The Monroe County School District is seeking community input to assist in the search for a new Superintendent of Schools. Current Superintendent Theresa Axford will retire at the end of this school year. The school board, with assistance from the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), has begun a nationwide search for a new Superintendent. The FSBA, with extensive experience in similar searches across Florida, will assist throughout the process in the Keys.

During a School Board meeting on Tuesday, board members emphasized the importance of finding an exemplary replacement who fits well with the diverse community of the Florida Keys. They stressed that the entire process will be conducted county-wide, ensuring candidates become familiar with the county and allowing citizens from all areas to participate.

The first step in choosing a replacement is conducting a survey to gather citizens' input on what qualities are important in a superintendent. The survey is now live, and everyone is encouraged to participate. You can find the survey link and more information about the search process on the district’s website at: www.keysschools.com/SuperSearch.

Following the survey, Citizen Input sessions will be held on the following dates:

• February 11th, 6 p.m. at Coral Shores High School
• February 12th, 6 p.m. at Marathon High School
• February 13th, 6 p.m. at Key West High School
​
In addition to the survey and community meetings, the search timeline includes determining salary and educational requirements, finalizing a job description, advertising the position, and conducting interviews and public meet-and-greets with candidates. The process will culminate with the final decision in early May. The new superintendent will begin work on July 1, prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in 11 new firefighters to Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The newly sworn-in firefighters gave their oaths to support and uphold MCFR’s mission and were given their official badges by members of their families.
 
Please welcome: FF/EMT Juan Vigueras, FF/EMT Rolando Avila, FF/EMT Gavin Gonzalez, FF/EMT Andres Bianco, FF/EMT Jean Joseph, FF/PM Yosvany Lorenzo, FF/PM Jorge Yohay, FF/EMT Alexander Rodriguez, FF/EMT Henry Santana, FF/EMT Cole McDaniel and FF/PM Rogelio Medina.
 
Here are some details on the new hires:
 
FF/EMT Juan Vigueras received his fire certificate from Miami Dade College. He is excited to be a part of MCFR and loves the Florida Keys for its fishing. “Now that I’ve been given this opportunity to work in Monroe County, I most look forward to the relationships I’ll make with the crews moving forward and the lifelong commitment to protecting and servicing the Florida Keys,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Rolando Avila went to Fire Academy at Barry University and enjoys spending time on the water and in the woods up north. “I am most excited about being able to serve the community since I practically grew up down here; it’s my second home,” he said. “I plan to learn something new daily and apply my skills when needed.”
 
FF/EMT Gavin Gonzalez went to South Dade High School and is a graduate of Monroe County’s “Hot Shots” program. He is also a dad to a 4-year-old son and has a daughter due in February. The tragic 9/11 triggered his interest in becoming a professional firefighter. “I am truly excited to serve the citizens of Monroe County and form bonds with my fellow firefighters,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Andres Bianco went to Florida International University and was fire-certified by Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety. In his free time, he coaches lacrosse/basketball. “I was drawn to Monroe County when I received my Diver Medic Technician and loved the community atmosphere and all the great things I have heard about the department,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Jean Joseph went to Broward Fire Academy. He previously worked at Mariner’s Hospital, where he routinely interacted with Monroe County firefighters. “I saw how professional and respectful the firefighters were to everyone, and that was very humbling to me,” he said. “I am ready to work hard and save lives.”
 
FF/PM Yosvany Lorenzo completed his EMT/Paramedic degree at American Medical Academy and was in Monroe County’s Hot Shots program. “The Florida Keys have always been like home, and I’m grateful to give back and help the community,” he said.
 
FF/PM Jorge Yohay attended Fire Academy at Miami Dade College. In his spare time, he likes to fish and play soccer. “I was drawn to MCFR because I have always looked up to firefighters and the way they hold themselves to a high standard,” he said. 
 
FF/EMT Alexander Rodriguez attended Miami Dade College, and credits his family as being his inspiration since his father is a firefighter and his mother is a high school teacher. “My love for firefighting and admiration for the Florida Keys made this position with MCFR the perfect fit,” he said. “I’m incredibly thrilled to join such a remarkable department and serve this amazing county alongside a team that values dedication, teamwork, and making a difference in the community.”
 
FF/EMT Henry Santana attended Barry University for his fire certification and is a dad to a 2-year-old girl. After completing his EMT certification and enrolling in paramedic school, he began searching for a department with the right feeling and waited for an opening at MCFR. “I’m excited to grow my skills in EMS and fire and be a part of the Monroe County community,” he said. “Being someone who enjoys the outdoors, I can’t think of a better place to work than the Florida Keys.”
 
FF/EMT Cole McDaniel was raised on Big Pine Key. He graduated from Marathon High School and College of the Florida Keys and went through the County’s “Hot Shots” program. “My grandfather was a volunteer firefighter on Big Pine over 50 years ago and fought the local famous Big Pine Inn fire,” he said. “Monroe County Fire Rescue has helped my family in times of need, and as a local, I wanted to give back to my community. I’m most excited about pursuing a lifelong career in helping others.”
 
FF/PM Rogelio Medina attended Miami Dade College for EMT, Paramedic, and Fire Academy. He comes from a family dedicated to helping others; his mother is a teacher, and his brother is a police officer. He previously worked for a department in North Florida and is excited to be closer to home. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and am ready to protect our community,” he said. 

Key West, FL - January 30, 2025 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro, a popular destination on Duval Street, is thrilled to announce a new daily Happy Hour, running from 3-6 PM, featuring $8 specials on Thai kitchen appetizers, sushi rolls, handcrafted cocktails, and more. This exciting addition invites guests to enjoy a flavorful and refreshing experience in the heart of Key West perfect for pre-dinner appetizers and drinks or an evening outing.

"Our new Happy Hour is all about bringing people together over delicious bites and drinks," says Kirk Coult, owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl. "We’re excited to offer an inviting space where our guests can unwind, connect, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand and settle in for great music and dinner after Happy Hour."

Guests can experience this new offering at Bangkok Happy Bowl’s brand-new bar, a stylish and comfortable addition that elevates the dining experience. With its modern design and warm ambiance, the bar provides the perfect setting to enjoy a drink or snack while soaking in the atmosphere.

In addition to the Happy Hour specials, Bangkok Happy Bowl continues to delight patrons with its nightly live music lineup from 6PM - 8:30 PM six nights per week. February's performances feature an eclectic mix of local and regional talent, creating a dynamic and welcoming vibe for all visitors.

February Music Schedule

• 2/1 Saturday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/2 Sunday – Vince Bergamo (Classics on Piano)
• 2/3 Monday – Sam Carlson (Americana)
• 2/4 Tuesday – Jerico (Roots Rock n’ Roll)
• 2/5 Wednesday – The Newton’s (R&B/Reggae/Pop)
• 2/7 Friday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/8 Saturday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/9 Sunday – Vince Bergamo (Classics on Piano)
• 2/10 Monday – Sam Carlson (Americana)
• 2/11 Tuesday – Jerico (Roots Rock n’ Roll)
• 2/12 Wednesday – The Newton’s (R&B/Reggae/Pop)
• 2/14 Friday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/15 Saturday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/16 Sunday – Vince Bergamo (Classics on Piano)
• 2/17 Monday – Sam Carlson (Americana)
• 2/18 Tuesday – Jerico (Roots Rock n’ Roll)
• 2/19 Wednesday – The Newton’s (R&B/Reggae/Pop)
• 2/21 Friday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/22 Saturday – The Harrison’s (Soul)
• 2/23 Sunday – Vince Bergamo (Classics on Piano)
• 2/24 Monday – Sam Carlson (Americana)
• 2/25 Tuesday – Jerico (Roots Rock n’ Roll)
• 2/26 Wednesday – The Newton’s (R&B/Reggae/Pop)
• 2/28 Friday – The Harrison’s (Soul)

“We’re thrilled to bring live music to Bangkok Happy Bowl six nights a week this February,” says Coult. “Our new $8 Happy Hour is the perfect pairing—guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, Thai kitchen appetizers, sushi rolls, and more while immersing themselves in Key West’s vibrant music scene.”

Whether indulging in Happy Hour specials or soaking in live music vibes, Bangkok Happy Bowl is the ultimate destination to relax, enjoy authentic Asian flavors, and experience the lively spirit of Key West.
​
To explore the full menu, visit Bangkok Happy Bowl Key West Menu. For more information about Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, please visit Bangkok Happy Bowl.

Celebrated singer-songwriter and master storyteller Freedy Johnston will make his first ever Key West appearance in the intimate Carper Theater at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, Key West, on Saturday Feb. 15 at 7:30pm. 

Named Rolling Stone’s 1994 Songwriter of the Year for his album “This Perfect World,” and recognized for hits like "Bad Reputation," "This Perfect World," "The Lucky One," and "Evie's Tears," Johnston's evocative voice and timeless songs have earned him a loyal following across three decades.
​
Johnston is currently touring in support of his ninth studio album, "Back on the Road To You,” which has been described as “a record steeped in wit, humor, pathos, love and friendship drenched with memorable, infectious melodies.” Featuring collaborations with talents such as Grammy winner Aimee Mann (of Til Tuesday fame), and Susannah Hoffs (the Bangles), "Back on the Road To You,” has been garnering rave reviews since its release. Sponsored by the Tropic Cinema, Michael Blades Photography and Ben Pegg Sound, tickets are $25.00 and benefit the Tropic Cinema. For tickets and information visit www.tropiccinema.com, or purchase in advance on-site.

Key West, FL – The Key West Artisan Market invites locals and visitors alike to its special 'For the Birds' edition on Sunday, February 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Indigenous Park. This unique event will spotlight the incredible work of the Key West Wildlife Center, a vital organization providing 24-hour emergency wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services for the region. Each year, the Center cares for over 1,400 wild birds and offers rescue assistance for sea turtles, tortoises, and other marine and land mammals.
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the dedicated volunteers who make these efforts possible and contribute to the cause through donations and merchandise. Tickets to their February 23rd fundraiser will also be for sale. Guests can tour the Wildlife Center's newly upgraded facility and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding seven-acre park.
 
The market promises a vibrant day of local delights, including a curated selection of fine crafts, art, and jewelry from talented Florida Keys artisans. Sip on refreshing beverages like Bloody Marys, mimosas, coffee, smoothies, natural juices, and more while enjoying delicious offerings from multiple food trucks and stalls. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a meal to go, the culinary options are sure to please.
 
Live performances by local musicians including the Coconut Koalas and meet-and-greets with talented writers from the Key West Authors Guild will set the tone for a festive and creative atmosphere. Located conveniently near Higgs Beach Dog Park, the free West Martello Tower botanical gardens, White Street Pier, and the stunning Atlantic Ocean, the Artisan Market provides the perfect opportunity to explore Key West's natural and cultural treasures.
 
As always, the Key West Artisan Market operates by locals, for locals, every Sunday now through April, offering a place to connect, shop, and support the community.

Key West, Florida Keys - The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is hosting an Adult “Rum Infused” Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, February 15th from 5pm – 9pm. The event will raise much needed funding to build a new State of the Art Educational Facility at the Garden. 100% of all donations and proceeds will go toward this capital fund.

The new education facility will serve all of Monroe County students fostering community engagement, an awareness of the local ecosystem, wildlife, and outdoor enjoyment to those who need it most. Field trips to the Garden provide hands-on experiments and lessons to develop skills and interests that will lead to careers that will keep them in the Keys. Many of our past students have gone on to careers in the Botanical, Biological and Environmental sciences here in the Keys.

This Adult Scavenger Hunt, titled “Rum Infused” is a great way for attendees to experience and enjoy the beauty and natural wildlife of The Garden. Teams will be formed to achieve the goals outlined in the Hunt rules. Points will be given for the most items identified within one hour. Pirate and Mermaid costumes are encouraged and prizes awarded for best costumes. A silent auction and raffle will also be held to support our students.

The evening is sponsored by wonderful local businesses that have very generously donated to the event. John Bartus, Keys local favorite musician, will be performing; Outback Steakhouse is providing an incredible dinner buffet. There will be TWO local Rum producers - Key West First Legal Rum & Papa Pilar – that will supply Rum libations and prizes. We are so grateful for their generosity and support of both The Garden and the Education of our Monroe County students.

Tickets are $100 per person and include open bar and dinner. They can be purchased on our website at www.keywest.garden. Reservations are limited for this fun, important and very worthwhile evening. Please register early and spread the word to support our students and their education.
​
The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL - Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln was elected the chair of the South Florida Regional Planning Council at today’s meeting held at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Commissioner Craig Cates is also a council member. Mayor Jim Scholl and Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein welcomed the group at today’s meeting. In addition to the regular meeting agenda, Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag and Monroe County Artificial Reefs Director Hanna Koch presented updates on their respective departments.
 
“I feel very comfortable turning over my chair to Michelle,” said Steve Geller, outgoing chair from Broward County. “She has shown her leadership in many ways throughout South Florida and the State.”
 
Lincoln said she looks forward to continuing to support the council’s mission to make communities in South Florida more resilient and safer. “As always, I am excited that Monroe County continues to have an important seat at this table,” she said.
 
The South Florida Regional Planning Council’s mission is to provide state and local policymakers with the information they need to build a better future for South Floridians. The council encompasses Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Monroe County, and all of their municipalities.
 
To learn more about the council, visit https://sfregionalcouncil.org/. 

January 27, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL).  Florida Humanities, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, and Key West Art & Historical Society invite the community to explore the history and natural beauty of the Dry Tortugas archipelago through Ian Wilson-Navarro’s new book “Dry Tortugas: Stronghold of Nature” at a multifaceted and dynamic night of history, ecology, preservation, and art.  The free event takes place on February 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West and includes a live gyotaku demonstration, a photography and print exhibition, short presentations by local experts, a moderated discussion with the artists, and book signing.

The evening concentrates on Wilson-Navarro’s book, “Dry Tortugas,” published by University Press of Florida, which chronicles his 2021 artist-in-residency program on Loggerhead Key facilitated by the National Park Arts Foundation.  Accompanied by friend and fellow artist Austin Armstrong, the pair spent a month living at Dry Tortugas National Park with the goal of documenting the ecological treasures the remote location had to offer.  Wilson-Navarro, a Florida Keys native and nature photographer captured images of the park, both above and below the waterline, while Armstrong, also a Florida Keys native, thrived as a Gyotaku artist, the traditional Japanese art form of capturing exact representations of fish created by pressing paper onto the skin painted with a thin layer of ink.

A reception with light refreshments and a first-look at the joint art exhibition will kick off the event before Armstrong delivers a live demonstration of Gyotaku in the Eco-Discovery Center’s foyer.  Attendees will have the opportunity to make their own Gyotaku with simulated fish courtesy of the Society’s education department.  A short presentation in the theater by local authors and experts Nancy Klingener of Monroe County Public Libraries, Dr. Cori Convertito of the Key West Art & Historical Society, and Curtis Hall of Dry Tortugas National Park will share extracts from their contributions to Wilson-Navarro’s book.  Following their presentations, Convertito will lead a conversation with Wilson-Navarro and Armstrong that delves into the finer details of the artist residency program that enabled the pair to live at the Dry Tortugas National Park and record the environment.

At the conclusion of the moderated conversation, attendees can pick up a copy of “Dry Tortugas,” explore the newly-renovated Eco-Discovery Center, and speak with Florida Humanities staff, co-publishers of the book.

The evening is free and open to all ages.  Due to limited seating capacity, registration is required for the short talks and moderated conversation.  All other components are open and do not require a ticket.  For more information about the event, contact Cori Convertito on 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].  Additional details and the evening’s timeline can be found on the Society's website kwahs.org/dry-tortugas-book-talk.
​
Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

January 27, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Key West Art & Historical Society welcomes the public to a special reception on February 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to celebrate the work of 50 Florida Keys female artists featured in its “From a Woman’s Hand” exhibition at the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front Street.  The biannual display juried by arts community leaders Emma Starr, Martha Resk, Elena Devers, and Cori Convertito, PhD, illuminates the remarkable achievements of women artists who have been marginalized for centuries.

“Our mission is to promote and elevate the humanities and arts of the Florida Keys, including an emphasis on the role of women in these cultural sectors,” says Society curator Cori Convertito.  “This exhibit features strong, thought-provoking pieces alongside nature-inspired works created by female artists of all ages.  The breadth and depth of the artists’ originality and imagination is astonishing.”

Among the artists that have work included in the exhibit are Maggie Ruley displaying a large acrylic painting titled “Your Pool or Mine?” inspired by the backyards of Key West, American Watercolor Society signature member Sandy Mezinis exhibiting a new watercolor piece entitled “Lila and Grace in Key West,” and Islamorada artist Christine O’Neill with her intensely vibrant work, “The Bounty.”  Museum visitors will also discover fresh artwork and mediums by artists whose works are rarely displayed in Florida Keys, including young artists in the early stages of their art exploration.

“It is brilliant to work with all of the artists represented in the exhibit; they offer a dynamic view of everything that surrounds us – nature, people, experiences, and materials,” says Convertito. “The quality and diversity of the artwork continually electrifies the jury.”
​
“From a Woman’s Hand” runs until April 20 in the Bumpus Gallery of the Key West Museum of Art & History.  For more information on the exhibit or the public reception, visit www.kwahs.org/womans-hand, call Convertito on 305-295-6616 x 507 or email [email protected].

Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.