Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

The Florida Keys’ cultural offerings, ranging from a lively visual arts scene to vibrant theater and musical events, provide visitors an intriguing contrast to the island chain’s water-related and environmental activities. In late July, those offerings were augmented by the debut of the 81-mile Florida Keys Sculpture Trail.

A “heroes in action” Labor Day weekend at the renovated Hawks Cay Resort, Villas and Marina is to honor men and women members of the military, fire rescue, police, and medical personnel. The 10th annual Heroes Salute tribute event is scheduled Friday through Sunday, Aug. 31 through Sept. 2.

Anglers who participate in the popular Redbone Trilogy of Florida Keys fishing tournaments can enjoy tough competition, warm camaraderie and the chance to help “catch the cure for cystic fibrosis.”

The Florida Keys & Key West are unveiling 1,500 “new” rooms this summer, showcasing all-new and fully refurbished resorts — and its first “luxury-inclusive” resort — in coming weeks.

Night divers soon can submerge on Florida Keys reefs for a chance to witness a fascinating yet fragile underwater reproductive phenomenon that occurs when coral polyps release millions of gametes (eggs and sperm) in synchronized mass-spawning rituals.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has implemented a Blue Star Fishing Guide program to recognize and promote sustainable recreational fishing in the Keys. 

Team Plumb Crazy scored a 34.5-pound dolphin fish to take first place in the 25th annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament that ended June 3.

New and fully renovated properties, including the Florida Keys’ first luxury-inclusive adults-only resort, are soon to be unveiled in the island chain. New airlift into Key West International Airport also is on the horizon, with seasonal service to launch this summer from Texas. Also, United Airlines is to expand service to Key West from New Jersey this fall and from Chicago this winter.

The Keys are to unveil 1,500 “new” rooms to their lodging inventory as the destination continues to unveil new and fully refurbished properties. The Keys’ first luxury-inclusive, adults-only resort is to debut in late fall.