Reef Perkins and Michael Haskins Book Signing, 4 PM

Key West is renowned for its pirates, smugglers, drug runners, beatniks, mysfits and adventurers.  Many believe that this history was in the past, and that Key West is now only home to shop owners and cruise ship vendors..........however, our little island city is still alive with Key West characters that have helped make the islands reputation simultaneously sweet and sordid.  Take the opportunity to meet two of Key Wests current day rouges.  This upcoming Saturday, July 27 at 4pm, head down to the Smokin' Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles St, and meet the notorious Capt. Reef Perkins and the noted mystery author Micheal Haskins.   Perkins will debut his newly published Sex, Salvage & Secrets, a colorful memoir of his life as a Vietnam combat veteran, experimental diver, smuggler, prisoner & Key West salvage captain. Haskins will be dishing up To Beat the Devil, the latest installment in his Mad Mick Murphy Key West crime thriller series. Join in on the locals soiree where tales of the island will abound and laughter and wine will flow. For more information and details contact robertadepiero@bellsouth.net. See you there!

33rd Annual Ernest Hemingway Celebration

Discover why artists from around the world have chosen Key West as their home and inspiration. The 33rd Annual Ernest Hemingway Celebration opens Tuesday July 16-21,2013.  Whether composing novels in his Whitehead Street writing studio or fishing for big game in local waters, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway left a powerful legacy in Key West. His zest for life, literary accomplishments and enduring affection for the island he called home throughout the 1930s are to be commemorated during the annual Hemingway Days celebration.

Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings, an awards ceremony for the renowned literary competition directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Loriane Hemingway, a commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Ernest's July 21 birth, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a zany "Running of the Bulls" and a three-day marlin tournament recalling Hemingway's devotion to the deep-sea sport.

During his Key West residence, Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most enduring works and spent his leisure hours fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle come together for Hemingway Days. Join in on the fun and discover the reason why artists from around the world have chosen Key West as their home and inspiration.  For more information visit: sloppyjoes.com/index.php/look-alike-contest.

Key West Gathers to Celebrate July 4th on the Water.

The waters surrounding the Florida Keys are to sparkle and pop during Independence Day celebrations in the island chain as families gather for beach-side barbecues, parades and on-the-water fun that coincide with spectacular fireworks shows.  Locals stroll down to the White Street Pier to take in the spectacle and others continue the annual tradition and head to " The Casa". Key West's 28th annual July 4 picnic to benefit Hospice of the Florida Keys and the Visiting Nurse Association is to take place at the luxurious Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, 1500 Reynolds St. (Higgs Beach), overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The celebration is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. courtesy of the Key West Rotary Club.
The traditional buffet offers hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings for $25 per adult, $10 per child (free for children younger than age 3). General admission (no meal) tickets are $10. Free watermelon, popcorn and cold drinks, live music, a silent auction and lots of children's games round out the fun-filled family festivities.
And for an elegant alternative, attendees can choose reserved beachfront seats with first-class service and a lavish buffet. Tickets for the "best seats on the beach" section are $125 per person.
So however you choose to celebrate "The 4th", the little island city will be bustling with families, friends and visitors gathering to enjoy the fireworks extravaganza celebrating Independence Day. See you there!