KEY WEST, FL – December 5, 2024 – Lower Keys Medical Center welcomes Cesar Jara, MD, FSCAI, FACC, board-certified Interventional Cardiologist. Dr. Jara is a graduate of Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, and completed his residency at University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Center, Miami, FL. He also completed fellowships in Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Center. Dr. Jara is fluent in English and Spanish.
 
In addition to Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Jara is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cardiac Computed Tomography, and is a Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and the American College of Cardiology.
 
Dr. Jara joins Giovanni Campanile, MD, FACC, and April Gallagher, MSN, AGACNP-BC, in Keys Medical Group Cardiology. He will be hospital-based at Lower Keys Medical Center’s cardiac catheterization laboratory, specializing in cardiac catheterization, advanced coronary intervention, echocardiogram and transesophageal imaging.
 
Dr. Jara has advanced training in aortic valve disease, heart failure, and coronary interventions.
 
He has a special interest in care of patients with heart attacks and has extensive experience in opening and managing STEMI programs which provide specialized and timely treatment of the most severe type of heart attack, when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked.
 
Lower Keys Medical Center Interim CEO, Dr. Sal Perla, said, “We welcome Dr. Jara to our hospital, medical staff, and community. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Jara will enhance the care provided to our patients with cardiac conditions and help keep them here, in our community.”
 
Dr. Jara said, “My passion is building cardiovascular programs to improve health care and outcomes. I have started four successful programs in the last 10 years, two for treatment of heart attacks and two for treatment of aortic valve disease without open heart surgery. I look forward to doing the same at Lower Keys Medical Center and to contributing to community education in prevention and treatment of heart disease.”
 
Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a designated Chest Pain Center.

FLORIDA KEYS, FL – The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride takes place Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cheer on and support the warriors while they cycle through the Florida Keys or join them for the guided community ride on Saturday in Key West.
 
“We are proud to celebrate the 20th year of the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride in the Florida Keys. This event empowers Veterans and brings us together to honor their strength and commitment,” said Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane, who is also a coordinator of the event.  “Let’s support our heroes, recognize their sacrifices, and build awareness as they cycle through our community.”
 
Motorists should take extra time to get to their destination during the ride times. U.S. 1 will remain open for the Soldier Ride, but motorists should be patient, use caution, and note that there may be rolling lane shifts in traffic.
 
Friday, Jan. 10
Key Largo to Islamorada

• Start: 8:30 a.m. from VFW Post 10211
• Break: 9:30 a.m. Coral Shores High School
• End: 10:30 a.m. Post Card Inn

Marathon to Big Pine Key

• Start: 1:30 p.m. from Marathon Fire Station across the 7 Mile Bridge
• End: 2:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Beach

 
Saturday, Jan. 11
Key West and Boca Chica

• Start: 10:30 a.m. from Boca Chica Naval Base
• Welcome Ceremony: Noon at Bayview Park, Key West

City of Key West

• Guided Community Ride: 12:45 to 2 p.m. Start and end at Bayview Park

Don your festive holiday jammies and join in the 16th A Positive Step 5K Rudolph Red Nose Run, taking place Saturday morning, December 14, starting and ending at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval Street, Key West. Race day check-in starts at 7:00am with 8:00am start time. After the race, enjoy refreshments, prizes and a fabulous silent auction.
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Pre-race packet pickup is Friday, Dec. 13 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Southernmost Beach Café. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Registrants receive a free t-shirt. Presented by A Positive Step of Monroe County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Monroe County’s highest risk kids and their families since 1999 and the Key West Southernmost Runners club. Donations are tax deductible; proceeds benefit the APSMC Idle Hands Summer Youth Employment Program. For more information and online registration visit https://www.apsmc.org/annual-5k.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be holding its monthly Native Plant Sale & Composting Drop Off 9am to Noon Saturday, December 21, 2024. The Nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs & vines available including Native & Cuban palms, and vegetable plants attracting birds, butterflies and other pollinators in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount. Memberships are available on site. The Garden is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program.

Bring your food scraps to support composting in the Keys pilot research and educational collaboration with the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension. Acceptable items: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains (Pasta, Bread, Rice), Coffee grounds & Egg Shells. No Meat or Dairy.

​The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.

December 2, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  Locals and visitors alike can delight in festive holiday spirit at Key West Art & Historical Society’s “Holiday Concert & Bazaar” on Friday, December 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., located on the sweeping porch and promenade of the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front Street.  The immensely popular celebration will feature some of Key West’s finest artisans, musicians and choirs, food and libations, and a dazzling holiday projection show on the face of the building.

The opulent bazaar offers shoppers a trove of unique gift options to choose from, including handcrafted jewelry, textiles, artwork, home goods, confections, and holiday decor.  Food and drink vendors will be sprinkled around the property, adding to the festive spirit.  From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Society members can also enjoy a VIP Member Lounge and a 30% discount and private shopping time in the Museum Store.

All shoppers and revelers can enjoy live holiday music and dancing on Sloppy Joe’s Foundation stage including the Bahama Village Music Program, and House of Pan Steel Pan Drums ensemble, the End of the World Ukulele Gang, local gospels choirs and the Southernmost Shimmies belly dancing troupe.

Adding to the festive cheer, the Society has resumed its popular Festival of Trees.  A series of holiday trees will line the museum’s porch decorated by students from Key West schools and sponsored by local businesses and individuals.  Holiday Bazaar spectators and shoppers will be able to “vote” for their favorite tree by making a small donation, proceeds of which will be split between the winning classroom and the Society’s education department.  The trees will ultimately be donated to families in need by way of the Key West Housing Authority before the holidays.

After dark and throughout the evening, “Conch 5 Studios” Key West High School Students will thrill attendees with a magical animated projection show on the face of the museum set to music, an annual crowd favorite.  The Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar is sponsored in part by CoVal Systems, Sloppy Joe’s Foundation, Historic Tours of America, Pier B, Keys Open Door Foundation, Modus Wealth Management, and Strunk Ace Hardware.  Questions about the event should be directed to Bonnie McInnis, Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or 305-295-6616 ext. 505.
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Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys –  The monthly Nature is Art Workshop will take place from 10am to noon on Saturday, December 21, 2024.  Parents can register their school age children on line or that morning.  Space is limited to 15.  Cost is $10 which includes all materials.  Nature is Art uses natural, recycled or repurposed materials to make nature inspired creations which the participants can take home with them.

The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island.  For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.

​Key West, FL – The Key West Artisan Market and the luxurious Southernmost Beach Resort are partnering to present a holiday extravaganza. On Sunday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., locals and visitors alike are invited to experience the magic of the season at the "Merry Marketplace", a festive event combining the best of Key West’s vibrant artisan community, family fun, and breathtaking oceanfront views.
 
Nestled along the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Southernmost Beach Resort is the perfect venue to host this joyous celebration. Renowned for its chic accommodations, tropical elegance, and unparalleled hospitality, the resort provides an idyllic backdrop for the marketplace. Guests will enjoy strolling through a curated selection of local artisans offering unique, handcrafted treasures perfect for holiday gifting or the perfect souvenir for yourself.
 
This family-friendly event is brimming with activities to delight all ages. Children can partake in a whimsical sand "snowman" building contest starting at noon along with a slime making station, while adults indulge in great food, sweet treats, and festive cocktails. The event promises live music throughout the day to keep the holiday spirit alive. And don’t miss the chance to meet Santa Claus himself, making a special appearance to spread cheer, also starting at noon.
 
Shopping at the Merry Marketplace not only guarantees one-of-a-kind gifts but also supports local artists and small businesses, reinforcing the spirit of community that makes Key West so special. From vibrant art and jewelry to home goods and holiday decorations, there’s something for everyone on your list.
 
“Key West is known for its unique culture and creativity, and the Merry Marketplace is a celebration of just that,” said Laurayne Croke, Complex Director of Sales and Marketing. “It’s a chance to embrace the holiday season in a way only Key West can – with sun, sand, and plenty of cheer.”
 
Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it, with beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent, allowing families to soak up the island’s laid-back vibe. Whether you’re a local looking to revel in community festivities or a visitor seeking the perfect way to spend a tropical holiday weekend, the Merry Marketplace promises to deliver unforgettable memories.

This event is free to the public and will take place at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 508 South Street, Key West, FL. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a day of holiday magic by the sea!
 
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1025752559556220/ or https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/.

One Walk on White art stroll event is set to take place before Christmas, on Thursday, Dec 19. The evening kicks off at 5:30pm at Key West City Hall, 1300 White Street, where art strollers can enjoy sweet treats and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus along with the mayor and City commissioners. At 6:00pm the Key West High School Band will perform at City Hall, followed by a second performance down the street at Brenda Donnelly Real Estate 1119 White St. 

Each Walk on White event benefits a local non-profit organization. At Brenda Donnelly Real Estate, WOW attendees can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a prize basket of goodies donated by area businesses, with proceeds benefiting the KWHS Band.
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Encompassing the stretch of White St. running from Southard to United and extending along several of its cross-streets, more than 20 WOW destinations are available to explore, located in galleries, a variety of local business establishments, and numerous outdoor kiosks, showcasing the works of painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic and mixed media artists, and artisan jewelry makers. Attendees can experience island architecture, exhibit openings, creative demonstrations, musical, literary and performance offerings, and libation and food samplings.

WOW events take place the third Thursday of each month through May and are sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For a list of participating locations and more information, visit www.WalkOnWhiteKeyWest.com.

​KEY WEST, FL – November 27, 2024 - Keys Medical Group Family Medicine is relocating from Suite 203 to Suite 301 in the Key West Professional Building, 1111 12th Street, Key West. Norman “Rocky” Tingle, MD, and Sheryl Belanger, MD, will begin seeing patients in the new location on Monday, December 2, 2024. 
 
Office hours will remain Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5 pm. Appointments may be scheduled online at KeysMedicalGroup.com or by calling (305)294-1706. 

​The Key West Artisan Market will host a World AIDS Day event on Sunday, December 1, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Clarence H. Higgs Memorial Beach. Guests are encouraged to “Rock the Red Ribbon Together” by wearing or picking up a complimentary red ribbon provided by volunteers from the Friends of the Memorial Board.
 
The day begins with a 9:00 AM ceremony at the Key West AIDS Memorial, organized by the Friends of the Key West AIDS Memorial to honor the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. The memorial, designed by Michael Ingram in 1997, features over 1,300 engraved names and is located at the Edward B. Knight Pier. The ceremony includes a reading of all names, remarks by featured speaker Dr. Raymond Rodriguez of Mt. Sinai Medical Center, and the presentation of an original poem by Key West Poet Laureate Flower Conroy, read by Andrea Wright.
 
Following the ceremony, the Tree of Hope will be on display at the Artisan Market. Visitors can make donations to support the Friends of the AIDS Memorial and receive commemorative items, including coins and ornaments. Attendees are also invited to add names of loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS to the Tree of Hope.
 
The Key West Artisan Market offers a vibrant array of experiences, including food and drink options such as Bloody Marys, mimosas, coffee, smoothies, and meals from local food trucks. Shoppers can explore fine crafts, art, and jewelry from talented Florida Keys artisans while enjoying live music. Visitors can also meet authors from the Key West Writers Guild and support the Key West Wildlife Center’s Raise the Roof Capital Campaign.
 
Conveniently located near the Higgs Beach Dog Park, West Martello Tower Botanical Gardens, and White Street Pier, the market invites attendees to reflect at the nearby AIDS Memorial and enjoy the scenic Atlantic Ocean views. The Key West Artisan Market is held select Sundays in season and offers free entry and parking. Attendees are encouraged to BYOB (bring their own reusable bags) or buy a souvenir bag from the info booth.
 
For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/866127518790226/  Key West AIDS Memorial, or register as a vendor at bit.ly/KWAMS12.
 
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