KEY WEST, FL, MAY 14, 2026 - Lower Keys Medical Center thanks the participants in the annual hurricane evacuation drill held on May 7, 2026, at the medical center and at NAS Key West Boca Chica. The event is a collaboration between multiple emergency management, military, EMS, nursing and transport teams, which simulates the preparation, hand-off of medical records, transport and aircraft loading of patients unable to be discharged safely from the hospital in the event of a major hurricane. Volunteers posing as patients were stabilized and evaluated, then transported to NAS Key West and boarded onto the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aircraft. In an actual evacuation, those patients would be flown to a medical facility outside of the storm's impact. 
 
“We appreciate all of our participants in the live action practice that strengthens our response in the event of an imminent hurricane,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “We are fortunate to have strong working relationships with the local, regional and national agencies that work together in times of crisis.”
 
Prior to the evacuation drill, members of the North Carolina Air National Guard and a C-CAT critical care team from South Carolina Air National Guard, conducted training for EMS and nursing staff on lifting, carrying, transferring and boarding the specialized litter systems with patients into the custom-fitted aircraft. 
 
The Key West Military Affairs Committee hosted a post-training luncheon for the participants. John Picco, President of the Military Affairs Committee and a retired fighter pilot, welcomed and addressed the teams. 
 
Participants included North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Delaware and Florida Air National Guard, NAS Key West, US Coast Guard, Monroe County and City of Key West Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Key West Police and Fire Departments, Monroe County Fire Rescue, E-Care Ambulance, Southernmost Medical Transport, Keys Health Ready Coalition, Florida Department of Health - Monroe County, and hospital staff.
 
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating.

Key West, FL — The Truman Waterfront Community Garage Sale: Junk in the Trunk returns this Saturday, May 16 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Truman Waterfront Park.

What started as a simple idea — clean out the house, pull up, and sell — has quickly grown into a lively waterfront morning filled with treasure hunting, bargain browsing, and neighbor-to-neighbor fun.

Expect an ever-changing mix of household goods, vintage finds, collectibles, quirky treasures, and the kind of random items that make garage sales so much fun. It’s part community gathering, part flea market, and part “what’s hiding in that trunk?”

Sellers can show up the morning of and be placed as they arrive, or pre-register in advance to save a few dollars. Bring your unwanted items, pop the trunk, and turn clutter into cash without the hassle of hosting a sale at home.

Shoppers can browse for deals while enjoying coffee, beverages and pastries from our food vendors.

Keep Key West Beautiful returns as the featured nonprofit partner, offering free reusable shopping bags while helping promote reuse, repurposing, and waste reduction throughout the community.

The event takes place along the Quay at Truman Waterfront Park and offers free parking with a residential sticker.

The Truman Waterfront Community Garage Sale is planned to continue on the first and third Saturdays of each month, pending continued participation and community support. There will not be a sale on July 4.
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For more information or to pre-register as a seller, visit https://bit.ly/garagesalekeywest or contact Sam Snodgrass at 573-694-9240.

BIG PINE KEY, FL – Monroe County will host a community meeting on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church on Big Pine Key to discuss the expiration of the Big Pine Key Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and the Incidental Take Permit (ITP), as well as the county’s ongoing coordination with federal agencies regarding environmental protections and future permitting processes.

The HCP and ITP were originally established in the early 2000s to address impacts to endangered species habitat associated with private and public development on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. The HCP expired in 2023, and the ITP is set to expire on June 30, 2026.  For clarity, the HCP did not establish initial growth limits on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. Monroe County establishes maximum Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) allocations through the Comprehensive Plan.

The community meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to hear updates from county staff, ask questions, and discuss local concerns related to endangered species protections, development regulations, habitat conservation efforts, and the path forward following the expiration of the HCP/ITP framework.

County staff continues working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on transitioning from the HCP/ITP process to existing countywide environmental reviews, including the Permit Referral Process (PRP) implemented under the Biological Opinion developed for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program. The PRP addresses several endangered and threatened species throughout the Florida Keys, including the Key deer, Lower Keys marsh rabbit, American crocodile, Eastern indigo snake, Schaus swallowtail butterfly, and other protected species. The FWS has agreed to transition Big Pine Key and No Name Key permits to the PRP and will provide updates to the assessment guides used for the three species formerly covered by the HCP/ITP. Maximum limits on species impacts established in the HCP/ITP will still apply.

The county remains committed to protecting endangered species and sensitive habitats throughout the Florida Keys. Most habitat protection measures currently in the HCP/ITP are already reflected in the Monroe County Code. The county also remains committed to purchasing environmentally sensitive lands for conservation purposes throughout the Florida Keys.

For more information, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/environmentalresources.

Key West, FL — After a weeklong presale opportunity for VIP guests, package holders, and Souvenir Charity Event Badge supporters, remaining tickets for dozens of Just a Few Friends Key West experiences, activities, and special events will officially open to the public this Friday.

Returning Labor Day Weekend, September 3–7, 2026, Just a Few Friends Key West has quickly grown into one of the island’s most anticipated annual celebrations — an immersive, island-wide tribute to the music, storytelling, humor, and laid-back lifestyle associated with Key West’s favorite son.

The festival is organized by longtime Key West entrepreneur Paul Menta, alongside the Daily Plan-it event team, and combines free major concerts, intimate storytelling experiences, waterfront adventures, culinary events, walking tours, author showcases, and community celebrations spread throughout the island.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes free performances and appearances by Mac McAnally, Will Kimbrough, the Wheeland Brothers, Gary and the Landsharks, Nadirah Shakoor, Roger Bartlett, Howard Livingston, Cliff Cody, Cayman and the Mango Men, and other nationally known and local trop rock favorites.

Festival organizers say the public ticket release represents the next phase of the weekend rollout after strong early demand from returning supporters and badge holders.

“We’ve built this weekend around the idea that Key West itself becomes the venue,” said Menta. “Some moments happen on a concert stage, some happen on a sunset sail, some happen sitting around the Chart Room hearing stories from people who lived them. That’s what makes this weekend different.”

Among the free signature highlights are the new Friday Duval Street Party featuring Gary and the Landsharks, recreating the energy and spirit of the legendary late-1990s street concerts that once transformed Duval Street into a giant island singalong; the Second Line Memorial Parade marching down Duval Street on Sunday evening; Party in the Park at Truman Waterfront featuring free waterfront performances by Mac McAnally, Will Kimbrough and Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band on the Friends of Bubba Stage; free Sunset Pier concerts overlooking the harbor; daily live music throughout bars, restaurants, resorts, and waterfront venues across Key West; and Tales from the Chart Room storytelling sessions at the legendary Pier House bar where Jimmy Buffett once performed for tips and beers.

In addition to the free programming, public ticket sales opening Friday include

•  Sunset sails and live music harbor cruises with Danger Charters, Fury Watersports, Cruisin’ Tikis and Argo Navis
• Milagro Margarita Bar Strolls through Duval Street and the Historic Seaport
• The kickoff “Hamburgers with Cheese in a Tropical Place” tasting competition and beach party at the Southernmost Beach Resort
• Guided walking tours to legendary island locations connected to music and Key West history
•  Author showcases, film screenings, moderated conversations
• VIP brunches, pool parties, chef-driven culinary experiences
• Intimate performances and storytelling sessions inside the legendary Chart Room
• And specialty events featuring festival performers and guests in smaller, highly curated settings.

Many of the smaller experiences are intentionally capped at limited attendance to preserve the intimate nature of the events, and organizers expect several to sell out quickly following Friday’s public launch.

The festival’s Souvenir Charity Event Badge also remains available in limited quantities. The collectible badge is not a concert ticket, but provides preferred access opportunities, early purchase windows for select experiences, commemorative perks, and supports local nonprofit beneficiaries including Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and student scholarships administered through the Florida Keys Community Foundation.

“People come for the music and to celebrate the wonderful influence Jimmy had on the Keys,” said Menta, “but what they remember are the moments in between — the stories, the sunsets, the random conversations, the feeling that for a few days everyone becomes part of the same island family.”

Public ticket sales begin Friday at: www.JustAFewFriendsKeyWest.com

Link to printable schedule: https://bit.ly/JAFF2026Schedule
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“All events not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.”

KEY WEST, FL, May 12, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) marked a landmark moment in its history Friday, May 8, when it held its 72nd Commencement. For the first time in the College’s history, two ceremonies were needed to honor more than 150 graduates in CFK’s spring class of 2026. The celebrations, held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West Campus, coincided with two notable anniversaries: CFK’s 60th year and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Student Voices
Jessica Rojas, who earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, delivered the student address at the morning ceremony. Araceli Dominguez, who received her Associate in Science in Nursing, spoke at the afternoon ceremony.

Yesenia Bathelmy, who earned her Associate in Science in Nursing, performed the national anthem at both ceremonies.

2026 Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Christina Belotti, who earned her Associate in Arts from CFK in 2004, was named the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus and addressed graduates at both ceremonies. An educator for nearly 20 years, Dr. Belotti has served the Keys’ community teaching at Sugarloaf School and Marathon Middle High School. Outside the classroom, she supports the MHS Student Government Association, Take Stock in Children, and Champions for Change, and serves on the board of the Educational Coalition for Monroe County.

Keynote Address
Tim Stockwell, “Papa 2025” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society, delivered the keynote address at both ceremonies. Mr. Stockwell is active in the Keys’ community and serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Sloppy Joe’s Foundation. He and his fellow Papas and Mamas work tirelessly to support CFK. For nearly 27 years, they have supported the educational dreams of over 300 CFK students with over $250,000 in scholarships. The Hemingway Look-Alike Society now has the largest endowment at CFK, at $750,000.

Honoring Our Nurses
CFK Nursing instructor Laura Cox pinned nursing graduates and Interim Dean of Nursing, Arts, Science, and Hospitality Michelle Fortney led graduates in the Florence Nightingale Nursing Oath, a time-honored tradition marking their entry into the profession. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse. CFK’s NCLEX-RN pass rate consistently ranks well above state and national averages.

2026 Instructor of the Year – It’s a Tie!
Nursing instructors Laura Cox and Michelle Ho were both awarded CFK’s Instructor of the Year. At the end of each semester, the students vote for an outstanding professor to be recognized at graduation.

A Class Full of Stories
The Class of 2026 reflected the notable range of students CFK serves. Among the graduates were six students from the Project ACCESS program for students with intellectual disabilities, and one alumnus of the program who returned to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Thirteen Dual Enrollment students from Monroe County high schools received associate degrees and/or certificates. The class also included siblings who earned their Associate in Science in Nursing simultaneously, and two international students who completed their degrees.

Honoring CFK’s Pioneers
In recognition of CFK’s 60th anniversary, two alumni among the College’s earliest graduates received honorary degrees:

• Joey Garcia, who earned his Associate in Arts in 1967, was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management.
• Judi Knowles Vaeth, one of the very first students to receive an Associate of Arts in 1966, was honored with an honorary Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on the College’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys.
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CFK’s summer semester begins May 18. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student, and ways to pay for college can be viewed on the College’s website at CFK.edu/FutureStudents.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026. Monroe County’s Veterans Affairs Department and the City of Key West will co-host the Memorial Day wreath service at the Key West Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park. Monroe County Veterans Affairs will also co-host a ceremony at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo with VFW Post 10211.
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Ceremonies in the Florida Keys include:
• Key West Cemetery – USS Maine Memorial, Winslow Plot, Key West – 9 a.m.
• Key West Veterans Memorial Garden – Bayview Park, Key West – 10 a.m.
• Southernmost Cemetery – Big Coppitt Key – 11 a.m.
• Islamorada Hurricane Monument – 9 a.m.
• Murray Nelson Government Center – 11 a.m.
• Big Pine Key Community Park – “Murph” workout – 9 a.m.

Monroe County Veterans Affairs, Monroe County Fire Rescue, and Monroe County Parks and Beaches will host a “Murph” workout at Big Pine Key Community Park on Memorial Day. Registration starts at 8:15 a.m. with the workout beginning at 9 a.m. The event honors the legacy of Michael P. Murphy, who died in Afghanistan in 2005. All fitness levels are welcome. The event is free, and a participant waiver is required.

“Memorial Day is a time for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude,” said Monroe County Community Services Director Cathy Crane. “We encourage residents and visitors to participate in these ceremonies and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to our nation.”
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Memorial Day is traced back to the end of the American Civil War and was known as Decoration Day, a day when graves of fallen soldiers were decorated in memory of their service. In 1971, Congress designated Memorial Day as a national holiday on the last Monday in May to honor those who died while serving in the military.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners have proclaimed May 10–16, 2026, as Law Enforcement Memorial Week in Monroe County, honoring the service, sacrifice, and dedication of law enforcement officers who protect communities each day under often difficult and dangerous circumstances.

The proclamation recognizes the extraordinary commitment law enforcement officers provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while acknowledging the risks officers and their families face each time they report for duty. It also honors the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, including the hundreds of public safety officers lost during the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe,” said Lincoln. “Law Enforcement Memorial Week is an important opportunity for Monroe County to pause, reflect, and honor those who gave their lives in service and to recognize the dedication of the men and women who continue to serve our residents and visitors today.”

The community is invited to attend the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m. at Bayview Park in Key West. Hosted by the City of Key West and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the ceremony will honor fallen officers and recognize the ongoing service of law enforcement personnel throughout Monroe County. Lincoln will also be reading the proclamation at the event.

MONROE COUNTY, FL - In July 2025, the Board of County Commissioners directed Planning and Environmental Resources to proceed with an amendment to the county’s Land Development Code to create specific regulations pertaining to stationary food trucks in unincorporated Monroe County. A series of workshops and an online survey were used to gather community members' insights into the impacts of the proposed regulations. The next step in the text amendment process is to host a community meeting to present the drafted regulations and give attendees an opportunity to provide feedback.  The community meeting will be held on May 21, 2026, via Zoom, beginning at 5:05 p.m. Meeting details are at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar, or attendees can join https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/86237857615 on May 21 at 5:05 p.m.


The following item will be discussed at the community meeting: AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FLORIDA, AMENDING MONROE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 101-1 AND ESTABLISHING SECTION 134-4, ESTABLISHING LAND USE REGULATIONS FOR  MOBILE VENDOR FOOD UNITS PROPOSED TO OPERATE AT A FIXED LOCATION FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS;  PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE MONROE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (FILE NO. 2026-008).

Ready to celebrate the magic of the Summer Solstice in Key West – where toasting the sunset is a nightly ritual 365 days a year? Whether you're a local seeking a fresh dose of divine island ju-ju or a visitor discovering the Conch Republic's vibrant soul, here are seven sensational reasons you won’t want to miss the 2026 Summer Solstice Celebration, running from 7 p.m. to sunset at Mallory Square from June 8-21.

1. A Summer Celebration Rooted in a 50+-Year Tradition
Key West's Sunset Celebration is a living piece of cultural history that has unfolded nearly every evening at Mallory Square for some five decades, offering a one-of-a-kind waterfront stage for street performers and a showcase for local creatives. The Summer Solstice Celebration adds 14 days of special enchantments and programming to this iconic decades-long tradition. First-timer or longtime local, this is open-air community magic at its peak.

2. World-Class Street Theater and Performers You Have to See to Believe
Jugglers, acrobats, and illusionists command the waterfront and deliver jaw-dropping, laugh-out-loud, edge-of-your-seat performances. No two evenings are alike, so even seasoned Sunset alums will find fresh reasons to return night after night.

3. A Movable Feast of Sight, Sound, and Sensation
Where else can you watch a daring adventurer perform against a blazing sunset while a musician plays nearby and a plein air painter captures the scene in real time? Grab a bite and a beverage from the vendors' kiosks, then wander a waterfront “gallery” of original paintings, evocative photography, handcrafted jewelry, and caricature artists who immortalize your Solstice Celebration moment in minutes.

4. Fun for the Whole Family
The Summer Solstice Celebration isn’t just something to watch – it’s something to join. Anyone might find themselves invited right in to a performance, surrounded by an encouraging, cheering crowd. Learn how to make a flower garland crown and adorn yourself with nature’s jewels. Plus, expect special appearances and offerings by organizations such as Old Island Restoration Foundation, Bahama Village Music Program performers and more.

5. Seek Signs, Wishes, and Wonder
Visit the banner of wondrous wishes and tie a ribbon to commemorate yours. Plus, there’s no more potent time for a tarot reading than Midsummer – when the sun is at the height of its power and the air crackles with ancient energy. True believers or the simply curious can explore through the cards what the universe has in store.

6. Sunset… but Make It Legendary
Every evening builds to one spectacular finale: the sun sinking into the Gulf of Mexico as the crowd erupts in applause. During the Summer Solstice Celebration, with the longest days of the year stretching the sky into breathtaking hues, the nightly ovation feels ancient and electric. Come for the eclectic offerings; stay for the moment the horizon puts on its own show. Maybe you’ll even witness the elusive “green flash.”
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7. A Flavorful Finale
As an added enchantment to the Sunday, June 21 Solstice celebration, local restaurants will present a special ticketed World Food Experience inspired by the flavors of Key West and beyond. Revelers can savor small plates showcasing island favorites and international flavors while soaking in the Midsummer’s magic at Mallory Square.
Presented in part by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Visit sunsetcelebration.org for nightly schedules and more information.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Florida Keys. MCFR will provide a gentle misting stream of water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe, fun environment. It is a great way to meet your neighborhood firefighters, learn about fire prevention, and cool off from the summer heat. Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes, and bring a bottle of water and a towel. The events take place on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

• May 30 - Tavernier, Harry Harris Park
• June 6 - Layton Community Baptist Church
• June 13 - Big Pine Key Community Park
• June 20 - Sugarloaf School
• June 27 - Stock Island, Bernstein Park

“These events are one of our favorite ways to connect with families in the community, giving kids the chance to meet our firefighters and enjoy some time cooling off in the summer heat,” said Fire Marshal Marcos Osorio. “It’s also a great opportunity to share important summer safety tips while having fun at the same time.”
For more information, please call Monroe County Fire Rescue at 305-289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather.