Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride to Pass Through Keys - Community Asked to Support

Wounded veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project will cycle through the Florida Keys on Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10, with stops from Key Largo to Islamorada, Marathon to Big Pine Key, and a Key West leg that includes a guided community ride. The two-day event is intended to highlight veteran resilience and community solidarity while providing a visible opportunity for public support.

Community Services Director Cathy Crane, a combat Veteran and event coordinator, said: “Soldier Ride is a powerful reminder of the resilience and camaraderie that define our Veteran community. We’re honored to welcome these Wounded Warriors to the Florida Keys. Their strength and determination inspire us all, and we encourage our residents and visitors to show their support to help make this a memorable experience for them.”

On Friday the ride will begin in the Upper Keys with a start at 8:30 a.m. from VFW Post 10211 in Key Largo, with a break at 9:30 a.m. at Coral Shores High School and an expected finish at 10:45 a.m. at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. The afternoon leg will start at 1:30 p.m. from the Marathon Fire Station across the 7 Mile Bridge, concluding about 2:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Beach in Big Pine Key. Saturday’s route begins at 10:30 a.m. from Boca Chica Naval Base, followed by a Military Affairs Committee welcome ceremony at noon at Bayview Park in Key West, and a guided community ride from 12:45 to 2 p.m., starting and ending at Bayview Park.

Motorists should expect U.S. 1 to remain open but to encounter rolling lane shifts and periods of slower traffic. County officials advise allowing extra travel time, exercising patience and using caution near the route. The event notice lists sponsors and partners and encourages community participation and support along the course.

Beyond traffic considerations, events like Soldier Ride have public health and social equity implications for Monroe County. Community participation can strengthen social support networks for veterans, promote inclusive recreational opportunities, and raise awareness of physical and mental health challenges faced by those who served. Local health systems and civic organizations can use such high-profile community events to connect veterans with services and to spotlight needs for accessible programs across the county.

Residents and visitors who want to cheer the riders or join the Key West guided ride should plan around the scheduled start times and route locations to both support the riders and minimize disruptions to daily travel. The county encourages respectful, visible support for the veterans as they pass through the Keys.