Lobster mini-season in the Keys will be here before you know it, July 30 th and 31 st this year. The spiny lobster, or Florida lobster, is a fun catch and a culinary delight like their Maine lobster cousins. The Key West lobster mini-season, created in 1987 to ease the pressure of the first day of the commercial season and attract tourists, is limited and rules change each year.

One new rule in particular for the 2008 Key West lobster mini-season is the ban of snorkeling and diving from the shoreline, specifically within 300 feet of marinas and residential and commercial shorelines. Licensing rules are pretty much the same, a saltwater fishing license with a lobster stamp, which is only $2.00 extra for both residents and non-residents.

Bag limits are different in the Keys than in the rest of Florida. During the mini-season and regular season (8/6-3/31), it is 6 lobsters per day rather than the 12 lobsters allowed in the rest of the state. And, the lobster must have at least a 3-inch carapace, which is the distance from the forward edge of the rostral horns along the middle to the rear of the carapace.

Lobster diving for the Key West mini-season is only allowed in the day time. Always have your dive buoy and flag in the water when you are driving. Safety is key to having a successful lobster outing. The mini-season is extremely busy on the waters around the Keys so you must be careful.

While many people bring their own boats, rentals and charters are available to take you to the best spots.

April is the national poetry month.  To celebrate the art of poetry in Key West, visitors and locals are welcome to the 14th annual poetry festival.  The celebration starts from April 9th - 13th, 2008 on the grounds of the Heritage House Museum, the Robert Frost Cottage, and select Key West venues.  This annual 5 day celebration of poetry is started in 1994 by Jeanne Porter to celebrate Key West as a literary destination.  

This year festival features poetry workshop, haiku readings, haiku contests for school students and adults.  To enter your haiku in the contest: http://www.robertfrostpoetryfestival.com/haiku.html

Monroe county school students can also enter in the competition.  View guidelines here: http://www.robertfrostpoetryfestival.com/student.html

This year featured poets are:

Dr. Michael Wyndham Thomas from England, Charles Trumbull, Lee Gurga, Rosalind Brackenbury, Barry George, Richard Grusin, Cricket Desmarais, Bob Muens, and Catherine Doty.

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For information on lodgings and Key West accommodations, visit the Tropical Inn, Key West Bed & Breakfast

Runners….it’s that time of the year again! The 26th annual run over the scenic Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, Key West is Saturday, April 21,2007. Applications are limited to ONLY 1500 runners and entry fee is $45/runner.

If you are interested, the time to apply is now. Send your requests for applications to the Marathon Runners Club, P.O. Box 500110, Marathon, FL 33050. Requests must include a self-addressed, stamped legal-sized or 4-inch by 9-inch (minimum) envelope.

For more information about the Seven Mile Bridge run, call (305) 743-8513.

Looking for a place to stay? Key West offers accomodations that range from modern, luxurious hotel to private bed and breakfast with family atmosphere. The Tropical Inn Key West Bed & Breakfast is one of the best places to stay especially for a romantic or private vacation. Why not give it a try?