Islamorada

Through Oct. 13, visiting families can explore Florida Keys attractions, tours, watersports and other offerings with a value-added program that provides free admission for children age 12 or younger. Called Kids Free Florida Keys, the program was created by the Key West Attractions Association.

Romantically beautiful and sophisticated Islamorada is all about its bountiful fish and exquisite dining. It’s also known also for local breweries, a lively art scene, enticing boutiques and newly luxe resorts.

Increased efforts in volunteerism, often called “voluntourism,” contribute to the self-sufficiency and sustainability of tourist destinations like the Florida Keys, helping make the world a better place through environmental education. Advocacy groups and learning-based attractions in the Keys offer hands-on experiences that enable visitors to learn about impacts on Florida's reefs and the environment, and how the average person can help as a citizen scientist.

Floating greens, golf boats and biodegradable fish food balls highlight the annual “par-tee” on the water during the popular Conch Scramble charity golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 28, in Islamorada.

Fans of paddle sports and Lady Luck are to take to the shallow waters around Islamorada for the fourth annual Florida Keys Poker Paddle set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 6-8.

Divers can participate in the final leg of Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s 2019 Florida Lionfish Derby Series Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13-15, in the Upper Keys.

The hard corals of the Florida Keys reefs have spent eons developing a simple system to perpetuate the species, one of nature’s mysteries that works without human intervention or complete understanding.

As the Florida Keys ease into summer, a “Connect & Protect” initiative continues to encourage awareness of sustainable opportunities and memorable activities for visitors. Here are five points to boost your eco-awareness and inspire positive actions.

As many as 460 solo and relay-team open-ocean swimmers will attempt to conquer the annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Saturday, Sept. 14, a unique endurance challenge in Atlantic Ocean waters off Islamorada.

Together with the nonprofit Diving With a Purpose and the National Association of Black Scuba Divers organizations, Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum recently premiered a featured exhibit called “Restoring Our Oceans, Preserving Our Heritage.”