Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln is to read a May 4 proclamation aboard a paddleboard celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Reporter
Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln is to read a May 4 proclamation aboard a paddleboard celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Monroe County officials will take to the water Monday to mark the start of America’s 250th anniversary celebration in the Florida Keys and National Travel and Tourism Week with what organizers are calling “the most Florida Keys proclamation ever.”
At 11 a.m. May 4, Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln is set to paddle into the waters off Big Pine Key in full business attire to sign the official National Travel and Tourism Week proclamation while standing on a paddleboard.
The event, organized by Visit Florida Keys, will be held at Old Wooden Bridge Marina and is one of Florida’s first kickoff celebrations for America 250, the nationwide observance of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Joining Lincoln will be Kara Franker, local elected officials, tourism partners, residents and visitors. Clinton Curry will serve as master of ceremonies.
The event will begin with a traditional conch shell call, followed by a community paddle featuring local officials on stand-up paddleboards, live music from Florida Keys artists and lunch from local food trucks.
Organizers said the event is designed to reflect the character of the island chain while highlighting the role tourism plays in the local economy.
National Travel and Tourism Week recognizes the economic and cultural impact of travel across the country. In the Florida Keys, tourism remains a major economic driver, with more than 5 million visitors traveling to the island chain each year.
Conservation and ecotourism partners are also expected to attend to emphasize the connection between environmental stewardship and tourism in the Keys.
The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at Old Wooden Bridge Marina, 1791 Bogie Drive in Big Pine Key. Additional information about America 250 events throughout the Florida Keys is available through Visit Florida Keys.
katrina.nichols@keysnews.com
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