MARATHON, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (MTH) on Wednesday for receiving the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SEC-AAAE) Runway Project of the Year award, recognizing MTH for the recent Runway 7-25 project that was completed in October.
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The award was announced during the SEC-AAAE Annual Conference in March in Savannah, Ga. It recognizes the following achievements:
·        A critical investment in airfield safety and compliance
·        A project that required careful coordination in a constrained island environment
·        Successful execution that maintained airport operations while delivering major infrastructure improvements
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“This award reflects the dedication, coordination, and vision behind Marathon's transformative runway relocation project,” said Executive Director of Airports Richard Strickland. “The reconstruction of Runway 7-25 represents a major investment in the future of air transportation in the Middle Keys and enhances safety, resiliency, and operational capabilities for years to come.”

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

• Julio Mollineda, Upper Keys Facilities Maintenance

20 Years

• Beth Bergh, Monroe County Land Authority
• Alana Thurston, Human Resources

15 Years

• Rhonda Haag, Chief Resilience Officer
• Dany Ribot, Monroe County Fire Rescue

10 Years

• Dominick Rojas, Key West Airport Operations and Security

5 Years

• Angelica Malcosky, Budget and Finance
• Richard Richardson, Key West Library
• Alberto Vidal, Parks & Beaches (Big Pine Key)

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized Alana Thurston for 20 years of dedicated service to Monroe County government at Wednesday’s meeting.

Thurston began her career with Monroe County on May 15, 2006, as an Employee Benefits Coordinator. She transitioned into the Human Resources Coordinator role in 2011 and was promoted to Senior Coordinator in 2022. In addition to serving as the county’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, she coordinates the Grievance Council and the Career Service Council, supporting employees and organizational processes throughout the county.

Throughout her two decades with Monroe County, Thurston has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, professionalism, and employee relations. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University and remains active in the community through organizations including her church, the Society for Human Resource Management, and Toastmasters International.

Key West’s zesty Key Lime Festival returns July 1-5, with five days of delectable culinary events, only-in-Key West competitions, and citrus-soaked revelry across the tropical paradise where Key Lime pie was born. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:


Wednesday, July 1 – The 2026 Key Lime Festival Kick Off Party: Zestivities launch at 6:00PM on the veranda of the Avalon Bed & Breakfast inn, spilling onto Duval Street, where energetic music permeates the atmosphere and tropical cocktails elevate the spirit. Festival co-founder David Sloan will welcome lovers of the lime with a special keynote presentation while those possessing dramatic flair can compete in the Key Lime Spirit Pageant for the title of Key Lime Festival Emperor or Empress. Full cash bar; admission is free. After the party, celebrate the flavors of island life with a luscious “Living the Key Lime Life” dinner at Kaya Island Eats prepared by Chef Scott Taylor and team.


Thursday, July 2 – Hop, Revel and Roll: The Key Lime Pie Hop leads aficionados on a downtown tasting tour to sample assorted variations of the treat; the Key-Lime-O-Rama Farmers Market takes over the Truman Waterfront; Mary Ellen’s Bar hosts the wild and wacky “Wheeling & Dealing Hot Wheels Race,” and Sloppy Joe’s serves up “The Ultimate Key Lime Smash Party,” with local celebrities taking whipped cream pies to the face to raise funds for charity. And, at the Southernmost Beach Resort’s “Pub Style Trivia with a Key Lime Twist” event, fun-loving factophiles can compete for prizes and the title of “Wisest on the Island.”


Friday, July 3 – Taste and Tour: Adventurous spirits can tackle the “5-Alarm Pie Challenge” at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum, where Key Lime pie gets fiery, creative twists. Then, quench that sizzle during the Key Lime Sip & Stroll, where participants can vote on the best Key Lime cocktails and margaritas served up by multiple participating bars. Limey revelers can dive into a Key Lime-Tastic Pool Party at Blue Flamingo Resort for a cool-down, and celebrate the day’s adventures over a divine Key Lime inspired four-course dining experience at Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen.  


Saturday, July 4 - Independence Day kicks off energetically with the annual Rotary Club of Key West 4th of July 5K, benefitting the Edward B. Knight Scholarship Fund, then shifts to the Southernmost Beach Café for an abundance of activities leading up to the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. Enjoy beach games, a Key Lime Kid Zone, and a lavish Key Lime Vendor Village that opens at 10:00AM.


The World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship—the Festival’s centerpiece—is an outrageously messy twist on New York’s traditional Independence Day hot dog eating contest that invites a field of twenty-five competitors to devour a 9-inch pie, hands-free, in the fastest time possible. Advance registration available on the Festival website; winner scores a trophy, championship belt, and serious bragging rights.


More Fourth of July events include a pool party at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and the annual Rotary Club of Key West’s Fireworks Celebration, with viewing options that include a free gathering at Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park with refreshments available for purchase, and a paid-admission Casa Marina beachfront experience (kids ten and under free).


Sunday, July 5 – Wind down from the long weekend’s revelries over a relaxed dockside brunch at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar at the Perry Hotel, where a special Key Lime inspired menu is served up alongside spectacular marina views. Then, slip into any one of the Festival’s yummy daily offerings, such as a luxurious SpaTerre “Key Lime in the Coconut” experience at Ocean Key Resort, Key Lime Rum Tasting at the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, decadent dessert at Better Than Sex, and plenty of other ahhhh-some Festival finale opportunities.


Festival organizers regret that this year’s planned July 5 Key Lime Pie Drop will not take place, but have vowed to have it back on the menu in 2027, with all the ZEST its fans expect.


The Key West Key Lime Festival’s tempting array of limey happenings also includes a night of Havana-inspired salsa, rumba, and cha-cha dancing fun at the La Concha Key West Hotel; a Key West Artisan Market: Red, White, Blue & Green Edition at Higgs Beach; JF Haden’s Battle of the Bartenders at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, and a “Pirates of the Key Lime – Curse of the Tartiest Pie” party at Kava Key, complete with a home-made Key Lime dessert competition, pirate costume contest, Key Lime mocktail showdown, and a treasure chest raffle.
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The Florida Legislature declared Key Lime pie the official state pie in 2006. The Key Lime Festival, launched in 2013 by author and historian David Sloan, and Wonderdog Studios founder Marky Pierson, is a family-friendly celebration presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. A full events calendar along with registration and reservation links is at http://www.keylimefestival.com.

HOMESTEAD, Fla. —  Everglades National Park announced today its continued support and collaboration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the South Florida Water Management District and other partners for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™. The annual python removal competition is a public initiative dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species and providing opportunities for the public to get involved in protecting the Everglades ecosystem by removing invasive Burmese pythons.  
“Protecting Everglades National Park, one of the world’s most globally significant ecosystems, requires ongoing partnerships and community stewardship,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades National Park. “By engaging the public in science-based invasive species management, we are able to raise awareness and strengthen support for conservation across South Florida.” 

FWC announced that the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ dates are Friday, July 10 from 12:01 p.m. to Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m.    

Invasive Burmese pythons produce negative impacts on the fragile Everglades ecosystem by preying on wildlife and competing for food and habitat across South Florida's wetlands. Everglades National Park works with partners to address these impacts using a variety of science-based management tools, including targeted, humane removal and coordinated control efforts. These actions are supported through established programs with trained volunteers, contractors, and other authorized agents operating under established safety protocols, training requirements, and park supervision. 

 To participate and learn more:   

• Register and complete required training via the official Florida Python Challenge™ website.
• Review Everglades National Park-specific information, rules, and orientation.

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Photo caption: Participants check in at an Agent Authorization Station at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park during the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™.
Photo credit: NPS photo by Brandon Cintron Gerena

UPPER KEYS, FL – As part of the ongoing Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study for the future replacement of the Card Sound Bridge, the Florida Dept of Transportation (FDOT) will begin geotechnical investigations on Tuesday, May 19, that will continue for approximately 2 weeks. Daily work is expected to begin at 8:30 a.m. No road closures are expected.

Contractors will perform soil borings and collect soil samples along the roadway near the bridge. Work will take place on the northbound and southbound shoulders within approximately 1,600 feet north and 1,300 feet south of the bridge approaches. Traffic signage and other safety measures will be in place to alert motorists to workers in the area. Drivers traveling along Card Sound Road should use caution, watch for workers and equipment, and obey all posted signage while work is underway.

Additional information regarding future roadway work associated with the study will be shared at a later date.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and Commissioner Jim Scholl joined Monroe County Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow last week at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference, where county leaders participated in a panel discussion focused on emergency management, hurricane preparedness, and intergovernmental coordination. During the panel discussion, the three shared perspectives on disaster readiness in the Florida Keys, emphasizing the importance of regional coordination, public communication, evacuation planning, and community resilience in a coastal community especially vulnerable to tropical weather.

“Preparedness starts long before a storm enters the forecast cone,” said Schwisow. “These conferences allow us to collaborate with emergency management professionals from across the state and continue strengthening the relationships and strategies that help keep our residents and visitors safe.”

Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein also attended the conference.

The county delegation also participated in conference sessions covering hurricane forecasting, emergency communications, infrastructure protection, and recovery operations.

Monroe County continues to encourage residents to prepare early for hurricane season by reviewing evacuation plans, updating emergency supply kits, and staying informed through official Monroe County Emergency Management communication channels. Hurricane season starts June 1.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.monroecountyem.com.

​Low-interest disaster loans now available 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by drought beginning on Dec. 1, 2025.

The disaster declaration covers the Florida counties of Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington, and the Alabama counties of Covington, Escambia, Geneva and Houston, as well as Georgia counties of Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Decatur, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Seminole, Thomas, and Ware.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs — including faith-based organizations — with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

​The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 10.

BIG PINE KEY, FL – Monroe County has updated the location for the upcoming community meeting regarding the Big Pine Key Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Incidental Take Permit (ITP) on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to the Big Pine Academy cafeteria, located at 30220 Overseas Hwy on Big Pine Key near the flea market area. The event was originally scheduled at St. Peter’s Church.


The meeting is intended to provide residents with information and updates regarding the expiration of the HCP and ITP framework, ongoing coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and future permitting and environmental review processes affecting Big Pine Key and No Name Key.


The county tried to find a location convenient to Big Pine Key residents to accommodate Zoom attendees, but due to internet and audio/visual connectivity limitations at the meeting location, a virtual or Zoom participation option will not be available for the May 28 community meeting. The updates are also scheduled for discussion at the June 10 Monroe County Board of County Commissioners meeting in Key Largo, which includes opportunities for public comment both in person and via the county’s regular virtual meeting platform.


In addition, pictures of the presentation boards and informational materials shared during the May 28 meeting will be posted on the county website following the event, so residents who cannot attend in person can still review the information presented.


Monroe County encourages community members to attend the May 28 meeting in person or the June 10 meeting in person or via Zoom to participate in the ongoing discussion regarding habitat conservation, endangered species protections, and future development processes in the Lower Keys.


For more information on the HCP/ITP, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/environmentalresources.

KEY WEST, FL, MAY 14, 2026 - Lower Keys Medical Center thanks the participants in the annual hurricane evacuation drill held on May 7, 2026, at the medical center and at NAS Key West Boca Chica. The event is a collaboration between multiple emergency management, military, EMS, nursing and transport teams, which simulates the preparation, hand-off of medical records, transport and aircraft loading of patients unable to be discharged safely from the hospital in the event of a major hurricane. Volunteers posing as patients were stabilized and evaluated, then transported to NAS Key West and boarded onto the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aircraft. In an actual evacuation, those patients would be flown to a medical facility outside of the storm's impact. 
 
“We appreciate all of our participants in the live action practice that strengthens our response in the event of an imminent hurricane,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “We are fortunate to have strong working relationships with the local, regional and national agencies that work together in times of crisis.”
 
Prior to the evacuation drill, members of the North Carolina Air National Guard and a C-CAT critical care team from South Carolina Air National Guard, conducted training for EMS and nursing staff on lifting, carrying, transferring and boarding the specialized litter systems with patients into the custom-fitted aircraft. 
 
The Key West Military Affairs Committee hosted a post-training luncheon for the participants. John Picco, President of the Military Affairs Committee and a retired fighter pilot, welcomed and addressed the teams. 
 
Participants included North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Delaware and Florida Air National Guard, NAS Key West, US Coast Guard, Monroe County and City of Key West Emergency Management, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Key West Police and Fire Departments, Monroe County Fire Rescue, E-Care Ambulance, Southernmost Medical Transport, Keys Health Ready Coalition, Florida Department of Health - Monroe County, and hospital staff.
 
 
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, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating.