KEY WEST, FL – Monroe County Social Services, which was temporarily located at the Lester Building at Jackson Square in Key West, will move back into its permanent location on the first floor at the Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street in Key West starting Monday, Feb. 24. Their temporary location at the Lester Building will also remain open Monday, Feb. 24 - Friday, Feb. 28 to smooth the transition.

KEY WEST, Fla. – This week, Lower Keys Medical Center held a celebration marking more than 900 days without a serious safety event, a significant milestone in the work to deliver safe, quality patient care.  Keeping patients safe is the first priority for the hospital and this milestone has been achieved through steady attention and utilizing evidence based best practices. 
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Local officials joined in the festivities, with guests including Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez, Dr. Carla Fry and Dr. Mark Roby from the Department of Health, and Keith Hernandez, Edward Perez and Jason Bogoeff from Key West Fire Rescue. 

The historic vessel, Schooner Hindu, will celebrate her 100th anniversary on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the foot of Margaret Street, in the Key West bight.

Designed by William Hand, built in East Booth Bay, Maine, and first launched in 1925, the wooden Schooner Hindu has recently emerged beautifully from a four-year restoration project. The hull and the bulwarks gleam like fine furniture. The gold filigree sparkles. After this four-year hiatus, the captain and crew are eager to again sail in Key West, Hindu’s winter home for twenty years.

Hindu’s history includes a stint sailing to India to purchase spices for trade in Boston. Along the way, the vessel was christened “Hindu,” and the name stuck. Later, during World War II, Hindu was commandeered by the Navy to serve as a scout for German U-boats along the eastern seaboard. With a machine gun mounted to her foredeck and sonar below, the then gray-painted hull was lined with depth charges. After her WWII service she was purchased by Al Avellar, a storied captain who launched the first whale-watching trips in Provincetown under her billowing sails. She has summered in Provincetown ever since. Whether in Key West or Provincetown, Hindu offers day sails, sunset sails, weddings and private charters to a discerning clientele who appreciate its rarity, beauty and history.  

The centennial celebration will include live music starting at 11 a.m. by local favorites like Rich McKay and the Sundogs, Skipper Kripitz, the End of the Road Ukulele Gang, Nancy 3 Hoffman, Cayman Smith-Martin, and the dynamic Les Greene of Patrick and the Swayzees, recently returned from touring the world with the Daybreaker community, appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” and more. Les will re-create his musical Key West beginnings, when he sang for tips to the guitar of Robert Pirtle at Mallory Square. More musical artists will be announced.

Music will feature songs of the sea, including originals like “The Ballad of the Atocha,” and traditional sing-alongs and sea shanties. Surrounding restaurants like the Half Shell Ray Bar, the Boathouse, and specialty food trucks will offer fine fare and drink. Artists and craft vendors will present their wares. On-board tours of the 85’ Hindu will be available at Dock C.  After the sun sets over the Historic Seaport, bring a chair to watch a sea-faring film to be shown on the raised sail of the Hindu. And of course, tickets will be available for future sails
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Hindu is owned and operated by “Sail as You Are,” a non-profit organization fostering a vibrant and diverse maritime culture that celebrates history while setting an example for the future. More information is available at SailAsYouAre.org. Tickets for future sails on the Hindu and Argo Navis, the luxury catamaran in the Hindu fleet, and the last boat to be built on Stock Island, may be purchased at the event, online at SailArgoNavis.com, or by calling 305-509-1771.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy Key West Lodge #2436 has teamed up with the Tropic Cinema to present, “Italian Night at the Movies” to support their 2025 scholarship fund for area High School seniors of Italian descent. Occurring once a month through June, next up in the series is “Cabrini,” which will be screened on International Women’s Day, Saturday, March 8 at 6:15pm. The first 40 women to check in for the film will receive a yellow mum donated by Love in Bloom Florist.

Directed by Alejandro Monteverde,  with Cristiana Dell’Anna in the title role, “Cabrini” was released in 2024 by Angel Studios and is in English with some Italian. Arriving in New York City in 1889, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini is greeted by disease, crime and impoverished children. She soon sets off on a daring mission to convince the mayor to secure housing and health care for society’s most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world has ever seen.

Doors open at 5:30pm; film starts at 6:15pm and the evening includes complimentary limoncello and biscotti for ticket holders along with a chance drawing for an Aqua D’Keys travel tote filled with Aqua D’Keys body lotion, body wash, Eau du Parfum and a candle, a set of Ralph DePalma “Soul of Key West” books, or two tickets for admission to another Italian movie in the series.
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Tickets are $20 per person and are available online at TropicCinema.com or day-of at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. 

From Wednesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 6, Key West, Florida’s annual Key Lime Festival celebrates the world’s most sensational citrus with a spectacular lineup of festivities taking place across the very island where Key lime pie was conceived.
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Events, activities, and competitions are to include a kick-off cookbook signing and champagne reception with Festival co-founder and “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook” author David Sloan; delicious Key lime-centric dinner and brunch events; a wild and world famous Key lime pie eating contest; a gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition – from the top of the Key West Lighthouse; a Key lime pie hop, mini Key lime pie making classes; a 4th of July 5K; and for those with a taste for limey libations, Key lime rum tastings and a bar Sip & Stroll. There’s much more, including numerous family-friendly activities. The Key Lime Festival 2025 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, visit http://www.keylimefestival.com

​MONROE COUNTY, FL –  Today, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners swore in Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief Rene Luis “RL” Colina, and his wife Stephanie pinned him. Colina has led the organization since his January Board of County Commissioners confirmation.
 
Colina started with Monroe County in February 2020 as a battalion chief and fire marshal and became deputy chief in August 2021. Before coming to Monroe County, he worked for the Apopka (Florida) Fire Department, starting in 1997. Many of his colleagues, who he has worked with over the years from across the state, joined him this morning at the ceremony along with his family. He has a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Medical Services from the University of Florida and numerous certifications from the Florida State Fire College and the National Fire Academy. 
 
“It is an honor to serve the communities within Monroe County as its fire chief,” said Colina. “I stand proudly with our Monroe County Fire Rescue members in providing exceptional life-saving services.”

​KEY WEST, FLA – Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized Key West International Airport Executive Director Richard Strickland Wednesday for being named the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Commercial Service Airport Manager of the Year, Southern Region. The award was announced during the 2025 FAA Southern Region Conference in Atlanta on Feb. 4.
 
“This is an important recognition for Richard and our airport,” said Scholl. “He was selected for the award among 30 airports across eight states and Puerto Rico for his contributions to significant growth at Key West International Airport since his arrival in 2018.”
 
The FAA Southern Region includes some of the busiest air routes in the United States.
 
“I was honored to receive this award from the FAA,” Strickland said. “It has been and continues to be a privilege to serve the aviation industry at Key West International Airport.”
 
This is Strickland’s second career award after being named Airport Professional of the Year by the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives in May 2023.

​KEY WEST, FL, February 19, 2025—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 5 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, nursing, and education
• Guaranteed transfer to Florida universities with an Associate in Arts degree
• Affordability: cost comparisons, financial aid, scholarships, payment plans
• Steps to become a CFK student

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 Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected] or call 305-809-3207.

KEY WEST, FL – The Key West Artisan Market is raising the woof —literally—on Sunday, February 23, as it hosts a special edition in support of the Key West K9 Relief Fund, an organization dedicated to providing assistance for retired police service dogs. From 10 AM to 2 PM, visitors can enjoy a vibrant outdoor market at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach, while contributing to the care of these hardworking canine heroes.
 
The K9 Relief Fund provides vital support for retired police service dogs in the Keys, covering essential medical expenses and ensuring these loyal working animals receive the care they deserve after a lifetime of service. Donations and community events like the Key West Artisan Market help sustain these efforts, giving back to the K9s who have protected and served.
 
The market, located in the parking lot of Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park (1801 White Street), is a pet-friendly event and welcomes well-behaved four-legged friends. Conveniently positioned next to the Higgs Beach Dog Park, it’s the perfect opportunity for pet lovers to shop, socialize, and support a worthy cause.
 
Guests can sip on bloody marys, mimosas, craft cocktails, coffee, and fresh juices, while browsing a curated selection of vendors offering fine crafts, art, jewelry, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, honey, baked goods, soaps, and more. Multiple food stalls will be serving up delicious options to enjoy on-site or take home.
 
Live music from local musicians will add to the festive atmosphere, along with talented writers from the Author's Guild. The Key West Wildlife Center, located within the park, will also be open for free tours, raffles and tickets to their fundraiser, offering a chance to learn more about local wildlife conservation efforts.
 
The Key West Artisan Market encourages visitors to make a day of it by exploring nearby attractions, including the West Martello Tower botanical gardens, White Street Pier, and the scenic shores of Higgs Beach. Guests are encouraged to ride bikes and BYOB (bring your own bags) to support sustainable shopping practices.
 
For more information, follow the Key West Artisan Market on social media. For more information on the K9 Relief Fund, contact Rebecca Ahrensfeld [email protected] or visit https://cffk.org/k9/
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​KEY WEST, Fla. – As part of its work to bring more specialist services to Key West, Lower Keys Medical Center and Keys Medical Group Orthopedics recently welcomed Aldo R. Beretta, M.D., board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon.
 
Dr. Beretta specializes in spine, hip, and knee replacements. Advances in medical technology have made joint replacement therapy an effective option to treat chronic joint pain from arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases or injury.
 
A graduate of Brown University Medical School in Providence, R.I., Dr. Beretta completed his surgical residency at Harvard Surgical Services, Beth Israel Hospital, and his orthopedic residency at Tufts University, New England Medical Center, both in Boston, Mass. He completed a spine fellowship at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, Mass. He is board-certified by the American Board of OrthopedicSurgery and is a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
 
Orthopedic Care for the Keys
Keys Medical Group Orthopedics offers resources for patients in the Lower Keys through support from
specialists in Naples, Fla., to help Keep Care in the Keys. The multidisciplinary orthopedic care team at
Lower Keys Medical Center includes orthopedic doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists who provide care. Dr. Beretta joins Christopher Bensen, M.D., Lindsay Hickerson, M.D., Bryan Hanypsiak, M.D., and Amanda Meyer, PA-C at Keys Medical Group Orthopedics.
 
In addition to surgery, Lower Keys Medical Center and its providers offer a range of orthopedic services
to help you get back to the life you enjoy, from injury prevention and recovery to rehabilitation. An
important part of the surgical process is helping patients prepare for the procedure and understand the
steps to recovery after surgery. The team works with patients from diagnosis through recovery.
 
About Keys Medical Group Orthopedics
Keys Medical Group Orthopedics is located at 1111 12th Street, Suite 201, Key West, FL 33040.
Appointments may be requested at (305)295-3477 or at KeysMedicalGroup.com.