Mile Bridge to gency repairs on several sections A week after Irma, about 31,000 Key West, restored electricity to 95 of the road that had been damaged customer service meters had been percent of its customer base just by storm surge. restored. two weeks after Irma, said Lynne Miraculously, officials declared “Even in Marathon, where the Tejeda, general manager and chief the Keys open for tourism Oct. 1. northeast quadrant of the eyewall executive officer. Pre-storm preparation and de- churned for several hours, our “I never dreamed that we would tailed implementation of full-force distribution poles stood strong,” be able to get the vast majority of

recovery plans paid off for both ANDY NEWMAN our customers back in two weeks,” residents and visitors. Tejeda said. “Our first look at the The main transmission system of system was overwhelming. We Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, could not believe the number of overseeing power to 27,000 mem- poles that were down.” bers in the Middle and Upper Keys, To supplement Keys Energy stood strong from Florida’s main- crews, the utility hired crews from land to its Tavernier substation. as far away as Wisconsin, mobiliz- “We had rolled the dice and com- ing 500 workers for restoration. mitted to significant resources prior “The logistics coordinating that to the storm,” said John Stuart, number of people were huge,” ANDY NEWMAN

FKEC’s chief operating officer. “The Technicians repair cellular antennas. Tejeda said. “After the first day, we The Florida Department of Transportation restored about 150 feet of the Overseas Highway in Islamorada just four days after Irma eroded portions of the road.

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 Prepared for visitors’ safety other Nature sometimes it is issued. Warnings cover a broad visit monroecountyem.com. likes to remind you the same area, even though historically most If a visitor evacuation order is Mforces that created the com- storms miss or just skirt the Keys, necessary, officials strive to issue fortable climate and lush landscape with little or no impact. it by no later than noon to provide can damage them as well. If a Hurricane Threatens sufficient time to make alternative In California or Japan the re- If a hurricane threatens the Keys, travel arrangements. The Lodging minder might be an earthquake; in a mandatory evacuation order will Association of the Florida Keys & Indonesia, a tsunami; in Hawaii, a be issued asking all visitors to Key West encourages its mem- volcanic eruption. leave. Usually the evacuation begins bers to refund any unused nights Sometimes the Florida Keys are about 48 hours before the project- as soon as officials issue a visitor threatened by tropical cyclones, a ed arrival of the storm’s fringes and evacuation order. name for a low-pressure weather is only ordered if there is a signifi- During an evacuation, visitors are system with organized thunder- cant threat. urged to follow emergency direc- storm activity and circular winds. Based on official weather and tives in a timely manner to avoid When sustained wind speed reach- emergency management directives, delays and leave safely. es 74 mph (119 kmh), that system the TDC transmits advisories to Obviously, visitors who plan to is classified a hurricane. lodging facilities to provide details travel to the Keys, but have not ar- Bent, but not broken. Official hurricane season is June on potential evacuation orders and rived, must temporarily delay their 1 to Nov. 30, but the highest prob- any need for guests to leave the trip until the risk has passed. ability of activity typically is Aug. 15 Keys. During an average week of hur- to Oct. 1. If you are traveling in the Keys ricane season, the probability of a The Monroe County Tourist Devel- and hear of a storm threat, check Florida Keys visitor having to evacu- opment Council (TDC), the agency with your lodging’s front desk, or ate is less than 2 percent according responsible for Keys tourism pro- visit fla-keys.com, or call the 24/7 to the weather service. motion, has a formal communica- visitor assistance line at 800-771- Pardon Us tions program executed in tandem KEYS or the 24/7 weather office Officials know evacuation orders with emergency officials to com- at 305-295-1316. The Keys emer- cause unwelcome interruptions in municate the need for visitors to gency management hotline during visitors’ vacation plans, but safety leave the Keys in the unlikely event an emergency is 800-955-5504 or is a priority. If you must evacuate a hurricane threatens the region. and find it inconvenient to return The program has been developed • Official hurricane season home, other parts of Florida not in because the Keys tourism indus- is June 1 to Nov. 30, but the storm’s forecast track may be try cares about visitors and their an option. Expedia.com/florida is safety. the highest probability of activity typically is Aug. contracted with Visit Florida to have Monitoring Tropical Weather 15 – Oct. 1. accommodations details. Throughout summer and fall, When Visitors Can Return Here in The Florida Keys, we’re always in awe of the power and beauty of Mother Nature, emergency management officials • In the unlikely event of a Once the storm passes, officials but Hurricane Irma truly tested what we were made of. Thanks to the resilience of our people receive continuous tropical weather storm threat to the Keys, will assess the area’s infrastructure. and the kindness of strangers, we’ve gotten back on our feet, and we’re getting back to business. system alerts from the National the local tourism coun- If the storm has had little or no The power’s on. The drinks are flowing. And The Keys are open. So come on down. Hurricane Center and the Key West cil helps communicate impact, visitors should be able to We’ll bend over backwards for you. Office. the need for visitors to return quickly. Visit fla-keys.com or When it appears a hurricane leave the region for their call 800-FLA-KEYS in the U.S. and may pose a threat to the islands, safety. Canada to check the destination’s emergency managers communicate basic infrastructure, tourism facili- with local and state officials as well • During an average week ties and recommended dates for as the TDC to discuss visitor and of hurricane season, the visitors to return. Keys social media resident evacuations. probability of a Florida outlets including Facebook (face- Hurricane forecasting is not an ex- Keys visitor having to book.com/floridakeysandkeywest) act science and officials base their evacuate is less than 2 and Twitter @thefloridakeys (twitter. assessments and action plans on percent. com/thefloridakeys) are also used available forecast data at the time to communicate details.

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 fla-keys.com 9336

Shark Point Pa-hay-Okee Overlook To Florida Turnpike Card Sisal Pond Sound Ponce De Leon Bay to Oyster Bay Mahogany Ocean Shark River Reef Club Island 1 Sweet Bay Pond 905 Florida Keys Traveling Tips Whitewater Bay National National Marine Sanctuary North West Cape Park Cape Dagney Johnson Sable Largo Hammock Crocodile Lake Botanical State Park National Wildlife Nine Mile Refuge Pond Hawk Channel to the Florida Keys Long Barnes Carysfort MILE Sound Point Mary Sound 110 Reef Cross Key 905 Alligator Trout Cove Seven Palm Lake Bay Davis Shell Key Key Largo Middle Cape Cove Canal Long Madeira Deer Key Middle Lake Bay Blackwater Bear Garfield Monroe Lake Sound Eagle Key North Dry Rocks Lake 9336 Bight Elbow Reef Madeira MILE Snake Bight Porpoise Rankin Santini Terrapin City of Washington Wreck Middle Cape Lake Point Bay 105 Ingraham Bight Bight Bay Shark Terrapin Boggy Key Dry Rocks Flamingo Crocodile Madeira Point Mosquito Point Largo “Christ of the Abyss” Joe Kemp Umbrella Point Point Point Key Big Key Sound East Cape Bradley Key Rankin Key Canal Key Samphire Buttonwood Grecian East Cape Keys Sound Rocks Newport MILE John Pennekamp 100 State Park Spiegel Grove Benwood Wreck MILE Wreck 95 White Banks French Reef Cottrell Rodriguez Key East Key 1 Key Marquesas Tavernier Molasses Hospital Middle Keys Reef Key Key Barracuda MILE Key 90 Pickles Archer Mule Bibb Key Islamorada Key Bay Plantation Wreck

Garden MILE Key Key Boca Grande 85 Plantation Point Duane Bush Key Key Wreck Shell Key Windley Key Fossil Conch Fort Key Reef Geological Reef Crawfish State Park Hen and Jefferson West Upper Chickens Woman MILE Matecumbe Key Reef Key Key 80 Neustra Señora Davis de Atocha Wreck Crocker Reef MILE Teatable Key National West National 75 Reef 60 miles west of Key West, Wildlife Refuge Indian Key and 37 miles west of the Florida Keys Lower Eagle National Matecumbe Key Wreck MILE Marine Sanctuary 70 1 Alligator Layton Florida Keys Reef MILE 65 Long Key State National Recreational Area Great White Heron Marathon Conch Key Marine Sanctuary

National Wildlife Refuge MILE 60 Straits of Florida Gulf of Mexico Long Point Tennessee Key Reef Florida Keys Big Torch Marathon Big Pine MILE Key Airport 55 Hammock Great White Heron State Park East Turtle Deer Key Shoal Two Humps National Knight’s MILE National Wildlife Refuge Pigeon 50 Vaca Key Key Deer Key Key Key 1 Middle Old Seven Refuge MILE Torch No Name Mile Bridge West Turtle MILE 45 Shoal Key Key 40 The Cudjoe Key MILE Seven Snake Little 30 Coffins MILE Mile Patch 20 MILE Torch Saddlebunch 25 Coupon MILE 1 Bridge 1 Key Bight 35 Bahia Delta Shoal Herman’s Summerland Ramrod Hole Alexander’s Wreck Keys MILE Key 15 Key Newfound Honda East Thunderbolt Harbor Keys Washerwoman Sombrero Wreck Lower Hawk Channel Samantha’s Atlantic Ocean Big Coppitt State Park Reef West Sugarloaf Key Key Key Flagler’s Barge MILE American Key West Golf 10 Newfound Harbor Seven Mile Bridge Wreck Fleming Dredger’s Course and CC Shoal Coral Heads Key Key 1 Artificial Reef MILE 5 Maryland U.S. Naval Geiger Big Pine Stock Shoals Adolphus MILE Air Station Key Looe Key Shoals 0 Island Busch Sr. Florida Keys Wreck Reef Preserve National Key West SOUTHERNMOST Intl. Airport POINT fla-keys.com Marine Sanctuary KEY WEST, FL Western Eastern Pelican Straits of Florida Sambos Shoal Eastern Sambos Dry Rocks Joe’s Tug Sand Rock Key Key Western Cayman Vandenberg Dry Rocks Salvor Wreck Wreck

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 Road 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) east to the Miami exit, and weekday business hours to aid travelers in south to the Turnpike Extension. keysvoices.com @thefloridakeys vacation planning.