MONROE COUNTY, FL--Starting Oct. 1, Monroe County residents will see a change to their residential yard waste collection. The weekly yard waste collection will be limited to 10 32-gallon cans. The receptacles can weigh no more than 50 pounds, and vegetation must not extend more than 12 inches above the rim of the receptacle. Bundled yard waste will no longer be allowed for weekly residential collection. The change affects unincorporated Monroe County and the cities of Marathon, Key Colony Beach, and Layton.
 
If you have more yard waste/vegetation than 10 32-gallon receptacles can hold, there are a couple of options:

• Additional yard waste/vegetation can be taken to the nearest transfer station for a paid disposal rate (tipping fee).
• You may contact your local hauler, Waste Management at 305-296-8297 (Lower Keys), Marathon Garbage Service at 305-743-5165 (Middle Keys), or Keys Sanitary Service at 305-451-2025 (Upper Keys) to arrange for paid collection/disposal service.

 
Most residential customers put between four to six 32-gallon cans per week of yard waste, with some only putting out two or three.
 
To learn more about Monroe County Solid Waste, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/solidwaste.

Following the passing of Hurricane Helene, visitors to the South Florida National Parks and Preserve should continue to exercise caution with the potential for unidentified hazards on land and in park waters. Marine waters continue to be open in all locations, but parks are still assessing missing or damaged aids to navigation. Closures or special conditions are available on each park’s website under Alerts.
 
Dry Tortugas National Park sustained impacts from storm surge. As conditions permit, staff will begin to assess damage and facilities. Vessels may continue to seek safe harbor within the one nautical mile anchoring zone around Garden Key, including Bird Key Harbor. 
 
Everglades National Park is open, but some services may be limited. Services at Flamingo will resume later today. Boaters should take precautions in park waters as there may be marine debris, derelict vessels and missing aids to navigation.
 
These Everglades areas remain closed:

• Gulf Coast Visitor Center and Everglades City entrance (under construction until Fall 2025)
• Long Pine Key campground (closed seasonally)

For guided tours and services, visitors should call or check individual websites for more information. Links can be found on the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
 
Biscayne National Park is open for regular business. These areas include:  

• Convoy Point Grounds  
• Dante Fascell Visitor Center  
• Park Headquarters
• Florida National Parks Association bookstore

Biscayne National Park Institute tours will resume limited operations on Friday afternoon. All morning programs and all daylong programs were cancelled for Sept. 27. However, afternoon paddling programs and Heritage of Biscayne Cruise out of the Dante Fascell Visitor Center will proceed as scheduled.
 
Big Cypress National Preserve is open for regular business.
 
For more information about Big Cypress National Preserve, visit nps.gov/bicy or follow the preserve on Facebook or Instagram.
For more information about Biscayne National Park, visit nps.gov/bisc or follow the park on Facebook, X, and Instagram. 
For more information about Dry Tortugas National Park, visit nps.gov/drto or follow the park on Facebook, X, and Instagram. 
For more information about Everglades National Park, visit nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

It’s madcap antics have entertained devoted fans worldwide for more than 25 years, and now thanks to a community minded media organization’s commitment, the Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade will continue to enchant audiences this year and into the future.
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It’s tradition. Each year, people of all ages bedeck themselves and their pets in creative costuming in order to strut, waddle, prance, and trot across a brilliantly lit stage before a live audience and a panel of judges, competing for fame, fortune and prizes. From 1996 until last year the event was owned by QuePasa KW, Inc., and produced and co-emcee’d by Nancy D’Amato as a fundraiser for an animal rescue organization. In 2023 D’Amato announced her retirement, and it looked like the beloved event may have seen its final curtain.

Recognizing its value as a community joy, fund and fun-raiser, as well as an international attraction, Fantasy Fest director Nadene Grossman Orr and the team at Florida Keys Media came together to explore potential avenues to preserve the event. Ultimately, the Tourist Development Association made the decision to purchase the entity, and Florida Keys Media signed on as producer.

“As Fantasy Fest’s premier family event and a fantastic charity fundraiser, none of us at Florida Keys Media wanted to see the Pet Masquerade go away,” commented Rick Lopez, FKM General Manager, “so our team made the decision pick up the producer torch. As far as choosing the beneficiary, there wasn’t a whole lot of discussion needed for that. With all the wonderful work they do, everyone involved agreed that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm felt like the perfect match for this event.”

For anyone who may not be acquainted with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm, it is an animal sanctuary and petting zoo situated at the Stock Island Detention Center, which is where people who are awaiting trial or sentenced to less than one year are incarcerated. Founded 30 years ago, for the past 18 years the farm has been supervised and lovingly cultivated by Jeanne Selander, with “low-risk” inmates helping to tend to the animals and their habitats.

“We currently have about 120 animals at the farm, which is 100 more than when I started,” said Selandar. “Albert the tortoise is the oldest at about 75-80 years old, and Simon the capybara is the youngest, at three-years-old. Visitors to our community days, from 1:00-3:00pm on the second and forth Sunday of each month, can meet and interact with all kinds of animals, including horses, pigs, bunnies, tropical birds, reptiles, an emu, an ostrich, a kinkajou and more. About 100 inmates per year are involved with their care and it’s such meaningful work for them that many volunteer to work on their days off and continue to check in on some of their favorite animals even after they’ve been released from the jail,” she said.  

“We’re thrilled to have succeeded in preserving this beloved event that benefits the animals, the detention center inmates, and the community, and brings so much joy to so many people,” Fantasy Fest producer Nadene Grossman Orr commented. “And we can’t wait to see this year’s spectacle!”

The 2024 Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade is set for 6:30pm, Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 Quay Rd., Key West, FL. Registration begins at 5:00pm; pets and their people take the stage beginning at 6:30pm. Prize categories include Junior, Pet/Owner Lookalike, Most Exotic, Overall Winner/Best in Show, and Best Adaptation of the 2024 Fantasy Fest Theme, “It’s a 90s NEON Cosmic Carnival!” Cost to register per category is $25.00.

General admission is free with free seating available. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.
Fantasy Fest 2024 runs from October 18-27 and is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, contest details, and a downloadable mobile APP, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.

Key West, FL - September 25, 2024 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro, a popular destination on Duval Street, is thrilled to announce its nightly music lineup for October. Offering an unforgettable combination of exceptional Asian cuisine and live performances by talented local musicians, Bangkok Happy Bowl provides a unique dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Located at 816 Duval Street, Bangkok Happy Bowl presents an elegant fusion of Thai and Japanese dishes in a cozy atmosphere, featuring a charming garden patio. From authentic Thai flavors to exquisite sushi, each dish delivers a delightful taste of Asia. Signature dishes like their famous curries, pad Thai, and fresh sushi rolls showcase bold flavors and the finest ingredients, creating a culinary experience that transports diners straight to Southeast Asia.
Starting October 4th, Bangkok Happy Bowl will feature live music every evening from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Guests can enjoy a mix of Roots Rock n Roll, Nina, Reggae, R&B, Pop, and bluegrass, ensuring there's something for everyone.
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"We’re excited to bring a vibrant music scene to our restaurant," says Kirk Coult, owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl. "Our goal is to create an atmosphere where people can enjoy great food, unwind, and listen to incredible local talent."

The October music schedule is as follows:

• Sundays: Nina and Naomi Newton
• Mondays: Sam Carlson
• Tuesdays: Jerico Rockabilly Duo
• Fridays: The Harrison’s

To explore the full menu, visit Bangkok Happy Bowl Key West Menu. For more information about Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, please visit Bangkok Happy Bowl.
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MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparation efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the threat of Tropical Storm Helene.
 
To receive Monroe County Emergency Management news and informational updates by text message or email, sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/alertmonroe. The Joint Information Center is being updated in real-time at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/JIC with local closures and recommendations from officials.
 
All preparations for any possible impacts due to potential heavy rain, high winds, and possible localized flooding or storm surge should be completed by sunset tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 25.
 
Monroe County Emergency Management advises residents and visitors in campgrounds, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, live-aboard vessels, and mobile homes to seek shelter with friends or family in a safe structure through the duration of the storm starting tonight through Thursday.
 
Residents should have their homes, yards, and boats secured as significant weather impacts to the Florida Keys would most likely occur starting this evening.
 
According to the National Weather Service in Key West, potential impacts to the Florida Keys include:

• Storm Surge flooding, with saltwater flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level at the lowest elevations and shoreline. Flooding may extend over streets and low elevation properties a few blocks from the shoreline, and occur most likely late tonight through Thursday evening.
• Tropical storm force sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, accompanied by frequent thundery squalls with damaging wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph and an isolated tornado or two. These winds may arrive in the Lower Keys as early as late this afternoon, but most likely arrive beginning in Key West late this evening, and spreading throughout the remainder of the Florida Keys during the early morning hours Thursday. These wind conditions are forecast to continue throughout the day Thursday.

 
By this evening, please have your tropical storm preparedness activities completed, including:

• Secure your yard and property: Bring all outdoor furniture inside. Secure anything that is not tied down—secure trashcans and any items that were not picked up.
• Boat owners should ensure their boats are secure, whether in the water or on a trailer on land.
• Monitor reliable sources, including The National Weather Service Key West and Monroe County Emergency Management.

 
Additional preparedness information can be found at www.monroecountyem.com.

Key West, FL – Prepare for an unforgettable evening of intergalactic fun as Key West Burlesque presents “Star Wars Strips: A Burlesque Parody” at the Key West Theater from October 17-19 & 21-25. Featuring an all-star cast, the production is a fresh take on the classic saga, designed to entertain both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

The epic live show, filled with cheeky humor, combines the thrill of burlesque with the epic storytelling of Star Wars. Audiences will be taken on a journey through a galaxy far, far away meeting characters like the StormStrippers and the unforgettable Darth Laid Her, all played by Key West’s favorite burlesque performers!

Attendees will have a chance to immerse themselves in an evening filled with spectacular performances and plenty of laughs by dressing up and becoming part of the fun. Costumes are encouraged and will determine whether the crowd prefers our hero Jedi’s or the dark side. So come dressed to impress in your Star Wars best!

Doors open at 7pm. Showtime 8pm. Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell out quickly. Buy yours today at thekeywesttheater.com

Disclaimer: This is a parody production.Star Wars and it’s characters are registered trademarks of Lucusfilms Entertainment Company Ltd or Lucusfilms Ltd. This production is not supported by or affiliated with Disney, Lucusfilms Entertainment Ltd, Lucusfilms Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and/or third party licensors.

Event Details:
- What: “Star Wars Strips: A Burlesque Parody”
- When: October 17, 18, 19, and 21-25
- Where: Key West Theater
- Doors Open: 7 PM
- Show Starts: 8 PM
- Tickets: thekeywesttheater.co

MONROE COUNTY, FL-- Monroe County celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new Monore County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today at the west end of the Marathon airport and then, later in the afternoon, hosted its first coordinating call from the new center to discuss Potential Tropical Cyclone (PTC) 9’s effects on the Florida Keys in conjunction with the National Weather Service Key West. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Monroe County as of 5 p.m. on Monday.
 
The latest update from NWS-KW shows uncertainty in the level of impacts until PTC 9 develops a well-defined center. However, impacts can include potential saltwater flooding above 2 feet above ground level, frequent thundery squalls with wind gusts around 55-65 mph, and flooding rainfall likely in the 3-6-inch range. The most likely arrival time is late Wednesday afternoon into the evening.
 
Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow PTC 9’s progress and take protective actions, such as securing outdoor items and checking to make sure boats are secure with properly working bilge pumps. There is a potential for downed trees and scattered power outages. Additional protective actions will be discussed on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
 
As for the new EOC opening, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said while prepping for PTC 9 in Tallahassee, “With facilities like the new Monroe County Emergency Operations Center, we can better lead our communities through disasters and build a more resilient Florida.”
 
Monroe County was the last county of Florida’s 67 counties to have a dedicated EOC built. The building was paid for by state and federal grant money.
 
The facility will house:

• Monroe County Emergency Management
• Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Communications
• Monroe County Fire Rescue Administration

 
“This is a major safety enhancement for our community that has been a long time in the making that will allow for continuity of services before, during, and after a disaster,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “There was a great deal of thought put into this project, and I would like to express a special appreciation to the staff and all of those involved.”
 
Facility Stats:
Size: 28,321 square feet
Design: Based on a 500-year storm
Can withstand 220 mph winds
Impact Rating: Windborne Debris Missile Criteria for Hurricane Shelter Safe Room
First Floor Flood Elevation = 20.2 ft. (17 ft. above ground)
Self-sustaining for 96 hours for up to 150 people, including food, drinking water, redundant generators for electric power, and wastewater storage
Emergency communications via redundant fiber optic network services, plus satellite phone/internet service

September 23, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Sunday, October 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., join the education staff of the Key West Art & Historical Society at its Fort East Martello Museum, located at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, for a free family program that will explore one of the island’s Civil War-era forts and its exhibits which explore our rich and diverse history.  Dubbed “Family Museum Day,” the program is designed to correspond with the Society’s “Community Day,” a day offering free museum admission for Monroe County residents the first Sunday of each month.

While visiting the museum property, families are invited to take a self-guided tour of the fort and citadel, explore the outdoor sculpture garden, visit with the legendary Robert the Doll, and view works of art created by celebrated Keys folk artist, Stanley Papio.  In addition to free admission to the museum, children and adults are welcome to join Society education specialist, Kassandra Collett, and art educator, Jenni Franke in the air-conditioned Lee Garrison Classroom to create take-home art projects inspired by Florida’s flora and fauna.

“This month’s Family Day art activity takes inspiration from an exhibit on view at the Key West Museum of Art & History.  The exhibit, “Flora and Fauna: Early Naturalists in Florida” highlights some of the beautiful works of art created by Florida ecological artists.  Some of these artists, such as John James Audubon, made it all the way to Key West in search of rare bird species,” says Collett.  “Their expeditions, which frequently lasted for years, resulted in a collection of specimens and drawings that were later used to create vibrantly painted, often life-sized, images of plants and animals that the world had never seen before.  During our first session of the season, children will have a wide selection of mediums to choose from while creating art that's inspired by nature.”
​
The Family Museum Day program is free and open to the public.  Registration is not required, and all supplies will be provided by the Key West Art & Historical Society.  For additional information about the program, visit kwahs.org/whats-on.  You can also contact Collett at 305-295-6616 x504 or [email protected]. 

​MONROE COUNTY, FL-- The Monroe County Veterans Affairs Department is hosting three VA Days Enrollment Fairs at three locations throughout the Florida Keys on Sept. 25-27, in collaboration with the Miami VA Health System. 
 
The locations and dates are:
 
Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Murray Nelson Government Center
102050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
 
Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monroe County Public Library Marathon Branch
3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
 
Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Harvey Government Center 
1200 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040
For those attending in person, VA Days will provide on-site services for Monroe County Veterans and military personnel, facilitating direct access to Miami VA Hospital resources through VA healthcare enrollment, VA National Cemetery Administration assistance, VHA vaccines, and aid for service-connected claims. While not required, if you are looking to apply for a service-connected claim and have never applied previously, please bring your DD-214/discharge documents, service treatment records, and private medical records if applicable.
 
“We are pleased to be co-hosting this Monroe County VA Days in collaboration with the Miami VA Health System and other VA partners,” said Director of Monroe County Veterans Affairs Cathy Crane. “We hope our local Veterans will come out to have their questions answered and learn how we can best serve them, after they have served us.”

Monroe County Veterans Affairs can visit www.monroeocounty-fl.gov/va for more information on local services or call 305-295-5150.