Making a Splash: Florida Keys Leaders Trade Boardrooms for Paddleboards to Support the Local Tourism Economy (Video)

Now this is how you make waves for the economy! 

In the Florida Keys, they took business casual to a whole new level. With suits…without shoes…and with one essential piece of island gear — paddleboards. 

More than 100 people gathered at Old Wooden Bridge Marina in the Florida Keys Monday, May 4, 2026, to watch the splashy scene unfold. The occasion? The official kick off to National Travel and Tourism Week and America’s 250^th Anniversary. Part celebration; part statement, the event was quintessentially casual, with just a dash or shall we say “splash” of formality. 

Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln lead the way; taking official business offshore…literally…by signing a proclamation while standing on a paddleboard in the middle of the water. Which she says, is similar to her everyday role as an elected official. 

“Any county commissioner and elected government from anywhere can do a Travel and Tourism Week proclamation, but not all of them could do it on a paddleboard in the middle of the ocean in the fabulous Florida Keys. So why not?” said Lincoln. 

But this wasn’t a solo act. 

Paddling beside her were local officials and tourism leaders, including Visit Florida Keys President and CEO Kara Franker; who came up with the plan to turn the ocean into a floating stage for one of the region’s most important industries. 

“Tourism is the largest economic driver for the Florida Keys,” said Franker. “It keeps everything running. We all depend on it, and it couldn’t be more important to our community.” 

In true Florida Keys fashion, the event began with an iconic conch shell call. And was followed by more than a dozen leaders dressed in business suits…paddling offshore to witness the proclamation signed mid-water. 

And for Mayor Lincoln, the setting was an analogy for leadership.  “To be an elected official in the Florida Keys, you better be bold, and you better have balance, because you never know what the day is going to have in store for you.” 

But beyond the splash and spectacle, the message here is serious. 

Tourism is the backbone of the Florida Keys economy; supporting more than 24,000 jobs in Monroe County, according to a 2025 economic impact study. 

It’s also why leaders took to the water in the first place…to spotlight an industry that quite literally keeps the Keys afloat. 

And yes, this took a little practice. 

Franker says there was even a special training session ahead of time to make sure everyone…especially the mayor…was ready to balance and sign. 

“We did a special session just for her because she had the clipboard on. And like, that takes a lot of core work. She’s been going to Pilates and so, so she could whip it around, get out the pin and sign it. And she was phenomenal. Such a pro. I couldn’t be more proud,” exclaimed Franker. 

Franker says the setting couldn’t have been more picture-perfect. And even drew a crowd beneath the surface. 

“Mayor Lincoln is getting ready to sign, everyone’s gathered around…and I look down, and there are fish swimming right beneath us. Even the sea life showed up to celebrate.” 

Back on shore, the crowd and live music, kept the energy going. While on the water, leaders delivered a clear message: 

In the Florida Keys, tourism isn’t just an industry — it’s a way of life. 

And sometimes…it even doubles as a day at the office. 

Ready to take a deeper dive into all the America 250 events planned across the Florida Keys? Learn more at  VisitFloridaKeys.com.