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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MONROE COUNTY, FL — Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Jim Scholl was presented with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orlando.
The CCC designation is a voluntary program of study designed for county commissioners to learn information and enhance skills relevant to their duties and responsibilities as elected officials. "The amount of knowledge exchanged in this program is vast," Scholl said. "I've had the opportunity to make numerous connections with commissioners across the state, which will benefit the well-being of our county." The CCC educational program is an initiative comprising of 45 hours of coursework. This program's curriculum encompasses a diverse range of courses, such as growth management, financial management, and ethics, as well as elective courses such as affordable housing, emergency management, and resiliency. "The CCC program highlights the quality of local leaders we have in the state of Florida," said Eric Poole, Executive Director of ICG. "For them to invest their time into completing coursework to benefit their constituents and community, they demonstrate their dedication to going above and beyond the expected duties of a county commissioner." The CCC program is made possible through a continuing partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension. To learn more about ICG and the CCC designation, please visit flicg.org. MONROE COUNTY, FL — Last Thursday, nine mayors from across South Florida met for the Florida League of Mayors Regional Roundtable Discussion on Mental Health and Veterans Issues in Islamorada. Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane and Village of Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder helped facilitate the meeting. Florida League of Mayors President Scott Brook of Coral Springs led the meeting.
Those in attendance discussed initiatives to help support Veterans, such as mentorship, employment programs, and free meal or discount services. Eleven Florida Keys Veterans shared their input, pointing out difficulties regarding Veterans' healthcare and requesting mental and physical health services. The Veterans also wanted local officials to help promote current veteran resources, such as local facilities and crisis hotlines. "The roundtable discussion gave veterans in Monroe County an opportunity to engage in a productive dialogue with the region's mayors," said Crane. "They addressed important issues such as mental health and suicide, access to healthcare, employment, and mentorship programs, and the need for support for veterans transitioning into civilian life." Monroe County has two Veteran Affairs offices, one in Key West (305-295-5150) and one in Key Largo (305-453-8777), and hosts a satellite office in Marathon (305-295-5150) on the second Wednesday of each month. The department can help with a variety of services for Veterans, including:
The department also assists 100 percent service-connected in obtaining state benefits, such as free car tags and fishing licenses. To reach the Veterans crisis hotline, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. There are more than 8,000 Veterans in Monroe County. For more information on Veterans Affairs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va. OPENING AT JAG JULY 11TH Duval Square’s Jag Gallery welcomes Key West artists Erika Heffernan and Mark Hedden for an exhibition of photography, based on inspiration miles apart yet reflecting their common passion for photographic pursuits.
Erika Heffernan arrives with an alluring, previously unseen selection from her 398 Days Collection, evocative and personal images following the artist on a daily photographic journey of solitude as she copes with the Covid Pandemic and its effects, capturing beauty during a very dark time, one that begins in isolation but ends in elation. Popular photographer, writer and all round renaissance man, Mark Hedden returns with a personally curated series of nature studies of which he says, “though I write a Key West Weekly column about birds, I generally don’t consider myself a wildlife photographer, but this show has given me the opportunity to share some images that I really like…wildlife photography can be chaotic. It can take quite a few shots to get a really good image of a bird.” LOOKING OUT AND UP opens with a gallery reception to meet the artists on Thursday, July 11th from 5:30 - 7:30 which is free and open to the public. The gallery will also host another in its IN CONVERSATION WITH…series of gallery talks on Wednesday July 24th at 5. Recognized as one of the region’s top destinations for fine, contemporary art presenting carefully curated exhibits featuring work of prominent artists from Key West and beyond, Jag Gallery is located at the Simonton Street entrance to Duval Square, 1075 Duval Street with ample, free parking. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday noon to 5, Mondays by appointment. For additional information call 305.407.6202 or email [email protected] and follow us on Facebook and instagram at jaggallery. MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln was chosen as president-elect of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) on Friday. She was elected at the association's annual business meeting hosted during FAC's Annual Conference & Educational Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.
Commissioner Lincoln has served on FAC's executive committee for two years, most recently as first vice president. She also actively participates in FAC's policy committees, including the Select Committee for Preemption and the Water and Environmental Sustainability Committee. "I love serving Monroe County and my position on FAC's executive committee provides a platform to advocate for my community at a statewide level," said Lincoln. "I am grateful to my peers for advancing me to this position and allowing me to ensure that all 67 counties are represented, including those with unique needs like my own." In addition to her leadership positions at FAC, Lincoln has also earned her Advanced County Commissioner II designation, the highest level of commissioner education offered by the association. "Commissioner Lincoln exceeds the usual responsibilities of a commissioner, relentlessly advancing her expertise to enhance her growth as a public servant," said Ginger Delegal, Executive Director of FAC. "She approaches every challenge with fairness and consideration for all counties, and I look forward to what she will accomplish this year." As president-elect, Lincoln will oversee the association's policy and advocacy efforts and will chair the finance and audit committee. Lincoln is joined on the FAC executive committee by President Terry Burroughs of Okeechobee County, First Vice President Rene Flowers of Pinellas County, Second Vice President John Meeks of Levy County, and Immediate Past President Bill Truex of Charlotte County. Key West, FL – June 25, 2024 – Brightwild and Rams Head Presents have partnered to present a new Mini Music Fest in Key West, set to take place July 24-27, 2024. This unique festival aims to enhance and expand the annual Lobster Mini Season weekend into an unforgettable four-day celebration of music, local cuisine, and appreciation for the rich fishing and wildlife heritage of Key West.
Robert Spottswood Jr., a key founder of the event, emphasized the festival’s mission: "This year, we aim to transform Florida’s Mini Lobster Season into a weekend-long celebration that showcases the immense value of our environment and, specifically, our lobster resources. We have planned an exciting itinerary filled with amazing music, food, and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. This event is not just about the catch and the party; but also about fostering a network of advocates committed to sustainable practices and conservation efforts that benefit both our environment and local economy." The Mini Music Fest promises an eclectic lineup of live music performances, featuring more than a dozen Nashville acts along with some local favorites. Attendees can look forward to four days and nights of songwriter rounds taking place around Key West, culminating in a headliner festival act at the legendary Key West Theater to close out the week. Venues include Tavern N Town restaurant, Beachside Resort and Residences, Brightwild Adventures Sandbar Excursion, Brightwild HQ Offices, KAMP: The Penthouse on Duval, Rams Head Southernmost Restaurant, and the Key West Theater. “We are thrilled to partner with Brightwild on this new concept that we hope to grow each year, and to kick off our inaugural Mini Music Fest with an outstanding line-up of artists, including our headliners, Key West Songwriters Festival alums Jerrod Niemann and Abby Anderson, and Wyatt Durrette, famous for penning Zac Brown Band hit songs “Chicken Fried” and “Toes” said Kyle Muehlhauser, Rams Head Presents co-owner. In addition to the vibrant musical acts, the festival will showcase the best of Key West's culinary scene. Local restaurants and food vendors will offer an enticing selection of fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and refreshing drinks, creating a true taste of Key West for festival-goers. Mini Music Fest tickets are now on sale. For those who desire the full, unedited Mini Music Fest experience, an All Access Pass selection grants entry to all festival events, including exclusive VIP events and performances. Some events are free and open to the public, and individual tickets are available for a special performance at the Key West Theater on Saturday, July 27th at 8:00PM starring headliner Abby Anderson with other Nashville hit songwriters. Tickets and information are available at minimusicfestkw.com. Updates available on social media, including Instagram: @MiniMusicFestKW. KEY WEST, FL - JULY 2, 2024 - Evacuating hospital patients in a major hurricane involves numerous entities which need to be specially trained and constantly prepared. The annual drill, conducted June 27th at Lower Keys Medical Center and NAS Key West Boca Chica, simulates the preparation of patients, handling of medical records, patient protection safeguards, transport of patients to NAS Key West airfield, training of EMS, military, law enforcement and volunteers on lifting techniques, and unloading and loading volunteers serving as patients into an Air National Guard aircraft.
Lower Keys Medical Center chief executive officer David Clay said, "In 2017 when Hurricane Irma warranted a mandatory evacuation, all of the partner organizations knew exactly what to do thanks to this annual training and practice, successfully transporting hospital patients to safety. We are so grateful to all of our partners, especially the Air National Guard which provides the on the ground training and air transport. Thank you to North Carolina, Delaware, Florida and Kentucky Air National Guard teams and all of our partners, including Monroe County emergency management, Sheriff's office, Monroe County Fire Rescue, City of Key West Fire Rescue, NAS Key West, NAS Key West Fire Rescue, City of Key West Police, Elite Medical Transport, E Care Ambulance, Tennessee Williams Theater/College of the Florida Keys, and many volunteers, observers and staff." KEY WEST, FL, JULY 2, 2024 – While the Florida Keys enjoy warm weather year round, Summer 2024 is predicted to bring on even more heat, which can put extra stress on your heart. For every degree body temperature rises, the heart beats approximately 10 beats per minute faster, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s why in hot temperatures, it becomes harder for the body to cool off, especially for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation (AFib). “Our bodies get rid of excess heat through sweat. Hot, humid weather forces the heart to work harder, kicking it into high gear to pump more blood to the skin,” said Giovanni Campanile, MD, FACC, cardiologist with Keys Medical Group and medical director of cardiology at Lower Keys Medical Center. Excessive heat makes it more difficult to keep the core body temperature at a normal level, and this puts stress on vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. So, if you have a heart condition, you need to avoid excessive stress and heat. It is important to stay cool and well hydrated. A recent study in a major heart scientific journal found a link between rising temperature and the risk of cardiovascular death especially when the heat rises above 95°. Dr. Campanile emphasizes the importance of continuing to take medication as prescribed and suggests working with your cardiologist to come up with a heart health plan for hotter temperatures, including:
Anyone exhibiting more than one of these symptoms may be experiencing a heat stroke and should call 9-1-1 immediately. While waiting for medical attention, do not consume fluids and continue efforts to lower body temperature below 102°F. Move into the shade, take a cool – not cold – shower or bath, or move air with a fanning motion. If you want to make sure your heart stays on beat in the summer heat, take Lower Keys Medical Center’s heart risk assessment for a free, downloadable report about your heart’s health. Visit www.LKMC.com. Key West, Florida (July 1, 2024) — Florida Humanities, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), has launched a new exhibition partnership program, “Exhibition Starter Kit: FOOD” and selected the Key West Art & Historical Society as an inaugural recipient. In total, eight nonprofit organizations received funding from Florida Humanities in June 2024 to create exhibitions that capture and share local narratives on food, utilizing templated resources as well as virtual and in-person support from the Smithsonian Institution.
Exhibition Starter Kits provide a Smithsonian-developed framework to guide selected venues through the development of local humanities-based exhibitions using their own collections and cultural content. While working on their exhibition project, funded venues will receive guidance from the Smithsonian on how to design and develop compelling exhibitions that highlight their local history and culture through the lens of food. By incorporating local elements directly into the exhibition, each installation will be unique while broadly addressing the same national themes curated by the Smithsonian. “Peeling back the layers of our local and regional food, you uncover a much larger story centering around the Key West’s diverse community,” says Dr. Cori Convertito, curator for the Society who will also serve as the project’s manager. “We are elated to have been selected by the Smithsonian and Florida Humanities to be one of eight partners in the state. It gives the Society an opportunity to tell the abundant Florida Keys food story that has been shaped by a mixture of Indigenous, Bahamian, Cuban, and international peoples. It is our hope to get the community involved in the exhibition, but also in a robust series of public programs and oral histories.” All sites have received initial funding of $5,000 from Florida Humanities to work with the Smithsonian over the next year to create their exhibition script, collect physical objects such as artifacts and images to accompany their exhibition, and design an exhibition floor plan. Exhibitions will then be fabricated and installed at each venue in early 2026 with additional support provided by Florida Humanities. The funded sites include:
“Exhibition Starter Kits give small museums a great opportunity to use a Smithsonian framework that gives national context to local exhibitions,” said Carol Harsh, Director, Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street program. “Florida Humanities contributes state-specific resources and scholarship, which adds an even richer training opportunity for host organizations to bring out the unique local flavors of each community.” “Exhibition Starter Kit: FOOD” is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History called “Key Ingredients: America by Food”. Support for the Smithsonian Institution has been provided by the United States Congress. Funding for this project in Florida has been provided by Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities. About Key West Art & Historical Society Founded in 1949, the Key West Art and Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization tasked with the promotion of the humanities, art, and history of the Florida Keys by educating the public and by collecting, preserving, restoring, and exhibiting significant art, artifacts, and historical properties. With its four culturally distinct museums – Key West Museum of Art & History, the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, Fort East Martello and the Tennessee Williams Museum – the Key West Art & Historical Society is dedicated to community engagement through its diverse educational programs, exhibitions and online resources. www.kwahs.org About Florida Humanities Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the history, literature, cultures, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. Since 1973, Florida Humanities has awarded more than $20 million in support of statewide cultural resources and public programs strongly rooted in the humanities. These programs preserve Florida’s diverse history and heritage, promote civic engagement and community dialogue, and provide opportunities to reflect on the future of Florida. Learn more at www.floridahumanities.org. About Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu. MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office wants everyone to have a fun and, most importantly, a safe 4th of July week. Please leave fireworks displays to the professionals.
“Discharge of fireworks can lead to loss of life and property,” said Monroe County Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “Fireworks can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, including sparklers, which can cause real damage when not handled properly.” All professional fireworks in unincorporated Monroe County must be permitted through the Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office. The Fire Marshal’s Office approved the following fireworks displays in unincorporated Monroe County (all times are approximate):
There are additional displays in some municipalities. **If you live near fireworks shows, you may want to soothe your pets and keep them indoors. Here are a few ideas provided by the National Fire Prevention Association to get into the patriotic spirit without fireworks: 1. Glow sticks: A safe alternative to a sparkler. 2. Noisemakers: Make your own if you can’t find any. 3. Outdoor movie night: Set up a screen and projector. 4. Make a patriotic craft with the family. 5. Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake. For more information on fireworks permitting, please visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireworks. Monroe County also lists other permitted fireworks displays on this page for reference, including for special events like weddings. As a reminder, Monroe County government offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and will reopen for regular business on Friday morning. |
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