THIS SATURDAY: AMERICA 250 FLORIDA KEYS PADDLE DAY AT PENNEKAMP – FREE ADMISSION & FUN EXPERIENCES

Monroe County and Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park invite residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in true Florida Keys style at the America 250 Florida Keys Pennekamp Paddle Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

Thanks to Florida State Parks, park admission will be free, giving the community an opportunity to enjoy one of the Florida Keys’ most treasured natural resources as part of the yearlong America 250 Florida Keys celebration. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Included activities:

• A Progressive Red, White, & Blue Paddleboard and Kayak Parade through the mangrove trail – kayaks and paddleboards provided
• Glass-bottom boat experiences (first come, first served)
  • Tours at 9:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.
• Snorkeling Experiences (snorkel gear included) (first come, first served)
  • Tours at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.
• Hot dogs, chips, a soda, and chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Live entertainment from local musicians from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Interactive activities from community partners from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pennekamp is known as the nation’s first undersea park and is home to mangrove forests, tropical hammocks, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

The event is part of America 250 Florida Keys, which is Monroe County and the Tourist Development Council’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Several free events are being planned to highlight the islands’ history, culture, natural resources, and community spirit. On Oct. 10, a sunset celebration will be held at the Old 7-Mile Bridge in Marathon, and events in Big Pine Key and Islamorada are being planned for November.

More information and event updates will be available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/250.