‘Safer At Home’ Initiative Launched By Florida Keys

The Florida Keys tourism council has launched a “safer at home” initiative to promote “stay-at-home” directives to combat COVID-19, while also sensitively maintaining awareness of the Florida Keys as a destination.

The social media-based “Safer@Home” program encourages Facebook, Instagram and Twitter fans and followers to tune in for live-stream Keys content while staying safely sequestered in their own homes.

The initiative is to feature social posts showcasing virtual tours of local attractions and wildlife facilities, Keys nature scenes and nature-based activities, live sets by local musicians, offerings from Keys cultural organizations and museums, “how to” videos of recipes for favorite island dishes, local products and treats that can be ordered for delivery and other positive and engaging communications from Keys entities.

Stacey Mitchell, director of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, said: “We join Keys county and municipal officials in keeping the Keys safe. At the same time, we understand the economic impacts that the crisis is having on the destination and sharing this kind of content is critical in maintaining our connection with our fans.”

An eye-catching “Safer@Home” logo, based on a whimsical “conch house” image created by Keys artist Abigail White, identifies and brands the initiative.

“The conch shell long been a Florida Keys icon,” said Andy Newman of the TDC’s public relations agency that created the effort. “Using Abigail’s artwork is representative of the entire destination and also illustrates the toughness of Keys residents.”

The program incorporates a weekly giveaway of Keys-related or locally crafted items. Each Friday, a post will pose destination questions including one about a recent livestream, with the week’s winner chosen at random from those who respond.

A second part of the promotion is to be hashtagged #KeysAtHomeChallenge.