GIGANTIC NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET ATTRACTS THOUSANDS

Thousands of shoppers visited Founders Park in Islamorada, in search of fishing rods, paintings, sun shirts and more at the 28th Gigantic Nautical Flea Market on Feb 25-26. Organized by the Upper Keys Rotary Club, the shopping extravaganza also featured hundreds of vendors and 18 food trucks dishing out burgers, fish sandwiches, tacos, iced treats and other cuisine. Area boat dealers parked some of their finest marine machines at the front of the park and by the beach for patrons to view. Drink booths and beverage carts were busy dishing out Islamorada Brewery & Distillery spirits, rum punch and the famous Bloody Mary. Proceeds from the event — the total wasn’t available by press time — support college or technical education through scholarships.

— Jim McCarthy