https://keysweekly.com/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:45:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://keysweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-weekly-favicon-32x32.png https://keysweekly.com/ 32 32 70629433 https://keysweekly.com/42/earthquake-off-cuba-felt-in-the-florida-keys/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:35:59 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107133 Did you feel a shake in the ground this afternoon? The U.S. Geological Survey said Monday that a 6.1-magnitude earthquake occurred 65 miles west northwest of Mantua, Cuba. Minor tremors from the earthquake in the Gulf were felt in South Florida and in the Florida Keys. No tsunami threat is expected, according to the National […]]]> 107133 https://keysweekly.com/42/public-information-pros-gather-in-marathon-for-2026-symposium/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:21:32 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107129 More than 40 communications professionals from Monroe County government, municipalities, utility providers and nonprofit organizations gathered on June 1 at the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center in Marathon for an annual symposium. The day also marked the official start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The event emphasized the critical role public information officers play […]]]> 107129 https://keysweekly.com/42/ambitious-morada-way-district-designs-showcase-the-future/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:12:22 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107123 The Islamorada village manager, council members, business owners and artists recently packed the Moose Lodge to discuss plans for the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. And the future is bright. “Our fishing town is now becoming an art town,” said Stephanie Cox, executive director of the nonprofit Morada Way Arts & Cultural District (MWACD).  […]]]> 107123 https://keysweekly.com/42/famous-freedivers-legacy-lives-on-at-history-of-diving-museum/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:47:34 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107121 By John Christopher Fine Jeff Croft and his wife Karen recently traveled from Pennsylvania to Islamorada to pay tribute to his late father Robert A. “Bob” Croft at the History of Diving Museum. There, a permanent exhibit chronicled the achievements of Bob Croft in a display about free diving. Born July 19, 1934, Croft  joined […]]]> 107121 https://keysweekly.com/42/worm-wonders-a-tiny-reef-creature-lures-the-keys-tarpon/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:36:17 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107119 “The palolo worm.” My new yoga classmate-turned-dinner companion said it louder, as if my hearing was the problem and not my complete ignorance about what he was saying.  “Palolo. Worm,” he emphasized. A few minutes later, veteran Florida Keys backcountry guide and fishing boat captain David Morris had his phone out, showing me photos of […]]]> 107119 https://keysweekly.com/42/shes-done-it-all-switliks-linda-schaefer-retires-after-34-years-with-keys-schools/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:23:07 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107116 When it comes to Monroe County schools, Stanley Switlik principal Linda Schaefer has done – well, just about all of it. And on May 29, she watched students file out the doors of the elementary school one final time as she headed off into retirement. While she spent her final four years as Switlik’s leader, […]]]> 107116 https://keysweekly.com/42/anchors-of-hope-raises-critical-funds-for-childrens-shelter/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:18:59 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107112 The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter’s second annual Anchors of Hope fundraising event raised more than $12,000 in support of children, youth and families served throughout the Florida Keys. Held at Island Grill on May 30, the evening brought community leaders, businesses, supporters and advocates for a celebration featuring live entertainment, dancing, dining, raffles and a […]]]> 107112 https://keysweekly.com/42/morrison-is-new-medical-director-at-good-health-clinic/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:11:18 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107109 Dr. Tom Morrison joined the Good Health Clinic as medical director on June 1.  A longtime supporter of the clinic and community, Morrison brings decades of clinical experience and a shared commitment to ensuring access to care for uninsured and financially vulnerable residents throughout the Keys.  “At a time when more local residents are struggling […]]]> 107109 https://keysweekly.com/42/key-west-mayors-race-gets-muddy/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:05:25 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107106 The Key West mayor’s race is getting ugly as accusations fly, investigations open and campaign ethics complaints surface. It could make for an interesting city commission meeting on Thursday, June 4. The recent mudslinging appears to have started on May 21, when City Manager Brian L. Barroso sent commissioner Sam Kaufman, who is challenging incumbent […]]]> 107106 https://keysweekly.com/42/meet-key-wests-fence-fairy-ann-brodsky-paints-history/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:15:05 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107101 Ann Brodsky was pissed. “When they took away the rainbow crosswalks in the dark of night, it stirred something in me,” she said. “It was like a ripping. A sorrow. And then I thought of something Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had said: ‘If your voice held no power, they wouldn’t try to silence you.’” In […]]]> 107101 https://keysweekly.com/42/rare-beaked-whale-washes-ashore-in-grassy-key/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:39:17 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107096 A rare juvenile deep-water whale met a sad end in the shallow waters off the Middle Keys on May 30. A kayaking guest at Grassy Flats resort first reported the 16-foot carcass of the deceased whale, exhibiting several shark bites, in the shallow oceanside waters off Grassy Key on Saturday night.  Resort owner Matt Sexton […]]]> 107096 https://keysweekly.com/42/humor-the-top-10-must-haves-in-your-2026-hurricane-kit/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:34:38 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107094 We’re now into the month of June, and that means a lot of knocking on wood when we talk about “H-words.” Fear not: In addition to publishing a fully comprehensive guide on how to prepare for hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30, the Keys Weekly knows how to make sure your stash of supplies […]]]> 107094 https://keysweekly.com/42/man-owar-sting-opponents-in-conch-ball-classic/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:27:11 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107092 Marathon’s Man O’ War 10U baseball team made the Middle Keys proud in the Key West Conch Ball Classic on May 31. Battling their way to the tournament final with an 8-1 win over Conch Ball 9U and a 3-1 victory over the Sarasota Shock 10U, the Man O’ War came up just short against […]]]> 107092 https://keysweekly.com/42/islamorada-councilman-steve-friedman-files-for-reelection/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:25:06 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107090 Islamorada Councilman Steve Friedman says he wants to continue serving residents with transparency and common sense, all while protecting the waters off the islands and fighting against overdevelopment. On May 18, the backcountry guide filed the paperwork for seat 2 on the village council. He ran for and won the seat in the November 2024 […]]]> 107090 https://keysweekly.com/42/upper-keys-neighbor-of-the-week-kate-banick/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:20:47 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107087 No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each Keys Weekly edition, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight […]]]> 107087 https://keysweekly.com/42/the-bubbas-are-back-nominations-open-today-at-keysweekly-com/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:45:00 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107064 Welcome back to the Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards, now in its 13th year of recognizing the best of our community for the good of our community. Since its inception, more than 1,200 winners have been crowned in nearly 100 categories, and nearly $200,000 has been raised for local nonprofits.  This year’s nonprofit recipient […]]]> 107064 https://keysweekly.com/42/no-more-property-taxes-question-heads-to-the-ballot-this-november/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:56:42 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107062 Homesteaded properties in Florida could be in for some tax savings, if six out of 10 state voters approve a proposal in the November election.  Local counties and municipalities, however, are sounding the alarm on how it could affect the services they provide to their residents. Others fear the property tax burden could shift to […]]]> 107062 https://keysweekly.com/42/in-pictures-marathon-bids-farewell-to-the-class-of-2026/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:54:51 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107050 A gym packed to the brim cheered on the Class of 2026 at Marathon High School’s commencement exercises on May 28. The 119-member class earned a record-breaking $2.4 million in scholarships as they leave the halls of MHS in pursuit of college degrees, technical programs and the workforce – topping the already-impressive $2.34 million total […]]]> 107050 https://keysweekly.com/42/cheers-to-the-grads-coral-shores-seniors-secure-diplomas/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:41:54 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107026 The Coral Shores High School Class of 2026 received diplomas and tossed caps at the May 28 graduation ceremony, successfully concluding four years of hard work and accomplishment.  During the evening sendoff at the Coral Shores gymnasium, students, families and teachers were honored by a series of speeches that proclaimed the graduating class’ unique achievements, […]]]> 107026 https://keysweekly.com/42/in-pictures-dolphins-swim-on-after-switlik-moving-up-ceremony/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:42:00 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107034 Seventy-nine fifth graders stood together as elementary school students at Stanley Switlik for one final time on May 28 as the school celebrated its annual Moving Up ceremony. Filling the cafetorium with family, friends, teachers and administrators, each student had a moment to shine on stage while receiving individual awards in self-decorated envelopes. The Class […]]]> 107034 https://keysweekly.com/42/george-lopez-enters-county-commission-race/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:17:26 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107016 A county commission race heated up this week, when George Lopez filed to run for the District 2 seat against incumbent commissioner Michelle Lincoln, who is currently the county mayor. The race is likely to reopen Republican rivalries in the Florida Keys, as Lopez came out swinging against Lincoln in a statement to the Keys […]]]> 107016 https://keysweekly.com/42/preparing-for-hurricane-season-is-essential/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:47:22 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=107004 Dear Key West residents and visitors: As we enter hurricane season, I want to remind everyone that preparedness is not optional — it is essential. Living in a coastal community means storms can impact us quickly and with little room for error. Your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, depends on the actions […]]]> 107004 https://keysweekly.com/42/american-legion-post-333-recognizes-special-olympics-athletes/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:23:42 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106995 Tunes from the Key Largo Jam Band filled the air on May 21 for jam night at the American Legion Post 333. This was one of the more memorable jam nights, as proceeds from the weekly evenings of music supported local Special Olympics athletes who came back winners.  With medals draped around their necks, the […]]]> 106995 https://keysweekly.com/42/marathon-neighbor-of-the-week-chris-still-2/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:26:01 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106993 No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to […]]]> 106993 https://keysweekly.com/42/tropic-cinema-offers-kids-movie-series/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:20:47 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106990 Tropic Cinema recently announced its summer kids movie series starting Wednesday,  May 27 at 416 Eaton St.  This year the series features some of Disney’s most popular classic animated films, including “Bambi,” “Fantasia” and “The Three Caballeros.” The schedule and showtimes will be posted at tropiccinema.com.  The films will be shown on Wednesdays and Sundays […]]]> 106990 https://keysweekly.com/42/functionally-caffeinated-wellness-a-letter-to-those-who-still-have-time/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:17:43 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106988 I’m writing this to you specifically, the one who hasn’t had to answer those questions yet. You know the ones. “When did the pain start?” “How long has it been like this?” “What were you doing when it happened?” And the answer that haunts me most, the one I hear more than any other: “I […]]]> 106988 https://keysweekly.com/42/meet-the-2025-26-all-keys-boys-soccer-team/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:00:59 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106984 Monroe County’s boys soccer season featured competitive play across three classifications, with each program facing challenging district schedules. Key West finished 9-7-1 in Class 4A District 16, compiling a strong regular season that included two wins over both Marathon and Coral Shores, before falling in the first round of district play. Marathon posted a 5-10 […]]]> 106984 https://keysweekly.com/42/will-el-nino-conditions-suppress-hurricane-development-this-year/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:38:50 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106958 Another storm season has arrived. And while expected El Niño conditions could bring fewer Atlantic hurricanes than other years, it only takes one to cause serious problems for places like the Florida Keys.  Emergency management and weather officials are ready to respond should a storm threaten the island chain. At the National Weather Service Key […]]]> 106958 https://keysweekly.com/42/noaa-offers-2026-hurricane-season-prediction/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:28:25 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106955 Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30, predicts a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season, and a 55% chance of a below-normal […]]]> 106955 https://keysweekly.com/42/hooked-in-the-keys-is-marathons-new-one-stop-art-shop/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:17:50 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106947 What began as a small crochet business in Valerie Stone’s home has grown into something much bigger for the Middle Keys. Stone created Hooked in the Keys, an arts and crafts store, gallery and classroom that’s quickly becoming a gathering place for local artists, students and curious beginners. “My living room was practically overflowing with […]]]> 106947 https://keysweekly.com/42/nursery-expansion-boosts-coral-restoration-efforts/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:03:36 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106941 The race to save the Florida Keys reef tract got a boost on May 24, when ocean advocates, community leaders and concerned residents gathered at Summerland Farms on Summerland Key for the unveiling of the Plant a Million Corals Foundation’s land-based nursery expansion. “After the brutal heatwaves and diseases we’ve seen over the last few […]]]> 106941 https://keysweekly.com/42/marathon-neighbor-of-the-week-chris-still/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:48:03 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106939 No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to […]]]> 106939 https://keysweekly.com/42/meet-the-2025-26-all-keys-wrestling-team/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:45:55 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106920 The Keys wrestling season showcased dominance, milestones and first-year breakthroughs across 1A District 16. Key West captured its 17th consecutive Individual Bracketed Tournament (IBT) district championship, led by five local wrestlers who won individual district titles. One Key West athlete also claimed a regional championship, and six wrestlers from the county advanced to the state […]]]> 106920 https://keysweekly.com/42/new-long-term-anchoring-permit-required-for-vessels-in-florida-waters/ Sat, 30 May 2026 17:28:00 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106883 As of Jan. 1, vessel owners anchoring in Florida waters for 14 days or more within any 30-day period are now required to obtain a no-cost electronic long-term anchoring permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The new permit system was established to improve vessel accountability, reduce derelict and abandoned boats and support the safety and environmental stewardship […]]]> 106883 https://keysweekly.com/42/legislators-convene-june-1-to-mull-governors-property-tax-proposal/ Fri, 29 May 2026 19:02:00 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106773 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling legislators back to Tallahassee next Monday to consider his plan to relieve the tax burden on homestead properties. Such a move would require support from 60% of the legislature and Florida voters. During an appearance in Tampa on May 27, DeSantis unveiled plans to increase the homestead exemption from […]]]> 106773 https://keysweekly.com/42/new-hgtv-series-features-islamoradas-pines-palms-resort/ Fri, 29 May 2026 18:31:49 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106908 What started as a shared love of the Florida Keys is now a story the whole country is about to discover. “Renovation Island: The Adventure Continues,” a new six-episode series premiering Sunday, June 7, at 8 p.m. on HGTV, follows multiple projects, including two Naples families — the Reizens and the McKimms — as they […]]]> 106908 https://keysweekly.com/42/jamie-rider-takes-the-wheel-at-native-taxi/ Fri, 29 May 2026 18:23:46 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106902 For longtime Marathon resident Jamie Rider, owning a local business wasn’t just a professional goal – it was a way to deepen roots in the community he has called home for nearly two decades.  Now at the wheel of Native Taxi, Rider is steering the long‑running service into its next chapter with a clear focus […]]]> 106902 https://keysweekly.com/42/marathon-rotary-bids-farewell-to-german-exchange-student/ Fri, 29 May 2026 18:17:24 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106897 This past weekend, the Rotary Club of Marathon and German foreign exchange student Ilaria Emmanouilidilis exclaimed “ciao” as she wrapped up her year at Marathon High School.  Funded in part by the Rotary International Youth Exchange program, Ilaria arrived at the beginning of August. She spent the first part of the year with John and […]]]> 106897 https://keysweekly.com/42/key-west-gallery-exhibits-salvador-dali-collection/ Fri, 29 May 2026 18:04:21 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106895 Key West Gallery will exhibit a selection of hand-signed, hand-colored etchings by the iconic surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Each piece comes from the Argillet Collection, widely regarded as one of the most definitive and authentic archives of Dalí’s graphic works. The etchings showcase Dalí’s unmistakable surrealist vision and are hand-colored and personally signed by the […]]]> 106895 https://keysweekly.com/42/florida-keys-fishing-report-wind-yellowtail-and-mahi-on-the-edge/ Fri, 29 May 2026 18:01:08 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106891 The wind hasn’t been doing us any favors lately, but the boats picking their windows are getting into some solid action across the board. On the reef, it’s been yellowtail city. Limits have been the norm with plenty of nice-sized fish in the mix. Grouper season is in full swing — reds and blacks are […]]]> 106891 https://keysweekly.com/42/into-the-teeth-of-the-law-key-west-men-busted-with-56-baracuda/ Fri, 29 May 2026 17:43:46 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106888 On April 25, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested Aramis Valdes Chinique, 38, Ernesto Hernandez, 55, and Ernesto Leon Lopez, 37, all of Key West. Each was charged with one felony and three misdemeanor counts related to alleged fishing violations. Officers with FWC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were on […]]]> 106888 https://keysweekly.com/42/one-for-the-books-pks-principal-lisa-taylor-set-to-retire/ Fri, 29 May 2026 15:37:18 +0000 https://keysweekly.com/?p=106871 Lisa Taylor, a 34-year career educator in the Upper Keys, is retiring at the end of June from the Monroe County School District. She and husband Jeff, who is retiring May 28 from his position as a project manager with the Ocean Reef Community Association, are embracing a new chapter in life. She has served […]]]> 106871