Local Resources
Local Programs and Resources
Voluntourism: Volunteer in the Florida Keys! “Be local” as a visitor to the Florida Keys and as part of your vacation get involved by giving something back and making the world a better place.
Plastic Free Key West: When you are visiting Key West, you have the power to protect our oceans and waterways from plastic pollution. Plastic Free Key West is a community initiative that celebrates local businesses taking real action to reduce — and ultimately eliminate — single-use plastics.
Skip the Straw: The simplest way to keep plastic out of our ocean? Use less of it. That’s why Reef Relief is collaborating with local businesses to take a stand against single-use plastic straws. By joining the Skip the Straw campaign, businesses shift consumer habits and reduce the demand for unnecessary plastic.
Responsible Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is essential — but the type of sunscreen you use affects more than just your health; it can also harm delicate marine ecosystems like coral reefs. The good news is, you don’t have to choose between your well-being and the environment — by using coral-safe mineral sunscreen or sun-safe alternatives like hats, UPF clothing, and shade, you can do both.
Have a great volunteer opportunity that locals or local businesses should know about? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com
Upcoming Community Events
Free Line Dancing Classes: Monroe County Parks and Beaches will host free line dancing classes at Big Pine Key Community Park every Monday and Wednesday starting Oct. 20. Classes are open to all levels and led by volunteer instructor Maryse Hill. For more info email: ParksandBeachesFun@MonroeCounty-FL.gov
Walk on White Art Celebration: Walk on White, one of Key West’s most popular monthly art strolls, kicks off its 2025/2026 season on October 16 and continues monthly on every third Thursday through May, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Centered along White Street from Southard to United, the event showcases local galleries, studios, and businesses featuring visual art, live performances, creative demos, and refreshments. Now also a platform for supporting local nonprofits, this season’s opening night includes a special performance by the Key West High School Band and a fundraiser raffle benefiting their upcoming trip to Rome. For full event details and participating venues, visit www.WalkOnWhiteKeyWest.com.
Friend of Key West Library Book Sale: Join the Friends of the Key West Library book sale on January 3rd from 10am -1pm. This sale is like none you’ll ever see. Set in the beautiful Library Palm Garden, you will have an opportunity to shop gently loved books at discount prices. Scour the piles of hardcovers and paperbacks as you browse in the shade under a variety of palm trees and our rare, double lime tree. Your money goes to support our non-profit organization, which helps fund our beloved library.
Reef Relief Annual Meeting: Reef Relief’s Annual Meeting takes place January 7, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at the Margaritaville Beach House Resort in Key West, bringing together supporters, scientists, and community members to celebrate Reef Relief’s work and learn about marine conservation efforts in the Florida Keys. The evening includes light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, the organization’s annual report, and guest presentations from Shelly Krueger on sponge restoration and Dr. Kristen Hart on long-term sea turtle research, with an in-person and virtual attendance option available at reefrelief.org.
2nd Annual Community Day at the CFK Upper Keys Center: Excitement is building for our 2nd Annual Community Day at the CFK Upper Keys Center, on Saturday, January 31st, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Community Day serves as an opportunity for the College to collectively thank and celebrate the many members of the vibrant community we serve and rely on. Community Day will feature educational exhibits, the CFK historical exhibit for the College's 60th anniversary, live performances, children’s activities, vendors, free T-shirts, and more. The CFK Upper Keys Center located at 106040 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037.
Hosting a community event that locals will love? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com
Jobs in the Keys
Holiday Specials
Across the Keys, businesses are rolling out holiday deals with festive Christmas menus, prix-fixe meals, and unforgettable New Year’s Eve events, blending tropical flair with seasonal cheer for visitors and locals alike.
A & B Lobster House — Festive holiday menu with seafood and sunset views; New Year’s Eve reservations filling up fast.
Azur Restaurant — Christmas Day brunch; New Year’s Eve brunch and dinner; on-site gift options.
Banana Cafe — Special Christmas Plate ($29); full menu available daily.
Bel Mare Restaurant — New Year’s Eve multi-course coastal Italian dinner ($155 pp).
The Bent Prop — Open New Year’s Eve 3–9 pm with a free glass of bubbly per entrée.
Broil Steakhouse — Christmas Eve regular menu; Christmas Day brunch buffet ($65 pp); New Year’s Eve (by reservation).
Cafe Marquesa — Holiday four-course menus: Christmas Eve & Day ($135 pp) and New Year’s Eve ($175 pp).
Cafe Sole — Christmas Eve & Day (3–10 pm) with slow-roasted goose or prime rib plus limited regular menu.
The Docks Restaurant + Raw Bar — Seafood dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Duffy’s Steak & Lobster House — Open Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day; reservations recommended.
Fausto’s — Holiday pre-order meals (Turkey Dinner, Cuban Pork Dinners for groups).
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery — New Year’s Eve Great Gatsby event with open bar, champagne toasts, live music & DJ.
Flagler’s Restaurant & Dorada at Casa Marina — Christmas Day Buffet ($115 pp; kids $35); New Year’s Eve Midnight on the Beach and other NYE dinner & entertainment options.
Four Flamingos — Christmas Eve & Day menus with live music and chef-driven modern cuisine.
Four Marlins at The Reach — Christmas Eve & Day specials; New Year’s Eve & Day specials and Tide to Table dinner.
Grand Cafe — Christmas Day menu with turkey and ham; New Year’s Eve special menu with two seatings.
Hard Rock Cafe Key West — Breakfast with Santa Dec 20–21 ($24.95 adults, $11.95 kids; bottomless mimosas $15); Christmas Day regular and holiday offerings; Christmas Day buffet dinner ($48.99).
Hot Tin Roof Restaurant — Four-course Christmas Eve & Day dinner ($130 pp); New Year’s Eve dinner ($175 pp).
La Te Da — Holiday specials including festive dishes and New Year’s Eve Champagne Cork Pop! celebration.
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar (The Perry) — Three-course Christmas Eve & Day dinner ($99 pp; kids 10 & under $37); same menu/pricing for New Year’s Eve & Day (12:30–8 pm).
Milagro Restaurant and Bar — Christmas Eve & Day à la carte festive menu; New Year’s Eve prix fixe ($125 pp).
Ocean Grill & Bar — Christmas Day à la carte with holiday favorites + regular menu; New Year’s Eve four-course prix fixe ($135 pp) with free parking.
Sarabeth’s Key West — Regular hours & menu on Christmas Eve & Day plus happy hour; New Year’s Eve three-course dinner ($99 pp with champagne).
Seven Fish — Christmas Eve pre-fixe 3-course menu ($125 pp; reservations open).
Square Grouper Bar and Grill (Cudjoe Key) — New Year’s Eve party with live music and midnight champagne toast.
Tavern N Town — Holiday special menus for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve; late-night happy hour on NYE.
Tempt Restaurant at The Saint Hotel Key West — Christmas Day dinner ($75 pp); New Year’s Eve dinner ($75 pp) with live music, party favors & midnight toast; holiday Sunday brunch specials with optional bottomless mimosas/Bloody Marys.
Know of a business with an amazing local holiday meal within the Florida Keys? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com