ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that Baker, Charlotte, Duval, and Nassau counties in Florida are now included as primary counties in the disaster declaration for eligible PNP organizations to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages as a result of Hurricane Idalia that occurred Aug. 27 through Sept. 4, 2023.

Eligible PNP organizations in the following Florida counties may apply: Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

PNP organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The interest rate is 2.375%, with terms up to 30 years.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements might include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for PNP organizations. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage.

PNP organizations are urged to contact their county’s emergency manager to provide information about their organization. The information will be submitted to FEMA to determine eligibility for a Public Assistance grant or whether the PNP should be referred to SBA for disaster loan assistance. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster and should apply under SBA declaration # 18145.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or by sending an email to [email protected]. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to submit applications for physical property damage is Nov. 8, 2023. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is June 10, 2024.

Mayor Teri Johnston, the City Commission, and Code Compliance Director Jim Young have awarded The Capitana Key West hotel the first monthly Keep Key West Beautiful Award.
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The new award recognizes the exceptional efforts of businesses that have significantly improved their property. Each month, the Mayor and City Commission will be recognizing the business during their regular meeting.
The beautifully done Capitana is located at 2401 North Roosevelt Blvd. General Manager Mark Vose accepted the award.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met today in Marathon to discuss the October regular meeting agenda. Below are some of the presentations from the meeting.
 
Conch Republic Marine Army and Solid Waste Recognized for its 5-Year Partnership
Conch Republic Marine Army Founder Brian Vest presented Director of Monroe County Solid Waste Management Cheryl Sullivan and her team along with the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners with a lobster trap plaque in recognition of support of the grassroots nonprofit for the past 5 years. The volunteer group has removed more than 227 tons of marine debris from our uninhabited shorelines since Hurricane Irma and from decades of neglect and Monroe County Solid Waste has been in support of their efforts since its inception. With more than 4,000 volunteers, the group has collected 454,163 pounds of debris, 510 miles of trap rope, and 91 refrigerators. To learn about volunteering with the group, visit www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org.
 
Best of Marathon: Old 7 Mile Bridge – Best Place to Watch the Sunset
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized the Old 7 Mile Bridge as being voted as the “Best Place to Watch the Sunset” at the Best of Marathon awards ceremony presented by the Marathon Weekly newspaper. The Overseas Railroad was built between 1905 and 1912 by developer Henry Flagler, and the 2.2-mile section of the Old 7 Mile bridge connects Knights Key and Pigeon Key. Years ago, through grassroots efforts and a memorandum of agreement between the FDOT, Monroe County, and the City of Marathon, the bridge was rehabilitated and reopened to the public on Jan. 12, 2022.
 
“This is a beautiful linear recreational park stretching over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, providing an excellent place to watch the sun rise and set,” said Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln. “The Old 7 Mile Bridge does indeed have the best place to view the sunsets in Marathon.”
 
Best of Marathon: Marathon Public Library Branch – Best Bathroom
Monroe County built a new, modern library branch in Marathon that opened in June 2021, and ever since, the Marathon Public Library Branch has been voted as having the “Best Bathroom” in the Best of Marathon awards presented by the Marathon Weekly newspaper. The library includes the traditional features people love and expect from their public libraries, like books, newspapers, magazines, films, children’s areas, story times, and many programs for all ages, but its bathrooms, which include the most modern, hygienic features, steal the show. “Come in and see our bathrooms, and also check out the wealth of other state-of-the-art resources and amenities available that benefit the citizens and visitors of the Florida Keys,” said Monroe County Director of Libraries Kimberly Matthews.
 
Proclamation: Tuesday, Oct. 24 – World Polio Day in Monroe County
Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates and the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Oct. 24 as World Polio Day. Members of local Rotary clubs joined the commissioners to raise awareness of polio eradication.
 
In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus and helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to immunize the world’s children against polio. Since the initiative was implemented, polio cases have dropped by 99.9 percent, and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease. Rotary has protected more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.
 
The community is encouraged to wear purple on Oct. 24 and to donate to https://www.endpolio.org/donate to help provide much-needed operational support, medical staff, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents.

October 17, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Sunday, November 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., join the staff of the Fort East Martello Museum, located at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, to explore one of the island’s Civil War-era forts and its exhibits which encompass our rich and diverse history.  Dubbed “Family Museum Day,” the program is designed to coincide with the Society’s wildly popular Community Day, a day offering free museum admission for Monroe County residents the first Sunday of each month.
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While on the property, families are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the fort and citadel, explore the outdoor sculpture garden, and view artwork created by celebrated Keys folk artist Stanley Papio.  In addition to free admission, adults and children are welcome to explore Key West’s role in the Civil War and participate in an art project in the air-conditioned Lee Garrison Classroom.  Society instructor Deadeye Rick will share information about the cannons originally planned for the casemates at Fort East Martello and along with Education Specialist Kassandra Collett, attendees will be able to create their own paper tube cannons.

“During the 19th century, American cannon technology was constantly evolving and advancing.  So much so, that the Society’s own Fort East Martello was never completed because its walls were considered obsolete before building was concluded,” says Collett.  “We welcome all families to the museum in November to join us in creating their very own paper tube cannons using STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.  Families can imagine and create a paper tube cannon using various supplies such as paper tubes, cardboard, rubber bands, balloons, and popsicle sticks.”

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/upcoming-events.  You can also contact Collett at 305-295-6616 x504 or [email protected].  This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust.  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

October 17, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Thursday, November 2, the Key West Art & Historical Society welcomes the return of its successful “Parent and Me Fort Adventures” program at Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard.  The Society offers the program each Thursday morning on the Parade Grounds from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and runs through May 2024. 
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Parent & Me Fort Adventures is a child-centric program that offers preschool-aged children the opportunity to learn and discover through hands-on play experiences.  Each Parent & Me session offers themed activities including art, science, math, sensory exploration, and building.  At the conclusion of the session, parents and children are invited to explore the Civil War-era fort, artifacts, and immersive exhibits that focus on the history of Key West.

“This exceptional program allows families to meet in a safe environment where children aged 1 to 5 can explore, create, and develop lasting friendships,” said Society Education Specialist Kassandra Collett.  “By offering a program that promotes child-centric education, curious learners can explore based on their individual interests, moving from one activity to another increasing discovery, engagement, and critical thinking within the historic setting of the museum.”

Classes are free for Key West Art & Historical Society members; suggested $5 donation for non-members. Registration is suggested, however not required.  All supplies will be provided by the Key West Art & Historical Society.  For more information contact Kassandra Collett at 305-295-6616 ext. 504 or [email protected].  This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust and Lee Garrison.  Your museums.  Your community.  It takes an island.  

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Are you interested in obtaining grant funds to elevate, demolish/reconstruct, or sell your home that is below base flood elevation, at risk of flooding, or has flooded before with a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claim?
 
If so, Monroe County is participating in a national grant program known as Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) to help with the costs of elevating, or demolishing and reconstructing your home. Buying out your home is also an eligible grant activity. Mobile homes and condominiums do not qualify for the buyout program. Mobile homes do not qualify for the elevation program. This program is available to all Monroe County homeowners.
 
Monroe County is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2023 FMA grant program. There is $220 million allocated nationwide for the program. The deadline to apply through the Monroe County application process will close Nov. 15, 2023.
 
This is a federal program administered by the State of Florida in partnership with Monroe County; therefore, it can be a timely process with slow turnaround times to move forward with projects.
 
If you have any questions, contact program administrator Mike Lalbachan at 305-453-8796 or visit the program website at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fma.

The Key West Artisan Market kicks off its 11th season with the "Welcome to the Party" edition Sunday, October 22, 2023, in the parking lot at Sonny Mccoy Indigenous Park, 1801 White Street, across from Edward B. Knight Pier and Higgs Beach.  This unique show will be from 10 am to 2 pm with all the regular artists and vendors and again from 5 pm to 7 pm with a selection of food and beverage to support the throngs of viewers lined up to watch the Zombie Bike Parade.
 
The Key West Artisan Market is a unique open air bazaar filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers and fresh produce representing diversity, creativity, ingenuity and locally made products. Participants must live and also create/curate in the Keys in order to qualify. Each show offers a different theme and features one or more local charities. The 2023/2024 season offers 19 dates:  Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17, Dec 31, Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, March 21, April 7, April 14. There is also a special Fantasy Market Friday, October 27 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Truman Waterfront and a huge Black Friday show, November 24 from 10 am to 6 pm also at the Waterfront.
 
Key West Artisan Market: Welcome to the Party Edition, Sunday, October 23 from 10 am to 2 pm, kicks off Fantasy Fest week with the first market of the season. In addition to live music, great food, adult beverages, fun costume pieces and beautiful art, the show will feature the Little Pink Houses of Hope program, which promotes breast cancer screening and creates lifetime memory vacations for breast cancer patients & their families.
 
The Market offers free entry and ample free parking. Guests are encouraged to ride bikes and BYOB (bring your own bags). To become a participant, email [email protected]

On December 16, 2023 Veterans and military service members will take to the streets of Fort Walton Beach, FL for the annual Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike. During the 2023 season, IW events will bring thousands of veterans together across the United States.  Veteran and military participants hike anywhere from 8 – 14 miles, some carrying heavy packs, some in wheelchairs, but all in a spirit of support and camaraderie with a singular mission – to eliminate veteran suicide.  Veterans normally hike wearing only their combat boots and “Silkies”, traditional military physical training shorts full of nostalgia that help promote an environment of humor and camaraderie.
 
Irreverent Warriors, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 47-4789126) whose mission is to: bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.  According to numerous studies, including a commonly referenced VA Suicide Data Report conducted in 2012, at least 22 veterans and military service members commit suicide daily.  Although this statistic has become very well-known, it is often considered a gross underestimation of the reality.  Irreverent Warriors has stood up to fit an unmet demand by introducing its members and participants to a life-saving network of support through their events and community. “Everyone fights their battles and heals from trauma differently, but one thing is consistent; no one should have to do it alone”.
 
We ask ALL of our Veterans and Military Service Members to hike with us in this event!  We also ask family members, friends, and the community for their support and invite them to register as a volunteer or join us at the stops. Please cheer and/or honk if you pass our hikers on the route as they deeply appreciate your support.
 
Who: Veterans and Military Service Members (Active Duty, Reservists, and National Guard)
What:  Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike – Key West
When: December 16, 2023, Registration begins at 0730 and step off at 0900
Where: (Start point Hurricane Hole Bar and Grill, Start point Address) We will be stopping at Southernmost VFW, Truman Waterfront Park, Southernmost point and cafe, Heroes Bar, and Dantes throughout the hike for food, drinks and camaraderie
 
Register on Eventbrite @ Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike - Key West, FL Tickets, Sat, Dec 16, 2023 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite
 
Press Availability: YES!  Press is encouraged to attend - Coordinators will be available for comments. For on-air and pre-event interviews, or more information about the event, please contact:
●       Local Coordinator - Chad Salinero - 306-849-2608
●       Hike Support Coordinator - Jess Forsythe -305-394-7184
  
More information: 
Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike – Key West
Event link found on Facebook at – https://www.facebook.com/groups/200592931200284/?mibextid=oMANbw      
To register or donate go to Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike - Key West, FL Tickets, Sat, Dec 16, 2023 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite
For more information on Irreverent Warriors:  http://www.irreverentwarriors.com/
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Beginning October 15 at 9:30 p.m., inbound and outbound travel lanes of SR A1A/South Roosevelt Boulevard, and the pedestrian pathway, will be closed nightly Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Atlantic Boulevard to the east end of Smathers Beach. This closure allows workers to install stormwater drainage pipes across the roadway. The work is expected to be completed by November 10, 2023. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should plan an alternate route during these nightly closures.

During the road closure, access to the Key West International Airport, and businesses and residences east of the airport, will be from the east side of SR A1A/South Roosevelt Boulevard, via Flagler Avenue or SR US1/ North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Access to La Brisa Condominiums, Margaritaville Beach House, and Key West by the Sea will be maintained throughout the closure.

This work is part of the ongoing roadway project along SR A1A/South Roosevelt Boulevard from Bertha Street to the end of Smathers Beach.

The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

(Key West, Fl) The Studios of Key West is pleased to announce an exciting lineup of programs this fall, including an array of special events and artist talks, art and writing classes, and a day trip to Art Basel on December 8. Registration for preseason is now open, and the full schedule can be found at www.tskw.org.
 
Known for its excellent class offerings, several favorites return to The Studios this fall, including Novel Writing with Hays Blinckmann on November 21 and 22; Enjoyable Astronomy with Larry Halstead on November 21 and 22; Intuitive Painting with B. Lucy Stevens on December 10; and the ever-popular The Artist’s Way, a 12-week course designed to unlock creativity, Tuesday evenings starting December 5. The course is taught by beloved instructor Rosalind Brackenbury.
 
“I'm really excited to be beginning a new 'Artist's Way' class in December; each one turns out to be a revelation, and totally surprising - which is why I love teaching it,” said Brackenbury. “I also delight in the 'family' spirit we seem to grow into over 12 weeks of the class.”
 
Other classes on offer this fall include Plein Air Painting, Portrait Drawing, Poetry Writing, and Paint Pouring.
 
The Studios also offers a lineup of special events including an artist talk on November 9 with actress and award-winning filmmaker Tipper Newton, best known for her role as Karen in The Mindy Project. Studios Artistic Associate Stephen Kitsakos sits down with Newton to discuss her filmmaking and acting career, as well as screen a curated selection of short films. 
 
The Studios is also offering an all-day chartered coach trip to Miami’s Art Basel on December 8. Day trippers will arrive at the largest, coolest, most cutting-edge contemporary art event in the country, spend the day taking it all in, have a relaxed dinner, and on the way home, will have the opportunity to take a nap, have a glass of wine, and swap celebrity-sighting stories.
 
Visit www.tskw.org to learn about all the opportunities on offer at The Studios this fall, including their Winter Members’ Exhibition, open to all members, and their Holiday Artisan Fair, now accepting reservations from vendors.