Author: Nada Jones
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The Ocean in a Drop: Jessica Bartels’ Deep-Sea Calling
In the Florida Keys, an aquarist and educator builds a life of stewardship the scenic way — after learning what to refuse. BY: NADA KHALAF-JONES Special to The Free Press · ran Sep 3 2026 Story and photos by Nada Khalaf-Jones. As published in the Florida Keys Free Press, Sep 3 2026 (Pursuits / Features).…
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The Discipline of Hope on a Bleaching Reef
Another mass bleaching is slamming Florida Keys corals, pushing already battered elkhorn and staghorn reefs toward collapse. Scientists are racing to rescue surviving genotypes, cross-breed heat-tolerant “corals of the future,” and shield shorelines with living defenses. Their work can only buy time unless we urgently cut climate-warming emissions and keep restoration funded.
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From Key Largo to Tolbert Hall, (Birthday Detour to Epic Universe)
We left Key Largo with the mix of anticipation and quiet weight that comes with every final “first.” We spent the night at Herlong Mansion. Mira was headed to Tolbert Hall at the University of Florida, Class of 2030. Laila came with us. She had just started her first week of online classes at the…
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DJI Mavic 4 Pro Decapitation in the Florida Keys
I’ve flown DJI drones in the Florida Keys since 2016, passed the FAA Part 107 test, shot real estate, boats, weddings—and then flew a Mavic 4 Pro straight into thin branches at sunset. No alarms, camera decapitated, no help from DJI or Best Buy. Here’s what that taught me about repairs, insurance, and flying anyway.
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Pokemon 30th Anniversary TCG: Treasure Cove’s Keys to Rare Value
From a bug-obsessed kid in Tokyo to Magic: The Gathering’s invention of modern trading cards, this story traces how Pokémon became a global asset class—and why its next big chapter is unfolding inside a small shop in Tavernier. At Treasure Cove Collectibles, fathers, sons, tourists, and Planeswalkers all chase cardboard ‘treasure’ that can sometimes buy…
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Key Largo Listing Cleaning Vendors for Pro Photos
READ THIS FIRST… Window Cleaning Salt air is relentless in the Keys, and cloudy, streaked glass is one of the most common things that dulls an otherwise stunning property photo. Clean windows let in the light, sharpen the view of the water, and give every interior shot that bright, open feel buyers love. Book your…
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The Art Of The Reveal – Real Estate Photography Checklist
The Art of the Reveal is a step‑by‑step, interactive property prep checklist for Florida Keys real estate photography. Learn what absolutely must be done before shoot day—from windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and walls to exterior, pool, lighting, and long-term decluttering habits—plus download a printable two-page PDF version.
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The Art Of The Reveal — The Story Behind The Checklist
A Florida Keys real estate photographer’s unfiltered guide to preparing your home for the camera, the drone, the 360° scan, and golden hour.
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Key West LobsterFest 2026: Traditional Gold Rush Feast
From Duval Street lobster tacos to working marinas, Key West LobsterFest 2026 captures the Florida Keys’ spiny lobster season — feast, frenzy, and crustacean.
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The Hideout Key Largo: Best Breakfast Spot on Shoreland Drive
Tucked along Shoreland Drive in Key Largo, The Hideout is more than a breakfast spot — it’s a Florida Keys institution. Owner Pablo Placencia serves up eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, and genuine hospitality seven days a week. Here’s the story behind one of the Keys’ most beloved local restaurants.
