BIG PINE KEY, FL – Firefighters responding to the ongoing wildfire on Big Pine Key plan to conduct tactical burnout operations beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. today along the southwest flank of the fire, including areas near Fern Avenue and South Street. Residents and motorists on Big Pine Key should expect to see a considerable amount of smoke beginning this afternoon. Smoke may be visible throughout Big Pine Key as crews conduct the burnout operation.

The operation is being conducted while recent moisture remains on the ground and before conditions are expected to become drier over the next week. Fire officials are taking advantage of the significant firefighting resources available to conduct the operation under more favorable conditions.

During the operation, firefighters will intentionally introduce low-intensity fires in selected areas to remove dead vegetation and other fuels ahead of the wildfire. The goal is to create additional barriers and strengthen containment areas to limit the fire’s spread.

This is not a prescribed or controlled burn. The tactical burnout is part of the active response to control a wildfire. 

Monroe County Fire Rescue has a dedicated crew supporting the ground operation, along with newly hired personnel who are currently assisting on scene and gaining hands-on experience. Monroe County Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service are also on scene. 

“We want the community to understand what they may be seeing and why,” said Deputy Chief Mark Hemeyer from the scene. “Crews are actively working and monitoring the area, but if anyone sees fire or smoke that appears unattended or outside the areas where operations are taking place, we want them to report it immediately.”

The area will continue to be monitored throughout the weekend. Additional updates will be provided as conditions warrant.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins visited the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Marathon on Aug. 5, meeting with Monroe County officials and public safety leadership to discuss emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and the unique challenges of protecting community members and visitors throughout the Florida Keys.

Collins met with Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Commissioner Jim Scholl, Monroe County Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow, and Monroe County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Mark Hemeyer during the visit. The group discussed Monroe County’s emergency operations, Trauma Star, and the coordination among local, state, and federal partners before, during, and after emergencies.

The county’s EOC serves as the central coordination point for agencies and community partners during activations, bringing together emergency management, fire rescue, law enforcement, municipalities, utilities, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal partners.

“We appreciate Lt. Governor Collins taking the time to visit our EOC and meet directly with the people responsible for protecting our community,” said Lincoln. “In the Florida Keys, strong partnerships with the State of Florida are critical to our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Having our state leadership see firsthand how we operate and understand the challenges we face is extremely valuable.”

Key West, FL — The Key West Artisan Market concludes its 2026 Summer Pop-Up Series on Sunday, August 9, from 10 am to 2 pm at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach with the Lobster Best Edition, celebrating the opening of Florida Keys lobster season. This special summer finale invites locals and visitors alike to experience the flavors, artistry, and laid-back island lifestyle that define Key West while supporting the talented artists, makers, and small businesses that keep the local creative economy thriving year-round.

Guests are invited to browse a thoughtfully curated collection of handcrafted artwork, jewelry, tropical home décor, candles, body care products, textiles, and other one-of-a-kind creations by Florida Keys artisans. A select group of food vendors will offer fresh produce, pastries, light bites, refreshing juices, and seasonal specialties, including lobster empanadas, creating the perfect Sunday outing before heading to the water or enjoying one of the many restaurants celebrating lobster season throughout the island.

The Key West Wildlife Center, located onsite at Indigenous Park, will be open for free (donation-based) tours, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The pet-friendly market is conveniently located near Higgs Beach Dog Park, West Martello Tower botanical gardens, White Street Pier, and just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

The August market marks the final summer pop-up before the Key West Artisan Market returns this fall with its full seasonal schedule, once again bringing together local artists, makers, musicians, authors, nonprofits, food vendors, and the community for another exciting season by the sea.
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Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to ride bikes and BYOB — bring your own shopping bags.

For updates and upcoming editions, visit https://www.facebook.com/KWArtisanMarket. For vendor information, email [email protected] or apply online at https://bit.ly/KWAMVENDOR

Key West Womenfest, the ultimate celebration for women in paradise, invites 2026 fest-goers to explore the creativity and impact of women in the arts with an inspiring tour of women-owned and managed Key West galleries.

Beginning at 11AM, Saturday, Sept. 5, this year’s tour honors the “Lost Women in the Arts” theme with visits to a curated selection of local galleries, were ticket holders will meet the owners and some of the artists they represent, while discovering the stories, talent, and vision that continue to shape Key West’s vibrant arts community.
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Participating locations include Sacred Space Gallery, Key West Collective, Harrison Gallery, Effusion Gallery, and Bella Laine Art. Traveling via Old Town Trolley, each visit includes a complimentary beverage, giving attendees the chance to sip, socialize, and enjoy each unique space among kindred spirits. Key West Womenfest is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Key West Business Guild. For ticket links and information, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/

KEY WEST, FL, August 5, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), cooperating veterinarians, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) collaborated to safely remove the Key deer from the College’s Big Pine Key property on August 4, following a months-long planning process led by wildlife professionals. The deer—believed to be the last remaining on the property—were relocated to a nearby open habitat without incident. The College and USFWS will continue to monitor the property to ensure that no other deer remain.

To safely move the deer off the property, wildlife professionals individually sedated each deer using a widely accepted, standard method for wildlife capture and relocation used nationwide. Each deer was then moved to a holding area, where veterinary staff closely monitored their condition and confirmed they were stable and alert before releasing them into the neighboring habitat together.

“I assisted with the transfer of the Key deer from the prison site. The animals received a thorough physical examination before release. All the deer, including a 3- to 4-month-old fawn, were in excellent physical health. Each animal was also administered a medication to treat internal parasites and lice, common problems in all deer,” reported veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader.

Mader has over 40 years of experience caring for wildlife, including 29 years with Key deer, and has partnered directly with USFWS on the treatment of injured Key deer throughout that time.

USFWS led the development of the latest deer removal plan for the College’s 10-acre property, which is covered in dense brush and vegetation — including poisonwood— and 16 deteriorating structures that have made the site difficult to navigate. Wildlife professionals weighed several possible methods, with the deer’s health and safety as the deciding factor at every step.

“People have asked why we didn’t just open the gate and let the deer walk out on their own. In practice, deer that have grown used to an enclosed area with reliable food and water often won’t leave, even when there’s a clear way out — and an open gate also risks more deer wandering in,” said Nikki Colangelo, Manager, Division of Classification and Recovery, USFWS Florida Ecological Services Field Office. “During our previous attempt to remove the deer, the thick brush, poisonwood, and debris on this property made it more complex to reach the deer and guide them out of the gates than people might expect. In evaluating other methods to remove the deer, we determined that sedation and relocation by trained and authorized veterinarians and USFWS staff were the best options to safely remove the deer given the challenges of the site and the deer’s instinct to seek cover when people approach or are nearby. We are grateful for the patience and expertise everyone brought to completing this mission safely.”

The agencies have been coordinating since January, with formal removal planning beginning in March. The timing was based on recommendations from USFWS wildlife professionals and cooperating veterinarians based on a number of factors including advising to wait until a resident fawn was old enough to safely leave alongside the adult deer. Throughout that period, wildlife experts and cooperating veterinarians continuously monitored the deer, confirming their good health and consistent access to adequate food and water.

The College has had a long-term lease with the state since 2021 to develop the site that previously housed the Big Pine Key Road Prison to expand educational and workforce training opportunities in the Lower Keys, in alignment with its mission, as required by the State of Florida. Located on Key Deer Boulevard, the property is zoned as Suburban Commercial and is not within the boundary of any refuge, including the National Key Deer Refuge.

Since the prison closed in 2017, the buildings and structures have deteriorated significantly, creating safety hazards that include partially collapsed buildings, sunken roofs, broken glass, exposed rebar, dangling wires, collapsed metal fencing, and barbed wire concealed by vegetation. The College bears the responsibility of securing the site to prevent humans from encountering the myriad dangers on the property. However, securing the perimeter has presented challenges. The gate and lock were vandalized twice, and the back fence and side fences were damaged within the past month. FWC and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the cases. The College has repaired the gate and fences, replaced the lock, installed security cameras, and reinforced the fence line with rock to help keep the property secure. To help prevent future deer entry, the College is installing deer grates along the gates.

“The success of this effort reflects the kind of partnership we value with our local, state, and federal colleagues,” said Dr. Brittany Snyder, CFK Interim President. “As we move forward to develop plans for this property, we remain committed to opportunities that serve our community’s workforce demands while respecting the ecology and character of the Keys we all call home.”

The public can learn more about the College’s Big Pine Key property, its future development, and updates by visiting https://www.cfk.edu/bpk/.

August 4, 2026 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Business Guild, the nation's first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization, is proud to announce the appointment of Fritzie Estimond as its new Executive Director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s nearly five-decade history.

Since its founding in 1978, the Key West Business Guild has been dedicated to promoting Key West as one of the world’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations while supporting the success of the island’s diverse business community.  Today, the Guild represents more than 475 member businesses, welcomes approximately 250,000 LGBTQ+ visitors each year, operates the Gay Key West Visitor Center, and produces nationally recognized signature events including Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Womenfest, and the Headdress Ball.  Together, these efforts generate meaningful economic impact while celebrating the inclusive spirit that makes Key West a destination for everyone.

As the Guild looks toward the future, Estimond brings the ideal combination of experience, vision, and passion to lead the organization forward.  Having spent the past nine years helping shape the Guild’s growth, she understands its mission and impact while embracing new opportunities to strengthen the organization for its members, visitors, and the community.

“Fritzie is the right leader at the right time for the Key West Business Guild,” said Dr. Cori Convertito, President of the Guild’s Board of Directors.  “She has earned the trust of our members, built strong relationships throughout our community, and has consistently demonstrated her ability to think creatively and build partnerships.  Just as importantly, she shares the Board’s vision for the future – one that builds on our proud history while embracing new ideas that will ensure the Guild remains a vibrant and innovative organization for years to come.”

A passionate advocate for Key West and the Florida Keys, Estimond is deeply invested in the community she serves.  Her dedication to collaboration, volunteerism, and civic engagement has made her a respected leader both within and beyond the Guild.  As Executive Director, she will ensure the organization continues to evolve while remaining true to its mission of promoting Key West as a premier LGBTQ+ destination that welcomes all.

“I am incredibly honored to serve as the next Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild,” said Estimond.  “This organization has meant so much to me throughout my career, and I believe wholeheartedly in its mission and the role it plays in our community.  Together with our Board, members, volunteers, and partners, I look forward to building on the Guild’s extraordinary legacy while creating new opportunities for our members and welcoming visitors from around the world.”

Under Estimond’s leadership, the Key West Business Guild will continue building on its nearly five decades of success while embracing new opportunities to support its members, strengthen its programs, and promote Key West as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.

About the Key West Business Guild
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The Key West Business Guild is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Key West to LGBTQ+ travelers while supporting the island’s business community.  Founded in 1978, the Guild is the nation's first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization and today represents more than 475 businesses across the island.  Through year-round destination marketing, visitor services, and internationally recognized events including Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, Womenfest, and the Headdress Ball, the Guild helps welcome approximately 250,000 LGBTQ+ visitors to Key West each year, reinforcing the island’s reputation as one of the world's premier LGBTQ+ destinations.

KEY LARGO, FL, August 4, 2026 — The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is now accepting applications for its Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab (EIL). CFK’s EIL program is designed for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs in the Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City who are ready to develop, launch, or grow a business venture. The last day to apply is September 25thand the program is open to:

• Current CFK students from all academic disciplines
• CFK alumni seeking to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities
• Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City residents with innovative business ideas or startup concepts
• New and early-stage business owners who want to expand, refine, or strengthen their operations

CFK’s EIL was made possible with a $25,220 grant from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF). This innovative, hands-on program based at CFK’s Upper Keys Center will help aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and local business owners transform ideas into viable ventures. The ORCF grant covers inaugural costs to allow the first participants to attend free of charge. Participants will compete for $7,500 in awards during the program’s culminating “Pitch Night Showcase.”

“CFK’s Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab is a rare opportunity to accelerate growing your business and network,” said Dr. Jesus Vazquez, Faculty, Supervision and Management at CFK who will lead the program for the College.
The EIL will be an eight-week entrepreneurial program that guides participants through the processes of idea development and planning, marketing, sales, financials, and operations. The EIL program model encourages accountability, collaboration, and peer networking while guiding participants on how to build and refine their ventures alongside fellow entrepreneurs.

Key dates for the EIL are:

• Applications Open: August 1
• Applications Close: September 25
• EIL Program Workshop Begins: October 5

Applications should be submitted through the CFK website under a “Community Education and Workforce” classification here: https://www.cfk.edu/admissions/apply-now/. Once on the “Apply Now” page, applicants need to:

• Login to an existing CFK account or create an account if new to the College;
• Complete an application for a Community Education and Workforce course at the Key Largo location for Fall 2026; and
• Be certain to check “Yes” under the question, “Are you applying for the Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab (EIL)?”

For more information, visit the Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab, or contact Dr. Jesus Vazquez at (305) 809-3328 or [email protected]

October 22, 2026 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Business Guild is introducing an exciting new chapter in one of Fantasy Fest's most celebrated traditions.  The 43rd Annual Headdress Ball, taking place Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, will feature an expanded awards program designed to recognize more artists, celebrate a wider range of creative expression, and encourage even greater participation in the iconic competition.

For more than four decades, the Headdress Ball has showcased the imagination and artistry that have become synonymous with Fantasy Fest.  While contestants will continue competing for the coveted grand prize, this year's competition introduces several new specialty awards that honor creativity in unique ways, from innovative lighting effects and collaborative designs to cohesive costume presentations and creations inspired by the official Fantasy Fest theme.

“The Headdress Ball has always been about celebrating artistic expression and pushing creative boundaries,” said Fritzie Estimond, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild.  “We wanted to create more opportunities to recognize the incredible talent that takes the stage each year.  These new awards celebrate different styles of creativity while encouraging both returning artists and first-time contestants to be part of one of Fantasy Fest's most iconic events.”

New award categories include:

• Glow Getter Award – Recognizing the headdress that makes the biggest impact through creative illumination featuring LEDs, neon, or other lighting effects.
• Size Doesn't Matter Award – Honoring the artist who proves that spectacular creativity isn't measured in size by making a bold impression with a more compact design.
• Pretenders in Paradise Award – A tribute to the beloved former Fantasy Fest costume competition, recognizing the contestant whose costume and headdress come together as one cohesive work of art.
• Dream Team Award – Celebrating two or more artists who combine their talents to create a unified and visually stunning presentation.
• Spirit of Fantasy Fest Award – Presented to the creation that best captures the official Fantasy Fest theme.
• Head Above the Rest Award – The competition's highest honor, recognizing the contestant whose creation best combines artistic vision, originality, craftsmanship, creativity, presentation, and overall impact.

Head Above the Rest$2,500
Spirit of Fantasy Fest$1,000
Pretenders in Paradise$750
Glow Getter$500
Dream Team$500
Size Doesn’t Matter$500
Total Prize Purse: $6,000

Hosted once again by legendary Key West entertainer Randy Roberts, with music by WEOW's RudeGirl, the 43rd Annual Headdress Ball promises another unforgettable evening of creativity, glamour, and entertainment. Contestants will unveil their spectacular headdress creations as they compete before a live audience for the evening's top honors.  The event will also feature performances by some of Key West's most celebrated local entertainers, along with full bar service, specialty wines, and the convenience of pre-ordered food delivered directly to guests' tables. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.

For tickets, contestant registration, and additional information, visit gaykeywestfl.com/headdress-ball or call 305-294-4603.  This event is sold out every year.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended.

KEY WEST, FL — A historic music hall that once welcomed legends including James Brown, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Etta James and Key West's own Coffee Butler will once again fill with music during Labor Day weekend as historic William Weech American Legion Post 168 hosts the official Friends of Bubba After Party for the 2026 Just a Few Friends Key West festival.

Following the festival's signature free Party in the Park concert featuring Coral Reefer Mac McAnally on Sunday, September 6, pianist, vocalist and interactive entertainer Aaron Luka will lead "Songs We Know By Heart," an audience-request sing-along celebrating Jimmy Buffett favorites, Trop Rock classics and the island songs that have become the soundtrack of generations of Parrotheads.

Luka's musical career spans jazz, dueling pianos, live piano karaoke and interactive performances that turn complete strangers into a room full of friends. Rather than a traditional concert, he'll take requests throughout the evening, inviting everyone to sing along.

Buffett fans may appreciate another connection. Early in his career, Luka crossed paths with original Coral Reefer guitarist Roger Bartlett while performing in North Carolina, where Bartlett served as music director for the musical The Cowboy Café. Years later, those musical paths come full circle during a weekend dedicated to celebrating Jimmy Buffett and the musicians who helped create his unmistakable sound.


The venue itself tells an important story.
Built in 1951 by local Black veterans, American Legion Post 168 became known for generations as Key West's "Black Town Hall." As a stop on the historic Chitlin' Circuit, it welcomed many of the era's greatest performers like Brown, Redding, Sam Cooke and BB King, while serving as a gathering place for veterans, families and the Bahama Village community—a musical legacy that continues to seven decades later.

Today, thanks to the efforts of American Legion Post 168, the Key West Cultural Center & Veterans Museum, and dedicated local musicians and supporters, live music has returned to that storied stage. Once again, the hall has become a place where artists gather, collaborate and celebrate Key West's rich musical heritage, making it a fitting setting for this year's official Friends of Bubba After Party.

The connections in this neighborhood community run deep. Just around the corner, the Bahama Village Music Program—one of the three charitable beneficiaries of Just a Few Friends—has spent more than two decades providing free music education to neighborhood children. Among its proudest moments was welcoming the late Robert , Jimmy Buffett's beloved steel pan virtuoso and longtime Coral Reefer, who performed with the students, generously supported the program and inspired a new generation of young musicians.

Following an evening outdoors at Truman Waterfront Park, guests will appreciate the comfort of Post 168's cold air conditioning, dance floor, comfortable seating, real restrooms and inexpensive drinks. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy one of the many food trucks at Party in the Park before making the short walk to the after-party.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

For the complete schedule of events, visit www.JustAFewFriendsKeyWest.com

About Just a Few Friends
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Just a Few Friends is an annual Labor Day weekend celebration in Key West honoring the music, memories, friendships and generous spirit that continue to connect fans with the island. The five-day gathering includes concerts, storytelling, island excursions, competitions, charitable activities and the Second Line Memorial Parade through Key West.

KEY WEST, FL - JULY 31, 2026 - Keys Medical Group Orthopedics welcomes Joshua Fiore, DScPAS, MS, PA-C, orthopedic physician assistant, effective August 3, 2026.  A graduate of Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program, Fiore also earned a Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in Boston, MA.
 
Fiore provides diagnosis and management of orthopedic conditions, fracture and acute injury care, casting, splinting, joint injections, aspirations, sports medicine and treatment of degenerative joint disease and arthritis. His approach to patient care is shaped by a passion for movement and physical endurance. Outside of medicine, Fiore is an accomplished professional ultramarathon and obstacle course racer who made history as the inaugural Spartan Race Ultra World Champion in 2017 and has earned multiple podium finishes in eminent endurance events. 
 
Fiore joins Christopher Bensen, M.D., FAAOS, and Aldo Beretta, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeons, and Amanda Meyer, PA-C, ATC, in Keys Medical Group Orthopedics at 1111 12th Street, Suite 201, Key West, FL. Appointments may be requested at KeysMedicalGroup.com or by calling 305-295-3477.