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.