Marathon

Jumpstarting the Florida Keys’ seven-month stone crab harvest season is a much-anticipated munch-a-thon — the eighth annual Stone Crab Claw Eating Contest for amateur eaters set for Saturday, Nov. 10, in Marathon.  

The Florida Keys tourism council is launching a value-added ValueCation program for travelers to the Florida Keys & Key West.

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.

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. 

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.