Stories from the Keys
History, nature, and know-how from the islands we call home.
Stories from our team in Islamorada — how the Keys were made, what lives in their waters, and how to make the most of your visit.
History
How these islands were made — and the people who made them.
History
Pirates, Shipwrecks, and Salvage in the Florida Keys
Spanish treasure fleets, pirates like Black Caesar, and the wreckers who raced to save them — how shipwrecks shaped the Florida Keys.
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History
The Over-Sea Railroad and the Making of the Florida Keys
Henry Flagler's audacious Over-Sea Railroad reached Key West in 1912 and remade the Florida Keys forever.
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Nature
The ecosystems our mission conserves.
Nature
Why Mangroves Matter in the Florida Keys
The walking trees that built the islands, shelter the fishery, and stand between the Keys and the sea.
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Nature
Lionfish in Florida: Why They’re a Problem and What the Keys Are Doing
An Indo-Pacific invader is eating the reef alive — here's how the Keys are fighting back, one derby and one dinner at a time.
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Nature
Florida Reef Basics for Visitors: What to Know Before Your Snorkel or Dive
The only living barrier reef in North America runs 360 miles past our islands — how to enjoy it and leave it unharmed.
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Nature
Responsible Wildlife Tourism in the Florida Keys
Keep your distance, never feed, and leave the reef untouched — a visitor's guide to wildlife encounters done right.
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Plan your visit
Make the most of your time in the Keys.
Plan your visit
A Travel Guide to the Upper Keys: Where to Go and What to Do
Reefs, state parks, fishing, and history — where to go and what to do from Key Largo through Islamorada.
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Plan your visit
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys?
Peak season, the sweet spot, and hurricane-season deals — when to come to the Keys and what each season brings.
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Plan your visit
Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Florida Keys
Aquariums, state parks, trolley rides, and ice cream — an island-hopping itinerary built for kids.
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From our archive · Summer 2026
Florida Keys Festivals and Events: Summer 2026
Key lime pie contests, Hemingway look-alikes, and lobster season — a look back at Summer 2026 in the Keys.
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