KEY WEST, Fla. – JUNE 20, 2025 – In collaboration with multiple national and local emergency preparedness organizations, Lower Keys Medical Center is coordinating an inpatient hurricane evacuation simulation which will be held on June 26, 2025, at multiple locations. 
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Each year, Lower Keys Medical Center sponsors a hurricane evacuation drill to test preparedness in the event of a major hurricane which would require hospitalized patients to be evacuated to a safer area of the mainland until the storm has passed. This choreographed exercise involves hospital staff, emergency management, ground and air transportation, fire rescue, law enforcement, multiple military branches, meteorologists, and community health organizations. To ensure the safety and efficiency of all participants, the drill is not open to the public. 
 
The drill begins with modeling of a fictional scenario of a developing system, identifying the steps in the week and days leading up to the storm, including tracking the progression from a tropical depression, to a tropical storm, to a major hurricane, and the communications and preparations involved through those steps. Community partners and military resources are requested following established protocols.
 
The physical aspects of the drill include training by the Air National Guard to transfer volunteers portraying patients on special litters from the hospital setting into ground transport and onto the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aircraft, staged at NAS Key West. Hypothetically, the “patients” would then be flown to a receiving hospital out of the range of impact. The drill concludes with a meeting of all organizations to evaluate and critique interagency communications and collaboration.
 
Tadd Mallard, RN, LKMC Director of Emergency Services and Emergency Management Chair, said, “The annual drill not only gets all of our partners together – and each organization has a crucial role in a successful evacuation – it also continues to strengthen our relationships and hardwire our interactions. I recall our last evacuation of patients during Hurricane Irma in 2017, which was successful because everyone knew their roles and executed them with familiarity and experience.”
 
“We can’t thank our evacuation drill collaborators enough,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “Being prepared is part of our commitment to the safety of our patients, community, and staff, which is our highest priority."
 
Active participants in the annual hurricane evacuation drill include the Air National Guard, NAS Boca Chica, US Coast Guard, Monroe County Emergency Management, Coast Guard Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Trauma Star, Key West Police and Fire Departments, Monroe County Fire Rescue, National Weather Service/NOAA, E-Care Ambulance, Southernmost Medical Transport, Keys Healthy Ready Coalition, and Florida Health – Monroe County. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. Monroe County reminds residents that storm prep isn’t just about stocking up on supplies; it’s also about making sure your trees are healthy, storm-tough, and not a hazard waiting to happen, and it starts with pruning smart.
 
To help residents and landscapers avoid common mistakes that can make trees dangerous during storms, the county is re-releasing its “Prune with Purpose” brochure, a quick, practical guide to proper pruning that promotes tree health, public safety, and compliance with Monroe County Code. The brochure is available in both English and Spanish at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/prune.
 
“Proper pruning can literally make or break a tree in a hurricane,” said Assistant Director of Environmental Resources Michael Roberts. “When trees are pruned correctly, they’re stronger, safer, and better able to withstand high winds.”
 
What to avoid:

• Hat-racking (a.k.a. topping)
• Lion’s tailing (removing too many lower branches)
• Cutting into the branch collar
• Taking off more than 25% of a mature canopy in one season
• Over-pruning palms (especially green fronds above horizontal)

 
The county’s code requires that major pruning follow the 2017 ANSI Tree Care Standards, and a permit is required to remove or perform major pruning of trees over six inches in diameter at breast height (some exceptions apply). Improper pruning, no matter how well-intended, can weaken a tree’s structure, expose it to pests and disease, and violate the county code. Residents are encouraged to consult with certified arborists familiar with the ANSI A300 standards when planning tree work.
  
Call 305-289-2500 to speak with a Monroe County biologist about what pruning requires a permit and what best practices should be followed.

Key West, FL — JT Thompson, the visionary behind the "One Human Family" movement, has been selected to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Key West Pride 2025 parade. Known for his powerful message of unity, love, and inclusion, Thompson's work has had a profound impact on both the local community and the broader LGBTQ+ movement.

"One Human Family," which began as a simple but deeply resonant philosophy, has grown into a global symbol of equality, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. The phrase has become synonymous with Key West itself, where it embodies the island’s commitment to diversity and acceptance."

Thompson will lead the parade on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, in a vibrant celebration of love, individuality, and acceptance that kicks off at 7:00 PM. The event promises to be a powerful demonstration of the spirit of Pride, marking another milestone in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.

Key West Pride organizers have expressed their excitement about Thompson's role in the upcoming festivities. “JT’s impact has been nothing short of transformative—not only here in Key West, but around the world,” said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “JT embraces the spirit of Pride: unity, authenticity, and a joyful celebration of our individuality and community."
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With the 2025 parade just around the corner, anticipation is building for an unforgettable event, and Thompson’s leadership will surely make it a day to remember.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – To continue streamlining Monroe County departments and services, Monroe County Veterans Affairs and Monroe County Social Services will now be consolidated under a new Monroe County Community Services department led by Director Cathy Crane, who will oversee the responsibilities of both. Crane has been with Monroe County since 2018.
 
The department will continue to offer prioritized services for Monroe County’s most vulnerable residents, including Veterans, seniors, the disabled, low-income individuals, and families with young children.
 
“Cathy’s leadership and dedication make her the right choice to lead this new department and strengthen our community services and support for Monroe County residents,” said Assistant County Administrator Tina Boan.
 
The county offers assistance to Monroe County’s 8,000 Veterans, military personnel, survivors, dependents, and family members, as well as congregate meals and nutritional support programs for senior citizens, Special Transportation Services, low-income housing and weatherization funding, in-home and respite services, and more.
 
Veterans can find more information here: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va. Other community services can be found here: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/socialservices. 

​KEY LARGO, FL – In a special Monroe County Board of County Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, the board directed staff to not move forward to the construction phase of the $41 million potentially grant-funded sea-level rise road adaptation project in the Stillwright Point neighborhood after finishing the grant-funded design already underway, and to continue only routine road maintenance and potential future repavement, which will be discussed during the upcoming budget process.
 
“This was a productive but painful process we had to go through to come to this solution,” said Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein. “We needed to get to this step to learn what the next steps are, the costs, the long-term benefits, and what the residents are willing to contribute. I commend our entire team for their hard work, and our community for their endurance.”
 
During several meetings, Stillwright Point property owners opposed providing easements to the county required to facilitate water retention and treatment when the roadway is elevated.
 
Other road adaptation projects underway with grant-funded design, including Sands Subdivision, Conch Key, Winston Waterways, and Big Coppitt, will have the the designs completed, and then be reviewed for neighborhood funding participation to supplement the grant funding before construction is authorized.
 
Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley provided information about how Lee County handles the special needs of neighborhoods, where each neighborhood organizes, conducts a polling of potential costs, and funds 100 percent of those improvements through a Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU). Some of the above projects already have various levels of grant funding available for construction, but property owners will be asked to pay for the difference in project funding and future maintenance costs. At least 50 percent plus one of the property owners must be in favor, or the project will not proceed.
 
Over the last decade, Monroe County has been working toward a more resilient Florida Keys, including a Roadway Vulnerability Analysis and Capital Plan, which uses environmental and human-use factors in assessing the flooding vulnerability of 300 miles of county-owned and maintained roads.
 
Ninety-seven neighborhoods within unincorporated Monroe County are identified as at risk for sunny-day flooding by 2045, with an estimated cost of $1.6 billion for adaptation of 150 miles of county-owned roadways. The commissioners expressed concerns about using general population taxes to fund special projects benefiting specific neighborhoods and not the county as a whole.
 
The commission wants to ensure that a standard of core service is provided to the community, which typically includes routine maintenance and repavement of streets without elevation as needed and when funds are available, and directed staff to develop a new program where neighborhoods interested in road elevations to combat sea-level rise have a formula to follow to accomplish increased service levels like the Lee County model. 
 
The first budget meeting is July 15 at 3 p.m. at Marathon Government Center. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Sara Lopez, Permit Technician II in the Key Largo permitting office, is named Monroe County’s Employee of the First Quarter for 2025 for exceeding job expectations, noteworthy performance, and her positive impact on her co-workers, customers, and the community. She started with the County in 2018.
 
Lopez was nominated by Permitting Administrator Crystal Sebben, who praised her dedication, dependability, and professionalism. Lopez has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, assisting colleagues and customers with exceptional service. She also stepped up during staffing shortages and emergencies, including assisting with damage assessment inspections during Hurricane Milton.
 
“Sara is a model employee who continuously looks for ways to improve operations,” said Sebben. “She helps countless individuals better understand the permitting process and is a true asset to Monroe County.”

MONROE COUNTY, FL — Wesley House Family Services is actively seeking compassionate community members to become licensed foster parents. With only seven licensed foster homes currently in Monroe County, the need is critical - especially for teenagers and sibling groups.
 
“Our goal is to double that number by the end of the year,” said Lindsey Betterman, Foster Parenting Licensing Coordinator at Wesley House. “Every child deserves to stay in their community, go to their school, stay on their sports team, and keep their friendships - even when they’re going through something as tough as entering foster care.”
 
As a former foster parent herself, Betterman speaks from experience: “It’s probably the single most wonderful thing you can do. Helping a child succeed - whether that’s getting an A in school or reuniting safely with their family - is an unmatched joy.”
 
The next round of pre-service foster parent training classes begins August 14 and runs for eight weeks, meeting virtually each Thursday evening from 6 – 9 p.m. These classes are required for licensing and are open to anyone 21 or older who can pass a background check and provide a safe home environment.
 
“You don’t need to be perfect - you just need to be present,” Betterman emphasized. “It truly only takes one consistent, caring adult to change a child’s entire life.”
 
For more information or to register for training, contact Lindsey Betterman at 305.809.5020.

KEY WEST, FL, June 16, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is holding an Academic Info Week for prospective students to learn about academic and Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities via eight virtual events, to be held June 23-26. The events will showcase information about the credentials (certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees) available within each program, curriculum, career opportunities, and student experiences. Attendees will hear directly from faculty, academic leaders, current students, and/or recent alumni. CFK will waive the $30 admissions application fee for participants who have not yet applied to the College. Registration for the events is required. Visit the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/events to learn more and to register.
 
Academic Info Week Schedule:
Monday, June 23:
·         5:30 p.m.- Health Sciences- Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Paramedic
·         6:30 p.m.- Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Tuesday, June 24:
·         5:30 p.m.- Associate in Arts and Education
·         6:30 p.m.- Marine Engineering, Management & Seamanship and Welding
Wednesday, June 25:
·         5:30 p.m.- Engineering Technology- Renewable Energy Technician
·         6:30 p.m.- Diving and Marine Science
Thursday, June 26:
·         5:30 p.m.- Culinary Management and Hospitality & Ecotourism Management
·         6:30 p.m.- Business
CFK’s fall semester begins August 19 and the deadline to apply is August 1. For assistance with becoming a student, contact Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected] or call 305-809-3207.
 

Key West, FL—On Friday, July 4, those who share a passion for pie and Florida’s most sensational citrus are invited to the sandy shore of the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval Street, where the 2025 World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship is to take center stage in true tropical style.

A tart and tangy twist on New York’s classic Fourth of July hotdog-eating contest, the Key Lime pie showdown has grown into a fan-favorite tradition since its 2013 launch. Each year, up to 25 daring contestants plunge face first into an equal number of 9-inch whipped-cream topped Key Lime pies, racing against their competitors and the clock, with no hands allowed.

Last year’s champ, Hector Rodriguez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, devoured his pie in an impressive 1 minute, 58.52 seconds. But the record to beat remains a blistering 40:57 seconds, achieved in 2018 by attorney Trey Bergman of Houston, TX, who also claimed victory in 2017 with a time of 51:92 seconds. Key West locals have seen their share of triumph too: Chris Shultz in 2022: 74 sec; David Johnson in 2019: 58.2 sec; Steve Carr in 2015: 78 sec; Tony Mantia in 2014: time not recorded and Gary Delos Santos in 2013; TNR.

“There are eating contests all over the world, but none match the mess—or the magic—of ours,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, Key Lime Festival Director/CEO of We’ve Got the Keys. It’s the Southernmost in the U.S.A. and the most spectacularly sloppy.”

Key Lime pies, declared the official state pie in 2006 by the Florida Legislature, are traditionally made with condensed milk, egg yolks and the juice of Key limes within a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream or meringue. Competition pies will measure 9 inches (23-centimeters); competitors may not use utensils or their hands, though goggles and dive masks are fair game.
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The World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship at the Southernmost Beach Café kicks off at 1:30pm but the attractions begin at 10:00am with the opening of the Key Lime Vendor Village, and music, games and activities starting at 11:00am.
 
The World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship is the centerpiece event of the Key Lime Festival, a five-day celebration of Florida’s most sensational citrus, which runs from July 2-July 6. Presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys, admission to the competition is free, cost to compete is $30 with online pre-registration, $50 day-of, and is open to those aged 18 and up. For registration links and a full calendar of events, visit http://www.keylimefestival.com.

Key West, Fla. — A 20-day “Summer Solstice Celebration” embracing the pageantry, enchantment and mystical significance of the Summer Solstice continues at Key West’s waterfront Mallory Square, with high-energy live performances, nightly special attractions, and artisan demonstrations through June 20.

Highlights to date include a collaborative showcase Sunday, June 15, by “Juggling Jase” Anderson and “Reidiculous Reid” Conklin featuring comedy, whip cracking and elevated juggling. The two entertainers grew up together honing their showmanship at the famous nightly Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, where they typically perform individual acts, and also tour around the U.S. and other locales.

“Summer Solstice Celebration” attractions also include appearances by “The Loud Mime” Will Flederman, returning to Key West for a limited engagement after enthralling U.S. and international audiences with a blend of classic vaudeville, circus stunts and irreverent comedy; demonstrations of creative magic by artists and craftspeople, traditional solstice activities such as making flower crowns, and local vendors’ wares for body and spirit.
“Summer Solstice Celebration” festivities culminate June 20 in an evening honoring the powerful solstice itself — the longest day of the year when the sun’s energy is strongest.
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Coordinated by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the nightly, year-round Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, the “Summer Solstice Celebration” is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Visit sunsetcelebration.org for more information and a schedule of nightly events.