​KEY LARGO, FLA – In honor of the late Monroe County Mayor Emeritus and long-serving commissioner Sylvia Murphy, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners dedicated a plaque in the lobby at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center in Key Largo to her service and leadership.


“While we considered naming many things after Sylvia, she really would not have wanted even this,” said Commissioner David Rice, a longtime friend of Murphy. “But, she did so much for our community and the Florida Keys over the years, we would be remise not to do something, even small, in her honor. She is sorely missed.”


The plaque reads: 


In Honor of Sylvia Murphy
Dedicated Service and Leadership


November 27, 1935 – November 26, 2022
A Champion of Progress and Community


Monroe County, Florida
2014 – 2020 County Commissioner, District 5
2021 – 2022 Monroe County Mayor Emeritus and bestower of the “Honorary Conch” award
May your legacy of dedication, vision, and tireless commitment to the betterment of our county inspire generations to come. Your unwavering leadership has left an indelible mark on our community, shaping a brighter future for all.


With Gratitude and Respect,


The people of Monroe County, Florida
And all that knew and loved her!

​MONROE COUNTY – 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

• Eva Stafford – Catalog, Libraries

 
20 Years

• Mark Peak – Lower Keys Roads Dept.

 
15 Years

• Benjamin Sanchez – Facilities Maintenance
• Emie Simeone – Key West Airport Finance and Administration

 
10 Years

• Craig Martin – Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Giovanni Martinez – Upper Keys Parks and Beaches
• Jose Perez – Information Technology

 
5 Years

• Shelby Bosserman – Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Maikel Cabrera – Upper Keys Roads Dept.
• Frances Cowart – Planning and Development Review
• Olympia Newton – Engineering Services
• Maureen Proffitt – County Attorney’s Office
• Richard Strickland – Director of Airports

FLORIDA KEYS – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized Key West International Airport Executive Director Richard Strickland and his staff Wednesday for being named Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The airport received the award at the Statewide Continuing Florida Aviation System Planning Process Steering Committee Meeting held in conjunction with the Florida Airports Council annual conference in July.

FDOT annually recognizes superior achievement by presenting awards in eight different aviation categories, with Key West International Airport being nominated for Commercial Service Airport of the Year. 

Mayor Craig Cates congratulated Strickland both for the award and the ongoing Concourse A and terminal improvements project at the Key West airport.

“I’d like to thank the staff for their hard work,” Strickland said. “None of this could be done without them.

Under his direction, Key West International Airport is made up of the following employees:

• Erick D’Leon, Assistant Director of Airports
• Tyler Bethel, Deputy Director, Airport Facilities
• Beth Leto Airport, Deputy Director, Finance & Admin
• Luis Garay, Deputy Director, Operations and Security
• Cale Hartle, Airport Airside & Landside Manager
• Sonja Fleita, Security Manager
• Talandieu Dor, Assistant Manager, Operations & Security
• Stephanie Saenz, Assistant Manager, Facilities & Operations
• Katie Atkins, Marketing & Communications Manager
• Maria (Jones) Morgan, Airport Finance Analyst
• Emie Simeone, Administrator, Airport Grants and Finance
• Svilena Valcheva, Airport Executive Administrator
• Chris Hawks, Airport Systems Technician
• Joseph “Ritchie” Wright, Assistant Airport Systems Technician
• Sergej Korotkov Foreman, Airport Maintenance Foreman
• Jerry Montague, Sr. Airport Maintenance Technician
• James Lewis, Assistant Coordinator, Airport Maintenance
• Brian Holloway, Assistant Coordinator, Airport Maintenance

Airport Security, MCSO

• Lt. Michael DiGiovanni, Director of Airport Security
• Sgt. Vicki Lockwood
• Sgt. Bobby Burkett
• Dep. Sonya Morgan 

The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with The Society of Presidential Descendants, is pleased to present a series of special events to be held in celebration of Presidents’ Day Weekend, Thursday, February 15, through Monday, February 19, 2024, on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida.
 
Centerpiece of the long weekend is the annual Presidential Descendants Forum on February 17, featuring an assemblage of distinguished presidential descendants engaged in a moderated discussion on this year’s topic, “Political Maneuvering: The Powerful Influence of the Presidency.” Other events are to include a “Presidential Families Cocktail, Trivia, and Silent Auction Evening,” two live performances of the highly acclaimed stage production, “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!”, starring President Harry S. Truman’s grandson, actor Clifton Truman Daniel, a presentation by renowned artist Tom Corbin, creator of the monumental Harry S. Truman bronze sculpture on display in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington D.C., announcement of the 2024 student essay competition winners, and a traditional Presidents’ Day cookout.
 
The “Presidential Families Weekend and Forum” is presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For tickets and information visit www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.

Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission unanimously voted to name the Key West Firehouse Museum in honor of the retired firefighter who saved the historic building for future generations. It now bears the name the Alex Vega Firehouse Museum at the Key West Historic Firehouse at 1024 Grinnell St.

Vega's journey with the Key West Fire Department began in 1975 when he was 22 years old. In 1992, his dedication was recognized when he was honored as the Firefighter of the Year. He retired in 2005.

In 1992, the City of Key West started discussions on demolishing the historic 135-year-old firehouse, prompting Vega's intervention. His efforts initiated the restoration and preservation of Fire Station No. 3, leading to the establishment of the nonprofit organization Old Fire House Preservation, Inc. Through his resourcefulness, Vega secured grants from both Tallahassee and local benefactors.

It took years of hard work and dedication from countless volunteers and other retirees to establish the museum. A dedicated historian and community advocate, Vega has devoted his life to safeguarding the history of his hometown. His extensive background as a second-generation firefighter, combined with his deep knowledge of local history, makes him an invaluable asset to the Museum.

“His familiarity with the firefighting profession and his family's involvement in it provide a rare insider's perspective that resonates with visitors,” wrote Commissioner and retired Fire Chief Billy Wardlow. “He serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations through stories, artifacts, and interactive displays. He is an irreplaceable figure in the museum's journey.”

Vega currently holds the position of President at the Key West Firehouse Museum. This role has been a labor of love for him, spanning nearly three decades of passionate service.

Summerland Key, FL (Grassroots Newswire) September 19, 2023 - EXIT Realty Paradise is pleased to announce that Kyle Koehler has joined its growing team of dedicated real estate sales professionals.

EXIT Realty Paradise, located at 24171 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key, Florida is a proud member of EXIT Southeast's rapidly expanding network of independently owned and operated brokerages across the region.
​
About EXIT Realty: EXIT Realty is a company founded and built on human potential. A full service, forward-thinking, real estate franchisor with offices across North America, EXIT has to-date paid out more than a half a billion dollars in single-level residual income to its associates. A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund, and to-date, $7 million has been allocated to charity. For more information, please visit www.exitrealty.com and www.joinexitrealty.com.

United Way of Collier and the Keys is thrilled to announce the redesign of its programs team, bolstering its commitment to uplifting communities and providing vital support to those in need. This strategic restructuring aims to fortify the nonprofit's impact on the community, focusing on more direct assistance, comprehensive case management, disaster response and sustainable, long-term solutions.

Leading this dynamic team is Ashley Jones, a seasoned professional with a passion for community development and a track record of driving positive change. With her extensive experience, Ms. Jones is poised to steer the United Way towards even greater heights of effectiveness and outreach.

Frances Ribot assumes the pivotal role of Director of Community Impact, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a history of successful program management. Her vision and dedication will be instrumental in aligning the organization's initiatives with the evolving needs of the community. Assisting Ms. Ribot in this critical mission is Carolina Heiser, whose expertise in community engagement and strategic planning will be invaluable in executing the team’s initiatives with precision and care. Tiffany Pellicier will serve as Monroe County’s sole case manager, helping people in need across the Upper and Lower Keys.

The redesigned programs team is poised to elevate United Way of Collier and the Keys' impact through a multi-faceted approach:
1. Direct Assistance: Providing immediate support (211, KeysHelp.org) to individuals and families facing challenges. 2. Comprehensive Case Management: A personalized approach will address the unique circumstances of each individual, connecting them with the right resources and services.
3. Disaster Response: We’ve been there to help you after COVID-19, Hurricanes Irma and Ian, and the team will continue to be there. The goal is to ensure that affected individuals, families and communities receive timely and effective aid in the short-term and throughout their long-term recovery.

"We are incredibly excited about the enhanced capabilities of our programs team and the potential for even greater impact in Collier and Monroe Counties," said Tiffani Mensch, President and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys.

This strategic restructuring is a testament to United Way of Collier and the Keys' unwavering commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. With the expanded programs team, the organization is poised to tackle the most pressing issues with renewed vigor and determination. 

​KEY WEST, FL – SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms every two years starting at age 40. The recommendation is in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women.
 
Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. 
 
“The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Stanley Santiago, M.D., MBA, FACOG, Keys Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.”
 
Early Detection Saves Lives
While mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years, it remains the second most common cancer causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common.
 
Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Lower Keys Medical Center is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away.
 
Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early. The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have regular mammograms. Since mammography became widely used in the 1980s, the U.S. breast cancer death rate in women has dropped 43 percent through 2020.
 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lower Keys Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, with extended hours on Saturday, October 7th and October 14th, from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.  A discounted self-pay rate is available through the month of October. Call (305)294-5535, extension 3308, for more information. A physician’s order is required.
 
Lower Keys Medical Center’s mammography service at the Women’s Imaging Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center:
Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission in Hospital and Laboratory Programs, and as a Primary Stroke Center. The hospital is also accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center and by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography.

Decorate your digs to win big! The Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façades Competition offers awesomely decorated Key West homes and businesses the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and glory. Think ghoulishly magical, think Conch Republic, and think this year’s “Uniforms & Unicorns—200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy” Fantasy Fest theme. Final day to enter your home or business is Oct. 16; judging is Monday, Oct. 23, with winners to be announced on Oct. 24.
 
And, beginning on Oct. 24, this year for the very first time, the living public (not open to vampires or the “undead”) is invited to select a “Community Favorite” by casting a vote. Community voting will be open from Oct 24-29, with the decorated digs that garner the most votes scoring a special gift package of treats and services from Key West Chamber of Commerce members.
 
Fantasy Fest 2023 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. Get your Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Facades Competition entry form at http://www.fantasyfest.com and download the new Fantasy Fest mobile app to view an interactive GPS map of all the entries, a complete Fantasy Fest schedule, and more.

Key West, FL - SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 - Over the past few years, some people postponed or missed routine health screenings or appointments. Simple screenings can detect conditions like hypertension and pre-diabetes which can be effectively treated and managed when identified early. On October 18, 2023, health screenings will be offered at Lower Keys Medical Center, from 1 - 3 pm, at no cost to all participants. The event, "It's Scary To Not Know Your Numbers", will offer blood glucose testing and blood pressure screenings by Lower Keys Medical Center. The Florida Department of Health will offer HIV testing, immunizations, STD testing, and bicycle helmet fittings. No registration is required.