Local Information
The Caribbean flavor of the Lower Florida Keys – and the laid back lifestyle – are what make this beautiful
Island chain so fantastic. The Lower Florida Keys are just a short, 2-hour drive from the mainland – otherwise known as Miami! So put on your shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops and discover why Key West and the Lower Florida Keys are the perfect spot for your next vacation!
Come enjoy some of the world’s best fishing, snorkeling and diving – or just sit back and relax in the beautiful Florida Keys sunshine. The island of Key West (Mile Marker ZERO!) is within 20 minutes of most of our vacation rental homes where you’ll find fantastic dining, sight-seeing, art galleries and shopping. However you choose to pass the time, you’ll be glad you did it in Florida!
Every season brings its own flavor the the Florida Keys. There’s almost always a special event, festival, tournament or celebration happening – and all unique the area.
The Florida Keys have a mild climate because of the Gulf Stream in the Straits of Florida. The Gulf of Mexico to the west and north also have tempering effects on our climate. The average temperature during the winter is only about 14 degrees lower than in the summer. Daily variations throughout the year average only about 10 degrees. There is no known record of frost, ice, sleet, or snow in Key West. December through April is typically full of sunshine and slightly less than 25% of the annual rainfall. June through October is normally 53% of the yearly total in numerous, short showers and thundershowers.
THINGS TO DO
You’ve heard of Fantasy Fest, Hemingway Days, and the Song Writer’s Festival. But have you heard of Schooner Wharf’s Minimal Regatta, The Parrot-Head Festival or The Ruby Slipper-Drop on New Year’s Eve?
Discover what’s happening in Key West and the Lower Florida Keys! There always seems to be something going on so don’t miss the fun! Plan your next Florida Keys vacation around some of the Islands best events!
Dry Tortugas Information
http://www.drytortugasinfo.com
Visit Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, 100% lowest price Dry Tortugas Ferry guarantee! Snorkel, food, drinks, sun, & get 10% off your Dry Tortugas Charter.Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce
http://www.lowerkeyschamber.com
Located on Big Pine Key. Serving the Lower Florida Keys’ community for more than 40 years.Key West Chamber of Commerce
http://www.keywestchamber.org/
Located in the heart of Old Town Key West. An excellent source for information on Key West.Key West Snorkeling
http://www.keywestdivecenter.com
Key West Dive Center is the premier source for the best snorkeling in Key West and the Florida Keys. Wreck, Reef, Shark, Dolphin, Night, Multi-Day & Specialty dives available.Key West Transit Bus Schedule
http://www.keywestcity.com/
A great way to get around the Keys! Keep in mind that bus schedules periodically change and that exact fares are required.Fun Yet Charters
http://fishingthefloridakeys.com/
A great, local Captain with years of experience fishing in the Lower Florida Keys. Check him out for back country, flats and light tackle fishing.Show Me How Videos
http://www.showmehowvideos.com/index.php
The leader in producing how-to, instructional and educational videos on DVD. All of the videos are developed for the purpose of educating both professionals and consumers on a wide range and growing lists of topics. They may learning easy with video downloads and instructional videos on DVD.
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January Average High: 75° |
February Average High: 76° |
March Average High: 79° |
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April Average High: 82° |
May Average High: 85° |
June Average High: 88° |
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July Average High: 88° |
August Average High: 90° |
September Average High: 88° |
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October Average High: 85° |
November Average High: 81° |
December Average High: 77° |
SCHOOLS & GOVERNMENT
For general information on many of the local, Monroe County offices, visit http://www.countyoffice.org/fl-monroe-county/.
Schools
The Monroe County School District consists of 12 schools from Tavernier (mile marker 89) to Key West (mile marker 0). Their mission is to prepare all students with the skills and experiences needed to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a stimulating, nurturing, safe and enriching environment.
In addition to the traditional school system, The Florida Keys also has Charter Schools available. For more information on any of the schools, please visit the Monroe County School District website.
Visit the Monroe County School District’s website for more information on each individual school.
Monroe County Government
Monroe County is the southernmost county in Florida and the United States. It is made up of the Florida Keys and portions of the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. These parks are mostly uninhabited mainland areas. Most known are the Florida Keys with its string of islands connected by U.S. Highway 1, which ends in Key West, 150 miles southwest of Miami. In total area, Monroe County is comprised of 3,737 square miles, mostly water (73%).
The Florida Keys proper are an elongated, curved bow like chain of low lying islands over 220 miles in length. They extend from the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula to the Dry Tortugas and lie between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Key West is the largest of the islands in the chain with a natural deep water harbor. The keys are islands of rock and sandy beaches are not common. Just miles offshore on the Atlantic side of the keys is the only living coral reef in the continental United States. No point, in the keys, is more than four miles from water.
Visit the Monroe County Government website for more information.
Monroe County Code Ordinances & Enforcement
The purpose of Monroe County’s Code Enforcement Division is to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Monroe County through an effective code enforcement program.
Code Enforcement is responsible for the enforcement of Monroe County codes, ordinances and regulations. These include land use regulations, the Building Code, the Electrical Code, the Plumbing Code, Contractors Licensing and Floodplain ordinances. Code Enforcement is not responsible for the enforcement of any deed restrictions.
Visit the Monroe County Government Code Compliance website for more information.
ElectricKeys Energy Services 1001 James St.
Rent receipt, lease agreement or a copy of a deed to begin service; ID is required. Solar PowerSunPower
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WaterFlorida Keys Aqueduct Authority Lower Keys
Customers must pay a monthly base fee in addition to usage fees (based on monthly consumption).
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TV/Phone
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Garbage/Recycle.Waste Management Curbside recycling is part of the standard waste hauling service in the Florida Keys. Bulk pick-up can be arranged for yard waste, old tires, household appliances or furniture. Please contact Waste Management directly for specific information.
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