Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

An encore broadcast of a South Florida PBS television documentary and the final episode of the Florida Keys Traveler 2023 podcast — both commemorating the Keys’ 200th “birthday” — are to air and be posted respectively on the bicentennial date Monday, July 3.

Just across Cow Key Channel from Key West, Stock Island is the heart of the Florida Keys’ commercial shrimping industry, alive with colorful marinas, eclectic arts emporiums and inviting waterfront bars and restaurants. The island’s seafaring spirit, culinary diversity and creative offerings are to entice attendees to the annual I Love Stock Island Festival scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, July 12 to 16.

Local parades, beach parties, glittering fireworks and the creation of the world’s largest Key lime pie are to highlight Independence Day celebrations throughout the Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys & Key West are celebrating a bicentennial, or 200th anniversary, with heritage activities throughout Monroe County. Events commemorate the Florida Territorial Legislature’s July 3, 1823, establishment of the county, which contains the entire Florida Keys.

 A one-of-a-kind underwater concert is to promote reef protection as it entertains divers and snorkelers Saturday, July 8, in the waters off the Lower Florida Keys.

Among the Florida Keys’ dozens of shipwreck and artificial reef sites is a Lower Keys gem — the 210-foot Adolphus Busch Sr. wreck. Intentionally sunk Dec. 5, 1998, the vessel marks 25 years underwater in 2023.

Florida Keys visitors and residents can commemorate the subtropical island chain’s bicentennial with events including a sunset celebration on the Middle Keys’ Old Seven Mile Bridge, a gala sea-to-table dinner in Islamorada, a family-style waterfront picnic in Key Largo and Lower Keys festivities and fireworks highlighted by the creation of the world’s largest Key lime pie.

More than $35,000 in cash and prizes awaits anglers targeting dolphin fish in the 30th annual Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament. The contest is scheduled Friday through Sunday, June 2-4, with events headquartered at Kiki’s Sandbar, 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key.