Upper Keys Arts and Culture:
Link To Art Galleries and Visual Arts, Theatre, Music
Festivals
Literature
Museums, History and More
The Florida Keys and Key West
The Keys are made up of small towns and communities. However, due to the strong economy from our tourist base, the Arts are a primary part of our culture. Most weekends bring festivals and street parties throughout the Keys and especially in Key West. The photography of wildlife here is also great. Check out www.dhphotoart.comThe Florida Keys Council of the Arts does a great job in supporting Art in the Keys http://www.keysarts.com/
Also, see the Key West Arts and historical society http://www.kwahs.com/
• The Keys Community Concert Band. Susan Bazin 451-4530.
• Keys Chamber Orchestra. Call Inga-Lisa Wright, 305-744-0508
• The Key West Pops, Inc. - 305 293-7658, P.O. Box 6206
• Note to musicians-There is about a zillion Tiki bars etc, that have live music. The times range from the afternoon through the evening. The pay is generally better than you'll find working in a regular club in the rest of the country. In addition to that most outdoor venues shut their music down about 11-so the hours are shorter.
Museums and Culture
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Lofton B. Sands African Bahamian Museum - 305 293-9692,
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502.Theater/dance
• Middle Florida Keys
• Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 O/S Hwy.....305 743-0994
• Key West Theatre
• Island Opera Theatre.....305 296-1520
• Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St (Rear).....305 296-9911
• Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square.....305 294-5015Art Galleries/ Visual Arts
• Over 90 galleries throughout the Keys
• Note to Artists; regardless of the medium, there is a place for you in the Keys. The Keys strongly support resident artists. Writers groups in all genres (from screenwriting to novels) are spread throughout the Keys.
There is definitely a reason so many world-class writers and Play-rights have made and do make the Keys their home. Especially Key West. (“Ernest Hemingway” )
The musician and actor community here is strong. In conclusion, the arts community in the keys is strong and will even grow stronger. If you like the arts and a small community with lots of outdoor opportunities, The Florida Keys could be just your place. Wouldn’t it be nice to vacation here and not have to leave?
Upper Keys Cost of Living:
Cost Advantages of Living in the Florida Keys
Think that living in the Florida Keys is just too expensive? With it's warm climate, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, miles of beaches and expansive water, there just got to be a big price tag on tropical living--or so many people think. But the truth of the matter is, living in the Florida Keys is actually a lot more affordable than most people believe. And if you wonder why the Keys aren't expensive, you only have to compare living in South Florida with living in the midwest or northeast.
http://www.areavibes.com/islamorada,+village+of+islands-fl/cost-of-living/
Why Climate Matters to Your Health
The fact is, colder climates are more expensive and cold climates are less healthy. In places like the Florida Keys, there's the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year-round. That means access to swimming, hiking, walking, bike riding, sports and leisure month after month. The more active you are, the better it is for your health.
Undoubtedly a warmer climate would promote health and well being. People generally prefer a warm to a cold climate, as shown by the tendency to vacation in tropical areas during the winter and to move to the south upon retirement. --Hoover Institution, Standford University
But it doesn't end with outdoor activity. Studies have repeatedly shown that big cities are big on stress, big on traffic, big on anxiety and big on crowding. Depression is also more prevalent in colder climates.
The Affordability of the Florida Keys
When you live in the northeast or midwest, you're living expenses are far more costly than residing in the Keys. And here's just a few examples of why:
- No income tax. There is no state income tax in Florida. What's more, there's no county or municipal income taxes like there are in cities like the Big Apple.
- Utilities cost a lot less. Heating oil prices rise year over year. Here in the Keys, oil is something you rub on your skin while basking in the sun.
- Auto and home maintenance. In the midwest and northeast, the weather takes a huge toll on your car and home. But that's not the case in the tropics.
- Basic living expenses. Practically anything you can think of costs less in the Keys. Day to day living costs like gas for the car, food and entertainment are less expensive.
- Fewer health care related costs. When you can exercise and take advantage of the outdoors throughout the year, you lead a healthier life and that saves you money.
Florida Keys and Monroe County Cost of Living
The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment.
Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition, areas that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living.
Cost of living indexing explanation
A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example:
* New York, NY -169.0
* Long Beach, CA -141.0
* Palo Alto, CA -310.0
* Boston, MA -149.0
* Malibu, CA -331.0
• Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 88 and up.
One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements:
For example-If you were relocating from Portland Oregon (whose rate is 116.0) to Orlando, and you currently make $50,000 per year, the formula is as follows
• Take the destination index, in this case Orlando-91.0 and divide by Portland’s index-116, then multiply by a salary of $50,000. This will give you a figure of $39,224.00, which you would be required to make in Orlando and have the same quality of life.
The Keys and Monroe County top out the state at an average Cost of Living of 160 plus. This is mostly due to the cost of housing, whether you’re buying or renting. We only have so much land and the building permits in the Keys are heavily regulated. IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY IN PARADISE! We’re currently experiencing a buyers’ market, prices are down and there are many excellent opportunities to buy before the market takes off again.
Compared to other areas nationally and given the amenities of the Keys, the Florida Keys are a wonderful place to live, work and play.
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
2011-2012 stats Source http://www.bestplaces.net/col/
Boca Raton-111.0
Cape Coral-Ft Myers-93.0
Ft Lauderdale-108.0
Destin-115.0
Jacksonville metro-88.0
Big Pine Key fl-123.0
Key Largo-143.0
Key West-141.00
Marathon fl-130.0
Miami metro-108.0
Melbourne-88.0
Naples Fl-161.0
Orlando metro-91
Palm Bay-86
Palm Coast-Flagler-91.0
Panama City-89.0
Pensacola metro-90.0
Sarasota-93.0
Tampa 88.0
St Pete-Clearwater-87
Vero-Beach Indian River-94.0
West Palm Beach metro-95.0
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
See national comparisons
Cost of living (100 = nationwide average)
* New York, NY -169.0
* Long Beach, CA -141.0
* Palo Alto, CA -310.0
* Boston, MA -149.0
* Malibu, CA -331.0
* San Francisco, -199.0
* Chicago, IL -105.0
* Dallas Tx -88.0
* Atlanta Ga -94.0
For more information about cost of living go to
Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/
For Utility charges
Water
• The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority provides water for the entire Keys:
• Tavernier.....305 852-8068
• Marathon.....305 743-5409
• Lower Keys.....305 296-2454
For Electric
• The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
• provides power for the upper Keys:
• Tavernier.....305 852-2431
• Marathon, 3421 O/S Hwy.....305 743-5344
• Key West City Electric
• provides power for the Lower Keys
• 1001 James St, Key West.....305 294-5272
Gas.
Propane is available from local dealers
Telephone Companies:
• Bell South
• Residential Services.....305 780-2500
• Business Services.....305 780-2800
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
Keys Energy
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
BellSouth
Most homes in the Keys are on septic tanks with a few exceptions-Key West-Marathon. Garbage pickup is included in your taxes
Upper Florida Keys Health
Why Owning a Home in Islamorada Benefits Your Health
Big city stress. Everyone who works or lives in a large metropolis knows that the day-to-day grind, commute and overall experience is one giant stress inducer. And that's why many who aren't even near retirement are looking for a more laid back locale to call home. The suburbs are one thing, but country and tropical living are the highest on the list. Chief among these destinations are the Florida Keys. Simply put, places like Islamorada, have a lot more opportunity for outdoor recreation and exercise--things which greatly help in relieving stress. Opportunities to unwind abound in the Upper Keys, where fishing, boating, sailing, sunbathing and many more recreational activities are part of the lifestyle.
Life in the Big, Stressful Cities
Research backs up what many urban workers and residents instinctively know--that the concrete jungle takes a serious toll on one's health. Studies conducted have revealed the actual impact of being in a large city. And the findings are stunning.
The people, the traffic, the crime - these are just some reasons why you might feel stressed out while living in a city. And now research backs up that the brain of a city-dweller may respond more strongly to stress than a country-dweller. --CNN Health
Anxiety disorders are 21 percent more likely to strike those living in cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. The risk of mood disorders disproportionately afflict those who live in big cities by a whopping 39 percent. And it's not just health related. Research as reveals that city commuters spend 70 or more hours a year in traffic jams. While unemployment rates in the same cities were nearly all above the national average. Couple that with the least affordable home prices, it's no wonder people working and living in big cities are constantly feeling the effects of stress on their bodies and their minds.
Health Benefits of the Tropics
Lifespans increase in tropical and more rural areas, research shows. The link between constant noise, busy streets, and overall fast pace of large cities puts a great deal of stress on the human body. But living in a place like Islamorada is a completely different experience. There, life is much slower paced. People integrate with the environment naturally by connecting on daily basis with nature. The ocean is a source of tranquility, and each sunrise and sunset are uninterrupted by the landscape. The ample opportunity to do more outdoor activities and more chances to relax make the Upper Keys an ideal place to live, work and play. ;
The Florida Keys demand good healthcare facilities. Although the total population is less than 90,000, due to the influx of tourists,
good healthcare has to be available. In addition Miami and its world class Baptist hospital and all the other facilities, is just hours away.
Healthcare Facilities in the Keys:
Monroe County Physicians Directory
Nursing Homes
Plantation Key Nursing Center
Telephone: 888-959-5948 x58523
Address: 48 High Point Rd Tavernier, FL 33070
Services: , Nursing Home
Key West Health And Rehabilitation Center
Telephone: 888-959-5948 x52962
Address: 5860 W Junior College Rd Key West, FL 33040
Services: , Nursing Home
* Hospitals, 3
* Assisted living, 1 SEE-CLICK HERE
* Skilled Nursing facility, 2
Key West - Health Care Clinics
FMC Dialysis Svc of Key West(305) 294-8453 - 1122 Key Plz, Key West, FL
Care Center For Mental Health(305) 292-6843 - 1205 4th St, Key West, FL
All Keyes Complete Wellness(305) 296-7533 - 619 Eaton St, Ste 2, Key West, FL
Kessinger Charles W(305) 296-7533 - 524 Eaton St, Key West, FL
Keys Medical Ctr(305) 294-1706 - 3426 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
Fl Keys Intensive Outpatient(305) 396-7275 - 1205 4th St, Key West, FL
New Beginnings Clinic(305) 292-4670 - 724 Truman Ave, Key West, FL
Walker Richard C MD(305) 294-1068 - 2407 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
Counseling Center of Key West(305) 294-8777 - 1111 12th St, Ste 206, Key West, FL
Surgery Center of Key West LLC(305) 293-1801 - 931 Toppino Dr, Key West, FL
Key Largo - Health Care Clinics
A1 Urgent Care(305) 453-3006 - 101451 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
VA Key Largo Clinic(305) 451-0164 - 105662 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
Coastal Counseling Svc(305) 453-0602 - 99696 Overseas Hwy, Ste 4, Key Largo, FL
Keys Counseling(305) 453-9522 - 99551 Overseas Hwy, Ste 205, Key Largo, FL
Key Largo Health Ctr(305) 451-0440 - 102900 Overseas Hwy, Ste 8, Key Largo, FL
Marathon - Health Care Clinics
Childrens Clinic(305) 743-4321 - 9499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
Rural Health Network(305) 289-8915 - 2901 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
O'Connor John P MD(305) 743-9436 - 13365 Overseas Hwy, Ste 102, Marathon, FL
Islamorada - Health Care Clinics
Essence of the Phoenix(305) 664-2490 - 81990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL
Islamorada Chiropractic(305) 664-4240 - 81905 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL
Guidance Clinics of the Florida Keys:
GCC - Marathon
3000 41st Street - Ocean,
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 434-7660 • Fax: (305) 434-9040
Hours of Operation: M-F (8am-5pm)
GCC - Key West
1205 Fourth Street,
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 434-7660 • Fax: (305) 292-6723
Hours of Operation: M-F (8am-5pm)
GCC - Key Largo
99198 Overseas Hwy., Suite 5,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 434-7660 • Fax: (305) 451-8019
Hours of Operation: M-F (8am–5pm)
WomenKind in Key West
http://womankindkeywest.com/
Alternative Medicine
http://www.clinicofalternativemedicine.com/
Ket West Urgent Care
http://www.keywesturgentcare.com/
Hospitals
* FISHERMEN'S HOSPITAL
* 3301 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
* MARATHON, FL 33050
* TELEPHONE#:305 743-5533
* http://www.fishermenshospital.com/
* LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER
* 5900 COLLEGE ROAD
* KEY WEST , FL 33041-9107
TELEPHONE#:305 294-5531
www.LKMC.com
Owned by Health Management Assoicates www.HMA.com
* MARINERS HOSPITAL
* 91500 OVERSEAS HWY
* TAVERNIER, FL 33070 TELEPHONE#:305 434-1582
* OWNER: BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA
Monroe County Health Department
Lower Keys / Key West
(305) 293-7500
Middle Keys / Marathon
(305) 289-2708
Upper Keys / Tavernier
(305) 853-3240
Hours: Lower Keys Office
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday
Upper Keys Office
M, Tu, W and Fri (call for appts. 853-3240)
Address:
Lower Keys Office (Main Office)
1100 Simonton Street
The E. H. Gato Building
Key West, FL 33040
Middle Keys Office
Ruth Ivins Center
3333 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
Fax: (305) 289-2479
Upper Keys Office
The Roth Building
50 High Point Road
Tavernier, FL 33070
Fax: (305) 853-3242
For names and numbers of physicians in the Keys go to http://www.mcms.org/contents/refserv/referralservice.htm
In addition to local facilities, the world class health facilities of Miami are 3 hours away from Key West.
Florida Keys Schools:
- Schools in the Florida Keys
- Complete Detailsfor 2008-2009 Fl Keys Elementary Schools
Monroe County is totally dedicated to good education. The school district offers a first class educational system to all its residents. With over 1500 employees
To see the Monroe County mission statement and for more particulars go to http://www.monroe.k12.fl.us/Schools listing
Private schools
• ASD 275828-Public Big Pine Key Neighborhood School Big Pine Key Monroe 33043
• ASD 9902- Public Coral Shores High School Tavernier Monroe 3307o
• ASD 144250 Public Gerald Adams Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 144249 Public Glynn Archer Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123786 Private Grace Lutheran School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 39184 Public Horace O'Bryant Middle School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123787 Private Island Christian School Islamorada Monroe 33036
• ASD 9972 Public Key Largo School Key Largo Monroe 33037
• ASD 9981 Public Key West High School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123788 Private Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 44232 Public Marathon Junior Senior High School Marathon Monroe 33050
• ASD 9983 Catholic Mary Immaculate Star Of The Sea School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 144254 Public Plantation Key School Tavernier Monroe 33070
• ASD 9982 Public Poinciana Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 140995 Public Sigsbee Elementary School Key West Monroe
• 33040 144253 Public Stanley Switlick Elementary School Marathon Monroe 33050
• ASD 144251 Public Sugarloaf Elementary Middle School Summerland Key Monroe 33042
• ACADEMY AT OCEAN REEF, 2 Dockside Lane N, Key Largo, 305-367-2409
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, MM 83.2, Islamorada, 305-664-2781
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-SOUTH, 14 125th St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-743-2200
• MARATHON LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 325 122nd St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-289-0700
• MARY IMMACULATE STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL, 700 Truman, Key West, 305-294-1031 Pre schools and kindergarten
• ABC DAY SCHOOL, 6630 65th St. Ocean, Marathon, 305-743-3521
• COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, 550 122nd St., Marathon, 303-743-3517
• EASTER SEALS FLORIDA, 5220 W. Junior College Rd., Key West, 305-294-1089
• FREDERICK DOUGLASS CHILD CARE CENTER, 103 Olivia, Key West, 305-294-3934
• GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 2713 Flagler Ave., Key West, 305-296-6262
• GROUPER LANE PRESCHOOL, 735 Grouper Lane, Key Largo, 305-852-9520
• HAPPY APPLE PRESCHOOL, 12350 O/S Hwy., Marathon, 305-743-9020
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-SOUTH, 14 125th St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-743-2200
• ISLAND PRE-SCHOOL, 5 Transylvania Ave., Key Largo, 305-451-1181
• KEYS ACADEMY AT ST. JUSTIN, MM 105.5, Key Largo, 305-451-6415
• KEY WEST PRESCHOOL CO-OP, 2610 Flagler Ave., Key West, 305-296-4749
• KREATIVE KIDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 4711 O/S Hwy., Marathon, 305-743-7165
• LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 5580 MacDonald Ave., Key West, 305-292-5582
• LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL & DAYCARE, MM.100.4, Key Largo, 305-451-0755
• LITTLE SEAHORSE ACADEMY, MM.104.9, Key Largo, 305-451-6045
• MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, 241 Trumbo Rd., Key West, 305-293-1400
• MONTESSORI IN KEY LARGO, MM. 99.5, Key Largo, 305-453-3939
• MONTESSORI ISLAND SCHOOL, MM 92.3 Oceanside, Tavernier, 305-852-3438
• ST JAMES CHILDREN'S CENTER, MM 87.5, Plantation Key, 305-852-2161
• TEMPLE CHRISTIAN PRE-SCHOOL, 5727 2nd Ave., Stock Island, Key West, 305-294-2775
• VINEYARD EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER, County Rd., Big Pine Key, 305-872-3404
• WESLEY HOUSE CHILD CARE CENTER, 1100 Varela, Key West, 305-296-5231 Universities and colleges
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Upper Keys, Tavernier, 305-852-8007
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Middle Keys, Marathon, 305-743-2133
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Main Office, Key West, 305-296-9081
• GOSHEN COLLEGE MARINE BIOLOGY LABORATORY, Layton Dr, Layton, 305-664-5454
• NATIONAL UNDERSEA RESEARCH CENTER, 515 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, 305-451-0233
• SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY, 718 Boca Chica Naval Air Station, Key West, 305-293-284Junior/Community Colleges:
• Florida Keys community College and Adult education
Upper Keys Recreation
Key Largo Recreational Opportunities
Key Largo is one of the most beautiful and exciting places on the planet. Part of the Florida Keys, an archipelago island chain which extends from the southern tip of Florida down between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, it is the biggest of the keys and is also the closest to the mainland, and is a short drive away from Miami. One of the most visited places in the United States, Key Largo has served as the backdrop for romance novels, popular songs, and movies. The weather is warm year-round, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors nearly every day. About Key Largo Weather conditions are pleasant through all of the seasons. During the summer months, daytime temperatures reach the upp
er eighties and low nineties. Overnight lows during these months are in the upper seventies. During the winter, nighttime lows reach into the lower sixties and daytime highs generally reach the upper seventies. Discovered by Spanish explorers, it was first known as Cayo Largo, which translated simply means “Long Key”.
Coral reefs practically surround the island and it receives an incredible 3000 hours of sunshine every year. Recreational Opportunities in Key Largo The great thing about Key Largo is its location. Just a quick drive takes you over to the mainland, and to the Everglades National Park. Just over to the north is South Miami Beach, where the nightlife is legendary and there’s plenty of dining and shopping opportunities.
For those who love the outdoors, there’s absolutely no shortage of things to discover and do. From hiking, to kayaking and canoeing, to reef diving, to fishing and boating, Sports are also nearby, with professional teams in baseball, basketball, hockey, and football. If you like to hit the links, the Village Green Golf Course awaits and lovers of tennis will find local courts around the island.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the only underwater park in the United States, is a popular destination for Key Largo visitors. Other popular places to visit in the area are: Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Spiegel Grove, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site, and Jacob's Aquatic Center. And since the sun shines so many days of the year, the local beaches are a great place to relax, play a game of volleyball, or take to the water and surf. Water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, and other water activities are also available.
Islamorada Recreational Opportunities
Islamorada, or the island known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”, is the second key in the archipelago chain and part of the Village of Islands, and it’s Anglicized name in its original Spanish form means “Purple Island”.
Islamorada is also close to the mainland of Florida peninsula, being only a short drive through Key Largo, up into Miami and across to the Everglades National Park. With the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this island is home to many outdoor and water activities.
Life on the Island of Islamorada
Weather is one of the best features. Residents here enjoy all the best the tropics have to offer. The lifestyle is very laid-back, there is no hustle and bustle like there is in the big cities. During the winter months, which are particularly mild, overnight lows dip into the low to mid sixties. Daytime highs touch the upper seventies.
Summer in Islamorada is practically a year-round phenomenon, with daytime highs reaching into the balmy nineties and overnight lows falling to the upper seventies. There’s a constant tropical breeze sweeping across the key day and night.
Sunrise and sunset are just one of many things the locals here enjoy, day after day. Both are stunning, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic and dip into the horizon in the Gulf of Mexico.
Recreational Opportunities In and Around Islamorada
Islamorada has quite a bit to see and do. The beauty of Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park are two can’t miss destinations. Or, head over to the Theater of the Sea, where you can interact with the native wildlife and get up close to dolphins, sea lions, and rays.
TIB Amphitheater is also a great place to visit. Live performances are put on for the public many times during the year, ranging from plays, to dance, to concerts. And, if you want to enjoy a night on the town, where the energy is high, the supermodels and celebrities play, drive up to Miami, where you’ll also find professional sports like football, hockey, basketball, and baseball.
Other outdoor activities include golfing, tennis, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving reefs, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, and much more.
What’s great is all of this is more is available nearly every single day of the year. With so much to see and do, it’s little wonder why Islamorada is an international destination.
Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something
to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
• 47 Marinas
• 13 Parks,
• 3 Golf Courses
• 10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps
Florida Keys Vacation Blog
Jan 17, Kayaking Florida Keys Tips And Maps For The Best Kayaking Trips
Jan 16, 2018 Seven Mile Bridge Run, huge Florida Keys Event
Jan 16, Marathon FL Attractions, Fishing & Scuba Diving Tips
Dec 15, Florida Keys Things To Do Including Best Key West Events
Sep 16, 2018 Florida Keys Marathon Events And Dates
Jul 30, Sea Turtles Facts And Conservancy Efforts In The Florida Keys
Jul 30, Sea Sponge, New Face Of Coral Reefs?
Jul 30, Manatees Facts About Nature's Endangered Mermaids
Jul 30, Swimming With Dolphins Is A Florida Keys Vacation Adventure
Jul 30, Key Deer Are A Tiny, Endangered Species Of White Tail Deer
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
- Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge
- Everglades National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- John C. Pennekamp State Park
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Dolphin Research Center
- Florida Audubon Society
- Center for Coastal Ecosystem Health
- University of Miami: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
- Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, Summerland Key)
Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats
Other places to visit.
• Audubon House- original Audubon engravings (not Audubon's residence)
• Conch Tour Train-
• Curry Mansion Inn - 305 294-5349 511 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Haitian Art Co. - 305 296-8932, 600 Francis St., Key West FL 33040
• Heritage House Museum - 305 296-3573, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Historic Seaport at Key West Bight.
• Key West Aquarium - 1 Whitehead St., Mallory Market
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Custom House - 281 Front Street, Key West FL 33040
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502. Built in 1829. This is Key West's oldest house.
Pro Sports
• A 2-3 hour drive to Miami:
• Florida Marlins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-626-7400
• Miami Dolphins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-620-2578
• Miami Heat
• 601 Biscayne Blvd, American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL 33132-1801 · 786-777-432
Islamorada Weather
Islamorada and all the Keys sub-tropical climate offers year-round sports and recreational opportunities. Winter, spring and fall are filled with lots of sunshine.
• The hottest month is August with an average high of 89° F and an average low of 78° F. In January the average high temperature is 74° F and the average low is 65° F.
• There has never been frost or freezing conditions in Key West.
• Normal annual precipitation is 39 plus inches, with the largest monthly totals accumulating from July through September.
More information, http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Key+West&state=FL&site=KEY&textField1=24.5578&textField2=-81.7832&e=0#.V5eSxSjdIZE
Subtropics marked by two distinct seasons
• Weather is what brings a lot of people to Southern Florida - particularly during the dry, mild winter.
• It's also what drives a lot of people away - particularly during the hot, rainy, sweaty, sticky summer.
• Welcome to the subtropics, an area just outside the tropics, which lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
GENERAL WEATHER SAFETY
• Lightning
• • When lightning flashes, count the number of seconds before thunder is heard. Divide the number by five. The answer is the approximate distance in miles from the lightning.
• • Never seek refuge from a storm under a tree
• • Make sure you are not the highest object around you
• • Avoid open fields, open water, beaches
• • If you are on the road, stay in your car
• Heat
• • Avoid heavy exertion during the hottest part of the day - noon to 3 p.m.
• • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Remember, alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration n Wear a hat and sunscreen
• Our subtropical weather is marked by two distinct seasons - the rainy season, part of which is hurricane season, and the dry season, part of which is windsurfing season.
• During rainy season, May 15 to Oct. 15, Southern Florida receives 42 of its annual 53 inches of rain.
• Rainy season temperatures average highs in the high 80s and low 90s and lows in the 70s.
• A typical rainy-season day in Southern Florida starts with a hot, humid morning, followed by a hotter afternoon, clouds moving in from the east, and sometimes violent thunderstorms.
• The frequency of summer thunderstorms has made Southern Florida the lightning capital of the world, so it's a good idea to seek shelter as the clouds roll in.
• Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30
• Emergency managers suggest that residents educate themselves about hurricanes and be prepared, just in case.
• In contrast to Southern Florida's rainy season, dry season is, well, dry.
• Eleven inches of rain spread over six months doesn't exactly put us in the same arid league with the Sahara, but the countryside can get pretty parched.
• In one of those curious hydrological coincidences, the dry season also happens to be tourist season, so we have all those extra people using up the available water that isn't replenished because it's the dry season.
• So water levels in aquifers can drop, and the South Florida Water Management District can impose water-use restrictions.
• All this dryness can lead to serious wildfires, and residents are urged to clear vegetation around their homes.
• People should never throw cigarette butts from car windows - that practice is bad for the environment at any time - but during dry season, it can easily and quickly spark a major fire.
• Dry season temperatures average highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.
• But things can get chilly around here.
• The big factors are cold fronts that occasionally blast through Southern Florida, bringing nasty cold rain and leaving behind unsubtropical, cold air.
• You can usually tell when a cold front is coming without even looking at a weather map.
• Southern Florida's prevailing winter winds are light and easterly, but a couple of days before a front hits, winds pick up and clock around to the south - the winds are warm and the days sunny.
• This is when area windsurfers load up their gear and head to their favorite sailing sites.
• As the front approaches, winds shift to
