Key Largo News
Community Paddle and Festivities Mark 250th Celebration at Pennekamp
Community members and visitors gathered at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo on Sept. 12 for a day of paddling and family-friendly celebrations tied to the nation’s 250th milestone. Park officials temporarily waived entry fees for the event, encouraging broader participation. Attendees took part in guided and casual paddling on the park’s waters, with rental and demonstration opportunities available alongside shoreline activities. The boatable areas provided a focal point for the day’s outdoor recreation offerings. A range of vendors set up on-site, giving visitors options to browse local crafts, food, and other goods. Organizers arranged activities aimed at a variety of ages and interests to keep the crowd engaged throughout the afternoon. Live musical performances were part of the schedule, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere as people moved between the waterfront and vendor spaces. The entertainment lineup complemented the outdoor and community-oriented nature of the gathering. One of the food highlights noted was chocolate-dipped treats, which were available among the concessions and vendor offerings. Food and beverage options were part of the overall experience for those attending the event. State park staff and event organizers oversaw operations for the day, including the fee waiver and programming. Their coordination helped manage foot traffic and activity scheduling at the park’s public areas. The gathering served as a local observance of the broader 250th anniversary activities, emphasizing outdoor recreation and community engagement at a prominent Key Largo park. For these details, Florida Keys Weekly provided the original reporting.
More Monroe County news · Request a correction or case update
All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.