KEY WEST, FL - AUGUST 26, 2024 - Lower Keys Medical Center and Keys Medical Group welcome Marc E. Csete, MD, MBA, pulmonologist and critical care physician. A graduate of The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Csete completed his residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center and a fellowship at Jackson Memorial Hospital, in Miami, FL. Dr. Csete is board certified in pulmonology, critical care medicine, and internal medicine. Keys Medical Group Pulmonology provides diagnosis and treatment of lung and chest conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, and sleep disorders.  Diagnostic studies offered include: pulmonary function testing, methacholine and exercise provocation testing; evaluation of pulmonary nodules and masses; flexible video bronchoscopy with lung biopsy; and inpatient and outpatient consultations.
 
Dr. Csete has been practicing pulmonology and critical care medicine in South Florida for more than 30 years.  "I look forward to caring for the residents of this unique and beautiful community and to joining the skilled and experienced specialists in Keys Medical Group," said Dr. Csete.
 
David Clay, chief executive officer of Lower Keys Medical Center, said, "We welcome Dr. Csete to our medical staff and believe that our patients will appreciate his wealth of experience, compassion, and quality care." 
 
Keys Medical Group Pulmonology is located at 1111 12th Street, Suite 203, Key West, Florida. Appointments may be requested at Keys Medical Group.com or (305) 292-5867. New patients are welcome and most major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, are accepted. 

​August 26, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  Food vendors, face and body painters, artisans of all imaginings, and non-profits are invited to register as a vendor at the upcoming ZombieLand, prior to the Zombie Bike Ride, taking place on Sunday, October 20, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard.

ZombieLand is a family friendly space occupying the Fort’s Parade Grounds that has lots of great shopping, kids’ zone including bounce houses, live entertainment, face and body painting, food, and a full bar.  One of the most popular Fantasy Fest events, over 7,000 riders participated in the ZombieLand pre-party and the annual bike ride.
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Those interested in registering as a vendor for the event should submit their application by October 15 to confirm their spot.  The application and additional information are found on the Society’s website at www.kwahs.org/zombie.    Questions about vendors or the event should be directed to Bonnie McInnis, Events Manager, at [email protected] or 305-295-6616 ext. 505.

​Organizers for Fantasy Fest, Key West’s annual costuming extravaganza in Paradise, have announced that the out-of-this-world team of David L. Sloan and Robert, the island’s most famous haunted doll, are to serve as Grand Marshals of the 2024 Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade. The iconic 10-day festival’s centerpiece event is set to roll down Duval St. on Saturday, Oct. 26, beating with the electrifying theme, “It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!”
 
Sloan is an American author, publisher, artist, producer, and paranormal specialist. Robert the Doll, a regular companion of Sloan’s, is an eerie 100+ year-old doll with a long and storied history of supernatural behaviors, who resides at Fort East Martello Museum.
 
In the 1990s, Sloan launched an investigation into a mysterious portal believed to be contained within Robert. In the course of his investigations, a curse was reportedly “unleashed into the island’s cosmic realm.” On Saturday, Oct. 26, as they traverse Duval St., Sloan, Robert the Doll, and their creepy crew of dancing dolls will attempt to open the cosmic portal, transport Key West back to the 90s, and reverse the curse with a Neon Cosmic Carnival that promises to be out of this world.
 
Fantasy Fest 2024 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, a parade entry form, a handy downloadable mobile APP and other information, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.

Key West, FL – August, 20, 2024 – The Beach Boys bring their timeless classics to Coffee Butler Amphitheater for a night of unforgettable music. Known for their legendary surf rock sound, The Beach Boys have been a significant influence on music and pop culture since the 1960s. With hits like "Good Vibrations," "Surfin' USA," "California Girls," and "Wouldn't It Be Nice," their music continues to resonate with fans old and new, making their live shows a must-see event.

The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. Between the 1960s and today, the group had over 80 songs chart worldwide, 36 of them in the US Top 40 (the most by a US rock band), and four topping the Billboard Hot 100. Their influence on other artists spans musical genres and movements. Countless artists have cited Pet Sounds as their inspiration for creating their own musical masterpieces. Rolling Stone ranked Pet Sounds No. 2 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” and The Beach Boys No. 12 on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award®, The Beach Boys are a beloved American institution that remains iconic around the world. Learn More at: thebeachboys.com

The Coffee Butler Amphitheater, situated at the Truman Waterfront in Key West, Florida, offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. This open-air venue features a spacious general admission lawn, reserved seating, and an unparalleled panoramic backdrop that enhances every event. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy The Beach Boys' vibrant music while soaking in the tropical atmosphere of Key West, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Tickets are on sale Friday, August 23, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. Tickets can be purchased at: thekeywestamp.com.

Date: February 28, 2025
Location: Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 Quay Rd., Key West FL 33040
Show Time: 7:30 PM // Doors: 6:00 PM
Tickets: thekeywestamp.com or visit our box office located at 512 Eaton St., Key West FL (inside the Key West Theater) on Wed., Fri., or Sat. from 12 - 6 PM.
Ticket Link: https://www.ramsheadpresents.com/events/detail/655363
Presale: Thurs., Aug. 22 from 10 AM - 10 PM CODE: BEACHBOYSKW
On Sale: Fri., Aug. 23 at 12:00 PM
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​FLORIDA KEYS, FL--Monroe County Solid Waste is offering free tire recycling at its three transfer stations on Saturday, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Florida Keys residents are allowed to bring up to six-passenger vehicle tires, including tires on the rim, with a 20-inch size limit to each event. Recycling is free but requires proof of Monroe County residency.  
 
Residents can drop off their tires at the following locations during the above dates and times:

• Key Largo Transfer Station: 11180 County Road 905
• Long Key Transfer Station: MM 68 Overseas Highway
• Cudjoe Transfer Station: MM21.5 Blimp Road

 
Recycling Coordinator Melody Tuschel and Solid Waste hosted these grant-funded tire recycling earlier this year with tremendous success.
 
“We couldn’t be more proud of its positive impact on our environment,” she said. “We collected about 240 tires – a significant step to combating the environmental issue that leads to habitat destruction, pollution, and increased mosquito breeding.”
 
The tires will be turned into granules to create asphalt for road surfacing and other uses. To learn more about recycling in the Florida Keys, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/recycling.

MONROE COUNTY, FL--Monroe County’s Office of Sustainability will host several meetings starting with a two-part virtual series to gain public input on the Monroe County Vulnerability Assessment. Monroe County has been planning over the last year to create an updated Vulnerability Assessment to comply with new state requirements under Section 380.093, Florida Statutes, and is now completing the modeling and analysis for the project. The County received grant funding from the State of Florida for this project. The content will be different in each meeting.

• Wednesday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m.:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6757369686?pwd=Z3k2Rm9QVHRZRkcvbFdzUFNNcXhJZz09&omn=86191804382&from=addon
• Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m.:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6757369686?pwd=Z3k2Rm9QVHRZRkcvbFdzUFNNcXhJZz09&omn=87822398463&from=addon

 
In the first meeting, the presentation will be about the planning process, the State’s requirements, the modeling and analysis completed, and the County’s vulnerability to flood risk from sea level rise, tidal flooding, rainfall, and combined flooding events. The County will also have maps available for the public to request certain areas for review and show specific flood risk scenarios.
 
In the second meeting, the presentation will focus on information about the County’s critical assets, infrastructure, and other regional assets to determine how to prioritize its adaptation response. There will be a discussion to identify at-risk “hot spots” in addition to asking for public comment regarding priorities.
 
“We are seeking the public’s input to ensure we have included all of the important County assets and infrastructure, that we have developed the right priorities, and that we hear from you on the types of adaptation response you would like to see the County pursue,” said Chief Resiliency Officer Rhonda Haag.
 
Later in September, the County will also hold three in-person public meetings in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys, which will be announced at a later date, where community members can discuss the project and provide feedback.

An inviting new season of “Walk on White” evenings are set to kick off on Oct 17 and continue monthly every third Thursday through May. Launched in 1999 to promote and celebrate Key West’s mid-town gallery district and showcase the range and caliber of its artists, WOW has now evolved to include a variety of White St. district businesses and destinations that will open their doors to the arts loving public.
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Strollers through the WOW district, which encompasses the stretch of White St. running from Southard to United and extends along several of its cross-streets, can explore an array of arts-focused offerings at more than 20 destinations showcasing the works of painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic and mixed media artists, and artisan jewelry makers while enjoying beautiful island architecture, exhibit openings, creative demonstrations, musical, literary and performance offerings, complimentary libations and the pleasure of connecting with community. And in the spirit of community, each month WOW will spotlight a local non-profit organization while providing fun and creative fundraising opportunities for them. Walk on White is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For more information and a list of participating locations, visit www.WalkOnWhiteKeyWest.com

MONROE COUNTY, FL— 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

• Montillo “Scott” Desquotte, Upper Keys Roads Department

 
20 Years

• Tina Boan, Director of Management & Budget
• Mike Manash, Monroe County Fire Rescue

 
10 Years

• Ritchie Wright, Key West Airport Facilities & Construction

 
5 Years

• Corey Aitken, Permit Services
• Joshua Carmichael, Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Luke Ptomey, Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Jake Werner, Monroe County Fire Rescue

 
MONTILLO “SCOTT” DESQUOTTE OF ROADS AND BRIDGES RECOGNIZED FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
 
On Wednesday, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognized Montillo “Scott” Desquotte for 25 years of service. Desquotte was hired by the Roads and Bridges Department as a maintenance worker in 1999. In less than a year, he was promoted to an assistant specialist trustee coordinator and several more promotions followed in short order – to heavy equipment operator in 2001, and to his current position of foreman in 2005.
 
Like his promotions, thanks for jobs well done began soon after he was hired and have continued throughout his time at the County. His file is full of many letters of praise from residents as well as other county departments for work completed quickly and well. In addition, in 2014, he was voted employee of the third quarter and employee of the year for his quick response to cries for help while he was working, which resulted in him saving the life of an infant girl.  
 
“His construction skills, his expertise as a heavy equipment operator, and his commitment to safety is exactly who we look for at Monroe County,” said Director of Engineering and Roads Judy Clarke. “We thank him for his service to the citizens of Monroe County.”

MONROE COUNTY, FL-- The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) recognized Capt. Kevin Freestone of TowBoat U.S. today for his rapid, selfless actions and assistance following a boating accident on July 8, 2024, at approximately 2 a.m. and for his dedicated actions helping with water response over the years. Freestone was presented with MCFR’s first Selfless Actions For Emergency Responses S.A.F.E.R. award, and his name will be listed on a plaque at fire rescue headquarters.
 
In July, MCFR was alerted to respond to a boating incident near the South Channel Bridge on Big Pine Key. Upon arrival, firefighters found a boat with eight people on board, including children, that had struck the bridge and was still in the water. The crew secured the boat to the bridge; however, it was sinking. Firefighters used a 14-foot ladder to board the vessel and evacuated the five patients who could walk.
 
Due to the need for waterborne transport, Freestone was notified and immediately responded by boat. He transported the three seriously injured patients from the boat to a nearby marina, where MCFR personnel were staged. Trauma Star and Air Rescue South transported these seriously injured patients to a specialty medical center on the mainland.
 
As a result of Freestone’s rapid response, knowledge of the waters, and act of selflessness, MCFR was able to transport these patients effectively,” said Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Callahan. “Freestone has assisted others in the past by responding to multiple incidents and continues to help and protect the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. He exemplifies what this award means.”