Local Resources
Local Programs and Resources
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.
- Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:
- Sugarloaf Cleanup on Oct. 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Smathers Beach Cleanup on Oct. 12, 2o25 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Storm Drain Stenciling in Key West on Oct. 16, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
For more information on upcoming volunteer opportunities visit: Reef Relief | Key West FL | Facebook
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
Upcoming Community Events
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
Free Breast Health Awareness Class and Cancer Screenings: The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) invites women and men to attend the Breast Health Awareness Class on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. This event is in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread important health education and encourage women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The event will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. at: College of the Florida Keys (Room C-115), 5901 College Road, Stock Island, FL 33040
Walk on White Art Celebration: Walk on White, one of Key West’s most popular monthly art strolls, kicks off its 2025/2026 season on October 16 and continues monthly on every third Thursday through May, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. 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.
Day of Conservation at Key West Botanical Garden: The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be hosting its monthly ‘Day of Conservation’ from 9am to Noon on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The Native Plant Sale is open 9am to Noon. The Composting Workshop runs 9am to Noon. The Children’s Art Workshop runs from 10am to 12:00. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. Reserve spots by emailing education@keywest.garden For more information visit: www.keywest.garden.
Trunk Or Treat at Big Pine Community Park
Trick-Or-Treat at Divers Direct, Key Largo
Lower Keys Rotary Annual Haunted House, Big Pine
I.CARE Underwater Critter Costume Party, Islamorada
Free Community Halloween Party at Truman Waterfront, Key West
Hosting a community event that locals will love? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com
Jobs in the Keys
Local Deals
Locals enjoy fall savings in the Florida Keys and Key West! *Most offers require a Monroe County or Key West ID—please confirm with each business directly.
A&B Lobster House: 40% off all items on the first page of the menu Monday–Thursday in September. Raw oysters excluded.
Amigos Tortilla Bar: 50% off food and 30% off drinks for locals through September 30th. Dine-in or takeaway.
Grand Cafe: 50% off food, beer, and wine for Monroe County locals through the end of September. Dine-in only; reservations recommended.
Historic Tours of America’s Conch Tour Train: Ride for free for the entire month of September with a Monroe County ID.
Key West Poke House: 20% off your bill with cash payment from Sept 1–15 for locals.
Mac’s Place: 50% off your entire food bill for locals and military through September 30th.
Prime Steakhouse: 50% off appetizers and 25% off bottles of wine Monday–Thursday through October 16th.
Red Shoe Island Bistro: 20% off for locals through September 12th. Limited seating—reservations recommended.
Santiago’s Bodega: 50% off hot and cold tapas Mondays–Wednesdays in September with local ID.
Seaside Cafe: 50% off mojitos, margaritas, and most pizzas (excluding lobster pizza) for locals in September.
Seven Fish: 50% off food and bottles of wine under $100 starting August 16. Locals also get 20% off other food and drinks year-round.
Thirsty Mermaid: 50% off select appetizers and mains. From 12pm – 10pm Monday – Thursday.
Know of a business with an amazing local special within the Florida Keys? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com
