In each of my newsletters I wander aimlessly through the Keys to find these little items of interest and what is going on in the Keys. This is all on the lighter side of life with a bit of what really goes on here. I hope you enjoy this news post and feel free to pass it along to friends..
Here’s to hoping your life is bountiful and you come to see us soon!
News:
ISLAMORADA - Cheeca Lodge which is one of the Keys most prestigious resorts has plans to expand replacing their existing 3 par golf course. Because of the tight building regulations in the Keys there is no time-line as to when the project will start.
KEY LARGO - One of the largest financial institutions in the Keys, Marine Bank is trying to “unload” over a million dollars of alcohol it inherited when a local business closed its doors. They will be holding an auction on January 29th with the starting bid being $999.00 for the “Million Dollar Liquor and Wine Auction”
KEY LARGO - On a weirder note, there seems to be a Burmese python problem in the Upper Keys. The python is not native but since many are often kept as pets a few have probably been released and have multiplied. It seems they are dining on an endangered species of rat as well as a common black rat found in the Keys without discretion.
So the folks at the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Key Largo have a plan. They are trying to tempt the very large snakes, which can grow to be 20 feet long by baiting humane traps with black rats. Before you write nasty letters, the snake can’t get to the rats so they are safe. The hope is they can control the snakes so we don’t loose another endangered species but so far no one knows if it will work.
FROM THE CRIME REPORT - Apparently someone has stolen a photo of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Lay from the Hard Rock Cafe in Key West. The photo is worth an estimated 146.00 and there are no clues. The police gave the the employee who reported the theft a case number and a compliant brochure..
Current Events: What is going on in the Keys for the next two weeks.
Islamorada / December 01 to January 31
Florida Gold Cup Sailfish Championship
Contact: (305) 852-2102
Email: ditournaments@aol.com
Islamorada / January 03 to March 02
Tour the Florida Keys HGTV (Home and Garden Television) Dream Home daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tours begin at The Rain Barrel Artisan Village, mile marker 86.7. $20 per person tour fee benefits the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
Islamorada / January 25 to January 26
Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association Swamp Guides Ball
This all-release event offers fishing for bonefish, redfish and snook in the shallows of the Florida Keys and the saltwater fringes of the Everglades. Contact Terry Albury at or e-mail talbury@aol.com.
Contact: (305) 664-5142
Email: talbury@aol.com
Islamorada / January 26
Florida Keys Community Concert Band Presents “Pops in the Park: Music by Request”
The community band is scheduled to give a free, outdoor performance at Founders Park, mile marker 87, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 853-7294
Islamorada / January 29
Arvel Bird and One Nation The hottest Native American band featuring multi-cultural vibe, lyrics and chants performs at 8 p.m. at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 89, in a presentation by the South Florida Center for the Arts.
Contact: (305) 304-9059
Email: info@sfca-arts.org
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / January 26
Big Pine Key Nautical Flea Market Boating aficionados can find all things nautical - plus live music, food and libations - at this lively open-air event set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside.
Contact: (305) 872-2411 or 800-872-3722
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / February 03
Terry Cassidy’s Pickin’ Party Folk, bluegrass, country and original tunes by local artists are to highlight the musical menu during this free-admission event, set for noon to 6 p.m. at Humanity’s Big Pine Key building, mile marker 30.5 on U.S. Highway 1.
Contact: (305) 872-4456
Key West / January 20 to April 19
Sculpture Key West This stunning, contemporary outdoor art exhibit opens at the West Martello Museums on January 20, and expands to historic Fort Zachary Taylor on February 24.
Contact: (305) 295-3800
Email: info@sculpturekeywest.com
Key West / January 23 to February 09
“Tuesdays with Morrie” at Waterfront Playhouse
The true story of how a sports writer reconnected with his aging mentor is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / January 25 to January 27
Hog’s Breath King Mackerel Tournament Anglers are to use fast boats to target the voracious king mackerel, also known as kingfish, for cash prizes.
Contact: (305) 797-1117
Email: lee@murraymarine.com
Key West / January 26 to January 27
23rd Annual Key West Craft Show Artisans and crafters display their talents at a popular show on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town.
Contact: (305) 294-1241
Key West / January 26
The Blessing of the Coral Reef in Honor of the Year of the Coral Reef
Rev. John Baker of Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea School is to bless the reef. Passengers are invited to participate in a “set sail cocktail hour” scheduled for noon at the Westin Resort and Marina on the waterfront. Mote Marine Lab is to sell commemorative mast flags to help fund coral research.
Contact: (863) 602-7316
Email: jroberts@mote.org
Key West / January 26
Anne McKee Artists Fund Auction
More than 100 artists are to exhibit and auction their work to raise money for the fund that provides project-based grants to Keys artists. Choose from original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics and more. Viewing begins at 6:30 p.m., auction at 8 p.m. Admission is $25 per person at the door, including an open bar and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
Contact: (305) 295-8383
Key West / January 27
Half Shell Raw Bar Half Marathon
The 10th annual Half Shell Raw Bar Half Marathon takes place on a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course through Key West’s Old Town and scenic waterfront area. Call (305) 296-7182.
Contact: Barbara Wright
Email: bwpromo3@bellsouth.net
Key West / February 01 to February 02
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Love and Despair”
This performance features music by Copland, Bernstein, Lieberman and Tchaikovsky with pianist Jeffery Biegel at the Tennessee Williams Theatre.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Next Month’s Activities:
Islamorada / February 08 to February 10
Islamorada Women’s Sailfish Tournament
Women anglers are to challenge one of fishing’s most famous tail-dancers to win trophies and prizes.
Contact: (305) 852-9337
Email: fishnbully@msn.com
Islamorada / February 09 to February 10
Sweethearts Arts & Crafts Festival
Unique Valentine’s Day gifts are the hallmark of this festival set to take place at Holiday Isle Beach Resorts and Marina, mile marker 84 oceanside, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Contact: (305) 664-2321, ext. 680
Islamorada / February 12
A Night at the Opera Presents Puccini’s “LaBoheme”
Seven outstanding vocalists are to perform this classic opera in concert style at 8 p.m. at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 89, in a presentation by the South Florida Center for the Arts.
Contact: (305) 304-9059
Email: info@sfca-arts.org
Islamorada / February 16
“Yesterday”, A Tribute to the Beatles
The powerful music and mannerisms of the Fab Four are to be recreated at 8 p.m. at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 89.
Contact: (305) 304-9059
Email: info@sfca-arts.org
Islamorada / February 16
Florida Keys Community Concert Band Presents “Pops in the Park: That’s Entertainment”
The community band is scheduled to give a free, outdoor performance at Founders Park, mile marker 87, at 4 p.m. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs.
Contact: (305) 853-7294
Islamorada / February 17
Mariners Hospital Relay for Life Benefit Bike Challenge and Party
Cyclists are to race on any of three different routes, based on their skill levels, in this fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. There will be a party at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar, mile marker 84, following the race.
Contact: (305) 434-1212
Email: deenab@baptisthealth.net
Islamorada / February 19 to February 20
Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament
This popular Keys tournament typically draws more than 200 anglers.
Contact: (305) 852-9085
Islamorada / February 21 to February 23
The Backcountry Fly Championship
Anglers in this new fly-fishing tournament are to compete to catch the largest snook and redfish in a region of the Keys that is famous for them.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com
Islamorada / February 23 to February 24
Upper Keys Gigantic Nautical Flea Market
Hundreds of marine- and watersports-related vendors offer wares to thousands of buyers seeking deals on new and used boats, marine equipment, electronics, fishing tackle, dive gear, nautical arts and crafts, and more.
Contact: (305) 453-3802
Islamorada / February 26
Marcus Belgrave and the New Orleans Jazz Celebration
New Orleans and Dixieland Jazz classics are to be performed at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, mile marker 89, at 8 p.m.
Contact: (305) 304-9059
Email: info@sfca-arts.org
Islamorada / February 29 to March 01
Backbone Lures “Fish ‘Til You Lose It.”
Anglers are to compete to catch the finned denizens of the shalllows with one lure until they lose it.
Contact: (305) 393-2156
Email: captbackbone@aol.com
Marathon / February 09 to February 10
14th Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival
Artists and craftspeople are to exhibit their works at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 on U.S. 1. The event includes food, music, and a children’s corner to benefit the Pigeon Key Foundation which works to preserve the historic island along the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Contact: (305) 289-9555
Email: reneeshain1@hotmail.com
Marathon / February 29 to March 02
Capt. Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament 10th Anniversary
Anglers are to pursue sailfish in honor of the late lure maker who made Key Colony Beach his home. The event raises funds for the local hospice in-home-health care program.
Contact: (305) 743-5305
Email: seasquared@bellsouth.net
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / February 03
Terry Cassidy’s Pickin’ Party
Folk, bluegrass, country and original tunes by local artists are to highlight the musical menu during this free-admission event, set for noon to 6 p.m. at Humanity’s Big Pine Key building, mile marker 30.5 on U.S. Highway 1.
Contact: (305) 872-4456
Key West / February 05
“Shel Shocked” at Red Barn Theatre
The theatre at 319 Duval St. is proud to bring back more of Shel Silverstein’s short plays.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / February 07 to February 10
Civil War Heritage Festival
Colorful Civil War re-enactments and tours of Key West’s historic Civil War–era Fort Zachary Taylor highlight the journey into the island’s past.
Contact: (305) 292-6850
Key West / February 10
Impromptu Concerts presents “La Boheme”- A Night at the Opera
Seven vocalists from The Jacksonville Lyric Opera are to perform a concert version of the Puccini masterpiece at 8 p.m, Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road, Stock Island.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / February 12
Jacques Brel “Love and War”
The staff of the Red Barn Theatre are to gather at Tropic Cinema to honor the passion, humor and magic of the immortal songwriter, Jacques Brel, by performing his songs and music.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / February 17
Impromptu Concerts Presents Pianist Ji-Yong
The young pianist who has already won wide critical acclaim is to peform at St. Paul’s Church, Duval and Eaton Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / February 23 to February 24
Old Island Days Art Festival
The 43rd annual juried fine art show is set on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town.
Contact: (305) 294-1241
Key West / February 27 to March 22
“Reefer Madness: The Musical” at Waterfront Playhouse
The raucous musical comedy based on a 1936 film is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
