Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

Key Largo and Key West were least impacted by Hurricane Irma, as were hotels and businesses on the bayside or gulfside in Islamorada and Marathon. Most tourism infrastructure is largely restored. Visitors can anticipate memorable, quality vacation experiences in most areas of the destination.

Attention, water enthusiasts: boats, motors and nautical items galore are to be available at the 14th annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo. A popular annual “pop-up” outfitter of supplies for a wide variety of water activities, the open-air market is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-14. 

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 2018. And because “winter” in the subtropical island chain means balmy breezes rather than blizzards, revelers can leave heavy coats and boots behind as they head out to celebrate wearing light dresses or shorts and sandals.

More than 40 species of fish are targeted during the multimonth tournament, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 15) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). 

Four barracuda and one bonefish, all released while fly-fishing, earned first-place honors for Captain John Benvenuto of Key West, Florida, and angler Scott Christian of Atlanta, Georgia, at the recent Sugarloaf Showdown.

From Key Largo to Key West, the 2017 holidays are sprinkled with spirited activities and stylish only-in-the-Keys events featuring decorated boats, bicycles and a bodacious high-heeled shoe.

Local artisans’ wares, live music and edible temptations await visitors at the annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Island Art Festival scheduled Saturday, Nov. 25, in a show of seasonal spirit in the midst of ongoing recovery from Hurricane Irma. 

Anglers are to pit their skills against the Lower Florida Keys’ wiliest in-water inhabitants during the fourth annual Sugarloaf Showdown, a fundraising fishing tournament scheduled Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 2-4.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, encompassing 300 acres on Windley Key at mile marker 84.9 near Islamorada, reopened Thursday, Oct. 5, for day use.