31st Gigantic Nautical Market Returns to Founders Park with 300 Vendors

Upper Keys Rotary Club staged its 31st Gigantic Nautical Market at Founders Park in Islamorada (MM 87, bayside) Feb. 21–22, drawing what Keys Weekly described as more than 300 vendor booths alongside a seaside boat show and food-truck rally. The two-day event combined boating exhibits, a nautical flea market and family activities on the Founders Park grounds at 87000 Overseas Hwy.

Organizers and vendor materials listed an array of goods and exhibits that filled the park: new and used boats, marine gear and marine equipment, fishing gear, dive gear, dock equipment, electronics, clothing, nautical arts and crafts and antiques. Rotarynauticalmarket promoted the event as "It’s a Boat Show with a Beach!" and emphasized family attractions and a broad shopping experience.

Food-service lines ran long around the designated truck row, where VisitFloridaKeys noted "18 food trucks" were on site. VisitFloridaKeys also advised that the market offered shuttle service from Coral Shores High School (MM 89.9, oceanside), describing that free parking there and "continuous shuttle service" were the easiest way to access Founders Park. The event guide on Rotarynauticalmarket listed Saturday hours as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and VisitFloridaKeys recommended arriving Sunday at opening, which it listed as 9 a.m.; shuttle return times from the market were scheduled with last departures at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Monroe County Sheriff's deputies managed pedestrian crossings on U.S. 1 during peak periods. VisitFloridaKeys warned, "Traffic will be heavy both days in both directions along U.S. 1. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies will periodically stop traffic in front of the main entrance to allow pedestrians to cross safely, so please plan for delays." Limited on-site parking was available along grassy medians between Old Highway and U.S. 1 near Founders Park, but most visitors used the Coral Shores shuttle to avoid delays.

Fundraising remained central to the market. VisitFloridaKeys noted, "A $5 gate donation helps fund local scholarships." Upper Keys Rotary promotional materials stated, "Our annual Gigantic Nautical Market allows us to annually contribute nearly $200,000 in scholarships to students in the Upper Keys," and added that "Since the event’s inception, millions of dollars have been raised to support the dreams of many students." Organizers also ran a family 50/50 raffle during the market to boost scholarship revenue.

The market was presented by The Pool Spa Billiard Store and was organized by the Upper Keys Rotary Club, which highlighted its local service work including support for Take Stock in Children and Interact Clubs at local high schools. Those interested in Rotary membership were directed to contact the club via the Key Largo Rotary contact email listed on club materials, keylargorotary@gmail.com.

After two full days of vendors, boats and food trucks at Founders Park, the Upper Keys Rotary said the Gigantic Nautical Market will return as an annual scholarship fundraiser and community showcase for the Upper Keys’ maritime economy and nonprofit activity.