Islamorada

The eclectic and talented Florida Keys arts community comes together each year through the Connections Project to form one large mural made from hundreds of individual paintings by Keys artists.

Ten teams of two anglers each competed in the annual Islamorada SailFly Tournament, acclaimed as one of the Florida Keys’ toughest annual angling events, that ended Jan. 5 in Upper Keys waters.

“The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise," a 60-minute television program that explores the history of the continental United States’ southernmost island chain from the early 1800s to the present, is slated to debut Jan. 22 and 23 on South Florida’s Public Broadcasting Service channels.

Visitors can stroll through spectacular private gardens filled with native Florida plants and lush landscaping while gathering inspiration for tropical gardening Saturday, Feb. 18, during the 42nd annual Upper Keys Garden Walk.

Boating and watersports aficionados can browse among more than 80 boats from top brands Friday through Sunday, Jan. 20-22, at the annual Island Boat Show at Island Community Church, mile marker 83 in Islamorada.

Conservation-minded divers interested in aiding in reef restoration in the Florida Keys can join marine scientists during hands-on coral restoration dive trips. These ecotourism experiences enable Keys visitors to connect with the area’s underwater ecosystem and actively play a role in protecting coral reefs for future generations.

This winter the Florida Keys continue to spotlight sustainability with coral restoration programs while resorts showcase their offerings to accommodate friends, family and small groups with added villa and stand-alone cottage-style units.

Two U.S. Army veterans won the team grand championship award in the Cheeca Lodge All-American Backcountry tournament that ended Nov. 12.