Key West Annual Arts and Crafts Festival February 27th and 28th

The 45th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival features artists from all over the country and Canada who come to the southernmost island of Key West to showcase their art to enthusiastic locals and tourists this weekend.

The event takes place In the "Old Town" section of Key West, on Whitehead Street from Green Street to Eaton Street and partly on Caroline Street. Here, the streets are lined with historic properties that have been converted into hotels and inns. Just footsteps away from the Art Festival are historic spots as the Audobon House, Truman's Little White House, and the Mel Fisher Museum. Just a few blocks down the road is the Key West Historic Bight Marina, where dozens of boats provide Key West snorkeling, sunset cruises, and much more.

Fight Night In The Keys

Fight Night in the Keys has 7 matches scheduled on March 20th in a harborfront ring at Mallory Square, highlighted by a 12-round fight for the WBC international heavyweight title featuring defending champion Odlanier Solis.

The event is a Key West boxing tradition dating back to Ernest Hemingway’s presence on this subtropical island. In the 1930s, when he wasn’t writing, fishing or relaxing with his compadres, Ernest Hemingway officiated boxing matches in the Bahama Village neighborhood near his Whitehead Street home. He also enjoyed sparring with local fighters.

Fight Night in the Keys, presented by Top Rank Inc. and DEJ Productions, recalls that heritage of sportsmanship while offering spectators the chance to view big-name boxing in an open-air waterfront setting.

The venue at Mallory Square is to open at 6 p.m. EST and the first bout is set to begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $35 per person for general admission and $65 for assigned ringside seats. For $150 per person, boxing fans can enjoy VIP seating, a weigh-in party, pre-fight event and post-event party with food and an open bar.

To purchase tickets, visit www.keystix.com or call 305-292-0486. Tickets are available in Key West at Big’uns Sports Bar, 218 Duval St., and Mr. Cheapee’s Liquors at 423 Caroline St.

Conch Harbor Marina & Retail Center in Key West Announces New Ownership

Conch Harbor Marina and Retail Center, a multi-use destination marina facility, has been sold. The new owner,Conch Harbor Retail Center, LLC. is headed by Key West resident Craig Hunt.

Conch Harbor's location and amenities make it a superior facility, not only in Key West, but also throughout the Florida Keys. "Conch Harbor's location and amenities make it a superior facility, not only in Key West, but also throughout the Florida Keys," said Hunt. "We will be launching new programs with the goal of making Conch Harbor the best marina for locals."

Hunt moved to Key West in 2002 after a 30 year career with the Intercontinental Hotel Group, one of the world's largest hotel companies. He held the position of President of Holiday Inn Worldwide and Vice Chairman of the Intercontinental Hotel Group, then known as Six Continents Hotels. Hunt also is a Captain and an avid fisherman.

General Manager and Partner Gina Kennedy will continue to manage the marina.

In addition to the marina, Conch Harbor includes a retail center that currently houses Dante's Restaurant, 951 Prime Steakhouse, Mama's Flowers, Seaport Realty and Digital Island Media. The marina features 40 boat slips (most have been sold and many remain in the rental program), docks from 37 feet to 185 feet, a 68 space covered parking garage, and a 200-foot fueling dock with high speed fueling service and in-slip sewage pump out.

The marina's ample upper deck space, overlooking both the harbor and the attractive swimming pool area, is ideal for special events. A picturesque walk along the harbor brings visitors to busy Duval Street, the heart of Key West. The facility can be an attractive choice for a mega yachts, cruisers, fishermen and families.

Conch Harbor Marina and Retail Center is located at 951 Caroline St, Key West. For more information, visit www.conchharbormarina.com.