Keys Boogie Skydivers to ‘Drop In’ On Marathon Nov. 11-14

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Many visitors land in the Florida Keys by car, boat or plane, ready to enjoy a warm, gentle tropical breeze. But about 250 visitors will feel a 120-mph breeze when the ever-popular Keys Boogie skydiving weekend returns to Marathon.

Set for Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 11-14, the Keys Boogie brings jumpers from Florida and beyond to the Keys to “drop in” on America’s only tropical island chain. The event is to be hosted by Skydive Sebastian, a world-class recreational and educational skydiving center located in Sebastian, Fla.

During the Keys Boogie, nonjumpers interested in the sport can mingle with instructors and experienced skydivers to learn about training and jumping.

In addition, Skydive Sebastian is to offer a tandem skydive program where a newcomer to the sport is strapped to a professional jumpmaster who opens the parachute and guides the jump.

Skydive Sebastian is to bring aircraft including two Super Twin Otters to the event.

The event’s Boogie Dinner and Party is to be held Saturday, Nov. 13, at Coconut Cay Resort, mile marker 50.5 gulfside in Marathon, beginning at about 7 p.m. Nonskydivers can join the party festivities and have dinner for $20 per person.

Registration for the event is $60 for skydivers and includes a Keys Boogie T-shirt and dinner Saturday. Skydivers can register for a single day for $20, but this fee does not include the T-shirt or dinner.

Nonregistered guests are welcome to watch the jumps from one of two drop zones, Sombrero Beach or Marathon Airport, and mingle with jumpers and instructors.

A United States Parachute Association C or D license is required for jumping, except for tandem jumps. All skydivers are required to have flotation devices.

The tandem jump costs $225 and can be booked online at www.skydiveseb.com/events-keys.htm#activities or paid for at the event. Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Contact Skydive Sebastian at 800-399-JUMP (5867) or 772-388-5672 to schedule the jump.

Comprehensive Keys Boogie details can be found at www.skydiveseb.com.

For information about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417 or 1-800-262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West website at www.fla-keys.com.

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