Tourism

FWC 2008 Lobster Report is In… Florida Keys Rules!

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Fish & Wildlife Research Institute

Summary Report of the 2008-2009 Recreational Spiny Lobster Fishing Season

Dear recreational lobster fisher,

Thank you for your participation in recreational lobster fisher surveys for the 2008-2009 fishing season. You indicated on your questionnaire that you were interested in receiving a summary of the results of these surveys.  We are providing you with the information we collected from more than 2,400 recreational lobster license holders who responded to our surveys about the 2008 Special Two-Day Sport Season and the first month of the regular recreational lobster fishing season. Read more…

Giant Islamorada Lobster “Betsey” May Return Soon

Internships at History of Diving Museum in Islamorada

Islamorada, Fla. — The History of Diving Museum is looking for enthusiastic and energetic students or recent graduates to engage in a hands-on summer internship at this young and vibrant museum. Interns receive valuable on-the-job training and real world experience while having fun in the beautiful Florida Keys. While internships are unpaid, housing may be available.

Internships are available in the following areas: marketing, public relations, education, non-profit administration, photography/videography, collections management, research, library/archives.

Interns may choose one or more area of interest, and will work with museum staff to establish meaningful projects to complete during a specified period of time. Since this is a small organization, the intern will be intimately involved with leadership, including the executive director and board president/museum co-founder.

The History of Diving Museum contains approximately 3,000 sqare feet of interactive exhibits covering 4,000 years of diving history including ancient diving machines, the world’s largest collection of diving helmets, and armored diving suits for deep sea exploration.

For more information, please contact Erin Wolfe at the History of Diving Museum at 305-664-9737.

Florida House Bill 883 – Vacation Rentals

This Bill would end local Florida governments’ authority to regulate transient rentals, allowing property owners to rent their homes by the day, week, month or year.

SUMMARY ANALYSIS

The bill combines the classifications in chapter 509, F.S., of resort condominiums and resort dwellings as „vacation rentals.? „Vacation Rental? is defined as “any unit or group of units in a condominium, cooperative, or timeshare plan or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family dwelling house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment.”

The bill provides that vacation rentals are deemed residential property and prohibits local governments from prohibiting vacation rentals or treating them differently from other residential property based on their classification, use, or occupancy. This would remove authority for local governments to ban or restrict vacation rentals.

You can read more on this bill here -> rentals

State Parks May be Closed – Key Largo Hammock – Lignumvitae Key & Windley Key Fossil Reef

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to close 53 state parks, three of which are in the Upper Keys, to save $6.5 million as part of the governor’s effort to avoid a $4 billion shortfall in the upcoming budget.

Among them are the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, both in Islamorada.  ”These parks were chosen based on their visitation numbers during fiscal year 2009-10,” according to FDEP spokesperson Kristen Lock. “They reflect the parks with the lowest visitation that do not offer camping or other overnight accommodations.”

Although the state said the closures would save money, Audubon of Florida said the immediate cost savings would come at a high cost.  ”Florida’s special places are vital to both our ecology and our economy,” said Julie Wraithmell, director of wildlife conservation for Audubon. “Our state parks and other public lands are the backbone of our tourist economy. Sixty-five percent of Florida tourists report that they enjoy nature-based activities when they visit.”

Some local business organizations agree.  ”That would be a huge mistake,” said Jackie Harder, president of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. “These parks provide our visitors with land-based activities when diving and other boating activities are not available. As well, all three places are showcases of the Florida Keys’ environment.”

Judy Hull, executive director of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, said closing the parks would diminish Islamorada’s attractions. ”It would affect us because state parks are attractions people care for,” she said.  A deputy secretary of the DEP confirmed to a legislative committee that the closures might not save money in the long run.

“I think it is a fair characterization to say the [economic] impact [lost to local communities] would far exceed the savings [to the state budget],” said Jennifer Fitzwater, DEP’s deputy secretary for policy and planning.  A 2008 DEP study found that for every 1,000 people attending a state park, the total direct impact on the local economy was more than $43,000. The impact comes from fuel, food and lodging, among other things, according to Audubon.

“I oppose [the closures],” said state Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West. “When the economy is suffering why would the state eliminate parks and attractions that generate money? It’s a stupid move.”

Saunders suggested the proposal may be part of “a budget game” where cuts are often recommended that prove not to be politically feasible.

“I don’t think they’ll close [the parks],” he said.  The legislative session where the proposal would be vetted begins March 8.

Islamorada resident Elizabeth Jolin, who took her family to the Windley Key park recently, was so incensed when she learned of the potential closing that she said she would write to the governor and DEP.

“What a beautiful resource Windley Key is,” she said. “The reason people come here is not to stay in a hotel room. We have to protect our resources. It’s what we’re about here.”

Melba Nezbed, manager of the Windley Key and Lignumvitae parks, and Pat Wells, manager of the Dagny Johnson park, declined to comment and deferred questions to the state’s official spokesperson in Tallahassee.

FDEP spokesperson Lock stated that “during development of the legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2011-12 all state agencies were asked to submit plans to reduce their annual operating budgets by 15 percent. … Gov. [Rick] Scott has not released his recommended budget and the Legislature has not acted on the … budget yet, so the proposed closures are still just that, proposed.”

The list of all 53 parks subject to closure can be seen at flconservation@audubon.org.

’60s Flash Back Party 1-15-11 Key Largo Lions Club

For those old enough to remember the 1960s and for those who wonder what all the fuss was about, mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 15.

The Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation will sponsor a 60’s-themed party and dinner dance to raise money for acquisition of a community events venue.

“Big Daddy” Joe Marcum brings his musical riffs and organizers plan a 60’s costume contest along with a dance-off. “So grab your tie die, your hippy gear or Beatle suit and head out to boogie down,” Sue Finney wrote to promote the event.

This is the second fund-raiser hosted by the foundation, following the Lobster Luau held last August.

Doors at the Key Largo Lions Club open at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 with a fish fry dinner donated by Key Largo merchants and hosted by Scott Stoky and the Florida Keys Youth Sports Foundation.

The fish fry will serve from 7-8:30 p.m., followed by a live auction.

Capt. Skip Bradeen, Spencer Slate and retired meteorologist Don Noe will serve as celebrity judges for the costume and dance competitions.

Finney said net proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation’s drive to acquire a community events field and to fund the trailhead for the “All American Highway” project on U.S. 1 in the Upper Keys.

“The goal is for these projects to be independent from county government,” Finney said.

Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door (include dinner and entertainment). Tickets are available at TIB mile marker 100 oceanside; First State Bank branch, next to Publix in Tradewinds Plaza; the Key Largo Chamber office at mile marker 106 bayside and the Islamorada Chamber office at mile marker 83.2 bayside.

For more information, call 394-3736 or log on to www.60sflashbackparty.com

Gov. OKs Free Saltwater Fishing Weekends

Gov. Charlie Crist is offering two free fishing weekends to help draw visitors to the states beaches.  Both residents and tourists can fish for saltwater species around the state without a license from today to Monday, and on June 5 and 6.

All other fishing rules apply. Bookings have declined since the Gulf oil spill started on April 20, though oil has not directly impacted the state so far. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is monitoring the situation and potential impacts to the states fish and wildlife, said Chairman Rodney Baretto. Fishing organizations are concerned about inaccurate perceptions and want to get the message out that the industry is open for business. Go to http://www.MyFWC.com/Fishing to learn more.

via Mile Markers | KeysNews.com.

Key West Casa Marina Resort Tops List of Best U.S.Budget Resorts

Forget everything you thought you knew about resorts. These 10 escapes deliver thrilling activities, plush amenities, and sweeping views, from $119 a night.

Casa Marina Resort

The 311-room beachfront Casa Marina is in tropical, laid-back Key West, Fla., where Ernest Hemingway bummed around in the 1930s (The Old Man and the Sea is based on his experiences here).The historic resort, built in the 1920s, hosts the largest private beach on Key West, a sinewy strand of white sand over 1,000 feet long. Book a day of water sports—which range from snorkeling with dolphins at a nearby coral reef to jetting around on WaveRunners—or relax in a cabana by one of the two oceanfront pools. On-site Spa al Mare offers treatments like the full-body Sun Soother Water Lily Mask, which soothes sunburned or windburned skin with naturally hydrating water lily oil. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (admission $12) is a 10-minute walk—see the house & original furnishings from Paris, the $20,000 pool, and 60 cats, some with six toes on one paw, descendants of Hemingway’s beloved litter.

All-inclusive? No.
On the beach? Yes.
Price From $149.

via Best U.S.Budget Resorts.

Florida Keys Events for January 2010

1/7-1/10             28th Annual Key West Literary Seminar, 888-293-9291

1/15-1/16            50th Annual Key West Historic Home & Garden Tours, 305-294-9501

1/15-1/17            NAMSA North American Championship Open Cat Nationals,Islamorada, 305-451-3287

1/16                       No Name Race, Big Pine/Lower Keys, 305-743-5452

1/16                       Art Under the Oaks, Islamorada

1/16                       5th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival, Bayview Park, 872-9026

1/18-1/22            Premier Racing Key West Yacht Race Week, 781-639-9545

1/21-1/23            Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, 305-451-5094

1/23                       6th Annual Big Pine Nautical Flea Market, 305-872-2411

1/23                       Moradapalooza, Islamorada, 305-395-6344

1/23                       Ann McKee Artists Fund Auction, East Martello Museum, Key West

1/28-1/31            Key West Food & Wine Festival, 305-292-1622

1/30                       January Jamboree, Marathon, 305-743-4971

1/30-1/31            Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival

1/30-1/31            25th Annual Key West Craft Show, 305-294-1241

1/31                        Key West Master Chefs Classic, 305-294-9526, ext. 25

1/31                        12th Annual Key West Half Marathon, 305-296-7182

via Florida Keys Events for January 2010 | Florida Gulf Vacations Blog.

5 Great Florida Keys Hotels You Don’t Want to Miss

By Gail Nettles

Florida Keys hotels rank among the worlds finest when it comes to style, design, value for money. The quality customer service welcomes you and attends to your every need during your stay. There is something for everyone here, whether you are after glitz and glamor or just quality at affordable prices.

So, where to stay in this tropical paradise? Here is a hand-picked selection of what is available for you to enjoy.

Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
This resort sits in the middle of 60 acres of mangrove forest and it has some lovely nature trails in the grounds, which appeal to both children and adults. It has its own small private beach, perfect if you want to keep a close on the little ones. The suites are of a high standard and generous size.

The Mariner’s Resort Villas & Marina, Key Largo
The Mariner’s has an oceanfront position and offers gated security. It is close to some of the award winning restaurants on the island, but you can also cook up your own tasty barbecue on one of the many grills that are located around the resort for you to use. The lagoon style swimming pool here is the largest in the Florida Keys.

Banana Bay Resort & Marina, Marathon
The Banana Bay hotel is located on the sunset gulf side of Marathon. It is situated amid beautifully maintained tropical gardens, which are home to a great variety of birds. You can see and hear these colourful birds singing during the day. They offer a delicious complimentary breakfast, every morning by the pool.

The Southernmost in Key West
The Southernmost is a lovely small quite hotel, but is located slap bang in the middle of Key West old town on Duval Street. You could not be more immersed in Key West life. The hotel is a great base to explore the old town. Even though it is centre town, the hotel does have two small pools. If you really want to get down with locals then staying here will give you a genuine Key experience.

Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, Key West
The Casa Marina is one of the original Florida Keys hotels and one of the greats. It is listed on the Register for Historic Places and offers something special and different. There isn’t anything that this hotel does not have. A fine grand dining room, bars overlooking the ocean and the rooms are simply stunning.

You Know Where to Stay — Here’s What to Do! Now that you know some places you can stay in the Florida Keys, what about finding things to do? There are beaches, parks, attractions and diving, to name just a few. Did you know that scuba diving Key Largo is totally awesome? And what about those Key West beaches! And shopping! And more!

There lots and lots to do in the Florida Keys, and here’s some free information (not to mention neat photos) to get you started on your Florida Keys vacation. Come on down! We’d love to have you visit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Nettles

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