Florida Keys – The Florida Keys & Key West tourism council has added a component to its www.fla-keys.com website to provide travelers up-to-date information regarding the TransOcean/BP Oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

The site features official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration oil slick trajectory maps as well as questions and answers regarding the oil leaks and their proximity to the Florida Keys. Additional resources can be found at the Florida Beaches affected by oil spill page. The 72-hour forecast maps are updated on a daily basis plot and project approximate positions of the oil slick. The latest forecast shows little movement from northern Gulf waters. The state of Florida has also set up a site at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.

“Our visitor centers and hotels have been receiving phone calls from vacationers concerned about traveling to the Keys,” said Harold Wheeler, director of the Keys tourism council. “We understand their apprehension and wanted to provide a trusted information resource based on information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other official sources.”

Florida business may be adversely affected by the oil spill and wondering, will BP be held liable for damage claims? Whatever your situation, Floridians should be wary of the oil spill.

Islamorada, Florida Keys – Kiteboarders from around the United States are set to kick it into high gear as they skim and slide during the Islamorada Invitational ’10 set for March 25-29 at Whale Harbor Marina, mile marker 83.5 in Islamorada.

Dubbed the “II ’10″ (“Two Ten”) and hosted by Islamorada’s Seven Sports, a part of Islamorada Watersports Co., the four-day festival attracts pro, amateur and everyday thrill-seekers of all ages who want to participate simply for the love of the sport and the rush of competition.

Newbies to kiteboarding as well as festival spectators have discovered that kiteboarding and paddle boarding are truly unique, family-friendly ways to experience the waters surrounding the Florida Keys.

Brad Lange of Seven Sports said the II ’10 is open to all competitors and spectators are encouraged to attend. The higher the winds, the greater the kite activities.

“If it’s blowing ‘east 20 [mph],’ that’s when it’s all going to be jamming –we’ll have more kites in the air, races and events happening. So, the windier, the better,” Lange said.

Kiteboarding events include a boarder cross, kite race, freestyle competition, park competition, big air and kite loop competition and an ongoing Overall Impression best-photo contest for interested photographers.

First-timers and those wanting to hone their kite skills can take advantage of kiteboarding lessons offered during the action-filled event.

New to the II ’10 is paddle boarding, or paddle surfing, a sport best suited to light- or no-wind situations. Short track, team relay and circumnavigation races around Matecumbe Key are planned for II ’10 participants.

Paddling demonstrations, fun paddles and group paddling excursions are to be offered for event spectators who want to learn the eco- and fitness-friendly sport.

Riders’ meetings are scheduled daily, usually at 9 a.m., with all ‘boarding action to start by 10 a.m., weather permitting.

Food, beverages, music and entertainment are planned during day and evening hours.

Cost for four days of event access is expected to be $50 per participant, and includes a rider’s jersey shirt, watersports and beach activities such as a sunset pig roast and other parties.

Admission to watch kite and paddling competitions is free. Tickets to the beachside pig roast are $10 per person.

For more information, visit the Seven Sports Web site at www.sevensports.com or call 305-853-KITE (5483).

To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 305-664-4503 or 800-322-5397, or visit the Web site of the Florida Keys & Key West at www.fla-keys.com.

Key Largo, Florida Keys – Grinning jack-o’-lanterns surrounded by spectator reef fish are to make their annual appearance beneath the sea during the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest hosted by Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort, located at mile marker 104.5.

The annual Florida Halloween Event is a favorite for the many divers who visit Key Largo during the fall.

Buddy teams are to compete during the 8:30 a.m. dive Sunday, Oct. 25, to create pumpkins worthy of praise and prizes from the experienced judges, who double as the crew of the Amoray Diver dive boat.

Amoray provides contestants with hollowed-out pumpkins to take below the surface to a depth of less than 30 feet. Dive knives are to serve as carving tools, and prizes await the top three pumpkin sculptors.

“It’s always interesting to see what people carve out underwater,” said Captain Joe Goddard, who escorts divers to the event each year. “People come from all over to participate.”

Entry fee is the regular dive boat cost: $80 per certified diver for the two-tank, two-location dive including tanks, weights and snorkel equipment. The Amoray Dive Resort also offers specially priced multiple-dive and dive-lodging packages.

Divers are encouraged to sign up for the contest early because space is limited. At the 2008 challenge, the first-place prize was awarded to Spencer Lambeth, an 11-year-old from Fort Myers, Fla.

For more information about the contest, call (800) 426-6729 or visit www.amoray.com.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce at (800) 822-1088 or 305-451-4747, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

Florida Keys – Motorcyclists from throughout the United States are to travel one of America’s most scenic highways to raise money for charity during the 37th annual Key West Poker Run, set for Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 17-20.

Riders on up to 10,000 bikes are expected to traverse the Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1), the 113-mile roadway from mainland Florida to Key West that features 42 bridges and long vistas of breathtaking open water.

Beginning Sept. 1 bikers can register at Phil Peterson’s Harley-Davidson Miami, 19400 N.W. 2nd Ave. and 19825 S. Dixie Highway. Online registration is accepted before that date at www.petersonsharley.com.

Upon registering and making a $10 donation, each participant receives a poker sheet and weekend parking pass. Additional “poker hands” are available for $10 apiece.

Drivers of cars and trucks also can participate in the run. Those who can’t drive the entire course can purchase and play their poker hands in Key West at Conch Republic Seafood Co., 631 Greene St.

For early arrivals in Key West, a bar stroll is planned on Upper Duval Street Thursday night, Sept. 17, ending in a beach party at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St.

Starting at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, Poker Run participants are to ride the Florida Keys Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West, stopping at designated points to draw cards. The fifth and final stop is Conch Republic Seafood Co.

Entrants who draw the 10 best poker hands are eligible to play in a winner-take-all round of Texas Hold ‘Em, competing for a new Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster custom motorcycle. The action takes place at Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, 511 Greene St., at 11 p.m. Saturday.

The lower part of Key West’s famed Duval Street is to be closed to car traffic from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, so bikers with weekend parking passes can park on the street to display their bikes.

Bike aficionados also can find merchandise including motorcycle accessories and apparel at the Poker Run Vendor Village on Greene Street just off Duval.

Saturday, Sept. 19, Big Bike Riders Association representatives are to judge the annual custom bike show with proceeds earmarked for charity. Events take place in front of Rick’s/Durty Harry’s, 208 Duval St., with trophies awarded in multiple classes. Cost is $25 per bike.

Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St., hosts its annual “Biker Bash” from noon until 11 p.m., with contests including a wacky “Bikers on Tricycles” challenge.

Poker Run attendees can chill out from noon to 4 p.m. at a pool party at the Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St., with music and giveaways. The annual Paradise Tattoo Contest and bikini show are planned Saturday at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.

The Poker Run concludes with a Sunday morning blessing of the bikes and a Bloody Mary brunch at the Southernmost Beach Café.

For details including a full schedule, visit www.petersonskeywestpokerrun.com.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit www.fla-keys.com.

Key West, Florida Keys - The 24th anniversary of shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher’s discovery of the sunken Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha is to be commemorated Thursday through Sunday, July 16-19, during Mel Fisher Days on the island the late salvor called home.

Fisher and his crew uncovered a $400 million cache of Atocha treasure and artifacts on July 20, 1985, after a 16-year search. The galleon sank approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West during a 1622 hurricane.

Fisher’s son Kim Fisher and grandson Sean Fisher lead the continuing search for Atocha artifacts and treasures remaining on the ocean floor. Each year, Fisher family members and friends present the festival.

Mel Fisher Days activities are to benefit Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St. Key West, where objects from the Atocha and other shipwrecks are conserved, studied and displayed. Museum visitors can view items including gold and silver bars and coins, cannons and smaller weapons, rare navigational instruments, ornate jewelry and even a 77.7-carat emerald.

Festival events are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. in Key West’s Historic Seaport.

The evening’s highlight is the presentation of the Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award, to be granted posthumously to Deo Fisher, Mel’s wife and partner in adventure, who died in January 2009. A video tribute is planned to honor her.

Other attractions at the Schooner Wharf kickoff include games, contests, live entertainment, raffles and more than $4,000 in authentic treasure prizes.

At 5 p.m. Friday, an exuberant parade on Key West’s Duval Street is to celebrate the Atocha saga. A “hard times pub crawl,” recalling Fisher’s financial woes before the shipwreck find, is to start at Rick’s Bar, 208 Duval St.

Saturday, July 18, those possessing Mel’s optimistic spirit can try their luck at a Midnight Gambler Poker Tournament set for 8:15 p.m. to 2 a.m. aboard Sunset Watersports’ Party Cat catamaran.

The festival culminates in a reunion of the “golden crew” that searched for the Atocha with Fisher. The reunion and pool party are scheduled 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, the day before the anniversary of the historic discovery, at Dante’s Key West, 951 Caroline St.

For more information, visit www.melfisher.com or call Sharon Wiley at (305) 296-6534.

Open to the public Saturday, March 28, the expo is to take place at Marathon High School, 350 Sombrero Beach Road.

The expo typically draws thousands to learn and explore how to live in an environmentally responsible manner. The free one-day event, this year themed “Greening

The Economy,” is expected to attract numerous exhibitors as well as demonstrations and money-saving workshops about sustainable living, renewable energy and conservation in the Florida Keys. Other focuses include reducing energy and water bills, understanding the origins and effects of the common foods, recycling and gardening organically.

An alternative transportation display of solar, biodiesel and electric vehicles is to be set up, with owners and dealers on hand to answer questions.

Vegetables and tropical fruits are to be available at an organic farmer’s market.

In addition, an Artists Village is to offer recycled and sustainable art, as well as the premiere of “Green Films” followed by discussions.

An extended kids’ activities area will teach the power of solar and many other concepts to help young people understand the need to conserve resources and reduce waste.

Green entrepreneurs and eco-conscious attendees can network at a pre-Expo Green Drinks Reception set for Friday.

Sunday’s schedule includes a brunch and tours of local homes built or operating with earth-friendly practices. Throughout the Keys, discounted eco-tours of the backcountry waters are to be offered, with a portion of tour proceeds slated to benefit GLEE.

For more information, visit www.keysGLEE.com or call (305) 809-3509.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417 or (800) 262-7284 or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

While the rest of the country will be shivering on New Year’s Eve, I’m spending it in Florida, through out Florida many hotels are throwing parties like the one The Plaza Resort & Spa is planning live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Other parties are going on at the Orlando area theme parks. Universal Studios CityWalk is throwing their annual bash with the Doobie Brothers performing. They always have lots of great food the bars have many different types musical acts. Dazzling fireworks showers, live entertainment and extended park hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom New Year’s Eve at Disney World making it a popular spot to ring in the new year. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot all have party’s planned. Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. A Florida New Year’s party to remember can also be found at SeaWorld with live performers till 12:30 with the parks attractions and rides open till midnight.

Three celebrations in New Year’s Eve in Key West, all slated for the night of Wednesday, Dec. 31, are to be staged as very different — though equally lighthearted — takeoffs on the Times Square gala. Visitors and residents who want to start the New Year with a focus on fitness can do so beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, when a 5k run, walk or crawl is to depart from Islamorada’s Founders Park, MM 87 bayside.

Big Pine Key, Florida Keys – Sleigh rides and snowball fights aren’t on the menu of holiday amusements in the balmy Lower Florida Keys, but the spirit of the season nonetheless flourishes in subtropical temperatures.

Visitors and Keys residents are invited to ring in the holiday season and celebrate the creative arts at the Big Pine Island Art Festival, themed “Art & Music in a Natural Key.” The event is to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside in Big Pine.

Scheduled highlights include live music, exhibits and booths featuring the original work of artists and craftsmen.

The festival is designed to be fun for the entire family, as well as a place to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and artwork, all while enjoying the tranquil natural atmosphere of the Lower Keys. In addition, items are to be raffled throughout the day, providing even more opportunities for attendees to obtain examples of Keys artistry.

Live music is to be provided by favorite local entertainers including Terry Cassidy, a longtime Keys resident and acclaimed singer, guitarist and banjo picker.

Young attendees can sample treats and explore their own creativity with holiday craft activities at the festival’s kids’ corner.

While art and music satisfy the spirit, food and beverages are to be available from on-site vendors to satisfy the taste buds.
Admission and parking are free.

For more information about the Big Pine Island Art Festival, visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or contact the chamber office at (305) 872-2411 or (800) 872-3722.

For accommodations in the Lower Florida Keys, call the chamber or visit the Florida Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

Key West, Florida Keys – The work of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert Frost is to be celebrated Wednesday through Sunday, April 9-13, on the island where he wintered for more than a dozen years.

The 14th annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival, the Florida Keys’ only international poetry event, is to include workshops by acclaimed poets, a film evening, a cigar and wine tasting with open microphone readings, a jazz showcase with open microphone readings, a poetry slam, a sunset poetry sail, an art exhibit, poetry and haiku readings, and the announcement of the winners of the festival’s national haiku and poetry contests.

The festival is headquartered at the Key West Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage, 410 Caroline St., with select events at other places in Key West. Frost, who served as U.S. poet laureate in 1958-59, first visited Key West in 1934 and wrote one of his best-known poems, “The Gift Outright,” on the island. He subsequently paid winter visits to Key West from 1945 to 1960, staying in the small cottage now named for him.

The festival is to kick off with an opening reception at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Key West’s Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Titled “Wanted: Poets Dead or Alive,” the reception offers a chance to meet guest poets and workshop presenters.

At 5:30 p.m. local actors and guest poets are to present a round-robin reading of works by Frost, Wallace Stevens, Elizabeth Bishop, Richard Wilbur, Kirby Congdon, Rosalind Brackenbury and other noted writers who are past or present Key West residents or frequent visitors.

A short documentary film on the life and poetry of Robert Frost is to follow.

Admission for the evening is $15 per person and includes light hors d’oeuvres. Drinks can be purchased from a cash bar.

Workshop registration and check-in are scheduled from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday in the Robert Frost Orchid Garden at the Heritage House Museum. A “green” continental breakfast is planned for registrants.

Poetry workshops are scheduled Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thursday’s sessions are to include Hidden Poems with author and poet Brackenbury, Writing Haibun with “Modern Haiku” editor Charles Trumbull and Lighting the Fire to Write with Key West writer and artist Cricket Desmarais.

At noon Thursday, Lunch with Robert Frost is to feature a presentation by Frost scholar Dr. Michael Wyndham Thomas. He plans to discuss Frost’s formative years as a poet in England and the forces that drew him to Key West in later life. Cost is $10 per person and includes a box lunch.

Smokin’ Poetry, hosted by Sunset Cigar Co., is set for 5 p.m. with wine, cigars and open microphone readings in the Robert Frost Orchid Garden. Guests are encouraged to bring their poetry and read. The $10 per person admission includes a souvenir wineglass.

The focus turns to the Beat Generation at 8 p.m. with And the Beat Goes On, an evening of music and poetry at Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St. Attendees are invited to read their poetry accompanied by local jazz musicians.

Workshops are to continue Friday with presentations titled Hey Elvis, Where Do You Want This Piano? by New York author and poet Catherine Doty, Writing Tanka by internationally recognized haiku poet Barry George and How to Read Your Poetry to the Audience by Key West actor and poet Richard Grusin.

Also scheduled is Visual Poetry, an intimate evening at The Studios of Key West, 600 White St., featuring the “visual poetry” of local artists in mediums including painting, photography, film, wood, clay, performance art and more. The event is free and open to the public beginning at 6 p.m.

At 8 p.m. Friday, a poetry slam is scheduled at Sippin’ Coffee House, 424 Eaton St. Three rounds are planned, so each prospective participant should prepare three poems of not longer than three minutes apiece. Entrants are to be judged on their poems’ content and the strength of the poetry performance, and cash prizes await winning poets.

Poets must register to compete prior to 8 p.m. For information, call (305) 293-0555.

Saturday’s poetry workshops are to include A New Time, A New Place with Thomas, to be held on the deck of the U.S.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk docked at Key West’s Truman Waterfront.

Dr. Lee Gurga, former editor of “Modern Haiku” is to present Haiku: Poetry of the Season, while Key West bookbinder Bob Muens is to advise participants in Learn How to Construct Your Own Chapbook.

On Saturday evening, poets can take to the high seas for a 6:30 p.m. Poetry on the Water cruise aboard the Fury Catamaran. Complimentary appetizers and libations, a renowned Key West sunset, open microphone readings and live music are in store for participants.

Cost is $49 per person and advance reservations are strongly recommended. The boat departs from Ocean Key Resort, Zero Duval St. For tickets, visit www.furycat.com or call (305) 294-8899.

Sunday’s events are to begin at 10 a.m. in the Robert Frost Orchid Garden with a Celebration of Poetry featuring readings by workshop participants of their new poems inspired during the festival. Readings by guest poets are set for 2 p.m. in the garden.

Subsequently, talented young poets are to receive the festival’s Poetry in the Schools prizes. The announcement of the Robert Frost Poetry Festival national poetry contest winner and national haiku contest winner is to follow.

Cost for the festival’s seven workshops is $195 per person. Poetry lovers also can sign up for individual workshops for $50 per person per session, or choose any three for $125. Registration is required prior to the workshop.

For more information, registration and poetry and haiku contest rules and deadlines, visit www.robertfrostpoetryfestival.com.

Applications to run in the race can now be requested. The run is limited to the first 1,500 people who return completed applications to the Marathon Runners Club.

Because the number of applicants generally far exceeds 1,500, organizers encourage prospective competitors to request and return their applications quickly.

The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world, is the centerpiece of the 113-mile Overseas Highway that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. The annual race gives runners the chance to traverse the entire expanse of the landmark bridge.

All applications to run in the race must be requested and returned by mail.

Requests for applications should be sent to the Marathon Runners Club, P.O. Box 500110, Marathon FL 33050. Requests must include a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size or 4-inch by 9-inch (minimum) envelope.

Applications for the run are to be mailed out Feb. 26, 2008.

Returned applications must be completely and correctly filled out. Incomplete, reduced-size and incorrect applications will be disqualified.

For more information about the Seven Mile Bridge run, call (305) 743-8513.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417 or (800) 262-7284, visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.