t will be a winners circle of artistic merit as Jag Gallery debuts its first BEST IN SHOW exhibit.  Opening on Wednesday July 8th with a gallery reception from 5:30 - 7:30 the invitational showcases work of honorees from the gallery’s 2025 POOLSIDE and SMALL WORKS. Juried exhibits.   Recipients of the Juror’s Choice, Honorable Mention and People’s Choice awards, talented art makers from coast to coast, along with some Key West favorites return with all new work unrelated to the theme shows.  Featured artists include POOLSIDE 2025 honorees Brendan O’Connell, Enid Blechman, Lori Sanchez-Hohman, Susan Bailey, Margo Ellis and Carole Faye joined by SMALL WORKS 2025 winners Michael Thieme, Patrick Webb, Jessica O’Brien, Lisa Marie Kwessell and Jaye Schlesenger.

Jag Gallery events are free and all are welcome.

Considered a top destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine, contemporary art featuring work of 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.  

June 30, 2026 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Tennessee Williams Museum, one of Key West's most beloved literary attractions, is embarking on a new chapter with the announcement that it will relocate to a new permanent home at 604 Whitehead Street.  The museum's current location at 513 Truman Avenue will remain open through July 5, with the expanded museum anticipated to open in Fall 2026 following a comprehensive reimagining of the visitor experience. 

Originally established as a temporary exhibition in 2011 to commemorate the 100th birthday of legendary American playwright Tennessee Williams, the museum quickly became a permanent cultural destination after attracting enthusiastic support from residents and visitors alike.  Operated by the nonprofit Key West Art & Historical Society, the museum has spent the past 15 years preserving and celebrating the life, legacy, and enduring influence of one of America's greatest dramatists. 

Williams shared a profound connection with Key West, where he lived for more than three decades and wrote many of his later works.  The island became both his sanctuary and his creative home, offering the tranquility, inspiration, and sense of community that fueled his artistic life.  Today, his legacy remains woven into the cultural fabric of Key West, making the museum a must-visit destination for literary enthusiasts from around the world. 

The new location will provide significantly more exhibition space, allowing the museum to present a richer, more immersive exploration of Williams' life and career.  Visitors can look forward to expanded galleries featuring additional artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, multimedia presentations, and interpretive exhibits that more fully illustrate his extraordinary contributions to American theater and his lasting relationship with Key West. 

“The Tennessee Williams Museum began as a special centennial exhibition, but the overwhelming response made it clear that Key West needed a permanent home dedicated to preserving his remarkable legacy,” said Dennis Beaver, Founder and Curator of the Tennessee Williams Museum.  “This new location gives us the opportunity to tell that story in exciting new ways while creating an even more engaging experience for visitors.” 

Before the museum closes its doors at 513 Truman Avenue on July 5, visitors are invited to take advantage of a 25% storewide sale in the museum store.  The sale includes books and unique gifts inspired by Tennessee Williams and Key West, offering guests one last opportunity to shop the current location before the museum begins its transition to its new home. 

As a nonprofit organization, the Key West Art & Historical Society is inviting the community to help bring the reimagined Tennessee Williams Museum to life.  Donations will directly support the design and installation of new exhibitions, preservation of the museum’s collections, educational programming, and the creation of an enhanced visitor experience celebrating Williams’ enduring legacy in Key West. Those wishing to contribute can visit kwahs.org/donate and select “Tennessee Williams Museum” from the dropdown menu to designate their gift specifically for the museum project. 

Additional details about the museum's reopening and grand opening celebrations will be announced as the project progresses. 

The Tennessee Williams Museum, located at 513 Truman Avenue, is open daily for self-guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For more information about the museum, admission, and upcoming programs, contact the Key West Art & Historical Society at 305-295-6616 or visit www.kwahs.org. 
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Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island. 

 Monroe County elected officials and senior staff attended the annual Florida Association of Counties (FAC), Florida Association of County Managers (FACM), Florida Association of County Attorneys (FACA), and Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS) in Orlando last week. The conference provides opportunities for county leaders from across Florida to collaborate, discuss emerging issues, learn about new industry tools to improve efficiency and operations, and receive professional education on topics affecting local governments. 

Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Commissioners Jim Scholl and Holly Merrill Raschein, County Administrator Christine Hurley, and Assistant County Administrators Tina Boan and Kevin Wilson were in attendance, along with County Attorney Bob Shillinger, Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson, and Engineering and Roads Director Judy Clarke.

During the FAC session, Lincoln concluded her term as president of FAC, following a year of leading the statewide organization representing all 67 Florida counties under the theme of “Connecting Counties.”

“Serving as president of FAC has been one of the greatest honors of my public service career,” said Lincoln. “I was proud to advocate for Monroe County and counties across Florida while making sure the Florida Keys have a strong voice in statewide discussions, decisions, and policymaking.”

During her one-year term, Lincoln led the association’s Board of Directors, oversaw its strategic direction, and advocated on behalf of Florida’s counties to protect local decision-making and strengthen county government.

Ginger Delegal, executive director of FAC, described Lincoln as a compassionate leader during her tenure.

KEY WEST, FL - JUNE 25, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its 2026 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, and for the second year in a row, Lower Keys Medical Center received an “above average” CMS 4 Star Rating. The CMS Star Ratings consider 52 quality measures related to mortality, safety of care, readmission patient experience, and timely and effective care and are publicly reported on the CMS CareCompare site – https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/. 
 
The Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings were first published in July 2016 to provide consumers and their healthcare teams with consistent comparison among hospitals, enabling them to make decisions about their care. Lower Keys Medical Center is one of less than 1,000 hospitals, or 30% of all hospitals, receiving 4 stars out of 5 possible. 
 
Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center, credits the care teams at the hospital for consistently and vigilantly following best practices, collaborating with physicians and nursing leaders, and providing continuing education and training.
 
“We are focused every day on delivering safe, quality care to our patients. Our teams prioritize patient experience and seek input from our patients, their families, our community, and each other on how to continuously improve outcomes and communication. We also follow strict protocols to identify patients at risk for or experiencing infections. We are pleased to maintain our 4 Star rating from CMS,” said Bigby. 
 
According to CMS, the CareCompare site provides quality measure information including:

• Process of care measures that show whether or not a health care provider gives recommended care based on guidelines, standards of care or practice parameters – the treatment known to give the best results for most patients with a particular condition.
• Outcome measures reflecting the results of care.
• Patient experience of care as measured by a national, standardized survey of hospital patients about their experiences during a recent inpatient hospital stay.
• Imaging efficiency patterns, care transitions, Emergency Department -throughput efficiency, care coordination, and patient safety.

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 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. 

The entry deadline for Jag Gallery’s POOLSIDE 2026 juried show is quickly approaching.  Artists are invited to submit up to 5 entries of original 2 and 3D work; paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture with “swimming pool” as a part of the subject or the main subject .  Visit jaggallery.art and click the Everything Poolside 2026 Exhibit button for all information, rules, and application.  The entry deadline is July 5th.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories along with the opportunity to exhibit in a group show at Jag gallery in 2027.

Now in its 7th wet and wonderful  year, POOLSIDE  2026 will open on August 5th  with a splashy gallery reception on Saturday August 8th from 5:30-7:30.  POOLSIDE 2026 continues through August 30th. 

Considered a top destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine, contemporary art featuring work of 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 – This Saturday, June 27, the City of Key West will host its official community celebration in honor of America's upcoming 250th birthday—a milestone that no one alive today will ever experience again.

While Independence Day is celebrated every year, the Semiquincentennial happens only once in a lifetime. Those who gather at Truman Waterfront Park this Saturday will forever be able to say, "I was there when Key West celebrated America's 250th Birthday."

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the celebration gets underway at Truman Waterfront Park with food concessions, a full bar, local vendors, community organizations, children's activities, games, and opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors before the evening's official program begins.

At 6:00 p.m., a patriotic parade featuring military organizations, veterans groups, first responders, civic leaders, and community organizations will step off from the corner of United and Duval Streets. The procession will travel north on Duval Street, turn left onto Southard Street, and continue into Truman Waterfront Park.

Spectators are encouraged to line Duval Street and Southard Street to cheer on the participants or gather at Truman Waterfront Park to witness one of the evening's signature moments as the parade marches into the park and transitions directly into the Official Ceremony.

The Official Ceremony will begin immediately following the parade with a welcome from Mayor Danise Henriquez. The program will feature the Parade of Colors, the National Anthem performed by Kristen McNamara, welcome remarks from Mayor Henriquez, and special remarks from Rear Admiral Jeff Randall, Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South; Captain Colin Thompson, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Key West; and Commander Jared Harlow, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West. Closing remarks will be delivered by Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln before Clinton Curry concludes the ceremony with an honorary conch shell blowing.

As daylight begins to fade over Key West Harbor, the evening will transition into Salute to America: A Patriotic Music Tribute, featuring some of the island's favorite performers celebrating America, community, and the spirit of Key West.

Key West's husband-and-wife Americana duo B-Man & mi-Shell blend folk favorites, island influences, and coastal storytelling into a heartfelt musical tribute to America. Kristen McNamara, one of Key West's premier vocalists, returns to the stage after performing the National Anthem with a powerful collection of patriotic songs and original selections. Florida country artist Ry Rivers brings his signature storytelling and modern country sound to the stage with a spirited blend of patriotic classics and original songs. Closing the evening, The Durtbags, one of Key West's favorite live bands, take the stage at 9:00 p.m. with an energetic, crowd-pleasing celebration of America's soundtrack.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, and chair rentals will also be available on-site. The celebration will feature food concessions, a full bar, local vendors, a Kids' Zone with inflatables, the Truman Waterfront splash pad and playground, shopping opportunities, and a complimentary water filling station courtesy of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Rolling coolers and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Sunset over Key West Harbor is at 8:13 p.m., providing a fitting backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime community celebration.
Admission is free.
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This is more than another patriotic celebration. It is a moment in history that will never be repeated. Years from now, people will remember where they were when America marked its 250th birthday. Those who gather at Truman Waterfront Park this Saturday will always be able to say, "I was there when Key West celebrated America's 250th."

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County is coordinating with state regulating agencies and local partners to publish guidance on the widespread influx of sargassum grass impacting ocean-side shorelines and canals throughout the Florida Keys.

Sargassum grass is a naturally occurring seaweed found in the ocean that is essential to protecting habitat for a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, crabs, shrimp, and other juvenile sea creatures. Influxes that wash ashore or into canals can become a nuisance, and as the sargassum decays, it produces a hydrogen sulfide gas. This year, the influx of sargassum grass is causing periodic inconveniences in some areas and contributing to fish kills.

The county has been coordinating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which provided staff with an update on current conditions and regulatory guidance. According to DEP, this year’s sargassum bloom is widespread and extends throughout the Keys along the ocean side of the island chain and is expected to continue throughout the summer.

It’s important for residents to know that sargassum grass is protected offshore and that regulations govern its removal. Clearing sargassum from canals may provide temporary relief, but it is not a long-term solution. Additional blooms are anticipated, and residents should be aware that removed material will likely be replaced by future influxes. While removal is not suggested, residents should be aware of the state regulations governing sargassum removal. These can be found at myfwc.com/research/about/ear/sargassum/.

Health Considerations
The Florida Department of Health advises that decomposing sargassum can produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a strong odor similar to rotten eggs. While the gas is generally diluted outdoors, it may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and can affect individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions more severely. Residents experiencing irritation are encouraged to limit exposure, avoid direct contact with decomposing seaweed, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Monroe County Parks and Beaches crews are continuing onshore sargassum cleanup efforts at Harry Harris Park and other county-owned beaches using county equipment, including clamshell trucks.

Report Fish Kills and Environmental Concerns
Decomposing seaweed in canals can remove oxygen from the area, causing fish kills. Residents who observe fish kills can report them through the following state hotlines:

• FWC Fish Kill Hotline: 1-800-636-0511
• DEP Fish Kill or Fish Disease Reporting (Southeast Florida Action Network): 866-770-7335

Monroe County, DEP, and partner agencies will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed, as additional sargassum blooms are expected throughout the summer. 

“Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals” is the official theme for Fantasy Fest 2026 –Key West, Florida’s annual multi-day costuming extravaganza in Paradise. From October 16-25, those who embrace the magnificence of all things musical can style themselves at the center of a Ziegfeld extravaganza, follow the call of a disco ball, go Gaga for Ziggy Stardust, embody the Mercury magic… You get the idea. The sky’s the limit Lucy, during this “Wicked-ly” wondrous ten-day break from the ordinary.
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Revelers can see the spectacle and be the spectacle—with celebrations including the world-famous Fantasy Fest parade; the Captain Morgan Masquerade March (aka “Locals Parade”) and Paparazzi Row; the exuberant Goombay Festival; Royal Coronation of the 2026 Fantasy Fest King, Queen, and royal court; the dazzling Headdress Ball; kooky Key West Pet Masquerade; a mile-long Duval St. street fair; concerts, pool parties, theater productions, and much more. Fantasy Fest 2026 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.

Key West, Fla. — Performances by a children’s music ensemble, a conch shell salute to the sun, and an internationally inspired World Food Experience brought Key West’s second annual “Summer Solstice Celebration” to a festive close Sunday evening at Mallory Square.
 
The festivities honored the power of the sun and the June 21 solstice, the longest day of the year and a time traditionally associated with the sun’s greatest strength — an event that holds longstanding mystical significance in many cultures.
 
Attendees of the June 8-21 festival enjoyed activities inspired by solstice traditions, including tarot readings, flower-crown making, face painting, and tying ribbons on a solstice ‘wish banner.’ The celebration also featured musical performances, creative demonstrations, works by local artists, daredevil feats by acrobats and illusionists, and a variety of food and refreshment offerings.
 
Produced by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the year-round Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, the festival was presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
 
For more information about the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration and future events, visit sunsetcelebration.org.
ebration.org.

KEY WEST, FL, JUNE 19, 2026 – Lower Keys Medical Center now offers on demand access to infectious disease specialists through a new telemedicine program. When the healthcare team identifies the need for an infectious disease consult for a patient, they can request a telemedicine consult from board certified infectious disease physicians. The consult notes are documented in the patient's medical record and the patient’s plan of care is then shared directly with the attending physician. 
 
Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center, said the telemedicine infectious disease program is another way the hospital is investing in providing specialty care close to home. "Studies have shown that using telemedicine for infectious disease consultation provides rapid, round-the-clock access to expertise from specialists. I appreciate our staff who have worked on the technology and training necessary for us to provide this service." 

Nationwide, the number of infectious disease physicians has continued to decline. Telemedicine is an evidence-based approach to providing expert clinical care that can result in fewer delays in treatment, shorter hospital stays and fewer transfers out of the local community for care.