February 28, 2023 – (Key West, FL).  Key West Art & Historical Society’s month-long Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, which remembers the Pulitzer-prize winning literary icon with an array of arts and cultural events, begins this week with a kick-off party and fundraiser.  Williams, who first visited the island in 1941, called Key West “home” for over thirty years after he bought a quaint clapboard house on Duncan Street.

Events during the Birthday Celebration include a garden party themed fundraiser at the home of Tennessee Williams Museum founders Dennis Beaver and Bert Whitt on March 5.  Attendees will be treated to a short performance by Waterfront Playhouse actors, an open bar and heavily passed canapes.  Tickets available through www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events.

Every Monday during the month of March, from 6:30 p.m., the Tennessee Williams Monday Night Classic Film Series will be screened at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.  Films include “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond,” “This Property is Condemned,” and “The Glass Menagerie.”  There will also be a free outdoor screening of “The Rose Tattoo,” which was partially filmed in Key West in the mid-1950s, on March 15 in front of the Tropic Cinema.  Film tickets available exclusively at Tropic Cinema or www.tropiccinema.com.

Beaver will also host a series of curator tours at the Tennessee Williams Museum, each with a special theme.  He will share highlights of the filming of “The Rose Tattoo” and “The Glass Menagerie” and provide a general overview of Williams’ life in Key West.  Tickets available through www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events.

On Saturday, March 11, at 2:00 p.m., The Studios of Key West presents a special Rick Worth Painting Boot Camp celebrating Tennessee Williams.  Worth, a renowned painting instructor, will offer a specific edition of his popular class concentrating on the methodology of Williams’ own paintings.  Tickets are available through Studios or www.tskw.org.

Waterfront Playhouse is staging “Suddenly, Last Summer” for a two-night run on March 12 and March 13.  Williams’ play revolves around a young woman who, at the insistence of her wealthy aunt, is evaluated by a psychiatric doctor to receive a lobotomy after witnessing the death of her cousin Sebastian Venable while traveling with him in Spain the previous summer.  Tickets available through Waterfront Playhouse or www.waterfrontplayhouse.org.

Thursday, March 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., join Fringe Theater and the Key West Art & Historical Society for a reading of Williams’ short stories and poems concentrating on his sultrier characters in a program titled “The Smoke and Sizzle of Tennessee Williams.”  Readers organized by Fringe Theater and local poet Vicki Boguszewski will share these works during a performance at The Little Jazz Room, 821 Duval Street.  Tickets available through the Key West Art & Historical Society or www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events.

Culminating the monthlong festival, the public is invited to party at the Tennessee Williams Museum celebrating what would have been Williams’ 112th birthday on March 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The evening, which is free to attend, will include contest award presentations, light snacks, bubbly beverages, and birthday cake.
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Visit www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events for the full schedule of events and advanced ticket purchases.  You can also contact Cori Convertito at cconvertito@kwahs.org or 305-295-6616 x507.  The Tennessee Williams Museum, at 513 Truman Avenue, is open Thursdays to Sundays for self-guided tours 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  ​

Thanks to a contribution from the Jerry Garcia Foundation on behalf of Jerry’s love of diving and protecting our oceans, the Foundation donated limited-edition museum quality giclees of Jerry Garcia's art to the History of Diving Museum. A Jerry Garcia Foundation Edition Certificate of Authenticity is included with each piece of fine art. Each piece is hand-signed by Jerry's daughter, Keelin and his wife, Manasha. We will be offering these fine art pieces for sale at the event.

The History of Diving Museum is hosting “Dive Into Art & Music” on March 31st, from 5:30-9:00 pm, under the stars at Safe Harbor Angler House. Enjoy live music, dancing, and the main act featuring “Rainbow Full of Sound,” providing a special musical tribute experience with many of Jerry Garcia’s favorite tunes. The opening performance will feature Schells & Vine Trio, with special music set by guests Tony Saunders and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells. And, don’t miss a special appearance by Peter Agelasto, Jerry Garcia Archivist.

Seating will be limited with several options available: Poolside access, dinner by Mona’s Reggae Catering, and admission to the History of Diving Museum is $100 per person. For $3,000, you will receive your very own signed giclee, VIP reserved seating, dinner for 4, poolside access, and a family pass to the History of Diving Museum. Artworks include a Certificate of Authenticity and each is hand-signed by Jerry's daughter, Keelin and his wife, Manasha.

There will be a limited number of general admissions available at $35 per person. You can purchase tickets by calling the museum at 305-664-9737, or on the website: https://divingmuseum.org/events-calendar. The event will be held, rain or shine, and if unable to attend, you can view remaining art available for purchase at the museum.

​The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Islamorada (MM83). Divers and non-divers alike are amazed by over 4,000 years of “the quest to explore under the sea.” The Museum has 14 core exhibits plus two annual limited-time Featured Exhibits as well as a Museum Store with unique gifts. Check out DivingMuseum.org for more details, to become a member, or shop online.

​KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The Keys community & visitors can enjoy an exhibition and sale of rare plants, explore the unique 15-acre Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and discover fine arts and crafts during the 20th Annual  “GardenFest Key West: The Green Market Place 2023”, set for Saturday, March 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island.  Admission is free. 
 
Visitors can view and purchase tropical and native plants from plant vendors and the Garden's own Native Plant Nursery. Activities include: Two Docent guided tours at 11am & 2pm, a Children’s science corner, all-day Music, adult beverages, food vendors, local arts & craft vendors with nature themes or composed of natural materials, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle, eco-friendly products and services and exhibits by conservation-oriented non-profit organizations.
 
For more information please contact the Garden at www.keywest.garden or call 305-296-1504. 

​February 24, 2023 - The City of Key West is convening a workshop to discuss the proliferation of electric bikes and scooters in the city. These new modes of transportation are testing traditional traffic and safety rules, and this workshop is aimed at looking for ways to ensure better safety on our streets and sidewalks.
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The workshop will be held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall on Thursday, March 2nd at 5:30 p.m.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – A Monroe County Building Department Unlicensed Contractor Investigator cited an unlicensed asphalt paver who paved a business driveway without the owner’s permission and demanded payment from the company with a bogus contract. The County investigator cited the asphalt company with a $1,500 fine.
 
“The public needs to know that there are people out there who will try and extort money out of unsuspecting customers,” said Monroe County Building Official Rick Griffin.
 
Monroe County requires all property owners or licensed contractors to pull a permit for things like paving and asphalt. If you feel you are being targeted by an unlicensed contractor in unincorporated Monroe County, call 305-289-2516. 

Last year, the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk adopted the area surrounding the Trumbo Point base under the City’s Adopt-A-Spot program. Today, Commander Andrew L. Pate and his crew met with Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman and Police Chief Sean Brandenburg to renew the pledge and to conduct a major cleanup of the area.

Vice Mayor Kaufman welcomed the crew and read a proclamation re-designating Mohawk Day, which will be formally presented at the March 7th City Commission meeting.

Mohawk Day was first proclaimed in 1991 by then-mayor Capt. Tony Tarracino when the cutter first arrived in the island city.
“The crew of the Mohawk,” read Kaufman, “has provided a significant and valued addition to our schools, churches, civic organizations, economy, and community at large for many years.”

The Mohawk is the final of thirteen 270-foot medium-endurance cutters built for the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the namesake of the USS Mohawk, a vessel that launched 14 attacks against Nazi submarines during World War II.

​The Florida Keys are acclaimed for their large population of visual artists, but art lovers generally can’t see works by several hundred of them at one time. Except, that is, when viewing “The Connections Project 2023: Celebrating our Unique History,” a 24-foot-long mural that’s touring the island chain to celebrate the connection between community members and local cultural initiatives. 
 
The canvases portray elements from the island chain’s richly diverse environment, visually connecting viewers to the region’s natural world as well as to its artistic culture. “We have three-dimensional pieces, painted pieces, photography pieces, mixed media and all share the beauty of the Keys,” said Elizabeth Young of the individual canvases. “It’s a great example of arts and community awareness — connecting the Keys to a vibrant arts and culture community and to our audiences up and down the Keys.” 
 
At each new stop during the mural’s Keys-wide tour, visiting and resident art lovers can enjoy a free opening reception. Receptions are scheduled 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Open to the public – please join us on Thursday, March 2 at the Royal Furniture showroom in Marathon, 6001 Overseas highway (oceanside). Refreshments served, compliments of the Elwell Family, who have graciously sponsored the Connections project for 11 years. 
 
After viewing the Connections Project, art lovers can make a permanent connection by adding pieces of it to their collection. Patrons can make a $60 donation for one canvas or a $160 donation for three at any reception or online at www. keysarts.com. Once the road show has ended, donors will receive randomly selected canvases by mail. Each piece is to include an artist statement providing insight into the work and the artist’s inspiration. Proceeds from the Connections Project benefit Keys artists and arts organizations through arts council grants including the new “Art Builds Community” program focused on cultural equity. For more information, please check out our website at www.keysarts.com or  call 305-295-4369 
 

​February 22, 2023—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn more about the various academic and career training opportunities available at CFK through its “Future Student” virtual event on Wednesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m. 
 
Topics to be covered at the information session: 

• Academic and career training programs, including bachelor’s degrees in business, hospitality, marine science, and nursing 
• Guaranteed transfer to Florida universities with an Associate in arts degree 
• Paying for college: cost comparisons, financial aid, scholarships, payment plans 
• Steps to become a CFK student 

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Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. Visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/futurestudents to learn more and to register. For more information or to schedule a personal information session, contact Marissa Owens, CFK Director of Recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or call 305-809-3207. 
  

Police Chief Sean Brandenburg named Officer Tyler Getchel as Officer of the Year for 2022 during the department’s annual awards ceremony hosted by the Grand Key Resort.

Officer Getchel started with the Key West Police Department in October of 2018.
“During his time with the department, he has earned a reputation as an individual who never says no,” said Chief Brandenburg, noting that Officer Getchel has served as road patrol and in the Marine Unit.

“In a year when our resources have been stretched,” said Chief Brandenburg, “Officer Getchel’s willingness to take on the lion’s share of work has been invaluable to the department. He offers to take on extra days and assists outside agencies. He works to train his fellow officers to ensure that the duties of protecting our port are up to federal standards.”
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Keys Federal Credit Union sponsored the award and presented Officer Getchel with a check for $500.
Officer Getchel was also recognized as Officer of the First Half of 2022.
“Officer Getchel,” noted Chief Brandenburg, “conducts himself every day with enthusiasm, passion, pride and compassion.”