KEY WEST, FL, February 04, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is accepting applications for summer semester scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals affordably. Students must be admitted to the College and registered for summer 2026 classes to qualify for scholarships. The deadline to apply for most scholarships is Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Thousands of dollars in scholarships are available to support students across a wide range of academic programs and backgrounds. Students may apply for as many and all scholarships for which they qualify. Scholarship descriptions and eligibility requirements can be viewed on the College’s website at cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/scholarship-info/.
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“We strongly encourage every student to explore available scholarships and take advantage of these life-changing opportunities," said Dr. Lana Gaspari CFK Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director, CFK Foundation. “Eligible students should apply for as many scholarships as possible to ease financial stress so they can fully focus on their education.”

CFK’s summer semester begins May 18.

For more scholarship information and guidance, contact Shania Duarte-Vera, CFK Coordinator of Scholarships and Donor Relations, at [email protected] or 305-809-3153.
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In addition to scholarships, further resources to help students pay for college, such as federal financial aid and tuition payment plans, can be found on CFK’s website at cfk.edu/paying-for-college/.

KEY WEST, FL, February 3, 2026— With endless conflicting diet and nutrition advice flooding social media, The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to the next CFK VIP Series presentation – “The Best Diet and Other Myths About Nutrition” – on Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 p.m. at CFK’s Key West campus.

Featuring licensed dietitian and nutritionist Leigh Pujado, MS, CNS, LDN, this timely presentation will trace the evolution of nutrition science, revealing where dietary guidance went off track launching decades of fad diets that often did more harm than good. Ms. Pujado will include a bit of biochemistry to show how the body actually responds to different foods to help inform choices that support lasting health rather than chasing the latest trend.
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“There’s so much noise online about what we should and shouldn’t eat,” said Pujado, who operates the clinical practice, Hibiscus Nutrition, in Key West. “My goal is to help people understand the science so they can filter out the myths and focus on what truly nourishes their bodies.”

Pujado brings a whole-person, integrative approach rooted in functional medicine and evidence-based medical nutrition therapy. Her practice focuses on personalized dietary planning, laboratory analysis, lifestyle modification, and how to cook the foods that will help you thrive.
Event Details: 

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location: CFK’s Key West campus at the Tennessee Williams Theatre
Format: 50-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes for questions and answers
Tickets: $5 at the door; free for CFK and Monroe County school students
Now in its twelfth season, the CFK VIP Series showcases the views, ideas, and perspectives (VIP) of speakers with local, regional, and national prominence. The 202 series is sponsored by David and Annette Curry, Essential Net Solutions, and First Horizon Bank.

Watch the event live on CFK's Facebook page: 
The event  be streamed live on CFK’s Facebook pageat https://www.facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys/. Simply go to the CFK Facebook page at 7:00 p.m. and click on live stream when it starts. 

For more information, call 305-296-9081 or visit www.cfk.edu/VIP.

About Leigh Pujado: Leigh Pujado, MS, CNS, LDN, holds a Master of Science in nutrition, the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS) designation from the American Nutrition Association, and a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN) state license.

KEY WEST, FL, January 30, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) and the CFK Foundation invite the community to “Swords and Tails: A Seaside Soiree” on Friday, February 27 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

At this special 60th anniversary edition of the beloved Seaside Soiree, elegance meets impact as we showcase the College’s historical exhibit featuring 60 years of thriving together with the community. Guests will enjoy fine dining, cocktails, music, dancing, and community spirit in support of CFK students and programs.

Tickets and sponsorship packages are available for the fundraiser on the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/soiree.
Following tradition, the College will hold a virtual silent auction during the two weeks leading up to the event, from February 13 through 27. Open to all throughout the Keys, Florida, and beyond, the virtual silent auction offers an opportunity to support the College’s fundraising efforts. To participate in the silent auction and/or purchase tickets for the Seaside Soiree, create an account here: https://www.silentauctionpro.com/signinregisterolb.php?groupId=1795&olbreturn=/memberhome.php?groupId=1795&ks=1.

All proceeds of the event and auction will benefit the students and programs at CFK.
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Sponsor of CFK’s 60th Anniversary, including the 2026 Seaside Soiree, include Essential Net Solutions, Ajax Building Company, First State Bank, Capital City Consulting, Gray Robinson Consulting, Mote Marine Laboratory, Mason Investments, Sheldon Suga, Florida Keys Media, Keys Citizen, Keys Weekly, Bob & Rose Littlejohn, and Spottswood Companies.  
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To contribute auction items or donations 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, January 30, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is offering a three-part, hands-on fused glass workshop led by artist Gail Harrison. The workshop will take place at CFK’s Key West Campus on Mondays from February 16 through March 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. each week.

Harrison will teach the basics of glass slumping and guide students in creating their own glass bowl creations. Participants will explore simple design ideas, safety practices, and the slumping process while working directly with glass to make a unique finished piece.

The fee is $135 and seats are limited. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/academics/continuing-education/, or call Melissa Hertzog at 305-809-3156. Anyone interested may also visit the Enrollment Office in Building A on CFK’s Key West Campus at 5901 College Road on Stock Island.
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CFK’s Continuing Education programs offer a wide range of non-credit classes and seminars designed for lifelong students to fulfill their potential, both personally and professionally.

​KEY WEST, FL, January 23, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) marked a milestone in its 60 years of impact by awarding an honorary degree to Mario Rivera, one of the institution's first graduates. Mr. Rivera's journey exemplifies the College's transformative power, and his success helped pave the way for thousands of students who followed. 
 
Mr. Rivera graduated in 1969 with an Associate of Arts degree in Physical Education from what was then Florida Keys Junior College. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra presented him with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management in recognition of his contributions to his profession, community, and the College.
 
“When Monroe Junior College opened in 1965, students like Mr. Rivera, for the first time, could earn a college degree without having to relocate or commute to the mainland,” Gueverra said.
 
Mr. Rivera went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida before beginning his career as a high school teacher and baseball coach. He later built a successful career in insurance and became a published author.
 
His wife, Lois Rodriguez Rivera, graduated from the College with a Secretarial Certificate in 1970 and enjoyed a successful career in the financial and mortgage industry. Mrs. Rivera continues to enjoy her passion for art and spends time painting commissioned works that celebrate island life in Key West.
 
“These two alumni are powerful ambassadors of the College and influencers in our society,” Gueverra said. “We look to our alumni to shine brightly and to share their CFK experience and success with the world.”
 
For more information about CFK’s 60th Anniversary events and news, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/60/.

​KEY WEST, FL, January 20, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) welcomed Dr. Milan Hayward as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs earlier this month. A member of CFK’s senior leadership team and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Hayward leads all academic, workforce training, and non-credit programs, as well as student success services.
 
“Dr. Hayward is a battle-tested leader and a partner. Students and their success are always his priority,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO. “We are fortunate to have him join the CFK team when we are poised to grow high-wage and high-demand workforce opportunities while increasing educational partnerships with our industry stakeholders.”
 
A graduate of a community college himself, Dr. Hayward started his academic career as faculty in the Automotive Technology program at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), his alma mater, where he served for 18 years in a variety of academic leadership positions. His service has extended to other colleges and communities over the course of his 27-year career in higher education, with a focus on all learners, including adult and non-traditional learners from all communities.
 
With college degrees from NOVA, National Louis University, and Virginia Tech, including a doctorate from Old Dominion University, Dr. Hayward’s many contributions have included teaching, academic leadership, industry partnerships, strategic planning, workforce development, enrollment growth, innovative and entrepreneurial programming, resource development, program and college accreditation, faculty and staff development, and community engagement and service. These are also some of the opportunities that drew him to CFK.
 
Dr. Hayward stated he has heard wonderful things about CFK over the years and is excited to join the team. “I appreciate the warm welcome I have received and look forward to working alongside CFK faculty and staff to advance the College mission,” said Dr. Hayward. When asked about accomplishments, Dr. Hayward is quick to emphasize the importance and value of interpersonal relationships and collective “wins.” He encourages the public, including prospective students, parents, and business leaders, to reach out to him and the Academic Affairs team when there is an opportunity for them to be of service.

KEY WEST, FL, January 16, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) welcomes middle and high school students and their family members to the CFK Academy Open House for Prospective Students on Thursday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m. on the College’s Key West Campus. The open house will include a tour of the A-rated, tuition-free public charter high school, a presentation on the school’s academic offering, and an opportunity to meet the principal, teachers, staff, and students.

The CFK Academy focuses on college and career readiness with a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. Teachers use a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach to give students hands-on engagement beyond the traditional classroom and better develop critical thinking and communication skills.

CFK Academy students are encouraged to earn college and high school credit simultaneously through the College’s Dual Enrollment program. College classes are conveniently located on the same campus as the high school. Motivated students can graduate with their high school diploma as well as an associate degree, certificate, and/or industry certification.

There is no cost to attend the CFK Academy, including the college level classes, potentially saving families tens of thousands of dollars.

The CFK Academy has earned an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) since it opened in 2023. FDOE’s school grading system pulls from various student success metrics, including student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, acceleration success, and focus on students who need the most support.
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Applications are now open for grades nine through 12 for the 2026- 27 school year and can be found online at CFK.edu/CFKAcademy. Space is limited. Applications are due by February 24 and a lottery will be conducted on February 26.

KEY WEST, FL, January 16, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the public to its second annual Community Day at the Upper Keys Center on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature a full slate of attractions including CFK academic showcases, interactive exhibits, a bounce house and other children's activities, vendors, music, free food and drinks, and free T-shirts. Support provided by the Ocean Reef Community Foundation enabled the College to launch this new tradition at its Upper Keys Center in 2025.

“Community Day is a celebration of the College and our community,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President.” “It’s a day filled with activities for all ages, information about community services, music, and food, a showcase that demonstrates the important work done by organizations in our Florida Keys community. Starting this year, CFK will select and honor an individual or an entity whose efforts make our community even more livable.”

This year, CFK’s Community Day at its Upper Keys Center is sponsored by Keys Weekly, Citizen, and Florida Keys Media.

For more information about Community Day, call CFK at 305-809-3198.

KEY WEST, FL, January 14, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is offering a special, two-day ceramics workshop featuring visiting artist and professor, Von Venhuizen, who will demonstrate his wheel throwing and hand-building assemblage methods and lecture on his current and past artwork.

The workshop will take place in the hand-building studio on the CFK Key West Campus from Thursday, February 6 through Friday, February 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

Von Venhuizen, an Associate Professor of Art in Ceramics at Texas Tech University, earned his M.F.A. from Indiana University. He is a nationally and internationally exhibited artist with an exceptional reputation in Kiln Design and Construction, Architectural Ceramics, Ceramic Production Design, Ceramic RAM Press methods, Slip Casting, Mold Making, 3-D Printing in Clay, and Wheel Throwing. His work has been included in hundreds of juried, invitational, and solo exhibitions.

Von’s pieces are in numerous private and university collections, and museums, as well as books and periodicals. He is a two-time, student-nominated Texas Tech Teacher of the Year, and his students know him for his colorful stories of ceramics, his love of cars and motorcycles, his search for the elusive Chupacabra, as well as being an armadillo whisperer.

The fee for the two-day workshop is $215. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/academics/continuing-education/.
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For more information about the ceramics program, contact Dennis Loucks, Artist-in-Residence, CFK at: [email protected] or 305-296-9081, ext. 671.

KEY WEST, FL, January 13, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys is continuing its pursuit to expand workforce training and educational opportunities for residents of the Florida Keys at its, yet to be developed, site on Big Pine Key (BPK). The potential programs and uses for the site may include a marine aquaculture facility, shared community spaces, construction apprenticeships, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, and motor vehicle training for law enforcement. These programs advance CFK’s mission to deliver student-centric academic programs and services, workforce development, continuing education, and to engage with diverse partners.

The College originally shared its ideas with the community in 2019 at a Board of County Commissioners meeting. In 2021, after leasing the property from the state, the College held two community meetings in Big Pine Key. Since then, the College has pursued funding opportunities to support expansion of programs and services in the Lower Keys.

“CFK is dedicated to partnering with our Florida Keys community. Our programs are geared to benefit our residents,” emphasized Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, President and CEO of CFK. “This includes both economic prosperity and respecting what makes the Keys special,” he added.

In 2023, the College applied for and was awarded a $2 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant. Prior to accessing the funds, a Responsible Entity must complete an environmental review. HUD identified Monroe County as the Responsible Entity tasked with completing the environmental review. This role requires the county to ensure that environmental impacts of a project are thoroughly evaluated and addressed, and open for a public comment period, which for this project ended on January 2, 2026.

According to a notice published by Monroe County on December 18, 2025, “the project will have no significant impact on the human environment.”

The site is not located within the boundary of the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, and the College has replaced the perimeter fence to secure the property and keep wildlife outside.

Per Florida Statute, the College is exempt from obtaining building permits from Monroe County for development on the site. However, any development must still be consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and with the use, density, and intensity requirements of the county’s Land Development Code. The county will work with the College to review the proposed project to ensure it meets these requirements.

Two of the potential programs, law enforcement vehicle and CDL training, would increase accessibility to high-demand career opportunities allowing Florida Keys residents to prepare for and become certified close to home instead of going to the mainland. Many local organizations and businesses, spanning from utilities and public works to tourism and schools, require employees to have CDLs and the safety of every community hinges on the quality of its law enforcement. The College already administers CDL tests in the Lower Keys. Testers safely travel on the test route that traverses Rockland Key through Key West. As for law enforcement, this will be an opportunity to save at least three full days and the added expense that comes with staying on the mainland to use the tactical course.

The size and variety of the College’s fleet of vehicles for CDL training will reflect the demand from the community and may include passenger buses, garbage trucks, school buses, construction trucks, and tractor trailers. Most of the training will take place in classrooms and in vehicles on the site. On-the road training will primarily traverse routes similar to those used by commercial vehicles currently serving the community.

“The College prioritizes safety and will work with the community to mitigate traffic concerns,” said Dr. Gueverra.
Workforce demand and funding availability will determine the future programmatic opportunities. CFK welcomes conversations with those who are interested in financially supporting the College. CFK will continue to engage stakeholders, address concerns, and share details as they develop.

For questions, please contact [email protected].