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KEY WEST, FL, September 3, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys invites the community to its annual Constitution Day event on Thursday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the library on the Key West Campus. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, establishing the legal framework of the United States and ensuring the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Judge Scales will present "The U.S. Constitution: A Product of Brilliance." He will give an overview of the United States Constitution and how it impacts the daily lives of every American along with an historical component describing how prescient the framers were. Judge Scales serves as the Chief Judge of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal, having been appointed to the Court in 2013. Originally from Lakeland, FL, he is the first Judge in the history of the Court to come from Monroe County. Judge Scales is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Florida College of Law. While attending UF, he was elected President of the student body, was selected as the University’s outstanding male graduate and was named to the UF Hall of Fame. The College’s Constitution Day activities aim to educate the public on their rights under the Constitutional Amendments and promote civic engagement and awareness. Participants will receive Pocket Constitutions, flags, and learn how to register to vote with the help of representatives from the League of Women Voters. The event is free and open to the public. Those who cannot attend in person, can watch it live on CFK’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys/. Information about CFK’s Constitution Day available at: https://www.cfk.edu/constitution-day/ Award-winning author, editor, and teacher to present a live reading at free event on Key West Campus KEY WEST, FL, September 2, 2026 — The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to attend a CFK Poetics event on Wednesday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Willliams Theatre on the Key West Campus. Blas Falconer, a poet, author, editor, and educator from San Diego, California, will present a live reading of his work and take questions from the audience. The event is free for all attendees.
Blas Falconer is the author of four poetry collections, including “Rara Avis” (Four Way Books, 2024), for which he received the 2025 Thom Gunn Award for Gay Poetry, and “Forgive the Body This Failure” (Four Way Books, 2018). He is also the coeditor of two anthologies: “The Other Latin@: Writing Against a Singular Identity” (The University of Arizona Press, 2011), with Lorraine M. López, and “Mentor and Muse: Essays from Poets to Poets” (Southern Illinois University Press, 2010), with Beth Martinelli and Helena Mesa. Falconer is the recipient of a poetry fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award from Poets & Writers. He teaches in the MFA program at San Diego State University and is the editor-in-chief at Poetry International Online. CFK Poetics is a series that aims to develop awareness of an immersion in the humanities landscape by connecting students and the community with poetry on the national level in a way that is immediate to their own experiences. Since 2019, visiting poets have come to Key West or appeared virtually to share their work and have conversations with the student body as well as the community at large. Formerly featured poets include Maria Zoccola, B.H. Fairchild, Chelsea Rathburn, Richard Blanco, and Ross Gay, Barbara Hamby, David Kirby, Adrian Matejka, Lauren K. Alleyne, and Kim Addonizio. Additional information about CFK Poetics can be found on the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/poetics. Dr. M. Imtiaz Hussain appointed to oversee special issue of Sustainability Journal KEY WEST, FL, August 11, 2026— Dr. Hussain, a faculty member from the Department of Engineering Technology at The College of the Florida Keys (CFK), has been named Lead Guest Editor for a special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). Sustainability is an international, peer-reviewed journal published by MDPI, a global open access publisher serving the scholarly community.
Dr. Hussain’s appointment as Lead Guest Editor reflects the growing national and international recognition of CFK’s faculty expertise in emerging energy fields and shines a spotlight on CFK’s Engineering Technology program. CFK’s Associate in Science degree in Engineering Technology, developed with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), features a unique specialization in Renewable Energy that focuses on career training in solar, wind, and ocean power technologies. The program supports the growing demand for today’s renewable energy workforce. An associate degree in Engineering Technology provides a versatile foundation from which students can pursue a variety of careers. The special issue of Sustainability is titled “Integrated Thermal Energy Storage and Sustainable Renewable Energy: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities.” Dr. Hussain is co-editing the issue alongside Dr. Gwi Hyun Lee. The issue will gather original research and review papers and case studies on thermal energy storage and renewable energy systems including phase change materials, hybrid solar technologies, AI-driven energy optimization, hydrogen technologies and smart grid integration. It aims to give researchers, engineers, and industry professionals a forum for advancing low-carbon, energy-efficient technologies as part of the global energy transition. “This appointment is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to showcase the outstanding work being done at The College of the Florida Keys,” said Dr. M. Imtiaz Hussain, Department of Engineering Technology. “By strengthening our connections with leading researchers worldwide, we can enrich the educational exper ience of our students and further prepare the next generation of engineers to address global energy challenges.” Dr. Hussain earned his doctorate in engineering from Kangwon National University in South Korea and has nearly 12 years of experience leading research groups and teaching energy-focused coursework at the university level. He has published numerous research articles in peer-reviewed energy journals and has been awarded prestigious honors including the Higher Education Commission Scholarship of Pakistan and the Brain Pool Fellowship of South Korea. His research spans hybrid photovoltaic/thermal and concentrated solar power technologies, energy systems modeling, advanced heat transfer, AI-driven thermal management and green energy storage. For more information about CFK’s Associate in Science degree in Engineering Technology, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/engineering-technology-renewable-energy/ or contact Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment, at: [email protected] or 305-809-3207. For more information about the special issue, visit: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/081F16172P KEY WEST, FL, August 5, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), cooperating veterinarians, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) collaborated to safely remove the Key deer from the College’s Big Pine Key property on August 4, following a months-long planning process led by wildlife professionals. The deer—believed to be the last remaining on the property—were relocated to a nearby open habitat without incident. The College and USFWS will continue to monitor the property to ensure that no other deer remain.
To safely move the deer off the property, wildlife professionals individually sedated each deer using a widely accepted, standard method for wildlife capture and relocation used nationwide. Each deer was then moved to a holding area, where veterinary staff closely monitored their condition and confirmed they were stable and alert before releasing them into the neighboring habitat together. “I assisted with the transfer of the Key deer from the prison site. The animals received a thorough physical examination before release. All the deer, including a 3- to 4-month-old fawn, were in excellent physical health. Each animal was also administered a medication to treat internal parasites and lice, common problems in all deer,” reported veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader. Mader has over 40 years of experience caring for wildlife, including 29 years with Key deer, and has partnered directly with USFWS on the treatment of injured Key deer throughout that time. USFWS led the development of the latest deer removal plan for the College’s 10-acre property, which is covered in dense brush and vegetation — including poisonwood— and 16 deteriorating structures that have made the site difficult to navigate. Wildlife professionals weighed several possible methods, with the deer’s health and safety as the deciding factor at every step. “People have asked why we didn’t just open the gate and let the deer walk out on their own. In practice, deer that have grown used to an enclosed area with reliable food and water often won’t leave, even when there’s a clear way out — and an open gate also risks more deer wandering in,” said Nikki Colangelo, Manager, Division of Classification and Recovery, USFWS Florida Ecological Services Field Office. “During our previous attempt to remove the deer, the thick brush, poisonwood, and debris on this property made it more complex to reach the deer and guide them out of the gates than people might expect. In evaluating other methods to remove the deer, we determined that sedation and relocation by trained and authorized veterinarians and USFWS staff were the best options to safely remove the deer given the challenges of the site and the deer’s instinct to seek cover when people approach or are nearby. We are grateful for the patience and expertise everyone brought to completing this mission safely.” The agencies have been coordinating since January, with formal removal planning beginning in March. The timing was based on recommendations from USFWS wildlife professionals and cooperating veterinarians based on a number of factors including advising to wait until a resident fawn was old enough to safely leave alongside the adult deer. Throughout that period, wildlife experts and cooperating veterinarians continuously monitored the deer, confirming their good health and consistent access to adequate food and water. The College has had a long-term lease with the state since 2021 to develop the site that previously housed the Big Pine Key Road Prison to expand educational and workforce training opportunities in the Lower Keys, in alignment with its mission, as required by the State of Florida. Located on Key Deer Boulevard, the property is zoned as Suburban Commercial and is not within the boundary of any refuge, including the National Key Deer Refuge. Since the prison closed in 2017, the buildings and structures have deteriorated significantly, creating safety hazards that include partially collapsed buildings, sunken roofs, broken glass, exposed rebar, dangling wires, collapsed metal fencing, and barbed wire concealed by vegetation. The College bears the responsibility of securing the site to prevent humans from encountering the myriad dangers on the property. However, securing the perimeter has presented challenges. The gate and lock were vandalized twice, and the back fence and side fences were damaged within the past month. FWC and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the cases. The College has repaired the gate and fences, replaced the lock, installed security cameras, and reinforced the fence line with rock to help keep the property secure. To help prevent future deer entry, the College is installing deer grates along the gates. “The success of this effort reflects the kind of partnership we value with our local, state, and federal colleagues,” said Dr. Brittany Snyder, CFK Interim President. “As we move forward to develop plans for this property, we remain committed to opportunities that serve our community’s workforce demands while respecting the ecology and character of the Keys we all call home.” The public can learn more about the College’s Big Pine Key property, its future development, and updates by visiting https://www.cfk.edu/bpk/. Program to boost local business ventures with expert mentorship, hands-on workshops, and a pitch showcase KEY LARGO, FL, August 4, 2026 — The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is now accepting applications for its Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab (EIL). CFK’s EIL program is designed for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs in the Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City who are ready to develop, launch, or grow a business venture. The last day to apply is September 25thand the program is open to:
CFK’s EIL was made possible with a $25,220 grant from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF). This innovative, hands-on program based at CFK’s Upper Keys Center will help aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and local business owners transform ideas into viable ventures. The ORCF grant covers inaugural costs to allow the first participants to attend free of charge. Participants will compete for $7,500 in awards during the program’s culminating “Pitch Night Showcase.” “CFK’s Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab is a rare opportunity to accelerate growing your business and network,” said Dr. Jesus Vazquez, Faculty, Supervision and Management at CFK who will lead the program for the College. The EIL will be an eight-week entrepreneurial program that guides participants through the processes of idea development and planning, marketing, sales, financials, and operations. The EIL program model encourages accountability, collaboration, and peer networking while guiding participants on how to build and refine their ventures alongside fellow entrepreneurs. Key dates for the EIL are:
Applications should be submitted through the CFK website under a “Community Education and Workforce” classification here: https://www.cfk.edu/admissions/apply-now/. Once on the “Apply Now” page, applicants need to:
For more information, visit the Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab, or contact Dr. Jesus Vazquez at (305) 809-3328 or [email protected] KEY WEST, FL, July 29, 2026— Four diving students at The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) have advanced from the role of student to instructor. Each successfully completed the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Instructor Development course at CFK and passed the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), certifying them as open water scuba instructors.
The PADI IE is a two-day evaluative program conducted by a visiting PADI employee who tests an instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System, and attitude and professionalism. With PADI certification, widely considered the gold standard in the diving industry, these diving instructors will be qualified for professional jobs teaching individuals how to scuba dive anywhere in the world. CFK is the only place in the Middle or Lower Keys that offers the PADI Instructor Development course. For more information about CFK’s diving program, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/cfkdiving KEY WEST, FL, July 28, 2026— Eighteen students from The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) were awarded scholarships during the celebrated, annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. For 27 years, the “Papas” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society (HLAS) have supported the dreams of hundreds of CFK students.
The festivities kicked off on Sloppy Joe’s stage with the Papas awarding $40,000 in scholarships to students attending CFK. HLAS Scholarship Chair and “Papa 2013” Stephen Terry congratulated the CFK students, each receiving $2,500 to apply toward tuition and fees. The scholarship is open to degree-seeking students who demonstrate literary talent, are veterans, and/or are pursuing credentials in the fields of nursing, marine science, paramedic services, emergency medicine, law enforcement, or corrections. One scholarship bears the name of Kermit "Shine" Forbes, Hemingway's sparring partner, and has historically been presented to a CFK-bound graduate of Key West High School. This year, HLAS presented another Kermit “Shine” Forbes Scholarship to a graduate of CFK Academy. In addition to awarding scholarships totaling over $275,000 to date, HLAS has built the largest endowment with the CFK Foundation, solidifying their legacy at CFK and the ability to fund future scholarships for many years to come. CFK’s 2026 HLAS scholarship recipients include: Richard Gordon Lucas Thogode Luis Lopez Quinones Marie Christela Brevil Leandro Macias Montes de Oca Dardell Morin Anadailin Dominguez Sara Semran Rachel Goodwin Allana Hayden Shathi Islam Minouche Benoit Samantha Lorenzo Oumaima Juttie Marie Annulysse Heather Reinhardt The HLAS Kermit “Shine” Forbes Scholarship Winners were: Marco Maliberan, Key West High School Jarrett Miller, CFK Academy For more information about CFK and its scholarship opportunities, visit the College’s website at cfk.edu/paying-for-college. For more information about how to give to the CFK Foundation, contact Dr. Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at [email protected] or 305-809-3214. KEY WEST, FL, July 23, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Institute for Public Safety (IPS) graduated 15 cadets in its Basic Law Enforcement Academy #95. The graduation ceremony was held on July 15 at Coral Shores High School Auditorium. All 15 cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program at CFK’s Upper Keys Center. Graduates are eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer upon passing the state certification exam.
Nine graduates have already passed the exam and two have secured employment including: Misley Quintero who was pinned by Captain Spenser Bryan from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Kevin Laguardia Perez pinned by Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar of the City of Miami Police Department. Jasmine Jefferson, Assistant Director of IPS, recognized top performing graduates with accolades:
CFK’s law enforcement officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Two upcoming law enforcement training academies at CFK’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo with a deadline to apply by November 20 are:
For more information about CFK’s IPS, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. KEY WEST, FL, July 22, 2026— At a special meeting on Monday night, the District Board of Trustees of The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) appointed Dr. Brittany Snyder to serve as Interim President. Dr. Snyder previously served as CFK's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The appointment followed the Board's decision to end Dr. Jonathan Gueverra's tenure as President.
Dr. Snyder has dedicated more than 23 years of service—advancing the academic and operational mission of CFK. She began her career in the College's Business Office before becoming an adjunct instructor teaching accounting, finance, and management courses. That experience sparked a passion for teaching that led to a progression within the academic division, where she served as a full-time faculty member, Business Program Chair, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Provost, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. In 2021, she was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a role in which she has overseen the College's business operations, information technology, strategic planning, accreditation, human resources, facilities and construction, and sponsored programs. She has served as CFK's accreditation liaison for more than a decade, including leading the College's recent work to become one of the first in Florida to earn accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). "I've been part of this College for over 20 years, and I've watched our students grow, work hard, and go on to build better lives for themselves and their families. That's what matters, and I am committed to ensuring that our students and community continue to receive the same exceptional education and support they have always received from CFK," said Dr. Snyder. Beyond CFK, Dr. Snyder is active in professional and leadership roles. She serves the Key West Chamber of Commerce as Treasurer and board member, was the liaison to the Young Entrepreneurship Academy, and recipient of the President’s Award in 2022. She is a member of the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) and the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women. Within the Florida College System (FCS), she sits on the Steering Committee for the Council of Business Affairs and the Operations Committee of the Risk Management Consortium and previously chaired the Council of Instructional Affairs as its small college representative. She was also selected to participate in the FCS Chancellor's Leadership Seminar. Dr. Snyder holds a Doctorate in Management and a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Maryland University College, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Towson University.  KEY WEST, FL, July 17, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) District Board of Trustees will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the College’s Upper Keys Center, located at 106040 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss presidents’ contracts and the College’s Big Pine Key property.
The meeting is open to the public. The specific room and the agenda will be made available on the College’s website prior to the meeting. |
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