A run in iguana costumes and hermit crab races are among the new activities people will experience at Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s 7th Anniversary Party on Sunday.

They replace the traditional racing of live iguanas during the festivities at the brewery, located on Morada Way in Islamorada. Attendees coming to the celebration are told not to bring iguanas to the anniversary party. Why? It’s due to a new law in the state of Florida that’s requiring people with green iguanas to possess a prohibited species for personal use permit to maintain it as a pet. Only animals possessed prior to April 29, 2021 are eligible for personal possession. 

“Owners of any animals kept under this permit are responsible for making sure their pets are marked with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag, otherwise known as a microchip,” FWC states. “No new pets of these species may be acquired after the rules take effect. Prohibited pet permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.”

Instead of bringing iguanas, party goers are encouraged to bring sneakers to partake in a run while wearing an iguana costume. The run starts at 4 p.m. Iguana costumes will be provided. Proceeds benefit the Upper Keys Humane Society, located at MM 101.6, oceanside, in Key Largo. 

Hermit crab races commence at 3 p.m. Attendees can pick their favorite crab to win the race. All proceeds go to the Upper Keys Humane Society. 

The party begins at noon and goes to 9 p.m. with live music all day, face painting, food trucks and a special beer release.

Mike Henderson, known here as Mr. Iwanna Iguana, has an envy-worthy job title – “Florida Keys Beer Guy.” KEYS WEEKLY PHOTO

Florida Keys Brewing Co. owners Craig and Cheryl McBay bought the original warehouse at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District in 2014 and celebrated their grand opening in March 2015. Subsequently, they opened the Beer Garden, dedicating the OG taproom primarily to tours, special events and brewing the beer. 

Offering delicious, local and unique brews, FKBC has also grown to fill an entertainment gap in the Upper Keys by hosting fun and frequent events.

For more on the celebration, visit Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s Facebook page.  

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Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy
https://twitter.com/keysweekly?lang=en
Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.
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