MONROE COUNTY – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners welcomes Hanna Koch from The Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory in Summerland Key, as the new Monroe County Artificial Reefs director. She will start the position on April 1, 2024.
Koch is leaving her current position as a staff scientist and program manager for the coral reproduction research program to develop the new department that will oversee the creation of an artificial reef program. She holds a Doctorate in Natural Sciences, a Master’s in Biology, and a Bachelor’s in Marine Science. “Her background in SCUBA diving, reef reproduction and restoration, grant writing, local stakeholder connections, and teaching appear to be the perfect match of what we are looking for in this new position,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “Her passion and understanding of our ecologically sensitive marine environment will benefit our residents and visitors who enjoy our waters now and in the future.” Employee Services received 54 applicants for the role. The Artificial Reef director is a new position. Koch will have the key responsibilities to develop the framework for the future of the artificial reef program, establish goals and objectives, coordinate the needs of the community, handle public inquiries regarding the program, find sites, monitor grant agreements, and oversee the creation, permitting, maintenance, and monitoring of the sites and any staffing that may be needed, among many other things. In August 2023, Monroe County was awarded $10 million from the State to start an artificial reef program in the Florida Keys. Artificial reefs can help take pressure off of local natural reefs. “This is just the beginning, but we hope to set up a network of habitats from shallow to deep water that will support natural habitats and fish stocks,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. The first project on her list may include using 37 50-feet hollow power poles the County acquired from the Florida Keys Electric Co-op’s Sea Oats Beach project in Islamorada. Other projects suggested included using concrete fish domes and other ideas used in other counties across the State. Koch plans to work with other counties in Florida who have successful programs. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for our marine environment, engaging with the community to hear their thoughts and ideas, and using a science-based approach for developing structures that will support our marine habitats and natural resources,” said Koch. There are more than 4,000 clusters of artificial reefs in Florida, and 37 coastal counties in Florida already have an artificial reef program in place. In the Florida Keys, 62 artificial reefs, including wrecks, mainly were placed between 1982 and 1989. The most recent artificial reef placed in Florida Keys waters was the Vandenberg off Key West in 2009. Artificial reef sites are popular among divers and fishermen.
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KEY WEST, FL, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 – On February 7, 2024, Lower Keys Medical Center leaders recognized the 2023 Annual Award winners and honored employees with milestone years of service.
Michelle Hayward-Brown, administrative assistant, Surgical Services, was named Employee of the Year. David Clay, CEO, shared comments from Michelle’s colleagues who described her as professional, polite, knowledgeable and reliable. “Michelle has been recognized as an Employee of the Month several times in the past year and is consistently recognized in daily safety meetings,” Clay noted. “She is always helping peers and patients, ensuring Lower Keys Medical Center can give the best service, with the best outcomes for patients, physicians, offices, insurance providers, and peers.” Brenna Balbuena, RN, Intensive Care Unit, was recognized as Clinical Employee of the Year. Colleagues noted that “Brenna has grown into an exceptional caregiver, peer, and leader. She has taken on preceptor and charge duties willingly. She’s a natural at mentoring and identifying opportunities with solutions. Brenna’s commitment to our patients and community is an example of our Community Cares culture. She is dedicated to a superior patient experience.” Brandie Adamson, RN, Behavioral Health, received a national Nursing Excellence Award recognizing her compassionate care and dedication to the hospital’s Community Cares culture. Coworkers say, “Brandie is always in a positive and helping mood. She goes out of her way to be kind, loving and accepting. She is motivational and continues to keep the team positive. Her knowledge is endless. Brandie goes above and beyond for patients in crisis. She comforts them and their family members and takes the time to sit down and listen to the patients.” The Frank Houtman Award was presented to Tom Lock, materials coordinator in Surgical Services. The award is named in honor of a former volunteer who always shared his desire to give back. He enjoyed helping patients and staff. When asked what he looked for in people, he said, “I look for people who shine.” Tom Lock is such a person. Colleagues noted that Tom “goes out of his way to support any department that is in need. He is kind, professional, and helpful. He takes pride in his work and his community.” Outside of the hospital, Tom spends his off time giving back to the community by independently and consistently picking up trash along College Road and ensuring that our community and surrounding waters are clean. Jose Hernandez, Radiology, was named Clinical Director of the Year. Colleagues recognized Jose’s commitment to the hospital, with over 25 years of service, saying, “Jose is a level-headed, responsible leader. His consistency in leading his department and achieving operational goals is a staple in the facility. His experience allows him to steadily lead the department through various challenges to deliver excellent patient care. Jose serves as an example through his commitment to patient care and employee engagement.” Jean Desire, Environmental Services, received the Nonclinical Director of the Year award. Coworkers noted, “Desire embodies the humility and work ethic of a true leader. He is extremely responsive and truly cares about the hospital, its patients, and its staff. Not only does he lead his department, he works alongside his team. His department has contributed to a significant increase in hospital cleanliness scores over the past year. Desire leads by example, willingly working holidays and weekends to ensure the job is done, while always giving credit back to his team for their successes.” Employees recognized for milestone years of service were: Twenty Five Years: Lynda Delph, Phyllis Stout Twenty Years: Marie Louis Fifteen Years: Angelina Ashler, Latanya Campbell, Chris Garry, Shelley Hornbuckle, DeeAnna Lowery-Major, April Nibbe, Zulma Peterson, Alicia Rizzo, Isabel Ruiz-Fernandez, Teresa Alfonso Ten Years: Audra Brock, Annette Brough, Dr. Pasquale Dell’Api, Rachel Fletcher, Isabel Lenderman, Jacqueline Nicksic, Michele Ramirez, Tammy Sarver, Erin Sheehan Five Years: Ioana Amuza, John Bandura, Jessica Barroso, Jeannette Bruein, Adriana Carroll, Marie Centaus, Darryl DeHanas, Andrew Dick, Maureen Cervello, Kristina DuMouchel, Michael Hayes, Leo Hedger, Jessica Laino, Abelina Oglesbee, Sophia Ratcliff-Numez, Katrina Ryder In December, the Key West City Commission unanimously passed a resolution declaring December 25th as "Favorite Son of the Conch Republic Day" in memory of the late Jimmy Buffett. The proclamation, spearheaded by local enthusiast Paul Menta and endorsed by Mayor Teri Johnston, pays tribute to Buffett's profound influence on Key West's cultural fabric and economic prosperity. Recognizing Buffett's enduring legacy, which spans from his Island roots at Crazy Ophelia's, Howie's Lounge, the Chart Room, and Captain Tony's to his global impact through music and entrepreneurial ventures, the proclamation underscores his role in shaping Key West's laid-back lifestyle and promoting it to the world.
To commemorate Buffett's contributions as Key West's favorite son and pioneer of the Trop Rock movement, on Thursday the City Commission green-lighted a city-wide celebration of Jimmy's legacy to be held during Labor Day weekend. The events will take place from August 29th to September 2nd, 2024 and will include themed events, dinners, sailing excursions, tours, contests, and performances at various venues across the island, many of which hold sentimental significance for Buffett and his fans. The highlight of the week-end long extravaganza will be a lively walking 'second line' parade on Sunday, September 1 at 5pm, featuring a marching band procession along Duval Street. The parade will culminate at Truman Waterfront Park, where attendees will enjoy a free "friends of Jimmy" concert experience and festival activities. In true Parrot Head fashion, community engagement lies at the heart of “It's 5 o'clock Key West” endeavors. For a $30 donation, supporters will receive a commemorative souvenir Parade Pass. The proceeds will be managed by the nonprofit Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and distributed to the Bahama Village Music Program to inspire local young musicians and Reef Relief, stewards of our ocean environment, a cause important to Jimmy. The Sunday event will take place both in person and virtually. With the purchase of a lanyard, guests anywhere in the world can be a part of the festivities tuning in to watch the action unfold online while celebrating alongside at home. For local guests, the donation will offer access to special perks and offers from valued local partners. "We're thrilled to launch the inaugural It's 5 o'clock Key West celebration in honor of Jimmy Buffett, an icon beloved by locals and fans worldwide," expressed Menta. "We invite everyone to join us over Labor Day weekend for a memorable tribute to this extraordinary ambassador of the Conch Republic. Stay tuned for updates on the full lineup of events, charitable initiatives, and ways to get involved." For more information and updates on the It's 5 o'clock Key West celebration, visit www.its5oclockkeywest.com and https://www.facebook.com/Its5oclockkeywest New Restaurant in Key West: Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar Opens its Doors in Florida2/13/2024 Key West, FL - February 13, 2024 – Key West welcomes a new culinary gem with the grand opening of Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar at 816 Duval Street. Owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Kirk Coult and Chef Paula Rungsawang Coult, this marks the seventh flagship restaurant and fourth Bangkok Happy Bowl under their expert curation. Bangkok Happy Bowl, Key West is set to become the primary location in the area for Asian cuisine and dining, and it is the only restaurant on Duval Street with an Asian Kitchen that features Thai cuisine and a Sushi Bar.
Nestled in the heart of Key West, Bangkok Happy Bowl is a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Asia. Chef Paula Rungsawang Coult, the culinary genius behind the establishment, brings her original recipes and unwavering commitment to authenticity to create a unique blend of high-quality Thai and Japanese cuisine. Paula has developed, owned and operated Asian restaurants with her signature recipes in the US and Australia for over thirty years. Kirk Coult, co-owner, and Paula have been an Asian restaurant power couple for over two decades. Kirk Coult, co-owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl, expresses his excitement about the new venture, stating, "Key West is a place that resonates with us, and we are thrilled to bring our rich history, dedication, and exquisite Asian cuisine to the Key West community. We look forward to continuing our tradition of offering an unparalleled fusion of culinary traditions from three distinct Asian cuisines and bringing fantastic, nightly live music and good energy to the neighborhood.” For the past thirty years, the building where Bangkok Happy Bowl resides was once a well-known French bakery, Croissants de France. Since then, the building has been fully refreshed and refurbished to provide a wonderfully pristine Asian ambiance with an entertainment garden that provides an amazing flavorful respite in the heart of Key West. Key Features of Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar:
Chef Paula Rungsawang Coult remarks on the distinctiveness of Bangkok Happy Bowl, saying, "Our approach has always been to offer a unique blend of high-quality Thai and Japanese cuisine. Each dish is a masterpiece in its own right, crafted with a deep understanding of culinary traditions and flavors." The menu includes signature dishes, including the iconic Pad Thai, a harmonious blend of stir-fried rice noodles, tofu, and a choice of protein, adorned with crushed peanuts and lime. Diners can also savor the artfully crafted Sushi Rolls, where fresh and premium ingredients combine to create delectable bites that showcase the beauty of Japanese culinary artistry. There is also an array of Thai flavors and distinctive curries on the menu, each a masterpiece that captures the essence of traditional Thai cuisine. Whether it's the aromatic Panang Chicken Curry, the savory Royal Duck Curry, or the flavorful Larb Gui, the menu offers a symphony of tastes that transport diners to the heart of Asia. “Bangkok Sushi Bowl is a broad-based Asian restaurant in Key West,” says Coult. “We will also be offering menu selections from our Vietnamese restaurant Phatt Pho n’ Sushi in Aspen, CO, and our Chinese Bistro, Purple Panda, soon to open in Whistler BC., as well as our Japanese Steakhouse Osake’ Steak and Sushi Bar serving Salida, CO. Bangkok Happy Bowl in Key West is set to become a go-to destination for those seeking an unforgettable Asian dining adventure. To review the menu, visit https://www.bangkokhappybowl.com/key-west-fl-menu. For more information about Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, please visit: https://www.bangkokhappybowl.com/ and try out our other restaurant locations in Breckenridge, Aspen, CO and Kauai. KEY WEST, FL, February 13, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys is teaming up with the Key West Chamber of Commerce to help local high school students, their families, mentors, and guidance counselors through processes related to college applications, decisions, requirements, and deadlines. The free workshop, entitled “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!” will be held on Wednesday, February 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the library on the College’s Key West Campus. The first part of the workshop will focus on writing. Students will receive tips for writing effective essays for both college admissions and scholarship applications. The session will also help parents, mentors, and guidance counselors learn how to better evaluate student essays and suggest improvements. The second half of the workshop will be dedicated to learning about different ways to pay for college through federal grants and loans, scholarships, and payment plans. CFK financial aid staff will provide hands-on guidance through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step required for federal and many other financial aid opportunities. For additional information about “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!,” contact CFK at 305-296-9081. Local veterinarian Dr. Douglas Madar will lead the presentation KEY WEST, FL, February 12, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys continues its 2024 VIP Series with “Global Warming and Wildlife” on Thursday, February 22 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The presentation will be led by local veterinarian and author Dr. Douglas Mader. In its tenth season, the College’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the Views, Ideas, and Perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. The 2024 season includes presentations that focus on timely topics relevant to Keys’ audiences.
Dr. Mader will discuss the impact that increasing temperatures have had on wildlife. He will also explore how changes in water, including droughts and floods, contribute to habitat instability. His presentation will focus on sea turtles, which he calls the proverbial “Canary in the Coal Mine” for our oceans, and the recent phenomena of all female hatchling nests caused by warmer temperatures in South Florida. Dr. Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist with over three decades of experience. He is an internationally acclaimed lecturer and is on the review boards of several scientific journals. Dr. Mader has written medical textbooks and numerous scientific publications. His latest work is "The Vet at Noah's Ark - Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital." He serves many animals in South Florida through his veterinary practice and by serving as the consulting veterinarian for the Monroe County Sheriff's Zoo, the Key West Aquarium, Dynasty Marine, the Sea Turtle Hospital, the Everglades Alligator Farm, Zoo Miami, and the Theater of the Sea. CFK’s 2024 VIP Series is sponsored by First Horizon Bank. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call CFK at 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP. Pre-Sales Begin Tomorrow February 7 at 12pm Local Time + General On Sale Begins Friday, February 9 at 10am Local Time at MichaelFranti.com Additional support includes Niko Moon, Ripe & Bombargo UBUD, Bali – Michael Franti & Spearhead announce the first leg of their Togetherness Tour that will take them across the U.S., including stops at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Tortuga Music Festival and a return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The tour will include special guests Stephen Marley and Trevor Hall, as well as Niko Moon, Bombargo and Ripe on select dates. Pre-sales will begin tomorrow, Feb. 7 at noon local time and general on sale will begin Friday, Feb. 9 at 10am local time at MichaelFranti.com. Additional dates to be announced soon.
Franti & Spearhead’s latest album Big Big Love, dubbed by American Songwriter as “an energizing batch of songs that spotlight the common threads that connect us,” features 17 tracks all cowritten by Franti, with the tour’s name derived from the record’s most important takeaway - TOGETHERNESS. “Togetherness is the central theme in all the songs on our latest record Big Big Love,” shares Franti. “How do we get that feeling of togetherness, that feeling of closeness, that we so often overlooked and took for granted, but now has become so important? Not only just in terms of how we interact with each other in our neighborhoods or our personal relationships, but on a worldwide scale. How do we bridge these gaps so that people can feel close to one another again? “There are forces in the world that use our division to achieve their greedy goals, their political aims, or just to divide people because they want to try to take advantage of it,” he elaborates. “I want to really use my music and my time in my life to bring closeness to people and help them feel like they’re not alone in this world.” Impacting AAA radio on Feb. 20, “Hands Up To The Sky” quickly became a fan-favorite during live shows on last year’s Big Big Love Tour, as the uplifting track permits listeners to make space in their minds and hearts by letting go of emotions and allow room for the joy that follows once on the other side. “Writing ‘Hands Up’ was an important part of my healing journey and putting together the video was cathartic,” reveals Franti. “I lost my father to COVID and after several months of grieving, I saw live music again for the first time – a Balinese band called The Munchies. At one point, I closed my eyes and put my hands up to the sky. My whole body started trembling, tears started coming down my cheeks, and I was laughing and crying and dancing and singing and shouting and just feeling everything over the previous few years rise up and out. “I needed the music to help me open all the parts of my soul that were blocked due to just trying to figure out how to get through life each day. It was a reminder to me of how important music is, as it also brought that feeling of togetherness that I missed so much during the pandemic. That feeling of just being around other people watching a band play and experiencing that together.” Michael Franti & Spearhead’s Togetherness Tour 2024 April 6 Tortuga Music Festival Ft. Lauderdale, FL April 10 Soul Kitchen Music Hall^ Mobile, AL April 12 The Key West Amphitheater^ Key West, FL April 13 Florida Groves Music Festival Orlando, FL April 28 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans, LA May 17 Pure Imagination Prescott, AZ May 24 Los Colonias Park Amphitheater^ Grand Junction, CO May 25 Hipico^ Santa Fe, NM May 26 Durango Mesa Park^ Durango, CO May 29 Belly Up^ Aspen, CO May 31 Red Rocks Amphitheater$ Morrison, CO June 1 Chautauqua Auditorium Boulder, CO June 3 McGrath Amphitheatre*^ Cedar Rapids, IA June 5 EPIC Event Center*^ Green Bay, WI June 6 The Sylvee*^ Madison, WI June 7 Hilde Performance Center*^ Plymouth, MN June 8 KC Live!*^ Kansas City, MO June 11 Steelhouse*^ Omaha, NE June 13 Riverfront Live*^ Cincinnati, OH June 14 Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*^ Indianapolis, IN June 15 Ravinia Festival+^ Highland Park, IL June 16 Evans Amphitheater*^ Cleveland, OH June 18 Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort*^ Middlefield, CT June 19 Summer Stage at Tree House Brew Co*^ Deerfield, MA June 20 Hutton Brickyards Retreat & Event Center*^ Kingston, NY June 21 Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course*^ Grantville, PA June 22 Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards*^ Lafayette, NY June 23 Maine Savings Amphitheater+^ Bangor, ME June 25 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom+^ Hampton Beach, NH June 26 Freeman Arts Pavilion+^ Selbyville, DE June 28 Salvage Station+^ Asheville, NC June 29 Salvage Station#^ Asheville, NC June 30 Roanoke Island Festival Park#^ Manteo, NC July 5 Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ Wilmington, NC July 6 Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ Wilmington, NC July 7 Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ Wilmington, NC July 9 The Chicken Box Nantucket, MA July 10 The Chicken Box Nantucket, MA August 25 Mountain Sol Festival Santa Cruz, CA More dates TBA Support Stephen Marley* Trevor Hall+ Niko Moon# Bombargo^ Ripe$ Evening with Trio show About Michael Franti Michael Franti is a globally recognized musician, activist and award-winning filmmaker revered for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Throughout his multi-decade career, Franti has earned three Billboard No. 1’s with triumphantly hopeful hits “Sound of Sunshine,” “Say Hey (I Love You)” and “I Got You,” as well as six Top 30 Hot AC singles, 10 Top 25 AAA Singles and three Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums. Spearhead’s Follow Your Heart was released in June 2022 and debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Pop Chart behind Harry Styles. Praised by American Songwriter as “an energizing batch of songs that spotlight the common threads that connect us,” Franti & Spearhead’s 13th studio album Big Big Love is available everywhere now, featuring 17 tracks cowritten by Franti, reflecting his tenacity, inclusiveness and optimism. Franti & Spearhead will embark on the Togetherness Tour in 2024, bringing their dynamic and invigorating shows to Soulrockers across the U.S., including a return to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With 60+ dates through the summer, the Togetherness Tour will kick off at the Tortuga Music Festival on April 6 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Bay-Area native resides in Bali when he is not on tour and owns Soulshine Bali, a 32-room top-rated boutique hotel located in Ubud, Bali that focuses on joy through wellness and music, offering unique retreat opportunities and accommodations, along with special events and celebrations. Franti continues to foster community both on and off stage with a wish granting non-profit, Do It For The Love, which brings those with life threatening illnesses, veterans, and children with severe challenges to concerts worldwide, fulfilling over 3,300 wishes and touching the lives of over 12,000 people to date. MichaelFranti.com | Facebook.com/MichaelFranti | Instagram @MichaelFranti | TikTok @MichaelFranti | Twitter @MichaelFranti Public comment period runs Feb. 2 to March 31 HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Everglades National Park is seeking public comment on the park’s upcoming wilderness stewardship plan, which will guide the preservation, management and use of the park’s wilderness lands. The National Park Service (NPS) manages 97% of the park’s 1.5 million acres as wilderness, including submerged marine lands. A StoryMap with details is available on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment site, where written comments may be submitted from Feb. 2 through March 31.
“We are very excited to gather public input on our wilderness stewardship planning effort,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. “Having a wilderness stewardship plan that balances the protection and management of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness with active use and enjoyment by people is essential.” The purpose of the wilderness stewardship plan is to guide the preservation, use and management of the park’s established wilderness areas. In accordance with the Wilderness Act and other applicable laws and policies, the plan would provide long-term direction for:
The NPS will host two virtual civic engagement meetings for the public to learn more and ask questions on Feb. 28 and March 12 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on both days. A link to join the virtual public meetings will be available on the project website under “Meeting Notices.” The meetings will begin with a presentation followed by a moderated question and answer session. Located within Everglades National Park, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness is the largest unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System east of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1934, Everglades National Park was considered wilderness 30 years before the Wilderness Act of 1964 was signed into law and 44 years prior to its official wilderness designation in 1978. The plan would provide general management direction for established wilderness areas, proposed areas for wilderness designation, and potential wilderness within the East Everglades Addition. The plan would also include developed and front country areas that serve as “gateways” to wilderness. This plan would replace Everglades National Park’s 1981 Backcountry Management Plan and supplements park's 2015 General Management Plan. The public can view a StoryMap with information about the planning effort and submit written comments on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at parkplanning.nps.gov/ever-wsp. Although submitting comments through the project website is preferred, comments may also be mailed to: Superintendent Attn: Wilderness Stewardship Plan Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034 Mailed comments must be postmarked by March 31. The next steps will include development of alternatives, additional public comment, and a management decision as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Learn more about Everglades National Park online at nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Since 1997 Equator Resort located on Fleming St. Key West, has been serving the LGBT Community as a male only clothing optional resort. After decades of serving the Key West community, the hotel announced that they will be closing their doors on January 9th 2025 marking the end of an icon in the vibrant and historic Key West hospitality scene.
While management is aware of rumors speculating a sale of the property, they have confirmed these to be false. The decision to close Equator Resort comes due to some additions of shareholders within the family corporation and a new vision for the property moving forward. The new shareholders simply wish to shift their focus while continuing to support the community. General Manager Anthony Sibilly-Juarez expresses gratitude for the support of loyal guests, dedicated staff, and the local community. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Equator Resort. We are immensely grateful for the trust and patronage of our guests over the years. Yet our entire team is excited to embark on a new adventure together with the company, but the memories created within these walls will forever be part of Key West’s rich history." MONROE COUNTY SOLID WASTE: RECYCLING COORDINATOR CAN MEET WITH LOCAL CIVIC GROUPS AND STUDENTS2/1/2024 MONROE COUNTY, FL – The biggest question Solid Waste Recycling Outreach Coordinator Melody Tuschel receives when meeting with local civic groups is, “Does Monroe County really recycle?” Many people say they see their recycles go in the same truck that collects the trash, but Tuschel says her greatest challenge is letting people know that Monroe County really does recycle and how to do it right so it ends up at the mainland recycling center.
Tuschel gave a recycling update to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday on her past six months in the position. “We must all come together to walk the walk,” she said regarding recycling. Tuschel has been busy visiting classrooms and businesses, and meeting with County department heads and staff, rotaries, chambers, and HOAs. She recently audited local parks and beaches to increase recycling, start upcycling projects and craft days at local libraries, and started a recycling ambassador program. She is working toward encouraging good behavior, teaching residents, visitors, and students about food waste, where the pizza box goes (in the trash, not the recycle bin), and the harmful effects of styrofoam. Her goals for 2024 include improving multi-family housing participation, encouraging recycling clubs at local schools, encouraging the use of reusable items in schools, improving county recycling facilities, pushing the use of reusable bags while shopping, and continuing outreach programs. Tuschel is available to meet with civic groups and students to discuss recycling. She can be reached at tuschel-melody@monroecounty-fl.gov or 305-509-0325. |
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