October 2026: Our Inaugural Issue

Welcome to the first edition of The Florida Keys Magazine! Our inaugural October issue celebrates the people, places, wildlife, and waterfront lifestyle that make our island chain so special. From the excitement of Fantasy Fest and the musicians who bring Key West to life to fishing adventures, remarkable animals, and fall celebrations, join us for a journey through the Keys.

Whether you live here, visit often, or dream of your next island escape, here’s what awaits inside.

FEATURE: Fantasy Fest, Music & Halloween History

Fantasy Fest
Discover the history and creative spirit behind one of Key West’s most recognizable celebrations. Our feature explores the costumes, community, and traditions that make Fantasy Fest such a memorable part of October in the Keys, with information to help readers find the festival’s schedule and plan their experience.

That Arena Rock Show
Meet the band bringing the excitement of arena rock to Sunset Pier for two nights of music. In our interview, we explore their love of performing, their connection with the audience, and the energy that turns a concert into a shared celebration. Get to know the personalities behind the show before joining the crowd.

The Durtbags
Get to know the musicians behind a favorite part of Key West’s live music scene. Our conversation offers a look at the band’s personalities, performances, and connection to the island’s spirited audiences. It’s a chance to discover more about the people making the music and the joy they bring to the stage.

Mike Stack
Meet Fantasy Fest Grand Marshal Mike Stack and discover more about his music and connection to Key West. Through our interview, readers get a personal introduction to an artist whose story is part of the island’s creative community.

Behind the Witch’s Hat — By Olivia Polizze
Look beyond the pointed hats and familiar Halloween costumes to explore the darker history behind the witch stereotype. Olivia examines the experiences of people accused of witchcraft and invites readers to reconsider the stories and symbols we associate with this seasonal character.

EXPLORE: Discover the Florida Keys

An Introduction to the Florida Keys
Begin with a closer look at the island chain as a whole—its natural beauty, distinctive surroundings, and the experiences that draw people here. This introduction sets the scene for exploring the different communities that make up the Keys.

The Upper Keys
Explore the northern stretch of the island chain, where life revolves around the water and opportunities for adventure are never far away. Discover the character of the Upper Keys and the appeal of beginning your island journey here.

The Middle Keys
Discover the heart of the Florida Keys, where waterfront communities, boating, fishing, and island living come together. Our Middle Keys pages introduce readers to the atmosphere and surroundings that make this stretch a place to explore, enjoy, and call home.

The Lower Keys
Experience a quieter side of the island chain, shaped by natural landscapes, open water, and close connections to wildlife. This section introduces the Lower Keys and their appeal for readers who enjoy slowing down and spending time outdoors.

Key West
Arrive at an island known for its history, creativity, music, and unmistakable personality. Our Key West pages celebrate the atmosphere that makes this destination a memorable finale to a journey through the Keys.

WILDLIFE: Meet Our Island Neighbors

Dolphins
Discover more about these intelligent marine mammals and their place in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. This article introduces readers to an animal whose presence captures so much of the wonder of life by the sea.

Key Deer
Meet one of the Florida Keys’ most distinctive residents. Our Key deer feature takes a closer look at these small deer and their connection to the islands, encouraging a greater appreciation for the wildlife that shares our home.

Sea Turtles
Explore the world of sea turtles and their connection to the marine environment. Learn more about these remarkable ocean travelers and why they are such a meaningful part of the Keys’ wildlife story.

Parrotfish
Meet the colorful fish that bring personality and activity to the reef. This feature introduces parrotfish and their role in the underwater environment, giving readers another reason to look closely at the life beneath our turquoise waters.

FISHING: Explore the Water with Captain Tony Polizze

Built by Water
Before casting a line, join Captain Tony for an introduction to the surroundings that make fishing in the Florida Keys so varied. Explore the island chain’s channels, flats, bridges, reefs, and offshore waters, and discover how these different environments shape the fishing experience.

Backcountry Fishing
Head into the winding channels and shallow waters of the backcountry. Captain Tony introduces readers to this distinctive fishery and shares the appeal of exploring a landscape where the surroundings are as much a part of the adventure as the catch.

Bridge Fishing: Where History Meets the Bite
Discover why the Keys’ historic bridges are such compelling places to fish. Captain Tony explains how structure, moving water, and baitfish create feeding opportunities, offering readers a closer look at the connection between these landmarks and the fisheries around them.

Fishing Techniques & Local Insights
Throughout his article, Captain Tony shares observations and fishing techniques drawn from his time on the water. Readers can expect an introduction to the variety of fishing available here, along with the enthusiasm of a local captain who loves exploring these islands.

LIVING: Fall, the Island Way

6 Reasons Life in the Florida Keys Feels Different
Explore the everyday pleasures that give life in the Keys its distinctive rhythm. This article celebrates the connection to the water, the outdoors, and the community that makes island living feel special long after the vacation ends.

Fall, the Island Way
Discover how to bring the spirit of the season into a warm-weather waterfront setting. From Halloween decorating inspiration to outdoor neighborhood gatherings, this article celebrates a Florida Keys fall filled with costumes, food, friends, and time together under the island sky.

Open our October 2026 digital edition and discover the stories, sounds, and surroundings of life in the Florida Keys.