 KEY WEST, Fla. (February 28, 2025) –Lower Keys Medical Center is kicking off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting SOS Foundation Stock Island Food Pantry and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in the local area. Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. Yet, it is one of the least donated items. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive kicks off on March 3, 2025 and will run through March 24, 2025. In anticipation of the drive, over 40 jars of peanut butter have already been donated by employees and the hospital’s Nutrition Services department.
“Lower Keys Medical Center not only supports the patients who come through our doors, we are also committed to supporting better health throughout our community,” said Dr. Sal Perla, Interim CEO. “With the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive we can help a vital community organization reduce hunger in our area.” Tiffany Pellicier, Director of Community Impact with United Way of Collier and the Keys, a partner organization which supports SOS Foundation, said, “Too many of our neighbors are making impossible decisions – choosing between rent, electricity, or putting food on the table. According to the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, 43% of households in Monroe County are living paycheck to paycheck, and 13% of residents are food insecure. Our latest data reveals the monthly cost to feed a family of four is $1,310. These are hardworking families who simply don’t earn enough to cover basic needs. No one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.” Residents in the Lower Keys are invited to participate. Donations of peanut butter – and sunflower, almond, and soy butters – can be dropped off at the Front Desk in the main lobby of Lower Keys Medical Center, Mondays through Saturdays, from 7 am to 7 pm.
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The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and The Society of Presidential Descendants are pleased to announce that First, Second, and Third-Place prizes have been awarded in the third annual “Presidential Families Weekend” student essay competition, which was introduced in 2023 as a youth educational component of the Foundation’s annual array of Presidents Day weekend events.
Open to all Monroe County high school students, awards were announced and presented following the 2025 “Presidential Descendants Forum,” a live moderated discussion among a panel of presidential descendants held Saturday, Feb. 15, on the grounds of the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House. Student competitors researched and wrote on the forum’s 2025 theme of “Historic Preservation—artifacts, objects and sites. Preserving our nation’s history for future generations.” First Place award was presented to Seava “Kai” Lamontagne, an 11th grade student at Key West High School, by presidential descendant Massee McKinley, great-great grandson of 22nd and 24th U.S. President Grover Cleveland, for Kai’s essay titled, “FDR’s New Deal: A Bridge from Key West to the Future.” Second Place award was presented to Mila Seigert, an 11th grade student at The Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, by presidential descendant Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, for Mila’s essay titled, “The perseverance of Historical Preservation in the Face of the Great Depression.” Third Place award was awarded to Davin Leggett, a 12th grade student at Key West High School by Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-great-grandson of 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, for Davin’s essay titled, “Preserving the 9/11 Memorials and Museum.” Juried by members of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and The Society of Presidential Descendants, competitor’s submissions were judged on factors that included their skill at presenting the subject compellingly, according to competition guidelines. Competitors were also required to provide documentation of having performed community service work during the past two years. Monroe County School District Social Studies Coordinator Jennifer C. Barrios acted as liaison between the school district and the competition organizers. First, Second and Third Place winners received cash prizes and tickets to attend the Feb. 15 forum. “All of us from The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and The Society of Presidential Descendants who have been involved with the competition are immensely proud of these students and the caliber of their work,” said Clinton Curry, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We so look forward to seeing where their paths might lead them in the future.” The mission of The Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, and programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historic and cultural influences of the Truman era. For more information about The Foundation and its programs, contact Foundation Deputy Director Michael Ables at [email protected].  Key West, FL —The Studios of Key West will host an extraordinary cultural event as Tomasz Jedrowski’s acclaimed LGBTQ novel, Swimming in the Dark, hailed as a modern literary classic for its poignant exploration of love and identity under political oppression, is reimagined as a compelling opera. A pivotal milestone in the project—a developmental staged concert featuring Act One of the opera—will premiere at The Studios on Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at The Studios' box office, by calling 305-296-0458, or visiting tskw.org.
This bold adaptation is a collaboration between composer Martin Hennessy, librettist Stephen Kitsakos, and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music Opera & Ballet Theater. Featuring 18 artists from Jacobs, the production highlights the significance of adapting powerful literary works into opera, a medium uniquely capable of expressing the depth and complexity of human emotion. “The story unfolds in 1980, as the communist Polish People’s Republic teeters on the edge of collapse,” said librettist Stephen Kitsakos. “At its heart is a passionate love affair, but it’s also a gripping political thriller set in a country being torn apart by upheaval.” The opera follows Ludwik and Janusz, two young men whose love is tested by the political turmoil of their time. Their romance begins during a mandatory agricultural camp, where they bond over James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room. Ludwik, drawn to acts of subversion, aligns with the Solidarity movement, while Janusz clings to survival within the communist system. The result is a heartbreaking exploration of love, identity, and the cost of living authentically in an oppressive society. Directed by Michael Shell, Resident Opera Stage Director at the Jacobs School, the 85-minute Act One will be performed in English by 12 singers and a chamber ensemble. This workshop not only introduces the first act of the opera to audiences but underscores its place in the larger developmental process, showcasing the cultural importance of adapting landmark queer stories for the stage. Kitsakos and Hennessy have a long history of presenting innovative operas, including Single Occupancies, which premiered at The Studios in 2020, and The Pleasing Recollection, which debuted there before its New York premiere at Feinstein’s/54 Below. Kitsakos’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns, with music by Sheila Silver, premiered with Seattle Opera in 2023 and was shortlisted for Best New Opera at the International Opera Awards. Hennessy’s recent commission with Madrid’s Teatro Real features a libretto by Spanish poet Irma Correa. The Jacobs School of Music Opera & Ballet Theater has collaborated with renowned companies such as the Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Seattle Opera. Recently, it partnered with the Metropolitan Opera to workshop The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon. Swimming in the Dark is a poignant reminder of how love and art can challenge political oppression, a message that feels especially urgent today as LGBTQ rights face renewed attacks. Whether you’re a seasoned opera fan or completely new to the genre, Swimming in the Dark promises an unforgettable experience and a powerful evening of love, art, and resistance. Experience a story that dares to explore the intersection of passion and politics, brought to life through the transformative power of opera. As a special addition to this event, Tomasz Jedrowski will appear at Books & Books at The Studios on Friday, March 21, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss his novel Swimming in the Dark. This intimate conversation will provide audiences with deeper insight into the story that inspired the opera. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the event will take place in the PEAR House Courtyard at 529 Eaton Street. Registration for Jedrowski’s reading is required and can be completed at booksandbookskw.com.  KEY WEST, FL – The Key West Artisan Market is proud to announce its ReMARCable Edition on Sunday, March 2, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach, with the market set up in the parking lot at Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park (1801 White Street), just across from White Street Pier. This special edition honors The Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, a non-profit agency dedicated to serving adult clients in Monroe County with developmental disabilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the agency’s dedicated staff, compassionate volunteers, and inspiring clients.
In celebration of community and creative spirit, guests will enjoy an enticing array of refreshments including Bloody Marys, mimosas, a full bar selection, coffee, natural juices, and fresh cut fruit. Multiple food stalls will be offering delicious options for dine-in or take-away, ensuring that there’s something to satisfy every appetite. The market boasts a curated collection of fine crafts, art, and jewelry created by talented Florida Keys makers. Shoppers can also stock their pantries and fridges with a remarkable selection of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, local seafood, honey, pickles, pastries, and artisanal soaps, among many other local delights. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy live music from awesome local musicians while supporting featured charities. In collaboration with the Key West Wildlife Center, the event will also offer free (donation-based) tours, providing a unique insight into local wildlife conservation efforts. Perfectly situated near the Higgs Beach Dog Park, the free West Martello Tower botanical gardens, and the picturesque White Street Pier, this pet-friendly market offers an ideal backdrop of the alluring Atlantic Ocean just across Higgs Beach. Open every Sunday through April from 10 AM to 2 PM, the market remains a cherished local tradition—by locals, for locals. Entry is free, with ample free parking available, and guests are encouraged to ride bikes and BYOB (bring your own bags) to promote eco-friendly practices. The MARC House serves as a vibrant community hub dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities through personalized support, creative programs, and a welcoming environment. Those interested in learning more about their transformative work, volunteer opportunities, and community events can explore detailed information on their official website at https://marchouse.org. Guests interested in learning more about the Key West Artisan Market and its exciting events can visit the market's official website and follow its social media channels for up-to-date information, vendor lineups, and event details. #WhereTheLocalsMeet #SeeAndBeSeen #KWAM Duval Square’s Jag Gallery announces its newest exhibit MARCH ON opening on March 5th. MARCH ON features new works from longtime Key West and internationally recognized, award winning artists Carol Munder and John Martini. Carol, a master at the early art form of photogravure returns once again with a new series, at once enchanting and evocative. From John, a new and always anticipated collection of polychrome steel sculpture which never disappoints along with a series of bold monoprints produced at his summer studio at Veuxhalles-Sur-Aube, France
Meet the artists as MARCH ON opens with a gallery reception on Wednesday March 5th from 5:30 - 7:30. Gallery events are free and open to the public. MARCH ON continues through March 30th and will be available online at jaggallery.art. For additional information/inquiries contact the gallery at [email protected] or by phone at 305.407.6202 Long considered a top Key West destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine, contemporary art showcasing work of prominent and emerging artists from Key West and beyond, Jag Gallery is located at 1075 Duval Street, with ample, free parking at the Simonton Street entrance to Duval Square  Key West, FL - February 26, 2025 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro, a beloved hotspot on Duval Street, is excited to introduce a new daily Happy Hour, running from 3-6 PM, featuring $8 specials on Thai kitchen appetizers, sushi rolls, handcrafted cocktails, and more. This enticing offering invites guests to unwind in the heart of Key West with bold flavors and refreshing drinks—perfect for a casual meet-up before dinner or an evening out.
“Our Happy Hour is all about creating a space where people can gather, relax, and enjoy exceptional food and drinks at a great value,” says Kirk Coult, owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests to our newly designed bar, where they can sip on handcrafted cocktails, savor delicious bites, and soak in the lively atmosphere before settling in for dinner and music.” Guests can experience this exciting addition at Bangkok Happy Bowl’s brand-new bar, a stylish and inviting space that enhances the overall dining experience. The modern design and warm ambiance make it the perfect setting to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or appetizer while immersing in the vibrant energy of Key West. Beyond Happy Hour, Bangkok Happy Bowl continues to elevate the dining experience with its stellar lineup of nightly live music. March’s schedule features an eclectic mix of talented local and regional musicians, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for all who visit. March Music Schedule
“We’re so excited to keep the music going six to seven nights a weekthroughout March,” says Coult. “With our new $8 Happy Hour, guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, Thai appetizers, and sushi rolls while immersing themselves in the incredible local music scene.” Whether stopping by for Happy Hour specials or enjoying the live performances, Bangkok Happy Bowl is the ultimate Key West destination for authentic Asian flavors, great drinks, and an unforgettable atmosphere. 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. FLORIDA KEYS TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION COMMITTEE MEETS TO DISCUSS UPCOMING PROJECT PRIORITIES2/25/2025  MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County and municipal representatives of the Florida Keys Transportation Coordination Committee met on Monday at the Marathon Government Center to discuss updates to the Florida Dept. of Transportation’s (FDOT) five-year work plan and the Transportation Master Plan. There were originally 183 projects in the Transportation Master Plan, of which the FDOT has addressed 75. The committee is tasked with ranking top transportation needs and bringing new ideas forward to present a prioritized list of transportation needs to the county and municipal governments. Once the elected bodies of each municipality have input, county staff will coordinate with the FDOT to prioritize projects for inclusion in the FDOT Work Plan by June 2025.
Some suggestions the group discussed included right-turn-only lanes, bike lane enhancement, minimal speed postings, especially in areas like the Seven Mile Bridge, pedestrian safety ideas for the “triangle” area leading into Key West, e-bike concerns, expanding the Conch Connect service, and widening some lanes, with an emphasis on bridges, from two to four lanes, among other topics. “It is important for us to look at the near future of transportation and also look at what our needs may be 20, 40, and even 60 years down the road,” said Monroe County Transportation Executive Director Richard Clark. “By bringing the ideas of the county and the cities together as a whole for the work plan, we can make sure we are all on the same page with our needs now and for future generations.” The committee will meet again in March, and several more times before June 2025. Date, time, location, and Zoom information will be posted at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar when announced. More information on the committee can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/transportation. At the last Monroe County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved moving forward with Monroe County Comprehensive Plan updates to allow widening some areas of U.S. 1 from two to four lanes, as well as expanding the Conch Connect service to more areas of the Florida Keys, depending on budget considerations.  MONROE COUNTY, FL --This weekend marked 100 days left until the start of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Florida Division of Emergency Management and Monroe County Emergency Management urge all Florida Keys community members to be proactive in preparing for and staying informed on what potential hazards may impact our area in the event of a storm.
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Preparedness Tips:
FLORIDA KEY, FL – Monroe County and its municipalities are updating the Multi-Jurisdictional Local Mitigation Strategy. Local governments are required to prepare and update these plans to be eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation assistance grants following storms and other disasters.
Public input is critical to the planning process. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief public survey to provide your input on hazard risks and mitigation options. Click here or scan the QR code for the survey. For more information about the plan update, visit https://www.monroecountyfl-lms.com/. On this site, you will find information about upcoming and past Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group meetings and public meetings, the link for the public survey, draft documents, and other mitigation planning resources.  In recognition of the 5th anniversary of the Keys COVID-19 lockdown, on Thursday, March 27 at 6:00pm at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St., a group of photographers, journalists and filmmakers will form a panel to discuss and reflect on the COVID-19 Spring of 2020, defined as running from March 1, when Florida’s first COVID-19 cases were announced, to June 1, the day after the upper Keys quarantine checkpoint was dismantled. Sponsored by the Monroe County Library, and titled “Five Years Later: Looking Back at Key West’s Covid Lockdown,” scheduled panelists are Chris Sloan, producer of the short-film documentary, “Key West: 66 Days of Paradise Interrupted,” and “Isolated Island – The Key West COVID-19 Spring of 2020” book creators and contributors Roberta DePiero, Corey Malcom, Rob O’Neal, Andy Newman, and Carol Tedesco. Keys Weekly editor Mandy Miles will moderate. Admission is free; seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis. For more information contact Michael Nelson, Monroe County Assistant Director of Libraries at [email protected].
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