For The Locals

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

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,  continues monthly on every third Thursday through May, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. February 19th is the next evening outing.0 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.

Friends of the Library Speaker Series: Join the Friends of the Key West Library in the Palm Garden and listen to author and journalist Mirta Ojito on February 16th. Ojito is a journalist, professor, and author that has worked at the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and The New York Times. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30pm. 

Ed DeMore Memorial Celebration: We invite you to join us Saturday, February 7 at 7pm for one of Ed’s favorite films, Waiting for Superman, followed by a free reception on Hugh’s View. We’ll share food, drink, and stories of our good friend. We hope you’ll join us for the whole evening, but for those unable to attend the screening we expect the reception to start about 9pm. For more details on a remarkable life, click here for the obituary written by Ed’s daughter Catherine.

The Lodging Association Annual Golf Tournament: March 29th at the Key West Golf Club. Click here for more information on sponsoring or having a team play 18 holes for a good cause!

Hosting a community event that locals will love? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com

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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