FLORIDA KEYS, FLA - Monroe County is reminding Florida Keys residents that assistance is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for eligible residents seeking assistance with electric costs.
 
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that assists eligible households with the cost of home energy. The program provides financial support to help reduce the burden of rising utility costs and ensure residents can maintain safe, stable living conditions.
 
“We want to make sure residents are aware of this valuable resource,” said Monroe County Community Services Director Cathy Crane. “Our goal is to ensure residents understand how to access assistance and where to turn for support.” 
 
Who May Qualify:

• Low-income households 
• Seniors aged 60 and older 
• Households responsible for paying an electric bill 
• Applicants who meet income guidelines based on household size 

 
How to Apply:

• Residents can apply through Florida Commerce at www.floridaliheap.com. 
• Monroe County Community Services can help! Fill out an intake application at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/socialservices or email [email protected] for assistance. 

 
Documents Needed:

• A valid photo ID 

• A current electric bill 
• Proof of income for all household members 
• Social Security cards for all household members

 
Residents are encouraged to apply and submit all required documentation. For additional information, including income eligibility guidelines and application details, visit  www.floridaliheap.com.FLORIDA KEYS, FLA - Monroe County is reminding Florida Keys residents that assistance is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for eligible residents seeking assistance with electric costs.
 
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that assists eligible households with the cost of home energy. The program provides financial support to help reduce the burden of rising utility costs and ensure residents can maintain safe, stable living conditions.
 
“We want to make sure residents are aware of this valuable resource,” said Monroe County Community Services Director Cathy Crane. “Our goal is to ensure residents understand how to access assistance and where to turn for support.” 
 
Who May Qualify:

• Low-income households 
• Seniors aged 60 and older 
• Households responsible for paying an electric bill 
• Applicants who meet income guidelines based on household size 

 
How to Apply:

• Residents can apply through Florida Commerce at www.floridaliheap.com. 
• Monroe County Community Services can help! Fill out an intake application at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/socialservices or email [email protected] for assistance. 

 
Documents Needed:

• A valid photo ID 

• A current electric bill 
• Proof of income for all household members 
• Social Security cards for all household members

 
Residents are encouraged to apply and submit all required documentation. For additional information, including income eligibility guidelines and application details, visit  www.floridaliheap.com.

Award-winning television producer and author Andrew Och — known as “The First Ladies Man” for his panoramic knowledge of America’s First Ladies — brings his captivating storytelling to the history-infused lawn of the Truman Little White House, 111 Front St, Key West, FL on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with the presentation beginning at 5:30 pm.


Och produced C-SPAN's acclaimed series “First Ladies: Influence and Image” and is author of the two-volume series, “Unusual for Their Time – On the Road with America’s First Ladies.” One of the world's foremost authorities on America's First Ladies, Och is a passionate researcher who has traveled tens of thousands of miles to explore homes, schools, cemeteries — any locale he can identify that relates to the public and private lives of this unique sorority of American women.


Och’s presentation will be followed by a book signing, with books available on site for purchase.
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General admission seating is free. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary popcorn and lite bites along with a donation-based bar. Attendees who bring a canned food donation for the Bahama Village Little Pantry will be entered in a drawing for a ride around Old Town Key West in the Harry S. Truman Foundation's vintage presidential limousine. For more information about the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and its programs visit trumanlittlewhitehouse.org.

BIG PINE KEY, FL – Monroe County staff continues to work with federal partners on matters related to the Big Pine Key Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and the Incidental Take Permit (ITP), originally created in the early 2000s, and acknowledges ongoing community interest and concerns regarding the future of the plan and the protection of endangered species.

For clarity, the HCP did not limit growth on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. The county establishes maximum Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) allocations through the comprehensive plan. The HCP/ITP controlled the amount of habitat that could be removed for private and government development.   

County staff have no desire to reduce protections for endangered species. Over the past decade, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has developed other studies countywide. The FWS developed the Biological Opinion (BO) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that accomplishes the same goals as the HCP. The BO covers the following endangered species: 

• American crocodile
• Eastern indigo snake
• Key deer
• Key Largo cotton mouse
• Key Largo woodrat
• Key tree-cactus
• Lower Keys marsh rabbit
• Schaus swallowtail butterfly
• Silver rice rat
• Stock Island tree snail

The county is focused on using this study to evaluate proposed new development and bring consistency to the permitting process. 

The HCP allows habitat used by endangered species to be impacted by development if the county buys land containing three times the impacted habitat and dedicates it as conservation land. By doing so, the county has funded the impacts of private development. The county remains committed to purchasing conservation land throughout the Florida Keys for conservation purposes, regardless of whether it is required to allow property owners on Big Pine Key to build new housing.

Most HCP protections are already included in Monroe County codes. Staff is currently developing proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to ensure that the protection for endangered species contained in the HCP is reflected in the future.

Additionally, staff have been coordinating with the FWS on transitioning from the HCP to the BO countywide and on discontinuing the county's subsidization of private property owners seeking permits for private development. 

Several federal meetings have been delayed due to intermittent government shutdowns, which have affected scheduling. The county anticipates receiving additional clarity from federal partners before the ITP expires, June 30, 2026. The HCP expired in 2023. 

Monroe County will plan a community meeting on Big Pine Key to discuss the HCP/ITP, local concerns, environmental protection plans, and the path forward. Details of this meeting will be announced after coordinating with FWS. More information about the HCP is available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/environmentalresources.

Key West, FL — The Truman Waterfront Community Garage Sale: Junk in the Trunk returns on Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Truman Waterfront Park, building on the momentum of a debut event that brought out more than 30 local sellers.


What began as a simple “clean it out and sell it” concept has quickly taken on a life of its own — part treasure hunt, part neighborhood meet-up, and part early-morning excuse to be by the water.


This weekend’s event is part of the larger Conch Republic Days celebration, Key West’s annual tongue-in-cheek “secession” festival that blends island humor, community events, and a full slate of activities across town. Adding to the energy, the garage sale will share the park with an Earth Day 5K hosted by the Key West Southernmost Runners Club, benefiting the Conch Republic Marine Army. With more than 200 runners expected, the added foot traffic means even more people walking through, shopping, and discovering what local sellers have to offer.


Shoppers can expect an ever-changing mix of household goods, vintage pieces, collectibles, and unexpected finds — the kind of items that make you stop, look twice, and say “I’ll take it.” It’s casual, a little unpredictable, and exactly what a garage sale should be.


Keep Key West Beautiful returns as the featured nonprofit, handing out free reusable shopping bags while reinforcing the event’s focus on reuse, repurposing, and keeping good items in circulation.


For those looking to clear space at home, participation is easy. Sellers can arrive the morning of and be placed as they come in, or register in advance to save a few dollars. No setup at home, no hassle — just pull in, set up, and start selling.


For everyone else, it’s a laid-back way to spend a Saturday morning — browsing, bargain hunting, and connecting with the community. Free parking is available with a residential sticker.


The Truman Waterfront Community Garage Sale is expected to continue on the first and third Saturdays of each month, as long as participation keeps growing.


For more information or to pre-register as a seller, contact Sam Snodgrass at 573-694-9240 or visit https://bit.ly/garagesalekeywest or the facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/1384773450070525

Key West, FL — The Key West Artisan Market continues its 2026 season on Sunday, April 19, from 10 am to 2 pm at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach with the Home is Where the Heart Is Edition, featuring Samuel’s House, Inc. This community-centered market invites locals and visitors to shop local, connect with neighbors, and support an organization dedicated to providing housing, care, and stability for women, children, and families in need throughout the Florida Keys.

At the Artisan Market, guests are invited to experience a thoughtfully designed open-air showcase featuring fine crafts and art by accomplished Florida Keys makers, elevated food and libations, and sweeping ocean views. The market offers an inspired mix of handcrafted jewelry, original artwork spanning acrylics, watercolor, papercuts, ceramics, and turned wood, bespoke home décor, carefully selected apparel and textiles, artisan breads and cheeses, fresh seasonal produce, local seafood and premium butcher selections, slow-smoked barbecue, indulgent desserts, and authentic global flavors from the Mediterranean, France, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the Caribbean. Great Events Catering offers a full-service bar featuring handcrafted, next-level Bloody Marys and mimosas, while guests may also enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, nitrogen-infused teas, pressed fruit juices, artisanal ice cream, and tropically flavored boozy popsicles.

This market highlights Samuel’s House, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing affordable housing and supportive services for women, children, and intact families in crisis. Founded to address the growing need for safe, stable housing in the Keys, Samuel’s House offers a compassionate environment where residents can rebuild their lives with dignity and independence. Representatives will be onsite sharing information about their programs, donation needs, and opportunities to support their mission.

Keys Yacht Rock Station 93.7 will broadcast live from the market throughout the day, sharing island tunes, interviews, and community highlights. Musicians will perform at 11 am and noon. Guests can meet local authors signing books, watch artists at work, and explore the newly remodeled Key West Wildlife Center located onsite at Indigenous Park.

The Key West Artisan Market blends community spirit with local creativity and entrepreneurship, pairing nonprofit partners with a vibrant open-air shopping experience by the sea. Each edition supports a different charitable organization working to strengthen the island community. Admission and parking are free, and guests are encouraged to BYOB — bring your own shopping bags or pick up a branded bag at the Artisan Market info tent.

The Key West Artisan Market takes place select Sundays at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach, offering a rotating lineup of themes and nonprofit partners throughout the season.
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Next Market: Sunday, April 26 — Key West Artisan Market: Conch Republic Days Edition.

For updates and upcoming editions, visit https://www.facebook.com/KWArtisanMarket. For vendor information, email [email protected] or apply online at https://bit.ly/KWAMVENDORS

Currently at Jag Gallery,  Key West Pottery’s domestic and artistic duo reunite and  have returned with COASTLINE.  In this striking new self-styled collaborative exhibition the couple continues their exploration of that special relationship between land and sea with an unparalleled collection of bold, vivid and thoroughly engaging paintings remarking, though passively,  on relationships, as the married couple travels the world together in search of inspiration which ultimately informs the identity of their latest, individual bodies of work,  created in the same shared studio simultaneously, colliding and overlapping indiscriminately.

COASTLINE is an invitation to explore the flora and the fauna, depths and heights, expression and details of all these special surroundings portrayed brilliantly and to great effect by two artists with individual and distinctive styles. 

The exhibit  continues through April 26th and can be found at Jag’s online gallery at jaggallery.art.  Gallery hours are Tuesday - Sunday noon -5 and by appointment.

For further information visit jaggallery.art or contact the gallery at [email protected] or by phone at 305.407.6202.

Considered a top Key West destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine contemporary art by prominent and emerging artists from Key West and beyond, Jag Gallery is located at 1075 Duval Street, Duval Square with ample free parking through the Simonton Street entrance to the Square.

STOCK ISLAND, FL – Monroe County is partnering with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to address derelict and abandoned vehicles and trailers on Stock Island, with a coordinated cleanup effort to improve parking conditions, safety, and the overall appearance of the community.

Following a recent site visit with Commissioner Craig Cates and county staff, the sheriff’s office conducted an initial survey identifying nearly 100 vehicles believed to be abandoned or inoperable throughout Stock Island. Monroe County Code Compliance will assist in identifying and tagging qualifying vehicles. 

“This is a great example of our sheriff’s office and county staff working together to respond to a community concern,” said Cates, who is focused on cleaning up the area, as well as working with business owners and residents to make redevelopment of Stock Island easier. “By focusing on derelict vehicles, we are taking a meaningful step toward improving quality of life, enhancing neighborhood appearance, and opening up much-needed parking on Stock Island.”

The removal process will include identifying vehicles that meet the criteria for abandonment under county regulations, providing appropriate notice where required, and coordinating towing and storage as needed.

POTENTIAL ABANDONDED OR DERELICT VEHICLE OR TRAILER? County officials are encouraging owners of potentially derelict vehicles, boat trailers, or utility trailers to act now. Residents who remove or repair their vehicles before enforcement actions begin in May could avoid potential fines, towing fees, and other associated costs. The right-of-way cannot be used as a storage area for vehicles and trailers.

Additional updates on the cleanup effort will be shared as the program progresses.

BIG PINE KEY, FL – Start training now! The public is invited to join Monroe County Fire Rescue, Veterans Affairs, and Parks and Beaches in a Murph workout at Big Pine Key Community Park on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Registration is at 8:15 a.m., with the workout beginning at 9 a.m. The event honors the legacy of Lt. Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan in 2005. All fitness levels are welcome. The event is free, but donations to the Key West Military Affairs Committee will be accepted at www.keywestmac.com. Participant waiver required. Weighted vests and red, white, and blue attire are encouraged as the county begins to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

KEY WEST, FL, April 9, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to an evening of student-crafted cuisine and art. Culinary & Clay: A Mud Pi Celebration takes place on Thursday, April 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West Campus. This year’s celebration includes a tasting of five international dishes, plus a sneak preview of the 2026 CFK Spring Art Show with music and a cash bar. The tasting menu is posted to the event page: https://www.cfk.edu/events/

The event pairs savory dishes prepared by CFK culinary students with one-of-a-kind ceramic plates handcrafted by students in CFK’s Mud-Pi ceramics club. Each guest selects their own ceramic plate for the tasting and takes it home as a keepsake.

A sneak preview of the CFK Spring Art Show featuring students’ work in underwater photography and ceramics will be on display at the event. Art pieces will be available for purchase starting April 27 at the Spring Art Show exhibit in CFK’s Learning Resource Center.

There are only 100 seats; tickets are $49 in advance and $65 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance until Monday, April 20 by contacting CFK’s Business Office at 305-809-3186 or by visiting the office located in the main lobby of Building A on the Key West Campus.

Additional ceramic pieces and food items will be on sale during the event. Proceeds from the event and sales will benefit the Mud-Pi ceramics club and the culinary program.
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For more information about the event, contact (305) 809-3515.

KEY WEST, Fla. – APRIL 9, 2026 – Keys Medical Group Otolaryngology – the office of Brien W. Tonkinson, M.D. – is relocating to 1111 12th Street, Suite 203, Key West, effective April 13, 2026.
 
Dr. Tonkinson is board-certified in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. He provides medical and surgical care of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck for pediatric and adult patients. Conditions treated include airway conditions; cancers of the head and neck; salivary disease; thyroid disease; sinusitis; nasal polyps; deviated nasal septum and obstruction; hearing loss; sleep disorders; swallowing and voice disorders; tinnitus; tonsil and adenoid infections; and vertigo and dizziness.
 
Appointments may be requested at KeysMedicalGroup.com or by calling 305-292-5811.