​KEY WEST, FL, APRIL 24, 2026 - Your heart is one of the most important organs as it continually pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood around your body and any disruption can be life threatening. The coronary arteries that supply blood flow and oxygen to the heart can get clogged, and are the cause of heart attacks. Knowing five key symptoms can help you take quick action to save your life or someone else’s in an emergency.
 
Symptom 1: Chest pain or discomfort triggered by physical or emotional distress, especially in the center or on the left side of the chest, could be a sign that blood flow to the heart is being limited and is the most commonly recognized symptom of a heart attack. The feeling can last for more than a few minutes or repeatedly come and go. A squeezing sensation or feeling of fullness is often described as feeling like an elephant is sitting on the chest.
 
Symptom 2: Do not ignore discomfort that radiates to other parts of the body, including the neck, shoulders, arms, back or jaw.
 
Symptom 3: Sudden shortness of breath can be a sole symptom and can also happen when the blockage keeps the heart from pumping enough blood and causes fluid build-up in the lungs.
 
Symptom 4: Unusual or unexplained extreme tiredness can be a symptom of an impending heart attack.
 
Symptom 5: General malaise, nausea and lightheadedness can also mask heart attack symptoms.
 
“Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack can save a life because timely treatment is critical,” said Cesar Jara, M.D., FACC, board-certified interventional cardiologist with Keys Medical Group Cardiology and Lower Keys Medical Center cardiac catheterization lab. “The more time that passes without restoring blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. That damage is irreversible in some cases and increases the risk of sudden death.”
 
Lifesaving interventions have reduced deaths from heart attacks by 90 percent since 1970, but about 805,000 people still experience a heart attack each year in the United States.
 
Lower Keys Medical Center is committed to delivering timely treatment for heart attacks to support the best possible outcomes. The cardiac catheterization lab provides 24/7 interventional cardiology coverage so that patients can receive treatment within the optimal time frame of 90 minutes or less.  
 
If you, or someone you are with is experiencing unusual symptoms, call 9-1-1. 
 
Dr. Jara added, “If you have chest pain or discomfort, unusual fatigue or shortness of breath – take the symptoms seriously. It’s much better to get medical attention and act fast.”
 
Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center. 

KEY WEST, FL, April 24, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to attend its annual Capstone Showcase where graduating students will present final projects addressing real-world challenges across a wide range of fields. The event will be held Wednesday, April 29, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the CFK Library / Learning Resource Center on the Key West Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Students will walk visitors through their research, insights, and solutions to give a firsthand look at the practical skills and critical thinking they’ve developed at CFK. These students developed their projects in capstone courses as part of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management.

The projects reflect CFK’s advanced academic offerings and diverse career pathways. The showcase includes 19 projects ranging from hospitality, business, marine science, and Florida’s fish and wildlife resources to educational fundraising, real estate, experiential learning, and government.


“What’s special about the capstone students, beyond their high level of work product, is that every student has an inspirational backstory, every one of them,” commented Dr. Kelly Penwell, CFK Assistant Professor, Business, Education, and Hospitality.

“Once you know their stories, the capstone journey transcends teaching. You become their mentor and help bring out their best,” added Dr. Matthew R. Semcheski, CFK Faculty, Marine Resource Management.

Community members, employers, current and prospective students, and CFK alumni are all encouraged to attend. For employers in Monroe County, the showcase offers a unique opportunity to connect with job-ready graduates and observe the caliber of talent emerging from CFK’s programs.

For more information, contact: Dr. Kelly Penwell: [email protected].

KEY WEST, FL, April 21, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) has over 100 fall semester scholarship opportunities available for future and current students. Scholarship award amounts range from $500 to $4,000 with some covering full tuition and other educational expenses. The criteria are wide-ranging across scholarships to accommodate and assist a variety of students.

CFK encourages all students to review scholarships available for the fall semester and apply for those for which they qualify. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which a student may apply. Scholarship descriptions and criteria as well as applications can be accessed on the scholarship section of the College’s website at www.cfk.academicworks.com.

Individuals must be admitted to the College to be eligible to apply for scholarships. The deadline for submitting applications for most fall scholarships is June 7.

For more scholarship information and guidance, contact Shania Duarte-Vera, Coordinator of Scholarships and Donor Relations, at [email protected] or 305-809-3153.
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Additional resources and information to help students understand the cost of attendance and ways to pay for college, such as federal aid and tuition payment plans, can be found on CFK’s website at www.cfk.edu/paying-for-college.

Key West, FL: The Key West Business Guild is proud to announce the official release of the Key West Pride 2026 exclusive logo, a vibrant and dynamic design created by acclaimed Key West artist Jessica Tookey. The unveiling marks the first major milestone in anticipation of next year’s celebration.

Inspired by the 2026 theme, “Color the Island: A Celebration of Identity Through Color and Creativity,” Tookey’s design captures the spirit, diversity, and expressive energy that define both Pride and the Key West community. The logo features bold, layered hues and fluid movement, symbolizing the many identities, stories, and experiences that come together to create the fabric of Pride.

Jessica Tookey, a well-known figure in Key West’s creative community, is celebrated for her distinctive use of color and her ability to translate emotion and place into visual form. Her work often reflects the vibrancy of island life, blending tropical influences with contemporary artistic expression. Through this year’s Pride logo, Tookey brings her signature style to a piece that is both celebratory and deeply meaningful.

“Jessica’s design perfectly embodies the essence of this year’s theme,” said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “Color The Island is about visibility, individuality, and creative expression, and this logo brings all of that to life in a way that is uniquely Key West.”

The 2026 theme invites residents and visitors alike to embrace self-expression and celebrate the full spectrum of identity through art, performance, and community connection. The newly released logo will be featured across all official Key West Pride materials, merchandise, and promotions leading up to the event.

Key West Pride continues to be one of the premier LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, drawing visitors from around the world to experience a week of inclusivity, creativity, and island spirit.
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For more information about Key West Pride 2026 and upcoming announcements, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com

GRASSY KEY, FL – Last Monday, Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomed class 26-01 to the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. Class 26-01 has 29 qualified trainees out of 90 applicants, marking the beginning of their process to become certified Florida State firefighters.

“I am excited for the newest minimum standards training class who will be learning from our dedicated training staff,” said Monroe County Fire Chief RL Colina. “We look forward to preparing these candidates over the next few months to build a foundation for them to become the future firefighters who will serve our communities with skill and dedication.”

Students who complete the 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program are prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter II examination. The fire academy includes 398 hours of rigorous daily physical training and classwork, equipping participants with the skills and discipline necessary to protect the community and uphold a commitment to public safety.

The trainees will conclude the program on July 24, 2026. With 90 applicants and a growing interest in the program, Monroe County Fire Rescue will host another fire academy in October. This is the first year two academies will be held in one year. For more information about future programs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireacademy or email [email protected].

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved plans to participate in the nationwide America 250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, with a series of events and community-driven activities planned throughout the Florida Keys from May through November. America 250 Florida Keys is designed to celebrate the nation’s milestone while highlighting Monroe County’s unique history, culture, and sense of community. The effort will bring together residents, visitors, local organizations, and businesses to foster community pride and position the Florida Keys as a vibrant, historic destination tied to the broader American story. Visit Florida Keys/the Tourist Development Council (TDC) is providing the funding through its unappropriated fund balance and also logistical support for the events.  
 
The kickoff Paddleboard Proclamation event takes place on Monday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Wooden Bridge Marina on Big Pine Key to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week hosted by the TDC. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln will be signing a proclamation on a stand-up paddleboard. The public is invited to wear their "business meets Keys casual" attire and join her on the water, BYOB (bring your own board). Live music, local food trucks, and a conch horn call will also highlight the event.
 
Other events in the planning process include:

• On June 14, Flag Day, the county is asking that businesses along U.S. 1 display American flags. Community partners have agreed to bring out their giant American flags that day to fly so drivers will see Red, White, and Blue along their drives. And, if able, keep the flags up throughout the week for Flag Week.
• On June 27, the City of Key West will host a Duval Street Parade, ending with a party at the Truman Waterfront to celebrate America.
• The county wants everyone to know that our communities do the best 3rd and 4th of July events, and to celebrate with your local rotaries and chambers on America’s 250th birthday. The Key West International Airport continues to support these events throughout the Florida Keys.
• The county is also in the planning phases for events in Key Largo on Saturday, Sept. 12, a sunset celebration at the Old Seven Mile Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 10, and bringing the 9/11 memorial exhibit from New York to the Florida Keys with a drone show in Islamorada and Big Pine Key on Nov. 17 and 21, respectively.
• More details will follow for all events.

 
Residents and organizations will also be encouraged to participate through initiatives like volunteer service projects and local storytelling efforts that highlight the Florida Keys’ role in American history.
 
Follow www.monroecounty-fl.gov/250 for updates and opportunities to participate as the America 250 Florida Keys celebrations take shape.​

Key West, FL — The Key West Artisan Market wraps up its 2026 regular season on Sunday, April 26, from 10 am to 2 pm at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach with the Conch Republic Days Edition, celebrating the island’s independent spirit and serving as the final market of the season. This community-centered event invites locals and visitors to shop local, connect with neighbors, and close out the season in true Key West style during the final day of Conch Republic Days festivities.

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 celebrates the spirit of the Conch Republic, a beloved local tradition known for its humor, independence, and community pride. Guests are encouraged to wear their Conch Republic colors, wave their flags, and enjoy the lighthearted energy that defines this uniquely Key West celebration. Representatives from the Conch Republic Marine Army will also be onsite sharing information about their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Keys’ mangrove ecosystems through marine debris removal and environmental stewardship initiatives.

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 will return with a series of summer pop-up markets, offering a scaled-down but thoughtfully curated experience:
Sunday, May 10 — Mother’s Day Edition
Sunday, June 8 — Father’s Day Edition
Sunday, July 6 — Red, White & Blue Edition (Key Lime Festival Weekend)
Sunday, August 10 — Lobster Best Edition
For updates and upcoming editions, visit https://www.facebook.com/KWArtisanMarket. For vendor information, email [email protected] or apply online at https://bit.ly/KWAMVENDORS

KEY WEST, Fla. – APRIL 17, 2026 – Lower Keys Medical Center now offers inpatient hemodialysis onsite, furthering its commitment to deliver compassionate, life sustaining care to the Lower Keys region. Lower Keys Medical Center implemented this program in response to the need in the community for safe dialysis services in an inpatient acute care setting.  

Patients may require dialysis for diagnoses such as end stage renal disease and acute kidney injury, in which the kidneys are unable to function properly to remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the blood. During hemodialysis, the blood is pumped through a dialysis machine, filtered and cleaned via a dialyzer, sometimes referred to as an artificial kidney. The clean blood is returned to the patient. While many patients receive dialysis on an outpatient basis, inpatient dialysis is necessary if patients are too unstable for outpatient clinics, have compromised immunity or are experiencing acute, reversible kidney failure.  

"We have invested in equipment, resources and training to offer this vital service at Lower Keys Medical Center," said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer. "We want to serve every patient who comes through our doors with safe, high-quality care close to home. Offering in-patient dialysis services will enable local residents to get the care they need without leaving the community. I thank Dr. Beysolow for his expertise and support in bringing this service to LKMC."   

Taweh Beysolow, M.D., board-certified Nephrologist and Dialysis Medical Director, oversees the service which is performed by trained registered nurses.  

Local resident Vicki Wolcott, who recently received hemodialysis at Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “In the past, I had to be transferred to Miami for inpatient dialysis. It’s very convenient to have it done here. And the dialysis nurse is so good and efficient. She was excellent and there wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer. We appreciate having this service here.” 

Lower Keys Medical Center has performed over 50 treatments since it began offering the service, and transfers for nephrology have decreased by 69% from January - April 2026 compared to the same time period in 2025.  

Photo caption: Madison Frohn, Dialysis RN, and Angelina Ashler, RN, Director of ICU and Dialysis, demonstrate hemodialysis equipment.  

Unincorporated Monroe County - Monroe County wants to remind residents that July 13, 2026 is the closing date for the final Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) quarter available to be eligible for a ROGO allocation from the current pool of market rate allocations. Building permit applications to construct new residential dwelling units must be submitted no later than June 12 (30 days prior to the ROGO deadline), pass all required permit reviews, and submit a complete ROGO application prior to July 13, to compete for the current pool of market rate ROGO allocations. This does not include building permit applications for the repair or replacement of existing dwelling units. New and expanded nonresidential development can continue to request NROGO floor area from the existing NROGO banks after this date. Applying for a ROGO does not guarantee a ROGO allocation for this quarter.

The county is amending its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to accept and distribute the new pool of 657 ROGO allocations authorized by Chapter 2023-17, Laws of Florida, and confirmed by the Administration Commission and the State Land Planning Agency last December. Building permit applications to construct new market rate residential dwelling units submitted after June 12, 2026, will continue to be accepted and reviewed; however, applicants will not be able to submit a ROGO application until the start of a new ROGO allocation period under the new ordinance. Reviewed building permit applications will be held until that time. The next ROGO allocation period is expected to open on July 13, 2027; however, the amendments are still in process and are subject to at least three pending public hearings before adoption, as well as approval by the State Department of Commerce. The county will continue to update the public on the process of these Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code text amendments and will share detailed information on the new ROGO allocations and the updated application system once available.

• To review the drafted text amendments (File 2025-017 and 2025-018): www.monroecounty-fl.gov/707/Pending-Applications
• For information on the current ROGO/NROGO System: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/rogo

Key West Womenfest, one of the country’s top annual festivals for lesbians and their friends, returns in 2026 with the theme, “Lost Women in the Arts” — a celebration that invites women to reclaim and revel in their creative power and individual identity, while having a spectacular time among a courageous community.

From Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 6, attendees can explore fresh paths to reconnecting with their artistry, their stories, and one another on the magical island where so many have come to fan the flame of their inspiration.

Festival highlights are to include a poetry reading and art exhibition event, themed and pool parties, live music and DJ sets, bike and trolley tours, a fabulous sunset sail, a clothing-optional snorkel trip, a speed-dating adventure, foodie fun and more.
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Key West Womenfest is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Key West Business Guild. For event and VIP package information, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/