1 Alabama Jack’s, Key Largo

The ideal place to start a road trip and get some Florida Keys attitude; it’s located on Card Sound Road, a toll-road through the mangrove swamps from Homestead to the Florida Keys. Alabama Jack’s sprawls along the side of the highway, built on pilings over a waterway lined with wobbly floating docks. It serves great conch fritters, sweet potato fries, grouper sandwiches and crab cakes.
• Mile marker 99.4, 58000 Card Sound Road, Key Largo, +1 305 248 8741, southflorida.menupages.com/restaurants/alabama-jacks/menu

2 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Photograph: Image Source / Rex Features

This park in Key Largo is popular for snorkelling trips that head to the reefs every day (below left). The reefs are too far to reach by swimming, but you can also snorkel from the manmade Cannon Beach towards remnants of a shipwreck that have been placed 30 metres from the shore. You can rent all the gear you need.
• Mile marker 102.8, floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/

3 Robbie’s of Islamorada

Photograph: Alamy

The big draw at Robbie’s Marina, which organises snorkelling and fishing charters, is the chance to see huge tarpon swim around the dock in clear water only a few feet deep. You pay $1 to go out on the dock and it’s $3 for a bucket of fish pieces to toss (or hand-feed if you dare) to them.
• Mile marker 77.5+1 305 664 8070, robbies.com

4 Pigeon Key

Photograph: Alamy

This little island (above), surrounded by dazzling blue water, is a singular place with beauty and history. Take a boat tour from Knights Key to hear the story of the ill-fated railroad Henry Flagler started in 1908. Here you also stroll on the landmark Old

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2013/apr/27/florida-keys-overseas-highway

What a difference a few weeks can make. Warm temperatures finally arrived here in the Upper Keys, heating up the bite both offshore and in the backcountry.

Rockin’ the dock this past week was Capt. Jon Reynolds and his crew aboard the Drop Back out of the Post Card Inn at Holiday Isle in Islamorada, coming back to the dock with lots of color in his coolers. He reported a great bite of gaffer dolphin and wahoo caught just off the reef line, mostly with live cigar minnows and ballahoo slow trolled on flat lines.

While the dolphin filled the coolers, the sailfish bite provided the excitement with one trip producing three sails brought to the boat and released. In addition to the sails were plenty of kingfish, blackfin tuna, and nice-sized mutton snappers caught in the same areas, again with live baits.

Off Key Largo, Capt. Chan Warner aboard the Gulfstream out of the Key Largo Fisheries has seen a big difference in the bite since the water temperatures heated up. Last year about this time Capt. Chan was up to his eyebrows in spawning mutton snapper, but this year the spawn seems to be a little late with most muttons caught in there pre-spawn phase. What has been spawning has been the yellowtail snapper caught in 105 to 125 feet, either during the day or night currently while sandballing baits in a heavy chum slick. On a recent trip Capt. Chan reported catching 102 yellowtail all over 2 pounds and several larger ones, in addition to lots of good-sized grouper, which had to be released until May 1.

If you have been fishing the bayside this past week, you have noticed that the spring mullet run has arrived. Huge schools of mullet are everywhere and are hard to miss. Along with the mullet are lots of big jack crevalle crashing into schools in just about every creek and channel from Ocean Reef to Islamorada. Top water lures will not be ignored when thrown into showering bait schools of mullet; along with the jacks have been lots of sharks and tarpon, all looking

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.keysnet.com/2013/04/18/486494/the-water-is-heating-up-and-so.html

May has finally arrived and the fishing could not be better here in the Upper Keys. Anglers from all over the world flock to the Keys for some of the best fishing of the entire year.

Opportunity is the theme of this month as grouper come back into season and the tarpon are being caught on the oceanside, bayside, and at the bridges; there is truly something for everyone during the month of May.

Out in the deep there has been lots of action to be had as the water temperatures heat up and the bite turns on. Fishing out of the Ocean Reef Club aboard the War Bird, Capt. Dana Banks has been quite busy putting his clients on an exciting variety of species this past week. A good push of sailfish combined with some Northeast winds made for the perfect conditions to allow sight fishing for sailfish as they tailed on the surface just off the reef. Pitching live baits like blue runners, cigar minnows, sardines, and ballyhoo made for some exciting takes and sensational fights on light tackle.

Capt. Dana even stated that several other boats were reporting double-digit releases. When the sailfish action slowed, the War Bird would head into deeper water in search of the great dolphin bite that has been really dependable as of late. While dragging lures and feathers caught the smaller dolphin, the bigger ones were found under frigate birds. For this Capt. Dana had his mates pitching live baits, which produced several fish up to 40 pounds in addition to some sizable blackfin tunas.

If you have been around a boat ramp, bait store or marina this past week, then you have heard the word tarpon. The return of the silver king has anglers giddy with excitement. Around the bridges the double top-secret bait of choice has been live mullet that can be bought from local bait boats, stores and marinas if you don’t have the time or ability to catch them yourself.

The rig of choice for most is 20- to 30-pound braided

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.keysnet.com/2013/05/02/486751/may-marks-the-arrival-of-the-silver.html

From a film festival to a fundraising marathon, Key Largo has a lot on the calendar for May, and this Dolphins Cove hotel is the best location from which to experience it all.

Key Largo accommodations welcome film fans, stars and more to the inaugural Bogart Film FestiVal May 2^nd through the 5^th. Created by Stephen Bogart, the only son of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, the festival is a must for fans of both the movie star couple and classic cinema.

Hosting the festival in Key Largo isn’t a coincidence; the town starred in the 1948 Bogart-Bacall thriller Key Largo. The first-annual festival will focus on film noir, screening works of Bogart as well as classic noirs from the 1940s to the present. Of course it wouldn’t be a Bogart film festival without showing Casablanca and The African Queen. For a full list of screenings, many of which will take place outside under the stars, visit http://bogartfilmfestival.com/.

Later in the month, May 17^th through the 18^th, this hotel near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will host supporters and runners of the 6^th annual Keys100. The marathon starts in Key Largo and travels to Key West, all in support of the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys. Individual runners will compete in 50- and 100-mile races, while six-runner teams will compete in a 100-mile relay race. Last year drew more than 900 participants, and this year expects to exceed 1,200. For details on the race, visit www.keys100.com/.

Get more information about where to stay in Key Largo, by visiting the Courtyard Key Largo online. Browse photos and special offers, get details about area attractions, plan a trip with maps and transportation information and book individual or group accommodations all on one convenient website.

About the Courtyard Key Largo
The dive capital of the world, Key Largo has a lot to offer, from deep-sea fishing and snorkeling to glass-bottom boats and swimming with dolphins. The Courtyard Key Largo puts all this and

To read the full article:
Article source: http://broadwayworld.com/article/Key-Largo-Accommodations-Welcome-Big-Events-for-May-20130320

This past week was great weather coupled with fantastic fishing all over the place; from the backcountry to the deep, there has been lots of action for everyone.

Capt. Jon Reynolds and his crew aboard the Drop Back out of the Post Card Inn in Islamorada have had their hands full with happy clients and lots of rod bending action. Reynolds is reporting lots of great opportunities just off the reef edge, catching a mixed bag of species like schoolie-size dolphin, nice sized kingfish, a few sailfish, blackfin tuna averaging around 7-10 pounds, and bonitos. Capt. Jon stated that most of his bites were taking place around that magical depth of 150 feet off the reef with live baits like ballyhoo and big pilchards. When the action off the reef slows, Capt Jon has been dropping baits on the Hump off Islamorada for bruiser amberjack that test tackle and anglers’ abilities.

In Key Largo Capt. Justin Hopper aboard the Fantastic II out of the Holiday Inn Marina has been very busy catching big kingfish on light tackle. While catching his bait has been a little work this past week, Capt. Justin says that it was totally worth it. Kingfish around 40 pounds have been producing drag-screaming runs on 30-pound tackle. His bait of choice has been ballahoo and blue runners fished around the local wrecks and ledges. In addition to the kings there has also been a few wahoo caught. When targeting dolphin, the best bite Capt. Justin has encountered has been centered in 100-250 feet of water near weed lines and current rips mostly caught while trolling.

Capt. Chan Warner aboard the party boat Gulfstream based out of the Key Largo Fisheries has been on the hunt for the mutton snapper in 110-150 feet of water. So far the average fish caught is around 10-12 pounds with larger ones caught daily on cut bait like squid and fresh bonito strips. In addition to the muttons, Capt. Chan reported catching lots of groupers, that all have to be released, but provide great action. He also reports an improving bite of yellowtail and mangrove

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.keysnet.com/2013/03/21/485979/warmer-weather-bringing-diverse.html

When looking at quality-of-life projects like restoring the old Seven Mile Bridge or acquiring Rowell’s Marina for public use, keep costs in mind, Monroe County commissioners cautioned their administrator Wednesday.

Administrator Roman Gastesi will be allowed to talk with state officials and property owners to assess costs — but not commit any infrastructure sales-tax money, commissioners decided at their Marathon meeting.

A large contingent of Friends of Old Seven turned out to support the possibility of partnering with the Department of Transportation to split the cost of refurbishing the 2.2-mile stretch of the old Seven Mile to Pigeon Key. Due to structural problems, it’s been closed for years to fishing and autos.

The cost for upgrades has been estimated at $18 million but that does not include potential problems with bridge supports below the waterline.

“That is an iconic structure recognized the world over,” hotelier Pritam Singh said. “I think this project is critical to our future as a tourist destination.”

As for Rowell’s in Key Largo, Jim Saunders said the Key Largo community supports extending the 1-cent sales tax “so there could be some quality-of-life projects for residents.”

The former Rowell’s Marina provides access to Florida Bay and needed space for numerous festivals and civic events, he said.

Gastesi wanted to know if commissioners have a problem with him “investigating further” to see if the popular projects are financially practical.

Commissioner Danny Kolhage said that after paying loans on wastewater systems and other infrastructure projects, there may not be much money left from the tax.

“Where do we stand” with current project costs, Kolhage asked. “How are we going to fit this in?…. We have to get down to the reality of what we can afford.”

Commissioner David Rice said Gastesi should learn more about potential projects. “He’s not spending a nickel,” Rice said.

Commissioner Heather Carruthers and Kolhage both referred to an unreleased state engineering report on the old Seven Mile Bridge that suggests costly problems beyond the upper decking, which has been the only publicly identified problem, but details were not disclosed. Carruthers described the findings as “a little scary.”

In other items Wednesday:

• The board approved new members for

  To read the full article:
  Article source: http://www.keysnet.com/2013/03/23/486000/old-seven-mile-rowells-marina.html

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By SUZETTE LABOY — Associated Press

KEY WEST — The Florida Keys offers every water activity imaginable from sailing to sport fishing. But a fishing charter or snorkeling excursion will cost you.

Fortunately, the Keys, a series of islands spanning more than 100 miles connected by bridges and causeways, offer plenty to do at no cost, from sunset views to nature spots.

Driving the toll-free Florida Keys Overseas Highway south from Florida City to Key West takes about three hours, though you’ll want to stop to sightsee.

But the drive alone is worth the trip: You feel as though you are floating over water as you hop from island to island, with pristine views on either side. It’s also one of the rare places where both sunset and sunrise can be seen over the water, depending on which way you turn your head.

A couple of tips: Bring snorkel and flippers so you don’t have to rent. If you plan a hotel stay, find one that lets guests use kayaks for free. You can fish off the bridges, but you’ll need a license unless you’re here on the state’s two Free Fishing Days, April 6 and June 8.

For more visitor information, download a free Florida Keys iPhone app, or visit www.fla-keys.com.

Here are five places in the Keys with free highlights for each.

Key Largo

If you’re heading south into the Keys from the Miami or Fort Lauderdale areas, Key Largo is the first island you hit.

State parks offer great opportunities for bird watching and nature photography, but many, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, charge entrance fees. So head to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (near Mile Marker 93) to see rescued and rehabilitated wild birds. The bird sanctuary accepts donations but has free admission.

Free brochures guide you through boardwalks surrounded by falcons and other wild birds in cages. Watch out for wild pelicans walking the boardwalk — they won’t bite but they also won’t get out of your way. Cross over the Mangrove Wetland to a beach where birds roam freely.

A bicycle and pedestrian corridor known as the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail starts

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/03/17/4439985/5-free-things-in-florida-keys.html

ORACABESSA BAY, Jamaica –  Mats of algae and seaweed have shrouded the once thick coral in shallow reefs off Jamaica’s north coast. Warm ocean waters have bleached out the coral, and in a cascade of ecological decline, the sea urchins and plant-eating reef fish have mostly vanished, replaced by snails and worms that bore through coral skeletons.

Now, off the shores of Jamaica, as well as in Caribbean islands from Bonaire to St. Croix, conservationists are planting fast-growing coral species to try and turn things around by “seeding” reefs. The strategy has doubters, with one expert joking that prayer might be as effective, but conservationists say the problem is so catastrophic that inaction is not an option. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, live coral coverage on Caribbean reefs is down to an average of just 8 percent, from 50 percent in the 1970s.

Lenford Dacosta grew up in the north Jamaican fishing village of Oracabessa Bay and spear-fished the waters for most of his 46 years. Now he is part of a crew that tends to a small coral nursery in a fish sanctuary, hoping to revitalize the reef that sustained his village, whose shoreline is now dominated by ritzy resorts.

“I used to think that children would only hear about coral reefs and fish in books,” said Dacosta, expressing hope that his work will yield fruit.

Seascape Caribbean, the fledgling company that employs Dacosta and touts itself as the region’s first and only private coral restoration business, uses low-tech coral nurseries consisting of buoys and weights with small fragments of staghorn coral suspended from them on strings. The fragments grow on the strings until bits of tannish coral with the beginnings of antler-like branches are ready to be planted onto reefs. Other specialists grow coral fragments on concrete pedestals placed on the seabed.

Advocates say the reef restoration work, focused on the region’s fast-growing but threatened staghorn and elkhorn coral species, can boost rates of recovery and improve the outlook for coral. The efforts will never resurrect the vibrant reefs of 50 years ago, they acknowledge, but they believe

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/02/26/in-tourism-dependent-caribbean-efforts-to-restore-mostly-dead-coral-reefs/

Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, is home to the red-brick Fort Jefferson. (Randy Wells/Getty)

America’s Sunshine State may be best known for its theme parks, but some of the country’s finest beaches can be found here and its subtropical wildernesses are home to numerous rare birds, mammals and reptiles.

Islands
Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa State Park features 2,500 acres of parkland fronted by nine miles of snow-white beach. Dolphins and manatees frolic in the waters, and the island is rich in birdlife. Come on a day trip or camp overnight (ferry return £16, camping and ferry return £23).

• Related slideshow: The ecology of the Everglades

Despite being just a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island (one of Florida’s most popular beaches), Caladesi Island State Park is secluded and unspoiled. The island has three miles of palm-lined beach, a small marina and a good café. Hire kayaks to explore the mangroves or simply lie on the beach all day. You can’t stay overnight here, it’s day trips only (ferry return £8).

Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100-sq-mile park, 70 miles west of Key West, is mostly open water, with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it’s best known as the home of the red-brick Fort Jefferson, which acted as a prison during the Civil War. There are no services on the island, so you must bring in all supplies for your stay (camping £2 per person, ferry £100 return).

Wildlife
South Florida’s Everglades is a unique subtropical wilderness supporting such rare species as the manatee, bottlenose dolphin, American crocodile and Florida panther. Boardwalks and viewing platforms penetrate the forests and mangroves making it easy to visit the various habitats. Kayaks and canoes are also available to hire (entry with a car £6, with a bike £3).

The 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest is a tangle of springs, sand-pine scrub and subtropical forest that is home to raccoons, flying squirrels, otters and black bears, as well

To read the full article:
Article source: http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20130125-mini-guide-to-natural-florida