Summer in Key West

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Key West, FL -
As Spring lengthens toward Summer, deep sea fishing begins to cast its spell. Fishing Tournaments abound and everyone dreams of hauling in that 100 pound- make that 400 pound- Sailfish or Tuna! Or a world record Tarpon…

Summer in Key West… the temperature's rising, so it isn't surprising… that there's very little clothing worn.

If catching fish is not your thing, but diving is, you might want to be among the thousands who travel here to watch the majesty of underwater life unfold during Reef Awareness Week.

The Keys are home to America's only living coral reef, and much work goes on year 'round to protect this fragile ecosystem. Reef Awareness Week is celebrated each spring with music and parties… all to remind us of Key West's unique natural treasure.

As summer approaches this tiny island, its waters gently settle into a mirror-like calm- it's an irrepressible invitation to the many snorkelers and divers who travel here seeking the wonders of the living reef.

Summer in Key West… the temperature's rising, so it isn't surprising… that there's very little clothing worn. Of course, it's out of necessity, but no one seems to mind at all… afternoon tropical thunderstorms come and go, leaving a golden twilight behind… it doesn't take long to let your attention…wander.

Summer in the Keys… all the tropical foliage grows with abandon, creating a lush mystery throughout- the Royal Palms seem to jump higher every day… even the water has risen to a perfect 80 degrees! And the sport of diving is at its height for the year!

One of the most popular Summer Diving events is the Mini Lobster Season… 2 days of lobster madness, when amateurs are invited to catch their own before the official beginning of Lobster Season, when it's left to the "pros." This annual summer event is especially popular with Europeans, who seem to crowd the island, adding their own exotic flavor to the hot island mix.

Summer also means Super Boat Power Races… cigarette boats circle the island and reach astounding speeds. The "hum" of their engines is heard everywhere and lures everyone to the shoreline.

What goes more perfectly with Powerboats than beautiful young women in bikinis…? Well, according to these guys… nothing beats the annual Miss Hawaiian Tropic Contest… beautiful bikinis, beautiful girls, beautiful tans… and a very appreciative audience - it is all an annual ritual as girls travel from far and wide to vie for first place.

And, if thong bikinis aren't your thing, there's also plenty going on for "literary" types - well, to be honest, die-hard bookworms may want to avoid Hemingway Days in Key West.

Ernest Hemingway is a favorite local son of the island… and the people are very proud that he lived, wrote and… partied here! The Hemingway Days Festival is a weeklong homage to the "party side" of Papa Hemingway! He was a character larger than life, and Key West keeps his legacy alive with a series of outrageous events… including the Papa Hemingway look alike contests at Sloppy Joes!

As proud as the island is of its literary past…. Key West is also proud of its gay heritage; for many years, an important segment of the island population has been gay. Gay residents have been largely responsible for the restoration of the many Victorian buildings and homes in Old Town and led a renaissance for the island during the 1970's…. it was a renaissance that brought a renewed vitality to the island, and one which remains to this day. This "gay pride" is celebrated during PRIDEFEST WEEK each Summer… and thousands of participants flock to the island from all over the world.

Celebrating the diversity of mankind and alternative lifestyles has always been the mainstay of this little island.