Comments and Feedback
Noisy and Non-Eco Friendly Hover Boat Ride
We recently saw the new hover tour boat that is taking visitors in the upper keys for our ride around Blackwater Sound. Personally, I am against it do the the noise, as it clears out every bird within a hundred yards of it or more when it hits the throttle. They go slow by the shore so you do not notice. I wanted to comment on this as the same thing was tried a couple years ago near the downtown St. Petersburg Area, at the Pier. They had hovercraft rides offered very similar in respect to what they're doing down in Key Largo. There they took riders to an island and gave them tours around the Sunshine Skyway, backcountry mangroves, and the nature preserves. The problem is the unbelievably loud noise and the strong wind that whips up the water like a helicopter. They claim that it's echo friendly. However I can not believe that this, again do to the unbelievable sound and wind disruption in the water. I see what it does to the birds above the water, no telling what it does to the marine life. I cannot believe that this is not having some impact on marine animals and water-based plants. Just my opinion, thanks for listening.
Dorothy C. (St. Petersburg FL)
Upper Keys Breakfast Restaurant Cafe
Could we please post a comment about Mangrove Mike's Cafe, one of the classic places in the Upper Florida Keys for great food. Locally owned and oh so good for breakfast and lunch. I have to brag on the breakfast with plenty of hot stuff, eggs, omelets, and fresh fruits-juices. This is the kind of place for a special breakfast recipe: Double Blueberry Pancakes (Hot cakes with blueberries, blueberry sauce, bacon strips, sausage links, and whipped cream topped). See the specials, as surprises are part of the daily rotating menu! Thanks for letting folks know that we are here to serve, at Mile Marker 82 Islamorada. Best Regards.
Diane A. mangrovemikes.com
Francis Tracy Garden Center
We at the Upper Keys Garden Club are looking to spread the word about our cause. In short, our group is focused on being an educational aid to preserve the natural beauties of the Florida Keys. See our events list and come on out to learn more. Easy to find is the Francis Tracy Garden Center, at 94040 Overseas Highway in Tavernier. Please post the website url if you would please. Best Regards.
Dagney J. upperkeysgardenclub.com
Rent a Motorcycle and see the Keys!
Motorcyclists from all over Florida make the Overseas Highway a regular event. It is so fun to travel on the island's scenic overseas highway. Of course this is such a popular ride, as only here you get to journey the unique 100+ mile ride, from South Miami to Key West. Stop in Key Largo and rent a motorcycle to experience it yourself. What a thrill is traveling over the 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. Stop at Half Breed's and you need just the normal basics: a valid motorcycle license, wear a helmet, be at least 21, pay the deposit, and follow the rules! Find the shop at 106130 Overseas Highway, at the top of the Florida Keys.
Jake B. halfbreedcycles.com
Islamorada Bicycle Riding Hotels
They Keys are a great place to bike. There is a biking trail that runs through most of the Keys, but not at the seven mile bridge. We are staying in Islamorada next month and it's going to be a lot of fun to bike around the islands. It also makes it nice for going out for beer and alcohol at night, as we like to leave the car at the hotel. I discovered two great drinks there. One is the Bahamarita (Frozen margarita with cuervo gold tequila, ice, kiwi, mango, strawberry, and key lime juice) and my other pick is the Goombay Smash (Coconut rum, apricot brandy, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a final dark rum floater).
April W. (Visitor from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea)
Doing Homework for our Island Trip
Our trip to Islamorada is getting closer. We can't wait to go. It's going to be so much fun. We are going for a week in June. It will be warm enough to swim, and we won't get much rain, so it will be a really fun time. The water temperature in June is about 84, which is about perfect for reef play.
Belinda M. (Coral Springs)