Islamorada

A team of South Florida residents clinched the win at the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament that concluded Sunday, Dec. 2, to kick off the renowned triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship series.

Wine and food lovers can stimulate their taste buds at the annual “Uncorked: The Key Largo and Islamorada Food and Wine Festival,” an 11-day culinary and cocktail extravaganza set for Thursday, Jan. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 20.

From beachside fireworks to wacky takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York’s Times Square, the Florida Keys offer visitors a wealth of ways to welcome 2019. And because “winter” in the subtropical island chain means balmy breezes rather than bitter blizzards, revelers can celebrate without overcoats, boots or mittens.

Inviting environmental attractions await visitors to the Florida Keys & Key West, whether they’re interested in learning about marine mammals, sea turtles, wild birds or the plant species that add color and lushness to the island chain’s landscape. 

The founder of the Florida Keys’ History of Diving Museum, Dr. Sally Bauer, received the NOGI Award from the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences in Las Vegas Thursday, Nov. 15. Considered the highest honor in the scuba diving industry, Bauer’s NOGI was presented at the DEMA dive trade conference in the company of national and international members of the diving and underwater community.

Moms, dads and children can make snowballs in the Florida Keys’ subtropical breezes during Islamorada’s annual Florida Keys Holiday Festival. The seasonal fun is set for Friday, Dec. 7, at Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. 

Doug Dragoo of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, won top honors at the Cheeca Lodge All-American Backcountry tournament that ended Nov. 10.

Winter distance runners in the Florida Keys can welcome warmer climes and the return of Islamorada’s annual Half Marathon, 10k and Beach N’ Beer Mile to its originally scheduled timeframe Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-9.