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Insider's Guide

Explore Like a Local

Think of this as the Keys’ not-so-secret handshake.

The Insider’s Guide is your path to hidden gems, insider’s tips and expert recommendations. From snorkeling secrets and fishing tips to stories of locals who protect these islands, this articles in this guide takes you beyond the surface, so you can travel The Florida Keys & Key West like a local.

Festive boat decorated with neon palm trees and lights, reflects on water at night.

Where the Holidays Set Sail: Boat Parades of the Florida Keys

Santa Claus relaxing on a hammock under tropical trees.

Holidays in the Keys

Children and adults in a classroom holding artwork, smiling. Colorful art decorates the walls.

Steward of the Keys: Jodie Cerra, Florida Bay Forever’s Environmental Collaborator

Jodie Cerra, executive director of Florida Bay Forever, the only Islamorada-based nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Florida Bay, is known for her inclusive and expansive collaborative vision.

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Steward of the Keys: Jodie Cerra, Florida Bay Forever’s Environmental Collaborator

Woman releasing a sea turtle into the ocean at a beach, surrounded by a crowd.

Stewards of the Keys: Bette Zirkelbach, the Heart Behind the Turtle Hospital

Bette Zirkelbach at Marathon’s Turtle Hospital, the world’s first state-licensed veterinary hospital for sea turtles, is dedicated to healing ill or...

Volunteers carry a sea turtle on a blue stretcher at a beach.

Local's Choice: Richie Moretti

Richie Moretti, founder of The Turtle Hospital as the world's first state-licensed veterinary hospital for sea turtles, has rescued, rehabilitated and released between 2,000 and 3,000 sea turtles.

Woman dining by the sea at sunset, smiling with food and drinks on the table.

Local’s Choice Tips: Janessa Silvestri

Janessa Silvestri – a lifelong Key Largo resident, realtor, mother of a 2.5-year-old son and gourmet cook – oversees The Armory Speakeasy, an off-the-beaten-path Upper Keys watering hole with gourmet dining.

Smiling woman sitting on sandy ground by a brick wall with cactus.

Emily Schulten Weekley: Poet Laureate of Key West

Key West Poet Laureate Emily Schulten Weekley balances teaching, motherhood, and award-winning poetry while inspiring local youth and preparing for a Fulbright fellowship in Hungary.

Bookshelves and display table filled with colorful books in a bookstore.

15 Ways to Experience Arts in Key West

Long a haven for writers, artists, and dreamers, Key West continues to inspire with its sun-soaked streets, storied past, and vibrant creative spirit.

Angela Sayre sits on a large fallen tree, surrounded by greenery.

Steward of the Keys: Angela Sayre, Founder of Crustacean Plantation, Saves Hermit Crabs

Meet Angela Sayre, the 'Jane Goodall of hermit crabs,' and learn how her nonprofit Crustacean Plantation is saving Florida Keys' hermit crabs through conservation and education.

Floyd "Pepa" Jenkins riding a bike, wearing a cap and glasses, on a sunny day.

Local’s Choice Tips: Floyd “Pepa” Jenkins

Learn about Floyd 'Pepa' Jenkins, the Duke of Fantasy Fest 2025, philanthropist, and public servant in Key West. Explore his inspiring journey and community impact.

Costumed group attending Fantasy Fest parade

Fantasy Fest & Beyond: Spooky Fun in the Florida Keys

Fantasy Fest may be Key West’s most famous costume extravaganza (Oct. 17–26), but the spooky season fun doesn’t stop there. Across the Florida Keys...