KEY WEST, Fla.-
It may feel like the threat of hurricanes disappeared with the end of summer, but according to the National Hurricane Center, the 2006 Atlantic basin hurricane season doesn’t end until Nov. 30.
Key West, the town at the southern end of the Florida Keys, has an annual party to mark the end of the storm season. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service are expected to be among the guests at the bash, which starts 4 p.m., Nov. 30, at the Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa. The party kicks off a “Pirates in Paradise” festival that will last through the weekend of Dec. 3.
Events will include a plank-walking contest from the Schooner Wolf, moored just off the beach. Competitors will be judged on costume, style, pleas for mercy and splash.
Also on the schedule are wooden boat-building demonstrations, sailing excursions ($50 adults, $25 children) and pirate re-enactments, including events at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 1-3. Details at or 305-296-9694. You can also make reservations for the sailing excursions at that number.
