Thousands of Jimmy Buffett's fervent "Parrot Head" fans are gathered in Key West, widely known as the cradle of Buffett’s creativity, to celebrate his music and the “Margaritaville mindset” it inspires. This “Keys Voices” column looks back at a surprise concert Jimmy performed during the Parrot Heads' visit in 2011 — and his spontaneous comments that revealed an undiminished affection for the island city.
Some of us have heard the question, “Is Key West as gay as it used to be?” While I don’t personally own a “gay-ometer,” I’m certainly seeing a lot more LGBT visitors out and about enjoying our island’s perfect year-round temps and idyllic subtropical setting.
Key West’s renowned Fantasy Fest, scheduled Oct. 20-29, is more meaningful than ever this year. Why? Because it demonstrates Florida Keys residents’ spirit, resilience and determination to celebrate life and creativity -- even after Hurricane Irma’s unwelcome visit in early September.
The Key West Headdress Ball, the premier LGBT event of the annual Fantasy Fest extravaganza, is celebrating its 35th year of dazzling audiences. The glamorous gala takes place Thursday, Oct. 26, and will feature about 25 contestants showcasing outrageous original headdresses — including some far taller their wearers.
The Florida Keys are reopening to visitors Sunday, Oct. 1, following recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma impacted the island chain Sept. 10. Recovery is progressing well and the spirit and resilience of Keys residents is strong, despite the difficult hurricane impacts and aftermath. Many Keys special events — including Key Largo’s Oct. 18-22 Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Key West’s Oct. 20-29 Fantasy Fest and Marathon’s Oct. 21 Stone Crab Eating Contest — are to take place as planned.
The Key West Business Guild’s LGBT visitor center will move to new and larger digs in October along with the Guild itself, acclaimed as one of America’s leading gay business associations. The new location at 808 Duval St. lies within Key West’s famed “Pink Triangle,” which includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs and stores.
The southern stretch of U.S. Highway 1, running from mainland Florida throughout the Florida Keys to Key West, has been called the Overseas Highway, the Highway That Goes to Sea, and -- for those of us who love the island chain -- the road home. Now, following Hurricane Irma’s assault on the Keys and parts of mainland Florida, it's also an enduring symbol of our road to recovery.
For those of us whose job and passion it is to showcase the Florida Keys to visitors, major storms are something to take seriously — and be proactive and honest about. As concerns about Hurricane Irma loom for so many people, the Keys tourism website is featuring the latest updates about the storm and its potential path, strength and timing, and vital evacuation information.
Michael Marrero, executive director of the popular Key West Theater, is an award-winning playwright, photographer and filmmaker whose drama “Locura” was recently part of a historic Cuban-American theatrical exchange -- one of the first such exchanges between the two countries in half a century.
Each September, thousands of women converge on Key West for Womenfest, one of the largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends in North America. Set for Sept. 6-10 this year, it features dance parties, sports events, pool parties, and top-notch entertainment -- including two comedy shows by the incomparable Tig Notaro.