Keys History & Discovery Center Hosts Week-long Events

Shark Week Comes to Islamorada, a weeklong series of events, is being held Aug. 11-16, at the 35-seat state-of-the-art theater at Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Deep White, the U.S. premiere of a Discovery Channel production, focuses on the myths and mysteries surrounding the Great White Shark, Oceanic White-tip Shark and Hammerhead Shark. Video includes segments filmed by Key Largo-based Emmy-winning Videographer Frazier Nevins. Two showings are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. During the 6 p.m. hour, world-renown shark expert Michael Heithaus, Ph.D., marine biologist and dean of FIU’s College of Arts & Sciences, will speak about the behavior of sharks and their prey, offering insight into how sharks structure marine ecosystems by both eating and scaring their prey.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Shark Nation, also a Discovery Channel production, will show at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., covering Stuart Coves dives and feedings, as well as the importance of shark preservation. Sharks have a bad rap, so says Capt. Stuart Cove, who promotes “shark tourism” in the Bahamas and internationally, providing a positive perspective about sharks. At 6 p.m., Videographer and Certified PADI Diver Nevins shares his decades of experiences underwater recording and photographing sharks and other sea life.

Reservations are required for the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. showings on both Aug. 11 and 12 as seating is limited to 35. Call 305-922-2237 or e-mail [email protected], to reserve your seat. Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members, and includes movie fare and cash bar.

Playing in the theater Thursday, Aug. 13 though Sunday, Aug. 16, guests of Keys History & Discovery Center can watch looping videos specific to shark life.

The Discovery Center is in Islamorada, MM 82, located at the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost. The Center is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10 and children 13-under are free.

For more information, call 305-922-2237.