New Pines & Palms Web site and Video

After months of working with our friends at FloridaKeys.Com and Sun King Studios we finally launched our new web site. We've added the video you see here plus a high definition Web Cam, Live Chat, an interactive property map, a newsletter, and much more. Check it out at www.pinesandpalms.com.

The Underwater World of the Florida Keys

Cool Cultural Scene Expanding in Islamorada

There's always been an arts, music, and culinary scene in Islamorada. Up until now it's been a bit underground... you had to know where to look. Now we have the Third Thursday Art Walk showcasing local artists, food and music. The video really captures this cool little event.

Islamorada... Just Perfect

Check out one of our new television commercials for Islamorada. We also launched a new Florida Keys web site at www.fla-keys.com.

New Bonefish Rules Possible

People come from all over the world to try to catch the elusive Islamorada Bonefish. You can find them all over the world but Islamorada is home to some of the largest specimens on the planet.

It's big business here. A recent study by the University of Miami estimates the value of each Florida Keys Bonefish to be about $3500 per year or nearly $75,000 over it's lifespan.

This may be one of the reasons the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is proposing new fishing regulations. The proposal would eliminate the one-fish daily bag limit and allow only catch and release fishing. Seems like a good plan. I don't know of anybody who would keep one unless it was some kind of record.

Apparently the new rules would allow temporary possession of a Bonefish for photographs or for weigh-ins at tournaments.

FWC board Chairman Rodney Barreto is quoted as saying "These proposed rules will further protect bonefish populations in South Florida, while providing anglers with opportunities to document a record catch and enjoy the exciting action of bonefish fishing tournaments."

Important News on Turnpike Tolls

Starting mid February all turnpike tolls between Exit 47 and Exit 1 (a primary route to the Keys) will be collected electronically... no more cash lines... no more stopping.

Tolls will be collected with the SunPass (a prepaid toll program) or with TOLL-BY-PLATE which is a system that photographs each vehicle license plate and mails a bill.

Vacationers traveling in their own cars can purchase a mini-SunPass sticker via mail before their trip for $4.99 and receive the cost back in toll credits. The pass is available at major Florida retailers and Turnpike service plazas or visit www.sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352.

For visitors renting cars in Florida, most major rental companies have programs allowing you to use the TOLL-BUY-PLATE system. Tolls and service fees are automatically charged to the same credit card used to rent the vehicle. For more details including pricing options and participating rental car agencies, visit www.sunpass.com/rentalcar.

More Good News for the Keys

Check out Tuesday's (June 22) Miami Herald headline:

Keys Dodge Threat from Oil

"Forecasters say the state's delicate chain of islands is in no imminent threat from the oil gusher."

The article goes on to say "the risk of oil from the Deepwater Horizon blowout reaching the Florida Keys and South Florida anytime soon is now so remote that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has suspended its trajectory maps for the area, effectively downgrading the area to low risk."

As stated previously, you can get all the up to day, realtime information at the TDC web site at www.fla-keys.com.

No Oil in the Keys!

My daughter called today from Boston and asked me what the oil damage was like in the Keys.

I don't want to downplay the significance of the BP Gulf oil spill, it's an eco-disaster. But come on... this irresponsible news coverage is causing damage to places like the Florida Keys where there's no sign of oil.

Hotels, fishermen, dive & tour operations and others have experienced significant losses from oil related cancellations. So much so that BP has opened claims offices in both Marathon and Key West!

If you really want to know what's going on, visit the Tourist Development Council (TDC) website which provides real-time information. There's even a weekly video offering proof of all the great activities here including beaches free of oil.

Too late to say goodbye...

A group of Islamorada locals gathered to morn the unexpected loss of "Little Kenny" Bowering last night... a gem of Islamorada, an original barn dog, a pirate, a Keys character, an all-round good guy, a friend. Bud n Mary's won't be the same. Click here to see a tribute to Kenny. Hit your back button to return to Islamorada Insider.

The Fishing is Fine

It's no secret... we've had the coldest winter in over 30 years here in the Keys. January was so cold we experienced a huge fish kill in Florida Bay losing so many Snook they closed the season till next September. There were dead fish of all sizes and species floating across the Bay.

The good news is the water is warming and things are returning to normal. The fishing is currently very good. Last Monday, I took a couple of my favorite spring breakers out fishing (my daughter Kelsey and her friend Stacey). Although the water is still quite cold, we found plenty of action off 9-mile bank. Our catch included Cobia, Bluefish, Snappers, Sharks, and as many Spanish Mackerel as you would care to reel in.

Must See Diving Museum

The worlds best diving museum is located right here in Islamorada. If you get one of those days where it's too windy, or if you're too sunburned, or you are looking for something different to do... put this on your list. You will enjoy it even if you've never been snorkeling. Fascinating! Click here to see the video then use your back button to return to Islamorada Insider.

There's No App for This!

Our winter television ads promoting the Florida Keys start soon. Click here to see the new television spot: There's No App for This then hit the back button to return to Islamorada Insider.

Free Airfare Promotion

Everyone is looking for value-added these days, beyond a stale continental breakfast. Now visitors to Islamorada and the rest of the Florida Keys can earn a free* companion airfare certificate simply by staying at a participating property like Pines and Palms.

Most hotels require a 2 or 3 night minimum and may have other requirements so be sure to inquire. Just click HERE to see all the participating hotels and get your free ticket.

* Valid for travel within the continental 48 United States. Certificates available at participating properties now through March 31, 2010.

Keys Highway is All American Road

The Overseas Highway is now an All-American Road and the only one in Florida (we knew that)!

The designation was announced recently by the U.S. Transportation Secretary and a plaque was presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

It's the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program established by Congress in 1991.

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."

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