Key West, Fla. — A vaudevillian and circus artist known as “The Loud Mime” and two daredevils who began their decades-long performance careers as pre-teens are to headline the entertainment lineup during the magical “Summer Solstice Celebration,” set for June 1-20 at Mallory Square beside Key West Harbor.
The festivities celebrate the pageantry, enchantment and mystical significance of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when the sun’s energy is strongest. Presented by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the island’s famed nightly sunset gathering at Mallory Square, the event features thrilling live performances, demonstrations of creativity by artists and artisans, hands-on experiences and sun-centered activities — all culminating on June 20, the night of the 2025 solstice. Festival attendees can enjoy rollicking shows by “The Loud Mime” Will Flederman, returning to Key West for a limited engagement after enthralling U.S. and international audiences with a blend of classic vaudeville, circus stunts and irreverent comedy. Among Flederman’s most mesmerizing undertakings is squeezing their entire body through a small, gutted tennis racket. “Some performers call Mallory Square the Olympics of street theater, because as a stage it is unlike anywhere else in the world,” said Flederman. “It turned me into the performer I am today, and I can’t wait to be back for the ‘Summer Solstice Celebration.’” Performance highlights also include a collaborative act and demonstration Sunday, June 15, by “Reidiculous Reid” Conklin and “Juggling Jase” Anderson, who grew up together honing their showmanship at Mallory Square. Conklin has entertained in more than 20 countries since beginning his career at age 12, and is constantly fine-tuning his talent and innovative presentation. Today he offers a high-energy comedy act that combines whip cracking, knife juggling and jaw-dropping feats of balance. Anderson started juggling as a 12-year-old and subsequently developed a comedy-rich routine that blends juggling and unicycling, feats of balance and audience participation. With more than 18 years of experience, he has taken his show on the road to entertain around the United States. Their collaborative Summer Solstice showcase will feature comedy, juggling and whip cracking in a fusion of the individual acts they present at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration — an event Conklin praised for its authenticity and true local atmosphere. “It’s so unique, with the bohemian island vibe, right on the water — and what a view,” he said. “How perfect is Key West?” Other featured “Summer Solstice Celebration” performers include young musicians from the Bahama Village Music Program, making four appearances during the festival. Their versatile and dynamic offerings focus on the sounds of the islands, ranging from steel pan drum rhythms to junkanoo stylings. As well as marveling at entertainers’ skill, festival attendees can observe as artisans and crafters demonstrate their creative wizardry; savor food and drink from local vendors; and participate in age-old solstice traditions by setting intentions for the coming months, making flower crowns associated with the occasion, and opening themselves to illumination and personal renewal. Events start at 7 p.m. each evening at Mallory Square in conjunction with the nightly sunset gathering, begun some 50 years ago and now an internationally renowned attraction for visitors. The “Summer Solstice Celebration” is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Visit sunsetcelebration.org for more information and a full schedule of events.
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 KEY WEST, Fla. – In recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week, Lower Keys Medical Center hosted a luncheon for first responders in Monroe County.
Tadd Mallard, director of the emergency department, welcomed crews from Key West Fire Rescue, Monroe County Fire Rescue/Trauma Star, and Florida Keys Ambulance. Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez read a proclamation honoring the life-saving care provided by EMS. 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  At the May meeting, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized Monroe County Public Library System Assistant Director Michael Nelson for his 10 years of service to the citizens of Monroe County. He celebrated his milestone in February. 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.
25 Years
10 Years
MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners named Cory Schwisow as the interim director of Monroe County Emergency Management following the announcement of the resignation of Shannon Weiner, who has accepted a new emergency management position with the University of Tampa. Schwisow has served as the county’s deputy director since June 2023 and brings 20 years of leadership, management, and emergency response experience as a retired U.S. Navy Veteran.
“Cory’s background in emergency operations, his commitment to Monroe County, and his proven leadership under pressure make him a natural fit to lead the department during this transition,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley. Notably, Schwisow was the emergency manager at Naval Air Station Key West during Hurricane Irma in 2017. His military career included deployments across global theaters supporting operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Lost Horizon, and Copper Dunes. He was honored with numerous leadership and command recognitions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Technical Management from American Military University and is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He is also a Leadership Monroe County alumnus, class XXXII. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Shannon for her years of dedicated service to the county and its residents through numerous activations, the building of the new Emergency Operations Center, a global pandemic, and her leadership through numerous hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma,” said Hurley. “She has led us through challenges with strength, poise, professionalism, and compassion, and we wish her the very best in her new role.”  MONROE COUNTY, FL – Throughout May, Monroe County Fire Rescue recognizes National Military Appreciation Month by wearing special “Supporting Our Troops” t-shirts in honor of current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
This initiative, in partnership with Professional Firefighters Local 3909, highlights the department’s continued commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of Veterans and their families. “Our department includes Veterans and families of service members, and this is one way we can show our gratitude and respect,” said Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “We’re proud to stand in support of our troops on and off duty.” To order a shirt of your own and support the Local 3909, visit local3909.com. Monroe County Fire Rescue will also be participating in the Murph workout taking place at Big Pine Key Community Park on Memorial Day with Monroe County Veterans Affairs and Monroe County Parks and Beaches. Registration is at 8:15 a.m., with the workout beginning at 9 a.m. The event honors the legacy of Lt. Michael Murphy, a US Navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan in 2005. All fitness levels are welcome. Local 3909 will have the shirts for sale at this event as well. The event is free. Participant waiver required.  “Mid-August Lunch” (“Pranzo di Ferragosto”), scheduled to screen at 6:15pm on Wed. June 4 at the Tropic Cinema, is the final film presentation in the 2025 “Italian Night at the Movies” series, presented by The Sons and Daughters of Italy Key West Lodge #2436 and the Tropic Cinema and benefiting the Lodge’s scholarship fund for area high school seniors of Italian descent.
Described by “Time Out New York” as a “mouthwatering cinematic feast,” the award-winning “Mid- August Lunch” is a 2008 Italian language comedy by director, actor and screenwriter Gianni De Gregorio, accompanied by English subtitles. Broke and armed with only a wry sense of humor, middle-aged Gianni lives with his 90 year-old mother in their old apartment. The tenant debts are mounting, but financial relief is proffered to Gianni by Alfredo, the building manager, providing Gianni will take in Alfredo’s mother during the Ferragosto holiday. Doors open at 5:30; movie starts at 6:15 pm and the evening includes a complimentary taste of Duetto’s Gelato and mini Italian panini—The Medici, The Vesuvius, and The Verdi. The evening will also include a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $20 per person and are available online at TropicCinema.com or day of at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.
Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for the fourth annual Small Business Success Summit, which will be held August 18-19 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
The 2025 Small Business Success Summit will bring small business owners, experienced Florida SBDC Network consultants, knowledgeable experts, and valued partners together to share information to help business owners take their business to the next level. The event will feature keynote speakers Erik Qualman, five-time #1 bestselling author, and Jess Ekstrom, two-time bestselling author and creator. "We’re excited to welcome Erik Qualman and Jess Ekstrom as keynote speakers at this year’s Small Business Success Summit," said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. "Their insight and experience will be invaluable as we explore this year’s theme: The Power of Small Business – Driving Change, Creating Opportunity. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, fueling innovation, transforming communities, and opening doors to opportunity. Erik and Jess exemplify the resilience, creativity, and leadership it takes to thrive and make a meaningful impact." Qualman has spoken in 55 countries and reached 50 million people. His Socialnomics work has been featured by various media and used by the National Guard and NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the second Most Likeable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. He is a professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University and former sitting professor at MIT and Harvard’s edX labs. His keynote address, Transforming Your Future…Today, will explore how small businesses can confidently embrace the fast-changing digital world, especially with AI on the rise. Qualman will break down what today’s technologies mean for small businesses and how they can use them to grow stronger, connect with customers, and build a future-ready team. Two-time bestselling author and Forbes Top Rated keynote Jess Ekstrom has inspired audiences around the world with her work in social entrepreneurship and women’s leadership. She turned a $300 grant into Headbands of Hope, a company that provides headbands to kids with illnesses. Since launching, the company has donated millions of headbands around the world and is now the official headband provider for the NBA and WNBA. Her second venture, Mic Drop Workshop, helps empower women to share their message as public speakers and authors. Ekstrom has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, People Magazine, and in a global Canva campaign. Her keynote address, Making It Without Losing It, will explore how to create motivation that lasts. She will discuss how deeper internal connection—not external rewards—drives fulfillment, innovation, and sustainable success. Event registration is $300, with a discounted early bird rate of $250 available until July 18. The Florida SBDC Network wishes to thank its 2025 sponsors and partners: Florida First Capital, Square, The Florida High Tech Corridor, Florida Business Exchange, Suncoast Credit Union, Cyber Florida, FloridaMakes, the Jim Moran Institute, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Florida Trend. For more information about the Small Business Success Summit, event speakers, sponsorship opportunities, and to register, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/success_summit/. “Key West Colors: The Art of Ray Rolston” Exhibit Opening at the Key West Museum of Art & History5/20/2025
May 19, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art & Historical Society cordially invites the public to a special gathering on May 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to honor the unveiling of its latest exhibition, “Key West Colors: The Art of Ray Rolston.” The exhibition will be displayed in the Bryan Gallery at the Key West Museum of Art & History, situated at 281 Front Street. The retrospective honors the renowned artist who passed away in 2019 and is recognized for his lively portrayals of Key West and its colorful island landscape.
Born in British Guyana, a nation rich in dense rainforests and cascading waterfalls, Rolston’s early environment profoundly influenced his artistic vision. From a young age, he immersed himself in painting the lush landscapes surrounding his hometown. After spending three decades in New York City and South Florida, Rolston found his true muse in the Florida Keys, making Key West his home for over twenty years. The island’s turquoise waters, historic conch houses, and mesmerizing sunsets became central themes in his work. His remarkable “Key West Colors” series masterfully captured the island’s essence, earning him recognition as one of its premier artists. It was his engaging personality and zest for life that endeared him to visitors to the world-famous Sunset Celebration at Mallory Pier, where he was a resident artist for years. “This new exhibition, featuring over forty paintings and personal effects, provides an exciting visual journey, inviting visitors to explore canvas after canvas filled with iconic landmarks, flora, and fauna that are intricately blended into Rolston’s tropical artwork,” says Cori Convertito, PhD. “He skillfully portrayed familiar island features like roosters, sailboats, palm trees, and architecturally significant buildings, all brought to life with a vibrant color scheme and a playful perspective.” “Key West Colors: The Art of Ray Rolston” runs until November 9 in the Bryan Gallery of the Key West Museum of Art & History. For more information on the exhibit or the public reception, visit www.kwahs.org/rolston-opening, call Convertito on 305-295-6616 x 507 or email [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.  FLORIDA KEYS, FL – Monroe County Parks & Beaches invites all Florida Keys students in kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in the 2025 “Protect Our Parks & Beaches” art contest. In celebration of July’s Parks and Recreation Month, students are encouraged to submit a unique artwork or mascot design that raises awareness about protecting the environment and natural spaces in Monroe County.
First-place winners will have their artwork displayed at selected Monroe County parks and beaches and will be featured on county social media and promotional materials. Entries are due by JUNE 9, 2025. For contest rules and applications, email [email protected] or call 305-453-8726. MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. On Monday, Monroe County’s Veterans Affairs will attend the Memorial Day wreath service at 10 a.m. at the Key West Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park and cohost the 11 a.m. ceremony at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.
Ceremonies in the Florida Keys include: Key West Cemetery – USS Maine Memorial, Winslow Plot, Key West at 9 a.m. Key West Veterans Memorial Garden – Bayview Park, Key West at 10 a.m. Southernmost Cemetery - Big Coppitt Key at 11 a.m. Islamorada Hurricane Monument - MM 81.5 at 9 a.m. Murray Nelson Government Center - Key Largo at 11 a.m. Monroe County Veterans Affairs, Monroe County Fire Rescue, and Monroe County Parks and Beaches will host a Murph workout at Big Pine Key Community Park. Registration is at 8:15 a.m., with the workout beginning at 9 a.m. The event honors the legacy of Lt. Michael Murphy, a US Navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan in 2005. All fitness levels are welcome. Local 3909 will have shirts for sale. The event is free. Participant waiver required. On Monday, the American Legion Post 145 is also sponsoring a Big Red Bus blood drive at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "On Memorial Day, may we pause and honor the bravery and dedication of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country," said Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane. "It is an opportunity to reflect on their courage and express our appreciation for the freedoms for which they served to protect and defend." Memorial Day is traced back to the end of the Civil War and was known as Decoration Day, a day when graves of fallen soldiers were decorated in memory of their service. In 1971, Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday on the last Monday in May to pay tribute to those who died while serving in the military. For more information on Monroe County Veterans Affairs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va or call 305-453-8777. |
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