​Truman Waterfront Farmers Market is proud to join markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4-10, 2024. This annual event coincides with the 6th anniversary serving the community with dedication and enthusiasm at the Truman Waterfront Park. Additionally, at the July Commission meeting, the City of Key West unanimously approved a contract renewal for Daily Plan-it to continue operating the popular weekly event for another four years. Beginning August 8 and throughout the month, the Market will celebrate with vendors offering special local deals and free branded market totes. As August is a traditionally slow time for attendance, organizers encourage locals to come show support.
 
National Farmers Market Week, an annual celebration proclaimed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), highlights the critical role farmers markets play in our nation’s local food systems. For over fifty years, farmers markets have influenced how Americans eat, shop, and connect with their food, suppliers, and each other. More than just marketplaces, farmers markets are places where neighbors come together to learn, grow, and collaborate. Farmers markets are vital hubs for fostering shared values between community members and producers, promoting a fair and sustainable food system. This community focus has been particularly evident during recent times of crisis and uncertainty, as market managers have innovated to maintain essential operations for the growers, makers, and shoppers who depend on them.
 
Established in 2019, Truman Waterfront Farmers Market hosts between 20 to 60 vendors, offering a diverse array of products, including gourmet cheese, baked bread, exotic juices, local seafood, delicious desserts, ethnic specialty foods, candles, orchids, tinctures, fine art, Conch Republic souvenirs, and much more. The market also partners with various local non-profits, providing complimentary space to help raise funds and awareness. Operating 51 weeks a year, the market only takes a break on Thanksgiving, when the event is moved to Friday in conjunction with the Key West Artisan Market and Shop Mom & Pop for a big Black Friday Shopping Extravaganza.
 
"Our Market is continually evolving in partnership with the people we serve," said Sean Krikorian, Market Director and Daily Plan-it partner. "We are proud to support all the small businesses who create, grow, make, build and curate to bring a nice selection of products each week for our locals and visitors alike.", he said. "With strong community support, we are excited to be here for another four years."
 
"As we look to the future, markets will continue to play a key role in leading efforts to adapt, respond, innovate, and advocate for our local food systems", said Willa Sheikh, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. "National Farmers Market Week is a chance to celebrate all the ways farmers markets support us!”

Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and FloridaMakes have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support Florida’s small manufacturers. 

The Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes have nourished a longstanding partnership. Through this MOU, the two will continue their partnership to provide greater access to and awareness of Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes training and resources for small manufacturers in Florida. The agreement will foster greater communication, cross-referrals, understanding of each other’s services, and collaboration on training and programs for small manufacturers across the state. 
 
“FloridaMakes’ long commitment to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of small manufacturers compliments our mission of ensuring our state’s small businesses have the expertise and resources to succeed,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with FloridaMakes to help more of our state’s small manufacturers grow and create more good paying jobs for Florida’s families.”
 
“The vast majority of Florida’s manufacturers are small businesses," said Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes. “The Florida SBDC Network is often the ‘first responder’ in helping those firms overcome the many business challenges they face. The partnership with FloridaMakes complements those efforts by extending that expertise to the production floor and throughout their supply chains”
 
Through this agreement, both parties will work together in the spirit of cooperation and open communication with the primary goal of meeting the needs of the small manufacturing business community in Florida. This partnership will help facilitate programs, events, and mutual partnerships to serve qualified small manufacturing businesses and provide access to the network of Florida Small Business Development Centers and FloridaMakes manufacturing assistance programs.
 
FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small and medium-sized firms. 
 
Established in 1976, the Florida SBDC Network is the state’s principal provider of business assistance. The network provides no-cost consulting, training, and research to help aspiring and existing small businesses launch, grow and thrive. As part of its service offering, the network employs more than 225 consultants and staff members, many of whom are previous business owners, to help businesses in all aspects of business - from business planning to exit planning. 
 
The MOU was signed by Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, in Orlando during a FloridaMakes Board of Directors meeting. 

KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be holding its monthly native plant sale from 9am to Noon Saturday, August 17, 2024. Along with the plant sale, food waste for composting will be accepted. Master Gardeners on site to answer any plant questions.

Bring your food scraps to support composting in the Keys pilot research and educational collaboration with the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension. Food waste will be accepted every 3rd Saturday during the plant sale. Acceptable items: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains (Pasta, Bread, Rice), Coffee grounds & Egg Shells. No Meat or Dairy.
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The Nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs & vines available including Native & Cuban palms, and vegetable plants. There are more than 2,000 plants which attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount. Memberships are available on site. The Garden is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program.

The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information email: [email protected], call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.

t’s time to think big but create small as Key West’s Jag Gallery announces a call to artists for its popular Small Works juried show.  Initially launched in 2005 at Jag's founder, artist Letty Nowak’s former Bahama Village Lemonade Stand Gallery, this juried exhibit, now in its 16th year has become a highly anticipated and increasingly popular annual event drawing artists from throughout the U S and abroad.  Art makers are invited to submit up to six, 2 and  3D works for consideration, with the only requirement that artwork not exceed ten inches in any direction.  The deadline for entries is September 27th.  SMALL WORKS 2024 opens with a preview reception on November 2nd and will also be available at Jag’s online gallery.  Visit jaggallery.art for complete entry information and application.
 
For additional information contact the gallery at 305.407.6202 or [email protected]. 
 
Considered a top destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine contemporary art by prominent artists from Key West and beyond, Jag Gallery is located at 1075 Duval Street with ample, free parking through the Simonton Street entrance to Duval Square.  Gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday from noon-5 and by appointment.  Follow us on Facebook  and Instagram.​

​United Way of Collier and the Keys Continues to Support Local Food Pantries Florida Keys – United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) is proud to announce its continued commitment to local food pantries, fulfilling promises made during the 2024 “Feed the Keys-Be Like Mike” initiative. This summer, UWCK has distributed additional funds to assist in feeding families, providing crucial support to those in need.

A total of $3,000 in extra funds has been allocated among seven local food pantries: Burton Memorial United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church Islamorada, Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), Keys Community Church of Big Pine Key, Metropolitan Community Church Key West, and S.O.S. Foundation.

Leah Stockton, UWCK Keys Area President, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "Supporting our local food pantries is vital to ensuring that no family in our community goes hungry. UWCK is dedicated to making a difference and providing essential resources to those in need."

During the third annual “Feed the Keys” in May 2024, an impressive 6,210 pounds of food were donated at three locations across the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys.

"Feed the Keys" is the largest community-wide food drive in the area, focusing on increasing nutritious food supplies at local food pantries. With 43% of residents living paycheck-to-paycheck, this initiative is crucial in alleviating food insecurity. Held in memory of beloved Monroe County commissioner, restaurateur, and UWCK Local Advisory Board member "Mangrove Mike” Forster, the drive celebrates his dedication to supporting Keys residents.

​This year, UWCK strategically moved "Feed the Keys” to May, rallying community support for Monroe County families and children who lack access to school-provided meals during the summer months.

KEY WEST, FL – July 29, 2024 - Keys Medical Group welcomes Meghan Updike, DNP, APRN, FNP-C. Updike is a certified family nurse practitioner who obtained her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She joins Courtney Bonner, DO, board-certified internist, and Jennifer Shue, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, in Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown, effective July 29, 2024. Updike's clinical interests include primary care, acute and chronic disease management and preventive health services.
 
“I feel it is a privilege to care for individuals and families in our community. I believe patients have unique experiences that influence their needs, and that understanding those experiences helps us to customize care for them. Providing a compassionate and holistic approach to health care supports patients’ independence to achieve a quality of life that is meaningful to them,” Updike said.
 
"Meghan's skills and experience are a great fit with our practice. We look forward to working with her and giving the community members an opportunity to meet her," said Dr. Bonner. 
 
Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown offers general medical care for patients 18 years of age and older, including disease diagnosis and management, preventive medicine, annual wellness visits for men and women, and treatment for hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders and infectious diseases.  The office is located at 3224 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, and is open 7 days per week. Appointments may be requested at (305)293-4073. 

July 29, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Friday, August 30, join journalist and Jimmy Buffett biographer Ryan White as he presents on the legacy of the famed Trop Rock singer-songwriter as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series.  His talk entitled, “Some Things Never Change (But Most Do): The Enduring Magic of Margaritaville” takes place from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.  A book signing of his acclaimed biography “Jimmy Buffett: A Good Life All the Way” will immediately follow the presentation.

Billboard’s 14th biggest hit of 1977 was a happy-sounding sad song that arrived from a specific time in an extremely specific space.  Five decades later, “Margaritaville” is included in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress and Jimmy Buffett is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  But Buffett wasn’t always the pied piper of beaches, bars, and laid-back living.  Born on the Gulf Coast, the son of a son of a sailing ship captain, Buffett scuffed around New Orleans in the late sixties, flunked out of Nashville in 1971, and found refuge among the artists, dopers, shrimpers, and genuine characters who had collected at the end of the road in Key West.  And it was there, in those waning outlaw days at the last American exit, where Buffett found his voice and eventually brought to life the song that would launch a lifestyle.

“The Society is thrilled that Ryan has agreed to present on Key West’s favorite son, Jimmy Buffett, during the inaugural “Just a Few Friends” festival this Labor Day weekend,” says Dr. Cori Convertito, curator for the Society.  “His talk will emphasize the romanticism and optimism associated with “Margaritaville” and why the idea of swaying palm trees, fruity frozen drinks, and minimal responsibilities is more popular than ever.”

The presenter, Ryan White, was twice named one of the top writers in the country by the Society for Features Journalism.  He spent nearly 16 years at the “Oregonian” newspaper covering sports, music, and culture.  He’s appeared on the public radio show Live Wire, as both an essayist and an interviewer.  The author of “Jimmy Buffett: A Good Life All the Way” and “Springsteen: Album by Album,” he lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently spends his days at the same Detroit ad agency that once employed Elmore Leonard.  That’s all they have in common.

To reserve tickets for the lecture, visit kwahs.org/dss-buffett - $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members.  This program is sponsored in part by Aloys & Carol Metty, and the John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund.  For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

Key Largo, FL — July 25, 2024 — After much anticipation, The Turtle Club, a hidden gem that sits on top of the ocean behind Snappers Key Largo, is thrilled to announce its soft reopening to the public today. Nestled in the heart of Key Largo, The Turtle Club has been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike for decades, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, unparalleled hospitality, great food, drinks and its overall laid back vibe. The Turtle Club returns in a limited capacity beginning today, Thursday, July 25th, serving as a preview for locals to return to the illustrious location and enjoy a taste of what’s to come once the Turtle Club fully reopens later this year.

Founded in 1982, Snappers Key Largo and The Turtle Club have deep roots in the local community, when food, drinks, and good times were first served at this iconic restaurant and bar. Known for attracting rebels and renegades from all corners, The Turtle Club at Snappers embraces the unique spirit of the Keys and is committed to keeping it "Keysy" around here.

Originally established as a sanctuary for seafood aficionados and Key Largo residents, The Turtle Club has undergone renovations aimed at enhancing the overall experience while preserving its distinctive Key Largo charm. With a renewed commitment to hospitality and having a good time, the restaurant promises to deliver unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Key Largo’s picturesque coastline.

"We are delighted to welcome guests back to The Turtle Club," said Alexandro del Bosque, General Manager of Snappers and The Turtle Club. "Our team has worked tirelessly to create an experience that celebrates both our rich history in Key Largo and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether you join us for afternoon cocktails or a late dinner, every visit promises to be a celebration of flavors and hospitality with unparalleled views of the ocean."

The Turtle Club features a selection of bites, cocktails and drinks from the Snappers crew. The food & drinks menu showcases local ingredients and new creations that reflect the vibrant flavors of the Keys, such as Bluefin Tuna Tartare, paired with a refreshing Mermaid Spritz or Cucumber Collins.

In addition to its culinary offerings, The Turtle Club and Snappers remain committed to supporting the local community and preserving the essence of the Florida Keys. Later this year, memberships for The Turtle Club will reopen with special offers and events designed only for Monroe County residents.

The Turtle Club is located at 139 Seaside Ave in Key Largo, FL 33037, at Mile Marker 94.5, and is open Thursday – Sunday, from 4pm to close. For more information about Snappers and The Turtle Club, visit snapperskeylargo.com and snapperskeylargo.com/pages/turtle-club. Phone: 305.852.5956.

Homestead, Fla – The National Park Service (NPS) today announced the selection of Sarah Hopson as superintendent of Biscayne National Park, effective July 28.  Hopson served as the park’s acting superintendent for four months this year.  
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“Sarah is a seasoned NPS veteran who values the NPS workforce and the importance of community engagement,” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks, who also oversees Biscayne National Park. “I am certain that her expert organizational experience will prove beneficial as Biscayne works to advance its highest priorities.” 

Prior to Biscayne, Hopson served as Chief of Staff for the Southeast Region since 2021. In this role, she collaborated with regional leadership to provide strategic vision and facilitate the success of key management objectives for the 75 park units in the region. Some of her accomplishments include supporting completion of the land exchange at Virgin Islands National Park, the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Selma Interpretive Center at Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and the A.G. Gaston Motel at Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. Sarah was also instrumental in the coordination of financial plans and management structure for six newly established park units.  Hopson also helped guide regional responses to many critical issues affecting the National Park Service to include coral reef health, shoreline stabilization, disaster recovery, and numerous other park planning efforts.  

“Biscayne's employees, volunteers, and interns demonstrate their passion and dedication to the NPS mission every day and I am honored to become a permanent member of their team,” Hopson said. “I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the community and stakeholders to navigate the unique and complex challenges that face one of the largest marine parks in the NPS.” 

Hopson began her NPS career 18 years ago as a program assistant for the NPS Cultural Resources Stewardship, Partnerships, and Science Directorate in Washington, DC. She also worked for the Office of the NPS Liaison to the White House, served as acting superintendent for Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and as the management analyst to the NPS Southeast regional director. Prior to joining NPS in 2006, she worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation where she fostered state and local partnerships. 

Hopson holds a bachelor's degree in history earned at Covenant College in Georgia. She calls Salt Lake City, Utah home but has deep roots in the southeast with family located throughout the region. Outside of work, Hopson enjoys baking, traveling (often to NPS sites), hiking and reading.  
www.nps.gov  
  
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.