Winter in the Florida Keys & Key West Ushers in Sunny, Breezy Outdoor Experiences

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — Winter may bring snowy or freezing weather to many U.S. locations, but the 125-mile-long Florida Keys island chain ushers in subtropical warmth and a variety of outdoor and cultural activities for visitors.

Keys resorts continue to undergo rebranding, renovations and expansions, adding suites for families that allow social distancing while reconnecting with loved ones.

New seasonal winter flights into Key West include daily nonstop service from Houston on United Airlines, and daily service from Boston, Orlando and … Read the rest

Flagler Award winners for travel marketing and public relations

Keys TDC Earns State Tourism Marketing Awards

Ashley Serrate

TAMPA — The Monroe County Tourist Development Council garnered four top Florida tourism marketing awards conferred Thursday evening during a Flagler Awards ceremony in Tampa.

The event, postponed after the annual Florida Governor’s Conference on tourism was canceled in September due to COVID-19, was a scaled-down gathering with mandated social distancing and facial coverings for about 100 participants.

The TDC was awarded “Henrys” in the print advertising, television advertising and out-of-home categories and for public relations. A silver award was … Read the rest

Florida Keys Officials Urge Visitors to Wear Masks and Follow Health Directives

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — Florida Keys officials and businesses remind visitors that carrying and wearing facial coverings and practicing social distancing continue for the island chain to protect against the spread of coronavirus, despite the easing of some statewide restrictions.

“We ask our visitors to continue protective measures such as wearing facial coverings, social distancing when they are close to others and frequent hand-washing,” said Stacey Mitchell, director of the Florida Keys tourism council. “The beauty of the Keys is that … Read the rest

New Offerings Mean a Relaxing, Fun-Filled Autumn in the Florida Keys & Key West

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — This fall, new offerings greet visitors traveling to the Florida Keys & Key West, with 125 miles of places with wide-open spaces stretching over scenic islands and vistas of turquoise sea and sky.

The Keys continue to evolve with new and upgraded resorts offering an increase in villas, suites and cottage accommodations providing space for social distancing among families and small groups.

Florida Keys tourism officials urge visitors to take personal health responsibility and embrace protective measures … Read the rest

What’s New in the Florida Keys & Key West: Welcome Back and Bring a Mask

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — The Florida Keys & Key West reopened to visitors June 1, with officials urging everyone to take personal health actions to protect against the spread of COVID-19. A Keyswide county ordinance requires that facial coverings must be worn by visitors and residents while in business establishments and other public settings where there is a roof overhead.

The ordinance permits restaurant and bar patrons to remove their masks while seated and eating or drinking. It is not mandated to … Read the rest

Contest Prize Is a Fishing Vacation to Northernmost and Southernmost Points in the U.S.

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS – Anglers can enter to win a two-destination vacation to fish freshwater and saltwater species in the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway” that spotlights recreational angling in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, and the Florida Keys.

The giveaway launched Wednesday as part of a monthlong social media program showcasing the two destinations, which feature iconic “twin buoys” designating the northernmost and southernmost points in the continental United States.

Both locales are characterized by islands, world-class fishing and … Read the rest

Key West International Airport Upgrades Facilities, Gets More Flights

Ashley Serrate

KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West International Airport, serving visitors traveling into the Florida Keys from 13 U.S. cities, is implementing $28 million in upgrades and adding more departure seats.

Renovations include creating a new family restroom and pet relief station, upgrades to existing restrooms, increasing U.S. Customs and Border Protection space and modernizing baggage conveyors.

Airport upgrades also include a runway length and taxiway extension to 5,075 feet long, an overflow aircraft parking ramp, reconfiguration of the fuel truck … Read the rest

New Air Service, Accommodations and Eco-Friendly Activities are What’s New in The Florida Keys & Key West

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — The Florida Keys & Key West continue to unveil new and fully renovated resorts throughout the 125-mile-long island chain. New attractions and initiatives can motivate visitors to connect with and take action to protect the Keys environment, both underwater and on land. On Big Pine Key, the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center is scheduled to open in coming weeks. Key West’s first electric-powered charter boat, SQUID, operated by Honest Eco Sustainable Nature Tours, offers … Read the rest

All-New Accommodations and Offerings Among What’s New in the Florida Keys & Key West

Ashley Serrate

FLORIDA KEYS — New offerings awaiting visitors to the Florida Keys & Key West this fall include mermaid and flamingo adventures, a Keyswide sculpture trail and a marine science experience. In addition, Hawks Cay Resort has reopened after a $50 million refurbishment and the Florida Keys’ largest recreational vehicle resort is once again welcoming visitors. Here’s what’s new:

Keys Accommodations

On Duck Key in the Middle Keys, the 60-acre, 177-room Hawks Cay Resort, a AAA Four Diamond Award–rated and Preferred … Read the rest

Key West’s Exotic Fantasy Fest to Celebrate ‘Games We Play’ Oct. 19-28

Ashley Serrate

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Revelers can expect a “monopoly” on high-energy fun Friday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 28, as Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest puts a playful spin on masking and costuming festivities. The 2018 festival is themed “Oh … The Games We Play!” and features 10 days of masquerade balls, elaborate costume contests, parties and fanciful frolics, all climaxing in a grand parade set for Saturday, Oct. 27.

Event organizers encourage participants to design costumes and parade … Read the rest