Living “green” is catching on across the United States, including in No Name Key.  For many, the debate pits the need to preserve the environment with the need to modernize – a debate currently being waged in No Name Key as well.

Because of the abundance of rainfall, savvy residents currently store water in cisterns and have no pressing need for water to be piped from Key West.  A growing body of residents want city services, but a vocal minority wants to remain “off the grid” for environmental reasons.  

As noted in our previous blog, No Name Key, residents have counted the costs.  They appreciate that a piped in supply of water, power, and phone services will mean higher property values and development – but the fragile ecosystem will also bear a heavy burden for what are termed as modern “conveniences.” Those in favor of city water believe the water supply will be more consistent and will permit residents other amenities like swimming pools.  The potential environmental damage could be irreparable, according to the environmentalists. 

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) is trying to determine if they have the authority to pipe water to No Name Key.  This is a sensitive question and the utility has been collecting public opinions in preparation for making that decision. The decision was originally scheduled to be made on July 22, but it has been delayed.  The delay was due to an FKAA rule that requires transcripts and recordings be made available for public review for seven days prior to making a decision

The issue of piping water to No Name Key stems back to 1980.  At that time the FKAA received a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Home Administration. One of the conditions of the loan was that the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) could not pipe water to No Name Key, Crocodile Lake, and portions of Big Pine Key.  This was done to limit development in areas with certain types of wildlife.

The FKAA is now trying to verify the terms of the loan agreement by finding the original documentation.  The issue is whether or not the piping restrictions were for the term of the loan, which has been paid off, or if the restrictions exist in perpetuity.

The issue of having water piped to the Key has become quite controversial because not all the residents are in agreement.  The No Name Key Property Owner’s Association is for having water piped to the island and they represent about 70% of the No Name Key’s residents. However, there is a small group that is fighting against having commercial water and power. Key environmental groups like Last Stand and the Florida Keys Green Living & Education also support keeping the ban on piping water to No Name Key.

Blimey, mate!  The Florida Keys Wreck Trek Passport Program is fit for a pirate’s treasure!  From now through January, 2012, you will be able to see up to nine vessels that have shipwrecked near the Keys and formed artificial reefs.

With water as clear as glass and no apparent current, it is perfect scuba diving for novice and experienced alike. The only passport you will need is the one you will be issued as a logbook by area dive shops for a series of nine wrecks. (Preview the logbook here.)

The Vandenberg artificial reef off Key West is the crown jewel of the trek, but our personal favorite is the Bibb, located off Key Largo. Also included are Spiegel Grove, Duane, Eagle, Thunderbolt, Adolphus Busch Sr., Cayman Salvager, and Joe’s Tug. All the scuba adventures are here, from shallow wrecks that have formed beautiful reefs to deeper, mysterious wrecks. We think you will agree that the Florida Keys offer some of the most diverse dive locations in the world!

Viewing each of the wrecks requires differing levels of diving expertise.  Area dive shops are offering refresher courses, plus advanced and specialty training.

What will you see?

Wreck Trek offers the chance to explore the cargo holds and to examine the soft and hard coral growth on the ships.  Many of the wreck sites are relatively shallow, making participation a great dive experience for beginners.  You will also see goliath grouper and an occasional sea turtle or shark, as well as an abundance of Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, snapper, barracuda, and lobsters!

Captain Hook never brought his camera. Do not forget to bring yours because you will want to film an incredible array of coral and other sea life!

But wait – there is more… 

Each Wreck Trek diver who logs a wreck in each of the five regions of the Keys will receive a free print collage of the shipwrecks. In addition, anyone who dives to all nine wrecks will be entered into a drawing for prizes including merchandise, dive equipment, and accommodations packages in the Florida Keys.

So weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen! Let’s go to the Florida Keys!  The Florida Keys Wreck Trek Passport Program continues through January 1, 2012.  For more information visit: www.fla-keys.com/diving/wrecktrek

If you are the type of person that enjoys these unique opportunities, you should consider relocating to the Florida Keys.  Of course, when you do you will need the expertise of a local realtor,  Margarita Villoch can assist you in finding your ideal property!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to listen to music underwater?  There is a unique event in the Florida Keys in which a whole concert is held underwater.  The Submerged Symphony will be performing at the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival on July 10.  The event takes place at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary located about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key.  The festival is attended by both snorkelers and scuba divers alike and promotes the preservation of the coral reef.  Make reservations to attend at www.underseasinc.com or at local dive shops in the area.

The music contains messages of diver awareness that are written and recorded by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Officials.  They also offer ideas on ways for people to minimize the impact they have on the coral reef ecosystem while enjoying and appreciating the ocean.  The majority of the music is broadcast under the water using Lubell Laboratory speakers that are suspended from boats.  If you want to attend the festival and don’t own your own boat there are several dive shops and private charters that provide transport to the reef.

This years festival theme is a salute to Alice in Wonderland and will include diver’s dressed as take-offs for some of the classic characters, for example – the Mad Haddock.  Previous years’ playlists have contained songs like The Beatles “Yellow Submarine” and the theme to “The Little Mermaid” as well as quirky things like recordings from a humpback whale.  Even Elvis made an appearance, a band of Elvis look-alikes playing underwater guitar.

The Florida Keys have many amazing opportunities to appreciate the ocean and coral reef environments.  The Florida Keys Underwater Music Festival is among the more unique of these opportunities.  If you are the type of person that enjoys these unique opportunities, you should consider relocating to the Florida Keys.  Of course, when you do you will need the expertise of a local realtor.  Margarita Villoch can assist you in finding your ideal property!

Ready to do some angling in the Lower Keys? Join the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce for the 17th Annual Big Pine and Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament June 11^th – 13^th! Over $40,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded for anglers reeling in dolphins. The first 300 anglers to register are eligible to win the $20,000 grand prize for the heaviest dolphin over 50 pounds.

The headquarters for the tournament is the Boondocks Grill and Draft House at mile marker 27 on Ramrod Key. There will be prizes awarded in the youth division (15 years and younger) and a Top Lady Angler cash prize! If you need a boat or if you have a boat and can take anglers, call Dan Iarrobino at 305-745-3667 or reach him via email at dan@cudjoesales.com.

Dolphin is the only catch that qualifies you for the cash prizes. The Chamber will also be awarding other prizes for the heaviest wahoo and tuna caught! There are angler and vendor applications available for the event on the Chamber website.

The big kickoff for the event will be June 11^th at 5pm. This will be final registration, with a Captain’s meeting to follow at 7pm. Anglers can start the frenzy at 8 am both Saturday and Sunday, with weigh-ins 4:30-6:30 pm on Saturday and 3-5 pm on Sunday.

 All kinds of fishing are available in Key West and the Lower Keys!  It’s a great place to live the life of a fisherman! When you are ready to relocate to the area, call Margarita Villoch! Come live the island life!

Living in Key West is a one of a kind experience. People from all walks of life call the area home and diversity is one of the things which makes this such a great place to live. Even our cuisine is a melting pot of ethnic flavors. While Key West may not have Farmer’s Markets showing off local wares, you can still find some great organic foods!

Help Yourself is one such local establishment. Here you can get food that is good and good for you! All ingredients are organic. They can also accommodate almost any culinary lifestyle: vegan, gluten free, raw food diets and carnivores too! The philosophy, “green inside and out”, covers everything from how a food is grown to how they treat food waste. If you want a tasty treat that is good for you and helps the environment, stop on in for a smoothie or a bowl!

Another location that receives great reviews from locals is The Café located at 509 Southard St. Not only do they have great food and daily specials, occasionally you can enjoy live music with your meal! One of the newer places in Key West is Green Republic on Fleming.

If you are exclusively vegan and looking for a great place to eat check out Sugar Apple Natural Foods. Sugar Apple is a health food store with a café and take-out menu.  There are also smoothies that can quench your thirst and give you a boost of energy or protein at the same time! You will also find they have an Herbal Apothecary available too.

Of course the best way to be healthy is to live stress free. The best way to do that is buy your own Key West bungalow and live the laid back island life! Ready to make Key West or one of the Lower Keys your home, call Margarita Villoch! She is your local real estate resource.

There is a reason why people dream of living in a home on the open water! Looking out the door of your Lower Florida Keys home and seeing the beauty of the ocean stretched out before you is an experience like no other.   What some may not realize is there is even a better reason to buy that oceanfront home: it is a good investment.

Beachfront properties are some of the most sought after real estate in the world. They can be a big investment but the payoffs are big too. Very few other types of properties will hold their value as well. While they may not be immune to an economic downturn, oceanfront homes are normally some of the first to recover their value. This adds to the investment value of the property.

Another value to these homes comes in the form of vacation homes. First and foremost, you can build equity and return on investment with a vacation home for your family. Staying for just a few weeks in a pricey oceanfront hotel will convince you of the benefits of owning a family vacation home!

When your family is not in residence at the home, you can also increase your investment by renting the property out for others to enjoy. You can charge much higher rates for being right on the ocean than a property that may be only a few blocks from the shore. This is just another way your oceanfront home can help pay for itself.

If you are ready to experience island living right here in the USA, call Margarita Villoch! She is your local real estate resource for Key West and the Lower Keys. If you have questions about area beachfront properties, her team can help!

Ramrod Key is one of the islands that make up Florida’s Lower Keys. Originally called Robert’s Island, the name changed after a ship called Ramrod wrecked on the reef south of the island. What used to be a lonely island with only a post office and railroad track, has now become a place for big fun and relaxation.

Even if you don’t intend to stay at Ramrod Key, you need to go and spend some time at Boondocks Grill and Draft House. Patrons can enjoy family fun, good food and live entertainment all in one place! Did we mention there is even miniature golf?

Boasting the southernmost miniature golf course in the United States and the only one in the Florida Keys, Boondocks offers play whether it is day or night. Stick around for a night game of Glow Golf. You can also golf with a purpose during any of their fundraising events for local organizations. Watch the Boondocks calendar for more information!

The motto for the Lower Keys and Key West is “Come As You Are”; at Boondocks that includes four legged, feathered and even 3 toed friends! Pets of any kind are not only allowed but welcomed. On the patio they offer cool water and a treat for every pet! There is even a Pet Menu if your companion is feeling a bit peckish. If your road trippin’ friend needs it, they will even fill a kiddie pool with water for your pet’s comfort.  Talk about spoiled little puppies!

Living the island life is good! When you are ready to live where the tropical breezes blow, call Margarita Villoch! Whether your idea of waterfront living is beach property or a luxury home with a swimming pool, her team can help you find the home that will be “Key” to your happiness!

Key West is well known for various reasons! Shining sunsets, fantastic architecture and famous people are just a few things that come to mind when people think of Key West. But what we are most proud of is our philosophy of One Human Family!

The people of Key West have always been warm and welcoming to different cultures and lifestyles. Local artist, J.T. Thompson, created a campaign in early 2000 to express the accepting attitude of the area. He designed and gave away bumper stickers that read; “All people are created equal members of ONE HUMAN FAMILY.” By October of 2000, the Key West City Commission adopted One Human Family as the official philosophy of the city and it has been going strong ever since!

The people of Key West truly live by that motto. You can see in the daily life of residents, it isn’t just a fad. This has always been a diverse community which is part of what makes it such a unique place to live. Many different nationalities and philosophies come together to create the distinct laid back culture the Keys are known for.

Part of the tourism logo of the Florida Keys and Key West is “come as you are” and we mean it! Everyone should have a chance to visit and experience island living in the USA. Be warned you may fall in love with the lifestyle! Call Margarita Villoch when you are ready to buy a home in Key West to call your own!

If you haven’t found anything to do this weekend, head down to Key West for the Old Island Days Art Festival! This annual art festival brings in over 100 artists to the area. It is a two day event starting February 27^th. Exhibitors will include painters, photographers, sculptors and more!

The exhibits will be set up along Whitehead Street and Caroline Street. They will go through the Presidential Gates and into Truman Annex. The historical setting gives visitors even more reason to come to the show! At the festival you can enjoy both traditional and contemporary art. Don’t forget to bring your wallet, you may just find a piece you can’t live without!

This is the festival’s 45^th year and is sponsored by the Key West Art Center. The first show was held on the sidewalk on Front Street and featured local artists. The artists had to use clothespins to display their artwork on the fence in front of the Old Custom’s House. The festival has now grown to include artists from all over the country and even some from Canada!

Of course, one of the most beautiful things you will see when you come to the festival is Key West itself! A city with ocean views and warm winds! A city filled with rich history and colorful diversity! If you think you may want to live the island life, call Margarita Villoch. She is your real estate resource for Key West and the Lower Keys!

About 70 miles west of Key West lies a beautiful set of islands that are often overlooked by many tourists:  the Dry Tortugas. A US National Park, this group of seven islands was once the known as the Guardian of the Gulf. Famous for its pirate stories, military past, and rumors of gold, this is one island group you don’t want to miss!

The Dry Tortugas National Park protects the southwest tip of South Florida’s coral reef tract.  The only living coral reef in North America, the Florida Barrier Reef is also the third largest reef system in the world! Divers and snorkelers are drawn to the area by the clear waters, ship wrecks, loggerhead turtles and amazing coral formations. Nature lovers flock to the area to experience the wonder of migratory birds and marine life.

Accessible by ferry, you need to plan an all day trip when headed to the islands. It will take a little over two hours to travel to the island and then after 4-5 hours of exploring Ft. Jefferson and the surrounding beaches, it will be another two hour boat trip back. You will want to make sure and pack some sun protection and a few beach towels, other than that the ferry will have what you need.

The ferry trip includes a simple continental breakfast and a picnic lunch at Ft. Jefferson. It will have all you need to enjoy snorkeling around the island. There will also be a guided tour available. If one day isn’t enough, you can also camp on the island overnight. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience to sleep under the stars in the Dry Tortugas!

This is a unique destination and tours have limited availability. You will want to book your trip in advance! Of course, if you live in Key West, you aren’t rushed by time schedules and could work around the trip’s availability. When you are ready to change your lifestyle, call Margarita Villoch! Her team will answer any questions you may have about island living!