KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — More than 330 participants have already registered for the third annual Key Largo Bridge Run, a spectacular out-and-back foot race offering panoramic views of the Upper Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades. The race is set for Saturday, Nov. 12.

The 10k, half marathon and 5k run/walk event typically entices running enthusiasts of all ages. Entrants in the 2011 challenge hail from 24 American states, the Bahamas, Brazil, Germany and Switzerland. The 2010 race attracted more than 900 contestants.

Runners along the USA Track & Field–certified course cross the 65-foot-high, 1.25-mile-long Jewfish Creek Bridge and occupy the northbound lanes of the bridge and the southern portion of the 18-Mile Stretch, a section of the Overseas Highway that connects mainland South Florida with Key Largo.

The Key Largo Bridge Run is to be held in conjunction with a Health and Fitness Expo sponsored by Florida Keys AHEC. The expo is set for noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the Key Largo Holiday Inn, mile marker (MM) 100.

A variety of vendors and health screenings are available from noon to 9 p.m., and race participants can pick up race packets during that time. A silent auction is scheduled as well.

A Friday night spaghetti dinner is to be hosted by DiGiorgio’s Café Largo, MM 100 bayside, between 4:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person.

Race entry fees are $35 per person for the 5k, $70 for the half marathon and $50 per person for the 10k through Nov. 4, with a $5 discount for runners whose registrations are received on or before Oct.14. Participants age 17 and under pay $12. The first 1,000 race registrants receive a free T-shirt. There is no admission charge for the Expo.

Event proceeds benefit local charities including Key Largo Baptist Church, the Autism Society of the Keys, Florida Keys Down Syndrome Educational Fund and the Key Largo Bridge Run Scholarship Fund.

Event information: www.keylargobridgerun.com

Key Largo visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088

Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • www.YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

Twenty-one pilot whales found themselves stranded on May 5 off the lower Florida Keys near Cudjoe Key. We have been keeping the media up-to-date on the situation through videos, photos and press releases.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The Key West Symphony, a unique gathering of professional symphonic musicians from around the United States, is to begin its 2010-11 season with a concert featuring world-renowned violinist Chee-Yun.

The curtain is to go up at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road on the campus of Florida Keys Community College.

Renowned for her flawless technique, Chee-Yun has performed and toured with leading orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Haifa Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic. She has also appeared as a recitalist and released a number of critically acclaimed recordings, including the platinum–selling “Serenata Notturno.” A recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant earlier in her musical life, she also is an educator who gives master classes around the world.

The symphony’s October concert program is to include Johannes Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture,” Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto” and Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations.”

For each concert in the symphony’s season, nationally recognized conductor Sebrina Maria Alfonso brings together a core group of skilled musicians from around the country. The group is supplemented with other leading musicians and soloists chosen to enhance each concert program.

Prior to the Oct. 6 performance, the unusual orchestra is to stage a season kickoff party titled “Sextet on the Beach.” Set for 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, the gala is to take place at the Southernmost Beach Café, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1405 Duval St. Attractions are to include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and music by the symphony’s sextet.

Cost for the party is $25 per person in advance or $35 per person at the door. To order tickets, visit www.keystix.com or call 305-292-1774.

The symphony’s 2010-11 season also includes master concerts scheduled Dec. 1 with violinist Lara St. John, Jan. 28 with pianist Barry Douglas, March 2 with the Sima Trio and April 29 with pianist Adam Golka.

Tickets for each concert range from $25 to $60 per person depending on seat location. The ticket price includes a post-concert reception where attendees can meet the conductor, orchestra members and featured soloists.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.keystix.com or by calling the Tennessee Williams Theatre box office at 305-295-7676.  For more information about the Key West Symphony and its season, call 305-292-1774.

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

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ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Bargain hunters looking for deals can ogle new and used gems at the annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market, a two-day open-air market set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 20-21, at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key.

Boat parts, electronics, marine products, scuba and snorkel gear, dock equipment, nautical arts and crafts, fishing gear and clothing are among the items to be on hand to make life easier in, on or under the water in the Keys.

Poking through boxes of loose parts, boaters who have been everywhere and seen everything often turn up the oddball or one-of-a-kind fitting found nowhere else.

Anglers come from miles away to pry out deep discounts on rods, reels, line and lures, looking for better ways to chase fish.

Water lovers of all ages come to find tools and toys, art lovers and hobbyists discover a variety of arts and crafts, and sun worshippers simply enjoy a day at the park.

Flea market hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. An all-you-can-eat breakfast is to be served for $5 per person.

Admission is free, with complimentary parking and free shuttle transportation both days from Coral Shores High School at mile marker 90.

All funds raised benefit the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation Scholarship fund, which helps local students pay for college.

For more information, visit the Upper Keys Rotary Club Web site at www.giganticnauticalfleamarket.org or call 305-712-1818.

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

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Twenty-five teams of women and girls from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom are to converge on Key West in February for the 19th annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship. The championship, named for and endorsed by the critically acclaimed actress and former Key West resident who starred in “Top Gun” and “Witness,” is scheduled Sunday, Feb. 7, through Monday, Feb. 15.

According to Diane Beruldsen, president and founder of the International Women’s Flag Football Association, players ranging from 8 years old to seniors are to compete in the sporting challenge.

The tournament incorporates social events, parties and daily activities for participants as well as four days of hard-fought competition.

Teams compete in divisions based on age and skill level. Divisions include those for girls ages 8-14, juniors ages 14-17 and beginners, middle and higher divisions for women 18 and over.

Following three days of Key West activities, the tournament’s opening ceremonies are scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Guy Harvey’s Grill, 511 Greene St.

Following the ceremonies, competing teams are to proceed down Key West’s renowned Duval Street in the annual players parade. Team members are asked to carry their country or state flags or team banners in the procession, which also typically includes floats and marching bands.

Games are to begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, and take place at Wicker Field Sports Complex, located on Kennedy Drive off Flagler Avenue. The action continues daily through Sunday’s playoffs, with the championships — to be followed by the World Challenge Game that pits top U.S. women’s all-stars against international all-stars.

The tournament lineup also features daily half-time games for players and spectators, as well as Sunday awards events for girls’, juniors’ and women’s teams.

For more information and a full schedule of events for the Kelly McGillis Classic, and for information about the International Women’s Flag Football Association, visit www.iwffa.com, call Diane Beruldsen toll-free at 888-464-9332 or e-mail iwffa@iwffa.com.

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

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WEST SUMMERLAND KEY, Florida Keys — As many as 650 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world are to gather in the Florida Keys Monday through Saturday, Feb. 8-13, attracted by the chance for 180-degree viewing of the Southern Cross and other constellations during the 26th annual Winter Star Party.

The event’s primary draw for astronomers is the large number of southern constellations, comets, stars and other celestial objects that are visible from the Florida Keys — virtually the only place in the continental United States where they can be seen. The Keys’ southern location and relative absence of large-scale artificial lighting at night provide optimal viewing conditions.

The star party is to take place at Camp Wesumkee, a Girl Scout camp on West Summerland Key, mile marker 34.5 off U.S. Highway 1.

The gathering is hosted by Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Founded in 1922, the SCAS is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western Hemisphere.

As well as nightly stargazing opportunities, Winter Star Party participants can attend lectures and presentations by nationally recognized astronomers and guest speakers, shop for astronomy equipment from on-site vendors, participate in photo contests, compete for raffle prizes and exchange information with fellow astronomy aficionados. Special camp activities are arranged for young astronomers.

Expected highlights of the 2010 Winter Star Party include a presentation by Dr. Russell Romanella, director of the International Space Station and Spacecraft Processing Directorate at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Featured speakers include astrophysicist, author and musician Dr. Fiorella Terenzi, astro-photographer and event director Tim Khan, telescope maker and astro-photographer Sheldon Faworski, solar system research and planetary photography specialist Dr. Donald C. Parker and star party founder Tippy D’Auria, an international lecturer and astro-photographer.

While the Winter Star Party is open to the public as well as SCAS members, the 2010 event is sold out.

For more information, visit the SCAS Web site at www.scas.org.

For accommodations information in the Lower Florida Keys, call the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at 305-872-2411 or 800-872-3722. Accommodations information also is available on the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Since the Florida Keys were first settled in the 1820s, the island chain’s cuisine has been based around the bounty of the sea. Clawless Florida lobster, yellowtail snapper, sweet pink shrimp, grouper, stone crab claws and more — all harvested by Keys commercial fishermen — have become prized signature items on the region’s menus.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, the area’s indigenous seafood and the fishermen who harvest it are to be celebrated during the fifth annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival.

Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and the University of Florida/Monroe County Extension services, the festival is to take place at Key West’s Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive. Admission is free.

As well as spotlighting local seafood, the mouthwatering feast is designed to generate interest in and awareness of the Keys’ commercial fishing industry.

Festival offerings include fresh local lobster, fish, stone crab claws, shrimp and deep-water golden crab — as well as savory conch chowder, conch fritters and conch salad. All dishes are to be prepared by fishermen and their families.

Soft drinks, beer and wine also are to be available.

In addition, the festival features games and activities for children and musical entertainment by local musicians.

Vendors of nautical items, nonprofit organizations and creators of marine art and crafts are to round out the event’s attractions. Raffles are planned throughout the day.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and scholarships for college-bound children of commercial fishermen.

For more information, call (305) 872-9026 or visit www.fkcfa.org or http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu/.

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

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Posing for a photo Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, just before the annual World Travel Market opens in London,  are from left, Lisa Cooper, of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s United Kingdom public relations firm; Liz Johnson of  Noble House Resorts; Yves Vrielynck, TDC’s destination sales manager;  Lauren Sycamore, TDC’s UK representative; and Stacey Mitchell, TDC’s director of sales. The Florida Keys & Key West-decorated taxi is one of six vehicles that ply London and Manchester streets carrying a Keys marketing message. World Travel Market continues through Thursday and typically attracts about 45,000 attendees.  Photo by Phil Gammon/Florida Keys News Bureau.

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, from just north of Key Largo to Key West, is now an All-American Road.

The designation was announced Friday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and a plaque was presented by Victor Mendez, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The Keys highway is the only All-American Road in Florida. It’s the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program establis

Rudy Nichols, a Florida Department of Transportation sign crew leader, positions a placard designating the Florida Keys Overseas Highway as an All-American Road, the highest national recognition a roadway can receive.

hed by the U.S. Congress in 1991. Only 30 other roadways in the nation have earned the prestigious title.

Originally completed in 1938, the Overseas Highway incorporates 42 bridges over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They include the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon, which stretches 6.79 miles across open water and was referred to on its completion as “the eighth wonder of the world.”

Under the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways program, roads can be recognized as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

To earn All-American Road status, a thoroughfare must possess characteristics of national significance and features that don’t exist elsewhere, making it a visitor destination in itself.

“The All-American Road designation will bring status to us with international and domestic visitors, so that they know driving U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West is a one-of-a-kind driving experience,” said Judy Hull, president of the Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance that spearheaded a multi-year effort to achieve the distinction, who was in Washington for the ceremony. “It should help us with tourism and future highway grant funding.”

The Overseas Highway follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when Standard Oil millionaire Henry Flagler completed the extension of his Florida East Coast Railroad from Miami to Key West. Construction of the highway began after the railroad ceased following a 1935 hurricane.

In 1982, 37 of the original bridges including the Seven Mile Bridge were replaced with wider spans. Most of the historic bridges still stand alongside the newer ones and now serve as fishing piers for anglers.

As well as the Overseas Highway, officials announced four other All-American Roads. They are Historic Route 66 in Arizona, Maine’s Acadia All-American Road Trenton Extension, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland and Michigan’s Woodward Avenue (M-1) Automotive Heritage Trail.

Three other Florida roads were recognized as new National Scenic Byways including the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway in the state’s north central region, the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail in the central east part of the state and the Big Bend Scenic Byway in the Panhandle.

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FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY:
Contact: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
1-800-ASK-KEYS (800-275-5397) or (305) 461-3300
www.fla-keys.com/media

Parrot Heads dress wild and wacky for the annual gathering in the southernmost city to celebrate the lifestyle.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — When internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett wrote “I Have Found Me a Home” about Key West, he described riding his old red bike to “the bars and the beaches of my town.” Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 5-8, the island popularly credited as the inspiration for the entertainer’s hit “Margaritaville” is to host as many as 3,500 of his Parrot Head fans for their 18th annual Meeting of the Minds convention.

The 2009 convention is themed Floridays, recalling the title of a classic Buffett album.

Scheduled events include concerts by Buffett’s musical cohorts and friends, beachside parties and performances, charity auctions and raffles, a street festival with live music and an all-day oceanfront “Beach Bash” at the Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St.

Buffett, who peppers his lyrics with references to Key West locales, established his Margaritaville Store on the island in 1985. A mecca for his fans, the store is now located beside his Margaritaville Café on Key West’s historic Duval Street. He also maintains a recording studio overlooking the former shrimp docks.

Headlining the 2009 convention’s entertainment schedule is the legendary rock band Little Feat, performing a private concert for attendees.

While Buffett occasionally makes a surprise visit to Key West for the Parrot Head bash, members of his Coral Reefer Band are definitely scheduled to appear. Among them are keyboard master Michael Utley and steel drum wizard Robert Greenidge headlining Club Trini, multitalented guitarist Peter Mayer, steel guitar guru Doyle Grisham and stellar vocalists Nadirah Shakoor and Tina Gullickson. Special guest Elo Ferrier is to showcase his talents as well.

The lineup also includes regional and Parrot Head favorites Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band, Jim Morris & The Big Bamboo Band, the Sunny Jim Band and John Frinzi.

Most convention activities are open only to registered members of Parrot Head clubs, but the public is invited to attend the Margaritaville Street Fest, planned for 1-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, adjacent to Margaritaville at Duval and Fleming streets. Street Fest entertainment is to be provided by Livingston and Mile Marker 24, “trop rockers” PHINS and Jerry Diaz and Hanna’s Reef.

As well as sharing an appreciation for Buffett’s music and the laidback tropical lifestyle it promotes, Parrot Head club members focus on charitable, environmental, educational and humanitarian activities. Since 2002, members of the more than 200 national and international Parrot Head chapters have contributed more than $16.4 million and 2.3 million volunteer hours to local and national charities.

For more information, visit the Meeting of the Minds section of www.phip.com.

For information about lodging in Key West, call 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com

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