The crew at Fury's Summer Punk Rock Party!

By Shayne Benowitz

I have to say, at Fury, we’re a pretty lucky crew. In many ways, we’re just one big, crazy family. That’s never been more clear than when we get together to party! The summer soiree has become an institution, and this year we changed it up a little with a theme.

Saturday night as our crew gathered upstairs at Fogarty’s, the party got raucous with everyone’s interpretations on Punk Rock! The girls and I consulted our resident punk chick and check-in gal, Kayla, who lent us a bevy of ripped up concert t’s for an authentic look.

The party definitely rocked and there were many standout costumes. It felt like Fantasy Fest had come early! When I arrived Marius was at the door to greet people sporting a pink mohawk, crazy makeup, and a homemade anarchy shirt. Upstairs, Scott Saunders looked like Edward Scissor Hands with a gothic-inspired straightjacket and silver hair. I didn’t even recognize Andy Saunders who rocked a giant silver mohawk wig, sunglasses, and an over-sized spiked collar.

Kayla, Marius, Shayne, Scott.

Stephen, Holden, Leah, and JB made quite the rock star entrance together dressed as band mates of Pity Party wearing matching shredded, turquoise blue, skinny Levi’s. Eli also had a fab Brit punk rock getup and his wife Kenna looked punk-rock-beautiful-and-chic in a satiny black dress. Lindy looked adorably tough in a sequined mini skirt while her date’s shaved head was emblazoned with an anarchy tattoo. Andy Harris launched punk into a whole other stratosphere with lime green spandex pants and a feathered vest.

Kenna and Lindy.

There were so many remarkable costumes and the party rocked all over Duval Street into the wee hours. Check out the photo album on our Facebook page for the full effect! A big thank you to Scott and Marius for throwing a killer party and always making us feel appreciated. Rock on!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

The crew at Captain Tony's.

by Shayne Benowitz

Dive bars. They hold a special place in the hearts of many. Come as you are, drink cheap, and have a great time. Although not always my cup of tea, I’ve definitely had some great times in the local dives. These classic Key West watering holes hit the spot when you want to kick back without care.

Stephen & Nicole trying to flip a quarter into the grouper's mouth.

Captain Tony’s

The site of the original Sloppy Joe’s where Hemingway used to hang is located right off Duval Street on Front. It’s a dark hole in the wall with pool tables, the occasional live musician, and walls lined with memorabilia. Named for a much-loved and somewhat infamous Key West character, Captain Tony’s is a great spot for some trouble. It’s one of Captain Westy’s favorites. We like to grab the benches around the unused fireplace and if we’re feeling frisky we’ll order up a round of the house specialty rum punch. They’re tasty with a distinct pineapple flavor and they come in cool souvenir cups!

Beers, peanuts, and dollar bills at the Chart Room.

Chart Room

This little hideaway is tucked into the Pier House Resort. It’s small, dimly lit, lacking ambiance, but flush with peanuts, free hotdogs, and a fun dice game. Things get silly at the Chart Room. Sit at a large round table with your friends and order up a round of Jack & Cokes or some bottled beers and play Ship, Captain, Crew. All you need is the dice and a bunch of dollar bills.

Ashley, Jill, & Shayne with root beer barrels.

Green Parrot

There’s nothing secret about the Green Parrot, one of the most loved and frequented bars amongst locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s live music on a Saturday night, midday beers, happy hour, or closing it down at 4am, the Parrot is always full of surprises. My favorite memories have been quieter nights with a good group of friends playing darts, drinking beer, eating popcorn, and of course a few rounds of root beer barrels!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

The happy couple!

by Shayne Benowitz

It was a busy Wednesday morning when I walked into the Fury Surf Shack to check the numbers. The phones were ringing, boats needed to be set up, and customers were checking in. I noticed something sparkle out of the corner of my eye, and when I looked, Becky’s hand was outstretched flashing a shiny engagement ring while she answered a customer’s question on the phone. (more…)

Becky-Shayne Astros-Yankees Rivalry.

by Shayne Benowitz

In Florida, the month of March means a few things. In Key West, we’ve all got Spring Break on the brain. However, further up the state it’s all about baseball Spring Training. This weekend, check-in booth gal Becky, parasail/catamaran mate Rob, and I took a little road trip up to Orlando to check out the action. (more…)

Westy unloading the prone paddles.

by Shayne Benowitz

For many of us at Fury, a day off means the chance to get out on the water for pleasure as opposed to work (not that we don’t have plenty of fun on the clock! . Seasons and weather conditions dictate what activities we can participate in on our days off. In the wintertime when the wind picks up there’s kiteboarding and the occasional surf break. In the warmer months when the seas are calm and flat there’s wakeboarding and paddleboarding. (more…)

Marius, the man of the hour, on the dance floor.

by Shayne Benowitz

Fury’s annual holiday party at Ambrosia sushi bar was a rollicking good time. There are a lot of things we do right at Fury, and partying is definitely one of them. Every year, we seem to outdo ourselves with our ladies dressed to the nines and our gentlemen downright dapper. It’s such an entertaining difference from our daily board shorts and bathing suits routine. (more…)

by Shayne Benowitz

Captain Westy, Fury's owner Scott, Shon, Nicole.

Even though we are the fastest growing Key West water sports fleet, Fury still operates like a quaint family business. With the addition of my little sister Kristy to the Fury catamaran crew this week, it occurred to me just how many sibling pairs, husband and wife teams, and family generations are represented in our tightly knit Fury family. (more…)

by Shayne Benowitz

Boss Man Bubba Marius holding down the fort, originator of much of Fury's jargon

Have you ever noticed that when you hang out with the same people day after day you begin to talk like each other? Sometimes you even create your own words or recreate meanings of common words. At Fury, we’ve got our own set of words and phrases that are completely unique to Key West and especially to Fury. It’s enough to learn nautical terms, but more importantly, if you want to be part of the crew, you’ve got to know what we’re talking about! Here’s a beginners guide to decoding Fury’s special jargon. (more…)

by Shayne Benowitz

Ashley, Becky, Shayne, and Jill outside The Good Life.

I’ve always thought Madonna and Sheryl Crow had it right. “Girls just wanna have fun!” And of course, “All I wanna do is have some fun. I’ve got a feeling I’m not the only one.” This is certainly true for the girls of Fury. We spend our working day surrounded by the Fury boys who vastly outnumber us. For the most part, it’s lots of fun. But there are definitely times when we need a little break. Lately, we’ve been embarking on semi-regular girls’ nights out. (more…)

by Shayne Benowitz

Funky neon Ray Ban's at the Surf Shack.

In Key West’s eternal summer climate, it’s easy to forget what season it is altogether. However, I couldn’t help but spot some hot summer trends in beachwear over the last few months. We’ve got some pretty stylish crewmembers and our customers seem to have an eye for what’s en vogue when it comes to soaking up the sun, too. (more…)