KEY WEST, FL, July 31, 2025– The College of the Florida Keys will host the inaugural TEDxCFK, "Paradise Within: Unlocking Human Potential," Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theater on the Key West Campus. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. Thirteen speakers from all walks of life will share stories of perseverance, determination, and achieving self-transformation through cultivating confidence and happiness from within.    

Event tickets are on sale now and limited to just 100 seats. The ticket price of $100 includes a full-course dinner, admission to the event, and a networking-hour. A cash bar will be available.

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit the website at https://www.cfk.edu/tedxcfk/, or the event Facebook page at https://ww.facebook.com/TEDxTheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys25. Tickets can also be purchased directly from www.KeysTix.com.

KEY WEST, FL, July 30, 2025— Fourteen students from The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) were awarded scholarships during the famous Hemingway Look-Alike Contest over the weekend. For 26 years, the “Papas” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society (HLAS), have been “putting the ‘fun’ in scholarship fundraising” supporting the dreams of over 300 CFK students to date and ensuring their celebration of Hemingway’s spirit also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the community.
 
This year, the festivities kicked off on the stage of Sloppy Joe’s with the Papas awarding $35,000 in scholarships to students attending CFK. HLAS Scholarship Chair and “Papa 2013” Stephen Terry congratulated the CFK students, each receiving $2,500 to apply toward tuition and fees.
 
The scholarship is open to degree-seeking students who demonstrate literary talent, are veterans, and/or are pursuing credentials in the fields of nursing, marine science, paramedic services, emergency medicine, law enforcement, or corrections. One scholarship bears the name of Kermit "Shine" Forbes, Hemingway's sparring partner, and is presented to a CFK-bound graduate of Key West High School. 
 
In addition to awarding scholarships totaling over $250,000 to date, HLAS has built the largest endowment with the CFK Foundation, solidifying their legacy at CFK and the ability to fund future scholarships for many years to come.
 
CFK’s 2025 HLAS scholarship recipients include:
Briana Arnold
Marie C. Brevil
Eddie Bryant
Daniel Buitrago
Nicole J. Cedano
Ariel Gonzalez
Shathi Islam
Angelica Mendaros
Leandro Macias Montes
Quynh Nguyen (Hemingway Look-Alike Society “Shine Forbes” Scholarship)
Angelica Ortiz
Marvens Surin
Valerie Thomas
McKayla White
 
For more information about CFK and its scholarship opportunities, visit the College’s website at cfk.edu/paying-for-college.
 
For more information about how to give to the CFK Foundation, contact Dr. Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at [email protected] or 305-809-3214.

​KEY WEST, FL – While there’s no official Lobster Festival in Key West this year, visitors can still celebrate the start of Florida Keys official lobster season in delicious style. The Key West Artisan Market is proud to be part of this year’s independently organized "Lobster Best" celebration, happening across the island with local restaurants offering prix fixe menus, cooking demonstrations, and other crustacean-inspired experiences.
 
On Sunday, August 10, from 10 AM to 2 PM, guests are invited to experience the Lobster Best Edition of the Key West Artisan Market at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach, located in the parking lot of Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park (1801 White Street), across from White Street Pier. As one of the weekend’s standout events, the market invites visitors and locals alike to dive into the island’s vibrant food and maker scene during one of the tastiest times of year.
 
Timed just days after the official start of regular lobster season, this special edition of the market will showcase lobster-centric dishes, seafood specialties, and locally crafted items with coastal flair. Food vendors will feature dine-in and take-away options, many with a crustacean twist. Visitors can sip Bloody Marys, mimosas, and a full bar along with smoothies, natural juices, or coffee while exploring the diverse culinary offerings.
 
Beyond the bites, the market brings together dozens of Florida Keys artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, art, crafts, and coastal decor. Shoppers can also stock up on fresh produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, local honey, cigars, soaps, and more—perfect for taking home a taste of Key West.
 
Guests are encouraged to stroll the market, take a donation-based tour of the Key West Wildlife Center, and explore nearby attractions such as the Higgs Beach Dog Park, West Martello Tower botanical gardens, and scenic White Street Pier—all steps from the Atlantic Ocean.
 
Whether you're a lobster enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy island life like a local, the Key West Artisan Market offers an authentic slice of Keys culture. Free to attend with ample parking. Guests are encouraged to ride bikes and BYOB (bring your own bags) to support sustainable shopping.
 
🦞 Are you a lobster-loving chef, maker, or small business with a crustacean creation to share? Past participant of Lobster Fest Street Fair? We’re accepting vendors with lobster-themed cuisine, art, crafts, and coastal flair to join us for this special edition of the market. Apply now and be part of the island’s tastiest tradition!
 
To participate, email [email protected] or call 305.731.5780.
Free entry, free parking. Pet friendly. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags).
#WhereTheLocalsMeet #SeeAndBeSeen #KWAM #LobsterBest

Labor Day Weekend Tribute Features Musical Friends and Immersive Experience

KEY WEST, FL – Fans of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett can celebrate his legacy over Labor Day Weekend in Key West, his former home and the island that inspired his most enduring songs, during the immersive Just a Few Friends festival. Set for Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, the gathering is part memorial, part music festival, and a unique opportunity to experience the place where Buffett developed his famed “trop-rock” sound.

The five-day gathering offers attendees a chance to walk the same streets Buffett sang about, visit the bars and marinas where his stories began, and hear the musicians who knew him best perform in intimate settings.

“This is about more than music,” said co-organizer Paul Menta. “We honor Jimmy’s memory by immersing people in the island he loved — the people, the history, the sunsets, the flavors. It’s a celebration of the way of life he enjoyed here and made his own.”

The heart of the weekend is Sunday’s Second Line Memorial Parade, a jubilant procession that winds down Key West’s Duval Street and ends at Truman Waterfront Park. There, the free “Party in the Park” concert will carry the tribute past sunset with Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, vocalist Nadirah Shakoor from Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, and a stage full of his musical friends.
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Concerts also are scheduled starring former Coral Reefer guitarist Roger Bartlett & the Nautical Wheelers on Saturday evening, and Buffett’s “Bubbles Up” co-writer Will Kimbrough Monday night. Both take place at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier overlooking Key West Harbor.
Beyond music, the festival weaves in experiences that could only happen in Key West. For example,  Scott Atwell is to reveal the true story behind the colorful life of Phil Clark, the subject of Buffett’s classic song “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” in a panel discussion that debuts his book “Buffett Backstories: The Pirate Edition.” 
Sailing adventures on schooners, luxury catamarans and floating tiki boats offer a taste of the island from the water, while guided walking and trolley tours spotlight Buffett’s favorite places in Key West. 
Festival attendees can also enjoy book signings, brunches, a 5k race, pool parties, a waterfront cleanup, and even a mustache look-alike contest at the legendary Chart Room Bar where Buffett hung out and Clark poured drinks.
Two ticketed highlights round out the weekend. Friday’s Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest at Southernmost Beach Resort pairs delicious competition with live music from the Margaritas in Paradise tribute band. Saturday’s Milagro Margarita Bar Stroll is a lively tasting tour where 22 bars compete for the title of Key West’s Best Margarita.
While the festival typically draws visitors from across the country, its heart remains local. Proceeds from collectible Event Badges directly benefit three Key West organizations: Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band. Last year the badges raised more than $34,000, with every dollar going back into the community.
For Jimmy Buffett fans who want to do more than listen, Just a Few Friends offers the chance to become immersed in the island that gave birth to a state of mind. Details, badges and ticket information are available at www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.
“All events not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises”

July 28, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Key West Art & Historical Society is pleased to announce the next installment of its engaging lecture series, “Happy Hour with the Historian,” set for Thursday, August 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead Street.

Next month’s featured lecture, entitled “An Architectural Crown Jewel: A History of the Custom House,” will be presented by Key West Art & Historical Society curator and resident historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D.

Whether arriving by land, sea, or air, visitors to Key West are inevitably drawn to the grand, red brick Custom House, a towering icon of the island’s architectural and cultural history.  In her lecture, Dr. Convertito will explore the compelling story behind the building—from its original 1891 role as a federal hub housing the Collector of Customs, the Postal Service, and the Federal Courthouse, to its modern-day function as a world-class museum.

The lecture will highlight the building’s unique Richardsonian Romanesque design—the only example of its kind in the Florida Keys—as well as the extensive and ongoing preservation efforts that safeguard this symbol of Key West’s past.

“Happy Hour with the Historian is designed to blend education with a relaxed and social atmosphere,” said Convertito.  “It’s a great way to connect with local history while enjoying a drink and engaging with fellow history enthusiasts.  The Custom House is one of the most iconic and architecturally significant buildings in Key West, and I’m excited to share stories about its fascinating past, its role in shaping the island, and the efforts made to preserve it for future generations.”
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Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the lecture beginning promptly at 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are highly recommended in advance and can be purchased online at kwahs.org/whats-on.  Admission is $13 for Society members and $17 for non-members, and each ticket includes a complimentary beverage.  Early purchase is encouraged as seating is limited.
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Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island

Key West, FL — The heat is on! The Key West Business Guild is thrilled to announce the return of Tropical Heat, one of the island’s hottest all-male events, happening August 13–17, 2025 in sunny, sizzling Key West.
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Now in its 23rd year, Tropical Heat is the ultimate summer getaway for men who love men — offering five days of steamy pool parties, clothing-optional adventures, nightlife takeovers, and island-wide indulgence. Set against the vibrant and inclusive backdrop of Key West, the event draws hundreds of visitors from across the country and around the globe for a uniquely tropical experience where “fun in the sun” is just the beginning.

“Tropical Heat is more than a party, it’s a celebration of freedom, connection, and everything that makes Key West so unforgettable,” said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “We’re proud to host this event in a city where everyone is welcomed just as they are.”

This year’s lineup includes:

• All-male pool parties at iconic LGBTQ+ resorts
• Exclusive nightlife events and themed dance parties
• Clothing-optional excursions and male-only boat cruises
• Happy hours, brunches, and mingling throughout historic Old Town

Event passes are available now at https://keystix.com/calendar/tropical-heat. For more, visit gaykeywestfl.com to find travel tips, and full event details.

Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or let loose, Tropical Heat 2025 promises five unforgettable days of sun, sweat, and celebration in the heart of paradise.

Get ready to turn up the heat. Key West is calling.
About the Key West Business Guild

The Key West Business Guild is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ business organizations, dedicated to promoting Key West as a premier LGBTQ+ travel destination and supporting a thriving, inclusive local economy.

KEY WEST, FL, July 28, 2025— Recent high school graduates in the Middle and Upper Keys can now attend college free through the new NextGen Opportunity Workforce (NOW) Scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, books, and more. The NOW Scholarship at The College of the Florida Keys removes financial barriers for students enrolled in career programs and who plan to build their careers in the Keys.
 
What makes the NOW Scholarship different:

• Covers 100% of educational costs
• Open to students who may not qualify for other scholarships
• Students can choose from dozens of career tracks
• Students commit to working in the Keys community after graduation

The scholarship supports programs that train students for in-demand local jobs, from nursing and marine technology to hospitality management and skilled trades like welding and electrical work among others.
 
To qualify, students must:

• Be a 2025 graduate of Marathon High School, Coral Shores High School, or homeschooled in the Middle or Upper Keys,
• Enroll at CFK for the fall 2025 semester (deadline to apply for admission to CFK is August 1, 2025)
• Show a commitment to live and work in the Florida Keys community long-term.

“What’s especially great about the NOW Scholarship is how many program options are available,” said, Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment. “There are dozens to choose from ranging from two-year degrees in nursing, criminal justice, and renewable energy to certificates in diving, culinary arts, and emergency medical services among many others.”
 
The NOW Scholarships, designed to invest in students dedicated to strengthening the future of Monroe County, are made possible through the generous support of Ed Hajim and Paul Ferri.
 
The scholarship application, due by August 10, 2025, includes one essay question: “What are your career goals and how do you plan to make an impact in the Florida Keys?” Students have up to 500 words to share their thoughts and vision.
 
For more information, please visit: www.cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/scholarship-info/.
 
For assistance with your CFK admissions application, contact: Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected].
 
For questions about or assistance with the NOW Scholarship, contact: Shania Duarte-Vera, CFK Coordinator, Alumni and Donor Relations, at [email protected].

KEY WEST, Fla. – JULY 25, 2025 – According to a recent poll from the American Cancer Society, nearly two-thirds of men aged 55-69 have not been screened for prostate cancer. As a result, the rate of advanced stage prostate cancer is on the rise for the first time in decades.

Norman Tingle, Jr., MD, medical director of Keys Medical Group says those at average risk of prostate cancer should talk with their doctor about screening around age 50.

“Understanding your risk factors is one of the first steps to decide whether to get screened for prostate cancer and when that screening should occur,” said Dr. Tingle. “African American men and men who have a family history of prostate cancer should talk with their doctor about getting screened as early as age 40. Screening can save lives, especially since prostate cancer typically has few symptoms until it becomes more advanced.”

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), with 313,780 cases expected in 2025. It is the second-leading cause of death in American men, behind lung cancer. About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

“The most common screening for prostate cancer is a PSA blood test, which measures the level of a prostate specific antigen,” said Dr. Tingle. “Like other cancer screenings, the PSA test isn’t used to diagnose prostate cancer, but it is a first step. An abnormal PSA test can indicate the need for additional testing.”
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Dr. Tingle says that while early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, men of any age should see their doctor if they have difficulty urinating, blood in their urine or semen, or experience erectile dysfunction. These symptoms are usually treatable and are often caused by something other than prostate cancer.
 
A conversation about prostate screening should be part of an annual wellness exam for men over 50. To find a primary care doctor near you, visit https://www.lkmc.com/find-a-doctor.