​Key West, FL — The Key West Artisan Market continues its 2025–26 season on Sunday, November 2, from 10 am to 2 pm at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach with the “Keys to the Future” Edition, featuring Take Stock in Children of Monroe County. This week’s market shines a light on education and opportunity, supporting the organization’s mission to break the cycle of poverty through mentoring and scholarships for local students.
 
Take Stock in Children provides low-income, academically promising students with long-term support and college scholarships, guided by dedicated mentors who help them stay on track from middle school through graduation. Representatives will be onsite throughout the event to share success stories and ways the community can get involved in shaping brighter futures for young people in the Keys.
 
Guests can shop a curated outdoor market featuring fine crafts and art from talented Florida Keys makers, a wide variety of food and libations, local authors, and glorious ocean views. Offerings include artisan cheese, breads, seafood, and fresh Florida produce, plus international flavors from the Mediterranean, Argentina, India, and the Caribbean. Visitors can sip Bloody Marys and mimosas from Great Events Catering’s full-service bar or choose fresh brewed coffee, pressed juices or squeezed lemonade.
 
Keys Yacht Rock Station 93.7 will be broadcasting live from the market, sharing island tunes, local interviews, and community updates throughout the day as well as featuring local musician Mary Spear. Guests can also meet local authors signing books, watch artists at work, and explore the newly remodeled Key West Wildlife Center located within Indigenous Park.
 
The Key West Artisan Market pairs community causes with a celebration of local creativity and entrepreneurship, giving residents and visitors the chance to shop small, eat well, and give back. Each edition highlights a different nonprofit partner working to strengthen the island community.
 
Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to bring reusable shopping bags.
 
The Key West Artisan Market takes place select Sundays at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach, offering a rotating lineup of themes and nonprofit partners throughout the season. For updates and upcoming editions, visit https://www.facebook.com/KWArtisanMarket.  For vendor information, email [email protected] or apply online at https://bit.ly/KWAMVENDORS.
 

​KEY WEST — Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Truman Waterfront Farmers Market on Thursday, October 30, when the market transforms into a safe, family-friendly Halloween party from 4 to 7 p.m.
 
Kids can trick-or-treat among market vendors, explore the City of Key West Transit’s popular Haunted Bus, and enjoy bounce houses from Four Star Rentals, games, and plenty of sweet treats. Key 93.7 – The Keys’ Yacht Rock Station will be on-site spinning fun Halloween tunes, and H&R Block will hand out free treat bags. There will also be Halloween activities hosted by Keep Key West Beautiful, Samuel’s House, and the Key West Women’s Club.
 
Parents can relax with dinner, drinks, and dessert while their little ghosts and goblins dance under the sunset sky. The regular Farmers Market opens at 2 p.m., with the Halloween festivities beginning at 4 p.m.
 
There’s still time for local businesses and organizations to join the fun by hosting a free trick-or-treat booth, donating candy or giveaways, or helping support free activities for the kids.
 
For more information or to participate, email [email protected].

Key West, Florida Keys – Raise a glass and join us for a night of rum, rhythm and revelry at the 3rd Annual Rum Infused Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser, a lively locals’ favorite, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.

This unforgettable evening invites guests to stroll through the Garden’s lush beauty while enjoying a mix of fun, food, and flavor. Highlights of the night include:
• Scavenger Hunt & Costume Contest – with fabulous prizes for the most creative entries
• Dinner by Outback Steakhouse – a feast sure to please
• Live Music by John Bartus – the Florida Keys’ own singer-songwriter and former Mayor of Marathon
• Rum Distributors Competition – sample and vote as local rum makers compete for the coveted title of Best Rum Drink in Town

“This event has grown into one of our most anticipated fundraisers,” said Ed Cunningham, President. “It’s a perfect mix of local talent, flavors, and fun—all in support of an education center that will benefit generations to come.”

Guests are encouraged put on their best Pirate & Mermaid costumes and mark their calendars to secure their spots early. Points will be given for the most items identified on the Scavenger Hunt within one hour. First person or team to return wins the grand prize. Prizes will also be awarded for best costumes. There will also be a silent auction and raffle to support our students.

This spirited event raises essential funds for the Garden’s most ambitious project yet: the construction of a state-of-the-art Education Center. This new facility will serve as a hub for learning, conservation, and preservation—bringing the community and visitors together to explore, protect, and celebrate the natural world. 100% of all donations and proceeds will go toward this capital fund. The center will serve all of Monroe County students - fostering community engagement, an awareness of the local ecosystem, wildlife, and outdoor enjoyment. Student field trips to the Garden provide hands-on experiments and lessons to develop skills and interests that will lead to careers that will keep them in the Keys. Past students have gone on to careers in the Botanical, Biological and Environmental sciences here in the Keys.

Your participation will make a lasting difference for the future of the Garden and our community. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at the Garden’s website: https://www.keywest.garden/events/2025-rum-infused-adult-scavenger-hunt/.

For more information contact Brigid at [email protected].

The Florida Keys irrepressibly creative spirit was on full display in an otherworldly spectacle Saturday night as the world-famous Deep Eddy Vodka Key West Fantasy Fest parade made its way down Duval Street, celebrating its 46th year and the 2025 theme, “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters.”

Each year, following the parade, prizes are awarded by a panel of judges to multiple “Best Of” entries in a variety of categories, followed by announcement of the following year’s Fantasy Fest theme.

This year, 33 entries competed for $20,000 in prizes, and the winners are:  

• $3000 Best in Entertainment: “Peter Pan” by Blue Heaven.
• $3000 Best in Costume: “Three Little Pigs” by the Lower Keys Fluffers.
• $2500 Best Interpretation of Theme: “One Magical Family” by Guy Hermelin.
• $2000 Best Walking Group: “Angels and Demons” by Daniel Bitnar, presented by the Key West Chamber of Commerce.
• $1500 The Green Parrot’s Best Live Music Award: Greeen House Productions, with “Puff the Magic Dragon.”
• $1000 Best Bicycle Award: “In Your Dreams: Afterlife Waiting Room” by the Southernmost Slow Riders.
• $1000 Directors Choice Award: “Sirens & Sea Monsters: Shipwrecked Dreams” by Pelagic Property Management.

The $6000 Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Prize for Best Overall, presented by The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West, is awarded to the Key West Kreatives team with their entry “Seuss on the Loose.”
The winning theme for Key West Fantasy Fest 2026, scheduled for Oct. 16-25, is “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals.” Stephanie Southgate of Key West, Florida, submitted the tuneful idea in Fantasy Fest’s annual “Name the Theme” competition and has won VIP seating with the parade’s judges and organizers for the 2026 Fantasy Fest Parade.

“Whether you imagine yourself at the center of a Ziegfeld extravaganza, follow the call of a disco ball, or go Gaga for Ziggy Stardust, the Tourist Development Association Board of Directors all agree that Stephanie Southgate’s 2026 theme idea absolutely sparkles with exciting possibilities,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, Fantasy Fest Director and President/CEO of We’ve Got the Keys.

Fantasy Fest events wrap up on Sunday with a slate of happenings, including Children’s Day at Bayview Park; “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance at La Te Da Hotel, Restaurant, Cabaret and Bars; Fest finale pool parties held at Island House Resort, Southernmost Beach Resort’s Pineapple Pool, and The Marker, and more. A post-Fest bonus event pops up on Wednesday, Oct. 29, with a Golf Cart Façade Viewing Tour, presented by Greeen House.
​ 
Fantasy Fest 2025 featured more than 100 events citywide and was presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. Visit http://www.fantasyfest.com for photo galleries of 2025 highlights and advance 2026 festival news and information.  

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in nine new firefighters to Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The newly sworn-in firefighters took their oaths to support and uphold MCFR’s mission and were presented with their official badges by family members.
 
Please welcome: Nathan Acosta, Jonathan Camps, Miguel Delima, Eric Sellers, Andy Herrero, Ricardo Lezcano, Brycen Fresco, Jonathan Abraham, and Fernando Kreitz.
 
Here are some details on the new hires:
 
Jonathan Abraham went to fire school at Miami Dade College. “I wanted to have a career that screams family, and being a firefighter in Monroe County checks all my boxes,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know the crew and being involved with the community.”
 
Nathan Acosta, from Miami, completed his fire academy training through the Joe London Fire Academy in Grassy Key. “My drive to learn and grow as a person, paired with my family’s support, is what led me to this position,” he said. “Now that I’ve been hired with Monroe County Fire Rescue, I’m most excited to continue learning and officially become part of the MCFR family.
 
Jonathan Camps, originally from Miami, moved down to the Florida Keys about two years ago and graduated from Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. “I have an intense passion for helping others in their moments of deepest need and look forward to the brotherhood that comes with the fire department,” he said. “I am truly excited to make an impact in Monroe County, amongst my peers, and the community.”
 
Miguel Delima, from Miami, completed his fire/EMT/Paramedics training at Miami Dade College. The dad of two said, “I enjoy tutoring and mentoring aspiring EMS students who are pursuing the same career path I did. Being a firefighter had always been a dream of mine, and I realized that I couldn't teach my son to follow his dreams if I wasn't following mine, and I'm excited to one day be able to teach a new generation these skills and tactics.”
 
Brycen Fresco grew up in Key Largo and attended Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety for fire academy and graduated from Florida State University in 2024. “I have always known that I wanted to join the fire service, but went to college first since I had the opportunity,” he said. “I am excited to work as a professional firefighter for Monroe County to serve and give back to the community that I grew up in.
 
Andy Herrero went to Miami Dade College Fire Academy. “The thought of helping people and making sure they feel safe, even in their darkest times, is what led me to want to be a firefighter,” he said. “I am most excited about all the knowledge I will gain working with some of the best at Monroe County Fire Rescue.”
 
Fernando Kreitz attended the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key, completed EMT training at Pelham in Indiana, and is pending completion of Paramedic licensing. “After doing the fire academy in the Keys, I fell in love with the area and the people who surround it,” he said. “I love how the department is growing, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
 
Ricardo Lezcano has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Miami Dade College and went to Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety for the fire academy. He enjoys spending time with his loved ones whenever possible. “The loss of a family member influenced my decision to pursue this career path,” he said. “This inspired me to go through the necessary training to be able to help those in need.”
 
Eric Sellers, an 8th-generation Conch, graduated from Key West High School and went to the Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to follow my dad and uncle's footsteps into this career,” he said. “I'm super excited to get into this career and serve my community that I know so well.”

KEY WEST, Fla. – October 24, 2025 – Deaths from heart attack have dropped by nearly 90 percent over the past 50 years, but deaths by other heart conditions have increased over the same period. The heart attack survival rate has improved thanks to advances in treatment and intervention, but rising cases of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease are now the leading causes of death among heart conditions.
 
Likely contributing to these increases, more people in the U.S. have the heart disease risk factors of obesity, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor food choices and inactivity. An estimated 50 percent of adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes and nearly 50 percent of adults have hypertension. These chronic conditions cause functional changes in the way the body works, and can accelerate the development of heart related illness.
 
“Medical care for heart attacks and heart disease has advanced significantly since 1970, and this gives patients more chances to survive and live longer,” said April Gallagher, MSN, cardiology nurse practitioner with Keys Medical Group Cardiology. “Even so, heart disease remains the leading cause of death overall. If you have a condition such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation or hypertensive heart disease, it’s critical to work with your provider for treatment to manage symptoms and protect your quality of life.”
 
Baby Boomers are reaching the age when they are more likely to develop heart disease. Age itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease even without other risk factors. A regular relationship with a primary care provider will help identify symptoms or risk factors that signal possible concern. If your doctor suspects you have heart disease, you may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist for further diagnostic testing and treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent events.
 
“With any heart condition, it is critical to follow your provider’s recommended treatment plan to help you live a longer, more active life. Your provider may also recommend making healthier choices with diet and activity level and managing any risk factors you may have such as cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes,” said Gallagher.
 
Genetic predisposition and age cannot be changed, but there are plenty of other actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Choose healthy foods, minimize your salt intake, stay active with exercise and stay away from smoking. Alcohol and substances such as cannabinoids increase cardiovascular risk. Other risk factors include being overweight/obese, stress, and having high cholesterol or diabetes.
 
Keys Medical Group Cardiology provides a range of cardiology services from Giovanni Campanile, M.D., FACC, board-certified cardiologist, April Gallagher, AGACNP-BC, and Cesar Jara, M.D., board-certified interventional cardiologist. Make an ongoing relationship with a medical provider an important part of supporting your heart’s health. Find a provider at KeysMedicalGroup.com.
 
About Lower Keys Medical Center
Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center, the American College of Radiology – Mammography, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - Echocardiography. The hospital is recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 4 Star quality rating.

KEY WEST, FL, October 24, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Institute for Public Safety (IPS) graduated the Crossover Corrections to Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy #37 on October 17 at the CFK Upper Keys Center. Ten certified Corrections Officers successfully completed the 518-hour Crossover to BLE training program, and upon passing the State Officer Certification Exam, each will be eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer.
 
The award for academic achievement went to Sean A. Gonzalez and the leadership award went to Dalon T. McDonald. The Pride, Integrity, Guts (PIG) award went to Tremari D. Harris.
 
CFK’s crossover corrections to basic law enforcement program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. CFK is currently accepting applications for two upcoming training academies:
 
·       Basic Law Enforcement Academy #96, at the Upper Keys Center starting in January 2026 and ending in November 2026 – applications are due by December 12, 2025

·       Basic Law Enforcement Academy #97, at the Key West Campus starting in May 2026 and ending in November 2026 – applications are due by April 16, 2026
​
For more information about CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. 

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County is hosting its LAST FREE tire recycling event of the season on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon, allowing residents to safely dispose of up to six old passenger vehicle tires with no rims up to 40 inches in height.
 
Drop-Off Locations:

• Key Largo Transfer Station, 11180 County Road, Key Largo
• Long Key Transfer Station, MM68, Overseas Highway
• Cudjoe Transfer Station, MM21.5, Blimp Road

 
Requirements:

• Proof of Monroe County residency is required
• First-come, first-served

 
This will be the third collection of tires. The tires will be recycled and repurposed for road repair, construction materials, and other uses. In September, 25 tires were dropped off for recycling, and in October, 62 tires were brought in to be recycled.
 
In addition to tire recycling, residents can pick up free compost, fertilizer, household paint, and other lightly used items while supplies last, perfect for a garden glow-up, as part of the county’s reuse initiative. This will continue monthly.
 
“This program helps keep the Florida Keys clean while giving residents useful materials to reuse in their homes and gardens,” said Monroe County Recycling Coordinator Melody Tuschel. “It’s a win-win for the community and the environment.”
 
Questions? Call 305-509-0325.

Connie Zemcik, the 2025 Fantasy Fest T-shirt and poster design contest winner greeted Festival revelers and signed posters at the Florida Keys Council of the Arts Official Poster Signing Party on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Lobby Tropicado of the La Concha Hotel, 430 Duval St., Key West.

Zemcik, a New Smyrna Beach-based artist and muralist, creates art on buildings, windows, canvas, and now, Fantasy Fest collectibles. She learned about the contest just two days before the submission deadline through an Instagram post. “I integrate all kinds of diverse components together for a living, so I’m used to uniting imagery and dreaming up characters,” she said. “It’s not at all unusual for a client to come to me and describe five or six unique elements they want brought together in an artwork.”
​
Her 2025 design, reflecting this year’s Fantasy Fest theme, “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters,” bursts with colorful fantasy and Key West flair. The artwork features a radiant mermaid astride a flying “Mother” goose adorned with beads, a rainbow-maned unicorn, a mischievous dragon, and a playful sea monster – all swirling around the iconic Southernmost Point buoy marker. Other whimsical elements include a fairy in flight, a flying fish, a genie emerging from a bottle, and a vivid dreamscape of stars – capturing the imagination and magic that define Fantasy Fest. Fantasy Fest 2025 runs through Oct. 26 and is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.