FIRM aims to aid insurance bill
April 24, 2019
With the state legislative session winding down, a member of the Florida Keys’ property insurance watchdog group traveled to Tallahassee on Tuesday to help revive an insurance bill that would...more
= Denotes Subscription Required2 boating-related deaths reported within 24 hours
April 24, 2019
Law enforcement officials are investigating two boating-related deaths that occurred almost exactly 24 hours apart between Sunday and Monday, although foul play is not suspected in either...more
Crash closes Fleming Key bridge waterway
April 24, 2019
The waterway beneath the Fleming Key bridge will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time after a vessel struck one of the support columns that holds up utilities lines attached to the...more
News
History says recovery from opioid addiction possible
Opioid overdoses and addiction continue to wreak havoc on friends and families across the Florida Keys, but Monroe County is hardly the only area to feel the effects of the crisis. Across the...more
Plane crashes near Dry Tortugas
April 24, 2019A private aircraft crashed near the Dry Tortugas on Tuesday, but everyone on board made it out of the aircraft safely without injuries. Around 11:59 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard received a...more
Bill making texting when driving main offense passes House
April 24, 2019TALLAHASSEE — Texting while driving in Florida would become a primary traffic offense punishable by fines under legislation passed by the Florida House. The vote was 104-9 Tuesday for the...more
Ex-police chief, openly gay woman elected Tampa’s new mayor
April 24, 2019TAMPA — In a historic election Tampa voters elected by a wide margin a former police chief and openly-gay woman to be their mayor. According to the Tampa Bay Times , 59-year-old Jane Castor...more
Florida Senate OKs bill for firefighter cancer benefits
April 24, 2019TALLAHASSEE — Cancer would be treated like an on-the-job injury for Florida firefighters and they'd receive a new package of benefits under a bill the Senate unanimously passed Tuesday. The...more
Bookings for 04/24/19 All charges are preliminary
Marathon man pulls knife in altercation
April 24, 2019A Marathon man was arrested on Sunday after he reportedly pulled out a pocket knife while trying to fight another man he passed on the street.Daniel Christopher Gomez, 28, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.Around 10:22 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call at the Tom Thumb Food...more
“Why can’t walkers stay over to their right and make things so much easier for everyone?”“To the gentleman who made light and jokes about Bertha Street, I would like to bring forward how bad this cowpath has become. I’m not mad and you did bring a smile to my face, however, we all need to call, email and continue to complain to our county representative. Our next step should be to inundate...more
Marathon man pulls knife in altercation
April 24, 2019A Marathon man was arrested on Sunday after he reportedly pulled out a pocket knife while trying to fight another man he passed on the street.Daniel Christopher Gomez, 28, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.Around 10:22 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call at the Tom Thumb Food...more
“Why can’t walkers stay over to their right and make things so much easier for everyone?”“To the gentleman who made light and jokes about Bertha Street, I would like to bring forward how bad this cowpath has become. I’m not mad and you did bring a smile to my face, however, we all need to call, email and continue to complain to our county representative. Our next step should be to inundate...more
Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon & Big Pine News
Buoyant spirit keeps dive shop afloat
TAVERNIER — “Divers have said we’re like the ‘Cheers’ bar,” said Conch Republic Divers co-owner Brenda Mace. “We seem to know everybody’s name.” That welcoming reputation has helped the...more
Keys join global survey of nature
April 24, 2019UPPER KEYS — Local students can discover the ecosystem around them, and maybe discover a new species, in a “BioBlitz” new to the Upper Keys. Florida International University staff is helping...more
State mulls reducing sea trout bag limit
April 24, 2019FLORIDA — Although recent catches of spotted sea trout have been strong, Florida Keys fishing guides report, the state may act to trim the Keys recreational bag limit by one fish. Florida Fish...more
Ukulele enthusiasts are a plucky sort
April 24, 2019KEY LARGO — The ukulele group that Sharon Hutkowski has formed is bigger and better than she ever thought it would be. “I should have called it the Florida Keys Northernmost Ukulele...more
A bridge too far?
April 24, 2019ISLAMORADA — Changes would be welcome at Snake Creek Bridge, Islamorada officials say, but costs and complications of replacing the Florida Keys last remaining drawbridge could be steep.“My...more
Editorials
Appalled by T-shirts on Duval Street
My wife and recently visited Key West for the first time after many years of anticipation. Maybe we were naive to think it would resemble the past when “Last Flight Out” was in vogue. Instead, I...more
Cheers and Jeers
April 20, 2019Cheers: To Key West High School junior Taurean “TK” Perkins, who was recently selected to represent Monroe County schools as a Sunshine State Scholar. He will travel to a think-tank conference in...more
Foundation thanks volunteers
April 20, 2019In honor of National Volunteer Month, Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a non-profit organization, would like to thank our more than 40 volunteers who dedicate their time to serve as...more
Home rule is necessary for the future of Monroe County
April 20, 2019Just a few short weeks ago, Keys elected and business leaders were relishing in their March 19 visit to the state capital for Florida Keys Day, an event that included making Gov. Rick DeSantis an...more
When is enough enough?
April 20, 2019The Florida Keys exceeded any reasonable definition of carrying capacity years ago. Our reefs are all but dead — kept alive on life support (coral restoration) — the once crystal clear blue...more
Sports
Conchs have three teams advancing to state finals
With a berth in the Florida High School Athletic Association state final up for grabs during the regional finals on April 17, Key West High’s Derrick Medina stopped in the middle of his leg...more
Fast-paced race set for Thursday
April 24, 2019It is time to lace up the running shoes for the seventh annual Duval Street Mile.Scheduled for a 7 p.m. start on Thursday, April 25, it is an official event of the Conch Republic Independence...more
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL: A spike in medals as local club squads take home more hardware
April 24, 2019The Southernmost Volleyball Club added a pair of medals to their trophy case in a recent two-day tournament at the Palm Beach Volleyfest in Broward Convention Center. The 12-and-Under squad...more
Next coming of Lady Conchs finish with unblemished record
April 23, 2019Only seven times did the Key West High junior varsity softball team have the opportunity to show off during a game the skills they were honing in practice, but the Lady Conchs made the most of...more
KEY WEST COED SOFTBALL LEAGUE: Losers become winners after 6 weeks of action
April 23, 2019The cellar-dweller teams from last season are atop the Key West Coed Softball League standings, each with a win last week at Pepe Hernandez Field. Topping the charts is playoff finalist...more
