Connect and Protect

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.

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.

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.

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.

Divers can help preserve the Florida Keys’ native reef fish populations during the fun, socially distanced Reef Environmental Education Foundation 2020 Lionfish Derby. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 10-13, the derby challenges participants to capture and remove as many non-native lionfish as possible from Keys waters.

"Florida Keys: Protecting Paradise," an hourlong television special that explores Keys sustainability efforts and the people dedicated to protecting the island chain's unique natural environment, is to debut on the Discovery Channel, Sunday, Dec. 29, at 8 a.m. ET/PT and 7 a.m. CT/MT.

Patrick Garvey owns and operates Big Pine Key’s 2-acre fruit farm Grimal Grove, billed as the first breadfruit grove in the continental United States. Breadfruit is a starchy cantaloupe-sized fruit that can be used like a potato, bread or even as a custard when ripe.

Harboring the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, the Florida Keys are largely devoted to maintaining the region’s offshore environment.

Film aficionados can immerse themselves in cinematic offerings during the eighth annual Key West Film Festival from Wednesday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 24, showcasing intriguing Florida, Cuba, LGBTQ and ecological themes.

With the global “Protect Our Species” theme for Earth Day 2019, it’s easy to participate in a variety of meaningful, memorable activities to “Connect & Protect” in the rich natural environment of the Florida Keys & Key West.