 KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden continues its monthly Speaker Series at 1:00 pm on February 21, 2026 in the Toppino Nature Chapel. Christopher Rackley, the Garden’s Native Nursery Manager, will be speaking on “How the native Nursery Serves the Community and the Environment”.
Chris has been with the Garden’s Nursery since he was 16; first as a high school volunteer, then as Nursery Assistant and now as Nursery Manager. He has a wealth of knowledge and passion for our endangered Keys environment and the plants that make it work. He also manages the Endangered Plant Advisory Council Grant for the Nursery and has forged relationships and worked with various other entities that help protect our community such as: Crane Point Hammock, Florida Fish & Wildlife, Boy Scouts of America, Gato Building Butterfly Garden, Key West Orchid Society, Key West Garden Club, University of South Florida and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. All proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program. Sponsored by: Florida Arts & Culture and The Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden.
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CUDJOE KEY, FL - Monroe County will be closing the public boat ramp located on the bayside at the end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key at mile marker 21.2 beginning Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 a.m. The closure is expected to last for approximately 4 months to allow for environmental mitigation work to be completed at Tarpon Belly Keys as part of the Taxiway A improvement project at the Key West International Airport. The boat ramp will be used as a staging area for the project. The county anticipates the boat ramp will open prior to lobster mini-season at the end of July.
Walk on White’s February art stroll, set for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in one of Key West’s most popular ongoing art traditions. The lively roaming experience transforms White Street into a vibrant scene, where strollers can discover works by local painters, sculptors, artisan jewelry makers, and ceramic and mixed media artists, along with exhibit openings and creative demonstrations.
Each month, Walk on White (WOW) benefits an area non-profit organization, blending art with community spirit. February’s beneficiary is the Keys AHEC Health Centers, which provide needed medical and dental care for school-age children throughout the Florida Keys. Members of the Leadership Monroe County Class XXXIII will host a raffle ticket station at Fausto’s Food Palace. Held on the third Thursday of each month through May, WOW radiates from its central hub in the Fausto’s parking lot and extends to participating White Street locations between Southard and United streets. Walk on White is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For a list of participating locations and more information, visit www.WalkOnWhiteKeyWest.com. Party with a Purpose: Tickets for CFK’s “Swords & Tails” Seaside Soiree fundraiser now on sale2/2/2026 Virtual silent auction items and sponsorships sought  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. 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. 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. Stepping Into Truman’s Shoes: Clifton Truman Daniel Brings “Give ’Em Hell, Harry!” Back to Key West2/2/2026
On Sunday, Feb. 15, and Monday, Feb. 16, actor Clifton Truman Daniel will step into the shoes of his grandfather, President Harry S. Truman, as he reprises the acclaimed one-man show “Give ’Em Hell, Harry!” in Key West, Fla.
Part of this year’s “Presidential Families Weekend and Forum” events, the performances will take place on the grounds of the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House, where President Truman spent 11 working vacations. Written by Samuel Gallu and first performed in 1975 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., the production offers a vivid, witty, and deeply human portrait of the 33rd president. “Grandpa was a pragmatic and down-to-earth man,” Daniel says, “and one thing I’m certain of is that he never imagined anyone — let alone one of his grandchildren — portraying him in a stage production. Stepping into the role anywhere, there’s a deep appreciation and connection to family and legacy, but performing it in Key West is hands-down the most fun. It’s outdoors. Chickens wander across the stage. The bar is open and people are relaxed and in a good mood.” Daniel, a professional actor with more than a dozen stage and television credits, began his theatrical career in Wilmington, North Carolina, while working as a journalist. Over 13 years he performed major roles ranging from Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady” to Randle McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Yet he had never attempted a one-man show before taking on his grandfather. That happened after Daniel began presenting lectures about Truman and audience members commented on his resemblance to the former president. A friend with a theater background urged him to try the role, a director offered him a stage, and the actor embarked on a new relationship with his ancestor—as well as with his wife, Polly Bennett-Daniel, who performs the detailed makeup application that transforms him into Truman. “In the beginning it was unbelievably intimidating,” he admits. “Eighty-three pages of dialogue and it’s just you — and it’s your own grandfather. I obsessed over the accent, the mannerisms, getting it right. The first eight shows were a blur.” A man of diverse talents, Daniel has authored two books, worked as a news writer and editor, served in public relations, and is a Fellow of “Hibakusha Stories,” a United Nations NGO dedicated to preserving the voices of survivors of the Hiroshima bombing and promoting a nuclear-free world. He also serves as vice president of the Society of Presidential Descendants, a nonpartisan organization formed to encourage civic education and thoughtful stewardship of presidential legacies. “As President Gerald Ford’s daughter Susan Ford Bales has emphasized, for descendants, the job seems to be two-fold,” Daniel says. “You take care of your ancestor’s legacy, but you also try to do something positive with it.” That sense of responsibility — and humanity — also shapes Daniel’s reflections on presidential leadership. In a recent essay, he wrote about the striking similarities between his grandfather and President Jimmy Carter, whose legacy is the focus of this year’s Presidential Descendants Forum on February 14. Both men, Daniel notes, came from modest means, were honest to a fault, and remained devoted to their spouses throughout their lives. Both were farmers and small businessmen, served in the military, and entered politics because they believed they could make things better for others. Both championed civil rights, refused to profit from the presidency, and both remained approachable long after leaving office. “For years Mr. Carter taught Sunday school every week in Plains, Georgia, and after his presidency, Grandpa often personally greeted visitors at the Truman Library,” Daniel recalls. “When he was President, Grandpa could sometimes be found in the White House kitchen having dinner with the staff.” Often humorous and frequently breaking the fourth wall, “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” offers a unique view into Truman’s childhood, his years as a Jackson County, MO, judge and a U.S. Senator, and two terms as President. One of multiple 2026 “Presidential Families Weekend and Forum” events set to take place at the Harry S. Truman Little White House from February 12-16, “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” is presented by the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For tickets and information visit www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.  Key West, FL — The Key West Artisan Market continues its 2026 season on Sunday, February 8, from 10 am to 2 pm at Indigenous Park at Higgs Beach with the Super Bowl of Hope Edition, featuring Little Pink Houses of Hope. On Super Bowl Sunday, the Market offers the perfect place to stock up for game day while shopping local and supporting small businesses.
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, local authors signing books, 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 edition spotlights Little Pink Houses of Hope, an organization providing breast cancer patients and their families with free retreat experiences that create lasting memories during an incredibly challenging time. Representatives will be onsite sharing information about their programs and seeking support in the form of donated vacation rentals or private homes, as well as gift cards and certificates for activities and restaurants to help families fully experience the destination. By shopping local at this market, guests are helping make a meaningful impact while stocking up on delicious treats and game-day favorites from Artisan Market vendors. Keys Yacht Rock Station 93.7 will broadcast live from the market throughout the day, sharing island tunes, interviews, and community highlights. 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. Next Market: Sunday, February 15 — Key West Artisan Market: It’s For the Birds Edition featuring the Key West Wildlife Center. For updates and upcoming editions, visit https://www.facebook.com/KWArtisanMarket. For vendor information, email [email protected] or apply online at https://bit.ly/KWAMVENDOR  KEY WEST, Fla – JANUARY 30, 2026 – Lower Keys Medical Center offers free classes to the community as part of its mission to help people get well and live healthier.
Joint Replacement Seminars: For individuals considering or scheduled for total joint replacement, the free seminar covers important topics related to the rehabilitation journey, including explanations of the various procedures, home safety considerations, pre-surgical exercises, preparations for surgery, expectations during the hospital stay, post-discharge care, physical therapy, wound care and rehab equipment. Attendees will meet the rehabilitation team, and are encouraged to bring a partner or caregiver. Lunch is included as part of the seminar. Breastfeeding and Lactation: A certified lactation counselor from the Department of Health – Monroe County provides helpful information including benefits of breastfeeding, how to prepare, latching and positioning, feeding cues, milk supply, common challenges and solutions, and breastfeeding support. Attendees are encouraged to bring a support person. Classes are available in English and Spanish. Childbirth Education: A collaboration with The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, the four-hour class helps parents prepare for labor and delivery. Topics include comfort options, coping skills, preparing for a hospital stay, engaging a support team, signs and stages of labor, and newborn and postpartum care. Attendees receive lunch and a tour of the maternity unit, and are encouraged to bring a partner or support person. For information on dates, times, and registration, visit LKMC.com/classes-events-programs. ISLAMORADA, Fla. — The History of Diving Museum and local performing artist Adrienne Z, in collaboration with students from Coral Shores and Marathon High Schools, is set to celebrate “Art Builds Community” with three February musical performances.
Beginning Friday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m., the Blue Marlin Stage at mile marker 81.5 oceanside in Islamorada, is to debut original songs performed by Adrienne Z and students, followed by an inspirational reading of several blackout poems created from pages of the novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea.” Lyrics and music will showcase how the project was brought to life. Blackout poetry is a form of found or erasure poetry that transforms an existing text by blacking out words to reveal a new poem, often offering satirical, personal or playful commentary on the original source. After the event, the Florida Keys Brewing Co. has “Dive Into Art & Music” on tap, featuring an art exhibit/sale and musical tribute to Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead. The concert is to feature Rainbow Full of Sound, taking stage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Created in 2012, when several “Dead Head” musicians decided to replicate the band’s 1980 Radio City Music Hall run, they have played ever since with a rotating cast of members. The evening is to include limited-edition Jerry Garcia art and merchandise, a food truck, and a Key Westys’ hippie van as well as raffles and silent auctions. The benefit concert is to support the “Dive Into Art: Stories From the Sea” featured exhibit at the History of Diving Museum, located at MM 83, bayside, in Islamorada. On Wednesday, Feb, 11, the 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Marathon Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours,” is to include a performance by Adrienne Z and blackout poem readings by students from Marathon High. The event is to take place at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, MM 50 Gulfside. The final celebration is to take place on Friday, Feb. 19, at the Eco-Discovery Center, 35 Quay Road, in Key West, again with a performance by Adrienne Z, a poetry reading and other program highlights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. These events are made possible by the History of Diving Museum's sponsors and partners, including the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, Blue Marlin Jewelry, the Carolan Foundation, Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, Florida Art and Culture, Grateful Diver, the Jerry Garcia Foundation, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Key West Art and Historical Society, Key Westys, NOAA, Silent World Dive Center, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and Wire Sculpture Live. CFK continuing education program hosts three-part workshop to learn glass slumping techniques1/30/2026 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. 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.  PLANTATION KEY, FL – In response to forecasted extreme cold temperatures for the Upper Florida Keys, Monroe County Emergency Management is opening a warming center to provide warmth to those in need at the Plantation Key Community Center, located at 53 High Point Rd, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The center will open Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. and remain open overnight until 7 a.m. The warming center will reopen on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. through 7 a.m. The center will only provide a warm place to stay for the cold night with a cot and a blanket.
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