MONROE COUNTY, FL — Monroe County announces Krystal Gomez, Executive Administrator for the Administration Department, as the 2024 Employee of the Year. She was also the employee of the fourth quarter of 2024. Recognized for her exceptional dedication, positive attitude, and outstanding service to both colleagues and the community, Gomez exemplifies the mission and values of Monroe County government.
 
Nominated by Lindsey Ballard, Aide to County Administrator Christine Hurley, Gomez was celebrated for going above and beyond in her role.
 
“Krystal is always ready to step up and assist wherever she is needed,” said Ballard. “Our office is known as the go-to resource for staff and constituents alike, and Krystal’s dedication to excellent customer service ensures everyone receives the best possible support.”
 
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Gomez is affectionately known as the “agenda queen” for meticulously managing agenda items for the monthly and special Board of County Commissioners meetings, ensuring timely workflows, and assisting with necessary revisions. Her efforts contribute to improved efficiency and seamless communication between the administration office, commissioners, department heads, and the public.
 
“We are thrilled to honor Krystal for her unwavering commitment and exemplary service,” said County Administrator Christine Hurley. “She truly sets a standard of excellence for all county employees.”
 
Also recognized this year for exemplary public service were :
Quarter 1: Valari Kolessar, Emergency Management
Quarter 2: Julia Perez, Facilities Maintenance
Quarter 3: Alary Luttazi, Emergency Management
 
To view upcoming meeting agendas, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/meetings. 

​January 20, 2025 — The American College of Cardiology has recognized Lower Keys Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Lower Keys Medical Center was again awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in January 2025 based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.
 
Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.
 
“Lower Keys Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the lower Florida Keys with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Lower Keys Medical Center with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”
 
Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.
 
Sal Perla, DrPH, Interim CEO, Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “Chest Pain Center accreditation is an important component of our cardiology program, which includes our cardiac catheterization services with 24/7 coverage for patients experiencing heart attack (STEMI). Maintaining this accreditation – which is reviewed every three years – is a testament to our team’s focus on remaining diligent in following best practices and striving to provide consistent, high quality care for our cardiac patients.”
 
The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Lower Keys Medical Center access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care hospital serving the lower Florida Keys. The hospital is accredited by: The Joint Commission; The Joint Commission/American Heart Association as a Primary Stroke Center; and by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography. The hospital is also recognized with The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus “Get with the Guidelines” Stroke quality award. Visit LKMC.com.
 
About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy Key West Lodge #2436 has teamed up with the Tropic Cinema to present a series of “Italian Night at the Movies” events to support their 2025 scholarship fund for area High School seniors of Italian descent. Occurring once a month through June, next up in the series is “Roman Holiday,” on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

“Roman Holiday” was first released in 1953 and stars screen legends Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Overwhelmed by her suffocating schedule, touring European princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) takes off for a night in Rome. When a sedative from her doctor kicks in, however, she falls asleep on a park bench and is discovered by an American reporter, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who takes her back to his apartment for safety. At work the next morning, Joe finds out Ann's regal identity and bets his editor he can get an exclusive interview with her, but romance soon gets in the way.

Doors open at 5:30, movie starts at 6:15 pm, and the evening includes taste of homemade Tiramisu for ticket holders. The evening will also include a chance drawing for Italian Murano glass pieces and two admission tickets for admission an upcoming Italian film in the series.
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Sponsored by Key West Vespa and Keys Auto Center, tickets to the English language film are $20 per person and are available online at TropicCinema.com or day-of at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.  

​Key West, FL – On Sunday, January 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Key West Artisan Market will host a special Women’s Club Edition at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach. This event will celebrate the remarkable contributions of the Key West Woman’s Club (KWWC), a volunteer service organization founded in 1915. Guided by the motto “Qui Non Proficit Deficit,” the KWWC has spent over a century assisting Key West and Monroe County non-profits through fundraising and community service efforts, all while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
 
The Key West Woman’s Club is known for its dedication to preserving the iconic building it calls home, one of the few privately owned mansions remaining on Duval Street. Recognized by the National Historic Preservation Board, this historic Museum stands as a testament to the club’s enduring commitment to the Key West community and its cultural heritage.
 
During the Artisan Market, attendees can purchase the popular Key West Restaurant and Theater Card, which offers a “buy one entrée, get one complimentary” deal at participating locations, along with an updated cookbook produced by the club. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about the upcoming Key West Historic Days, scheduled for April 3-6, which will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Key West Woman’s Club.
 
The Artisan Market offers a vibrant selection of local delights, including a full bar serving bloody marys and mimosas, coffee, smoothies, and natural juices, alongside food trucks and stalls featuring both eat-on-site and takeaway options. Visitors can browse an array of fine crafts, artwork, and jewelry created by talented Florida Keys artisans, while enjoying live music from local performers and meeting local authors. The event will also spotlight the Key West Wildlife Center, further emphasizing the spirit of community support that defines the Key West Artisan Market.
 
Conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Higgs Beach Dog Park, the free West Martello Tower Botanical Gardens, White Street Pier, and the Atlantic Ocean’s pristine shoreline, the Artisan Market offers an inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
 
The Key West Artisan Market is now every Sunday through April and is organized by locals, for locals. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to BYOB - bring reusable shopping bags to reduce waste.
 
For more information, email [email protected].

​Key West, FL – Mile 0 Fest, renowned for its unforgettable lineup of seasoned favorites and emerging artists, continues to raise the bar for music festivals with an exciting new addition for 2025. This year’s festival introduces the Valero Stage at the stunning Truman Waterfront Park, offering a breathtaking new outdoor music experience with ocean views and a lineup of must-see performances. Enhancing the festival experience further, Mile 0 Fest will also feature the Mile 0 Mercantile, a vibrant vendor village that promises to delight attendees and the local community alike.
 
Running from Wednesday, Jan. 22, through Saturday, Jan. 25, the Mile 0 Mercantile will feature an enticing array of delicious food, refreshing beverages, and a curated selection of art, crafts, and unique collectibles. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this addition promises to elevate the festival experience for ticket holders while also welcoming locals and tourists to join in the fun.
 
As part of the festivities, Thursday, Jan. 23, will host the popular Truman Waterfront Farmers Market within the same footprint. This special market day will extend its hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering even more opportunities for visitors to explore and shop. In an exclusive local promotion, residents of Monroe County can gain free access to the Mile 0 Fest Valero concert stage at the Truman Waterfront on Thursday by presenting a valid ID at the gate, encouraging everyone to experience the incredible atmosphere of music and community.
 
Important Details for Attendees:

• Parking: Extremely limited. Paid parking available, but alternatives like ride-sharing, the Duval Loop shuttle, and bicycles are strongly encouraged.
• Admission: The Mile 0 Mercantile and Truman Waterfront Farmers Market are open to all, with free Valero stage access on Thursday for Monroe County residents with ID. Festival tickets and passes are available at www.mile0fest.com

 
Whether you’re a ticket holder looking for a perfect bite between sets, a local eager to explore the market, or a visitor seeking the full Mile 0 Fest experience, the Mile 0 Mercantile is the place to be.
 
For more information about Mile 0 Fest and the Mile 0 Mercantile, visit www.mile0fest.com.

MIAMI, Fla - The National Park Service (NPS) in conjunction with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will be conducting a joint prescribed fire operation scheduled to begin in late January and continue through February. The 151,434-acre Boundary Prescribed Fire Project—located south of US Highway 41 between mile markers 36 and 44, including the Miccosukee Reserved Area—removes jurisdictional boundaries to complete prescribed burns with the assistance of federal, Tribal, state and local resources. The project aims to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, create a critical fire break on the south side of the Miccosukee Reserved Area to protect the Tribal Community from wildfire, enhance landscape resiliency, aid in ecosystem restoration, protect cultural values and improve firefighter and public safety.

“We are so grateful for this collaboration, which allows us to take a landscape-level approach to prescribed fire,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos who oversees the NPS sites in South Florida. “Nature doesn’t adhere to our jurisdictional boundaries, so allowing a controlled burn to take a more natural path benefits the ecosystem and increases safety for people and our built environment.”

Due to the size and location, this project will take place in phases guided by agency specialists and the Tribe’s traditional ecological knowledge to benefit the mutual natural and cultural interests of the NPS and the Tribe. Phases 1 and 2 include treatment on the western and northern perimeters of the project area using Shark Valley Tram Road as a natural holding barrier on the eastern perimeter and securing residences and other values at risk. In Phase 3, once at-risk values are secured, managers will apply fire strategically, creating the desired level of fire intensity based on fuels and water levels in the remainder of the area, to achieve the ecosystem objectives specified in the treatment plan.

“The Tribe is very pleased to partner with the National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs to execute these important land management actions for the benefit of promoting robust resources and ecosystem health,” said Chief of Sustainability Officer Kevin Cunniff of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. “We are collectively embarking to do so in a manner based in, and informed by, the traditional knowledge and practices that Miccosukee people have used to help shape the Everglades and Big Cypress over thousands of years.”

Conditions for successful prescribed burn operations such as weather, fuel moisture and smoke dispersion are carefully tracked and considered in advance. The target timeframes are estimates and may change depending on environmental conditions, agency approval, resource availability and state burn authorizations and restrictions.

Fire has played a significant role in the history of South Florida, both naturally and through human activity. One of the primary objectives of prescribed fire is to decrease accumulated vegetation, which reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires. As set forth in the Miccosukee Tribe and National Park Service Co-Stewardship Agreement, “Everglades National Park coordinates with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to minimize threats of wildland fire to the Miccosukee Reserved Area and greater Miccosukee community, a nationally recognized Wildland Urban Interface Community at Risk.” By deliberately burning specific areas, land managers can limit the density of fast-burning grasses that threaten nearby communities.

South Florida’s ecosystems are dependent on fire to sustain healthy, resilient ecosystems that resist exotic plant invasions, recover quickly from natural events such as hurricanes and support habitat for federally threatened and endangered species. South Florida’s tribes, local, state and federal agencies are committed to reducing wildfire risk through proactive fuel management. Through collaboration and cooperation south Florida is removing lines from maps and treating the ecosystem on a landscape level.  
 
For updates on burn operations and related closures, visit:
InciWeb interagency all-risk incident information management system:
​Flevp Boundary Prescribed Fire Information | InciWeb
Everglades National Park - https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Big Cypress National Preserve - https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

KOA NEWS SERVICE (Billings, Mont., January 16, 2025) — Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the largest system of privately owned campgrounds in the world, is proud to announce that Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort has been recognized with the prestigious KOA ICON Award. This recognition highlights campgrounds that demonstrate exceptional operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to the KOA brand.

The KOA ICON Award is granted to the top 10% of KOA campgrounds across North America based on criteria including growth in camper nights, Net Promoter Scores (NPS)–a widely recognized customer loyalty and satisfaction metric broadly used throughout the hospitality sector–and engagement with KOA programs that drive brand excellence. Replacing the long-standing President’s and Founder’s Awards, this new recognition program focuses on measurable performance metrics and brand participation, celebrating campgrounds that consistently go above and beyond, providing superior experiences for their guests.

“Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort exemplifies what it means to deliver excellence in every aspect of the camping and outdoor hospitality experience,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Their unwavering commitment to operational excellence, camper satisfaction, and innovative engagement with KOA programs sets the standard for the entire KOA system. We are thrilled to recognize them as a KOA ICON.”

The KOA ICON recognition is part of KOA’s larger commitment to celebrating campgrounds that continuously strive to exceed guest expectations. KOA has also introduced a quarterly recognition program that highlights campgrounds with top NPS scores and those demonstrating year-over-year improvement.

As a KOA ICON campground, Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort will enjoy unique benefits designed to amplify their achievement, including dated logo placement on KOA.com, enhanced award designation marketing materials, and recognition in KOA corporate marketing initiatives. This honor underscores the importance of delivering exceptional service and fostering a loyal camper base.

Located at 251 State Road 939 in Sugarloaf Key, Florida, the Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort is open April 11th to October 31st.

For more information about Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort, or to make a reservation, please visit the campground’s website. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App. To learn more about KOA and its network of campgrounds, visit www.KOA.com.

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – On Jan. 16, Everglades National Park released a status update on the draft Wilderness Stewardship Plan, which would guide the preservation, management and use of the park’s wilderness lands. An updated StoryMap with details is available at parkplanning.nps.gov/ever-wsp. No public meetings or public comment period are planned with this informational update.
 
“We are grateful for the input we have received on our wilderness stewardship planning effort,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. “Having a wilderness stewardship plan that balances the protection of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness with active use and enjoyment by people is essential.”
 
The purpose of the wilderness stewardship plan is to provide long-term direction for preserving wilderness character, protect the natural and cultural resources in wilderness areas, improve conditions in areas with unacceptable levels of impact, and provide opportunities for public use and enjoyment in accordance with the Wilderness Act and other applicable laws and policies.  
 
The next steps will include development of alternatives, another opportunity for public comment, and a management decision as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The development of alternatives will be prepared in an environmental compliance document that will analyze the near-term and high-priority actions in the Wilderness Stewardship Plan. These documents will be shared for public review in late 2025.
Recognizing the deep connections between past, present, and future peoples, and wilderness, the National Park Service (NPS) welcomes shared stewardship of our wilderness areas. As part of a collaborative and transparent planning process, the park invited input on the draft desired conditions and preliminary management strategies from the public and associated Tribes in spring 2024. The NPS analyzed comments and refined the desired conditions and preliminary management strategies. The public comment summary can be found along with the StoryMap on the project website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ever-wsp.

The park’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness is the largest unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System east of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1934, Everglades National Park was considered wilderness 30 years before the Wilderness Act of 1964 was signed into law, and 44 years prior to its official wilderness designation in 1978. The NPS now manages 97% of the park as wilderness, including submerged marine lands.
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Learn more about Everglades National Park online at nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, X, and Instagram.