Access to the Keys is now fully open on both the 18-Mile Stretch portion of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road after a wide ranging wildfire known as the 344 Wildfire was brought under control. 

Florida Forest Service reports the fire is now 80 percent contained and officials don't expect the fire to spread. Crews are monitoring for hot spots across the more than 26 thousand acres of burned grass and wild land affected by the blaze. No homes or business structures were burned. 

Fire crews continue to monitor the area for hotspots. 

Fire and safety officials had to intermittently close the roads to fight the blaze along the main entry and exit corridors for the Florida Keys from Tuesday through Friday last week. 

The fire ranged across over 26,000 acres of south Miami-Dade County and was battled by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Florida Forest Service and additional strike teams. 

“We are deeply grateful for the dedicated firefighters, emergency responders, and partner agencies working tirelessly to contain the 344 Fire in the Everglades. Their swift and coordinated response has been crucial in protecting our roads and preserving the natural environment,” said Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl. 
​
While no further disruptions from the fire are expected, visitors to the Keys are advised to download the Monroe County Sheriff's Department app with push alerts for road openings, closures and slowdowns to keep up with traffic conditions during future visits. 

BIG COPPITT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Drive. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures after hiding thousands of eggs and one “special” golden egg for kids to find.
 
Children can tour a fire truck, meet on-duty firefighters, and safely help firefighters put out a pretend house fire. Snow cones and fire prevention material will be available. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm will also be in attendance.
 
“This is our fifteenth year hosting this event, and our firefighters look forward to seeing the kids enjoy the hunt every year,” said Fire Chief RL Colina. “Please join our firefighters and the Easter Bunny to hunt for eggs and learn more about fire safety.”
 
For more information, call 305-289-6005 or email [email protected].

​KEY WEST, FL – Monroe County Project Management completed a helipad expansion at Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island, ensuring enhanced emergency transport capabilities in preparation for the arrival of three new Trauma Star helicopters, which will start arriving in April. Trauma Star provides emergency air ambulance transportation for critically injured patients in the Florida Keys to the mainland, and is a joint effort between the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Fire Rescue.
 
The project was completed on time and within budget, while ensuring minimal disruption to emergency services. There were no disruptions to service while the expansion was completed. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management, along with its partners throughout the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade, have been monitoring the resource needs due to the fire affecting Card Sound Road and the 18-Mile Stretch (U.S. 1). The lead agencies for this incident are Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. It is being referred to officially as the 344 Fire. 
 
At this time, Card Sound Road remains closed, and while the 18-Mile Stretch is open, there will continue to be the need for possible closures to make the necessary firefighting missions successful. 
 
As of now, there are no unmet needs from our partners. 
 
Travelers need to be prepared for periodic closures and plan accordingly for potential lengthy stops and heavy delays over the next few days. The forest service has urged people to avoid the area if at all possible. 
 
Right now, there are no changes to garbage service in the Upper Keys, but should additional closures happen overnight, an announcement will be made in the morning to let residents know of any changes. 
 
According to the forestry officials, the fire has burned 24,000 acres as of earlier today, and 30 percent of the fire is contained. Officials have also ordered additional water tankers to be on the scene tomorrow. 
 
Please do not fly any drones in the area, as this will immediately stop aerial firefighting missions. 
 
Florida Keys emergency services have not been impacted by the fires on the mainland, and Trauma Star continues to operate without concern for critical transport. 
 
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates its app and social media with the latest openings and closures. Please download their app from the Apple or Google Play store, and find them on Facebook at MCSO - Florida Keys. You can also find information on road closures and webcams at fl511.com. 
 
Due to low humidity and gusting winds, please avoid anything that might ignite a fire, including outdoor burnings, discarding cigarettes, and dragging trailer chains.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is pleased to announce the application for Tourist Development Council Cultural Umbrella funding is now available.  The application is online www.keysarts.com.  Requests for an application may also be e-mailed to [email protected].

Cultural Umbrella funding is used for the advertising and promotion of cultural events taking place between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. Past recipients of Cultural Umbrella funding include the Harry S. Truman Little White House, The Studios of Key West, Red Barn Theatre, Waterfront Playhouse, Marathon Community Theatre, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Morada Way Arts & Culture District.

Organizations intending to apply for Cultural Umbrella funding are strongly encouraged to attend one of the free workshops on the application and the media/marketing procedures being offered, online via Zoom, by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.  Please register in advance by contacting the Arts Council office at 305-295-4369 or [email protected].

BIG NEWS! Funding amounts are $25,000, $30,000, and $35,000. Please make sure someone from your organization attends the workshop.

The workshops will be held online at the following times:   

• Tuesday, April 8th, 4:00 p.m. (for Zoom link, please RSVP)
• Wednesday, April 9th, 11:00 a.m.

The deadline for submitting the application is Wednesday, May 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by the Cultural Umbrella committee on May 19th, and their recommendations for funding will be forwarded to the TDC and BOCC for final approval.
​
There will be an application review of the Arts Council’s “Art Builds Community” grant program which awards funding of $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000 for projects occurring in the 2025-2026 season following the cultural umbrella application review.
​
For more information call the Florida Keys Council of the Arts at 305.295.4369 or visit www.keysarts.com.

​KEY WEST, Fla. – The prevalence of one of the most common cardiovascular conditions in the U.S. is significantly higher than previously estimated, underscoring the need for better prevention and treatment strategies. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a rapid, irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke or sudden death if untreated. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimates the current national prevalence of AFib to be at least 10.5 million adults, compared to previous estimates of 3.3 million adults.

Many people with atrial fibrillation don’t know they have it and don’t have symptoms. However, common symptoms of AFib include an irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults without symptoms of atrial fibrillation or other risk factors should be screened at age 50. Those with risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes may need to be screened sooner and anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor.
 
“Atrial fibrillation is highly treatable with lifestyle modifications, medication, and in some cases surgical procedures,” said Giovanni Campanile, M.D., FACC, of Keys Medical Group Cardiology. “It is important for adults to understand underlying factors that may increase their risk of AFib and talk with their doctor about addressing those factors. For some, it may be exercising more and eating a heart healthy diet, but others may also need clinical intervention.”
 
One in five cases of AFib can be attributed to high blood pressure. Other risk factors include advancing age, obesity, diabetes, heart failure, sleep apnea, alcohol use and smoking. The risk of stroke is four to five times higher in people with AFib, and AFib-related strokes tend to be more severe than strokes caused by other factors. In addition, AFib can lead to heart attack, heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest.
 
“Left untreated, AFib can have devastating consequences for patients and their families, so it is important to get screened if you are in a high-risk group or have symptoms,” added Campanile. “The most common screening tool is an electrocardiogram, a non-invasive test that can detect irregular heart rhythms, along with a thorough physical examination.”
 
Patients who are at high risk for AFib should maintain regular wellness checks with a primary care physician and talk with their doctor about their concerns and further screening. To make an appointment today, visit 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, and American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center.
 

 KEY WEST, FL – Lower Keys Medical Center has named Felix “Drew” Bigby as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 28. Bigby is a 29-year Navy veteran with more than 35 years of experience in healthcare administration, including the successful management of major health systems and community hospitals in the U.S. and abroad.
 
Most recently, Bigby served as Chief Administrative Officer of Providence-Swedish Health Services in Seattle, where he managed day-to-day operational activities at four locations, including two community hospitals. During his military service, Bigby served as CEO of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, CEO of the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan and COO/VP of Operations for Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
 
“We are looking forward to welcoming Drew Bigby to Lower Keys Medical Center, and we are confident that his experience leading hospitals and health systems in many different locations and environments will be a great asset in Key West,” said Robin Lockwood, M.D., Chairman, Lower Keys Medical Center Board of Trustees. “He is excited to be part of this community, and to support LKMC in delivering safe, quality healthcare throughout the Lower Keys.”
 
Bigby not only has significant experience driving operational efficiency and quality improvement, he is also committed to improving patient experience and building relationships at all levels of the organization and in the community.
 
“The level of care and the commitment of the team at Lower Keys Medical Center is impressive and I look forward to working with the dedicated physicians, nurses and staff to continue to improve safety, quality and care delivery,” said Bigby. “I’m also looking forward to making Key West my home and engaging with the community. It is a special place and I’m honored to have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter for LKMC.” 
 
Bigby is a Fellow of the American College of Health Executives, and received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University.
 
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, and American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center.

Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, will celebrate the ninth annual National SBDC Day Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

SBDC Day is a national, collective celebration of the success and impact that America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) foster each year. On SBDC Day, SBDCs nationally will share, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community at large. This special day will be celebrated with social media campaigns, proclamations, events, and other initiatives.


SBDCs are a key resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs are in every community providing local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed. America’s SBDCs provide measurable economic results - in 2024 SBDCs nationally helped generate 80,995 new jobs, $6.6 billion in sales, $6.49 billion in capital, and helped businesses start 15,794 new businesses.

Founded in 1976 as one of the first SBDCs in the nation, the Florida SBDC Network will celebrate 50 years of helping Florida’s small businesses launch, grow and thrive next year. Hosted statewide by the University of West Florida, the Florida SBDC Network is the largest provider of assistance for small businesses in Florida. Through its team of expert business consultants and staff, the network offers no-cost consulting, training, and educational resources to help businesses across diverse industries—including manufacturing, technology, hospitality, and professional services—launch, grow and thrive.
 
“Florida’s 3.3 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “On SBDC Day, we celebrate their resilience, innovation, and contributions to our communities. Thanks to the support of our stakeholders and partners, we remain committed to our mission of empowering business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.”


In 2023, the Florida SBDC Network provided 111,720 hours of consulting to more than 14,800 small businesses, resulting in business owners securing $346 million in capital, securing more than $575 million in government contracts, impacting 19,263 jobs, increasing sales by over $3.9 billion, and creating 1,058 new businesses. 
 
Autumn Blum, founder and CEO of Stream2Sea, created her reef-safe sunscreen and body care line after witnessing the environmental harm caused by traditional sunblocks. As she grew her Hardee County-based business, she turned to the Florida SBDC at USF for help securing local economic development grants and developing a strategic business plan. With ongoing support, including marketing guidance and capital access assistance, Stream2Sea has experienced rapid growth—doubling revenue almost every year and expanding from one to 17 employees. Now launching on cruise lines and reaching new markets, Blum continues to rely on the Florida SBDC at USF to help scale her business and strengthen her role as an entrepreneur.
 
To learn more about SBDC Day and to join the celebration, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/sbdcday/.

​KEY LARGO, FL – In a major opinion, the Third District Court of Appeal rejected and reversed a trial court ruling that interpreted various state agriculture laws affecting development regulation in the Florida Keys. The appellate court unanimously held that the claims against Monroe County environmental and land use protections were too abstract to justify Circuit Court Judge Timothy J. Koenig’s declaratory judgment invalidating all such laws regulating development in the Florida Keys. The appeals court’s decision puts to rest a potentially destabilizing legal challenge and ruling that could have paved the way for unregulated development in the Keys.
 
The case stemmed from a lawsuit against the county by Sunset Garden Estate Land Trust and two other artificial entities controlled by Jonathan Simpson, which alleged that a hodgepodge of laws dealing with agriculture preempted all growth management laws regulating development in the Florida Keys. Simpson has also sued and remains in separate litigation with the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s Office regarding the same property at 93930 Overseas Highway in Tavernier/Key Largo.
 
“This decision preserves Monroe County’s ability to continue its legislatively enacted regulations of development that safeguard the Florida Keys’ delicate and vulnerable environmental resources of statewide importance,” said Assistant County Attorney Peter Morris.
 
The Florida Keys are the State of Florida’s only countywide Area of Critical State Concern, a special legal designation for an area that contains environmental or natural resources of statewide importance. The circuit court’s judgment raised concerns about undermining critical laws that were carefully considered and passed by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at noticed public hearings and then approved by the State of Florida to protect the fragile ecosystem and distinct community character of the Florida Keys.
 
“The appellate court’s pivotal ruling ensures that Monroe County’s growth management laws remain fully enforceable,” said Morris. “The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has worked tirelessly to ensure responsible growth management that legislatively reflects the community’s values.”