KEY WEST, FL (MARCH 28, 2024) – Lower Keys Medical Center employees participated in the second annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive in March, collecting 100 jars of peanut butter for the SOS Foundation Stock Island Food Pantry.
 
“We recognize the impact hunger has on an individual’s health and wellbeing, and our employees wanted to help those in the community who struggle with food insecurity,” said David Clay, Chief Executive Officer of Lower Keys Medical Center.
 
“One in seven Americans face hunger issues, up 30% over last year. In Monroe County, 9.3% of residents experience food insecurity, with an average cost per meal of $4.85, the highest in Florida,” said Leah Stockton, Keys Area President of United Way of Collier and the Keys.
 
Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because it is a good source of protein and because of its long shelf life. Morgan Tracey, Executive Director of SOS Foundation said, “Peanut butter is a go to item for families but is difficult to order the smaller jars in bulk quantities in individual jars so we appreciate this donation from the employees of Lower Keys Medical Center.”
 
The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was created to coincide with National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2nd. 

​KEY WEST, FL (MARCH 28, 2024) – AI-assisted applications continue to enhance healthcare technologies. Lower Keys Medical Center will now be utilizing an AI-assisted endoscopy device that helps doctors identify colorectal polyps during procedures, such as colonoscopies. AI technology recognizes visual characteristics associated with abnormalities and highlights areas of concern on the screen, allowing doctors to more easily locate them before polyps become cancerous. The physician can then determine if the abnormality is a polyp and whether or not to remove it during the procedure.
 
"According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing colorectal cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women," said Orlando Lopez-Roman, MD, FACG, AGAF, board-certified gastroenterologist with Keys Medical Group. "Early detection is key to treating colorectal cancer."
 
“Investing in this new technology enhances the care our patients receive and can improve outcomes. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so this new service begins at an ideal time”, said David Clay, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “We are committed to investing in services that further our mission to ‘help people get well and live healthier’.”
 
Colonoscopies are the optimal and most common screening for colorectal cancer. Current guidelines recommend that individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer schedule a colonoscopy at age 45.

​Delivers quality care and broad impact to the larger community

​KEY WEST, FL (MARCH 29, 2024) - Over the course of 2023, Lower Keys Medical Center played a vital role helping people get well and live healthier at more than 132,000 patient encounters across its hospital and growing network of Keys Medical Group physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care.
 
At more than 23,000 emergency department visits last year, lifesaving medically necessary care was provided for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Lower Keys Medical Center provided more than $52 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable.
 
“Our caregivers play a crucial role in our community every day of the year,” said David Clay, chief executive officer for Lower Keys Medical Center. “In the past several years, including Hurricane Irma and the pandemic, our team remained dedicated and determined to continue providing compassionate care, 24 hours a day.”
 
The hospital’s work to help address social determinants of health in the community includes financial donations to charitable organizations such as Wesley House Family Services, Samuel’s House, and Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Keys, made in honor of our medical staff on Doctors’ Day 2023. Hospital team members support numerous charitable and community events each year through sponsorships, donations and volunteerism.
 
Lower Keys Medical Center applies its resources to medical services, facilities, technologies and specialties that help our patients remain in the community for care. Since 2016, those resources – more than $47 million – have funded expansion of inpatient behavioral health, recruitment of specialists to Keys Medical Group, and the opening of the Women’s Imaging Center. In 2023, capital investments of more than $4 million enhanced patient comfort and provider usage in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and expanded testing availability with construction of a foundation for positron emission tomography (PET) equipment. Recruitment of more medical specialties remains a priority, with recent success in securing additional providers in gastroenterology, cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and otolaryngology.
 
Civic resources and services are supported by Lower Keys Medical Center’s tax payments of more than $3 million and the payroll of more than $55 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services.
 
Workforce development remains a focus and strong relationships with the College of the Florida Keys and Arcadia University provide nursing graduates and physician assistant students education and rotation opportunities. Financial commitments help team members achieve their personal and professional goals through assistance with student loan repayments, as well as tuition and housing assistance.
 
Clay continued, “The compassionate care provided by our team members is only one part of the broad impact we have, adding up to more than $123 million last year alone. We recognize that our services are essential to this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide quality health care and make the Lower Keys a healthier community for all.”
 
To help the community live healthier, Lower Keys Medical Center offers free community education classes and a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at https://www.lkmc.com/enewsletter-sign-up.

​TAVERNIER, FL – Monroe County will hold two public workshops for feedback on potential redesign efforts for the Harry Harris Park in Tavernier to make it more resilient and improve overall use.  Harry Harris Park is a pet-friendly, oceanfront public park vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm events, and overall flood risk. The park’s amenities include two ball fields, a boat ramp, a playground, a beach area, restroom facilities, and Wilkinson Point. The park also has pavilions, barbecues, picnic tables, a basketball court, and a protected swimming area. This project aims to protect the park and enhance its resiliency and overall community benefit.

• Meeting #1 will be held on Tuesday, April 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Harry Harris Park Pavilion, 50 E Beach Rd, Tavernier.
• Meeting #2 will be held on Tuesday, April 30, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Murray E. Nelson Building, 102050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo. A virtual link will also be available.

Monroe County staff has been working on design concepts to make the park more resilient following damage after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Several design concepts are being evaluated, such as:

• Rebuilding the swimming area jetty with engineered armor stone
• Replacing/improving revetments near the boat ramp and along Wilkinson Point
• Addition of a resilient boardwalk along the water’s edge
• Flood-proofing of new lighting or electrical systems added
• Replacing impervious surfaces with pervious or semi-pervious pavements
• Fortify the shoreline adjacent to the boat ramp and tie into the swimming area jetty and Wilkinson Point structures on either side
• Elevate structures upon the end of useful life or need for major repairs
• Extend and improve walkways on the north end of the park and provide play pods or exercise stations along improved walkways
• Additional trees and/or native vegetation planting areas

The community is invited to attend one or both of the public workshops to provide feedback on the design concepts the County has developed or bring new ideas,” said Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag. “We want to hear from the community about this critical project to protect and improve Harry Harris Park.”
 
Visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar for meeting information.

Key West, FL - March 24, 2024 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro Key West, the newest culinary gem on Duval Street, is thrilled to announce its nightly music schedule for April. Combining the finest in Asian cuisine with the vibrant sounds of local musicians, Bangkok Happy Bowl promises an unforgettable dining experience for Key West locals and visitors alike.

Located at 816 Duval Street in Key West, Bangkok Happy Bowl offers an enticing fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisine in a charming setting complete with a garden patio. From traditional Thai dishes to exquisite sushi creations, every bite at Bangkok Happy Bowl is a journey through the flavors of Asia.

Adding to the ambiance, Bangkok Happy Bowl presents live music performances every evening from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Guests can enjoy a diverse lineup of talented artists spanning various genres, promising something to delight every musical palate.

"We're excited to present our dynamic array of music and artists to our guests throughout April," says Kirk Coult, co-owner. "From Americana to Reggae, our lineup offers something for everyone, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for our diners to relax and unwind. Our nightly music schedule adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for our guests."

Whether you're craving authentic Asian flavors, live music, or both, Bangkok Happy Bowl is the ultimate destination for a memorable dining experience in Key West.

On Friday, April 5th, Max Irwin will be the first DJ in the garden spinning Soulful, Funky Sounds from around the World.

Join Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro for an unforgettable dining experience paired with sensational live music performances throughout April. 

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 the other restaurant locations in Breckenridge, Aspen, CO and Kauai. 

​KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The 14th annual 2024 ART in the GARDEN will open on April 28th and run through July 31st at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Meander over Garden Boardwalks and down pathways through dappled shade, colorful blossoms and winged creatures of nature and spot…sculpture!  
 
Emphasizing harmony with nature, the return of ‘Art in the Garden' showcases local art & sculptures with artistic expressions.  These works are earth-friendly in the selection of materials and themes and include recycled, repurposed, and natural material.
 
The Garden is located 5210 College Road on Stock Island, just over Cow Key Bridge and is open every day 10am – 4pm.  Call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden for directions and details.  The Garden is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation and is publicly owned and operated as a passive, natural resource-based public outdoor recreational site.
 
This event is sponsored by The Monroe County Tourist Development Council and The Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.