The City of Key West and its consultants at Stantec are kicking off another public workshops regarding the Duval Street Revitalization and Resiliency project.

The public workshop will be held at the Historic Gato Building at 1100 Simonton Street on Thursday, April 4th.
The workshop will be broken into different sessions. From 9 a.m. until noon, the focus is on business and property owners along Duval Street. From 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. it will be more geared to the general public. Closing remarks will be from 6 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The City of Key West is committed to helping residents and businesses prepare for the changes brought on by climate change through resiliency and revitalization efforts. To that end, this Duval Street project is a top community and City priority. With community awareness and public engagement being critical components to the success of these efforts, the City of Key West has created a website --  Duval4All.com -- to increase the level of community involvement and keep the community informed at all stages of the official Duval Street Resiliency and Revitalization project.

Key West Burlesque Presents “Rock N Roll Burlesque Show”. Performing at the Key West Theater at 8 p.m. on April 18th, the show features the Mark king Band and provides an exhilarating blend of Rock and Burlesque into a one-night only live performance you don’t want to miss!
 
The Mark King band brings to the stage classic rock hits from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Accompanying each timeless song are rousing performances from both traveling and local burlesque artists. Singer, Mark King, is a transplant from Boston who found his home in Key West. He has become a regular at classic Key West venues, such as the Sunset Pier, the Green Parrot, and The Hog’s Breath.
 
Key West Burlesque is not just known for bringing out the best in local talent, but finding the best burlesque performers from the mainland. The Rock N Roll Burlesque Show will feature the amazing talents of Le Belle Michele, Ruby Tesla, and returning Key West favorite, Kevin Dixon!
 
Le Belle Michele “The Ebony Enchantress”, has been pivotal to the Miami burlesque scene, and is known for blending burlesque and erotic poetry.  Ruby Tesla a.k.a “The Scientist of Sexy” tours the United States performing her own brand of “Nerdlesque”. Kevin Dixon is known as the “Sorcerer of Seduction” and a Florida Drag King legend, showing off his stuff in Key West since “Harriett Potter and the Enchanted Tassel”
 
Key West’s very own local talent will be gracing the stage as well. Performers Bria Ansara, Ervin Tumm, Nick Mazza, Bambi Dexxxtrous, Taki’s Tequila, and Moana Amour. Bria is the winner of 2024’s Key West Entertainer of the Year award after getting her start with Key West Burlesque. Nick Mazza is an amazing dancer well known around the 800 Block of Duval. Ervin Tumm is a stunning Drag Queen, theater performer, and dancer. Bambi Dexxxtrous and Takis Tequila are long-time Key West Burlesque dancers, and have since grown into talented solo performers. And of course, Moana Amour whose spectacular dancing and creativity has made her a pivotal talent for Key West Burlesque since the beginning.
 
Key West Burlesque was created by Christa Hunt in 2005. Christa worked tirelessly to provide Key West with multi-faceted performances that combine all aspects of burlesque into unforgettable evenings. Christa’s work ethic and talent were recognized when she took a production manager position in San Francisco. Christa has not given up on Key West Burlesque, and continues to lead and train a team dedicated to keeping Burlesque in Key West to the highest standards of entertainment.
 
“Rock N Roll Burlesque Show” will be Christa Hunt’s first production relying upon a local production team. Kevin Dixon, Nina Pilar, Moana Amour, and Steven Crane are working hard to ensure the best possible show for the wonderful audience members of Key West. With Kevin’s talent-seeking and management skills, Nina’s production experience, Moana’s artistic direction

and keen eye for entertainment that blends sensuality and humor, “Rock N Roll Burlesque Show” is going to be amazing!
 
Tickets are on sale at https://thekeywesttheater.com/. Ticket prices range from $45 to $100 from General Admission to VIP.  For more information, call 305-619-2862.

Duval Square’s Jag Gallery announces a very special exhibit, dedicated to and celebrating the life of Key West’s favorite son, the legendary Jimmy Buffett.  LIVIN’ MY LIFE LIKE A SONG features artwork and reflections from a circle of noted artist and writer friends including Dalva Duarte, David Wegman, Rita and Fred Troxel, Carl Hiaasen, Vaughn Cochran, Letty Nowak, Cayman and Robin Smith-Martin, Dan Rizzie, G. Love, Tony Caramanico and others with a generous portion of art sales donated to Singing For Change, one of Buffett’s favored organizations.
 
Of the exhibit, long time friend and guest curator Rita Troxel notes, ”I know Jimmy’s wish was for everyone to keep the party going- to be joyful.  It is a sweet desire and not always the easiest thing to do when you’re missing the guy, but who is not going to try and give him what he would want…RIGHT?  To that goal, with some of Jimmy’s exceptional friends who happen to be fine artists and writers involved I think it’s going to be a fascinating exhibit and that opening night will be a fine party!”
 
The exhibit opens with a gallery reception on Saturday, March 9th from 5:30 - 8:30 which is free and open to the public.LIVIN’ MY LIFE LIKE A SONG continues through March 24th and is available for online viewing at jaggallery.art.
 
Considered a top destination for fine contemporary art, offering carefully curated  exhibits of work by prominent artists from Key West and beyond, Jag Gallery is located at the Simonton Street entrance to Duval Square, 1075 Duval Street with ample, free parking.   Gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday noon to 5, Monday’s by appointment. For additional information call 305.407.6202 or email [email protected] and follow us ​

​March 30th is National Doctors' Day, a time to pause and thank the men and women who chose to make a long and challenging journey to become physicians. Doctors' Day originated in 1933 when Charles B. Almond, MD, initiated the recognition in Winder, Georgia. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush officially recognized March 30th as National Doctors' Day. 
 
At Lower Keys Medical Center, we are grateful every day for our medical staff members who shoulder the ultimate responsibility for a patient's care, whether that is provided in the emergency room, operating room, or clinic. We celebrate and honor their commitment to their field, their patients and their community.
 
In recognition of their personal sacrifices, professional achievements and their commitments to the Lower Keys residents and visitors, we are celebrating together on March 28th to personally thank them. In honor of the medical staff, Lower Keys Medical Center is making a donation to three community charitable organizations.  These three organizations were chosen by medical staff vote and will receive donations to further their noble missions during the celebration on March 28th.
 
Please join us in recognizing our doctors who are vital to our mission to help people get well and live healthier by providing safe, quality healthcare, building enduring relationships with our patients, and providing value for the people and communities we serve.
 
David Clay is Chief Executive Officer of Lower Keys Medical Center. 

FLORIDA KEYS — The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is proud to present “The Connections Project: Making Music in the Keys” opening reception on Thursday, March 28th from 5:00 till 7:00 pm at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Event Grounds located at 31020 Overseas Hwy in Big Pine Key. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & beverages sponsored by Lower Keys Chamber, Jolly Mon Pub & Grill, Pops’s Smoke Shed, Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Big Pine Rooster, and Winn Dixie. 
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This year, in addition to offering the beautiful canvases from local artists, the Arts Council is also focusing on Musicians of the Keys, and the Lower Keys reception will feature local musicians, Brian Roberts and also the Mike Bailey Trio, who will perform in a Nashville-style writers’ round, taking turns singing their own songs and telling stories of living and working in the Keys. This is a free reception, everyone is welcome to attend, and also 48 unique canvases will be on display. View our new version of the 2024 Connections Project canvases, and donate $100 to take home a canvas of your choice.
 
"The Arts Council is honored to have received a prestigious Community Foundation of the Florida Keys grant for expanding access to our essential workforce to experience music and art in the Keys. We are thrilled to highlight so many talented musicians living and working throughout the County." stated Joyce Burd, Chair of the Arts Council's Board.
 
“The performing arts enhance our shared experiences, we thrilled to highlight local talent from Key Largo to Key West to celebrate the longstanding connection between the community and local cultural initiatives,” said Elizabeth Young, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, which spearheads the project.
 
Proceeds from the Connections Project benefit Keys artists and arts organizations through Arts Council grants. To participate in the Connections Project, or for more information: keysarts.com or 305-295-4369

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Congratulations to Monroe County Employee of the Year Janet Gunderson who was recognized at the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday. She started with the County in June 2016, and the Board of County Commissioners recognized her as the Employee of the Second Quarter in 2023. Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag nominated Gunderson for the award, adding that she went above and beyond when the resilience office was overwhelmed with an unprecedented number of contracts, invoices, and grants in the department. She will also be a key staff member helping Haag plan the 16th Annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Compact Summit Dec. 16-18, 2024 in Key West.
 
“Janet was able to step in and not only help process the tremendous workload but also fix outstanding financial issues,” said Haag. “Without Janet’s help, there would be fewer grants to the County, slower processing of millions of dollars in invoices, and potential late grant reports.”
 
In early 2023, Gunderson also fulfilled her job responsibilities in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), trained another person to take on her previous workload in OMB, and carried out the duties of both the OMB and Resilience departments. During late 2023, she also helped Legislative Affairs with Restore Act grant funding. 
 
OMB Director Tina Boan echoed Haag’s comments, “Janet is a shining star who goes above and beyond daily. Besides learning a new position, she supports the Legislative Director with financial reporting for three Restore Act grants.”
 
Employee Services facilitates the Employee of the Quarter nominations. Monroe County’s Senior Management Team selects an Employee of the Quarter from a pool of employees nominated by their peers or supervisors and an Employee of the Year from the four winners. These employees are chosen for going above and beyond their work responsibilities while continually demonstrating Monroe County’s values.

​March 19, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Thursday, March 28, join the Key West Art & Historical Society, Tennessee Williams Museum and Fringe Theater as they together present “The Men of Tennessee Williams” as part of the annual month-long Tennessee Williams Festival.  The staged reading, directed by Wende Shoer, takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Little Room Jazz Club, 821 Duval Street.

Tennessee Williams, one of the leading American playwrights of the 20th century and a resident of Key West for more than thirty years, has often been credited with crafting compelling female characters such as Amanda Wingfield in “The Glass Menagerie” and Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”  Male characters, on the other hand, are regularly snubbed by literary critics and reviewers.  “The Men of Tennessee Williams” will shift the spotlight to the male characters through two little known one-act plays by Williams.”

First to be featured during the evening’s stage reading will be “The Parade, or Approaching the End of Summer” which delves into the story of Williams’ first love during the summer of 1940.  It is an unguarded story about gay men, but also a portrait of passions unrequited and denied that reveal the depth in compassion which can be found in friendship.  The second play is “The Big Game” that takes place in a hospital room where Tony, a baseball player, has an infection in his leg and insists on joining the big game even though the doctors won’t let him.  Dave has a lung infection, sleeps poorly at night, and spends the majority of his time daydreaming.  The interactions between patients and staff are lively in this cryptic short work.

“The Men of Tennessee Williams” will showcase several local actors including Wayne Dapser, Jim Argoudelis, Merle Dimbath, Jim Speake, Wayne Smith, Nancy 3 Hoffman, Samantha Laskey, Zach Franchini, Thom Masat and Alana Thurston.
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Tickets are on sale now and the Little Room Jazz Club’s full food menu will be available during the performance.  Doors to the venue will open at 5:3 p.m. with the one-act plays beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m.  To reserve your spot at the reading; visit kwahs.org/tw-men - $50 for KWAHS members, $60 for non-members.  This program is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by Dennis Beaver & Bert Whitt.  For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].

Wesley Truman Daniel is a Chicago-based professional artist, art instructor, and muralist. Along with being the descendant of a couple generations of artists, he’s the great-grandson of President Harry S. Truman, and on Friday, April 12, he will be in Key West to lead a “TRU-ly Amazing Art” series plein air painting experience and competition on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Ahead of his arrival, the Windy City artist agreed to a pre-event “get to know you” Q&A session:
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You are a multi-medium artist, working as a muralist with buildings as your canvas, sometimes working on a smaller scale with oils, and also proficient in graphic design. Would you describe yourself as a born artist or was it something that emerged over time?
I’ve always had good spatial awareness. My mom held onto a sketch I did when I was about 4 or 5 years old that I made of myself sitting in a room, sketching, but from behind, from the perspective of an observer. Rather than drawing only what I could see, I drew the whole environment. I would constantly doodle in school as well. I was not a proficient artist at first, but practiced every day. So I guess I was born drawn to art, but not a born artist. I had to learn to think creatively and build my skills.  
 
What did your arts education look like?
I started as an architect major in high school but caught the acting bug and ending up pursuing acting and later getting a BFA in it. I always maintained an art practice through my life but didn’t return to art school until recently to get my Visual Arts teaching license. Most of my arts education was trial and error and YouTube videos. 
 
When did you first begin perceive yourself as a professional?
I considered myself a professional once I started to sell work and get commissions. I had always sketched, but began painting right out of acting school in 2012. I started to get commissions through friends and that’s when I considered myself a professional. My girlfriend Maria, now my wife, was a huge reason I began painting. She saw my early work and pushed me to expand my practice. 
 
You have two generations of artists between you and your presidential great-grandfather: your dad, Clifton Truman Daniel of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” fame, and your grandmother, singer/actress Margaret Truman Daniel. Did you inherit any of great-grandpa Harry’s political DNA?
Definitely! The majority of my professional life I was pursuing acting and painting in my free time. I was also a middle child and learned to navigate relationships very well. Teaching is a new profession for me, but not new. I’ve always enjoyed absorbing new things and disseminating it to others. I enjoy demystifying. Well, that should be what a politician does, but I feel it’s changed to the opposite these days, unfortunately.
 
Besides leading the April 12 plein air event and competition, what are you most looking forward to doing while you are in Key West?
I’m really excited to be leading this “TRU-ly Amazing Art” event at the Little White House, and as you might imagine, Chicago is not the best for outdoor painting! I first made it down to Key West in 8th grade and have been many times over the years. I haven’t been down in more than 10 years and this is my first time going it alone. I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends and hunting for six-toed cats. I also may crawl a bit on Duval.
 
“Plein Air Painting with Wesley Truman Daniel” is the second installment in The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation’s recently launched “TRU-ly Amazing Art” series. From 10:00am – 1:00pm Friday, April 12, artists can join in a plein air painting experience and competition with Truman Daniel on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida. Each registered participant will be provided with an authentic 1911 roof shingle from the Truman Little White House for their canvas. Artists bring their own outdoor painting supplies, such as easel or plein air box and tripod, paint, brushes, brush washing container, etc. Light refreshments will be served.

 The winning artist will score a tour around Key West for a party of six in the Foundation’s elegant vintage Lincoln Cosmopolitan stretch limousine that Truman used during his Presidency. The winner’s artwork will also be placed on permanent display in the Truman Foundation gallery.

“TRU-ly Amazing Art” events benefit the Harry S. Truman Little White House and are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The mission of the not-for-profit Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve Florida’s only presidential museum—the Harry S. Truman Little White House—and to provide programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historical and cultural influences of the Truman era. Tickets and registration are available at www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.