IN PICTURES: GRASSY FLATS RESORT BRINGS BACK BELOVED FULL MOON PARTY

A post-sunset Junkanoo parade brought partygoers together for traditional Caribbean music and dancing.

A sorely-missed Keys party was revived and refreshed with the launch of Grassy Flats Resort’s inaugural Full Moon Party on Aug. 12. The Grassy Key resort’s reimagined event paired several party staples from Islamorada’s parties in years past like live music, a Junkanoo parade, fire dancing – and of course, plenty of flowing drinks – with new elements, including a mermaid pool party and wakeboarding demonstration, that highlighted its family-friendly atmosphere and strong water sports ties. 

“Cheers to everyone involved in an unbelievable night this past weekend,” said resort co-owner Matt Sexton. “It was one of the best parties I’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting and a great glimpse of many good times to come!”

With a large turnout of guests, plans for a second party in November are already in the works, according to Sexton.

Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.