MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners honors and recognizes the long-standing leadership and accomplishments made by retiring Fire Chief James “Jim” Callahan, who enabled Monroe County Fire Rescue to become the professional organization that it is today for the Florida Keys community.
 
Over the years, Callahan worked with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to increase the number of fire hydrants for fire suppression, increased staffing levels to meet the state’s minimum standards, and worked with project management to rebuild the fire stations in Conch Key, Stock Island, Big Pine, and Cudjoe Key and make renovations to Tavernier, Layton, and Sugarloaf.
 
In partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Callahan included flight paramedics and flight nurses on the Trauma Star air ambulance service to assist with critical patient care during helicopter transports. He also consolidated airport fire services by giving Key West International Airport firefighters access to state-mandated training and logistics to handle medical calls and other emergencies better.
 
Callahan established a Fire Prevention Division with a dedicated fire marshal and added deputy fire marshals to handle building plan reviews, construction inspections, commercial fire inspections, and public education. He has also enhanced the Training Division with additional personnel and facilitated a state-of-the-art training facility to develop Florida Keys individuals into licensed professional firefighters and emergency medical technicians in coordination with the College of the Florida Keys.
 
In addition, the ‘Hot Shots’ program, which has now graduated seven classes, is a program he launched.
 
During his recognition, with staff wearing his signature mustachio, he said these milestones were not accomplished only by him but by community support, the Board of County Commissioners, the county administrator, and his dedicated fire rescue staff.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved the promotion of Senior Director of Budget and Finance Tina Boan to assistant county administrator. This promotion comes as part of the county’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team and ensure the efficient management of resources for the benefit of the community.


For almost 20 years, Boan has overseen budget development and financial operations, including managing the $716 million budget, financial planning, and fund management. She has been instrumental in guiding Monroe County’s fiscal strategy, improving financial operations, and ensuring long-term economic stability. Numerous times in her county career, she has been called upon to assist other departments with training, fiscal oversight, and operations. She is also the lead expert in after-storm funding, reporting, and obtaining reimbursement from FEMA and other agencies that assist in recovery efforts.


In her new role, Boan will continue to lead and oversee key county departments as assigned while working closely with County Administrator Christine Hurley and Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson to implement the county’s strategic goals and objectives.


“Throughout her tenure with Monroe County, Tina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, fiscal expertise, and a strong commitment to improving the financial well-being of our county,” said Hurley. “I have full confidence that she will continue to serve the residents of Monroe County with dedication and professionalism in this new capacity.”


This position reflects Monroe County’s commitment to promoting from within and fostering strong leadership.


“I am deeply honored by this opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Monroe County in this position,” said Boan. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Board of County Commissioners, the county administrator, and our dedicated team to ensure that we remain fiscally responsible, resilient, and responsive to the needs of our community.."

MONROE COUNTY – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognizes its long-term employees for their contributions to the citizens of the county. See below those celebrating milestones this month and recognitions from the March meeting.
 
15 Years

• Jorge Machado, Monroe County Fire Rescue

 
10 Years

• Leonardo Cabrera, Public Library System
• Nelson Cabrera, Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Antonio Perez, Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Herbert Roundtree, Upper Keys Roads Department

 
5 Years

• Isabel Cardero Sifontes, Social Services
• Zully Hemeyer, Monroe County Fire Rescue

KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden continues its monthly Speaker Series at 1:00 pm on April 19, 2025 in the Historic Toppino Nature Chapel. The speaker is butterfly technician, Taylor Hunt, who is with the Florida Museum of Natural History, Daniels Lab.

The Daniels Lab is actively involved in the recovery planning of several at-risk butterfly species. These species include the Monarch butterfly, Miami Blue butterfly, Schaus’ Swallowtail butterfly and the Atala butterfly. Adaptive management through the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, helps technicians be systematic about planning, implementing, and monitoring for projects involving target butterfly species and their habitats. With support from the Disney Conservation Fund, they aim to develop strategies and address threats for multiple butterfly taxa in Florida and California.

​Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. All proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program. Sponsored by: Florida Arts & Culture and The Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296 1504 or visit www.keywest.garden. 

​KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Key West Botanical Garden will be holding an Event Venue Open House on the evening of Wednesday, April 9th from 6pm to 9pm showcasing its unique wedding and event venue.  With the help and expertise of local vendors, the Garden will be transformed for a night of celebration.  Light appetizers and cocktails will be provided.
 
If you are looking for the perfect venue for your Wedding, Birthday Party, Anniversary, Commitment Ceremony, Business Meeting, Celebration of Life, Vow renewal, etc. the Open House will introduce you to The Courtyard with lush, tropical foliage and waterfall and The Terrace overlooking the pond.
 
The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island.  For more information call 305-296-1504 or contact Beth Franklin at:  [email protected]. 

KEY WEST, Florida Keys –Migration Mania will be taking place at the historic, 15-acre, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 12th, from 10 am to 2 pm.

The day features 3 age-level Egg Hunts with 5,000 eggs- Ages 0-3 at 11am; Ages 4-6 at 12pm; Ages 7-12 at 1pm. There will be Environmental Education booths, Children’s Interactive Playground, Raffles, Games, Crafts, and Face Painting!

All children will receive a raffle ticket for fun, kid-friendly prizes, and additional raffle tickets may be purchased for prizes ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants and fun water activities and a SUPER Raffle for a children’s bike donated by We-Cycle. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is FREE for Members. Admission is $5 for Non-members & children 3 years old and up. There is a maximum charge of $10 per family. Memberships available at the admission entrance.

Migration Mania is one of the Education Department’s family friendly community fundraisers that help keep our state standard aligned field trips free for our local Monroe County students. 3,500 students participated in our free Living Lab STEM program last school year, and we strive to increase that number this year!

The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information, please call the Garden at 305.296.1504 or visit the website at www.keywest.garden.

KEY WEST, FL – The Key West Artisan Market proudly presents its One Human Family Edition on Sunday, March 30, 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), across from White Street Pier and adjacent to the dog parks and bocce courts.
 
This special edition of the market honors the powerful philosophy that we are all created equal members of one human family. Guests can connect with representatives from the Key West Business Guild, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Key West to LGBTQ+ travelers, and purchase a chance to win an amazing ‘staycation’ package. Pick up complimentary One Human Family stickers and learn more about JT Thompson, the local artist and visionary behind the One Human Family – Peace | Love | Compassion & Equality motto, officially adopted by the City of Key West in October 2000.
 
In celebration of diversity and inclusion, guests can enjoy a wide variety of refreshments including Bloody Marys, mimosas, a full bar, coffee, natural juices, and cut fruit. A delicious array of food stalls will offer both dine-in and take-away options, with flavors representing cultures from around the globe. Marketgoers can savor dishes inspired by Argentina, Italy, Columbia, the Middle East, India and Thailand, as well as BBQ favorites, Latin fusion, gluten free/vegan and fresh local seafood, making the market not only a celebration of community but also a culinary journey through the world.
 
The outdoor market features a carefully curated collection of fine crafts, art, and jewelry from skilled Florida Keys artisans including an impressive lineup of local artists offering one-of-a-kind original works that reflect the beauty and spirit of the Florida Keys. Shoppers will find everything from vibrant paintings and hand-painted tiles to delicate watercolors, intricate paper cut art, fused glass creations, and captivating multi-media pieces. Each item is handcrafted with passion and creativity, making it easy to discover a truly unique treasure to take home. Shoppers can also stock up on fresh local produce, artisan cheeses,  honey, baked breads, pastries, cigars, soaps, and more.
 
Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and relax with live music from talented local performers hosted by the Shanty Hounds, and to support the market’s featured charities, including the Key West Business Guild and the Key West Wildlife Center, which will be offering free tours of their new facility during the event.
 
Conveniently located near the Higgs Beach Dog Park, the West Martello Tower botanical gardens, and the scenic White Street Pier, this pet-friendly market is framed by the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just steps away.
 
The Key West Artisan Market is open every Sunday through April from 10 AM to 2 PM, continuing its tradition of bringing the community together—by locals, for locals. Admission and parking are free. Guests are encouraged to ride bikes and BYOB (bring your own bags) to support sustainable practices.

​ROADWAY BORING WORK TO BEGIN APRIL 7 FOR BIG COPPITT KEY ROAD ELEVATION AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
 
BIG COPPITT KEY, FL –As part of the project design process for the Big Coppitt Key Road Elevation and Stormwater Improvement Project, geotechnical roadway borings will take place on Big Coppitt Key from 1st Street on the east to Riviera Drive on the west starting on April 7. The work will consist of crews with an auger truck taking samples for asphalt and base material depth and composition. No road closures are expected, crews will utilize flaggers to maintain flow of traffic. This work is expected to take two weeks.
 
ROADWAY BORING WORK TO BEGIN APRIL 21 FOR WINSTON WATERWAYS (KEY LARGO) ROAD ELEVATION AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
 
KEY LARGO, FL –As part of the project design process for the Winston Waterways Road Elevation and Stormwater Improvement Project, geotechnical roadway borings will take place on Winston Waterways in Key Largo starting on April 21. The work will consist of crews with an auger truck taking samples for asphalt and base material depth and composition. No road closures are expected, crews will utilize flaggers to maintain flow of traffic. This work is expected to take one week.

Access to the Keys is now fully open on both the 18-Mile Stretch portion of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road after a wide ranging wildfire known as the 344 Wildfire was brought under control. 

Florida Forest Service reports the fire is now 80 percent contained and officials don't expect the fire to spread. Crews are monitoring for hot spots across the more than 26 thousand acres of burned grass and wild land affected by the blaze. No homes or business structures were burned. 

Fire crews continue to monitor the area for hotspots. 

Fire and safety officials had to intermittently close the roads to fight the blaze along the main entry and exit corridors for the Florida Keys from Tuesday through Friday last week. 

The fire ranged across over 26,000 acres of south Miami-Dade County and was battled by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Florida Forest Service and additional strike teams. 

“We are deeply grateful for the dedicated firefighters, emergency responders, and partner agencies working tirelessly to contain the 344 Fire in the Everglades. Their swift and coordinated response has been crucial in protecting our roads and preserving the natural environment,” said Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl. 
​
While no further disruptions from the fire are expected, visitors to the Keys are advised to download the Monroe County Sheriff's Department app with push alerts for road openings, closures and slowdowns to keep up with traffic conditions during future visits. 

BIG COPPITT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Drive. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures after hiding thousands of eggs and one “special” golden egg for kids to find.
 
Children can tour a fire truck, meet on-duty firefighters, and safely help firefighters put out a pretend house fire. Snow cones and fire prevention material will be available. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm will also be in attendance.
 
“This is our fifteenth year hosting this event, and our firefighters look forward to seeing the kids enjoy the hunt every year,” said Fire Chief RL Colina. “Please join our firefighters and the Easter Bunny to hunt for eggs and learn more about fire safety.”
 
For more information, call 305-289-6005 or email [email protected].