![]() KEY WEST, FL (JULY 15, 2024) – Keys Medical Group welcomes Brien W. Tonkinson, MD, board-certified Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon with additional focus on Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Tonkinson provides comprehensive medical and surgical care of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck for pediatric and adult patients. Conditions treated include airway conditions, cancers of the head and neck, salivary diseases, thyroid disease, sinusitis and nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum and obstruction, hearing loss, swallowing and voice disorders, tinnitus, tonsil or adenoid infections, tympanic membrane, mastoid, rhinoplasty and rhytidectomy and vertigo and dizziness. Dr. Tonkinson began his academic career at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. He obtained his medical degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD and was the president of his medical class 1995. He completed his surgical internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX, and his residency at San Antonio Uniformed Services Education Consortium at Lackland Air Force Base, TX. He has also been awarded the residency professor of the year teaching ENT surgery. A decorated military veteran of 29.8 years, Dr. Tonkinson’s many recognitions include Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Valorous Unit Award, and numerous Army Commendation Awards. He passed the Combat Diver Course in Key West in 1988 and was a diving instructor and the diving medical doctor stationed in Key West from 1996-1999. It has been a dream of his to serve the Keys community. Lower Keys Medical Center CEO David Clay said, "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Tonkinson to our hospital, medical group and community. We are committed to supporting skilled, experienced providers and specialists that help our residents receive quality care close to home.” Keys Medical Group Otolaryngology/ENT is located at 1111 12th Street, Suite 210 in Key West. Appointments may be requested at (305)292-5811 or at KeysMedicalGroup.com. Medicare, Medicaid and most major health plans are accepted. Keys Medical Group is a multi-specialty physician practice offering primary care, otolaryngology/ENT, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and sports medicine, gastroenterology, cardiology, and psychiatry. Telemedicine virtual visits are available with most providers.
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CONCH CONNECT RIDESHARE SERVICE (POWERED BY FREEBEE) BEGINS JULY 15 IN STOCK ISLAND AND KEY WEST7/10/2024 STOCK ISLAND & KEY WEST, FL— Conch Connect (powered by Freebee) is a new, on-demand rideshare service in Stock Island and Key West using all-electric Teslas. Monroe County and a grant from the Florida Dept. of Transportation bring Conch Connect to you.
Starting July 15, Conch Connect will operate 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rides will cost $2 per rider and can be paid via the Freebee app or by calling 855-918-3733. Cash is not accepted. Users can download the app by searching "Ride Freebee" on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please request rides at least 20 minutes in advance. For more information, visit ConchConnect.org, or scan the QR code below (or attached) to download the app. $100 Kick-Starter Scholarships, application fees waive KEY WEST, FL, July 10, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys will hold “Fast Track to Fall” events on Wednesday, July 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Key West Campus and at the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo at to help prospective students quickly get on a path toward their academic and career training goals this fall semester. New student applications are due August 1 and classes begin August 19. New students who participate in a Fast Track to Fall session will have their application fee waived, a savings of $30, and receive a $100 Kick-Starter Scholarship.
Future students and their families will be able to connect directly with knowledgeable CFK staff to receive information about degree and certificate options as well as financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships. Personalized guidance through the application process will also be available. Prospective students are encouraged to bring the following items, if readily available, to expedite the admissions process:
For more information about the opportunities available at CFK, visit the College’s website at cfk.edu or contact Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected] or call 305-809-3207. ![]() Stock Island, US 1 - July 31, 2024 – Exciting news about the New Beach Weekend Marina, formerly Murray Marine. Located on Stock Island, US 1, we invite you to join us for our grand opening celebration on Wednesday, July 31st from 4PM to 8PM. We are thrilled to showcase the heritage of this marina with the new owner Jayme Nabors and Lee Murray, the previous owner, as we are committed to preserving this tradition. This will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the Marina, which has been an integral part of our community since 1969. We're excited to highlight its rich history and the legacy it represents for Key West. Grand Opening Celebration Details:
Beach Weekend Marina is proud to be a full-service marina featuring:
Be a part of our continuing story and celebrate with us! About Beach Weekend Marina: Beach Weekend Marina is a premier full-service marina located at 5710 US -1 Stock Island, With certified technicians, top-notch boat rentals, and a fully stocked store, we are dedicated to providing excellent service to the boating community of Key West. MONROE COUNTY, FL--The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is committed to a robust public participation process regarding the state-mandated hurricane evacuation modeling discussions that will continue through January 2025. In survey #1, more than 1,850 people replied, which helped us learn how people receive their information and their basic knowledge of ROGO and BPAS. Today, survey #2 is available with a focus on housing, commuting, and the livability of the Florida Keys. The survey is available until Saturday, July 28 at 5 p.m.
Monroe County community members are invited to take this survey, which is the second of several. The survey can be found directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCROGOSurvey2. The 14-question survey shouldn’t take too long (approximately four minutes). Additional surveys will be available in August to help gauge what the community wants to see moving forward. “The goal of these surveys is to learn and understand more about the issues and challenges our residents encounter in their daily life concerning housing, essential services, quality of life, and more,” said Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County Strategic Planner. “We will also be asking for your opinions, ideas, and desires for the future of our community in upcoming surveys.” Monroe County continues to host workshops and updates during regularly scheduled BOCC meetings and began meeting with nonprofit and civic groups throughout the Florida Keys regarding the Dept. of Commerce’s hurricane evacuation modeling to gauge public opinions on everything that affects evacuation timing and the number of additional ROGO/BPAS allocations, if any, the County and municipalities should request from the State. The hurricane evacuation modeling is based on a Florida Statute requiring that Monroe County residents be able to evacuate the Florida Keys within 24 hours before a storm. Any allocations awarded could be issued over the next 10 to 30 years or at a rate that does not lead to unbalanced growth or additional takings liability. To learn more about these terms, why they are important, to view the process, or to see upcoming meetings, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/rogo2024. KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Racers can compete on foot or on paddleboards during two Key West challenges that commemorate Ernest Hemingway’s exuberant outdoor lifestyle and passion for sporting pursuits.
Set for Saturday, July 20, the nationally acclaimed Hemingway 5k Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race is a traditional part of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration. The July 16-21 festival salutes the life and work of the author who lived and wrote on the island in the 1930s. “The Hemingway 5k, now in its 35th anniversary year, is the oldest ongoing race in Key West and we typically have more than 800 competitors,” said event organizer Barbara Wright. Race registration and packet pickup are scheduled for 3-7 p.m. Saturday outside Key West’s Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. The Paddleboard Race is to kick off at 5:30 p.m. at the island city’s Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. on the Atlantic Ocean. The 3-mile ocean course begins and ends at the beach. The 5k run/walk is to begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States, located beside the Atlantic at Whitehead and South streets. Participants travel a fast, flat 3.1-mile course through Key West’s historic Old Town past landmarks including the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. A post-race awards party is scheduled on the beach beside the Southernmost Beach Café with food, libations and raffles. Entertainment is to be provided by steel drum player Van Bertie. Awards in the 5k await the top three male and female overall finishers, top three male and female masters and top male and female finishers in age categories ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over. For paddleboard racers, awards are to be presented to the first- through third-place male and female finishers in two board categories. Events surrounding the 5k and paddle challenge include the Hemingway Rum Stroll and fun-filled Beach N’ Beer Mile, both set for Sunday, July 21 — the 125th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s birth. Runners, walkers and paddleboard enthusiasts can register for the races online at keywesthalfmarathon.com/hemingway-event-details/. Race information: keywesthalfmarathon.com/hemingway-event-details/ Sponsored By Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Southernmost Beach Resort and Beach Café, Papa’s Pilar Rum, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Sunshine Scooters, 24 North Hotel, 27th Key West Half Marathon & RunFest and the many in kind sponsors! MONROE COUNTY, FL — Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein was reelected to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Board of Directors on June 28 during the Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orlando. Raschein was also appointed as Chair of FAC’s Water and Environmental Sustainability policy committee.
“There is nothing more important than our water and environment when it comes to the Florida Keys and our entire state,” said Raschein. “It is an honor to continue to serve on this policy committee and be reelected to the board to make sure that the issues we face here in the Florida Keys are known statewide while we champion for all Florida counties in the process.” During her two-year term on the FAC Board of Directors, Raschein will represent her community’s local interests by overseeing the association’s efforts and initiatives. As chair of the policy committee, she will lead advocacy efforts focused on developing policies related to water and the environment in Florida’s counties. “Commissioner Raschein’s extensive knowledge and experience make her an exceptional choice for these positions,” said FAC President and Okeechobee County Commissioner Terry Burroughs. “Coming from Monroe County, she deeply understands water and environmental concerns and will ensure our local interests are represented to help develop policies to protect Florida’s natural resources.” FAC is governed by five executive officers, six county commissioners appointed at-large, and the past presidents of FAC. Fran Decker is a long time Key West-based artist acclaimed for her vivid and widely collected paintings of local landmarks, conch houses, marine themes, island critters and flora. On Saturday, August 10, from 10:00am – 1:00pm, she will lead a “Paint & Sip” event on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, Key West Florida. We caught up with the artist in advance of the event for some Q and A about her and her work:
Q: When/how did your interest in art first emerge/manifest, and when/how did you realize you had a talent for it? FD: My mother loved painting and other craft endeavors so there were always art supplies around the house when I was growing up and she encouraged anything creative. I painted my first “good” painting at age 12. Q: When and how did you sell your first painting (or when/how did you go pro)? FD: I was taking an art class at the Audubon House with Judi Bradford and she encouraged me to try selling my art so I joined Island Arts Co-op. Q: Was there any particular painting skill you found particularly challenging to master and how did you meet that challenge? FD: I am good at color and composition but not drawing. I’ve learned some great “secrets” from artist and Cocco & Salem Gallery co-owner Jim Salem. I’ve been a regular at his Thursday classes for 20 years. Q: Any artists in your lineage; paint in your veins? FD: Not pro, but I’ve got some talented relatives. In addition to my mother, who painted some wonderful paintings, my paternal grandmother was also a skillful painter. Q: What other artist from any era would you most like to meet and why? FD: I’d like to do a paint and sip with Salvador Dali because his work is deliciously different and weird. Q: Top three reasons people should attend your “Paint & Sip” event? FD: 1) Plein Air painting forces you to see the big picture and not get hung up on details. There’s something magical about painting on site within a limited amount of time. 2) Painting with others is inspiring. I love seeing what unique ways people approach the same subject. 3) Paint and Sip….Drinks! Two of my favorite activities. The August 10 “Paint & Sip” with Fran Decker is the final of three 2024 “TRU-ly Amazing Art” events presented by the Harry S. Truman Foundation. Participants will be provided with an authentic 1911 roof shingle from the Truman Little White House as their canvas. Artists BYO outdoor painting supplies, such as easel or plein air box and tripod, paint, brushes, brush washing container, etc. Wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, with the first one complimentary for participants. The mission of the Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve Florida’s only presidential museum—the Harry S. Truman Little White House—and to provide programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historical and cultural influences of the Truman era. TRU-ly Amazing Art events are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Tickets and registration are available at www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/. KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Native Plant Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be holding its monthly native plant sale from 9am to Noon Saturday, July 20, 2024. Along with the plant sale, food waste for composting will be accepted and entertainment will be provided by a local DJ playing a wide range of music.
Bring your food scraps to support composting in the Keys pilot research and educational collaboration with the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension. Food waste will be accepted every 3rd Saturday during the plant sale. Acceptable items: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains (Pasta, Bread, Rice), Coffee grounds & Egg Shells. No Meat or Dairy. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer any plant questions. The Nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs & vines available including Native & Cuban palms, and vegetable plants. There are more than 2,000 plants which attract 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. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. For more information email: [email protected], call 305-296-1504 or visit www.keywest.garden. |
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