The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with The Society of Presidential Descendants, is pleased to host a multi-day series of special events in celebration of Presidents’ Day Weekend, set for Thursday, Feb. 13 through Monday, Feb. 17 on the elegant tropical grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St., Key West, Florida.
Events officially kick off on Thursday, Feb. 13 with “Happy Hour at Harry’s.” From 5:30 to 7:30pm, ticket holders can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a specialty bourbon cocktail, beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage at the Truman Little White House, while enjoying the historically appointed living room, poker porch, and “Harry’s Bar.” The long weekend’s centerpiece is a Saturday, Feb. 15, forum discussion to be held among a panel of distinguished presidential descendants before a live audience. Moderated by Dr. Kurt Graham, the former Director of Independence, Missouri’s federally operated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, the topic under discussion will be “Historic Preservation—artifacts, objects and sites. Preserving our nation’s history for future generations.” Scheduled participants represent a notable “Who’s Who” of presidential descendants: James Carter, grandson of 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter; Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman; Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-great-grandson of 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant; Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower; Massee McKinley, great-great grandson of 22nd and 24th U.S. President Grover Cleveland; Tweed Roosevelt, great-grandson of 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, and Patricia Taft, great-granddaughter of 27TH U.S. President William H. Taft. Following the forum discussion, attending presidential descendants will introduce winners of this year’s Monroe County student essay competition, after which attendees can mingle and enjoy cocktails on the lawn. Returning by popular demand for the 2025 Presidential Families Weekend, actor Clifton Truman Daniel will deliver two live performances of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!”, the long running, acclaimed one-man-show written by Samuel Gallu that spotlights the life and presidency of his grandfather, Harry S. Truman. The fast paced, faithful to history, and often humorous one-man-show is set for Sunday evening, Feb. 16, and Monday evening, Feb. 17, outdoors on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House. During the daytime on Monday, Feb. 17, the Little White House grounds will provide the setting for a family-friendly Presidents’ Day cookout, with hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hotdogs available for purchase. A cash bar will also be available, and attendees are welcome to bring a picnic blanket for the lunchtime event. Other Presidential Weekend offerings are to include guided tours of the Historic Little White House, self-guided botanical lawn tours, and for Foundation members, ancillary cocktail parties with presidential descendants. Held at the site where 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman spent 11 working vacations from 1945-53, Key West’s event is the largest annual Presidents Day Weekend gathering of presidential descendants in the country. Traditionally hosted by The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in 2022 the Foundation partnered for the first time with the Society of Presidential Descendants, a membership organization for individuals with direct lineage to one or more of the forty-six United States Presidents. The “Presidential Families Weekend” is presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For tickets and information visit www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.
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 Vince Bergamo (Classics on Piano) Key West, FL - December 30, 2024 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro, a popular destination on Duval Street, is delighted to unveil its nightly music lineup for January. Offering a perfect blend of mouthwatering Asian cuisine and live performances by some of Key West's most talented musicians, Bangkok Happy Bowl promises an exceptional dining and entertainment experience for locals and tourists alike.
Nestled at 816 Duval Street, Bangkok Happy Bowl specializes in a vibrant mix of Thai and Japanese flavors served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Diners can choose to enjoy their meals indoors or on the charming garden patio. The menu features a range of dishes, from flavorful curries to meticulously crafted sushi rolls, all highlighting authentic Asian tastes. Signature offerings such as the renowned pad Thai and fresh sushi rolls are prepared with premium ingredients, transporting guests on a culinary journey to Southeast Asia. Enhancing the dining ambiance, Bangkok Happy Bowl presents live music four nights a week, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Performances on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays will feature a variety of genres, including Roots Rock n’ Roll, Reggae, R&B, Pop, and Soul. While live music takes center stage six days a week—excluding Thursdays—guests are always welcome to enjoy Bangkok Happy Bowl’s enticing Thai and Japanese menu in a lively yet relaxed setting. January Music Schedule
“We’re thrilled to bring live music to Bangkok Happy Bowl six nights a week this January,” says Kirk Coult, owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl. “Our aim is to create a welcoming space where guests can savor incredible food while immersing themselves in the vibrant music scene of Key West.” Whether enjoying a signature dish or soaking in the live music vibes, Bangkok Happy Bowl is the ultimate spot to relax and experience the lively spirit of Key West. 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.
December 30, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). On Thursday, January 16, join prominent South Florida architect, designer, and author Mario Cartaya as he explores the largely untouched buildings, streets, and artifacts in Cuba that serve as a time capsule into the past during his talk entitled, “Across the Florida Straits to Cuba: A Living History of the Buildings Left Behind.” In this historical presentation, Cartaya retraces and recalls six decades of friendly and cooperative Cuban American relations and history as told by the buildings left behind. The talk takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, and tickets are required. This Distinguished Speaker Series lecture is a partnership between Florida Humanities and the Key West Art & Historical Society as part of the organization’s redesigned “Florida Talks” program.
Cartaya was born in 1951 to a middle-class family living in Havana, Cuba. Eight years later, the winds of Castro’s Revolution swept over his country, leaving Cartaya’s family with no choice but to seek refuge in the United States. He eventually attended the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture (Magna Cum Laude) and a master’s in building construction. Four years later, in 1979, he founded Cartaya and Associates Architects, PA, the Fort Lauderdale firm he headed for 43 years, until his retirement in 2022. In 2019, his many architectural accomplishments were read into the record of the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2022, an American flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol to celebrate his legacy—coinciding with his retirement. “It is an honor to host Mr. Cartaya in Key West for his detailed talk on Cuban architecture and its direct relationship between the two islands,” says Dr. Cori Convertito, curator and historian for the Society. “Architectural influences traversed the Florida Straits prior to the 1960s and Key West is home to several Cuban influenced buildings such as the San Carlos Institute, the original Cuban Club, and the interior of Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Cartaya will take attendees on a journey back in time to provide a better understanding of the architectural influences and subsequent uses in modern Cuba.” Florida Talks is one of Florida Humanities’ longest-running public programs. The organization’s speakers’ bureau features more than 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, authors, and humanities experts and over 60 brand new and returning programs. Florida Talks offers nonprofit organizations across the state an accessible way to host engaging speakers who present Florida’s history, heritage, and culture through historical and contemporary lenses. “Florida Humanities is thrilled to share its redesigned Florida Talks program. As one of our long-standing public programs, Florida Talks shares history, heritage, and culture with communities large and small across the state. We hope attendees walk away with new perspectives, knowledge, and are energized to continue learning about our unique state,” April Myerscough, Florida Humanities Grants Coordinator. To reserve tickets for the lecture; visit kwahs.org/dss-architecture - $13 for KWAHS members, $17 for non-members. Additional support for the lecture series is provided by Aloys & Carol Metty and the John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
December 30, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art & Historical Society is reviving its popular juried art exhibition, “From a Woman’s Hand,” and invites Florida Keys women to apply before the January 3, 2025, deadline. The exhibit in the Key West Museum of Art & History’s Bumpus Gallery will feature paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, prints, textiles, and ceramics created by female artists.
Drawn entirely from the Florida Keys community, the exhibit illuminates the remarkable achievements of women artists who have been marginalized for centuries. The exhibition aims to celebrate the Keys’ thriving arts community through the eyes of women. Around 40 artists included in the exhibition come from all walks of life and varying levels of professionalism. Arts community leaders Elena Devers, Martha Resk, Emma Starr, and Cori Convertito, Ph.D. will jury the exhibit. The submission fee for artists is $25, which will offset the cost of the opening reception that takes place on February 7 and is open to the public. Only one submission per artist, with a deadline of January 3; all mediums and themes will be considered but work must have been completed within the last three years and cannot have been displayed previously at the museum. Artist notification is January 20 with delivery dates January 30 and 31. The display runs through April 20. Please visit kwahs.org/exhibits for important entry details and to submit your work. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.  Key West, FL — Join us for an exciting early New Year's Eve celebration with Habitat for Humanity of the Lower Keys on Sunday, December 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Indigenous Park/The Key West Wildlife Center, located at Higgs Beach. This special event not only showcases the vibrant talent of local artisans but also highlights the impactful work of Habitat for Humanity in helping neighbors achieve their dreams of homeownership.
For over two decades, Habitat for Humanity of the Lower Keys has provided safe, affordable housing to families in need, fostering stability and self-reliance. Through their dedication and collaborative efforts, Habitat has changed lives and built stronger communities, one home at a time. The Key West Artisan Market is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to the gift you truly wanted—but didn’t get—this holiday season. With unique offerings from local artists, exclusive sales, and one-of-a-kind merchandise, you’ll find something special to enjoy or share. It’s also a great chance to stock up on treats for your New Year's Eve festivities. Indulge in mimosas, bloody marys, smoothies, natural juices, coffee, and cut fruit, or savor the delicious fare from multiple food trucks and vendors offering dine-in or take-away options. Shop a curated outdoor market filled with fine crafts, art, and jewelry by talented Florida Keys makers, along with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, local seafood, honey, pickles, and more. While you explore, enjoy live music from local musicians, meet local authors, and support the work of Habitat for Humanity of the Lower Keys. Conveniently located near the Higgs Beach Dog Park, the West Martello Tower botanical gardens, White Street Pier, and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, the market is an idyllic destination. Admission is free, parking is free, and the event is open to all. Don’t forget to bring your own reusable bags and join us in supporting our community in a meaningful way. With “Bight Before Christmas” founder Tom Stroh at the helm, the Key West Historic Seaport has once again presented a dazzling holiday wonderland extending from Lazy Way Lane at the Green Street Plaza to the Ferry Terminal at Grinnell Street. Through New Year’s Eve, locals and visitors can delight in nautically themed Christmas trees, thousands of twinkling lights, and a spectacular array of displays celebrating Key West’s maritime history. The Key West Harbor Walk of Lights is one of numerous attractions happening during the month-long Key West Holiday Fest, an island-wide celebration of the season presented in part by the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. (Photo: Carol Tedesco/KeyWestHolidayFest.com)
 FLORIDA KEYS, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution at a special meeting on Thursday to request that the state legislature adopt amendments to increase the hurricane evacuation clearance time for permanent residents for the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern from 24 to up to 26 hours to allow a maximum of 3,550 new residential permit allocations countywide.
Of the additional new residential permit allocations within the unincorporated Monroe County, 1,350 would be reserved for issuance of only one allocation per vacant buildable parcel, regardless of maximum development potential. In addition, 70 percent of those 1,350 allocations will be designated as 99-year deed-restricted workforce market-rate housing where at least 70 percent of the occupant's income is derived from employment within the Florida Keys. Any allocations above the 1,350 that may be approved by the State (up to 26 hours) for unincorporated Monroe County could be used for affordable, workforce, or market-rate housing. The Monroe County allocations would be distributed evenly over a 40-year period, excluding workforce market rate and affordable housing allocations, which may be borrowed forward. Monroe County's legislative delegation, which includes State Rep. Jim Mooney and Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, will utilize this input to form a bill they would be willing to support to be approved by the legislature for this to go into effect. The legislative session starts on March 4, 2025. MONROE COUNTY HOSTS 16th ANNUAL SOUTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL CLIMATE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IN KEY WEST12/18/2024 KEY WEST, FL – Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley, Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl, and Monroe County Chief Resiliency Officer Rhonda Haag welcomed approximately 400 thinkers and leaders from business, government, higher education, and nonprofits to the 16th annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit in Key West. Monroe County and the five local municipalities, Key West, Layton, Marathon, Key Colony Beach, and Islamorada, are co-hosting this year’s event. The summit rotates annually among the four compact members, which also include Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
Topics of the “Keys to Resilience” event included panel discussions and innovation programming looking back at the 15 years of compact collaboration and progress and into the future of resiliency in southeast Florida. “This year’s summit focuses on project implementation to help slow or avoid the effects of climate change and the specific resilience projects that are being implemented locally to manage the effects of the rising seas,” said Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag. “This unique collaborative effort between the region’s four counties was the first of its kind and is now being duplicated in other areas due to its success and effectiveness in developing resilience solutions.” The summit covers local resilience projects from each of the county’s chief resilience officers, perspectives from South Florida county administrators, an update from Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer Wes Brooks, a view on regional collaboration with the four county mayors moderated by Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein, the Deep Blue Infrastructure focusing on reef protection, policy analysis, and resilient water management with Monroe County Artificial Reefs Director Dr. Hanna Koch, and more. Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln and commissioners David Rice and Craig Cates were also in attendance. The Compact was created in 2010 by Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties to coordinate and collaborate on climate change action across county lines and is internationally recognized as a leading example of regional-scale climate action. To learn more about the Compact, visit www.southeastfloridaclimatecompact.org. The summit is a major annual event. Monroe County previously hosted the annual conference in 2011, 2015, and 2019, and will again in 2028. Later this month, Monroe County Television (MCTV) will have the summit presentations available for the public to view at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/mctv under the ‘On Demand’ tab.  The Key West Artisan Market Holiday Shop Local Edition will take place on Sunday, December 22, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the scenic Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach in Key West. This special holiday market is the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to embrace the festive spirit while supporting talented Florida Keys artisans. Vendors will showcase an array of unique, handcrafted gifts, including fine crafts, vibrant art, and exquisite jewelry, ensuring you'll find something memorable for everyone on your list. Adding to the holiday cheer, the beloved Santa Q will be onsite from noon to 2 PM, ready for free photos and autographs with attendees of all ages.
Indulge your taste buds as you explore the market's food and beverage offerings. Sip on refreshing Bloody Marys, mimosas, and drinks from a full bar, or savor freshly brewed coffee, natural juices, and cut fruit. Multiple food trucks and stalls will serve a variety of delicious dishes and snacks, available for dining at the market or taking to-go including the Great Events Catering new Q-Cart offering mouthwatering BBQ. The lively atmosphere will be enhanced by outstanding local musicians, including the Shanty Hounds, and a special performance by the KWUMC church choir. Guests will also have the chance to meet celebrity authors from the Key West Writers Guild and support the Key West Wildlife Center, the featured charity of the day with their lawn flamingo fundraiser. The market’s location offers plenty to explore beyond the shopping experience. Take a stroll through the Key West Wildlife Center, or enjoy the serene beauty of the historic West Martello Tower Botanical Gardens, and the iconic White Street Pier. The sparkling Atlantic Ocean and Higgs Beach beckons just across the street, providing the perfect backdrop for your day. The Key West Artisan Market, held every other Sunday in season, is a vibrant celebration of local talent and community spirit. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to BYOB (bring their own reusable bags) to help keep the event environmentally friendly. For vendor inquiries, email [email protected]. |
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