Crab claws and legs on a white plate with dipping sauce

Green Business, Stone Crab & Holiday Season Ahead

October

October has plenty to share: the latest numbers, a brand-new Green Business resource, the final stretch of Keys Season, and plenty of holiday planning already underway. Plus, Stone Crab Season and a sunset celebration are giving visitors even more reasons to explore The Florida Keys.

Crowds walk across the 7 Mile Bridge at sunset for a celebration.

Seven Mile Bridge Sunset Celebration

Join the community this Saturday for the Seven Mile Bridge Sunset Celebration, part of The Florida Keys’ America 250 festivities. From 5 to 7:30 p.m., visitors and residents can gather on the Old Seven Mile Bridge for an evening centered around one of the Keys’ most iconic views. Share the event with guests looking for something special to do this weekend and a uniquely Florida Keys way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

UNWIND Key Season promotion with family walking on a tropical beach.

Keys Season: The Final Month

Keys Season runs through October 31, which means there’s still time to get your business involved. Our campaign continues to drive visitors toward special offers, experiences and reasons to book during the shoulder season, with more than 141,000 impressions since May. If your business has a lodging deal, dining offer, attraction special or other visitor promotion, submit it now so we can help put it in front of travelers looking for more reasons to visit The Florida Keys.

Green Business Page Now websites displayed over solar panels and a green landscape.

Green Business Page Is Live

The new Green Business page is now live, giving visitors an easy way to explore businesses and organizations helping make The Florida Keys a little greener. The page includes an interactive map, descriptions of participating programs and direct links to our partners, foundations and organizations for additional information. It’s a helpful resource to share with guests who ask about sustainable lodging, boating, diving, dining and other environmentally conscious options throughout the Keys.

Thanksgiving feast on a table with turkey, vegetables, pies, and autumn flowers

Thanksgiving Menus Are Out

Spending Thanksgiving in The Florida Keys? We’re gathering holiday menus and dining experiences from restaurants and resorts throughout the island chain. From traditional turkey dinners to waterfront celebrations with a Keys twist, the guide is a great resource to share when visitors ask where they can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without doing the cooking themselves.

Pepperoni pizza with text: “One bite... everyone knows the rules.”

One Bite, Florida Keys Style

One bite, everyone knows the rules. Our latest pizza article brings together Dave Portnoy’s Florida Keys pizza reviews, making it easy for visitors to follow his stops and see how local slices scored. Whether they agree with the reviews or want to create a pizza scorecard of their own, it’s a fun way to inspire a road trip, support local restaurants and taste their way through The Florida Keys.

Stone crab claws served on ice with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Stone Crab Season Is Almost Here

One of the tastiest times of year in The Florida Keys is almost here. Stone Crab Season begins next week, and our guide gives visitors everything they need to know about this local delicacy. Learn why stone crab harvesting is unique, how sustainability plays a role in the fishery, where visitors can experience stone crab through local charters and restaurants, and how to make the classic mustard dipping sauce at home. It’s an easy resource to share when guests ask, “What exactly is a stone crab?”

Scuba diver examines a marine debris collection board underwater, Tourism for Good logo.

Tourism for Good

Tourism does more than bring visitors to The Florida Keys. Visitor-paid tourism dollars help fund capital projects that improve the places residents and travelers enjoy every day. From parks, beaches and cultural attractions to projects supporting coral restoration and the future of our natural resources, these investments help tourism give back to the community while protecting what makes the Keys special for generations to come.

Tourism Trends

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Festively lit Victorian house display with “Submit Your Holiday Menus” text.

Partner Tip: Send Us Your Holiday Menus

Holiday planning is already underway, and visitors are starting to look for places to celebrate. If your restaurant, resort or business is offering a Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or other holiday menu or dining experience, send the details our way. We’re building seasonal content to help visitors find holiday dining throughout The Florida Keys, and we want to include as many partner offerings as possible.

Please include your menu, date and time, pricing, reservation information and a link or contact information when available.

Tourism Dates to Remember

Fishing Advisory Committee
October 15, 6 p.m. on Zoom

Dive & Ecotourism Advisory Committee
November 19, 3:30 p.m. on Zoom (link to be provided closer to meeting date)

Tourism Development Council (TDC)
November 12, 10 a.m. at Murray nelson Government Center (Zoom link to be provided closer to meeting date)