History of Weather Forecasting in the Florida Keys to Be Featured at the Next Key West Art & Historical Society Distinguished Speaker Lecture

Historic images of the U.S. Weather Bureau office in Key West and Sand Key Lighthouse will be featured in the upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series talk, “A History of Weather Forecasting in the Florida Keys” with Jonathan Rizzo, hosted by the Key West Art & Historical Society on Thursday, January 15. Tickets for the event are available at kwahs.org/dss-weather-service. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

The U.S. Weather Bureau weather station once located in what is now Truman Annex played a key role in early forecasting operations in the Florida Keys. The site will be discussed during “A History of Weather Forecasting in the Florida Keys,” presented by Jonathan Rizzo as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, January 15. Tickets for the event are available on kwahs.org/dss-weather-service. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

December 29, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Thursday, January 15, join meteorologist Jonathan Rizzo for an engaging exploration of the evolution of weather forecasting in the Florida Keys.  His lecture, titled “A History of Weather Forecasting in the Florida Keys,” is part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series.  The talk will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.

The history of formal weather observing and forecasting in the Florida Keys began with the U.S. Lighthouse Board and the later establishment of Key West as one of the original 24 U.S. Signal Corps weather offices.  During this informative presentation, Rizzo will highlight critical milestones in the development of the nation’s operational weather services, from its early days as the U.S. Signal Corps to its modern role as the National Weather Service, and how these advancements specifically impacted the Florida Keys.

Using historical photographs and firsthand anecdotes from early U.S. Weather Bureau officials, the lecture will provide insight into the experiences of early forecasters and the methods they used to observe and predict weather in a region long shaped by extreme and rapidly changing conditions.

Jonathan Rizzo has served as the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NOAA’s National Weather Service office in Key West since May 2002.  In this role, he is responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out impact-based decision support services designed to protect life and property during severe weather events.  Rizzo has supported Monroe County, its municipalities, and the U.S. Navy during tropical cyclone emergency operations and major public events.  His professional background also includes winter and fire weather forecasting in eastern Washington State.  Originally from Lower Southern Maryland, Rizzo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Florida State University.

“Weather has shaped nearly every aspect of life in the Florida Keys, from how we prepare for storms to the way our homes are built and our community functions,” says Cori Convertito, curator for the Society.  “Jonathan Rizzo’s presentation offers a fascinating look at how forecasting evolved alongside our island history, helping us better understand the challenges, resilience, and ingenuity that define life in this unique environment.”

To reserve your spot at the lecture; visit kwahs.org/whats-on.  Tickets are $13 for KWAHS members, $17 for non-members.  Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the event.  For more information, contact Dr. Cori Convertito on 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].
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