Local News in Monroe County

Keys Weekly Published September 01

NOAA says Florida’s coral reef is worth billions

Florida’s coral reef is far more than just a popular destination for divers and snorkelers — coral reefs are critical natural infrastructure that protects coastal communities, fuels the tourism economy, supports commercial and recreational fishing and provides countless…

Keys Weekly Published September 01

Athlete of the Week: Chace Gaertner

Chace Gaertner Junior, Key West Running Back/Safety “Chace is one of those guys who is a leader in the locker room and on the field. He is a good student with good character who always does the right thing.” – Johnny Hughes, Conchs head coach Key West’s Chace Gaertner “does a…

Monroe County BOCC News Published August 31

Big Pine Key Brush Fire: Final Update; Crews Continue to Monitor

Keys Weekly Published August 31

Line workers hospitalized following shock incident in Islamorada

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative said Monday afternoon that three line workers were transported to the hospital after they were shocked while working on an underground electrical feed on Plantation Key in Islamorada. The three workers sustained varying degrees of shock, but FKEC…

Village of Islamorada News Published August 31

Happy Labor Day!

Village offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend.

Keys Weekly Published August 31

Just a Few Friends festival unveils Jimmy Buffett Look-Alike Contest

The first Bubba Look-Alike Showdown, presented by Hogfish Bar & Grill, will take over the 200 block of Duval Street on Friday, Sept. 4, before Gary Roland and the Landsharks return to recreate the spirit of the 1998 Meeting of the Minds street concert, when Jimmy Buffett…

Keys Weekly Published August 31

Nonprofit seeks 12 felines to star in upcoming ‘Catlender’

Casting for Cats is searching for the stars for its 2027 “Catlendar” and is inviting cat lovers throughout the Keys and beyond to submit photos of their favorite feline for a chance to be featured. The nonprofit organization will select 12 cats to appear in the 2027 calendar,…

Keys Weekly Published August 31

Culinary finale: Key West’s heritage desserts

The tradition of sharing sweet foodstuffs dates back to ancient times, when they were presented as offerings to the gods or served at the end of feasts. In the Middle Ages, sweet dishes were often made from dried fruits or honey. Although European sugar manufacturing began during…

Keys Weekly Published August 31

Marathon Neighbor of the Week: Heather Rouse

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…

Keys Weekly Published August 31

Playing it safe: Keys athletes have layers of protections before they take the field

Florida’s student-athletes may be focused on wins, times and personal bests, but behind every practice and competition is another priority: getting them home safely. Long before the first whistle blows, student-athletes and their families are introduced to that priority via an…

Keys Weekly Published August 29

County’s mooring field project secures permits; effort aims to reduce unmanaged anchoring

Monroe County recently received permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for the Man of War Harbor Mooring Field, marking a major milestone toward construction of the county’s planned mooring field near Key West’s Wisteria…

Keys Weekly Published August 28

Lazy Days Islamorada wins annual Bartenders Dolphin Tournament

Fifty-four bar and restaurant employees competed in the fourth annual Bartenders Dolphin Tournament. The event started with a kickoff party and food at the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill in Islamorada on Aug. 16, followed by 12 boats heading out Aug. 17 under light winds and sunny…