The road unrolls like a long gray ribbon, with vast vistas of turquoise water and paler blue sky stretching endlessly on either side. Driving down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, it’s clear why this roadway is sometimes called the Highway That Goes to Sea — and a “bucket list” drive that everyone should experience.
The buccaneering spirit of adventure and individuality is one of the most intriguing — and enduring — attributes that help define the Florida Keys island chain. The Keys’ renegade seafaring heritage is alive in museums and attractions, colorful shipwreck and treasure tales, dive and snorkel trips to wrecksites, and sailing cruises aboard historic tall ships.
Bob Dylan loves Key West. In fact, the legendary singer-songwriter immortalizes it as “the enchanted land” and “land of light” in “Key West (Philosopher Pirate),” a ballad on his new album “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” And a bar stool with his name on it can still be found at Capt. Tony’s Saloon.
Key West is often described as “close to perfect, but far from normal,” and it certainly lives up to that designation. Renowned for its enthusiastic diversity, the island boasts a freewheeling spirit and an all-welcome attitude. And while people elsewhere celebrate Pride in June, in Key West they live it all year long.
Recently Key West city workers installed four permanent rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets, the heart of the island’s LGBTQ entertainment district (affectionately nicknamed the Pink Triangle). The crosswalks replaced those installed in 2015, and Key West’s Mayor Teri Johnston explains why they symbolize the community’s all-inclusive spirit.
Whatever open-ocean adventure visitors are seeking, chances are they can find it in the waters around Key West -- with two LGBTQ on-the-water leaders poised to share incredible experiences with customers. Spectacular reefs lie only a short boat ride from shore, often located in water that’s just 10 to 15 feet deep.
The wait is over. The Florida Keys & Key West reopened June 1, and are welcoming visitors again after being closed for more than two months because of the global COVID-19 crisis. While Keys businesses are committed to safeguarding visitors’ health, travelers are encouraged to share the responsibility by adopting local health protocols.
Throughout the Florida Keys, businesses ranging from resorts and restaurants to attractions and watersports charters are making final preparations to welcome visitors back beginning Monday, June 1 — embracing enhanced measures to protect all travelers’ health and safety. The Keys have been closed to nonresidents since March 22 because of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
During the Florida Keys’ temporary closure to visitors because of the COVID-19 crisis, Key West's LGBTQ hoteliers have upgraded their properties and incorporated new health and safety measures — prepping for the Keys’ reopening June 1. Now they’re ready to welcome guests who need to relax and recharge after the very tough recent months.
Longtime Key Westers remember famed singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett when he lived on the island, savoring the lifestyle that helped inspire his songs. As the world slowly emerges from COVID-19 shutdowns and the Florida Keys prepare to reopen to visitors June 1, Buffett's music can evoke the spirit of Key West and memories of a more carefree time.