Whether you’re pining for a Keys vacation but can’t get away quite yet, or are prepping for an upcoming trip to the island chain, you’ll want to watch “The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise,” slated to debut this spring on Public Broadcasting Service channels across the U.S.

The fascinating 60-minute TV documentary explores the culture and history of the Keys from the early 1800s to the present. It was produced by South Florida PBS for broadcast during the island chain’s bicentennial year — this year — that commemorates the Florida Legislature’s establishment of Monroe County on July 3, 1823.

The program (partially underwritten by the Keys tourism council) takes you on a journey through the region’s dramatic history, seen through the eyes of residents who live and interpret that history every day.

Topics include the Florida Keys’ booms and busts, cultural and artistic expression, sport fishing and community leaders, industries like shipwreck salvage, natural disasters and renewal, environmental conservation and the legacy of Black pioneers.

Comments from Keys historians and others introduce viewers to the human side of the island chain’s two centuries of history — giving the story a deeply personal flavor.

“The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise” is to be distributed nationally by American Public Television beginning March 1, and it’s expected to air on some 249 public television stations around the country. So check your local listings for scheduled airtimes to make sure you don’t miss it.

Meanwhile, three events are slated in Key West that showcase different elements of the Keys’ intriguing two-century cultural heritage.

Presidents in Paradise. Descendants of former president Harry S. Truman and five other U.S. commanders in chief will discuss their famous relatives and American bipartisanship Saturday, Feb. 18, at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House.

The Presidential Family Forum is the centerpiece of Presidents Day weekend activities at the 111 Front St. residence — the place where Truman spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1953 administration. Today the property is Florida’s only presidential museum.

In addition, Clifton Truman Daniel (former President Truman’s oldest grandson) will star as his grandfather in the one-man play “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” Sunday and Monday, Feb. 19-20. A seasoned actor and author, Clifton is the first direct descendant to portray a presidential ancestor in a stage production — and this one is absolutely unforgettable.

A Conch-Centric Celebration. Join several dozen other people and attempt to “blow your own horn” in Key West Saturday, March 4, during a celebration of the Florida Keys’ rich history known as the Conch Shell Blowing Contest.

In the 19th century, when Key West’s economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from sinking ships, seafarers used the conch’s fluted pink-lined shells as signaling devices — blowing piercing blasts to attract attention. Today native-born residents refer to themselves as Conchs and the Florida Keys island chain is often called the Conch Republic.

The “conch honk” challenge is presented each spring by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West. In the lush garden of the island’s Oldest House Museum, 322 Duval St., entrants vie to see who can coax the most impressive sounds from their “instrument.”

Remembering Tennessee. Internationally renowned playwright Tennessee Williams, who lived in Key West for more than 30 years, once said of his chosen home, “I work everywhere, but I work best here.” Explore his writing and life in the island city during the Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, with events scheduled throughout March.

Expected highlights include guided curator tours of the Tennessee Williams Museum, located at 513 Truman Ave. Birthday month activities also include screenings of films based on Williams’ plays, a walking tour of the playwright’s Key West, a lecture and readings, a theater production and a commemoration of the 112th anniversary of Williams’ March 26 birth.

What else is going on in Key West and the Keys over the next few months? Just check here — and then catch the PBS documentary and begin planning your next visit.

Want to help celebrate the 20th “birthday” of the fabulous Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory? Then be at 1316 Duval St. between midmorning and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, for a kid-centric family fun day and free admission to the renowned attraction.

Twenty years ago, in January 2003, business partners George Fernandez and Sam Trophia debuted the 13,000-square-foot Key West facility — a wonderland devoted to the creatures sometimes called “flowers of the sky.”

The founders’ goal was simple yet profound: to educate and inspire visitors, who typically range from tiny children to seniors, by providing a close-up look at the incredible wonders of the butterfly world. Today, 20 years later, the conservatory still does just that.

In a climate-controlled 5,000-square-foot glass-enclosed habitat, it houses many hundreds of live butterflies from more than 60 species, plus over 20 varieties of exotic birds, in a breathtaking tropical garden that calls to mind a perfect, unspoiled rainforest.

Entering the facility, you’ll first explore educational displays that offer insights into aspects of the butterfly’s life — identification and country of origin, anatomy and physiology, and the awe-inspiring annual migration of the Monarchs.

But you’ll really feel the magic when you step into the butterfly habitat itself. There you can stroll among hundreds of delicate winged creatures, ranging from the glittering Blue Morpho to the vivid Emerald Swallowtail, as they soar and dip and dance between thousands of tropical plants and trees. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re following their mesmerizing flight — and if you’re lucky, one of the colorful “flowers” might flutter to rest briefly on your arm or shoulder.

However, that’s not all. In one corner of the habitat, you can watch butterflies actually being born — getting a rare glimpse of the hatching process through the wide windows of the “miracle of metamorphosis” observatory.

Actually, the “hatching” of the center was as intricate and intriguing as that of a butterfly. George and Sam spent many years planning it, took research trips to 13 butterfly facilities throughout the world, and invested significant amounts of money and creativity into making it as perfect as possible.

In July of 2013, some other unique creatures joined the butterflies at the acclaimed attraction: two pink flamingos.

A male and a female, the breathtaking pink birds were bred in Toronto. Coincidentally, since the species is often associated with love and romance, the pair was born on Valentine’s Day 2012. Ultimately, they were dubbed Rhett and Scarlett.

Visitors can watch the lovely birds in their private pond as they “dance” — gently moving their feet to stir up food in the water — and enjoy their lives in the rainforest-like habitat.

As well as flamingos and butterflies, the conservatory also houses a stunning collection of Sam Trophia’s butterfly art. He has spent more than three decades preserving the beauty of the winged creatures in original artwork.

If you’re in Key West for the Jan. 21 “birthday party,” as well as viewing the conservatory’s inhabitants you can enjoy crafts and activities for kids and families, picnic-style food, games, giveaways and plenty of other fun for all ages.

But if you can’t be there in January, don’t worry — the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is open year-round with offerings that include daily explorations, guided twilight tours and super-popular small-group “flamingle” encounters with Rhett and Scarlett.

So get a VIP preview here, and put the natural wonderland on the must-see list for your next trip to Key West. You’ll be SO glad you did!

Ever since the Florida Keys were settled two centuries ago, the island chain has been known for its residents’ adventurous seafaring spirit. Today, that spirit remains among the Keys’ most appealing attributes. And contemporary visitors can find it in museums and attractions, tales of sunken treasure and dive trips to famed shipwreck sites.

Many early settlers in Islamorada and Key West were wreckers — salvaging goods from ships that sank along the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, which runs parallel to the Keys. While the wreckers’ strict code mandated rescuing crews and passengers first, they also profited from salvaged cargo. In the mid-1800s, wrecking made Key West the wealthiest city per capita in the U.S.

Keys visitors can relive that era at the Upper Keys’ Indian Key Historic State Park, a small island that was once a busy port established by wrecker Jacob Housman in the 1800s, or at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, featuring re-enactors and salvaged artifacts.

A century earlier, fleets of Spanish galleons regularly sailed past the Keys carrying goods and treasures from the New World back to Spain. Many sank in the area, including 13 ships from Spain’s 1733 fleet.

Among the galleons was La Capitana, the flagship of the 1733 fleet, which sank off the Upper Keys. In the late 1930s, pioneering diver Art McKee began salvaging the vessel’s remains — recovering cannons, silver and gold coins, weapons, navigational instruments and silver bars.

Dubbed the father of modern treasure diving, McKee also uncovered the sites of the Infante, Herrera, Chaves, San Pedro and San José. His exploits are chronicled in a remarkable exhibit at the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum in Islamorada.

The Keys’ most famous wreck is immortalized at Key West’s Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. The museum showcases artifacts and treasures from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, lost in a 1622 hurricane and discovered off Key West in 1985 by shipwreck salvager Mel Fisher. Items on display include gold chains, cannons, navigational instruments, coins and heavy silver bars.

Today’s adventurers can indulge their own seafaring spirit by diving the Keys’ Shipwreck Heritage Trail. Featuring nine wreck sites stretching from Key Largo to Key West, the trail was established by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to spotlight the island chain’s rich maritime history.

Its wrecks range from McKee’s San Pedro to modern cargo and military ships and artificial reefs. Among them is the Thunderbolt, intentionally sunk in 1986 some 4 miles south of Marathon in 120 feet of water.

Three other significant vessels also beckon Keys divers. The 510-foot Spiegel Grove, the third-largest ship ever intentionally sunk to create a new reef, is positioned about 6 miles off Key Largo in 130 feet of water. It has attracted divers, fish and other marine life since its 2002 sinking.

The 210-foot freighter Adolphus Busch Senior lies in Lower Keys waters approximately 5 miles southwest of Big Pine Key. Divers have been exploring the artificial reef since it was sunk in 1998.

The second-largest vessel ever to be sunk as an artificial reef is the 523-foot General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, scuttled in 2009 about 7 miles off Key West. Its hull rests on sand at depths averaging 145 feet, but its superstructure rises to about 45 feet below the surface.

Only a few ships that sank in Florida Keys waters carried gold or other rich cargoes. But from Spanish galleons to modern-day artificial reefs, they all offer treasured adventures for divers.

Attention, watersports enthusiasts: boating, fishing and nautical merchandise galore will be available at the 19th 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 Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14-15.

Running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, the event features items designed for sailors, boaters, anglers, kayakers and others who enjoy experiencing the Florida Keys’ unique seafaring environment — including, of course, divers and snorkelers immersed in the island chain’s fascinating underwater realm.

More than 100 vendors are expected to display and sell their wares at the event, which will be held on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce visitor center (mile marker 31 oceanside on Big Pine Key).

As well as supplies for just about every watersports pursuit imaginable, expo attendees can also find items to enhance a comfortable Florida Keys lifestyle. And that’s not all — talented Keys artisans will be on hand offering colorful clothing, jewelry and other unique temptations.

In addition to the items for sale, the family-friendly event includes live music by local and regional musicians and bands. And attendees can savor vendors’ Keys-style and casual food and beverages too, adding a picnic vibe to the weekend of outdoor fun.

Admission to the Nautical Expo and parking are free, and proceeds from the enticing event benefit the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and its programs.

While the Expo takes place over a single January weekend each year, the Big Pine Key area also offers intriguing spots that can be explored at any time — some found in out-of-the-way places that seem worlds away from high-profile attractions and emporiums.

Lesser known and less visited, they’re wonderful settings for relaxing and discovering the quiet wonders of the Florida Keys environment.

For example, check out the Blue Hole. You’ll find this secluded oasis off Key Deer Boulevard at mile marker 30.5 bayside. An abandoned quarry with a layer of fresh water floating over salt water, the Blue Hole is attractive to a wide variety of wildlife.

Tiny Key deer drink there, and the watering hole’s other denizens include turtles, snakes, birds, fish and even the occasional alligator.

There’s a great view from the observation platform — or venture along the walking trail that leads deeper into the wild. Beyond the Blue Hole lie the hardwoods and subtropical foliage of Watson’s Hammock.

And no visit to the Big Pine area would be complete without a stop at Grimal Grove. The historic 2-acre tropical fruit grove, lying near mile marker 30.5, was first owned by inventor and recluse Adolf Grimal, who amassed hundreds of rare fruit trees and created raised garden beds and waterways for irrigation.

After his 1997 death, the property fell into a shambles. In 2013 Patrick Garvey and Growing Hope Initiative restored it as a tropical fruit park.

Today, under Patrick’s stewardship, Grimal Grove is believed to be the continental United States’ first and only breadfruit grove.

It features more than 30 breadfruit trees of five varieties — which not only can provide quality nourishment, but also are being used in the production of a specialty breadfruit vodka!

Guided excursions of Grimal Grove, showcasing subtropical and tropical fruits, frees and plants, are offered on request for $20 per person.

Want to know more about the one-of-a-kind attractions to be found in Big Pine and the Lower Keys? Just click here.

Maybe it’s because the Florida Keys, the southernmost islands in the continental United States, have never experienced a traditional white Christmas. Or it might be simply because Keys residents love to celebrate special occasions.

But whatever the reason, despite our subtropical climate, we go a little overboard with our holiday decorations (if you’ve ever seen an inflatable 10-foot-tall reindeer perched atop a small houseboat, you’ll know what I mean) and throw ourselves gleefully into extended merrymaking.

In fact, from Key Largo to Key West, the calendar is packed with events designed to spread seasonal cheer — including a traditional Islamorada favorite that features actual snow.

Yes, despite the Keys’ typically balmy winter temperatures, grownups and kids of all ages can delight in snow Friday, Dec. 2, during Islamorada’s annual Florida Keys Holiday Fest.

It takes place on the beach at Founders Park (located at mile marker 87 bayside), and its anticipated highlight is a 30-ton snow mountain that’s perfect for making subtropical snowballs (and taking snow-covered selfies!). The fun is set for 4-10 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to enjoy it.

But that’s not the only snow sighting you can expect at the seasonal celebration. Organizers are also planning a 35-foot-tall tree with “magical” snow blowing from its branches — and its ceremonial lighting is slated for 6 p.m., shortly after sunset.

Plus don’t miss the festive parade, now in its 18th year. The 2022 parade is themed “Celebrating the Holidays Through the Centuries (1823-2023)” in honor of the upcoming 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Keys’ Monroe County.

Scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., the parade will feature decorated floats, marching bands, antique cars and (of course) an appearance by jolly old St. Nick and his reindeer, who will make their grand entrance in a fire truck fully decked out for the holidays.

Musical and dance performances are to enliven the outdoor stage throughout the festival — along with contests to choose “Miss Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Mister Gingerbread Man,” and the top three and “people’s choice” for the elaborate (and delicious) gingerbread house entries.

Well-behaved four-legged companions are welcome to join two-legged “party animals” on the stage as they prance in their own Santa Paws Pet Parade and vie for prizes for best (ahem!) doggone holiday attire.

The on-site bazaar promises gift items, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and gourmet baskets — a great opportunity to find that perfect item for someone special. The highly anticipated ornament silent auction features 50 hand-painted ceramic pieces created and donated by local artists. You can bid on these one-of-a-kind Keys keepsakes until 9 p.m.

As if all that isn’t enough, adults can sample a wide variety of food items, enjoy hot buttered rum and craft beer, or sip fine wines at the always popular Vino Village. And Santa’s Sweet Shoppe will offer tempting coffees, decadent desserts and treats.

Admission to the evening of revelry is free. (FYI, the festival is also plastic-free — so please bring a reusable non-glass drink container if possible.)

Enjoyable as it always is, Holiday Fest is just one of the upcoming island-style celebrations of the season. Between now and the new year, you’ll find events designed to jingle your bells all around the Florida Keys. “Keys Voices” will present highlights in the future posts — but you can get a preview by checking out the calendar here.

The continental United States’ only contiguous living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys, hosts huge populations of tropical fish and other creatures. Purple gorgonians, giant boulder corals, elegant finger corals, colorful shrimp, shy and skittish lobsters, bashful nurse sharks and rays provide an incomparable display of undersea life to divers and snorkelers.

The Keys reef is easy to get to and easy to navigate, while the warm clear water makes a long dive comfortable and enjoyable.

Around Halloween, however, the region’s underwater beauty goes hand in hand with offbeat fun.

That’s because Halloween in the Keys brings a popular yet unusual event: the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest (yes, involving actual pumpkins) in Key Largo waters. (Key Largo, by the way, is the northernmost part of the island chain and is renowned as the Dive Capital of the World.)

Set for Saturday, Oct. 29, the contest is now in its 24th year and features intrepid “artists” descending approximately 25 feet beneath the surface. Their task: transform orange pumpkins into masterful sculptures incorporating frightening facial features, playful denizens of the sea or traditional toothy grins.

As well as design challenges, participants must contend with two other elements. First, hollow pumpkins are naturally buoyant. In other words, they tend to float — which means subsea sculptors must work with a potentially moving target AND keep it from drifting away.

Second, as seasoned pumpkin carvers know, hollowing out the gourds’ interior reveals seeds and stringy “guts.” These float too, and often attract quick-swimming reef fish that move in for a closer look and a nibble on the intriguing tidbits — so dodging finned “spectators” becomes part of the artistic process.

Each year, however, the pumpkin carvers not only persevere but report having a great time — competing to craft the most innovative creations to win prizes and bragging rights.

Previous years’ pumpkin entries have featured everything from traditional triangle eyes and toothless grins to shark-mouthed sneers, dolphin silhouettes and many other sea creatures. One crafty past competitor even came up with a “fishy” skeleton.

Certified divers can join in the Oct. 29 competition with Amoray Dive Resort, located at mile marker 104.5 in Key Largo. The two-location dive includes tanks, weights and a pumpkin ready for carving. Reservations are an absolute MUST.

Once the carving is complete, the top pumpkin chosen by the experienced judges (who double as the crew of the Amoray Diver dive boat) earns its creator a complimentary dive trip for two.

If you’re an advanced- or wreck-certified diver, Key Largo waters also offer another one-of-a-kind underwater adventure: the chance to dive on the 510-foot U.S. Navy ship Spiegel Grove, the world’s third-largest ship ever intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef. The vessel has enthralled trained divers since June 2002, when the Key Largo community rallied to sink it as the backbone of a new reef ecosystem.

Designed to carry cargo and craft for amphibious landings, the Spiegel Grove operated from 1956 until its decommissioning in 1989, and helped enforce America’s Cold War strategy by rushing troops and equipment to support friendly governments.

Today, the venerable vessel rests in 130 feet of water about six miles off Key Largo. Enveloped by delicate corals and invertebrates, the top deck is about 60 feet below the ocean’s surface.

The ship is so wide that, on many days, the view of the superstructure will fade into a green-blue abyss. On the clearest days, however, the sandy bottom is visible.

For wreck divers who intend to enter the upper deck areas of the Spiegel Grove (which were specially prepared to lessen the risk of such activity), knowledge and proof of certifications regarding diving in overhead environments is required.

Whether you’re coming to the Florida Keys to carve a pumpkin underwater, explore a unique reef ecosystem or embark upon an only-in-the-Keys shipwreck dive, you’ll find plenty of professional dive operators to help you immerse yourself in the underwater realm. For more information, just click here.

One October in Key West, I spotted a dog impersonating an iguana. A man garbed like King Tut strolling down the street beside a mermaid wearing sequined gauze and seashells. Five slightly intoxicated guys in pink tutus and bushy beards. Two bewildered goldfish (you might ask how a goldfish can look bewildered, but these did!) swimming atop a pseudo coral reef made out of reef-printed shower curtains. And so much more that it defies description.

You guessed it … Fantasy Fest was underway.

I have a strong affection for Fantasy Fest. It’s an extravagant display of Key West’s creativity, individuality and flamboyant spirit — where people of all ages, shapes and levels of attractiveness can “play dress up” and feel great doing it.

The over-the-top 10-day festival is internationally recognized for its elaborate costume competitions, live music and theater shows, masquerade parties and lavish grand parade featuring motorized floats and exotically attired marching groups. There’s even a costume contest for pets (where I encountered those bewildered goldfish).

Each year, a different theme provides inspiration for costumes and floats. Fantasy Fest 2022 takes place Oct. 21-30, themed “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” (and believe me, a lighthearted dollop of “chaos” is not unlikely).

Participants are encouraged to draw costume ideas from the festival theme, portraying characters inspired by favorite cartoons and television or film productions with a cult following. Influences might include animated offerings like “Family Guy” or “Underdog,” or Hollywood classics like “Mad Max” or “Pulp Fiction.”

The fun begins Friday, Oct. 21, with the “Thanks for the Memories” Royal Coronation Ball to crown the Fantasy Fest king and queen, held at the Truman Waterfront’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Aspiring royals earn their titles by raising funds for the Florida Keys’ A.H. of Monroe organization.

Key West’s Bahamian roots are celebrated that weekend with Friday and Saturday’s family-friendly Goombay street party in historic Bahama Village. Attractions include nonstop live music, food and a spirited salute to the cultural connection between Key West and the Bahamas.

And on Sunday “zombies” are to prowl the island streets, when the Zombie Bike Ride gives a pedal-powered twist to ghoulish fare ranging from Bela Lugosi films to television’s “The Walking Dead.”

Subsequent festival highlights include Wednesday’s Pet Masquerade, where costumed dogs, cats, birds and more prance across the stage at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. You’ll find people dressed as animals and animals dressed as people during this family-style evening of engaging antics.

Contestants might impersonate Scooby Doo and his cohorts, cartoon feline Garfield, a flock of Angry Birds or even the fantastic Wallace and Gromit of British film fame.

Thursday brings the lavish Headdress Ball, also at the amphitheater, featuring prizes for the best masks and headdresses. Typically sporting feathers, glitter and glitzy accessories, many entries tower above their wearers’ heads in a fine display of design artistry.

The cartoon chaos takes to the streets Friday, Oct. 28, during the Captain Morgan Masquerade March, sometimes called the locals’ march for the large number of Florida Keys residents that participate each year — sharing their costuming creativity and party-loving spirit with visiting festival fans. Together, the vividly garbed marchers promenade from Key West’s Frances Street to an after-party at the Green Parrot Bar on Whitehead Street.

Other scheduled standouts include the mini-but-mighty “Smallest Parade in the Universe,” tutu and toga parties, multigenre musical salutes, themed costume contests and the fun-filled Fantasy Market at Truman Waterfront Park.

The festivities will be most spectacular, however, during the Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade, when brilliantly-conceived floats travel Key West’s downtown streets to the cheers of some 60,000 spectators. Walking groups dressed in bright robes and feathers add fire and color to the procession — as do the cleverly costumed revelers gleefully following the floats.

All reflecting the event’s freewheeling creativity, they start at Whitehead and Southard streets, travel down Whitehead toward the Gulf of Mexico, turn onto Front Street and then proceed along Duval Street to the Atlantic Ocean.

Past parade showstoppers have included a “living orchestra” of instruments conducted by an oversized Mozart replica, a prehistoric “Flintstones” ensemble and a massive dragon float and marchers saluting television’s epic “Game of Thrones.”

Whether you’re heading to Key West for Fantasy Fest 2022, planning to glimpse events from home via social media and webcams, or already vowing not to miss next year’s fun, enjoy a full-scale festival preview by clicking here.

The community of Marathon, located in the Middle Florida Keys, features wonderful wildlife rehabilitation facilities, a lively performance theater and a variety of cozy inns, luxury resorts, waterside vacation homes, RV parks, marinas and casual dining emporiums.

When you visit the Middle Keys, you’ll also find creative spaces, natural attractions, scenic parks, trails, sightseeing spots and historic sites that make for an appealing blend of heritage, culture and nature. For example …

Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trail. Recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 63.5-acre tract at 5550 Overseas Highway (mile marker 50.5) is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Florida Keys — it even contains evidence of prehistoric Indian artifacts, and once was the site of a Bahamian village. The attraction’s on-site Adderly House, built in 1904 as a classic Bahamian-style home, is the oldest Keys house outside of Key West (and it’s listed on the National Register too).

Also on-site stands a bright-red Florida East Coast Railway train car, located at the site of Marathon’s original train station, and the Crane House that dates back to 1954. The Crane House, renovated in late 2021, is the Keys’ first venue outside of Key West to earn the Historic Florida Keys Foundation star designation. Surrounding the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and the Florida Keys Children’s Museum are a kayak launch, shaded nature trails and natural habitat for birds and butterflies. Ask about the completely unique “fish pedicure” — you’ll be glad you did!

Marathon Wild Bird Center. Within Crane Point’s captivating flora is the small facility whose volunteers and local veterinarians have rescued or protected an amazing 22,000-plus wild birds such as hawks, ospreys, spoonbills and egrets. Injured birds are nursed back to health and released. Visitors not only help this very worthy center by exploring, but also support efforts through donating medical supplies including bandages and tapes, bird carriers, fresh fish and bird food (as well as money).

Marathon Community Theatre. Started as a small community group in 1944, the theater has grown to perform many shows each year — all spotlighting a talented group of local residents. Comedies, musicals, dramatic presentations and readings are offered at the popular spot, with most productions staged between October and April (“The Rocky Horror Show” debuts Oct. 27). The theater is located at 5101 Overseas Highway, mile marker 49.5 oceanside.

Old Seven Mile Bridge. Enjoy one of the Middle Keys’ most iconic experiences: cycle, walk, run, rollerblade, view marine life and watch sunrises and sunsets along a 2.2-mile section of the famed Old Seven Mile Bridge. The venerable old bridge, originally the centerpiece of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad that was completed in 1912, parallels a contemporary bridge that’s part of the Keys’ Overseas Highway. Nicknamed “Old Seven,” the oft-photographed 2.2-mile span reopened to pedestrian recreation in January 2022 after a multiyear restoration. Essentially a linear park, it’s the gateway to historic Pigeon Key.

Pigeon Key. Lying beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge at mile marker 44.8, Pigeon Key formerly served as a camp for laborers constructing the iconic bridge. The tiny island now features a museum, offers opportunities to picnic and snorkel, and hosts a marine science research program for school-age children. Daily tours are available. Reach Pigeon Key by walking or bicycling the Old Seven Mile Bridge, or by riding the recently launched visitor tram designed to resemble a train.

Shady Palm Art Gallery & Photography. Savor a leisurely exploration of this one-stop-shop emporium located at 2888 Overseas Highway. Owners Barry and Lori Gaukel feature only Keys artists, artisans and creative minds in the spacious gallery and gift shop. Each of over 50 local artists creates bold, unique pieces that include paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery, woodcarving, coconut art and much more. Shady Palm is the perfect place to purchase a memento to remember your Middle Keys visit.

Want to discover more enticing attractions in Marathon and the Middle Keys? Just click here and then start planning your visit!

Whether you’re a shipwreck fan, treasure seeker or history buff — or simply enjoy fascinating tales of real-life adventure — you should definitely be in Key West Sept. 2-6.

Why? To help commemorate the 400th anniversary of the sinking of the Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

The Atocha sank during a September 1622 hurricane in the Florida Straits southwest of Key West, where it remained until its discovery by shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher and his crew in 1985.

They uncovered the priceless “main pile” of the Atocha’s treasure and artifacts after an exhaustive 16-year search. Underwater archaeologists and divers recovered quantities of gold and silver coins and bars, contraband emeralds, religious and secular jewelry, cannons and other weapons, pottery and rare navigational instruments from the Atocha site.

The discovery was internationally hailed as the shipwreck find of the 20th century. The salvage team, which included Mel’s wife Deo and their children, was nicknamed the “golden crew.”

In September 2022, history and shipwreck buffs can mark the historic anniversary with cultural and adventure-filled events featuring members of the Fisher family and the fabled crew.

The Sept. 2-6 commemoration, called Mel Fisher Days, takes place at a number of Key West locations. It honors the legacy of Mel Fisher as well as the Atocha and other vessels from Spain’s 1622 fleet that were lost in the Florida Straits.

An opening ceremony and Atocha-themed film screening are set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Key West’s Tropic Cinema. Events are to be guided by Kim Fisher and Taffi Fisher Abt, son and daughter of the late Mel and Deo, who are carrying on the family’s shipwreck searches and heritage.

On Saturday, dive and treasure enthusiasts can meet members of the “golden crew” during a late afternoon gathering and charity fundraiser at the Schooner Wharf Bar, a waterfront watering hole and traditional hangout for the Fisher team.

(Charity fundraising, by the way, is a vital part of Mel Fisher Days. To date, the annual celebration has raised nearly $175,000 for organizations devoted to children and their health and wellbeing.)

Highlights of the Schooner Wharf gathering include the debut and book signing of “Today’s the Day — The Mel Fisher Story” by veteran Florida Keys journalist Wendy Tucker, who helped tell the world about the Atocha find. The presentation of the prestigious Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award, plus auctions, games and contests round out the attractions.

Mel Fisher Days’ centerpiece is Sunday’s daylong 1622 Fleet 400th Anniversary Speakers Symposium at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. Noted experts on the Atocha and 1622 fleet will share insights on topics including the fleet’s storied history, marine archaeology, shipwreck artifact conservation and the latest research on the tens of thousands of silver coins recovered from the Atocha. And attendees won’t want to miss Taffi Fisher Abt’s personal presentation titled “Living the Dream.”

That evening, ticket holders can join the Fisher family and the symposium speakers for a banquet on the hotel beach.

Events Monday, Sept. 5, include an all-day Fisher family meet-and-greet and book signing at Mel Fisher’s Shipwreck Treasures on Duval Street. Featured author Wendy Tucker will be joined by nearly a dozen other treasure-related authors during the day — including internationally acclaimed shipwreck coin expert Carol Tedesco.

The commemoration concludes Tuesday, Sept. 6, after the unveiling and installation of a memorial plaque at Key West’s Mallory Square. The plaque salutes the spirit of adventure displayed by Mel Fisher and his “golden crew,” and honors those who died when the 1622 vessels sank exactly four centuries before.

Don’t miss the opportunity to mark the 400th anniversary of an iconic moment in Key West history — and pay tribute to one of the island’s legendary characters. For a complete schedule of Mel Fisher Days events, click here.

There’s a new “Papa” Hemingway in the island city where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived for most of the 1930s. White-bearded Floridian Jon Auvil won the 2022 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the undisputed highlight of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration.

Hemingway Days salutes the vigorous lifestyle and literary legacy of the Nobel Prize-winning author, who wrote enduring classics including “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “To Have and Have Not” during his Key West years.

It was Jon Auvil’s eighth attempt at winning the Look-Alike title, and it wasn’t an easy victory. But ultimately, after two preliminary rounds and the hard-fought finals, the 65-year-old real estate attorney from Dade City triumphed over 124 other entrants.

Look-Alike contenders were judged by past contest winners at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the famed Duval Street saloon where Hemingway and his cohorts frequently gathered.

Crowds of spectators cheered enthusiastically for their favorites as the entrants paraded onstage at the bar and took turns speaking. Most tried to emulate the author in his later-years “Papa” persona with full beards, rugged demeanors and the sportsman’s garb or heavy wool sweaters associated with him.

Some performed song parodies designed to demonstrate their worthiness to win. One finalist even accompanied himself on a harmonica as he sang a Hemingway-themed spoof of the 1982 classic “Bad to the Bone.”

Many “aspiring Ernests” have competed for years, likening the annual July contest to a reunion with good friends. Some are drawn as much by the brotherhood that exists among the “Papas” as the chance to win. Look-Alike wives generally reunite with their fellow “Mamas” in Key West as well.

The closeness of their bond was illustrated by the heavy cream-colored sweater Jon wore when he won, and the poignant story behind it. The sweater belonged to Bob Doughty, the 2005 Look-Alike Contest winner, who passed away several years ago. His widow Randy chose Jon to wear Bob’s “Hemingway sweater” — and he believes it helped propel him to victory.

“It helped me because of the lady who honored me with her decision for me to wear it,” Jon said. “She sat there and watched me win this tonight in her late husband Bob’s sweater.”

As well as appearance, Jon said he shared other traits with Ernest Hemingway including a love of fishing. He admitted he has also tried his hand at writing fiction and a bit of nonfiction.

“Of course, every man wants to write like Hemingway,” Jon said. “He represents a lot — romance, masculinity, sports, love of the sea, love of a woman, love of children … life.”

Speaking of writing, the new “Papa” wasn’t the only winner during Hemingway Days. Nick Henke of St. Louis, Missouri, earned top honors in the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, a literary highlight held in conjunction with the festival.

His accomplishment was announced during Hemingway Days’ traditional evening of prose and poetry readings; his story titled “A Lot of Carrefours” was chosen over 775 other American and international submissions.

Lorian Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s author granddaughter, has spearheaded the literary competition since it began some 40 years ago. Nick’s story impressed the judges, she explained, in part for its lack of artifice, ability to depict vulnerability and brilliant ending.

“It’s an excellent piece of writing — very nuanced and intelligent — and there’s a lot of heart in it that is understated, but clearly present,” Lorian said.

Sincere congratulations to Jon Auvil and Nick Henke — one who shares “Papa’s” appearance and passion for fishing, and one who shares his talent for crafting important stories.

For those who weren’t in Key West for this year’s Hemingway Days (or who were, and want to return), Hemingway Days 2023 is scheduled July 18-23.