Florida Keys 2023-24

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1 Home Improvement 2 Good Eats 4 Event Calendar 6 Budgeting 101 10 Psychology of Eating 16 Luxury Cruises 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep

it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up

your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great

to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you.

Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

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Restaurants Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House Steaks from a stone grill & lobster tails are the specialties of this casual, nautical eatery & bar.

3660 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 743-5516 | Web: lkeyssteakandlobster.com

Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille Easygoing beachfront eatery doling out pub grub & seafood favorites, with a patio & boat dock.

183 Barry Ave, Little Torch Key, FL 33042 Phone: (305) 872-4500 | Web: kikissandbar.com

Square Grouper Bar and Grill Bright, easygoing spot specializing in American mains & seafood, like fish tacos, plus cocktails.

22658 Overseas Hwy, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042 Phone: (305) 745-8880 | Web: squaregrouperbarandgrill.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Porky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina Casual waterside eatery doling out BBQ fare, seafood & drinks in funky surroundings.

1410 Overseas Hwy MM47.5, 1400 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar Spacious bayfront roadhouse with outdoor bar offering seasonal seafood, live music & sunset views.

96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL

The Buzzard’s Roost Pine-paneled seafood eatery on the water with outdoor seats, a tiki bar, live music & cove views.

21 Garden Cove Dr, Key Largo, FL

Galley Grill Unpretentious local option for breakfast & lunch classics like eggs Benedict & BLTs. 24862 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key, FL

The Fish House Stalwart restaurant & fish market serving a variety of meals made with locally caught seafood.

102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen Long-running local go-to decorated with license plates serves seafood, steaks & nightly specials.

99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL

Square Grouper Islamorada Cocktails, wine & locally sourced seafood served in a laid-back waterfront operation with a deck.

80460 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL

SHOR American Seafood Grill Sophisticated space in the Hyatt Resort presenting area-sourced seafood along with harbor views.

601 Front St, Key West, FL

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EVENTS 2023-24 Dec 8 Annual Custom House Holiday Concert & Bazaar The opulent Bazaar offers shoppers a trove of unique gift options to choose from, including handcrafted jewelry, clothing, textiles, home decor, salt scrubs, rum cake, with eggnog to lift the frazzled ‘final shopping days’ spirits. Santa will be on hand for last minute requests and ‘selfie’ photos.

Shoppers can enjoy live holiday music and, after dark and throughout the evening, Conch 5 Studios Key West High School Students will wow guests with a magical vector projections light show on the face of the museum, an annual crowd favorite. Details at kwahs.org.

Jan 13 Florida Keys Seafood Festival There is a $10 admission charge per person for adults, good for both days, which enters that person into a raffle for $250 worth of seafood. Children under 12 are admitted free. Learn more at floridakeysseafoodfestival.com.

Jan 14 Key West Half Marathon & Runfest The 26th Anniversary of the Key West Half Marathon & 5k will take place during the week-end of January 13-14, 2024. On top of previous years race day events, this years race day will include the Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll and Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile! Visit www.keywesthalfmarathon.com.

Feb 24 The Key West Art and Craft Festival The Key West Craft Show and The Old Island Days Art Festival have merged into The Key West Art and Craft Festival. It will take place at the Truman Waterfront Park in Old Town on February 24th & 25th, 2024.

Save the date for our inaugural combined show! The show committee is organizing a festive atmosphere, complete with artist demonstrations, a patron comfort station with valet package check, upscale food trucks, ample seating, and children’s events. Visit 10times.com.

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EVENTS 2024 Mar 9 The Original Marathon Seafood Festival Fresh seafood caught by our own commercial fishermen below market prices! 200+ vendors featuring local artists, crafts, cooking products, furniture, and educational vendors as well. Games and rides for the kids and live music throughout the 2-day event! Ice cold beer, wine, and beverages! Best seafood festival in the country, a Marathon and FL Keys tradition for over 40 years! Details at visitflorida.com.

Apr 6 Cedar Key Art Festival Formerly known as the Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival, the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts is now a juried fine art fair with 100 high-quality artists and 15-18,000 visitors annually. The event is held in the island community of Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast and benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center as well as local non-profits and the Cedar Key School groups.

May 19 Cars & Coffee Key West Cars & Coffee Key West is the third Sunday of every month from 8am11pm at Denny’s Key West located at 2710 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West.Open to all years, makes and model. Details at eventswithcars.com.

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EATING

THE PSYCHOLOGY Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

strive to achieve but often fall short.

Influences Cultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a Consumption direct influence Some of us more than others realize linked to our food and eating that what we eat can effect how we behaviors. feel such as eating However, a more serious influence too little or too much. We should such as stress, boredom and be able to enjoy anxiety can play what we eat but a larger role also feel better as many of us when we do. eat as a coping Eating healthy is a challenging task mechanism. that many of us Although it can

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sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity.

Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when

suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight Management Here are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food. continued on page 12

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits.

Record what food you eat and when you eat it.

Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV. By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid.

The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

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EVENTS 2024 May 19 Illusions The Drag Queen Show Key West Illusions, the Show is the best drag show Key West Florida has ever seen!

When Key West drag queens come out, they are leaving everyone in Key West Florida amazed and wanting more! Whether you are celebrating a Key West bachelorette party, gay bachelor party, birthday celebration, or just a fun night out in Key West Florida, Illusions, the Show is the show for you! Come on Key West come to see Illusions, the Show! Once you do, you will agree that it is the BEST celebrity impersonation dinner show around!

Visit www.illusionsthedragqueenshow.com.

Jun 5 Key West Gay Pride Celebrate Key West Gay Pride on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Key West Pride event is world famous and has made the Guinness book of records, unfurling the largest rainbow flag, a 1.25-mile-long rainbow banner that ran from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Full details gaytravel4u.com.

Jul 4 4th of July Florida Keys The Florida Keys are a great Fourth of July weekend getaway thanks to many local events and spectacular fireworks over the waterfront.

The largest Independence Day celebrations take place in Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. Independence Day Celebration from 6 pm to 10 pm with lots of free entertainment, children’s activities, food, and beverages, as well as an impressive fireworks show. Islamorada Sandbar also gathers crowds, but they come by boats, so the area is packed on the 4th of July.

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Aug 7 Tropical Heat Tropical Heat is the HOTTEST annual 5-day party for gay men ages 21 and up in Key West and the Florida Keys! The all-male themed parties, pool parties, clothing optional events, and adult-oriented entertainment promise to be HOT!Details at gaykeywestf.com.

Sep 4-8 Key West’s Womenfest Key West’s Womenfest has attracted thousands of lesbians, bi-sexual, queer, transwomen, and allies to what is arguably the premier LGBTQ+ vacation destination in the country. Womenfest has a simple goal: to celebrate ALL women! Key West Womenfest offers a wide range of activities for those who want to socialize, feel comfortable being themselves, soak up some sun, then party and dance the night away.

Couples, singles, and those in between are all welcome! Join us annually in September to immerse yourself in what is dubbed the HOTTEST party for women in the Florida Keys! Visit geykeywestfl.com.

Oct 18 Fantasy Fest Key West Fantasy Fest is a 10-day party in Key West that attracts fun-loving revelers from around the world. Filled with costuming, parades, and excitement, it’s a wild extravaganza that brings out people’s creativity and imagination.

Watch live streams of various events on our webcams! Details at 10times. com.

Nov 24 The Key West Annual Headdress Ball The premier LGBTQ+ event of the Fantasy Fest Celebration. Twelve to Fifteen contestants will hit the stage to show their Headdress creations, judged from the shoulders up. Visit gaykeywestfl.com.

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With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury.

Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

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whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs.

Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

1 SILVERSEA 2 OCEANIA 3 REGENT SEVEN SEAS 4 SEABOURN 5 WINDSTAR FL KE YS | FL | 2023-24 |

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KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD The mission of the Key West Business Guild is to promote LGBTQ+ travel to Key West through marketing and the promotion of special events; to support local LGBTQ+ owned and/or managed businesses, or other business members that share in the values of the Key West Business Guild. The Guild is committed to preserving, strengthening, protecting, and promoting the LGBTQ+ community’s position in Key West and partnering with other LGBTQ+ organizations to protect the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. GAYKEYWESTFL.COM | (305) 294-4603

BOURBON STREET PUB New Orleans-themed gay destination for theme nights, drag shows & outdoor pool with bar & theater. 724 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

ONE SALOON Historical gay watering hole with late hours, drink specials, live entertainment & an outdoor patio. 504 PETRONIA ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

801 BOURBON BAR Nightclub with a gay bar & lively mix of drag shows, bingo, karaoke & other events.

801 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

KEYWEST PRIDE Celebrate PRIDE on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to party with friends, travel with family, or get lost in the magic of our tropical island, rediscover Key West and discover how one island’s One Human Family philosophy has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride! GAYKEYWESTFL.COM | (305) 294-4603

AQUA BAR AND NIGHTCLUB Interactive drag shows, DJ dance music & cocktails draw revelers to this glowing party & show bar. 711 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040 PRIDEALLIANCEETC.COM | 772.380.3534

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ART GALLERY

Key West Art Center & Gallery...............................................................7 DAY SPA & SALON

AMRI Key West.......................................................................................7 HORMONE REPLACEMENT/OPTIMIZATION THERAPY AND WEIGHT

Regenerative & Sports Medicine............................... back outside cover NON PROFIT Salvation Army.............................................................back inside cover RESTAURANT

Culver’s.................................................................................................. 19 TRAVEL AGENCY

Cruise Planners...................................................................................... 8 VETERINARY CLINIC

Keys Animal Care Center.......................................................................5

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