Motorcycle Itinerary

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Load more

Florida Keys "Motorcycle" Travel Itinerary Day 1: Key Largo Upon arriving in Florida City, you will be in the last town on the mainland or peninsula of Florida before embarking on one of America’s top ten scenic drives, the Overseas Highway. US 1 is the only All-American Road in Florida and is among only 30 other roadways in the nation boasting this prestigious title. It is at this juncture that you have a choice of two roads leading to Key Largo. You can drive down US 1, the ” Eighteen Mile Stretch,” which is a recently refinished road that parallels portions of the Everglades, or you can turn left at the Last Chance Saloon and drive down the less used Card Sound Road (CR 905). This road connects the mainland with north Key Largo where Ocean Reef Club, an upscale, private club is located. It will take you a little while longer and cost you $ 1.00 in toll but it also offers a highly recommended stopping point; Alabama Jack’s. Here you can mingle with the hot shot millionaires from Ocean Reef as well as the local fisherman. Order the conch fritters or a crab cake sandwich. Try and make it on a Sunday and you can trade your biker outfit for a pair of cowboy boots and a hat to do some line dancing. Alabama Jack’s is only open during the daylight hours and is a must see on anyone’s visit to the Florida Keys. It is the quintessential ‘melting pot’ of people from all genres, age groups and occupations enjoying this open air establishment, a good fish sandwich and an ice cold libation. Before checking in to your hotel in Key Largo you can make a stop at the Caribbean Club where another interesting cast of local characters can be seen enjoying the bar and the backdrop to where the movie “Key Largo” was filmed. If you’re tired of riding and want to cool off, spend some time by the pool at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill or just ‘hang’ at this biker friendly Tiki bar. The closest thing to riding your motorcycle on the water is riding a jet ski. Rentals are readily available ranging from an hour to a half day tour. If your riding partner prefers something a bit more serene, opt for a tandem parasail ride which provides some of the best views in the Florida Keys. All of the lodging establishments in Key Largo are motorcycle friendly with some allowing parking just outside your door. Day 2: Islamorada Breakfast options are plentiful with several locally owned and operated establishments dotting both sides of the highway. Once fueled up, it’s time to start your engines and go fishing. The waters off Islamorada hold the most IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) records for fish caught. Your options range from a party boat (where you pay by the person and is usually a half day trip) or you can hire a captain for a half or full day and invite your riding buddies to participate in a small, private tournament. Both Bud n Mary’s Marina (MM 79.8) and Robbie’s Marina (MM 74.5) offer half day, full day and party boat fishing options. If you were lucky enough to catch lunch (or dinner), Robbie’s at MM 74.5 is a great place for all kinds of fun. Start off with feeding the tarpons but watch out for the pelicans, and don’t put your hand in the water or it will become bait as well! Have lunch under the sea grapes at the Hungry Tarpon, (where they will gladly cook your catch) and stroll around the little market where vendors sell artwork, souvenirs and all kinds of knick-knacks. After a full day or activities you may wish to overnight in Islamorada. There are plenty of waterfront hotels and restaurants to suit everyone’s budget and palate. Day 3: Marathon Spend the morning at Marathon’s newest and most exciting attraction, the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (MM 53, Oceanside). This is another spot where you can spend an hour or spend all day. They offer a plethora of different ways to encounter all sorts of sea life native to the Florida Keys waters, including Sting Rays, Goliath Grouper, Snapper, Eels, as well as a safely separated Shark Tank. They offer daily “Feed the Shark” encounters for those willing to get in the water and feed them by hand safely through a Plexiglas divider. If you’re in the mood to stay dry, no worries! They have plenty of viewing tanks, guided tours and other dry activities. They are open 7 days a week so be sure this attraction is on your list of things to do! www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com Have a late lunch at Keys Fisheries (MM 49). This hole-in-the-wall serves ‘fresh from the boat’ fish. This is a working fisheries annex restaurant. Order a “Lobster Reuben,” and choose a picnic table anywhere on the dock and enjoy. Just south of Keys Fisheries you will begin to notice signs for the upcoming Seven Mile Bridge. There are places on either side of the highway where you can pull off the road, take some photos and ready yourself to enjoy the vista consisting of nothing but sea and sky. If you’re wearing a helmet, you could always attach a GoPro camera and upload the video to your social media page for some serious bragging rights! Once over the Seven Mile Bridge you will enter the habitat of the endangered Key Deer and the daytime speed limit of 45 MPH (nighttime 35 MPH) is strictly enforced. At the main traffic signal in Big Pine, turn right and continue at slow speed while looking for the diminutive and endangered Key Deer. Look for the No Name Pub and befriend some fellow bikers. It’s a nice place if you can find it, and they serve pretty good pizza! If you want to push further south, you can make a last stop before getting to Key West at Boondocks (MM 27). You can’t miss this very large open-air tiki bar on the Oceanside. Boondocks offers a diverse menu, great food and really good live music 7 days/nights a week along with a fun miniature golf course on site. Another 27 miles and you will have made it to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. There are a myriad of lodging properties to suit your budget and personal travel preferences. You can leave the bikes at the hotel and take a shuttle to the downtown area and witness one of Key West’s iconic sunsets at Mallory Square. This isn’t the night to bring the bikes downtown; there is extremely limited parking at Mallory Square and the area can be quite congested. Day 4: Key West After breakfast it’s time for the obligatory group photo at the Southernmost Point; the landmark proving that you are actually closer to Cuba than you are to Miami. Cruise through Duval Street, connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean. Your choices for entertainment and activities are unlimited here. Key West boasts more bars per capita than any other place in the U.S. If you want to get on the bike and go for a quick ride, check out Stock Island, the next island north of Key West. It is approximately 10 minutes from the historic district and is home to a few restaurants that cater mostly to locals. Some of these offerings include the Hogfish Bar & Grill. Located in Downtown Stock Island, this open-air waterfront eatery embodies the true spirit of the Lower Keys. Excellent fresh seafood, a good-pour cocktail and interesting characters make this a hard to find but locals favorite. The other restaurant of choice would be Roostica MM 5: Located on McDonald Ave, the ‘gateway to downtown Stock island’, this new addition to the area boasts a wood burning oven for making great pizzas and a Sunday gravy special, where dinner is served ‘la famiglia’ style. Days 5 – 6: Key West An early morning ride under the sunny skies of the Florida Keys never disappoints, so this morning head north 10 miles past Boca Chica Naval Air Station to Big Coppitt Key, in search of Boca Chica Beach and the Geiger Key Smokehouse and Fishcamp. Turn at the Circle K on Big Coppitt Key and follow this winding road all the way down until the pavements ends. From here, step off the bike and check out the wild and sometimes woolly Boca Chica beach and the remnants of the old highway. You may encounter several Keys characters; some who live off the land, some who live ‘au naturel’ and some who may have just risked their lives on a makeshift craft to find freedom in a new country. This is most definitely the road less traveled. After a brief stop here, get back on the road and turn right onto Geiger Road. At the end of this street there is a combination fish camp, Marina, RV Park and what else would you expect in the Keys? a “smoke house”. This is an outdoor waterfront dive with great food, interesting people and a lot of rustic charm. While in the area you may witness the training operations of the very active Boca Chica Naval Air Station, whose runway is very close to Geiger Key. Naval Air Station Key West, Fla. (NASKW) is the U.S.
Recommended publications
  • Florida Keys Destination Guide

    Florida Keys Destination Guide

    s y e .k a l f . The Florida Keys & Key West: 0 80 . come as you are 1 m o .c s y ke - la f fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys THE FLORIDA KEYS Most people know the Florida Keys and Key West as a great getaway. One of the most unique places on earth. Calm. Serene. Laid back. Just the right setting to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate your spirits. But a getaway to the Florida Keys and Key West is much more than peace and quiet. And not just because of the legendary fishing and the world’s most spectacular dive sites. The Keys mean history. Art. Theater. Museums. Shopping. Fine dining. Entertainment. And much more. All told, 120 miles of perfect balance between natural beauty and extra-ordinary excitement. Between relaxation and activities. Between the quaint and the classic. And you’ll find our accommodations just as diverse as our pleasures. From some of the best camping spots in the country to luxurious hotels. From charming bed-and-breakfasts to rustic, family-owned lodgings. In other words, we’ve got something for everyone. In the next few pages you’ll get to know what your Florida Keys vacation can and will be like. What you’d expect. And what will surprise you. Our fame and our secrets. We figured we owed it to you. After all, we wouldn’t want you to get here and wish you had booked just a few more days. For the latest on health & safety protocols in The Florida Keys, please visit our website.
  • Hydrographic / Bathymetric Surveys of Keys Canals

    Hydrographic / Bathymetric Surveys of Keys Canals

    FLORIDA CITY ISLANDIA Appendix A NORTH KEY LARGO 1 in = 7 miles +/- FLAMINGO KEY LARGO TAVERNIER PLANTATION KEY ISLAMORADA LAYTON MARATHON CUDJOE KEY BIG PINE KEY SUMMERLAND KEY BIG COPPITT KEY KEY WEST Table 1 Monroe County Residential Canal Inventory Sort_Ind Canal_Name Canals Not Surveyed in S0640 Grant 1 1 OCEAN REEF CLUB 2 2 OCEAN REEF CLUB Not surveyed, is a natural channel 3 2 OCEAN REEF CLUB ADDED 4 2 OCEAN REEF CLUB ADDED 2 Not surveyed, is a natural channel 5 3 OCEAN REEF CLUB 6 4 OCEAN REEF CLUB 7 5 OCEAN REEF CLUB 8 6 KEY LARGO 9 7 KEY LARGO 10 8 KEY LARGO 11 9 KEY LARGO 12 10 KEY LARGO 13 11 KEY LARGO 14 12 KEY LARGO 15 13 KEY LARGO 16 14 KEY LARGO 17 15 KEY LARGO 18 16 KEY LARGO 19 17 KEY LARGO 20 18 KEY LARGO 21 19 KEY LARGO Not surveyed, inaccessible due to earthen dam 22 20 KEY LARGO Not surveyed, inaccessible due to earthen dam 23 21 KEY LARGO 24 22 KEY LARGO 25 23 KEY LARGO 26 24 KEY LARGO 27 25 KEY LARGO 28 26 KEY LARGO 29 27 KEY LARGO 30 28 KEY LARGO 31 29 KEY LARGO 32 30 KEY LARGO 33 31 KEY LARGO 34 32 KEY LARGO 35 33 KEY LARGO 36 34 KEY LARGO 37 35 KEY LARGO 38 36 KEY LARGO 39 37 KEY LARGO 40 38 KEY LARGO 41 39 KEY LARGO 42 40 KEY LARGO 43 41 KEY LARGO 44 42 KEY LARGO 45 43 KEY LARGO 46 44 KEY LARGO 47 45 KEY LARGO 48 46 KEY LARGO 49 47 KEY LARGO 50 48 KEY LARGO 51 49 KEY LARGO 52 50 KEY LARGO 53 51 KEY LARGO 54 52 KEY LARGO 55 53 KEY LARGO 56 54 KEY LARGO 57 55 KEY LARGO 58 56 KEY LARGO 59 57 KEY LARGO 60 58 KEY LARGO 61 59 KEY LARGO 62 60 KEY LARGO 63 61 KEY LARGO 64 62 ROCK HARBOR Not surveyed, inaccessible,
  • Media Kit 19 Keys R1

    Media Kit 19 Keys R1

    Distribution Great Locations® is everywhere the tourist goes! Distributed annually from over 400 locations, including over 160 resorts, hotels, motels, inns, guest houses and condominiums... Locations Caribbean Club Playa Largo Caribbean Resort Sands of Islamorada Circle K - 102525 Overseas Hwy Port Largo Villas Cheeca Lodge Smuggler’s Cove Marina throughout the Circle K - 106501 Overseas Hwy Rock Reef Resort Chesapeake Resort Sunset Motel Florida Keys Circle K - 99810 Overseas Hwy Seafarer Resort City Hall Cafe Tropical Optical Courtyard Marriott Senor Frijoles GATEWAY Coral Bay Resort Wahoo’s Restaurant Denny’s Snapper’s Restaurant Budget Host Inn Dion’s White Gate Resort Denny’s Latin Cafe - Outdoor Sunset Cove Resort Dade Corner - Indoor & Outdoor Doc’s Diner - Outdoor Drop Anchor Resort Motel Ziggie & Mad Dogs Tower of Pizza - Outdoor Dove Creek Lodge Fishers Inn Dion’s - Florida City Valero LONG KEY Dunkin’ Donuts Florida High Adventure Sea Base Dion’s - Homestead Wells Fargo - Outdoor Edgewater Lodge Florida Bay Club Florida Keys Brewing Co. Econolodge Wendy’s Fiesta Key of America RV Resort Florida City RV Camp & Park Gilbert’s Resort Motel Green Turtle - Outdoor Hampton Inn Lime Tree Bay Resort Floridian Hotel of Homestead TAVERNIER History of Diving Museum Harriet’s Restaurant - Outdoor Outdoor Resorts Golden Corral Atlantic Bay Resort Hungry Tarpon @ Robbies - Outdoor Hidden Out Restaurant Caloosa Cove Resort Holiday Inn Islamorada Chamber of Commerce CONCH KEY Holiday Inn Capt. Slates Dive Center Homestead Visitor Center Islamorada
  • Mile Marker 0-65 (Lower Keys)

    Mile Marker 0-65 (Lower Keys)

    Key to Map: Map is not to scale Existing Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Aquatic Preserves or Alternate Path Overseas Paddling Trail U.S. 1 Point of Interest U.S. Highway 1 TO MIAMI Kayak/Canoe Launch Site CARD SOUND RD Additional Paths and Lanes TO N KEY LARGO Chamber of Commerce (Future) Trailhead or Rest Area Information Center Key Largo Dagny Johnson Trailhead Mangroves Key Largo Hammock Historic Bridge-Fishing Botanical State Park Islands Historic Bridge Garden Cove MM Mile Marker Rattlesnake Key MM 105 Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Office: (305) 853-3571 Key Largo Adams Waterway FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com El Radabob Key John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park MM 100 Swash Friendship Park Keys Key Largo Community Park Florida Keys Community of Key Largo FLORIDA BAY MM 95 Rodriguez Key Sunset Park Dove Key Overseas Heritage Trail Town of Tavernier Harry Harris Park Burton Drive/Bicycle Lane MM 90 Tavernier Key Plantation Key Tavernier Creek Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve Founders Park ATLANTIC OCEAN Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park MM 85 Snake Creek Long Key Historic Bridge TO UPPER Islamorada, Village of Islands Whale Harbor Channel GULF OF MEXICO KEYS Tom's Harbor Cut Historic Bridge Wayside Rest Area Upper Matecumbe Key Tom's Harbor Channel Historic Bridge MM 80 Dolphin Research Center Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Tea Table Key Relief Channel Grassy Key MM 60 Conch Keys Tea Table Channel Grassy Key Rest Area Indian Key
  • Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

    Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

    9/15 FloridaStateParks.org/floridakeys FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com. (305) 853-3571 (305) 3 La Croix Court, Key Largo, FL 33037 FL Largo, Key Court, Croix La 3 of the Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail, visit Trail, Paddling Overseas Keys Florida the of Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Heritage Overseas Keys Florida of Greenways & Trails. For maps and descriptions and maps For Trails. & Greenways of Division of Recreation and Parks and Recreation of Division Paddling Trail, a project coordinated by the Office the by coordinated project a Trail, Paddling Florida Department of Environmental Protection Environmental of Department Florida 1500-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Circumnavigational Florida 1500-mile the environment. The Trail is a segment of the of segment a is Trail The environment. the recreational opportunities that minimally impact minimally that opportunities recreational and ecology of the Keys while providing while Keys the of ecology and The “blueway” introduces visitors to the history the to visitors introduces “blueway” The Overseas Heritage Trail. Trail. Heritage Overseas the growing sport of kayak and canoe touring. canoe and kayak of sport growing the of Recreation and Parks as part of the Florida Keys Florida the of part as Parks and Recreation of a paddling destination for those involved in involved those for destination paddling a Department of Environmental Protection’s Division Protection’s Environmental of Department The Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail offers Trail Paddling Overseas Keys Florida The Historic Places and are managed by the Florida the by managed are and Places Historic have been listed on the National Register of Register National the on listed been have Trail all of the remaining 23 Flagler Railroad Bridges Railroad Flagler 23 remaining the of all Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Paddling Overseas Keys Florida into an economically viable destination.
  • Special Magistrate Agenda 11/19/20 Page 1 of 19 *Last Update *11/13/20

    Special Magistrate Agenda 11/19/20 Page 1 of 19 *Last Update *11/13/20

    MONROE COUNTY CODE COMPLIANCE *SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AGENDA November 19, 2020 9:00 A.M. A. CALL TO ORDER 9:00 A.M. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 286.0105, BE ADVISED THAT, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT TODAY’S HEARING, THAT PERSON WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT, FOR SUCH PURPOSE, HE OR SHE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. D. PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 162.07, IF THE COUNTY PREVAILS IN PROSECUTING A CASE BEFORE THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE, THE COUNTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER ALL COSTS INCURRED IN PROSECUTING THE CASE BEFORE THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AND SUCH COSTS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE LIEN AUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 162.09(3), FLORIDA STATUTES E. SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES TO TESTIFY F. MITIGATION ORDERS ISSUED/SUMMARY ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711” Inspector: Hall/ Case Type: New 1. CE20090030 Lynn M. Berman Revocable Trust dated 9/15/2010 Key: Summeraland Key RE#: 00197220-000000 Subject: 110-140.(a) and 6-103.(d).
  • Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan

    Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan

    Water Quality Protection Program – Canal Demonstration Projects Presented to: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Presented by: Rhonda Haag, Monroe County Sustainability and Projects Director December 8, 2015 Canal Construction in the Florida Keys . Dredge and fill activities created 170 miles of canals, with 312 miles of waterfront property to accommodate the increasing population . Many canals dug 10 - 20 feet to maximize fill material . Most canals are long dead-end networks with little or no tidal flushing . Canal development initiated before ecologists and resource managers were aware of the implications 2 Impacts of Canal Development . Increased population growth in a sensitive area without storm water and waste water systems . Added excessive nutrients, turbidity and sediment to canal waters causing long-term water quality degradation . Destroyed shoreline habitat especially mangroves . The canals discharge directly to nearshore Outstanding Florida Waters in the FKNMS which may not receive direct or indirect discharges that would significantly degrade these waters 3 Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) Canal Restoration Advisory Subcommittee . Canal Restoration Advisory Subcommittee created to specifically address canal water quality restoration . Canal Restoration Advisory Subcommittee Members Federal: EPA, NOAA State: DEP, FWC County: George Neugent Cities: All 5 represented Other: Florida Keys Environmental Fund Advisory: Rhonda Haag - County Advisory: Wendy Blondin - Amec Foster Wheeler . First recommendation of Subcommittee was to prepare a Canal Management Master Plan 4 Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan for Residential Canals(CMMP) .Defined goals for canal water quality improvement agreed upon by all stakeholders .Developed a basic conceptual framework for canal restoration and management .Completed a comprehensive County-wide mapping of residential canals .
  • 1-800-Fla-Keys the Florida Keys

    1-800-Fla-Keys the Florida Keys

    O G R A L Y E K A D A R O M A L S I N O H T A R A M S Y E K R E W O L E H T & Y E K E N I P G I B T S E W Y E K P.O. BOX 866P.O. FL West, 33041 Key fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-fla-keys THE FLORIDA KEYS Most people know the Florida Keys and Key West as a great getaway. One of the most unique places on earth. Calm. Serene. Laid back. Just the right setting to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate your spirits. But a getaway to the Florida Keys and Key West is much more than peace and quiet. And not just because of the legendary fishing and the world’s most spectacular dive sites. The Keys mean history. Art. Theater. Museums. Shopping. Fine dining. Entertainment. And much more. All told, 120 miles of perfect balance between natural beauty and extra-ordinary excitement. Between relaxation and activities. Between the quaint and the classic. And you’ll find our accommodations just as diverse as our pleasures. From some of the best camping spots in the country to luxurious hotels. From charming bed-and-breakfasts to rustic, family-owned lodgings. In other words, we’ve got something for everyone. In the next few pages you’ll get to know what your Florida Keys vacation can and will be like. What you’d expect. And what will surprise you. Our fame and our secrets.
  • Special Magistrate Hearing ‐ April 29Th, 2021

    Special Magistrate Hearing ‐ April 29Th, 2021

    Special Magistrate Hearing ‐ April 29th, 2021 You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Apr 29, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Special Magistrate Hearing ‐ April 29th, 2021 Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/95945660403 Or iPhone one‐tap : US: +16465189805,,95945660403# or +16699006833,,95945660403# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 959 4566 0403 International numbers available: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/u/ayntDPD4U MONROE COUNTY CODE COMPLIANCE *SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AGENDA April 29, 2021 9:00 A.M. A. CALL TO ORDER 9:00 A.M. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 286.0105, BE ADVISED THAT, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT TODAY’S HEARING, THAT PERSON WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT, FOR SUCH PURPOSE, HE OR SHE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. D. PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 162.07, IF THE COUNTY PREVAILS IN PROSECUTING A CASE BEFORE THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE, THE COUNTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER ALL COSTS INCURRED IN PROSECUTING THE CASE BEFORE THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AND SUCH COSTS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE LIEN AUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 162.09(3), FLORIDA STATUTES E. SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES TO TESTIFY F.
  • The Florida Keys Florida Keys – Images by Lee Foster by Lee Foster

    The Florida Keys Florida Keys – Images by Lee Foster by Lee Foster

    Outdoor Pursuits in the Florida Keys Florida Keys – Images by Lee Foster by Lee Foster Bonefish Bob’s practiced fingers wrapped another strand of green thread around a hook shank destined to become one of the 4,000 fishing flies he tied each year. That day Bonefish Bob’s mission was to tie a few Clouser Minnow flies, his favorite lure for the bonefish, which abound in the Florida Keys, a string of coral islands extending southwest off the tip of Florida. “The bonefish is the most difficult fish on the planet to catch,” said Bonefish Bob, as he sat in an easy chair at his shop in the town of Islamorada, his fly-tying apparatus in front of him. “It’s really more like hunting than fishing. You spot the bonefish, then present the lure to it. You don’t eat this fish, of course. It’s all bones. Bonefishing is catch-and-release, pure sport.” Bonefish Bob’s thick white beard made one suspect he might be Santa Claus residing in Florida during the off-season. His shop personified tranquility, with its heirloom 80-year-old bamboo fly rods and turn-of-the-century Abercrombie & Fitch leather fly rod cases. If any anxiety intruded into the world of Bonefish Bob, it was his caring about the overall health of the ecosystem of the bonefish, the Florida Keys. “We’ve got to keep these clean waters healthy,” said Bonefish Bob, who also went by the name Bob Berger. “We’ve got a wonderful resource here, but we need to keep it clean.
  • Florida Keys Mile-Marker Guide

    Florida Keys Mile-Marker Guide

    Road Trip: Florida Keys Mile-Marker Guide Overseas Highway, mile by mile: Plan your Florida Keys itinerary The Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys is the ultimate road trip: Spectacular views and things to do, places to go and places to hide, hidden harbors and funky tiki bars. There are hundreds of places to pull over to fish or kayak or enjoy a cocktail at sunset. There are dozens of colorful coral reefs to snorkel or dive. Fresh seafood is a Florida Keys staple, offered at roadside fish shacks and upscale eateries. For many, the destination is Key West, at the end of the road, but you’ll find the true character of the Florida Keys before you get there. This mile-marker guide will help you discover new things to see and do in the Florida Keys. It’s a great tool for planning your Florida Keys driving itinerary. Card Sound Road 127.5 — Florida City – Junction with Fla. Turnpike and U.S. 1. 126.5 — Card Sound Road (CR-905) goes east to the Card Sound Bridge and northern Key Largo. If you’re not in a hurry, take the toll road ($1 toll). Card Sound Road traverses a wild area that once had a small community of Card Sound. All that’s left now is Alabama Jack’s, a funky outdoor restaurant and tiki bar known for its conch fritters and the line of motorcycles it attracts. (Don’t be afraid; it’s a family oriented place and great fun.) If you take Card Sound Road, you’ll pass a little-known park, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, before coming to Key Largo itself.
  • Florida Keys Regional Working Group

    Florida Keys Regional Working Group

    Florida Keys Regional Working Group MONROE COUNTY (part) The Florida Keys Regional Working Group liaison is Alison Higgins, The Nature Conservancy, P.O. Box 420237, Summerland Key, Florida, 33042, phone: 305-745-8402, fax: 305-745-8399, e-mail: [email protected] 30 Key West Naval Air Station County: Monroe PCL Size: 6,323 Project ID: FK-046 18.65 acres $73,177.76 Project ID: FK-053 45.00 acres $24,691.15 Project Manager: U.S. Navy Edward Barham, Natural Resources Manager Post Office Box 9007, Key West, Florida 33040-9007 Phone: 305-293-2911, Fax: 305-293-2542 E-mail: [email protected] Two projects occurred at Key West NAS; one for initial control and one for maintenance control. Initial control conducted on Big Coppitt Key and Geiger Key targeted Australian pine. Big Coppitt Key is a filled, scarified area within the Key West NAS Fish and Wildlife Management Area MU-5. The site is approximately 0.65 acres and is adjacent to mangrove wetlands and open water. Geiger Key is a former “Hawk Missile Site” and comprises approximately 18 acres. The second project area encompassed a natural beach berm along the Atlantic Ocean located on Key West NAS property on Boca Chica and Geiger Keys. This area is habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri). Rapidly expanding populations of invasive exotic plant species infested the beach berm. The two primary invaders were lather leaf and Brazilian pepper. Also present, to a much lesser extent, were Australian pine and seaside mahoe.