The Elusive Sawfish in the Florida Keys 25 Apr 2012, 1:49 pm
Sawfish, one of the rarest of marine oddities, are almost never spotted in the Florida Keys – even though the seagrass beds so extensive here are prime habitat. But earlier this month, an Ohio family snorkeling in shallow waters off Sugarloaf Key, spotted an immature specimen that was estimated to be around ten feet long – and documented the close-enough-to-touch moment in photographs. A juvenile at its size, adults of the species can reach 25 feet.
As part of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, scientists solicit reports from the public for inclusion in the first International Sawfish Encounter Database, hoping for insight into the elusive creature.
The sawfish is actually a unique type of ray, sporting a distinctive saw-like snout with protruding tooth-like scales (which are not replaced if lost), called a rostrum. Like both sharks and rays, it belongs to a group of fish called elasmobranchs, having cartilaginous skeletal systems, no swim bladders, and reliant on their oil-filled livers for buoyancy.
The sawfish is actually a unique type of ray, sporting a distinctive saw-like snout with protruding tooth-like scales (which are not replaced if lost), called a rostrum. Like both sharks and rays, it belongs to a group of fish called elasmobranchs, having cartilaginous skeletal systems, no swim bladders, and reliant on their oil-filled livers for buoyancy.
Though many species of sawfish are distributed worldwide, Largetooth and Smalltooth Sawfish are the only two inhabiting US waters. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and naturally low reproductive rates have resulted in their decline. In 2003, they were placed on the federal endangered species list. Since then, researchers at the museum have made an active effort to educate the public to the database compilation program, encouraging every sighting to be reported.
There is no estimate of the number of sawfish remaining in the wild, and harvest is strictly prohibited. Southwest Florida and the Keys is significant habitat for the animals, and when captured, they are tagged by either traditional or more sophisticated – and costly – satellite-tracking devices. George Burgess, Director of the shark research program, reports that the tagging of sawfish in the seagrass beds of the Keys “can be very important for the adult fish” – as borne out in this month’s sighting.
There is no estimate of the number of sawfish remaining in the wild, and harvest is strictly prohibited. Southwest Florida and the Keys is significant habitat for the animals, and when captured, they are tagged by either traditional or more sophisticated – and costly – satellite-tracking devices. George Burgess, Director of the shark research program, reports that the tagging of sawfish in the seagrass beds of the Keys “can be very important for the adult fish” – as borne out in this month’s sighting.
Commenting on the rarity of such an encounter, he said, "These guys have always been fairly rare because that's the way the marine world works -- larger predators are always found in lower numbers because they need more territory. As scientists, we never did a good job recording where and when sawfish are found. Then we discovered they were disappearing on us."
Love Locks: a new Tropical Inn tradition 19 Apr 2012, 6:01 am
When we restored the Pineapple Lane Cottage, expanded the garden, and installed the hot tub a few years ago, we brought in lots of landscaping and covered the open spaces with brick pavers, blending the newer section with the older one, where the pool is located. At the time, it still looked sparse, so we planted a Ficus tree (F. benjaminia, the common houseplant variety) that we "had on hand" between the cottage and the spa, to sort of break up the expanse and create some private areas.
Since then, the Ficus has outgrown its space, putting down aerial roots, its canopy spreading to shade out the understory plants. It has truly "gone to banyan", as is said colloquially, prompting a re-thinking of its role in the lower garden. (A banyan tree can grow up to about 100 feet tall and spread over several acres -- what were we thinking???)
In recent days, we were discussing with our Czech “maintenance engineer”, Jiri, the logistics of bringing down the Ficus and replacing it with some "found art" elements that have been collected here and there, to create a garden sculpture, of sorts. Upon noticing that one of the components, a rusty old parrot cage, had a lock but no key, he inquired as to whether to cut it off before repainting.
He shared with us a quaint European tradition in his home country: love locks. Couples, in an endearing gesture of devotion to one another, attach padlocks to public edifices, most commonly bridges, fences, and gates. In Europe, this is a tradition that emerged in the early 2000s, but the practice is said to harken back to China, many centuries ago. Symbolically, when the lock snaps shut, closed forever, it captures an emotion ... a location in time, binding that part of the participants' biographies, shared and sealed forever in that moment.
In Paris, perhaps the most romantic city on Earth, the custom persists, in spite of city officials’ repeated attempts to discourage it (removal by bolt cutters) in the name of aesthetics. In Moscow, the legislative council has given up, providing couples with metal trees on Luzhkof Bridge to declare their devotion. The practice has even spread to the Wild Pacific Trail, near Vancouver, Canada, where there has been some dissention between those affixing the locks and those declaring that the practice mars the natural environment.
In Paris, perhaps the most romantic city on Earth, the custom persists, in spite of city officials’ repeated attempts to discourage it (removal by bolt cutters) in the name of aesthetics. In Moscow, the legislative council has given up, providing couples with metal trees on Luzhkof Bridge to declare their devotion. The practice has even spread to the Wild Pacific Trail, near Vancouver, Canada, where there has been some dissention between those affixing the locks and those declaring that the practice mars the natural environment.
So ... you can see where this is going. Since the Tropical Inn is all about romantic getaways with that Significant Someone … it’s a “natural” -- the beginning of a new tradition! From now on, guests at the inn are invited to symbolize their own everlasting love by attaching a lock to the newly renovated bird cage that houses a pair of “flying pigs” -- positioned "just so", to replace the banyan tree!
Bring along the most distinctive, vintage or new padlock you can find. We have some marking pens here, to affix your names. Or you may prefer to attach one of those heart-shaped pet ID tags to your lock, engraved with your names and date. You can make those on the spot at larger pet supply stores. Some good places to look for unique old locks are Ebay.com and Etsy.com – or if you’re of a more contemporary inclination, a shiny new Yale might be more to your liking. Any will accomplish the purpose and be a welcome addition. See you in the garden!
World Book Night is April 23! 18 Apr 2012, 6:26 am
Do you love books? Me too. Do you think it's a real shame that technology is taking reading in an electronic direction, rendering the printed word a relic? I agree. Do you feel as if one of life's simple pleasures has slipped away, as neighborhood book stores have shuttered, one by one? Decidedly.
I recently wrote a blog about losing our book stores, here in Key West. Now we're down to just one. Used to be, guests asked about the town's book stores as a tourist attraction. Sadly, no more.
But wait! There's a glimmer of hope! Have you heard of World Book Night, when the national effort (it's actually a worldwide event) to promote reading is slated to give away a half-million books in 5000 communities "from Kodiak to Key West"? If your home includes a bookshelf, you'll want to know more ... and maybe even sign up to participate in next year's event. Until then, I hope one of the Givers finds you -- they have some great titles to hand out!
Have a look at the World Book Night website, like them on Facebook, spread the word ... and tell everyone that you READ about it on the Tropical Inn's blog!
I recently wrote a blog about losing our book stores, here in Key West. Now we're down to just one. Used to be, guests asked about the town's book stores as a tourist attraction. Sadly, no more.
But wait! There's a glimmer of hope! Have you heard of World Book Night, when the national effort (it's actually a worldwide event) to promote reading is slated to give away a half-million books in 5000 communities "from Kodiak to Key West"? If your home includes a bookshelf, you'll want to know more ... and maybe even sign up to participate in next year's event. Until then, I hope one of the Givers finds you -- they have some great titles to hand out!
Have a look at the World Book Night website, like them on Facebook, spread the word ... and tell everyone that you READ about it on the Tropical Inn's blog!
World Sailfish Championship in Key West 16 Apr 2012, 10:25 am
Excitement is building, and locals have been “practice fishing” for weeks now. April 17 through 21, Bass Pro Shops sponsors the World Sailfish Championship right here on the Key West waterfront. Featuring a million dollar prize purse, the privilege of joining the competition comes with a threshold entry fee of $7700.00. Over 400 amateur and professional anglers are anticipated to take part in the contest.
The tenth anniversary of the world-class event kicks off Tuesday evening at Mallory Square, attracting a global array of anglers. With payouts exceeding $1,000,000 to the top tournament winners, it is the world’s richest fishing competition, benefitting not only the coveted prize winners, but a variety of worthy charities, as well.
The serious fishing kicks off with some serious partying. As the sun sinks over the horizon, the Keys’ own beloved “troprocker”, Howard Livingston, and his Mile Marker 24 Band will take the stage to entertain the crowd with a “Free Concert for the Keys”. The public is invited to join in the festivities.
Then, bright and early Wednesday morning, the anglers will be headed to sea to test their mettle, while event spectators indulge in a multitude of shoreside diversions.
You've been looking for an excuse for a spontaneous getaway to Paradise. Check for last minute lodging and event details, then head for the Keys!
You've been looking for an excuse for a spontaneous getaway to Paradise. Check for last minute lodging and event details, then head for the Keys!
Conch Republic Independence Days Celebration in Key West 25 Mar 2012, 4:59 pm
April 23rd will mark the 30th anniversary of The Conch Republic. For those unfamiliar with the story of the Conch Republic, here’s the Reader’s Digest version.
In 1982, the drug trade was booming in South Florida. A good amount of the contraband was making its way into the US via the Florida Keys. In response, the US Government imposed a checkpoint on US1 just north of Key Largo. Every person and vehicle entering the mainland was searched.
This was only a minor inconvenience to the drug traffickers, because word quickly spread and they simply revised their game plan. However, it was a major inconvenience for residents of the Florida Keys, who quickly grew tired of the searches and began to feel they were being treated like non-citizens. Dennis Wardlow, mayor of Key West at the time, petitioned the Federal courts to have the road blocks removed. They refused, so a plan was hatched.
“If they’re going to treat us like another country, we will become another country”, proclaimed Wardlow on April 23, 1982, announcing that the Florida Keys were succeeding from the Union and that he would now be known as Prime Minister Wardlow of The Conch Republic. Thereupon, he declared war on the United States by symbolically breaking a loaf of Cuban bread over a nearby Navy officers head. Then, just as quickly, he surrendered to the same officer and applied for one billion dollars in foreign aid. Since then, the Conch Republic has lived on in spirit, and we’re all happy to hold dual citizenship. However, we could still use that billion in foreign aid.
The military, tongue in cheek, indulgently recognizes our independence from the US, often flying the American flag, as well as that of the Conch Republic, on the front of their official vehicles during military exercises. The US Coast guard annually participates in a mock marine battle with the Conch Republic Navy, the reenactment a highlight of each year’s Conch Republic Days celebration. Boiled eggs and water cannons are the weapons of the day.
There will be a week-long celebration in Key West to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Conch Republic from April 20th-29th, with hotels and guest houses expecting to be filled to capacity. The high point of the Conch Republic Independence Celebration week will be a mock Navy battle in the harbor, pitting civilian sailing vessels of every description against the Coast Guard. Inevitably ending with the Coast Guard’s surrender, the victory party has already been scheduled to commence at 9 PM.
Schooner Western Union is to be Florida's official flagship! 8 Mar 2012, 9:30 pm
The Florida House on Tuesday presented a bill for final vote that will designate an official flagship, in keeping with the state's history that is steeped in maritime tradition. The Senate has already approved, and it is expected to pass the House by the end of the current legislative session today. Passage will elevate the Western Union, Key West's own flagship, to the status of Florida's official flagship.
Construction of the 130-foot pine-and-mahogany working schooner began in Grand Cayman and was completed in Key West in 1939. She did duty as a repair and maintenance vessel for the Western Union Telegraph Company for 34 years, tending undersea telegraph cables serving Key West, Cuba and the Caribbean.
Upon retirement from the cable company, she served for many years as a charter boat until maintenance and renovation costs forced her owners to cease operations. In 2007, she was donated, under condion that she be restored and remain in Key West, to a preservation society that arose from a grassroots movement to do just that.
The Western Union under full sail off Mallory Square in Key West |
Today, the Western Union is one of the last traditional American coasting schooners and is the world's only surviving sailing cable ship. She plies the seas of the Gulf of Mexico offshore of her home port as a floating museum, charter boat, and provider of educational and recreational sails.
Auspiciouly, the moon will be full this weekend, illuminating the waters with a magical glow as guests enjoy evening sails under the stars, in celebration of the schooner's newly-bestowed designation. If you are lucky enough to be in Key West right now, why not add a dimension of adventure and romance to your stay by sharing in this historic occasion? The concierge at your B&B, inn, or hotel will be glad to make the arrangements for you!
The Best Key Lime Pie: IMHO, Pepe's Cafe! 8 Mar 2012, 7:11 am
| These are Persian limes. Use only for the garnish! |
Each year there is a contest to determine the "best" key lime pie recipe. The ingredients are pretty standard, so it's always interesting to see what is done to distinguish the various renditions. Even though it's not a consistent award-winner, my favorite has always been the version served up at Pepe's Cafe, billed as Key West's "eldest eating house in the Florida Keys ... a fairly good place, for quite a long while ... open under old management", over by the Bight.
They're very generous about sharing the recipe (in fact, it's right there on their website), so I'm giving away no secrets by posting it here --just annotating with a few tips. The surprise note of cinnamon in the crust and the fact that they whip the egg whites before folding them into the filling set this recipe apart. The airiness of the egg whites give it a texture that compliments the delicate sweet-to-tangy balance, rendering it all "just so". Heavenly.
In a mood to try it yourself? Begin by setting your oven at 325 degrees, and while it's heating up, make the graham cracker crust:
Pulse in a food processer enough really fresh graham crackers to make a cup and a half of crumbs. Add 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Continue pulsing until all ingredients are nicely blended. Press into an 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Bake it about 10 minutes on the middle rack of your oven, then remove to cool completely.
Then, make the filling:
Separate two eggs, reserving the yolks for later. Whip them on high in your stand mixer with paddle attachment until they are stiff. If you have a hand mixer, no worries; it'll just take a bit longer to achieve the same volume. Set aside.
| Mmmm mmmm mmmm .... |
They say the pie keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Couldn't prove it by me. Around here, one never has a chance to last that long! |
Key West's Catholic Church is now a minor basilica 16 Feb 2012, 11:17 am
It may seem a bit odd to be blogging about something religious in a hard-partying tourist town that is known for its “raffish charm”, as I think I put it somewhere on our new website. But something has happened here that I think is pretty cool. I really love the historic aspect of Key West, and this has to do with that.
Situated right on Truman Ave, aka US1, every tourist accessing Old Town passes by St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Its presence -- at once graceful and commanding -- is undeniable.
Since 1846, the church has been the spiritual center of the local Catholic community, bearing witness to the joys and sorrows, rites of passage, celebrations, and mournings of life’s journey of the faithful. It is the oldest Catholic church in South Florida and the second oldest in the state. Its affiliated Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea School, founded in 1868, is Florida’s first Catholic school, educating generations of local children. And it even serves the community at large as a voting station.
Also on the grounds is an interesting feature, the historic Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Legend has it, the grotto has protected the island from hurricanes since its construction in 1922 by Sister Mary Louis Gabriel. Before it was built, 300 Key Westers lost their lives in the hurricane of 1919; since its dedication, Key West has experienced nothing greater than a category 2, and no lives have been lost.
St. Mary’s, in one way or another, touches the entire community, even those not “official members" of its 1300-family congregation. Now, in one of the highest honors bestowed by the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI has designated St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church a minor basilica – one of only 72 in the United States.
The basilica title is bestowed on churches in recognition of their historical and spiritual importance. With the new designation, St. Mary’s joins a small handful of minor basilicas in Florida. There are only four major basilicas, all located in Rome. As part of the change, St. Mary’s will become known by a new name: The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. The designation ceremony is to take place on May 31.
In its official announcement, the Archdiocese of Miami (comprising Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties) recognized Key West's penchant for revelry in its statement: "May we not overlook the local pilgrimage from the local people of Key West ... (who) desire to find peace in this place with 283 bars." Too bad that statement came off somewhat condescendingly. Perhaps the diocese is unaware of Key West visitors who balance the party with piety alongside locals at St. Mary’s Mass many a Sunday morning.
St. Patrick's Day, Key West Style! 12 Feb 2012, 9:42 am
Do locals and tourists alike need a reason to party in KW? Are you kidding? Does that “reason” make it easier to legitimize the over-indulgence? Maybe, but who really needs an excuse?
Key West is a melting pot, not particularly known for its Irish heritage. But come March 17 -- Saint Patrick’s Day -- everyone is Irish. And, like every other special occasion, Key West puts its unique spin on the annual celebration.
While there is no officially sanctioned parade, there is an impromptu one, highlighting the LGBT community and called the “Pink Paddy’s Day Parade”. It’s essentially a pub crawl with everyone wearing pink and drag queens leading the way! While other cities bar LGBT groups from their St. Patrick’s Day Parade (citing the religious origins of the event), Key West takes pride in its diversity -- no “holier-than-thou” here! With the Pink Paddy’s Day Parade, Key West joins San Francisco in being the only American cities with a LGBT themed St. Patrick’s Celebration.
This year also marks the “34th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll”. Starting at noon at the Southernmost Beach Café (upper end of Duval Street), it proceeds from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, hitting multiple bars along Old Town’s main drag. $30 buys a ticket for the stroll and a commemorative T-shirt that has a unique design each year. Proceeds go to the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Keys Area. This is one of the locals’ most attended events, but if you’re on vacation, jump right in -- they will definitely treat you as one of their own!
And if you are Irish – certifiably so or just in search of a true Irish experience while in Key West for St. Patrick’s Day -- there is no substitute for Finnegan’s Wake, Key West’s only truly Irish owned and operated pub. Authentic in every detail, it is located at the corner of Grinnell and James Streets in Old Town. This is THE place to be on St. Patrick’s Day in Key West. The celebration draws thousands, necessitating the intersection to be cordoned off for the event. The beer flows freely, there is great live Irish music, and traditional food is served on the street because it’s nearly impossible to actually get inside.
So, come to Key West this St. Patty’s day and celebrate your “Irish” heritage in true Key West style!!!
Duval UNCORKED 2012! 25 Jan 2012, 3:34 pm
It's that time again! The Key West Food & Wine Festival is coming up this weekend. And, once again, the Tropical Inn is a stop on its mile-long premier event on Saturday, January 28: Duval UNCORKED.
Because she was such a hit last year, celebrity chef, Anna Toole-Hutchens, CEO and all-around magician behind the curtain at SaborAM, in Naples, FL, will be returning with her uniquely silken-textured, mousse-like, wine-infused cheesecakes. This year, she is bringing her newest creations for sampling: "GINY Pops" -- cheesecake on a stick!
If you are in Key West for the KWF&WF -- or if you are lucky enough to just "happen" to be here -- don't miss this incredible showcase of fine wines, tasty food samplers, and beautiful venues! Based on the success of last year's event, hours have been extended from 3:30 - 7:30. There will be plenty of time for Duval Street revelers to visit all the art galleries, bars, restaurants, chic-to-funky boutiques, and participating guesthouses -- toasting, tasting, and shopping along the way.
Click here for a preview! Click here for tickets! See you on Saturday!
| Anna and husband, Bill, offering tastes of her creations at The Tropical Inn / Duval Uncorked 2011 |
If you are in Key West for the KWF&WF -- or if you are lucky enough to just "happen" to be here -- don't miss this incredible showcase of fine wines, tasty food samplers, and beautiful venues! Based on the success of last year's event, hours have been extended from 3:30 - 7:30. There will be plenty of time for Duval Street revelers to visit all the art galleries, bars, restaurants, chic-to-funky boutiques, and participating guesthouses -- toasting, tasting, and shopping along the way.
Click here for a preview! Click here for tickets! See you on Saturday!
