Native Plant Sale - Composting Workshop – Children’s Art Workshop KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be hosting its monthly ‘Day of Conservation’ from 9am to Noon on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The Native Plant Sale is open 9am to Noon. The nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs, vine & vegetables in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount on plant purchases. Memberships are available on site and on-line. The Composting Workshop runs 9am to Noon. Bring your food scraps to support composting for the Keys pilot research and educational collaboration with the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension. Acceptable items: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains (Pasta, Bread, Rice), Coffee grounds & Egg Shells. No Meat or Dairy. The Children’s Art Workshop runs from 10am to 11:30. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation. All proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.
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Atlantic Hurricane Season from June through November ![]() KEY WEST, Fla. – May 30, 2025 – As hurricane season begins, Lower Keys Medical Center encourages residents to review your preparedness for the months ahead. Taking action to stock your home and car with emergency supplies and think through your family’s disaster response plan now can provide peace of mind when the storm warnings begin. “Our hospital, our community first responders and our military and emergency management partners regularly conduct drills to prepare for disasters, and individuals and families can benefit from the same concept,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “It’s much easier to think through the necessary details while the weather is calm so we’re well-prepared long before a storm. Those preparations allowed the hospital and our partner organizations to evacuate inpatients prior to the impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and to continue to deliver care during subsequent storms.” Communications can be challenging during a weather crisis, so it’s important to think ahead. Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them accessible, program them into your cell phone and have every family member keep a printed copy in their wallet. Establish an emergency point of contact in a different town such as a friend or relative in case phone lines are busy during an emergency. Because cellular, internet and landline phones can be impacted, investing in a battery-powered radio is recommended. Know your community so you’re prepared to take action – find out where the nearest shelter is and the different routes you can take to get there. For online materials such as contact lists or maps, take time to print them now. Power outages around a storm can make accessing data online difficult. Home emergency supplies can help keep you and your family safe and healthy. While store inventories are high and it’s easy to get to and from the store, make sure you have the following basics on hand: Food and Medicine
To learn more about hurricane preparations, visit www.monroecountyem.com. About Lower Keys Medical Center Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, and American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center. KEY LARGO -- Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein and Parks and Beaches Director John Allen joined the family of Enos Mitchell on Wednesday to reveal a dedication plaque in his honor at Friendship Park. Enos passed away at 93 years old in 2023 and was known in the Key Largo community for his huge heart and volunteerism.
"I was lucky enough to personally have met Mr. Enos and honored to have known his dedication and service to the Upper Keys community," said Merrill Raschein. "To hear the stories told of his ability to get things done in the community shows what a good man he was and why this park is so special." Friendship Park is located at 69 Hibiscus Drive, Key Largo. ![]() MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County continues its commitment to address long-term transportation challenges through data-driven planning and local collaborations with its strategic partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). All improvements to US 1, the main road that runs throughout the Florida Keys, are approved by and constructed by FDOT because it is a state-owned and maintained road. After the county spent a year developing a comprehensive strategic plan, where traffic was one of three major community concerns in 2019, the BOCC established the Florida Keys Transportation Coordination Committee (FKTCC), based on the framework requested by Commissioner David Rice, which links officials from the five cities and the county in discussions to identify important priority projects to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience on US 1 throughout the island chain. The committee ranks projects and makes recommendations to the county commission, to submit to the FDOT for its 5-Year Workplan, which the FDOT uses to study, design, and budget for the projects if it decides they can move forward with them. “The formation of the FKTCC is about action,” said Rice. “And we’re seeing real projects and real progress.” The Monroe County Transportation Master Plan, adopted in 2021 following a process of public engagement, technical analysis, and discussions with the municipalities and the FDOT, resulted in a list of 183 potential solutions to address existing and future transportation concerns along US 1 through the Florida Keys. The FKTCC recommended an initial list of 36 of these projects in 2022 as priority projects for the BOCC to transmit to FDOT for inclusion in the 5-Year Workplan. The FKTCC continues to evaluate projects from the master plan, as well as new ideas to improve traffic conditions in the Florida Keys, and will provide recommendations on updated priorities as projects are completed. Since its adoption in 2021, the FDOT has addressed 75 of the projects from the master plan. A list can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/transportation. The prioritized list helps initiate high-impact projects like:
In May 2024, the FKTCC started the reprioritization process again to bring a new priority list to FDOT for the next Tentative 5-Year Work Program. The draft working list can also be found at the website and is also currently being circulated through each city government to be brought back to the FKTCC to finalize for the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to submit to the FDOT formally in August 2025. The process is and has been open to the public. Some of the projects being considered in the upcoming priority list include evaluating the feasibility of implementing a weigh-in-motion technology upgrade instead of weigh station relocation at Snake Creek Bridge, bus stop upgrades countywide, traffic flow assessments and timing modifications to stop lights, right-turn-only studies, and a water ferry service feasibility study. To see the full list, visit the website. “This process is designed to reflect the needs of every part of Monroe County,” said Monroe County Transit Director Richard Clark. “We appreciate the hard work of our commissioners and city partners in ensuring we’re not just talking about traffic, but we are doing something about it.” Each city government is approving its priorities throughout May and June. Please visit their websites for the details, their meetings are tentatively scheduled: Key Colony Beach – Completed Key West – June 4 Layton – June 5 Marathon – June 10 Islamorada – June 10 The next FKTCC meeting will be Wednesday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center and can be attended via Zoom. Zoom details and the agenda can be found on the county calendar or at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/transportation. Pucker up! Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival returns July 2-6, serving up a zesty celebration of the world’s most sensational citrus. From mouthwatering culinary events and tours to spectacular only-in-Key-West competitions, this multi-day festival is set to unfold across the very island where the legendary Key Lime pie was born.
Festivities officially launch Wednesday, July 2 with an all-new Key-luscious kick-off event held on the sweeping veranda of the Avalon Bed & Breakfast inn. Festival co-founder David Sloan will welcome lovers of the lime and autograph copies of his famous “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook,” followed by a party featuring kick-up-your-heels Americana jams delivered by a live band right on Duval St. July 3 features a Key Lime Pie Hop that takes aficionados on a downtown tasting tour to sample assorted variations of the treat. Other offerings include a “Wheeling & Dealing Hot Wheels Race” at Mary Ellen’s Bar and “Sloppy Joe’s Ultimate Key Lime Smash Party,” which raises funds for charity while delivering whipped cream wallops to some local celebrity faces. Independence Day events start bright and early with the annual “Rotary Club of Key West 4th of July 5K.” From there, head over to the Southernmost Beach Café for an array of activities leading up to the 2025 World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, including beach games and a lavish Key Lime Vendor Village that opens at 10:00am. The annual World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship—the festival’s centerpiece event—commences at 1:30pm. An outrageously messy twist on New York’s traditional Independence Day hot dog eating contest, twenty-five competitors each attempt to consume a 9-inch pie in the fastest time, without using their hands. Contestants can advance register on the festival website for a chance to score a trophy, championship belt, and a heaping helping of glory. Other Fourth of July events include a pool party at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and the Rotary Club of Key West’s “Patriotic Grill Out Under the Fireworks.” On July 5, those who relish heat can take a hot lap to the “5-Alarm Pie Challenge,” at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum. Think Key Lime pie taken to incendiary heights via creative culinary twists. There’s also the sweet and salty Key Lime Sip & Stroll, where participants can vote on the best Key Lime cocktails and margaritas served up by multiple participating bars. Topping off the day in the spirit of Independence weekend: “Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift,” a free concert for lime lovers of all ages, paired with an iconic Key West sunset at the renowned Sunset Pier located at Zero Duval St. On July 6, the annual gravity defying Key Lime Pie Drop invites contestants to advance-create a device or container to protect a 5-inch diameter pie and keep it from exploding on impact when dropped from the approximately 88-foot observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. The winner scores a cash prize along with some very unique bragging rights; competitors can visit the festival website to advance register for free. Adding a burst of patriotic pride to the festivities and in celebration of Key West as an official U.S. Coast Guard city, members of the U.S. Coast Guard will be on hand at multiple festival events with spirited appearances, interactive demonstrations, and photo-ready moments. Festival highlights also include a “Living the Key Lime Life” four-course dinner prepared by Chef Scott Taylor and the Kaya Island Eats culinary team, a Key West Artisan Market: Red, White & Blue Edition at Higgs Beach, and daily Key Lime Bike Tours and mini Key Lime pie making classes. The Florida Legislature declared Key Lime pie the official state pie in 2006. Launched in 2013, the family-friendly Key Lime Festival was concocted by author, ghost hunter, historian, and cuisinier David Sloan, and artist, production designer, and Wonderdog Studios founder Marky Pierson. The 2025 Festival is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full events calendar along with registration and reservation links, visit http://www.keylimefestival.com. Key West, FL - May 28, 2025 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro, a vibrant favorite on Duval Street, continues to delight guests with its daily happy hour from 3–6 PM, featuring $8 specials on Thai appetizers, sushi rolls, and handcrafted cocktails. Bangkok Happy Bowl has live music every Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM and will continue to have entertainment throughout the summer.
This June, the bistro rolls out a fresh lineup of live entertainment every Thursday through Sunday, bringing high-energy performances and laid-back island vibes to the newly renovated bar area. “We want every guest to feel like they’ve stepped into something fun, flavorful, and uniquely Key West,” says Kirk Coult, owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl. “Great food, great music, and a great time—that’s what we’re all about.” Whether you're winding down after a beach day or gearing up for a night out, the bar’s welcoming atmosphere and live music make it the perfect place to start your evening. June Live Music & Entertainment Schedule: 6/1 Sunday – Nina and Naomi Newton (Americana/Blues) 6/5 Thursday – Sam Carlson (Americana) 6/6 Friday – Coconut Koalas (Americana/Blues) 6/7 Saturday – Chuck and Sam (Acoustic/Folk) 6/8 Sunday – Nina and Naomi Newton (Americana/Blues) 6/12 Thursday – Sam Carlson (Americana) 6/13 Friday – Coconut Koalas (Americana/Blues) 6/14 Saturday – Chuck and Sam (Acoustic/Folk) 6/15 Sunday – Nina and Naomi Newton (Americana/Blues) 6/19 Thursday – Sam Carlson (Americana) 6/20 Friday – Coconut Koalas (Americana/Blues) 6/21 Saturday – Chuck and Sam (Acoustic/Folk) 6/22 Sunday – Nina and Naomi Newton (Americana/Blues) 6/26 Thursday – Sam Carlson (Americana) 6/27 Friday – Coconut Koalas (Americana/Blues) 6/28 Saturday – Chuck and Sam (Acoustic/Folk) 6/29 Sunday – Nina and Naomi Newton (Americana/Blues) With vibrant music, delicious food, and a laid-back island vibe, Bangkok Happy Bowl remains a go-to for locals and travelers looking for connection, culture, and good times in Key West. To explore the full menu, visit Bangkok Happy Bowl Key West Menu. For more information about Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, please visit Bangkok Happy Bowl. ![]() KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Visitors are invited to celebrate the history and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in Key West and beyond during Key West Pride, scheduled for Wednesday through Sunday, June 22-29, 2025. This year's event is proudly sponsored, in part, by Smirnoff, Hear 4 U Audiology, and DG Interiors, among many other supporters. Presented by the Key West Business Guild, this year’s theme, “STILL RISING,” honors the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community within the welcoming “One Human Family” ethos of this subtropical island, renowned as a premier LGBTQ vacation destination. Attractions will include late-night dance parties, daytime and sunset sailing excursions, film screenings, and drag performances, as well as a STILL RISING bar crawl for costumed participants and Pride’s traditional street fair, which promises a vibrant new twist. The festivities will commence on Wednesday, June 22, with a kick-off party hosted by AquaPlex Key West, located at 711 Duval Street. This two-hour event will set the tone for an exciting week ahead. Highlights for Wednesday, June 25, include a Gay Key West History Trolley Tour, followed by a pool party at the newly remodeled La Concha Hotel. Attendees can anticipate an unforgettable evening featuring “An Evening of Queer Crooning and Comedy,” showcasing former American Idol contestant Beane and the dynamic queer comedian Quin Lamar, and hosted by local favorites, Puddin Tain” and Gwen Filosa. Thursday, June 26, will feature a “Tea on the Sea” sunset sail and a floating tea dance aboard the Fury Catamaran. Later that evening, guests can support their favorite mixologists during the “Key West Local Bartender Competition,” commencing at 9 p.m. at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St. Other enticing activities will include a lavish brunch sail on the luxurious Argo Navis, the “We Love Our Allies Pride Party” at 22&Co, 504 Angela St., and a “Slay Under the Sea” dance party hosted by Tike House (203 Duval St). Our LGBTQ+ partners, including Aqua, 801 Bar, Bobby’s Monkey Bar, Island House, and Bourbon St. Pub, will offer a full slate of events throughout the week. Among Saturday's many attractions is the Pride Street Fair and party, scheduled from 4-8 p.m. along the 700 to 900 blocks of Key West's famous Duval Street. This event will feature live entertainment, a diverse array of vendors, and music by DJ Mr. Enjoy. The final day's schedule on Sunday, June 29, will culminate in an inclusive Pride Parade, showcasing a 100-foot segment of Key West’s iconic 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag, originally created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker. Slated to begin at 7 p.m., the parade will traverse a route that includes most of Duval Street, allowing participants and spectators alike to conclude their Pride celebrations at La Te Da’s traditional Tea Dance. ![]() KEY WEST, Florida — A vibrant vaudeville-style show awaits live entertainment enthusiasts on Saturday, June 21, as "Pride Follies" takes center stage, serving as a prelude to the annual Key West Pride festivities in June. This production will showcase exceptional talents from the island's performing arts community, evoking the charm of a traditional variety show reminiscent of television's classic "Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town." The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Key West Theater, located at 512 Eaton St., a historic venue with roots dating back to 1848. Presented by the Key West Business Guild and Gay Key West—now in its 47th year of promoting LGBTQ travel to the area—this event will benefit the mission of the organization. The not-for-profit guild is also responsible for producing annual festivals, including its signature event, Key West Pride, which will take place from June 22 to 29, 2025 "Pride Follies" will be directed and hosted by Dominic Paolillo, a Board member of the Key West Business Guild and an active participant in local theatre. Joining him as co-host is Erin McKenna, who is also renowned for her dedication to theatre and the performing arts. Organizers anticipate a diverse lineup of acts, ranging from comedy to vocal performances and dance. Doors will open at 6 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. performance. The Key West Theater offers full bar service and seating options both downstairs and on an upper mezzanine level. Ticket prices range from $40 to $60 for premium balcony seating, and attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Immediately following Pride Follies, The Tiki House (203 Duval St.) will host the official Dance Party, with proceeds benefitting Key West Pride, 2025. This after party will feature DJ Sanaris and a playful theme of “Slay Under The Sea. Ticket prices range from $40 to $60 for premium balcony seating, and attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Duval Square’s Jag Gallery reunites two old friends for a new exhibit, REUNION, opening on Wednesday, June 4th. The gallery welcomes the return of two fine artists, Key West’s Aase May and New Orleans based Cathy Rose who first exhibited together at the former Lucky Street’s White Street location 30 years ago.
Asse unveils a new collection of her simple, pleasing but elegant oil and cold wax paintings, outwardly uncomplicated yet evocative at the same time. Cathy returns with a trove of her familiar, brilliantly assembled works of found and vintage objects, some featuring figures with features of hand formed clay, along with a selection of delicate framed face paintings under antique glass negatives. REUNION opens with a gallery reception on June 4th from 5:30-7:30. Gallery events are free and all are welcome. For more information contact the gallery at [email protected] or 305.407.6202 Long considered a top Key West destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine, contemporary art featuring work of prominent artists from Key West and beyond along with guest artists and juried exhibits, Jag Gallery is located at Duval Square, 1075 Duval Street with ample, free parking through the Simonton Street entrance to the Square. Follow us at jag gallery.art, on Facebook and Instagram. MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Florida Keys. MCFR will be providing a gentle stream of misting water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe and fun environment. It is a great way to meet your neighborhood firefighters, learn about fire prevention, and cool off from the summer heat. Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes, and bring a bottle of water and a towel. The events take place on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
“These events are some of our favorite community outreach programs for kids where they get to come out and meet our firefighters and play in the water,” said Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “It’s a great way for the children to learn summer safety tips and have fun at the same time.” For more information, please call Monroe County Fire Rescue at 305-289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather. |
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