Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. The manatee’s closest relatives are the elephant and are believed to have evolved from a wading, plant-eating animal.
Manatees can be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas — particularly where seagrass beds or freshwater vegetation flourish.
Manatees are gentle and slow-moving animals. Most of their time is spent eating, resting, and traveling. Manatees are completely herbivorous. They eat a large variety of submerged, emergent, and floating plants and can consume 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation daily.
Because they are mammals, they must surface to breathe air. They may rest submerged at the bottom or just below the surface of the water, coming up to breathe on an average of every three to five minutes.
The Florida Keys are fully open to visitors and there are no current oil impact risks to the island chain, according to NOAA. Currently, there are no advisories recommending against travel to the Florida Keys or any other precautions advising visitors and residents not to engage in fishing, diving, swimming or other water sports, according to the Monroe County Health Department.
The Matecumbe Historical Trust Corp. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education, history and preservation of the Florida Keys with it’s mission to enrich the lives of Florida Keys residents and visitors by providing them with the region’s history, artifacts, photographs and other historically significant resources.
The group works to reserve the history of the Florida Keys through the Irving R. Eyster Museum which will display and house historical artifacts, documents and memorabilia.
William J. Matheson, a wealthy dye manufacturer, came to Coconut Grove in 1903 due to the insistence of his son, Hugh, who was a student at Ransom School. William J. Matheson must have fallen in love with South Florida. Only four years later, he had purchased 1700 acres of Biscayne Key. He planted 2/3 of this island in fruit and then in coconuts, making it the largest coconut plantation in the United States.
Amber asks “can feeling good be good for you?” Yes, if it eases stress, relaxes sore aching muscles and replenishes your body and soul.
The Caribbean Spa at the Pier House Resort is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and repair your being. As Key West’s only full service spa, they provide a complete range of treatments specifically designed to aid in restoring your well-being. Their services are designed to renew energy while bringing a calming and more healthful balance to your mind and body.
Your experience is complete with hair and nail services, steam rooms, fully equipped exercise facility and soothing whirlpool. And yes, it’s good to feel good.
Anglers vie for cash awards of up to $750 for the heaviest blackfin tuna and wahoo at the 10th annual Burdine’s Waterfront Dolphin & Blackfin Tuna Tournament set this Saturday and Sunday.
Top prizes of $700, $350 and $200 are promised individual adult anglers who catch the three heaviest dolphin in the tournament. The top three anglers in the junior division are to receive $300, $200 and $100. In addition, cash awards of $750 are to be presented for the tournament’s heaviest blackfin tuna and wahoo.
The awards banquet is set for 6 p.m. Sunday at Burdine’s and entry fees are $100 per adult and $50 per junior angler.
The mission of the Key West Gator Club® is to foster and enhance the relationship between the University of Florida, its alumni, students, and friends in the city of Key West, and its surrounding areas, and to support the university’s mission of teaching research and service.
Anglers are to compete to catch dolphin fish, a plentiful summertime treat off the Keys, to raise money for college scholarships.
Friday, June 25, Tentative Schedule, Yacht Clubs of America
Once known by the locals as the 1900′s vintage Otto Mansion, Pilot House is today appointed with a tasteful blend of antiques and decorated with tropical furnishings that accommodates the discriminating tastes of their experienced travelers.
They offer accommodations in these surroundings with eight guest rooms to choose from, all with private baths, color TVs, private line phones, air-conditioning, and paddle fans.
As their guest in the Southernmost City you will appreciate their continuing attention to detail. The guest rooms’ original hardwood floors gleam with polish.
The massive moldings and the twelve foot ceilings speak to an elegance of another era in Key West history.
414 Simonton St. 14 units
(305) 293-6600, 1-877-809-4228
fax (305) 294-9298
For more Key West attractions and daily Key West hotel discounts, visit keywestfinest.mobi on your smartphone.
Both Old Town Manor & Rose Lane Villas are ideally located, just a few steps from Duval Street, in the heart of Old Town Key West. Very few inns can compare to its classical setting. Built in 1886 the Old Town Manor is a reminder of Key West’s unique history.
While respecting the tradition of Key West bed and breakfasts, the Old Town Manor provides 21st century accommodations. The inn offers free DVD rentals, free wireless Internet access, and a healthy all-natural delicious breakfast.
For condominium style resort accommodations, Rose Lane Villas is easy to find but difficult to leave. The location of the Villas is as close to the action as you’ll get without sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Their 1, 2, and 3 bedroom Villas are generously equipped for your Key West family reunion, destination wedding, or even a romantic Key West getaway.
511 Eaton St. 19 units
(305) 292-2170, (800) 294-2170
fax (305) 293-0559
The Ocean Breeze Inn offers a unique venue for your next stay in Old Town Key West, with Duval Street and tropical South Beach just steps away.
Their affordable accommodations keep bringing back guests to the Ocean Breeze Inn with the unique charm of this tropical retreat, along with prodigious measures of hometown hospitality.
Guests enjoy a free continental breakfast every morning plus free off street parking (a real benefit on the island). Once situated, guests are welcome to explore the wonders of Key West on foot, bicycle or moped.
Just two blocks away from the Atlantic side of this island paradise, you have excellent access to four separate public beaches and all of the historic sites in Old Town Key West.
And, of course, right around the corner are all the sights, sounds, tastes and uproarious nightlife of Duval Street.
Contact the Ocean Breeze Inn
625 South St. Key West, Fl. 33040
Ph (305)296-2829
Toll-free (800)879-2362
Fax (305)296-2092
The Key West Toy Factory opened in February of 2010 and is the only store of its kind in beautiful Key West, Florida. Store owner Fran Gonzon created the store after a failed attempt to find cool toys for his kids while on vacation. Today the Key West Toy Factory is a can’t miss shopping experience and a “must not miss” family attraction.
With a large variety of unique products, including wooden toys, crafts, books, games, and learning kits, you can even see a free magic show while you are shopping around and learn a few tricks to take home. Many of their customized wooden toys make great heirloom gifts to pass down through your family. Store personnel work hard so that you will have something truly special and top quality to take with you, whether its for yourself or your loved ones.
The store is located upstairs with elevator access in the Clinton Square Market.
