SCOUT KEY, FL - Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Commissioners Holly Merrill Raschein and Craig Cates, and County Administrator Christine Hurley joined Governor Ron DeSantis for the unveiling of a new statue honoring James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States and the namesake of Monroe County. The monument was installed on the west end of the Bahia Honda Bridge on Scout Key as part of Florida’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

County officials attended the ceremony to recognize the historical significance of President Monroe’s connection to Florida and the Florida Keys. Through the 1819 Adams-Onís Treaty, negotiated during Monroe’s administration, Florida transferred from Spain to the United States, a defining moment that ultimately led to the creation of Monroe County and shaped the region’s future development. The monument is part of a statewide initiative that places statues of founders and early American leaders in counties named after them to promote civic education and historical awareness.

“Monroe County is proud to receive a little part of 1776 history in the Florida Keys,” said Lincoln. “This monument highlights our local heritage and also the role the Florida Keys played in the broader story of our nation as it grew.”

The statue stands along the newly designated Spottswood Heritage Trail and near the historic Flagler Railroad bridge and Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve. The site was selected by the state to connect visitors with both the natural and historical resources that define the Keys.

Additional commemorative events related to America’s 250th anniversary are expected to continue statewide throughout the year. Information can be found at america250fl.com.

Key West, FL — The Key West Artisan Market continues its 2026 season on Sunday, February 22, from 10 am to 2 pm at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach with the Lights, Camera, Community Edition, featuring Tropic Cinema. This arts-focused market invites locals and visitors to shop local while celebrating the cultural institutions that make Key West a vibrant and creative island community.

At the Artisan Market, guests are invited to experience a thoughtfully designed open-air showcase featuring fine crafts and art by accomplished Florida Keys makers, elevated food and libations, and sweeping ocean views. The market offers an inspired mix of handcrafted jewelry, original artwork spanning acrylics, watercolor, papercuts, ceramics, and turned wood, bespoke home décor, carefully selected apparel and textiles, artisan breads and cheeses, fresh seasonal produce, local seafood and premium butcher selections, slow-smoked barbecue, indulgent desserts, and authentic global flavors from the Mediterranean, France, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the Caribbean. Great Events Catering offers a full-service bar featuring handcrafted, next-level Bloody Marys and mimosas, while guests may also enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, nitrogen-infused teas, pressed fruit juices, artisanal ice cream, and tropically flavored boozy popsicles.

This market highlights Tropic Cinema, Key West’s independent nonprofit movie theater and cultural hub. Representatives will be onsite sharing information about upcoming films, special events, and educational programming, as well as how the community can support the Cinema’s mission to bring independent, international, and art-house films to the island.

Keys Yacht Rock Station 93.7 will broadcast live from the market throughout the day, sharing island tunes, interviews, and community highlights. Guests can meet local authors signing books, watch artists at work, and explore the newly remodeled Key West Wildlife Center located onsite at Indigenous Park.

The Key West Artisan Market blends community spirit with local creativity and entrepreneurship, pairing nonprofit partners with a vibrant open-air shopping experience by the sea. Each edition supports a different charitable organization working to strengthen the island community. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to BYOB — bring your own shopping bags or pick up a branded bag at the Artisan Market info tent.

The Key West Artisan Market takes place select Sundays at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach, offering a rotating lineup of themes and nonprofit partners throughout the season.
Next Market: Sunday, March 1 — Key West Artisan Market: ReMARCable Editionfeaturing MARC House.

For updates and upcoming editions, visit https://www.facebook.com/KWArtisanMarket. For vendor information, email [email protected] or apply online at https://bit.ly/KWAMVENDOR

[Key West, Florida] —Five descendants of U.S. presidents came together Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla., for the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation’s annual Presidential Descendants Forum. Presented in partnership with the Society of Presidential Descendants, this year’s event, themed, “The Legacy of President Carter,” offered a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, service, and responsible governance. 
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Leading the program were Amy Carter, daughter of President Jimmy Carter, and grandsons James Earl Carter IV and Josh Carter, who spoke about their family’s enduring commitment to public service and humanitarian work. They commemorated Carter, who passed away at age 100 in late 2024, centering on his and his late wife Rosalynn’s lifelong dedication to human rights and compassion, and how those values continue to shape their endeavors today.

The discussion also featured Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford, and Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Harry S. Truman, who offered insights on stewarding presidential legacies and their ancestors’ shared belief in integrity and coalition building regardless of political party. Together, the panelists underscored that leadership extends well beyond elected office through service, advocacy, and public engagement, reflecting on moments of fellowship, shared experience, and the spirit of fraternity and mutual support that continues to unite them.

Reflecting on her father’s lifetime of dedication, Amy Carter recalled: “He really was a man of service, basically from the moment he was born.” Building on this legacy, James Earl Carter IV highlighted the opportunities of his grandfather’s later years: “He said the best job he ever had was being a former president, because he was able to use the fame that gave him to accomplish things he couldn’t as president.”

According to Josh Carter, Jimmy Carter’s post-presidency efforts included a highly successful Guinea worm disease eradication program, resulting in near-total eradication, and travels to North Korea and Liberia to promote peace. “He would go anywhere if he could plant the seeds of peace,” he said.

Through these reflections, the Carters emphasized the enduring principles of service, integrity, and leadership that defined their forebear’s legacy, as well as the partnership between Jimmy and Rosalynn—a bond that shaped their family life, political journey, and lifelong humanitarian work.

The Forum was moderated by Dr. Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center and Foundation, who guided a thoughtful exchange blending personal reflection with historical perspective.

Held at the site where President Truman spent 11 working vacations between 1945 and 1953, the annual Presidential Descendants Forum is recognized as one of the nation’s most distinctive civic and historical Presidents’ Weekend gatherings.
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Presented in part by the not-for-profit Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Presidential Families Weekend and Forum events continue through Monday with two performances of the one-man play “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry,” starring Daniel as his grandfather, and a Monday Presidents Day cookout.   

On Friday, Feb 13, Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Keys welcomed five descendants of U.S. Presidents who participated in a groundbreaking event for a new single-family homebuilding project taking place at 904 Emma Street in Key West’s Bahama Village neighborhood.

The descendants, all on island for Presidents’ Weekend events at the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House, included Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman, Susan Ford Bales, daughter of 38th U.S. President Gerald R. Ford, and three descendants of 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, whose deep commitment to Habitat for Humanity spanned more than 30 years: daughter Amy and grandsons James Earl Carter IV and Josh Carter.

During the event, held in partnership with the Key West Housing Authority, the City of Key West, the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, and the Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Amy Carter presented Habitat with a silver hard hat that belonged to President Carter, which he wore during the 2008 Gulf Coast post-hurricane Katrina construction efforts. The Habitat team, in turn, presented Amy Carter with a tool belt that President Carter had signed when he visited the local organization during a past visit to the Keys.

“This construction will be the 65th Habitat home build in the Lower Keys in the past 30 years and the 14th in the past two years,” said Habitat board director Joe Moody.  “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have been able to accelerate projects in the last 24 months, and have been able to put more deserving families in homes.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys, visit www.habitatlowerkeys.org. 

KEY WEST, FL, February 13, 2026— Bidding is now open in the virtual silent auction for the fourteenth annual Seaside Soirée, The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) Foundation's signature fundraiser providing vital support for CFK students and programs. The auction runs from today, Friday, February 13, through Friday, February 27, closing at 8:30 p.m. during the live event at the Islander Resort in Islamorada.

The auction is open to anyone, anywhere whether attending the event or not. By opening bidding beyond the dance floor, the CFK Foundation aims to maximize community participation and impact for CFK students across the Keys.
Items up for bid span a range of price points and include adventure and travel experiences, dining and catering packages, art, jewelry, books, and more. The auction is live now at:

 https://www.silentauctionpro.com/bidonlinegrid.php?groupId=1795. New items may be added throughout the bidding period, so visitors are encouraged to check back often. Registered bidders will receive email notifications about auction activity, including alerts if they are outbid.

"For 60 years, The College of the Florida Keys has been opening doors for students across our community," said Dr. Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director. "This year, we're not just celebrating that legacy. We're building on it."

The CFK Foundation's annual fundraiser benefits students through scholarships and academic program support while bringing the community together for an evening with neighbors, colleagues, and friends. There are three ways companies, organizations, and individuals can participate and make a difference:

1. Bid: Register for the virtual silent auction and bid on items.
2. Reserve a table or buy an individual ticket: Gather a group of 10 and join the celebration in person at the Islander Resort.
3. Become a sponsor: Sponsor the 60th Anniversary, which includes recognition benefits at both the Seaside Soirée and 60th Anniversary Celebration.

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"Every bid, every ticket, and every sponsorship represent something bigger than supporting an event," added Dr. Gaspari. "Each one is an investment in a student's future and in the next 60 years for the College and our community."

To learn more and support the Seaside Soirée fundraising efforts, visit CFK.edu/soiree or contact Dr. Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at [email protected] or 305-809-3214.

SUGARLOAF KEY, FL – Earlier this week, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of a 45-year-old man on Feb. 10, 2026, for breaking into and living at the fire station on Sugarloaf Key for approximately seven days. For clarification, the vacant building has been unoccupied since July 2025 and is in the permitting process for demolition. 

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From MCSO: Mark Alvarado was charged with burglary and theft. A Monroe County fire official notified the sheriff’s office that an unknown subject, later identified as Alvarado, was trespassing at Sugarloaf Fire Station 10. The sheriff’s office observed Alvarado in the second-floor living quarters. Alvarado stated he was homeless, from New York state, and had been staying at the station while using the building’s water and electricity. Avarado stated he had been there about a week. He was also wearing an MCFR polo shirt and shorts, which he admitted he had stolen from the station. He was taken to jail.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County, in partnership with SoilMate Composting and sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida, has extended its Upper Keys Food Waste Collection Pilot through Feb. 27, thanks to a generous donation from a local resident.

The pilot project allows residents to divert food scraps from landfills and turn them into nutrient-rich compost. The extension provides additional weeks for participants to continue dropping off food waste at designated sites as Monroe County evaluates long-term options to reduce landfill use and help address South Florida’s regional waste challenges.

Residents must register to participate and may drop off food waste free of charge at any of the following Upper Keys locations:

• Ocean Studies Charter School – 11-27 Rock Harbor Drive, Key Largo (behind playground)
• Atlantic Trash and Transfer – 300 Atlantic Drive, Key Largo
• Coral Isles Church – 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier (behind fellowship hall)

Biodegradable bags are available at all locations. Only food scraps will be accepted; no yard waste, paper products, unapproved compostable bags, or plastics should be placed in the bin.

“This program gives residents a simple, convenient way to be part of a solution,” said Monroe County Recycling Coordinator Melody Tuschel. “Every pound of food waste diverted is one less pound ending up in the landfill.”

Residents can register at www.your-soilmate.com/pages/monroe. After attending a brief education session, an access code is given for the drop-off sites.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County is hosting two community workshops to discuss proposed regulations relating to food trucks (mobile food-dispensing vehicles) that operate at a fixed location for more than six months.

Workshop Details:

• Key Largo: Murray Nelson Government Center: Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
• Stock Island: Bernstein Park Conference Room: Friday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

In July 2025, the Board of County Commissioners directed the Planning and Environmental Resources Department to proceed with an amendment to the county’s Land Development Code to create specific regulations pertaining to food trucks. The goal of these workshops is to gain insight from community members into the impacts of each proposed regulation. The workshops are open to the public. Residents, food truck vendors, business owners, and anyone interested in the process are invited to attend. There will be additional opportunities to discuss the proposed regulations at public meetings once the proposals are ready to move through the county text amendment process.

Staff have also prepared an online survey regarding food trucks in unincorporated Monroe County. The survey should take about 7 minutes to complete and will close on March 6.  Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/mcfoodtruck

For information on the current regulations related to food truck uses within unincorporated Monroe County, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/181. For additional questions, email [email protected] and [email protected].