Commercial Truck Insurance in Key West, FL

Dive or snorkel colourful coral reefs, kayak in subtropical mangroves and pedal along winding trails in this southern oasis full of outstanding outdoor pursuits.

Photograph by The Florida Keys & Key West

A 125-mile-long archipelago at the southernmost tip of the US, the Florida Keys are made up of around 1,700 laid-back islands. Stretching like a string of pearls across the teal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys are best known for sandy beaches and bohemian culture. Beyond sun-worshipping and sipping rum runners (the area’s signature cocktail), there are also boundless activities for outdoor enthusiasts keen to explore this palm-fringed paradise. From snorkelling and sailing to biking and kayaking, the Keys offer a multitude of fun ways to inject adventure into a classic Florida holiday.

Snorkelling & diving in coral gardens

With a wealth of coral-lined islands rich in marine life, the Keys are an ideal spot to sink into balmy waters and discover delicate reef systems. Just off Key Largo lies the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first underwater park in the US. Glide through clear waters and explore vivid coral gardens teeming with aquatic life. With 48,000 acres of protected ocean to explore, you’ll find a rich ecosystem of tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and fierce-looking barracudas that call this diverse region home. Book a PADI scuba dive tour to get up close and personal with Christ of the Abyss — a towering bronze sculpture of Jesus below the surface of the water.

Kayaking through the mangroves

Grab a paddle and venture into the ethereal mangroves of Key West — a dense labyrinth of jungly tunnels and crystalline creeks. Guided kayak tours take you deep into this watery haven, where you’ll paddle through narrow passages shaded by the jade-green mangrove canopy. Wait until the sun sinks below the horizon and take a guided night kayak tour for the chance to see nocturnal marine life such as manatees emerging in the fading light. Family-owned tour operator Night Kayak Key West offers an evening excursion through the mangroves, where you’ll paddle a glass-bottomed kayak with LED lights illuminating the world below.

Biking the Overseas Heritage Trail

Discover the Keys on two wheels by cycling over 90 miles of paved roads on the expanding Overseas Heritage Trail, which traces the historic Overseas Railroad. With its ultimate aim of connecting Key Largo to Key West, this multi-use and largely car-free trail is perfect for those wanting to explore this scenic region under their own steam. Cycle over former rail bridges, traverse tree-lined beach tracks and glide along beside turquoise waters. Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours offers rentals and self-guided bike tours where you can set your own pace and distance, with planned routes, luggage delivery and bike pick-up in Key West.

Plan your trip To reach The Florida Keys & Key West from the UK, fly into Miami International Airport and rent a car to enjoy a scenic drive on the Overseas Highway. While in the Keys, hire a bike or use the local shuttle service for convenient island-hopping. For more information, visit fla-keys.com

This paid content article was created for The Florida Keys & Key West. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.

To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) click here. (Available in select countries only).

MIAMI – A developing storm system in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to produce heavy rainfall across the Sunshine State over the next 48 hours, which could lead to localized flooding, especially in communities south of Interstate 4.

The FOX Forecast Center has been tracking the system’s development since over the Lone Star State, where heavy rainfall was reported Thursday in Houston and along the Gulf Coast.

The combination of an active subtropical jet and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to lead to several rounds of showers and thunderstorms across the Peninsula.

A widespread severe weather outbreak is not anticipated; however, waterspouts and tornadoes will be possible across the Keys and the Everglades on Friday.

NEW TO FLORIDA? HERE’S WHEN THE SUNSHINE STATE’S RAINY SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

While most of the state has been dry over the past week, showers and thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding, especially in locations with poor drainage.

Computer models show by the time the rain ends on Saturday, the Interstate 10 corridor from Pensacola to Jacksonville could pick up about an inch of rainfall, while more significant accumulations are expected in South Florida.

Cities such as Miami, Key West and Naples are in the 3-6-inch zone, which has prompted the issuance of a Flood Watch through Saturday evening.

"There is a lot of rain from Friday into the very early part of the weekend … From I-4 points southward, 2 to 3 inches plus," said FOX Weather meteorologist Ian Oliver. "So, this is going to be a hugely impactful system, and then there is more of it as it heads off to the north. Once the low crosses the Florida Peninsula, it takes on a whole new life."

Stormy weather patterns in the Sunshine State during the winter and early spring are common during El Niño events, which continues over the Central and Eastern Pacific.

According to the latest drought monitor, none of the state’s 67 counties are experiencing drought conditions.

WHAT ARE EL NIÑO AND LA NIÑA CLIMATE PATTERNS?

Florida not the only impacted region

Moisture from the storm system is expected to ride up the Interstate 95 corridor, leading to a Saturday washout for the major cities in the Northeast.

The combination of onshore flow and heavy rainfall will also likely lead to drainage issues for coastal communities.

Cities such as Washington, New York and Boston could all pick up between 1 and 3 inches with locally heavier amounts.

Fortunately, the system is expected to be a fast mover, leaving behind mostly sunny conditions for Sunday. Temperatures are expected to be below normal.

Chicago Staple Continues to Open Franchises in FL.

KEY WEST, Fla., Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Original Rainbow Cone, a Chicago tradition for over 97 years, has today announced it will open a new franchise location in Key West, Florida in March 2024. The new franchise location is located at 126 Duvall Street and will feature Rainbow Cone's iconic ice cream treat, along with sundaes, shakes, and cakes. This marks the second Rainbow Cone location in Florida, joining the Bradenton location which opened September 2023. The company has additional locations on deck in 2024 for the metro areas of Tampa Bay, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.

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Rainbow Cone was founded in 1926 by "Grandpa Joe" Sapp, who was never satisfied with just one ice cream flavor and instead stacked five delicious options on a single cone for a one-of-a-kind culinary classic. The original shop's notorious pink building on Western Avenue in Chicago has been a staple in the city since it first opened its doors nearly a century ago, with hundreds of thousands of dedicated customers from around the world. The brand has since expanded to kiosks and trucks throughout the Chicago area and launched its new franchise partner program in 2022 with franchise agreements in Florida, Nashville, Texas, and California.

"We are excited about the growth of our franchise program in Florida," says Lynn Sapp, third generation owner of The Original Rainbow Cone. "The responses we have received from the Florida communities have been incredible, and we are confident that Key West will be no exception."

As a testament to its exceptional popularity, Rainbow Cone was recently voted as the top ice cream shop in Chicago by FOX Chicago, affirming its status as a beloved and successful ice cream destination. For entrepreneurs looking for a smart and rewarding franchise opportunity, Rainbow Cone offers a time-tested concept with a devoted fan base and a legacy.

Furthermore, Rainbow Cone is exploring exciting possibilities to expand its reach, including an ice cream truck tour from Chicago to Florida in the near future. Stay tuned for more updates and surprises!

For more updates about Rainbow Cone franchises and grand opening festivities, follow Rainbow Cone on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or visit https://rainbowconefranchise.com/.

About The Original Rainbow Cone:The Original Rainbow Cone serves ice cream featuring extraordinary flavors and textures, including the world-famous 5-flavor "Rainbow Cone," sundaes, milkshakes, and memories dedicated to last forever. After opening in 1926, the "Rainbow Cone'' received its fame and quickly became the most unique ice cream cone anyone has ever seen. As Rainbow Cone works to expand their locations and showcase our new adventures, like ice cream trucks, they are excited to share their love for Rainbow Cone's signature sliced cone with even more communities. The Original Rainbow Cone is also available for nationwide shipping via Goldbelly. With four locations in the Chicago area and growing, locals count on The Original Rainbow Cone as a Chicago staple and a sweet treat. For more information, https://rainbowcone.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

SOURCE The Original Rainbow Cone

BIG PINE KEY, Fla. – A marine mystery has researchers searching for answers in the Lower Florida Keys.

Since December, 20 critically endangered smalltooth sawfish have been reported dead, according to the latest numbers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“This is a very large species and the size of the sawfish we’re seeing coming inshore and eventually dying,” said Gil McRae, director of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

And while smalltooth sawfish are the only species reported dead, they are not the only ones seeing an impact.

“That’s not something I’ve ever seen fish do...ever,” said Gregg Furstenwerth, a resident of Little Torch Key.

More than a dozen species of all sizes from pinfish to grouper have been observed acting erratically, spinning, and distressed.

It’s leaving longtime residents like Furstenwerth, who is also a technical diver, with deep concerns.

“It’s disturbing if it keeps going it’s the end of an ecosystem as we know it,” said Furstenwerth.

The event seems to be centered between Cudjoe and Big Pine Key, but residents have reported sightings to Local 10 from Key West to Marathon.

“You can pretty much see this happening every day,” said Furstenwerth.

The diver has been diligently documenting the spinning fish since late last year.

“Are you seeing more and more species being impacted?” asked Local 10 News anchor and environmental advocate Louis Aguirre.

“Yes,” responded Furstenwerth.

At the moment, no one knows what’s behind the strange occurrence.

So far, early testing has ruled out red tide, low oxygen, disease and other pathogens.

“Our current line of inquiry are focusing on potential biotoxins produced by algae in the water “, FWC’s McCrae told Local 10. “Right now, we do not have a smoking gun relative to a particular toxin that may be causing these issues.”

Aguirre asked McCrae if there are any risks to humans.

“What we’re saying is, if you see a fish swimming erratically, if you catch a fish that doesn’t appear to be healthy, it’s best to avoid consuming that fish”, he said.

“As of right now, there’s no indication that there’s a toxin in the water or a toxin in the fish that are commonly consumed”.

Donna Hart, manager of Lower Keys Tackle says that to her knowledge, this has only been documented inland. The longtime Keys resident and host of 104.1 FM’s “This Week in Fishing” radio show stressed that offshore fishing has not been impacted.

“I don’t want people to be afraid to come and enjoy the Florida Keys and get out on the water and go fish and go snorkeling,” she said. “There’s no impact — no impact whatsoever beyond our nearshore waters that I’m aware of right now.

Scientists remain baffled while continuing to focus on fish physiology and toxicology.

“The thing is we don’t know what it is,” said Dr. Martin Grosell, professor and chair of the University of Miami Rosentiel School’s Grosell Lab.

“We don’t know if this is, you know, just a preamble (or) if this is going to get a lot worse. We don’t know if it’s going to spread to other areas.”

“I really do think we need to get on top of this,” he added.

Local 10′s environmental team is monitoring this story and will air an extended report Wednesday at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. during Don’t Trash Our Treasure.

If you witness or have witnessed this strange fish behavior, send your videos to DTOT@local10.com.

FWC released a statement Thursday, which you can read below:

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

You have a day or two in paradise. What are you going to do?

Sure, you can find a beach with a tiki bar in Key West and laze the weekend away.

But you can also hit other attractions.

MORE: Where are the secret hangouts in the Florida Keys? How to find them and what to do there

Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in the Southernmost City during your quick trip:

World famous Duval Street is where the party starts. Duval awaits visitors with bars, live music, restaurants, art galleries, hotels and guesthouses, and clothing and souvenir shops.

The 1.25-mile-long Duval Street stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Conch Tour Train, which started in 1958, is an easy way to see the major sights in Key West and learn the island’s history.

The ride starts at a depot on Front Street and ends right behind it in Mallory Square. The 75-minute trip makes a loop through Old Town and runs daily.

The Key West Cemetery was created in 1847 after a disastrous hurricane unearthed the beachside cemetery, according to the city’s website. Between 80,000 to 100,000 souls rest inside the fenced 19 acres. From simple markers to elaborate mausoleums with statues, the centrally located cemetery displays the history and diversity of the island’s residents.

There are also several well-known wry epitaphs. The grave of B.P. “Pearl” Roberts famously reads, “I Told You I Was Sick.” Another states, “If You’re Reading This, You Desperately Need A Hobby.” And one says, “I Always Dreamed Of Owning A Small Place In Key West.”

The main entrance and sexton’s office are at the intersection of Angela and Margaret streets.

The Key West Cemetery was created in 1847 after a disastrous hurricane unearthed the beachside cemetery, according to the city’s website. Between 80,000 to 100,000 souls rest inside the fenced 19 acres. From simple markers to elaborate mausoleums with statues, the centrally located cemetery displays the history and diversity of the island’s residents.

There are also several well-known wry epitaphs. The grave of B.P. “Pearl” Roberts famously reads, “I Told You I Was Sick.” Another states, “If You’re Reading This, You Desperately Need A Hobby.” And one says, “I Always Dreamed Of Owning A Small Place In Key West.”

The main entrance and sexton’s office are at the intersection of Angela and Margaret streets.

This state park on the southern edge of Key West boasts some of the best ocean views in Key West. Fort Taylor predates the Civil War and is a National Historic Monument.

It’s also home to the best beach on the island. You’ll have to pay admission fees, but in addition to the beach, you can check out the red-brick corridors of Fort Zachary Taylor, past cannon and gun ports, or roam the grounds, where tree names are marked and butterflies are known to visit.

This waterfront spot downtown is possibly Key West’s most photographed attraction, claiming the southernmost point in the continental United States and a landmark “90 miles to Cuba.” You will likely have to wait in line for a turn to stand before the giant marker located where Whitehead and South streets meet.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, named for one of the most famous treasure hunters, lets you step back into the martime history of Florida and the Caribbean.

While the museum at 200 Greene St. isn’t involved in the ongoing searches at sea, its collections feature artifacts recovered from the Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita of 1622.

The museum’s staff also takes deep dives into maritime archaeology and has created exhibits on slave ships and the 1860 African Cemetery at Higgs Beach.

Key West’s old seaport is a gem: a waterfront harborwalk with shopping and dining in the middle of a marina that features fishing charters, sunset-sailing catamarans and tall ships. The 20-acre complex is a place to mix with locals and visitors and take in exceptional dockside views.

You can walk up 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse, which opened in 1848 and was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1969.

Today, it’s a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime heritage, honoring those who kept the light shining through trying times. In addition to the view, the museum includes belongings, photos and memories of the lighthouse keepers and their families.

This story was originally published January 30, 2024, 12:17 PM.