​Members of the Key West Fire Department and the Key West Police Department recently invested in the community’s future by participating in the College of the Florida Keys’ “Future Heroes Summer Camp.”
The camp ran from June 27th to July 1st and provided kids aged seven to 11 the experience of learning what it takes to be a front-line hero.
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They learned about everything from putting out a fire to what the K9 Unit’s duties consist of.

​National Night Out 2022 promises to be a really exciting event for the whole family. On Tuesday, August 2nd, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30, the community can come meet the first responders who keep us all safe. Hosted by the Key West Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, there will be events at Bayview Park in Key West, Aviation Hangar in Marathon, Founder’s Park in Islamorada, and at the Key Largo Community Park.
Kids especially enjoy seeing the array of equipment – from fire trucks and bomb robots to dogs and horses. Our military partners and other law enforcement agencies will also be on hand, and there will be food and beverages!
This national annual event is aimed at increasing awareness about our work in the community. There will be boats, special teams and more at this great family event. There will be an exciting array of displays and equipment used by the police, firefighters, and our military partners. In addition, there will be music and the kids will love the animals from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Farm!
The Bayview Park National Night Out is a convenient location for residents of all ages to come see what we do and meet your local first responders. It dovetails with events held across the nation, including those hosted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in the Upper and Middle Keys.
 
In the photo: Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Police Chief Sean Brandenburg invite the community to visit one of four National Night Out locations.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission proclaimed July 14th as Flora Barroso Rueda Day in honor of Rueda’s 102nd birthday.

City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley did the honors of presenting the proclamation to Mrs. Rueda, as she is his godmother.

“At 65 she took on a new career of playing the piano,” said Weekley. She played for the senior citizens at Bayshore Manor and in the convalescent center. After taking a break during the Covid pandemic, she now plans to start playing for the residents of Poinciana Gardens.

Born in 1920, she grew up on Bahama Street, where she learned to play the piano -- and to play cards -- at a very early age. She graduated from the Convent of Mary Immaculate High School in 1938.

As a lifelong member of The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Flora sang in the choir for more than 50 years alongside her sister Norma.

Flora met and married Evelio “Skippy” Rueda and, over 70 years of marriage, they raised a strong family that now includes three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Rueda has been a member of the Catholic Daughters, Court #634, and served in every office of the organization over a span of 52 years. She served as State Regent and Treasurer of the Florida Council of Catholic Daughters.
Rueda’s beautiful still life paintings grace the homes of many friends and family.
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Rueda accepted the honor surrounded by family. She recalled fondly her childhood in Key West and the importance that music has played in her life.

The City of Key West will be holding a workshop to discuss a new welcome sign at the entrance to the island.

On Tuesday, July 12th at 10 a.m., architect Keith Oropeza will lead a discussion regarding the sign. The redesign is part of a larger effort to enhance the “Triangle,” where South and North Roosevelt Blvds meet up with U.S. 1.

The current sign was donated to the City about 15 years ago by the three Key West Rotary clubs. It has a storied past, as it was stolen in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017. It was discovered a few months later in Fort Myers Beach and returned to Key West on a ferry.

The City invites input and comments on the signage. The meeting will be held in the Commission Chamber of City Hall.
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Citizens may also participate via Zoom by telephoning 301-715-8592,
​Meeting ID: 814 5520 4787 Passcode: 897786 or online at:
https://cityofkeywest-fl-gov.zoom.us/j/81455204787?pwd=aDhPZEY0QTV6UVloWmp1SGFqTktvZz09

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts, in collaboration with Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty in Key West is proud to announce an upcoming show featuring the artwork of renowned local artist, Taylor Hale, whose focus is on the sky and the sea. An opening reception will be held for Friday, July 15th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, 1075 Duval St, Suite 15C in Duval Square, in Key West. 

Join us as we enjoy the artwork, refreshments and wine presented by Ocean Sotheby’s. All work on exhibit are original paintings and are available for sale. Please RSVP to Michelle at mrodriguez@oceansir.com, or please call Michelle at Ocean Sotheby’s, 305-294-1117 by July 13th to RSVP. 

Taylor Hale is a native conch who draws inspiration from a lifetime on the water. Taylor is driven by the constant transformations of the sky and sea- exploring what happens as these powerful natural forces interact. Within his work, he captures movement and stillness, familiarity and the unknown, peace and unrest. In each oil painting, he seeks to create a window to connect to another world. 
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This exhibit is sponsored by Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, and in part by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.  Free parking is available.