DIVE INTO THE MARINE SANCTUARY WITHOUT GETTING WET

FLORIDA KEYS ECO - DISCOVERY CENTER REOPENS AFTER $1M REDO

The newly renovated Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center reopened to visitors on April 15 at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park. Following the $1 million upgrade, visitors can venture through a self-paced tour featuring mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, with numerous handon opportunities to learn about some of the 6,000 species of sea life that call Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary home. Modernday pirates discover a shipwreck trail marking the abundant maritime history of the Keys, including voyages that often came to a sudden, and tragic, end along treach- erous shallow reefs. Additional exhibits focus on conservation and coral restoration, while a 100seat theater features an exclusive 20-minute film on the cultural impact of the Keys. The Eco-Discovery Center is one of the few free attractions in Key West, located along the Truman waterfront on the way to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and Beach.

The Eco-Discovery Center is currently open each Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; hours may be expanded in the future as staffing allows.

— Contributed

Harrison Gallery in Key West is currently featuring a group show of various works by Keys dentist Dr. Fred Troxel as well as Rita Troxel, Cheryl Troxel and Jeff Nablo.

The show, entitled “Our Illusory World,” opened with an artists’ reception on April 13 and will be on display until May 3.

The show features Fred Troxel’s “sculptural anamorphs,” Rita Troxel’s abstract paintings and Cheryl Troxel’s and Jeff Nablo’s framed and shadowbox-like constructions.

Harrison Gallery, 825 White St., Key West, is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

— Keys Weekly staff report

1. A stand-up paddleboarding photo corner is an Instagrammable spot at the new Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and soon will become an interactive ‘virtual reality’ game that reacts to visitors. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

2. The newly renovated Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center at Key West’s Truman Waterfront includes a replica of FIU’s Aquarius Reef Base that visitors can ‘swim’ through and explore.