Banana Coast’s Parks to Showcase Honduras’ Natural Attractions

TRUJILLO, HONDURAS (Sept. 1, 2010) — Animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts have officially begun at the Nature Park, part of the Campo del Mar Park System in Trujillo, Honduras. The four-park system is one of several development projects planned for the northern coast of the country, in combination with Banana Coast, Honduras’ first mainland cruise port. Both the park system and cruise port are scheduled to initiate operations in 2012.

The Nature Park, whose main mission is to assist in the preservation and rehabilitation of Honduras’ native fauna, currently has a completed 42-foot-high by 50-foot-diameter monkey habitat. The habitat houses eight monkeys of two different species, rescued and brought into the park by the country’s Natural Resource Authorities (UMA, the local division of the Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources) and the National Institute of Conservation and Forestry Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF). In addition to these government organizations, the Nature Park also will have the support of Fucagua, a local private organization dedicated to protecting the environment.

“Although we are still in the early stages of construction, we wanted to focus on providing an immediate solution to the critical needs of the area,” said Randy Jorgensen, chief operating officer of Life Vision Developments, lead company in Banana Coast’s development. “Our rescue center will concentrate on offering housing and care to animals that were in captivity or living in neglected conditions.”

In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, the Nature Park will serve to educate visitors about Honduras’ wildlife. Other facilities planned for the park include crocodile, reptile and jaguar habitats. Timing for construction of those facilities will depend on the needs of UMA, ICF and Fucagua. An educational program for local schools also will be implemented once the park opens.

With approximately 20 acres of land, the Nature Park includes a farm and a garden to produce a variety of fruits and vegetables to support the park’s inhabitants. The farm currently produces a variety of native fruit, including bananas, oranges, starfruit, grapefruit, avocados and mangoes.

Plans call for the 80-acre four-park system to include a Wildlife Park, Riverside Recreational Park and Heritage Park.
The Wildlife Park will feature colonies of monkeys, exotic birds and other rainforest animals living freely within their natural environment. A guided canopy and trail tour are planned to give visitors the opportunity to experience the rainforest without disturbing the wildlife.
Campo del Mar Park System will be integrated into the development of Honduras’ first mainland cruise port, Banana Coast. With an initial investment of $20 million, Banana Coast will offer cruisers a combination of natural and historical attractions of Trujillo, a small town of 30,000 located on Honduras’ northern coast. In addition to quality passenger facilities and amenities, the project also will feature Banana Coast Landing, a themed retail destination with approximately 50,000 square feet of shopping, restaurants and an excursion marina.

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Expect Key West’s habitual eccentricity and offbeat flavor to intensify radically during Fantasy Fest 2010, themed “Habitat for Insanity.”

Set for Oct. 22-31, the uninhibited extravaganza entices attendees to abandon real-world cares for a fantasy escape on America’s southernmost island. The annual 10-day festival offers more than 40 masquerade balls, costume contests and celebrations, culminating in a dazzling parade of large-scale floats and costumed marching groups.

Events kick off Friday, Oct. 22, with a Royal Coronation Ball to crown the king and queen of the high-energy “habitat.” Key West’s Caribbean roots are celebrated that same weekend, with Friday and Saturday’s Goombay street party in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood.

Subsequent festival highlights include Tuesday’s “Diagnosis Psychosis” Headdress Ball, featuring “heady” prizes for the best masks, cowls, feathered turbans and other cranium covers. Wednesday brings the quirky Pet Masquerade and Parade, where costumed dogs, cats, exotic birds and other “party animals” strut their stuff on an oceanfront stage.

The lavish Pretenders in Paradise costume competition is staged Thursday, Oct. 28, under the stars beside the Gulf of Mexico. Entrants in glittering costumes, some so large that they loom over awed spectators, dance and dazzle their way through performances featuring lights and music.

Key West’s Duval Street becomes a habitat for high jinks Friday, Oct. 29, during the Fantasy Fest Street Fair, where vendors tempt attendees with feathered masks, colorful costumes, artistry, food and libations. Just before sunset, the Masquerade March parades through Key West’s Old Town, starring costumed characters in outrageous attire.

Other traditional Fantasy Fest standouts include the Monster’s Ball, a rowdy toga party, tea dances, sensual after-dark soirees and exuberant themed costume contests.

The insanity reaches maximum intensity Saturday, Oct. 30, as tens of thousands of spectators gather for the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade in Key West’s historic downtown. The spectacle typically includes feather-bedecked marching groups, Caribbean bands and elaborately decorated motorized floats — such as a 40-foot mechanical shark, surrounded by dancing sea urchins, that wowed crowds in a past parade.

For more Fantasy Fest information, including an event schedule, visit www.fantasyfest.net or call 305-296-1817. For information about lodging in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit www.fla-keys.com.

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FLORIDA KEYS — Bring on the dipping sauce! Starting Friday, Oct.15, stone crab claws, brought fresh to shore from Florida Keys waters, will be steamed, cracked, plated and served dipped in melted butter or a savory mustard sauce.

During the seven-month-long stone crab season, hundreds of thousands of pounds of Florida’s stellar crustacean will make their way from area waters to diners across the nation who hunger for their sweet, tender meat.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, about 40 percent of the state’s annual stone crab harvest of more than 3.1 million pounds comes from Keys waters, making this region Florida’s top supplier of the world-renowned delicacy.

One of the Keys’ most treasured dishes, stone crab claws are succulent and meaty — closer in size to a 2-pound Maine lobster’s claws than a blue crab’s claws.

The mouth-watering claws are typically cooked immediately after being brought to the dock, usually by placing them in salted boiling water for seven to eight minutes. The claws are then stored on ice before being transported to local markets and restaurants.

Running cold water over the cooked claws keeps the meat from sticking to the shell — and Keys locals know the secret to cracking the claws open: throw out those fancy shell crackers and use the back of a spoon. Gently smack the shell and it will crack cleanly.

Stone crab claws are a renewable resource because the crabs can re-grow harvested claws. While both claws can be taken lawfully if each is of legal size, defined as a 2.75-inch propodus (the larger, immovable part of the claw’s pincer), harvesting only one claw is preferable for the crab’s protection and feeding ability. It is illegal to take claws from female stone crabs carrying eggs.

Several restrictions apply to the recreational harvesting of stone crabs. For more stone crab information, including rules governing recreational harvesting, visit the FWC website at http://myfwc.com/.

The 2010-2011 stone crab season continues through May 15.

To find out about Florida Keys accommodations and restaurants during stone crab season, visit www.fla-keys.com.
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MARATHON, Florida Keys — Keys boating visitors and residents can practice their follow-through while feeding the fish and raising money for charity during Marathon’s Conch Life Scramble Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25. The scramble is the third in a series of wild and wacky on-the-water golf tournaments in the Florida Keys.

As many as 40 teams consisting of four players and a fifth designated driver are expected to participate. Players take two shots at each of nine holes located at waterfront venues throughout Marathon, using environmentally friendly biodegradable golf balls that become fish food after 96 hours in the water.

Holes consist of two floating rings set from 30 to 120 yards off a dock or beach. Golfers are awarded points for their shots, depending on whether they land inside or outside the rings. Scratch golfers beware — only irons and putters are allowed, though mulligans are available for purchase.

A kick-off party, final registration and rules meeting are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at the Key Colony Inn restaurant, 700 W. Ocean Drive on Key Colony Beach. Live and silent auctions are planned as well.

Boaters are to meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Days South, 725 11th St. oceanside, for hole location assignments and a free continental breakfast. A shotgun start follows.

Awards are to be given for best team score, best individual score, best-dressed team and hard-luck team. A barbecue and awards lunch is set for 3 p.m. at Indigo Reef Resort near mile marker 52 oceanside.

The entry fee is $500 per team, including on-the-water themed ditty bags and event shirts. Proceeds benefit the Domestic Abuse Shelter and the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens.

An additional Conch Life Scramble event is slated for Nov. 5-6 in Key West, with a playoff tournament scheduled Dec.10-11 in Islamorada.

For more information and to register for the Marathon scramble, call Larry Kahn at 305-731-6845, e-mail Keysdude123@gmail.com or visit www.conchlifescramble.com.

For area accommodations, contact the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417 or 800-262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West website at www.fla-keys.com.

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — More than 60 beers and ales including unique microbrews are to be on tap at Key West BrewFest, scheduled Friday through Sunday, Sept. 3-5, beside the Atlantic Ocean.

Also featuring mouthwatering food and live reggae and calypso music, the Labor Day weekend celebration is hosted by the Southernmost Hotel Collection and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic. Proceeds are to benefit the club and its charitable efforts both locally and worldwide.

The selection of beers is to include such intriguingly named offerings as Holy Mackerel, Monk in the Trunk, Magic Hat, Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre and UFO White as well as widely recognized specialty brews. Local favorites such as Key West Sunset Ale and Bubba are to be on hand as well.

“I thought that because so many of us enjoy beer in Key West to replenish our fluids on hot summer days, we should celebrate beer in some fashion,” said festival founder Matthew Babich, general manager of the Southernmost Hotel Collection and president of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club.

BrewFest begins with a 5-7 p.m. VIP welcome party Friday, Sept. 3, at the Shores Bar at Southernmost on the Beach Hotel, 508 South St. A $5 donation is requested.

The festival’s centerpiece, a lively oceanfront food and brew gala, is set for 4-8 p.m. Saturday at Southernmost on the Beach. Attendees can taste featured beers, savor food provided by the Southernmost Beach Café and rock to the reggae sounds of Toko Irie. Admission is $20 per person.

Lovers of libations will find fine ale, lager, stout and other brews paired with fine food Sunday during the six-course Samuel Adams Beer Dinner. Slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St., the feast features such palate–pleasers as blackened shrimp over arugula, chilled lobster gazpacho, grilled swordfish with a citrus drizzle and dark chocolate lava cake. Cost is $50 per person plus tax and gratuities.

For event information, ticketing and Southernmost Hotel Collection accommodations packages, visit www.keywestbrewfest.com, call 800-354-4455 or e-mail info@keywestbrewfest.com.

For additional 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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KEY WEST, 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 38th annual Key West Poker Run, set for Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 16-19.

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 Peterson’s Harley-Davidson of Miami, 19400 N.W. 2nd Ave., and Peterson’s Harley-Davidson South, 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.

For early arrivals in Key West, a bar stroll is planned on Upper Duval Street Thursday night, Sept. 16, ending in a beach party at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St.

Starting at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, Poker Run participants are to ride the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West, stopping at designated points to draw cards. The fifth and final stop is Key West’s Conch Republic Seafood Co., 631 Greene St.

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 during much of the Poker Run so bikers with weekend parking passes can park on the street to display their bikes.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 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. Registration costs $25 per bike.

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

Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St., hosts its annual “Biker Bash” from noon until 11 p.m. Saturday, 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.

Sunday events include a morning blessing of the bikes, followed by a Bloody Mary brunch and beach party 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

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KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Plans are underway for a milestone birthday celebration as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater preserve, turns 50 years old. The historic event is set for Wednesday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 11, offering an ideal occasion for divers, snorkelers and other visitors to discover or rediscover the Key Largo park.

The park was dedicated Dec. 10, 1960, capping efforts by the late “Miami Herald” editor John Pennekamp to create the Florida Keys jewel that lies just 90 minutes’ drive from Miami. Today, the park named for Pennekamp draws more than one million visitors annually to explore its nature trails and beaches and observe the abundant underwater wildlife that inhabits its 70 nautical miles.

The 50th anniversary celebration spotlights the history of the park and its mission of protecting and preserving the natural resources within its boundaries — particularly a portion of America’s only living coral barrier reef.

Highlights are to include an underwater birthday celebration at one of the park’s most famous offshore attractions, the nine-foot bronze “Christ of the Deep” that rests gracefully in 20 feet of water. The iconic statue, a replica of the like-named statue in the Mediterranean Sea, was donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1961 by industrialist Egidi Cressi.

Visitors to Key Largo also can participate in community-wide land- and water-based events for the whole family, including a planned world–record snorkel attempt and informational and educational activities in conjunction with Key Largo’s Protect the Reef Days,

An educational expo is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11, at the park with conservation-minded educational vendor booths as well as nationally renowned guest speakers.

Visitors also can enjoy the park’s popular water activities during the event, such as viewing the reef from a glass-bottom boat, canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Nature trails, picnic pavilions, beaches and campsites round out the site’s wide variety of outdoor activities.

Several independently owned dive shops in the Key Largo area are to offer special diving and snorkeling trips during the 11-day celebration, while local restaurants are concocting signature “Pennekamp 50th” culinary dishes and cocktails. Specially priced accommodations and activities are planned throughout Key Largo.

For more information and event highlights, visit www.fla-keys.com/pennekamp50.

For area accommodations, contact the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce at 800-822-1088, e-mail info@keylargochamber.org or visit www.fla-keys.com.

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SEATTLE, Aug. 6– With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, opting to bring more intimacy to evening shows.

Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantare, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras.

“With this new approach we’ve focused on getting top-notch performers, and you’ll see more faces from Broadway, ‘American Idol’ and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We’re looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options.”

Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, including “N.Y.C.,” a musical tour of the Big Apple; “Ladies Night,” a fun and fabulous all-female revue; “Live from the Avalon Ballroom,” an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; “Garage Band,” a ’60s and ’70s musical set in an automobile service center, and “It Takes Two,” a revue of famous duets and duos.

Following the shows’ run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010.

Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line’s more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians.

On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Statendam and ms Ryndam as part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program.

The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor. A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the audience.

Holland America Line’s creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Hugh Durrant — a costume, set and theatrical designer — has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others, and fashion icon Bob Mackie, who created many of Holland America Line’s costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities.

Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam was named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

FLORIDA KEYS — Eleven Florida divers recently became the first “Wreck Trekker” dive enthusiasts to complete nine wreck dives as part of the Florida Keys Wreck Trek Passport Program.

The dive challenge, developed by tourism officials and area dive operators, showcases the world-class diving destination’s string of sunken vessels and artificial reefs, and awards participants for completing a series of wreck dives featured in a passport-style dive logbook.

Rocky Welch, manager of a diving and adventure sports outfitting company, helped organize the Florida dive group from areas around Tampa, Clearwater and his hometown of Pinellas Park.

Theirs was a unique itinerary, planned with Tavernier-based Florida Keys Dive Center and designed to include all nine wreck dives within one vacation.

However, participants in the Florida Keys Wreck Trek Passport Program also can make multiple trips to complete the dives in their passport logbook. The program continues through Jan. 1, 2012.

Welch said he first explored Islamorada’s Eagle shipwreck in 1989 as the initial wreck dive of his 26-year diving career. This time, he reported spending 30 wonderful minutes exploring the ship.

Though he said the group considered the Vandenberg artificial reef the crown jewel of the trek, Welch’s personal favorite was the Bibb, located off Key Largo. Diving the Bibb, he said, had been a goal of his for 23 years.

“The team decided I would be the first down the line,” Welch said. “The water was glass–smooth with no apparent current … it was truly a pinnacle moment in a long diving career.”

Each of the 11 initial Wreck Trek divers are to receive a free print collage of the wrecks, as will any diver who logs a wreck in each of the five regions of the Keys. In addition, they will be entered into a drawing for prizes including merchandise, dive equipment and accommodations packages in the Florida Keys.

For Welch, however, the experience and challenge of the Wreck Trek was a significant reward in itself.

“All the adventures are there [in the Florida Keys], from shallow, beautiful reefs to mysterious wrecks,” he said. “The Keys offers the most diversity of any dive location I have seen.”

To learn more, visit www.fla-keys.com/diving/wrecktrek.

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Carnival Guests Front A Rockin’ Live Band To Perform Favorite Tunes for Friends, Family and Fellow Guests

MIAMI (August 2, 2010) - With the band warmed up, amps cranked, spotlight set and the adoring crowd ready to explode, Carnival guests will take the stage, grab the mic and live out their music-star daydreams on the open seas. Introducing Superstar Live Karaoke, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest entertainment feature puts guests into the act, fronting a live band and performing their favorite songs to a packed house.

Superstar Live Karaoke combines two popular forms of entertainment – live music by talented musicians and karaoke by Carnival’s singing sailors – and cranks it up. It is fun for all when aspiring singers or fun-seekers have their moment in the spotlight while a few hundred of their friends, family and fellow guests cheer them on and sing along.

Following a high-energy introduction, the would-be music legend hits the stage to belt out a favorite tune accompanied by talented musicians playing the electric guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, as well as versatile backup singers to provide sweet harmonies.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new entertainment option to the Carnival vacation experience. Superstar Live Karaoke takes Carnival’s participatory fun to a new level with our guests unleashing their vocal talents and fulfilling their musical fantasies while fronting a great live band,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

Those interested in living their dream as a super star — for one night, at least — simply sign up with the on-site host in the designated Superstar Live Karaoke lounge on board. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests can channel their inner rock star, pop idol, Motown legend and country crooner, selecting from a list of more than 100 song titles that span a wide variety of musical styles and genres from artists including ABBA to Zac Brown Band and everything in between.

For those about to rock, there are plenty of classic songs from AC/DC, The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and others, as well as contemporary hits by artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Maroon 5.

Guests can add a twang with current and classic country songs made famous by Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, and others, or pay their respects to soul, rap and R&B greats by performing songs by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Wilson Pickett and Sir Mix-A-Lot, among many others.

“Super Star Live Karaoke is quickly becoming one of the most popular and exciting activities we’ve ever offered. People love to express themselves through music — we even had a groom sing to his new bride,” said Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald. “It’s a dream of so many people to perform on a stage backed by a live band, but so few get the opportunity. We’re giving people the ability to live out their dream and just go out and have fun!”

The program, which recently debuted aboard Carnival Conquest and Carnival Valor, premieres on the Carnival Pride this week. Superstar Live Karaoke will be introduced to the line’s 12 Fun Ships that operate itineraries of seven days or longer by year’s end.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe, and Bermuda. The line currently has two new 130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival Magic, set to debut from Europe May 1, 2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

For additional information and reservations on the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.