Duval Square’s Jag Gallery announces an open Call For Artists for its ever popular, annual POOLSIDE juried show.  Artists are invited to submit for consideration images of original 2 and 3D work; paintings, photography, drawing, sculpture with “swimming pool” as a part of the subject or the main subject .  Visit the gallery website, www.jaggallery.art, and click on the “Everything Poolside” button for the full prospectus and application.  The entry deadline is July 5th.

Now in its 7th year, POOLSIDE  2026 will open with a gallery reception on Saturday August 8th continuing through August 30th and will be available for online viewing and purchase at the Shop The Gallery section of Jag’s website.  Awards will be designated in the Juror’s Choice and Honorable Mention Categories as well as a People’s Choice Award where the public will be invited to vote.  Awardees will be offered the opportunity to participate in a Jag Gallery  group show in 2027.

Recognized as one of the region’s finest destinations for contemporary art featuring 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, Mondays by appointment.  For additional information call 305.407.6202 or email [email protected] and follow us on Facebook and  Instagram at jaggallery.

KEY WEST, FL, April 29, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will honor the lives and legacy of fallen heroes, veterans, and active-duty military service members and their families with a ceremony on Thursday, May 21 at 1 p.m. on the Key West Campus. The community is invited to attend the free event, “A 250-Year Salute to American Heroes,” held in observance of National Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day.

The ceremony will open with an invocation by U.S. Army veteran, former chaplain, and CFK Marine Engineering instructor Ed Coy. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra will present his Memorial Day Salute, an annual tradition that recognizes a late veteran and member of the CFK Family. High school students from the CFK Academy will perform the national anthem. College leaders will also raise an American flag that was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. in honor of CFK’s 60th Anniversary. 
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“As we reflect on 250 years of our nation, we are proud to come together as a College community to pay tribute to the countless heroes to whom we owe our freedom,” said Gueverra. “As parents of a naval service member, we know firsthand of the sacrifices and commitment our military, veterans, and their families endure to protect our country, and we are deeply appreciative of their continued contributions to strengthen and enrich our community.”

HOMESTEAD, Fla. —  On the evening of April 27, a wildfire was reported in the northeastern corner of Everglades National Park. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service responded quickly with ground and aviation resources, including direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies, to limit fire spread late into the evening.  

The Highway 41 Fire, located south of U.S. Route 41 (Tamiami Trail) and east of Shark Valley has increased significantly in size to 2,500 acres as of mid-day Monday. The fire is currently burning in sawgrass with active fire moving to the south and west. Aviation and ground resources will focus on securing containment boundaries using direct, indirect, and firing operations as needed.

The park has closed the area between the L-67 Canal on the west and L-31 Canal on the east from U.S. Route 41 south to several miles north of Mahogany Hammock. To ensure firefighter and public safety, this closure includes all parking lots, facilities, and navigable waterways within these areas. Due to the predicted dry weather conditions and active fire behavior, Coopertown Airboats, Safari Park, and Gator Park businesses will also be closed.

Smoke impacts are expected along U.S. Route 41, and temporary road closures may be implemented if conditions deteriorate. 

Additional closures and updates may be necessary and will be posted on the park’s website under Current Conditions.
 
Public Safety Advisory
Motorists traveling through the area are urged to:

• Exercise caution.
• Reduce speed and use low-beam headlights in smoky conditions.
• Allow extra travel time.
• Be alert for emergency personnel and equipment operating along roadways.
• Monitor local traffic updates and emergency alerts.

 
Evacuation Trigger Points
Residents in the area should be aware of the potential fire impacts and trigger points (posted at the link below) for evacuation status using the Ready, Set, Go model:
Ready – Be aware of wildfire in the area. Have an action plan in place.
Set – Stay informed, monitor local conditions via web alerts and local media. Prepare a go bag and be ready to evacuate if conditions deteriorate.
Go – Follow directions, secure home, evacuate early.

Monitor updates via Everglades National Park web alerts at https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm - and local media. 

Photo caption: Highway 41 fire burns south of U.S. Route 41 in Everglades National Park in April 2026
Photo credit: NPS Photo

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service.  Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov

KEY WEST, FL, April 27, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Institute for Public Safety (IPS) held a graduation ceremony for Correctional Officer Training Academy #65 on April 22 at the Key West Campus. Nine cadets successfully completed the 445-hour training program and passed the state officer certification exam, certifying them as Florida Correctional Officers.

Through a partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, all graduates have already secured employment. During the ceremony, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay swore in the cadets, inducting them into their new professions.

Cathy Torres, CFK Director of the Institute for Public Safety, recognized top performing graduates with accolades. The leadership award was given to Amado J. Bertran while the academic award went to Santos Hernandez Bac. Both the “Top Gun” shooting skills and the physical fitness awards were given to Brock McCoy. The “PIG” award, which recognizes pride, integrity, and guts, went to Jessica Fernandez.
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CFK’s correctional officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Two upcoming law enforcement training academies are:

• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #97, at the Upper Keys Center, running May 2026 through April 2027
• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #98, at the Key West Campus, running May through November 2026

For more information about CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Parks & Beaches is calling on young artists across the Florida Keys to dive into their creativity and take part in the “Our Parks—Our Future” Art Contest in celebration of July Parks & Beaches Recreation Month. This year’s theme, “Under the Sea & Beyond the Shore,” highlights the importance of protecting and appreciating the county’s unique environment.

Open to all Monroe County students in grades Kindergarten–12th grade, the contest encourages students to create original artwork or design a mascot inspired by marine life, coastal habitats, and the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

Winning entries will receive community recognition, with first-place artwork displayed at select Monroe County parks and the winning mascot featured on Monroe County Parks & Beaches social media platforms.

The entry deadline is May 22, 2026.

Students, parents, and guardians can request an application and review full contest rules by contacting [email protected] or calling 305-453-8726. The application and rules are also available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/artcontest.

PLANTATION KEY, FL – Monroe County Community Services Social Services department will host the grand opening of the relocated Plantation Key Congregate Meal Site and office on Wednesday, May 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. The new site is located at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Rd. Community members, older adults, local leaders, and partner organizations are invited to attend and help recognize this transition and continued service to Monroe County residents.

The Plantation Key location also serves as Social Services’ Upper Keys office, providing a centralized location for residents to access programs, information, and assistance. Social Services offers a range of community support programs, in addition to meal sites, including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

“Previously located in Key Largo, the site will continue providing nutritious meals for older adults in the Upper Keys,” said Monroe County Director of Community Services Cathy Crane. “The program supports health and social connection, offering a welcoming space for seniors to gather, engage with others, and access supportive services available through Monroe County Social Services.”

The grand opening event will include a tour of the new facility, an overview of available programs and resources, and a meet-and-greet with the staff who support service delivery throughout Monroe County.

To learn more about Social Services, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/socialservices.

KEY WEST, FL – Monroe County and the City of Key West invite the community to join a special ceremonial key passing at Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park on Thursday, April 30, at 4:45 p.m., highlighting the ongoing partnership between the county and the city. The park is located on the Atlantic Ocean in Key West and comprises approximately 16.5 acres of oceanfront vista and includes the 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier, Salute!, and the Key West Garden Club at Fort West Martello. This outlines a coordinated transition of ownership, funding, and operational responsibilities intended to support long-term improvements and maintenance of the beach and its associated facilities.  


Following the ceremony, attendees are encouraged to stay and enjoy a live concert hosted by Salute!, beginning at 5:30 p.m., taking place for the annual Key West Songwriters Festival.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Want to step up and help your community when it needs it most? Curious what really happens behind the scenes in emergency response and how you can be part of it? Hurricane season starts June 1.

Monroe County Emergency Management invites residents to get involved and make a difference by joining Volunteer Monroe, a program that supports the emergency management before, during, and after emergencies.

Volunteer Monroe offers meaningful opportunities for residents to assist with community clean-ups, support disaster shelter operations, and help with recovery efforts following storms and other incidents. The program plays a vital role in strengthening Monroe County’s ability to respond to emergencies and fostering a more resilient, connected community.

No prior experience needed, just a willingness to help. Training and guidance will be provided to help participants safely and effectively support response and recovery efforts.

Residents interested in joining can sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/volunteer. For additional information, contact Holly Winhoven with Monroe County Emergency Management at 305-797-1154 or [email protected].

Walk on White’s next art stroll, set for Thursday, May 21, from 6:00——9:00 p.m., invites locals and visitors to explore one of Key West’s most popular ongoing art traditions. Held on the third Thursday of each month through May, WOW transforms White Street into a lively arts corridor where strollers can discover works by local painters, sculptors, artisan jewelry makers, and ceramic and mixed media artists, along with exhibit openings and creative demonstrations.

Each month, Walk on White (WOW) features an area nonprofit organization. May’s event supports Reach for Greatness, Inc., which raises funds to provide scholarships to summer programs, internships, leadership retreats and other creative opportunities for ambitious, rising 9th-12th grade students in the Florida Keys who might not otherwise have access to scholarships.
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Sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Walk on White radiates from a central hub in the Fausto’s parking lot and extends to participating White Street locations between Southard and United streets. For a list of participating locations and more information, visit