John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo will throw open its gates for free on Saturday, Sept. 12, as part of the America 250 Florida Keys celebration. Monroe County and the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are hosting the Pennekamp Paddle Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Florida State Parks covering park admission for the day.
The centerpiece of the afternoon is a Red, White, and Blue Paddleboard and Kayak Parade through the park's mangrove trail. Kayaks and paddleboards will be available for those who don't bring their own. Glass-bottom boat tours are scheduled at 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., and guided snorkeling experiences — fins and mask included — depart at noon and 1:30 p.m. Both boat and snorkel spots are first come, first served.
Beyond the water, attendees can enjoy live music from local performers, food including hot dogs and chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie, and interactive activities from community partners. The park itself opens at 8 a.m. and remains open until sunset.
The event is one of several free gatherings planned across Monroe County to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. Additional celebrations are in the works for the Old 7-Mile Bridge in Marathon on Oct. 10, with more events planned in Big Pine Key and Islamorada in November. More details are available at monroecounty-fl.gov/250.
Information about the event was reported by Keys News.
