Florida Keys News

Woman, 22, dies in fiery crash

Key West Citizen - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
4 comments

A Miami woman was killed Monday evening after an alcohol-fueled fender bender, sideswipe and then a fiery head-on collision, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Kristine Marie Rivera, 22, was...

Monkey runs wild on U.S. 1; owner cited

Key West Citizen - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
4 comments

A capuchin monkey broke free from its owner and caused an hour's worth of havoc Monday evening on a stretch of U.S. 1 near Key Haven, said witnesses and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation...

'Worst' stone crab season ends

Key West Citizen - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
5 comments

A disastrous stone crab season for Florida Keys commercial fishermen ends today. Fishermen were paid a lot more for stone crab claws this year, but production was so poor that it wasn't...

Ruling: Rehire code officer with back pay

Key West Citizen - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
6 comments

The city of Key West erred in firing a veteran code enforcement officer last year over a still-pending allegation of homestead fraud, an independent arbitrator ruled Tuesday. Gary Addleman is owed...

Mama crocodile found dead off Lower Matecumbe

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
8 comments

ISLAMORADA -- Wildlife officers are investigating the death off Lower Matecumbe Key last weekend of the female crocodile known as Blue No. 9. "At this point, it's kind of suspicious," Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Carli Segelson said Monday.

Disabled residents lose water access

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
3 comments

KEY LARGO -- For years, patients with developmental disabilities at Key Largo's Murphy House have used a Bay View Drive public water access for water therapy such as kayaking and swimming. But...

PKS wins Fairchild Challenge

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

UPPER KEYS -- Plantation Key School last week won the award for the top performing institution in the Monroe County Fairchild Challenge, which local schools participated in for the first time this...

Chief plans parallel fire dept.

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
10 comments

KEY LARGO -- The Key Largo Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department will not dissolve, despite losing its service contract, but instead will move into a new building and step up its fundraising efforts, embattled Chief Sergio Garcia said last week. Garcia said the department plans to provide marine fire suppression, a K-9 search and rescue team and fire police services.

Koconis given time to correct dept.

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

ISLAMORADA -- His planning department rocked by criticism, Village Manager/Planning Director Ed Koconis promised more efficient permit reviews, additional training for planning staff and a more...

District to mull refinancing of debt

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

KEY LARGO -- The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District was hoping the Florida Legislature would approve a $50 million grant for Florida Keys sewer projects. Of that, $20 million was to be used by...

New TCA president promises a voice for residents

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
1 comment

TAVERNIER -- A familiar face has returned to the top position of the Tavernier Community Association. Chris Gardner, who took over the group's reins from John Hammerstrom in March, says his focus...

Bay closures opposed by Islamorada

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

ISLAMORADA -- The Village Council last week weighed in against an Everglades National Park proposal to close nearly a third of Florida Bay to combustible motors, beating the National Park Service's...

Investigators anticipate charges in attempted murder at sea case

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

UPPER KEYS -- Investigat-ors have wrapped up their work on an alleged Christmas Eve night attempted murder in international waters, 40 miles off Key Largo, and are now awaiting a decision from the...

Valhalla plans still in the works

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

MARATHON -- Progress is slow on Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris's effort to transform Valhalla Island into a resort, according to city officials. Morris owns 69 acres from U.S. 1 to the ocean,...

Former CEO's attorneys: SEC has no jurisdiction

Islamorada/KL Free Press - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Former Cay Clubs CEO Dave Clark is asking a judge to dismiss the $300 million civil Ponzi-scheme suit that the SEC filed against him and four other defendants on Jan. 31. In a brief filed with the...