​Barbara Powell joined the Monroe County Planning and Environmental Resources department this week as the new Planning Policy Advisor. Powell comes to Monroe County from the State of Florida Department of Commerce (formerly the Department of Economic Opportunity), where she managed the Area of Critical State Concern program, including the Florida Keys, Key West, Green Swamp, Big Cypress, and Apalachicola Bay, and most recently held the position of Deputy Bureau Chief, overseeing multiple planning programs and staff. Many County staff have worked closely with Powell over the years, and she brings technical expertise and more than 15 years of knowledge specific to the Florida Keys’ comprehensive planning history. Powell will be assisting and advising on high-level applications and policy initiatives.

KEY LARGO AND TAVERNIER, FL – Monroe County Land Authority Governing Board approved purchasing new sites to redevelop affordable homeownership units in Tavernier and Key Largo today. The County will own and lease the sites to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys to redevelop those sites consistent with neighborhood character. “This assures long-term affordability in perpetuity,” said Monroe County Land Authority Chairman and County Commissioner David Rice.
 
One of the projects is within Tavernier near mile marker 92, which will be redeveloped into six new affordable units to replace dilapidated trailers that previously occupied the site. The second two sites are in Key Largo on Hibiscus Lane near mile marker 101, where two replacement homes will be constructed. 
 
“I am very excited about this project since sites appropriate for the development of affordable housing are hard to find in the Upper Keys,” said Monroe County Land Authority Executive Director Christine Hurley. “The Land Authority can buy land for affordable housing without established, protected habitat, so finding sites with previous development, ready for redevelopment, is a priority.”
 
Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is the development partner that works with local families to pay no more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Recently, Habitat developed four affordable housing units at Esslinger Heights in Tavernier and is currently working on eight units at Gardenia Place across from Plantation Key School, plus another two affordable single-family homes in Key Largo.
 
“These eight units will increase homeownership opportunities for families who live and work in the Florida Keys and provide a step up for their future,” said Habitat Executive Director Lindsay Fast. “We are so appreciative of the support from the Monroe County Land Authority to continue our mission of building affordable housing.”

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The Keys community & visitors are invited to GardenFest Key West: The Green Market Place 2024”,  on Saturday, March 2nd from 10a.m. to 4 p.m at The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.  Explore the unique garden, wildlife sanctuary and arboretum at this annual festival.    Activities include: all day music, food & beverages, local arts & crafts, exotic and native plants for sale, a Children’s Science Corner, silent auction, 50/50 raffles, Docent guided tours at 11am & 2pm and eco-friendly products and exhibits by conservation-oriented, non-proft organizations.  Admission is FREE and dogs are welcome.
 
The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island.  For more information please contact the Garden at www.keywest.garden or call 305-296-1504. ​

The Key West Artisan Market Upcycle/Recycle edition scheduled for February 18 will be moved to Monday, February 19 due to predicted inclement weather. The forecast on Sunday calls for a 90% chance of heavy rains and winds. Rather than risk another rainout, organizers have elected to move the show to Monday, which is a federal holiday. The event hours and location remain the same: 10 am to 2 pm at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach, Key West.  More than 80 Keys-based local artists, crafters, curators and makers count on the Key West Artisan Market as a venue to offer their goods to residents and visitors during season. The community's overwhelming support allows these small mom and pop businesses to survive and thrive as an integral part of Key West's creative fabric. For more information visit keywestartisanmarket on facebook.

​MONROE COUNTY – Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln represented the Florida Keys this past week in Washington, D.C., including in a valuable panel focusing on the challenges to intergovernmental collaboration in disaster resilience. The panel discussed access to federal funds, mitigating risk, and other issues.
 
The National Association of Counties (NACo) facilitated an intergovernmental roundtable on disaster mitigation in conjunction with the annual legislative conference. About 50 federal, state, and county leaders for a day-long roundtable discussed building capacity for resilience and disaster mitigation. Lincoln is slated to be the next Florida Association of Counties President and was invited to speak about Monroe County’s experience in successfully accessing federal support during an emergency.
 
“Lincoln represented Monroe County’s experience in our successful post-disaster recovery and securing grant funding for our efforts to build future resilience,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi.
 
Lincoln also met with the offices of Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio and Congressman Gimenez to discuss new earmark requests and the progress made on prior year’s earmarks, like for the Twin Lakes Key Largo project that is out to bid. They also discussed other federal issues and priorities, like National Flood Insurance Program protections, Risk Rating 2.0, resilience funding, Everglades restoration, and Veterans issues.

BIG COPPITT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Monroe County Firefighters Benevolent Association is hosting their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. at the Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Drive. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures after hiding thousands of eggs and one “special” golden egg for kids to find.
 
Children can tour a fire truck, meet on-duty firefighters, and safely help firefighters put out a pretend house fire. Snow cones and cotton candy will be available, along with fire prevention material. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm will also be in attendance.
 
“This is our 14th year hosting this event, and our firefighters look forward to seeing the kids enjoy the morning every year,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “Please join our firefighters and the Easter Bunny to hunt for eggs and learn more about fire safety.”
 
For more information, call 305-289-6005 or email [email protected].

The Key West Art Center proudly presents the Key West Art & Craft Festival.  The Art Center has sponsored an outdoor art show every year since 1965. This year’s show brings back some of your favorite artists and will introduce you to many new talented ones.  Over 120 fine art and craft artists will line the Quay in the beautiful Truman Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday 10 AM until 5 PM.
 
Artists and crafters scheduled to attend will show watercolors, oil/acrylic, mixed media, photography, and more art for your home.  In addition, you will find jewelry, clothing, sculpture, glass, and wood along with plenty of fun funky tropical arts and crafts.  This group of artists have something for every taste and budget.  Stop down to stroll the show and to meet this talented group that includes Artists from across the country as well as your favorite locals 
 
Meet your friends and neighbors at the show while finding the perfect art and craft for gifts, yourself and your home.   Plan on making it a day, as a new addition this year is interesting food choices from savory to sweet by local food trucks.  Take a break in our comfort tent before heading back out to make sure you see every artist's booth. 
 
Key West Art & Craft Festival is sponsored by the Key West Art Center, located at 301 Front Street.  The non-profit Community Art Center is Key West’s oldest gallery and features original works of art by over 50 local artists.  
 
Thank you to the city of Key West for making this gorgeous space available for everyone’s enjoyment.  
 
For more information contact us at 305-294-1241 or email at [email protected]  
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