Connect and Protect
Connect & Protect: Discover Keys Birds, Marine Life and Flora at Four Nature Attractions
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.
18 February 2022
Coral Reef Protection Tips for Responsible Divers
One of nature’s greatest wonders is a living coral barrier reef, and the Florida Keys island chain is home to the only one in the continental United States. The teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about 5 miles offshore, and can engender memories that last a lifetime for visiting divers and snorkelers.
29 November 2021
Take a Trek: Hunt for Fruit on Big Pine Key
Grimal Grove, the 2-acre fruit farm billed as the first and only breadfruit grove in the continental United States, has begun offering 90-minute guided tropical fruit excursions at its off-the-beaten-path location on Big Pine Key.
18 November 2021
Islamorada’s I.CARE: A Community-based Approach to Reef Restoration
Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the oceans, supporting marine life, protecting shorelines and providing food and economic benefits to humans. Along with thousands of the world’s ocean advocates, recreational divers interested in volunteering can participate in protecting this resource through coral restoration.
14 July 2021
Florida Keys Launch Public Awareness Campaign Ahead of Spiny Lobster Sport Season
An extensive public awareness initiative has begun to help leisure Florida Keys travelers and residents have an enjoyable, safe and non-impacting experience during both the two-day lobster sport season and the traditional lobster harvesting season.
01 June 2021
Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival to ‘Make Waves’ for Reef Protection
Divers and snorkelers can explore a portion of the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef while enjoying a sub-sea concert that promotes reef preservation Saturday, July 10, in the Lower Florida Keys.
22 April 2021
Earth Day Celebrated in Florida Keys With Sea Turtle Release
In celebration of Earth Day, staff from the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital released a rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle back to the ocean off Marathon Thursday.
19 February 2021
‘Island Hopping: Florida Keys’ Show Spotlights Local Residents and Environment
For Christina Wilson, hosting “Island Hopping: Florida Keys" enabled her to take a deep dive into Florida Keys adventures that even some longtime locals haven’t experienced — and share them with viewers of the syndicated television special. The hourlong program, commissioned by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, recently began airing across the United States.
16 November 2020
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Celebrates 30 Years
Thousands of scuba divers, snorkelers, anglers and watersports enthusiasts visit the Florida Keys annually to dive or snorkel the United States’ only living coral reef and enjoy Keys waters. In November 2020 the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary marks 30 years of dedication to protecting the world’s third-largest barrier reef and the waters surrounding the island chain.
19 August 2020
Sea Turtles and Manatees Released in the Keys
As well as human visitors who come to the Florida Keys for rest and renewal, marine creatures in need come calling, too. Some arrive with health problems, while others are injured, orphaned or lost.