KEY WEST, FL – Lower Keys Medical Center has named Felix “Drew” Bigby as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 28. Bigby is a 29-year Navy veteran with more than 35 years of experience in healthcare administration, including the successful management of major health systems and community hospitals in the U.S. and abroad.
 
Most recently, Bigby served as Chief Administrative Officer of Providence-Swedish Health Services in Seattle, where he managed day-to-day operational activities at four locations, including two community hospitals. During his military service, Bigby served as CEO of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, CEO of the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan and COO/VP of Operations for Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
 
“We are looking forward to welcoming Drew Bigby to Lower Keys Medical Center, and we are confident that his experience leading hospitals and health systems in many different locations and environments will be a great asset in Key West,” said Robin Lockwood, M.D., Chairman, Lower Keys Medical Center Board of Trustees. “He is excited to be part of this community, and to support LKMC in delivering safe, quality healthcare throughout the Lower Keys.”
 
Bigby not only has significant experience driving operational efficiency and quality improvement, he is also committed to improving patient experience and building relationships at all levels of the organization and in the community.
 
“The level of care and the commitment of the team at Lower Keys Medical Center is impressive and I look forward to working with the dedicated physicians, nurses and staff to continue to improve safety, quality and care delivery,” said Bigby. “I’m also looking forward to making Key West my home and engaging with the community. It is a special place and I’m honored to have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter for LKMC.” 
 
Bigby is a Fellow of the American College of Health Executives, and received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University.
 
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, and American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center.

Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, will celebrate the ninth annual National SBDC Day Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

SBDC Day is a national, collective celebration of the success and impact that America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) foster each year. On SBDC Day, SBDCs nationally will share, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community at large. This special day will be celebrated with social media campaigns, proclamations, events, and other initiatives.


SBDCs are a key resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs are in every community providing local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed. America’s SBDCs provide measurable economic results - in 2024 SBDCs nationally helped generate 80,995 new jobs, $6.6 billion in sales, $6.49 billion in capital, and helped businesses start 15,794 new businesses.

Founded in 1976 as one of the first SBDCs in the nation, the Florida SBDC Network will celebrate 50 years of helping Florida’s small businesses launch, grow and thrive next year. Hosted statewide by the University of West Florida, the Florida SBDC Network is the largest provider of assistance for small businesses in Florida. Through its team of expert business consultants and staff, the network offers no-cost consulting, training, and educational resources to help businesses across diverse industries—including manufacturing, technology, hospitality, and professional services—launch, grow and thrive.
 
“Florida’s 3.3 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “On SBDC Day, we celebrate their resilience, innovation, and contributions to our communities. Thanks to the support of our stakeholders and partners, we remain committed to our mission of empowering business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.”


In 2023, the Florida SBDC Network provided 111,720 hours of consulting to more than 14,800 small businesses, resulting in business owners securing $346 million in capital, securing more than $575 million in government contracts, impacting 19,263 jobs, increasing sales by over $3.9 billion, and creating 1,058 new businesses. 
 
Autumn Blum, founder and CEO of Stream2Sea, created her reef-safe sunscreen and body care line after witnessing the environmental harm caused by traditional sunblocks. As she grew her Hardee County-based business, she turned to the Florida SBDC at USF for help securing local economic development grants and developing a strategic business plan. With ongoing support, including marketing guidance and capital access assistance, Stream2Sea has experienced rapid growth—doubling revenue almost every year and expanding from one to 17 employees. Now launching on cruise lines and reaching new markets, Blum continues to rely on the Florida SBDC at USF to help scale her business and strengthen her role as an entrepreneur.
 
To learn more about SBDC Day and to join the celebration, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/sbdcday/.

​KEY LARGO, FL – In a major opinion, the Third District Court of Appeal rejected and reversed a trial court ruling that interpreted various state agriculture laws affecting development regulation in the Florida Keys. The appellate court unanimously held that the claims against Monroe County environmental and land use protections were too abstract to justify Circuit Court Judge Timothy J. Koenig’s declaratory judgment invalidating all such laws regulating development in the Florida Keys. The appeals court’s decision puts to rest a potentially destabilizing legal challenge and ruling that could have paved the way for unregulated development in the Keys.
 
The case stemmed from a lawsuit against the county by Sunset Garden Estate Land Trust and two other artificial entities controlled by Jonathan Simpson, which alleged that a hodgepodge of laws dealing with agriculture preempted all growth management laws regulating development in the Florida Keys. Simpson has also sued and remains in separate litigation with the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s Office regarding the same property at 93930 Overseas Highway in Tavernier/Key Largo.
 
“This decision preserves Monroe County’s ability to continue its legislatively enacted regulations of development that safeguard the Florida Keys’ delicate and vulnerable environmental resources of statewide importance,” said Assistant County Attorney Peter Morris.
 
The Florida Keys are the State of Florida’s only countywide Area of Critical State Concern, a special legal designation for an area that contains environmental or natural resources of statewide importance. The circuit court’s judgment raised concerns about undermining critical laws that were carefully considered and passed by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at noticed public hearings and then approved by the State of Florida to protect the fragile ecosystem and distinct community character of the Florida Keys.
 
“The appellate court’s pivotal ruling ensures that Monroe County’s growth management laws remain fully enforceable,” said Morris. “The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has worked tirelessly to ensure responsible growth management that legislatively reflects the community’s values.”

​On Saturday, April 12, The Harry S. Truman Foundation invites locals and visitors to step back in time with pop songs from Truman’s era performed by the award-winning Key West Jazz Society’s wartime era tribute band, The Heart Starters. Held on the elegant grounds of the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St., Key West, doors open at 5:00pm for cocktails and mingling, with the Heart Starters taking the stage at 6:00pm.
 
Through the musical story-telling magic of the Heart Starters tribute band, guests will find themselves transported to key moments from Harry S. Truman’s presidency, on the very grounds where America’s 33rd President spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1953 administration.
 
Performer and musical director Channing Lynn Griggs, who revived—and is the driving force today—behind the Key West Jazz Society, named the 2025 Key West Music Awards Jazz Act of the Year, explained that the Heart Starters are a KWJS project developed specifically as a tribute to the Truman era and Harry S. Truman’s presidency. This event, she said, will focus on portraying vignettes from Truman’s life through story, song, and letters from Harry to his beloved wife, Bess.
 
“We’ll be performing music by stars of the era that truly bring history alive,” said Channing. “Hit tunes from the specific day or week that Harry saved the railroads from a strike, or into the living room of the Little White House while he writes a letter to Bess, or onto the U.S.S. Augusta with him while on his sea voyage to the Postsdam Conference in Berlin.”
 
During his Key West sojourns, Harry Truman could often be spotted in his preferred island “uniform” of brightly patterned sports shirts. In that spirit, retro summer tropical is the suggested attire for the evening.
 
“A Swinging Night with the Heart Starters” is the first of three installments in this year’s “TRU-ly Amazing Art” series, an ongoing program that encompass performing, visual, and literary arts, with an emphasis on Truman-era local history.

TRU-ly Amazing Art” events are organized by the not-for-profit Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, benefit the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

The mission of the Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve Florida’s only presidential museum—the Harry S. Truman Little White House—and to provide programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historical and cultural influences of the Truman era.
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Seating for “A Swinging Night with the Heart Starters” is at 2-top and 4-top tables. For Foundation members, ticket price is $80 for a 2-top, $120 for a 4-top. For non-members, $100 for a 2-top, $150 for a 4-top. Tickets and membership information is available at www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.

Key West, FL – The highly anticipated Just a Few Friends, Key West festival returns August 28 – September 1, 2025, bringing together music, camaraderie, and a celebration of the island spirit inspired by Key West’s favorite son.
 
This multi-day event will feature an exciting lineup of live performances, unique island experiences, and signature gatherings, culminating in the Second Line Memorial Walking Parade and Party in the Park on Sunday. This year’s festival introduces a new way for attendees to enhance their experience with the Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages and the Ultimate Friend Badge, both offering exclusive perks and premium access to select events.
 
"We created this event to bring people together in the spirit of music, storytelling, and community, just as Jimmy did," said festival organizer Paul Menta. "It’s an event made by friends, for friends, and every year, we aim to make it bigger and better while keeping the heart of Key West at its core." Menta is teamed up with Jill Snodgrass and Sean Krikorian of Daily Plan-it for event coordination and Jordan Upchurch of Its Social Time to oversee the festival’s digital presence and engagement.
 
Festival Highlights
Attendees can enjoy a carefully curated schedule of events, including:

• Live music performances featuring Nadirah Shakoor & Friends, Will Kimbrough, Roger Bartlett, Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, and other special guests
• Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, an island-style tribute down Duval Street leading into Party in the Park, where festivalgoers can enjoy food, artisan vendors, and an oceanfront concert
• Culinary events, literary panels, film screenings, and more throughout the weekend
• Exclusive meetups, contests, and afterparties
• Signature sunset sails and curated waterfront experiences

 
Event Badges Now Available
Limited-edition souvenir Event Badges are now on sale for $35 until June 1 ($45 after), through the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, with proceeds directly benefiting Reef Relief, Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band. Last year's activities raised more than $34,000. While the Second Line Parade and many other events are free to attend, badge holders who make this tax deductible donation receive exclusive perks, including early access, entry to a reserved viewing area at Party in the Park, special offers from sponsors and local businesses, and free admission to Sunset Pier concerts featuring:

• Roger Bartlett and The Nautical Wheelers: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett on Saturday
• Bubbles on the Breeze: Songs & Stories with Will Kimbrough on Monday

 
Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages
New for 2025, the Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages offer festivalgoers a seamless and enhanced experience with accommodations at some of Key West’s premier resorts. Packages include a three-to-five-night stay at one of the event’s partner hotels, first access to purchase special event tickets, and a collectible swag bag filled with exclusive offers from festival sponsors.
 
For those seeking an elevated experience, guests who book at Pier House Resort & Spa or Ocean Key Resort & Spa will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the Ultimate Friend Badge, which is limited to just 50 attendees. This $500 badge provides priority access to select events, reserved seating at key performances, premium swag, and a higher charitable contribution to the festival’s supported organizations.
 
"We want this festival to be an experience that brings people together, not just for the music and events, but to share in the Key West way of life. That's why our charity contributions play such a big part of the celebration," Menta added. "Whether you're a longtime visitor or coming for the first time, you’ll feel like part of the island family."
 
Join the Celebration
With an expanded lineup, enhanced experiences, and a deep commitment to honoring Jimmy Buffett’s legacy, Just a Few Friends, Key West 2025 promises to be an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend celebration.
 
For event details, Event Badge purchases, and Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages, visit www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.

​In December, Todd Hohauser and his wife were enjoying a houseboat rental during a visit to the Keys from Michigan when he began experiencing chest pains. As his symptoms worsened, his wife called 911 and he was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center. 
 
Hohauser was taken to LKMC’s cardiac catheterization lab and was diagnosed with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) – a type of heart attack that is often life-threatening. Hohauser had 90% blockage in the lower artery (LAD) and had a stent placed by interventional cardiologist Dr. Leandro Perez. 
 
“I was in the worst pain of my life, but the doctors and nursing staff were fantastic – they saved my life,” said Hohauser. “My nurse from the cath lab checked on me throughout my hospital stay, and made sure I had the instructions and support I needed to continue to recover in the Keys when I was discharged two days after my heart attack.” 
 
A STEMI requires treatment within 90 minutes of arrival to the ED to minimize damage to the heart muscle and in some cases to save the patient’s life. Lower Keys Medical Center began offering 24/7 coverage for heart attack patients in 2024 following a renovation of its cardiac catheterization lab and the addition of interventional cardiologists.
 
“We not only want to Keep Care in the Keys for residents in this community, we also want to be sure we can provide lifesaving care to the more than 1 million visitors that we welcome to the Keys each year,” said Tadd Mallard, ER Director at Lower Keys Medical Center. “Providing 24/7 heart attack care is one of the many ways we’re doing that, expanding our services to reduce transfers to Miami that can cost patients precious time.” 
 
In 2024, Lower Keys Medical Center completed a renovation of its cardiac catheterization lab and expanded its capabilities for treating heart attack patients. Since 24/7 heart attack care became available at Lower Keys Medical Center, cardiac-related transfers have decreased from an average of 20 per month to an average of seven per month. 
 
Hohauser is an avid outdoorsman and business owner who had just finished a 10-mile bike ride when he started experiencing chest pain. His story is a good reminder to take heart attack symptoms seriously and seek prompt medical attention. According to the American Heart Association, heart attack symptoms include pain or discomfort in chest; lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting; jaw, back or neck pain; discomfort or pain in arm or shoulder; and shortness of breath.
 
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, and American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center. 

KEY WEST, FL, March 12, 2025—The College of the Florida Keys invites job seekers to join CFK students and alumni at their annual Career Connections Job Fairs and Networking events on Wednesday, March 26, 5:30- 6:30p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus and Tuesday, April 22, 5- 7p.m. at the College’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.
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This event serves as a platform for CFK students, alumni, and community members to meet with potential employers, explore career opportunities, and apply for jobs within their fields of interest. To make the most of this networking opportunity, attendees are advised to bring their resumes and dress professionally.
Employers interested in participating in the event at the Upper Keys Center can request a space by emailing Nicole Gerrard, CFK Executive Director of Student Success Services, at [email protected] by April 15. Space is limited.

.​Key West, Florida Keys - The Key West Ladies Golf Association holds a Fund Raiser/Scramble each year to help support one of the local non-profits in our community. This year’s beneficiary was the Samuel’s House of Key West. The league raised $5,200 which was presented on March 3, 2025 to Samuel’s House Executive Director Tara Salinas, Deputy Director Maria Protopsaltis, and Jaylin Morawski by league members Deb Tenney and Elisabeth Hayes. Samuel's House, Inc. is a safe haven in a sober-setting for women, women and men with children, and intact families, that have no place to call home.