Local News in Monroe County

In pictures: Marathon marks 25 years since 9/11 attacks

A slightly overcast sky, symbolizing the somber mood of Marathon’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony, quickly turned bright and sunny, matching the messages of hope of a better future that rang from Station #14. Marathon Fire Inspector Mike Card began the ceremony by ordering flags to be…

Key West remembers 9/11 and honor first responders

Never forget. More than a hashtag that gains traction for a week or so every fall, it’s a solemn pledge to remember and recount for the next generations the deadly events of Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, 19 terrorists from the Islamist extremist group al-Qaeda attacked the United…

Key Largo community remembers 9/11 with service at Station 25

On Sept. 11, members of the Key Largo community gathered inside Fire Station 25 to remember the events that transpired 25 years ago, when four planes overtaken by terrorists crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in…

Is the Islamorada Post Office’s future in limbo?

Islamorada community members weren’t only retrieving their mail inside the U.S. Post Office on Upper Matecumbe Key in recent days. They were also receiving word that the post office would close for good in a few months. As word spread, it triggered efforts to formulate a petition…

COMMISSIONER DONIE LEE SEEKS ‘AMICABLE’ SPLIT WITH CITY MANAGER

Key West lawmakers will consider more than tax rates and parking revenues at next week’s final budget meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Commissioner Donie Lee wants to negotiate an “amicable separation agreement” with City Manager Brian L. Barroso to end his employment “on mutually…

Woman facing litany of charges for alleged drug sales and fleeing

A 46-year-old woman wanted for fentanyl and cocaine sales in Marathon was arrested on Sept. 13 after being extradited from Nebraska. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Jessica Melissa Borysiewicz faces a litany of charges including trafficking fentanyl, cocaine…

Law enforcement warns of scam involving fake federal agents

The Key West Police Department is warning of a recent phone scam involving people impersonating federal law enforcement agents and claiming to be affiliated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Callers claim they are federal agents investigating fraudulent or financial…

David Sloan’s new book, ‘Who is Bum Farto?’ recalls Key West’s infamous fire chief & the Operation Conch scandal

Just before sunrise on Sept. 9, 1975, state agent Larry Campbell and another officer made an unannounced visit to the home of Monroe County Sheriff Bobby Brown. They picked him up and, only then, filled him in on the secret operation about to unfold across Key West. Brown tried…

Nominations open at noon on Sept. 17 for Best of Upper Keys

A celebration of the community’s best from Key Largo to Islamorada will be on display during the fifth annual Best of Upper Keys. Nominations in more than 80 categories open when the clock strikes noon on Thursday, Sept. 17. People can visit keysweekly.com once a day to write in…

Functionally Caffeinated Wellness: Your grandma was right about fiber

Well, it’s official. The internet found fiber and now “we” are having to take it to the MAXX. Yes, everything is MAXXING right now. Gag. Seriously, folks, not everything has to be on trend, hashtagged or given two Xes to get a point across, does it? The health and wellness world…

Palm trees: To prune or not to prune?

By Liah Continentino Should you prune your palm trees before a hurricane? The answer may surprise you. Palm trees are among the most hurricane-tolerant landscape plants in Florida, yet they are often subjected to one of the most common pruning mistakes. If you have a palm in your…

Commissioners Finalize FY27 Budget; Prioritize Public Safety