KEY WEST – Police are investigating a shooting in Key West It happened Sunday at approximately 3:55 a.m officers arrived to the scene and found two men They also said they made contact with the alleged shooter and located a firearm at the scene The 25-year-old victim was taken by helicopter to a trauma center in Miami-Dade County Officers are investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019 David has covered South Florida sports since 2007 TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Closed Captioning / Audio Description Contact Us Careers at WPLG Terms of Use Privacy Policy Public File FCC Applications EEO Report Do Not Sell My Info 1.0 Host Exhibit Copyright © 2025 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC. Top officials at Key West City Hall have been the focus of a joint investigation by the Florida State Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation The Key West City Commission holds a special meeting regarding the employment of Ron Ramsingh on April 21 The joint investigation by the Florida State Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into possible corruption at Key West City Hall has entered a new phase with the release of discovery documents These files shed light on how top city officials allegedly bypassed standard procedures undermined planning processes and retaliated against whistleblowers According to FBI interviews with current and former city employees Building Department Director Rajindhar “Raj” Ramsingh and his brother routinely sidestepped the Planning Department to expedite building permits Code Compliance Director James Young was also implicated These officials are accused of ignoring internal objections and manipulating the permitting process to push through favored projects Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content katrina.nichols@keysnews.com Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Breaking news and news alerts as they happen Weekly headlines from the Florida Keys Free Press Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account or choose from a link below to look further Looking for a job posting? 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Visit our Careers section here – A new reverse osmosis water treatment facility is now open in the Lower Keys providing a backup supply of drinking water during emergencies and peak demand periods Ron DeSantis visited Key West on Monday to announce the opening of the Kermit H Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility a $47 million desalination plant designed to serve Key West and surrounding communities when the main water pipeline is disrupted we’ve committed over $80 million to water quality and infrastructure in the Florida Keys — with more to come," he said which replaces an older plant damaged during Hurricane Irma was built using elevated construction and storm-hardened materials to withstand future disasters It will remain on standby for use during emergencies rather than operate daily DeSantis said that funding for the project included a $30.7 million grant from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program with the remainder covered by the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority The investment is part of a broader state effort to protect infrastructure and water quality in the Keys In April, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded over $9 million to Monroe County and local municipalities to support wastewater improvements state leaders say they’ve directed more than $80 million to protect the region’s environment and strengthen resilience Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG At Lunara Bay it costs $0 extra to stock your fridge with snacks We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at winkdigitalteam@fmbcmail.com or call us at 239-334-1111 The new Key West Lions Club Den at 2405 North Roosevelt under construction on Feb 1911: Key West was named headquarters for the Seventh Lighthouse District The district included all the lighthouses from Fowey Rocks off the Upper Keys to Cedar Key on the west coast of Florida 1954: The 21st case of polio for the year was confirmed at Key West WFLA Ron DeSantis announced the opening of a new saltwater desalination facility in Key West on Monday Lewin Stock Island Reverse Osmosis Facility was described as “a state-of-the-art seawater desalination water treatment plant designed to provide clean reliable drinking water for the residents of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys during emergencies.” “I was in the Florida Keys to announce the opening of the Kermit H a new state-of-the-art seawater desalination plant that will produce clean drinking water for Key West and the Lower Keys,” DeSantis said in a statement we’ve committed over $80 million to water quality and infrastructure in the Florida Keys—with more to come.” The previous plant was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2023 The new plant will not operate on a daily basis but will be activated during emergencies or times of peak demand when the pipeline from Florida City is compromised or can’t keep up with the demand these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals Ron DeSantis on Monday will hold a news conference in Key West Details about the topic of conversation have not been released Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us / Follow on Social Media Careers at WKMG Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy FCC Applications EEO Report Disability Assistance Copyright © 2025 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. according to a surveyThree cemeteries in Florida are sought after for their history and uniqueness By CiberCuba Editorial Team but a new study has highlighted a less vibrant yet deeply appreciated attraction: its cemeteries According to a survey conducted by Choice Mutual three cemeteries in the state rank among the most desired places for Americans to be buried Topping the list in Florida is the Key West City Cemetery The survey highlights the island's "Conch culture," a relaxed and eccentric lifestyle that is even reflected in the gravestones, many of which include humorous or ironic phrases such as “I told you I was sick,” cited the local media NBC Miami there is the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell It is a military cemetery valued for its serene landscape and patriotic character as it houses the remains of thousands of members of the United States military Its natural majesty and institutional respect make it one of the most iconic places for those seeking a meaningful rest Although it has not been in operation since 1884 the graveyard in that area continues to capture the imagination of many Originally built to house non-Catholic Protestants it served as a resting place for many victims of yellow fever in the 19th century it has become a popular tourist destination known to locals as "Spirit Central," due to the ghost legends and popular horror tours that take place there respondents chose their ideal resting places based on factors such as the beauty of the surroundings and proximity to loved ones or legendary figures Some even aspired to rest near icons like Elvis Presley in Graceland (Memphis) or Abraham Lincoln in Springfield the most desired cemetery for final resting place turned out to be Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile noted for its Southern elegance and tranquil atmosphere The three most sought-after cemeteries in Florida are the Key West City Cemetery The first is known for its history and humorous epitaphs the second for its serenity and patriotic character and the third for its history and ghost legends The Key West Cemetery is popular due to its unique combination of local history The island's "Conch culture" is reflected in the gravestones which include witty phrases and ironic expressions making it distinctive and appealing to many The Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell is special for its serene landscape and patriotic character as it is the final resting place of thousands of U.S Its natural grandeur and institutional respect make it an iconic place for those seeking a meaningful rest Augustine is surrounded by ghost legends and is locally known as "Spirit Central." Although it has not been in operation since 1884 its history as a resting place for many victims of yellow fever and its tourist appeal through ghost tours keep it alive in the public imagination A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis Key West High School Fire Academy participants recently took part in hands-on training on Grassy Key Key West High School Fire Academy students recently got a taste of the real thing — fighting real fires Live burns are a state requirement for Firefighter 1 certification according to Key West Fire Department Capt In the 1970s and early ’80s on Mallory Square the late afternoon air smelled almost of anticipation with a hint of salt water blown off the Gulf of Mexico Across the harbor lay Christmas Tree Island fringed with scrubby trees and ringed with a necklace of liveaboard sailboats at anchor a kilted bagpiper paced with steady rhythm as he piped A cat performed intricate tricks and leaps under the direction of an exuberant Frenchman A thin sun-bronzed man sporting a long ponytail walked a tightrope jewelry sellers and the beloved “Cookie Lady” — hawking baked goods from the basket of her bicycle — stood out against the crowd.  and small children practically vibrating with excitement were all gathered to sample the exotic banquet of faces a relative newcomer still awed by the color and character of the island that had claimed my heart sat on a blanket attempting to sell creations made by my glassblower friend Mike Dennis but that didn’t matter to me; I was just happy to be a small part of the nightly pageantry.   emerging entertainer Jimmy Buffett had released his now-classic song “I Have Found Me a Home,” about Key West.  Buffett absorbed the vibe of the outpost at the tip of the Florida Keys — whose history embraced pirates and shipwreck salvors and rumrunners and whose inhabitants over the years ranged from legendary playwright Tennessee Williams to roguish saloonkeeper Captain Tony Tarracino.  The song captured that vibe and that magic communicating it in simple lyrics that evoked images of sunburned days and the sights and scents of flowers so lush they hardly seemed real.  My first encounter with “I Have Found Me a Home” came shortly after my arrival in the late 1970s as it wafted from an old record player in a hippie-style apartment on William Street If I hadn’t already fallen head-over-heels in love with Key West hearing that song would have done it.  absorbing the lyrics that perfectly described the island’s carefree lifestyle:  “The days drift by; they don’t have names;And none of the streets here look the sameAnd there are so many quiet placesAnd smilin’ eyes match the smilin’ faces.” and the genuine nature of Key West’s warmth and welcome were particularly apparent at Mallory Square — where crowds of visitors street performers and vendors gathered each night glorying in life as the sun sank toward the watery horizon.  the air was heady with the breath of humidity Salt water and incense added to the musky perfume while buskers performed improbable feats and mismatched guitar chords drifted out on the breeze to the accompaniment of laughter and applause most on the square felt a warm appreciation for the moment of magic they’d shared.  as I did as I packed up unsold glass creations the sense of belonging that inspired Buffett’s chorus in his early ode to Key West:  “You can have the rest of everything I own Get Keys Weekly delivered right to your inbox along with a daily dose of Keys News Cascade’s Bryce Simon makes a running catch during a game in the Cascade Tournament last summer The Reds won two tournaments and finished third in the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye League in 2024 Asbury News Bellevue News Clayton County News Delaware County News Dubuque News Dubuque County News Dyersville News Jackson County News Peosta News East Dubuque News Galena News Jo Daviess County News Crawford County News Grant County News Iowa County News Lafayette County News Lancaster News Platteville News Field of Dreams Coverage All Bites and Brews More Caucus News The Key West Ramblers didn’t win as many semi-pro tournaments as usual last summer but they still maintained their spot atop the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye League which posted the area’s best winning percentage the three previous seasons finished 19-8 (.704) with a pair of tournament titles but went an uncharacteristic 7-7 in tournament play The Ramblers won a pair of tournaments — Pleasant Grove Tournament and the EIHL playoffs — in a span of four days near the end of the season Highlights from 2024: EIHL regular-season and tournament champions Highlights from 2024: Bellevue Tournament champion Highlights from 2024: Cascade Tournament champions Cascade Tournament dates: July 11,13,15,16,20,22,24,25 Highlights from 2024: Peosta Tournament champions Key players not returning: Brad Bockenstedt Farley Park Board Tournament dates: June 3 Highlights from 2024: second round of Dyersville Tournament Highlights from 2024: Epworth Tournament runner-up Highlights from 2024: Fourth place in Rickardsville Tournament Key players not returning: Kellen Mitchell Rickardsville Tournament dates: June 29-July 10 Manager: Owen Huehnergarth and Nick Schmidt the Conch Republic “seceded where others failed.” The mock island republic celebrated its 43rd anniversary of independence from April 18-27 The 10-day affair culminated with a Conch Republic victory over the U.S The battle occurs each year in Key West Harbor where good-spirited service members from the Coast Guard take to their boats — and train their water cannons on the eclectic Conch Republic naval fleet composed of everything from historic schooners to snorkel boats.  The Coast Guard ultimately surrendered to the island republic and a lasting peace was established — until next year.  The Conch Republic was established on April 23 Border Patrol blockade at the top of the Florida Keys that was crippling traffic — and tourism — in the island chain Mayor Dennis Wardlow turned a protest into a public-relations bonanza and “seceded” from the United States The newly formed Conch Republic declared its independence with a spirited and humorous attitude — then promptly surrendered.  but the celebration of that independent island spirit lives on every April Key West’s quest for a 12th state championship ended on April 29 after a two-game slide against American Heritage High School the Conchs held their own against the Patriots until a fourth-inning grand slam put the win too far out of reach Kade Maltz batted in the lone Conch run off a base hit Sam Holland and Nelson Ong each added a hit to the team total Vinny Moline pitched four innings for Key West Moline struck out five Patriots and walked seven more in the loss.  hoping to tie up the series and force a third game Conch fans did not get the chance to see their boys at home again with a 9-5 loss ending Key West’s season.  Sam Holland hit a solo homer to right field to put the Conchs on the board Kade Maltz sent a shot to left field in inning five to add another run for Key West and a seventh-inning three-run rally came too late for Key West to close the gap.  The 9-5 loss ended the Conchs’ season with a 20-12 record Maltz’s home run was one of two hits for the freshman Roman Garcia added a hit and two RBIs and Nelson Ong singled After upsetting Fort Meade to win the FHSAA 1A Rural District Championship Marathon earned a pair of home rematches with the Miners April 28 and 29 The home-field advantage was not enough to boost the Fins over Fort Meade which traveled to the Keys with payback in mind.  Marathon got off to an early lead after senior Leo Mendez laid down a sacrifice bunt to score one run That would be the Dolphins’ only score of the game and a stingy Fort Meade pitcher held the Fins to just three hits A pair of errors did not help the Fins in what became a 4-1 loss.  Mason Thornton struck out eight over six and one-third innings walked two and gave up two hits and three runs before handing the ball to Dylan Williams for the final batters.  Game two brought renewed hope and electric energy to the Dolphins’ dugout pounded Marathon with a six-run offensive showing in the first inning and never let up with Gabe and Gavin Leal leading the charge with two each but Fort Meade hammered 17 hits to keep the pressure on Marathon finished their historic season with 18 wins a conference championship and a district championship in their first year competing in their new division https://issuu.com/keysweekly/docs/keys_weekly_sports_wrap_25-0424?fr=sMDZlYTgzODMwMjc – Key West police arrested a 48-year-old man on an elder abuse charge Sunday after they said he seemed “more interested in exploiting” a dementia patient than caring for him Leer en español According to an arrest report from the Key West Police Department officers received a call in which the victim could be heard yelling Police said they responded to the senior’s home in the 2800 block of Patterson Avenue just after 8:30 a.m The report states that when officers arrived who said he was arguing with the senior “about his medication,” saying the man should be “Baker Acted due to his mental health and thinks he’s going to die soon if he is not placed in a living facility.” Police said Spencer provided documentation stating that he was the victim’s caretaker KWPD Officer JohnAsia Harris wrote in the report that when she went to speak with the victim she noted the senior was “clearly physically disabled” and “could not stand on his own.” Harris wrote that the man “had staples on his knee from recently falling and multiple bruises,” “was sitting in his feces” and “urine (had) ran down his leg.” “Spencer started arguments with (the victim) clearly upsetting him and agitating his condition,” Harris wrote The victim told police that Spencer “constantly threatens” to “beat him up” and “kick his a--” if he doesn’t take his medication saying that Spencer “was trying to control his life savings” and said he “does not feel safe in his own home.” Police said they saw documents indicating the victim has a $1.4 million trust it appeared Spencer was more interested in exploiting (the victim) than caring for him,” Harris wrote The man’s doctor told police that Spencer has not been bringing him to his appointments and said he shows up at the hospital “in poor health and condition” due to a lack of treatment Authorities arrested Spencer and involved the Florida Department of Children and Families Records show that Spencer was being held in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office jail facility on a $200,000 bond as of Tuesday Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist Mayor calls April 21 special meeting to discuss city attorney’s employment Key West’s city hall was reeling on Wednesday following the indictment and arrests the evening before of three top city officials City attorney Ron Ramsingh; his brother Raj Ramsingh and code compliance director Jim Young were indicted for tampering with evidence by deleting text messages ahead of a pending investigation by the state attorney’s office The men were arrested and taken to jail the evening of Tuesday Each is charged with a third-degree felony of tampering with evidence Ron Ramsingh faces two additional charges for allegedly illegally intercepting electronic communication and allegedly disclosing that illegally obtained information All men posted bond and were released from jail Barroso placed Raj Ramsingh and Jim Young on paid administrative leave pending their arraignments who added that such a move is part of a process and protocol that acknowledges the men are innocent until proven guilty Crean also said that the city’s building and code compliance departments are staffed operational and continuing to serve the residents of Key West Their arraignments are scheduled for Thursday City attorney Ron Ramsingh’s employment situation is a bit different as he is one of three charter employees in the city along with the city manager and city clerk Those charter employees are hired by and work directly for the city commission Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez on Wednesday called a special city commission meeting for Monday to discuss attorney Ron Ramsingh’s employment contract submitted a written plea of Not Guilty to the court waiving his client’s right to a formal arraignment and demanded a jury trial on behalf of his client.  Additional court documents are still in the process of being posted to the clerk of court’s website and were listed as “pending” as of Wednesday afternoon “This investigation is ongoing,” Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Keys Weekly Tuesday evening just 30 minutes after the three men were taken into custody Bond was set at $25,000 for Raj Ramsingh and Jim Young and $75,000 for Ron Ramsingh given the two additional charges each defendant faces up to five years in state prison for each count The charges may also carry serious professional consequences including potential disbarment and removal from public office The indictments and arrests were the results of a “months-long joint investigation conducted by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office in close partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” states a press release from the state attorney’s office “The indictments stem from allegations that the three officials attempted to obstruct an ongoing law enforcement investigation by tampering with physical evidence specifically text message communications sent and received during June 2024.” the two Ramsingh brothers and Young “did alter conceal or remove text messages” that they had sent among themselves in June 2024 “knowing that an investigation was pending or about to be instituted.” The indictments state that Ron Ramsingh in May 2024 allegedly intercepted a Zoom conference call without prior consent of the other participant The indictment further states that a day later Ron Ramsingh “intentionally disclosed the contents” of that Zoom video to another individual which were sent among the three men between June 1 and June 28 coincide with the timing of the contentious firing of former city manager Al Childress which occurred just days after Childress had officially reprimanded chief building official Raj Ramsingh for legally questionable actions he had taken within the building department.   Days before Childress filed disciplinary action against Raj Ramsingh his role and actions in the city’s building department had been criticized in a 55-page investigation and review by planning consultants from the Corradino Group.  Corradino’s review revealed that Raj Ramsingh reportedly approved scores of development applications and permits without review or approval from the planning department which is the department tasked with approving or denying permits The report stated that Raj Ramsingh also had issued variances that had previously been denied by the planning department and issued permits without requiring development plans Ward told the Keys Weekly on Tuesday evening that the investigation and subsequent indictments stemmed from the Corradino Group’s review of Raj Ramsingh’s actions in the building department the contentious firing of Childress and the text messages that were exchanged among city employees and elected commissioners prior to the vote to fire Childress Stay tuned to keysweekly.com as this story continues Leer en español along with Code Compliance Director James Young and Building Department Director Rajindhar Ramsingh are facing evidence tampering after officials with the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office said they “attempted to obstruct an ongoing law enforcement investigation.” Ronald Ramsingh additionally faces charges of illegal interception of a communication and disclosure of an illegally intercepted communication specifically text message communications sent and received during June 2024,” an SAO news release states The three men are accused of altering or destroying text messages Prosecutors said Ronald Ramsingh also “unlawfully intercepted a Zoom video interview” and “later disclos(ed) its contents without authorization.” “These are deeply troubling allegations involving multiple public officials in positions of trust and authority,” Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward said in part in the release “Our justice system relies on transparency and accountability When public servants interfere with investigations or misuse their access they betray the very community they are sworn to serve.” SAO officials said they conducted their investigation in concert with the FBI All three men face up to five years in prison on each count if convicted Additionally, prosecutors said Ronald Ramsingh, who marked 25 years of practicing law in Florida on Monday The three were booked into the Monroe County jail on Thursday evening Records show that Ronald Ramsingh was later released on a $75,000 bond while Young and Rajindhar Ramsingh were each released on a $25,000 bond Leer en español were arrested again and booked into jail Wednesday evening They were already facing charges in an ongoing case along with 68-year-old Code Compliance Director James Young Rajindhar Ramsingh faces seven counts of official misconduct after prosecutors said he “knowingly and intentionally falsified or altered multiple official building permit records across a range of properties” in Key West One of those permits was for his own home at 2827 Harris Ave. are alleged to have benefited Ramsingh personally including himself‚” the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office news release states Keys Weekly reports that Ronald Ramsingh’s single count of official misconduct is for “interfering with the reporting of a felony committed by his brother,” according to an indictment “This case reflects the serious consequences of abusing a public position for personal or financial gain,” Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward said in part in a statement “Our office will continue to hold government officials accountable when they violate the public’s trust and manipulate the systems they are sworn to uphold.” Key West city commissioners are set to meet Thursday to decide whether to fire Ronald Ramsingh for cause or without cause Monroe County Sheriff’s Office jail records show that both brothers posted bond roughly an hour after each were booked Ronald Ramsingh’s bond had been set at $25,000 while Rajindhar Ramsingh’s bond had been set at $175,000 Copyright © 2025 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Vote to terminate city attorney without cause prompts $221K payout The city commission’s April 24 without-cause termination vote for Ron Ramsingh, meaning no specific examples of wrongdoing were cited, entitles the attorney to a $221,000 payout — roughly equivalent to a year’s salary.  By refusing to terminate Ramsingh’s contract with cause, by specifying city policies Ramsingh violated, the attorney is entitled to 20 weeks pay, plus all accrued leave and benefits. Termination without cause was the outcome Ron Ramsingh requested of the commissioners in a handwritten letter he submitted to them through attorneys 90 minutes before the termination meeting.  Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez and Commissioner Sam Kaufman were steadfast in voting repeatedly to terminate Ramsingh for cause, emphasizing that Ramsingh had violated two specific city regulations. “From my perspective, termination for cause is more than justified,” Kaufman said at the April 24 meeting. “It’s the right thing to do. These are very serious violations involving breach of public trust, conflicts of interest, destroying evidence and withholding information from some commissioners.”  The two offenses listed in the city’s employee policies manual, which Kaufman and Henriquez both cited in their reasons for voting to terminate with cause, are offense numbers 9 and 12. Offense 9 is: “Unlawful or improper conduct or indecency either on or off the job which would affect the employee’s relationship to the job, their coworkers, or the employee’s or City’s reputation or good will in the community.” Offense 12 is: “ Deliberate falsification or mishandling of personal, personnel, financial, or City records, including employment applications, accident reports, work records, purchase orders, attendance records, revenue receipts, or any other report, record, or document.” Ron Ramsingh has been indicted on four felony charges — official misconduct for allegedly “interfering with the reporting of a felony committed by his brother,” the indictment states; plus obstructing justice by tampering with evidence, and unlawful collection and distribution of electronic communications. What about the other 2 indicted officials? In addition to attorney Ron Ramsingh, a grand jury recently indicted his brother, Raj Ramsingh, the city’s chief building official, and Jim Young, the city’s code compliance director. Raj Ramsingh faces eight felony charges — seven counts of official misconduct for allegedly falsifying building permits and one count of obstructing justice by tampering with evidence in deleting or altering text messages from his city-owned cell phone that were subpoenaed as part of the ongoing investigation. Raj Ramsingh and Jim Young were placed on paid administrative leave when the indictments were announced on April 15. Raj Ramsingh is scheduled to have a pre-determination hearing at city hall this coming week, Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez said on Saturday. Code Compliance director Jim Young, who is 68, submitted his retirement paperwork to the city on Friday, April 25, Henriquez said. The Keys Weekly has requested the personnel files for all three employees. Young and both Ramsinghs have pre-trial hearings scheduled for July 31 in front of Judge Mark Jones, according to online court records. All have retained legal counsel. The indictments and ongoing investigation stem from the contentious firing of former city manager Al Childress in June 2024, within days of Childress taking disciplinary action against building official Raj Ramsingh. A review of the city’s planning and building departments by outside consultants, known as the Corradino Report, had revealed that Raj Ramsingh allegedly had made a practice of improperly issuing permits, variances and approvals for projects that were never seen or reviewed by the city’s planning department, which is responsible for such approvals. Shortly after Childress took disciplinary action against Raj Ramsingh, according to the indictments, Ron Ramsingh began an orchestrated effort to oust Childress.  Get Keys Weekly delivered right to your inbox along with a daily dose of Keys News. United StatesChevron FloridaChevron Key WestChevron Tropicado Mojito BarSave this storySaveSave this storySaveThe best bars in Key West are a love letter to the Florida Keys’ relaxed People come here to drink among friends and family or even solo—usually dressed down in shorts and flip-flops (though nobody’s judging if you dress up a little) IDGAF attitude makes its bar scene of no-frills dives and live-music joints feel effortless While a handful of watering holes do serve up polished most bars keep it simple with strong pours and sweet frozen drinks designed to get you buzzed and happy with some venues hitting their stride in the afternoon and others coming alive after dark: While waterfront bars fill up at sunset Old Town’s Duval Street pulses along as the heart of the action with live music and flowing drinks the legendary watering hole that’s been drawing crowds since the 1930s where weathered license plates and vintage photos overlook shrimp docks and ocean blues—the southernmost stretch of the continental US knows how to have a good time Explore our complete Key West travel guide Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials We update this list as new bars open and existing ones evolve it probably looked a lot like Sunset Pier: rainbow-hued tables and chairs—each with its own vibrant umbrella—stretching along a wooden pier surrounded by 360-degree water views and anchored by a lively round bar It’s not just Instagram gold; it’s the kind of place so effortlessly charming you’ll want to while away the afternoon sipping and snacking The drinks menu features plenty of refreshing cocktails for sipping outdoors—think mojitos (the coconut version is a winner) and tropical favorites like the Original Frozen Rum Runner You’ll also find more than a dozen craft beers mostly local (standouts include First Flight Brewery’s Havana Red Ale and Florida Keys Brewery’s Sunset Pier Amber Ale) this is the kind of place where ordering a fruity or frozen drink feels like the only natural choice Despite being part of the Southernmost Beach Resort it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike—both here to grab a seat at the bar and take in the stunning views from what is essentially the southernmost point in the continental United States Soak it all up with bites from the seafood-heavy menu like a plate of conch fritters with roasted garlic saffron aioli with rainbow-painted crosswalks hinting at the vibe before you even step inside Seasoned drag queens flirt and tease at the entrance setting the tone for a lively stop on your Key West nightlife tour welcoming atmosphere with a rectangular bar and a small unintimidating dance floor where you’re bound to see a few local barflies truly who “dance like no one’s watching.” Upstairs find a larger club with drag performances at 9 p.m The shows here lean more old-school (think: campy and unfiltered rather than the hyper-polished style of today's Drag Race queens.) dating to 1937 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places never skips a beat—and it hasn’t in nearly a century It’s easy to walk in through the open glass doors that span both corners and become part of a packed house tequila-spiked Sloppy Rita is the most popular choice—though it just tastes like a really good margarita Frozen drinks include rum-based staples like the Bacardi Black Piña Colada and rotating drinks of the month Drinks are served in sturdy plastic cups with the Sloppy Joe’s logo which could easily be considered keepsakes—though the retail store behind the stage has plenty more to take home The bartenders aren’t just mixing drinks—they’re certified “Mojito Masters.” They craft six versions of the cocktail with precision and adding sugarcane sticks right in front of you also made with local Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum The cocktail menu includes gems like The Conch Republic (Tito’s vodka the epitome of the Florida Keys’ no-frills you could come here just for the perfectly chilled beer cocktails with a kick (the rum-and-fruit-based Hogfish Punch pairs beautifully with any sunset) But the real draw is the seafood—the best in the Keys Sitting off the working shrimp docks means your peel-and-eat Key West Pink Shrimp are as fresh as they come Local divers hand-catch Hogfish snapper daily—this deep-water delicacy has to be speared—making the fried hogfish sandwich a must-order Seating is split between the outdoor waterfront and beneath a massive tiki hut Rick's is an eight-bars-in-one concept that plays out more like an entertainment complex than a straight-up bar It's a good fit for a larger group: think a guys' weekend or a bachelorette party It definitely draws a younger crowd than other bars along Duval Street and peaks later in the night as revelers make their way through the eight-part drinking maze is a typical tavern with late-night karaoke; Durty Harry's is a live rock music venue with a beer-and-shots sports-pub vibe Rick's Loft goes the swanky cocktail bar route while Rick's Tree Bar—a rooftop venue—does fruity cocktails with bird's-eye views of Duval Street below and totally straight couples and groups—young and old—all there to revel in the wilder days of Key West anything-goes kind of atmosphere with a hippie vibe and an undercurrent of mischief Green Parrot Bar is almost a guaranteed good time running the gamut from rock to reggae (except Mondays which are reserved for Charity Bingo—because why not?) Green spotlights and braided lights cast a glow that matches the bar’s name while walls plastered with vintage photos give the space an easygoing This is a beer and simple cocktails kind of place—draft or bottle But the real draw is the music and the cool laid-back crowd that calls this place home If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Wednesday check the music calendar to see if it’s Ukulele Night (held one Wednesday a month at 8 p.m.) and the band teaches the crowd a few chords until the whole bar is strumming together in unison This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world – A Key West woman threatened a girl and her family in a parking dispute police said in an arrest report obtained by Local 10 News on Tuesday The arrest report states that Daisy Dee Bock According to the Key West Police Department Sunday in the 1200 block of Glynn Archer Jr Bock’s neighbor told police that she had been getting her kids together to take her daughter to softball practice and she was in her mobile home putting a load of laundry in before they left she saw Bock screaming at her daughter and wielding a “silver-colored object,” later determined to be a wooden stick anchored by a concrete block with a sign reading “no parking” in Spanish “I am going to have someone kill you and your family.” The girl would later tell police that “she was afraid and began crying because she did not know what to do,” the report states (another officer) advised me that Daisy continued to make racial remarks calling (the woman) and her family illegal and saying they should not be in America,” KWPD Officer Jeremiah Osborne wrote in the report she told them that an “ongoing parking issue,” namely the woman “taking up a centimeter (of) her parking spot,” spurred the dispute Bock told police that the woman was cursing her out in front of her 3-year-old and “cause(d) a scene,” the report states She denied wielding any object and said the woman was lying but police said her niece told officers that she saw her aunt holding the sign Police arrested Bock on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon Monroe County Sheriff’s Office records show Bock was released from jail Monday after posting bond Those records show she’s scheduled for an arraignment hearing on April 24 New concourse opens with glass jet bridges Over the last few years, visitors’ and locals’ nostalgic island experience of traipsing across the steaming tarmac at Key West International Airport has been replaced with a labyrinth of construction shipping containers temporarily serving as tunnels and a virtually standing-room-only departure area best described as purgatory welcoming bronze sculptures of arriving tourists that were long perched atop the ramp decamped nearly two years ago for their own facelifts That era of humid tarmac hikes with hefty luggage ended on Monday And whether you lament the loss of tropical traditions Key West International Airport has a whole new look these days With the early-morning pushback of Delta Air Lines flight 1072 to Atlanta EYW’s new Concourse A was cleared for take-off Instead of enduring blast-furnace heat or soaking rain showers new concourse and boarded the Airbus A319 via one of eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges – the first ever in the Florida Keys.  “You lucky people; you are on the very first flight out of the new airport on the first jet bridge out of Key West,” Delta agent and local performer Mitch Jones announced to thunderous applause and cheers most passengers were wowed and surprised at what they were experiencing though some locals wistfully waxed nostalgic about missing walking to the planes outside on the ramp The long-anticipated world-class concourse opened with the first flights smoothly departing on time despite some technology snafus: inoperative PA systems sideways flight information screens and IT and WiFi issues spacious architecture no doubt alleviated some of the stress with airport staff taking it all in stride The sleek new concourse will be the envy of major hubs — highlighted by a glass curtain wall assembled with 446 panels of electrochromic glass that can can withstand 200mph winds and switch between transparent and opaque states.  The glass wall panels feature bird-safe glazing — a pattern of small dots every 2 inches is fused to the glass to disrupt bird groups from seeing their reflection Airport officials and the design team met with local wildlife preservation groups to review their concerns and gain approval for the pattern The new EYW is chock full of amenities: voluminous space comfortable generous seating with worktables and most noticeably — the $1 million ThyssenKrupp all-glass jetways at each of the eight gates which are still a rarity in the United States (Note: Silver Airways passengers can still experience the thrill of an outdoor tarmac trek as those planes are too low for the new jet bridges to access.) The lights went down on the old concourse with a Sunday night American Airlines arrival from Miami and the final race was on for departures to begin early Monday morning Personnel worked through the night to make the overnight switchover.  “There is no simulation to be done beforehand All the electronics have to just switch over from downstairs to here,” Monroe County’s Director of Airports Richard Strickland said in October The ongoing construction is analogous to changing the tire on a race car while still running a race as Key West Airport and the Lower Keys experienced their biggest boom in travel during the buildout period and an 80% increase in available seats since 2019 who had been working in overdrive learning jet bridges and new IT systems With a temporary certificate of occupancy in hand EYW is in a soft launch mode with a grand opening planned for the first phase of improvements on Tuesday as the airport currently only has a Farm2Air Market and a temporary Conch Flyer bar Still to come for departing passengers are a Chili’s restaurant a Southern Point bar and a new Conch Flyer an EYW tradition since back in the old Air Sunshine days in the 1970s Additional vendors will round out the package a new baggage claim and arrivals area with a new two-carousel baggage system that’s double the current size (thank goodness) rental car counters and a long First Call Beach Bar will offer thirsty travelers their first margarita.   “There will be more space and depth for everybody to be able to breathe and move around in baggage,” Strickland promises which Strickland says is the largest single public project in Monroe County history showcases the Keys’ emergence as a premium destination The previous 7,000- square-foot departure hold room dated back to the original terminal’s 1957 opening and had long outlived its expiration date even after a 2009 expansion Key West’s air traffic boomed post-pandemic from 969,069 passengers in 2019 to 1.45 million in 2024 with Key West International Airport enjoying one of the fastest growth rates of any U.S as Key West newcomer Breeze Airways will begin service at the new terminal on June 12 initially offering nonstop service to Orlando and Tampa Inbound visitors account for 96% of traffic at EYW with local outbound passengers accounting for the small remaining balance Of all the overnight visitors coming to the Florida Keys while 21% percent fly into Miami and then drive a rental car down the island chain to their hotel or vacation rental 42% of tourists arrive by personal and rental vehicle according to a 2024 analysis commissioned by the county’s Tourist Development Council Diverting more leisure-based air traffic into Key West is a growth opportunity for the airport and potentially could reduce the number of vehicles on the Overseas Highway.  The county commission approved construction of the new $100 million facility in October 2021 as the travel boom reached its peak The project broke ground a year later in November 2022 Monroe County selected a joint-venture firm Kendall-based NV2AGulf and the local Stock Island-based Keystar Construction Taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for the new facility.  “The project was completely funded by $41.34 million in bond proceeds Florida Department of Transportation grants No local tax dollars were used,” EYW communications director Katie Atkins said in an April 14 press release announcing the soft opening increased rents and concession revenues will be used to pay back more than $40 million in bonds.  Monday’s soft opening was about six months late from the original target which is considered normal by industry standards But the project isn’t suffering from cost overruns notorious with projects of this scale.  As for the missing Seward Johnson sculpture depicting a luggage-toting family of tourists The “New Friends” sculpture will once again welcome people to the Southernmost City will exchange their outside perch for the air-conditioned comfort of the new arrivals hall next year Stay tuned to keysweekly.com as the new and improved Key West International Airport continues to take shape.  — Special thanks to Chris Sloan, an aviation journalist and Key West resident, for providing the Keys Weekly with exclusive coverage. For more aviation information, visit theairchive.net and see more of Chris Sloan’s Key West videos on YouTube at TimeFliesTravelVideos inside joke about the Florida Keys’ old days of pot smuggling and pirate-like behavior but the owners and staff at Square Grouper Key West take their food seriously go back twice in a week for brunch and dinner That’s what we did on a recent Saturday morning for brunch and Monday evening for dinner — and we were thrilled with both visits a square grouper was the term Keys fishermen and smugglers used to describe bales of marjuana when they were found floating in the ocean And the decor of all three Square Grouper restaurants  — Cudjoe Key Islamorada and now Key West — is reminiscent of the burlap-wrapped bales and photos of real-life smugglers (for whom the statute of limitations long ago expired).  who still owns and operates the Cudjoe Key location Longtime Key West locals will recall the building at 920 Caroline St More recently the property was Off the Hook restaurant But the interior and exterior have been completely upgraded Giant windows along the inside bar now open to provide outside seating as well Cornhole games and pingpong tables are also outside to entertain hungry customers while they wait for a table or bar seat Lynn Bell has lived in the Lower Keys for 36 years.  “When I first moved here I worked at Henry’s at the Casa Marina and then at Little Palm Island,” she said “Both of my children went to Key West High School It’s a place with a great sense of community and great food buying the old PT’s location was pretty epic and opening a restaurant there with my son “We look forward to welcoming everyone to Square Grouper Key West “The whole staff honestly seems really happy to be there and it shows in everything,” said Key West resident and recent Square Grouper diner Simone Lasswell maybe they’re happy because they all found a square grouper to share — just kidding!” Square Grouper Key West is open for lunch from 11 a.m Saturdays and Sundays now find the regular lunch menu supplemented with about five brunch items which recently included a blackened grouper benedict the most flaky and tender chicken and waffles and shrimp tacos always get the waffle-cut sweet potato fries and don’t miss  the raw bar selection all artfully arranged in a classic clawfoot-style tub packed with ice The bar offers a spicy bloody mary topped with a fried softshell crab while dinner rocked our world with the ahi tuna and avocado eggrolls the yellowtail piccata and the most tender the espresso martinis were also a hit at both meals that comment — by me — will surprise no one.) but there’s a full bar and outside entertainment to pass the time while you wait for a table — and it’s worth the wait Sway to the sounds of 200+ celebrated songwriters as Key West transforms into an open-air concert paradise From stunning resort beaches to historic theaters cozy hotel pools to lively island bars — the music never stops Key West is calling — let the music move you Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The southernmost airport in the continental United States has debuted its brand-new 50,000 square foot terminal Photo: Courtesy of Key West International Airport / Facebook The tropical walk across Key West International Airport’s (EYW) sunbaked tarmac—a sweaty ritual once beloved by many—is officially a thing of the past As exclusively reported by Chris Sloan for local newspaper Keys Weekly Delta Flight 1072 to Atlanta pushed back from the first-ever glass jet bridge in the Florida Keys marking a historic moment for the Southernmost City’s airport “We are celebrating not just the first flight but the ongoing success of the overall program,” said Richard Strickland Executive Director of Airports for Monroe County “We look forward to the future and welcome passengers to our elevated facility.” the airport’s gleaming new 50,000-square-foot Concourse A—the largest public infrastructure project in Monroe County history—was officially The unveiling of Concourse A came nearly six months later than initially projected but remained within typical timelines for a project of this complexity both passengers and staff were impressed by the concourse’s soaring architecture The new concourse introduces eight all-glass jet bridges—an unprecedented addition in the Florida Keys It also features expanded baggage claim systems with a two-carousel setup scheduled for completion in the next phase as well as new airline ramp areas and office spaces Security has received a significant upgrade, too: a newly expanded TSA checkpoint will support up to four screening lanes a post-security pedestrian bridge connects the existing terminal building to the new concourse improving passenger flow and overall efficiency The new Key West ai terminal isn’t just modern—it’s resilient the new building is designed to hurricane standards featuring a striking glass curtain wall made up of 446 electrochromic panels that shift between transparent and opaque while withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour chaotic departure space that once greeted travelers While Key West may still exude laid-back island charm its main air gateway is growing fast to meet soaring demand Passenger traffic through EYW has jumped 80 percent since 2019 with a record 1.45 million travelers served in 2024 alone the airport has welcomed three new airlines destinations through seven airlines—an impressive footprint for an airport of its size American Airlines—a longtime operator in Key West—connects the island to major hubs Delta provides daily service to Atlanta and New York-LaGuardia, while United links Key West with Chicago-O’Hare JetBlue connects the Northeast with nonstop flights to Boston and New York-JFK while Silver Airways maintains vital regional service to Fort Lauderdale Allegiant Air flies to seasonal favorites like Pittsburgh And coming this summer, Breeze Airways will debut nonstop service to Orlando and Tampa starting June 12 Though 96 percent of EYW’s passenger traffic is inbound tourism the growing list of direct connections is a win for local residents too—many of whom previously relied on connections through larger Florida airports With passenger volumes now topping 1.45 million annually Key West has matured from a quaint outpost to a full-fledged gateway to the Keys While Monday’s opening marked a major milestone Key West International remains an active construction zone and several additional improvements are on the horizon beyond the established Farm2Air Market and a seasonal Conch Flyer bar several new food and beverage options will debut soon offering a full-service dining experience with family favorites like burgers and fajitas A new Southern Point bar will bring island vibes to the departure lounge a fully revamped Conch Flyer will return as a modern tribute to a Key West institution dating back to the 1970s the new First Call Beach Bar will provide travelers with refreshing tropical drinks and light bites—a welcoming spot for both arrivals and those waiting on incoming flights Phase 2 of the project will bring further enhancements a modernized baggage claim area with dual carousels and an expanded four-lane TSA checkpoint designed to streamline the screening process and reduce wait times Key West International Airport continues to play a vital role in the region’s tourism economy According to a recent study by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council 24 percent of all visitors fly directly into EYW while another 21 percent arrive via Miami and continue by car along the scenic Overseas Highway An additional 42 percent drive directly into Key West by personal or rental vehicle By making air travel more accessible and convenient officials hope to reduce strain on the often-congested highway and promote more sustainable visitor traffic Key West is stepping confidently into the future of air travel—swapping heat and hassle for shade all without losing its unmistakable sense of place featuring photos of the grand opening of the new terminal Website created by Ink Studio building official & code director allegedly deleted texts before investigation Three Key West city officials were indicted and taken to jail Tuesday evening for tampering with evidence by deleting text messages before a pending investigation All three men — Key West City Attorney Ron Ramsingh; his brother Raj Ramsingh who is the city’s chief building official; and Jim Young the city’s code compliance director — face third-degree felony charges of tampering with evidence Attorney Ron Ramsingh faces two additional charges for allegedly illegally intercepting electronic communication and allegedly disclosing that illegally obtained information according to the state attorney’s office “The City of Key West is in full cooperation with the investigation and recent arrest of three city officials,” city spokeswoman Alyson Crean said in a statement released Tuesday evening “The city will continue to provide the community with professional and dedicated service.” conceal or remove text messages” that they had sent amongst themselves in June 2024 “knowing that an investigation was pending or about to be instituted.” Ron Ramsingh ‘intentionally disclosed the contents” of that Zoom video to another individual which occurred just days after Childress had officially reprimanded chief building official Raj Ramsingh for legally questionable actions he had taken within the building department State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Keys Weekly on Tuesday evening that the investigation and subsequent indictments stemmed from the Corradino Group’s review of Raj Ramsingh’s actions in the building department Raj Ramsingh and Jim Young did not immediately return messages seeking comment Tuesday Their mugshots were not posted on the sheriff’s office website as of 7:40 p.m Ward said they had not been taken into custody until after 6 p.m “These are deeply troubling allegations involving multiple public officials in positions of trust and authority,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward “When public servants interfere with investigations or misuse their access they betray the very community they are sworn to serve I want to extend my gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and to our team of state attorney Investigators who worked side by side to build these cases I also want to personally recognize Major Crimes Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne diligence and integrity were essential in preparing these indictments and leading this prosecution effort.” Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield added “Tampering with evidence and illegal interception of communications strike at the core of our legal system These coordinated acts of obstruction would not have come to light without the persistence of our investigative team and our federal partners The integrity of the justice process demands that we hold even the highest officials accountable when the law is broken.” Lumley & Roberts Hardware & Paints was asphyxiated while in a diving suit examining the hull of the USS Newport He was buried in the Battleship Maine Plot in the Key West Cemetery 1928: Pauline and Ernest Hemingway arrived in Key West for the first time on a Peninsular & Occidental steamship from Havana FLORIDA KEYS — Winter in the Florida Keys is sunny and breezy typically offering the warmest winter weather in the continental United States The 125-mile-long island chain is particularly popular with visitors for its wide variety of resort accommodations and experiential outdoor and on-the-water activities framed by picturesque swaying palms and warm turquoise waters The year 2025 brings a long-awaited expansion at Key West international Airport with an all-new Concourse A and extended TSA lanes Passengers are soon to experience a contemporary sleek new concourse A at the southernmost airport in the continental United States New culinary experiences and dining options at hotels throughout the island chain Enhanced attractions include Key West's Oldest House Museum showcasing a pioneering life in Key West from the 1820s with added artifacts where the celebrated poet lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s and ‘40s is to offer visitor tours slated to begin in mid-March Here’s what’s new in the Keys: Marriott Bonvoy's collection of independent hotels Key West International Airport's Concourse A expansion is targeted for completion in April 2025 the new Drift's dishes are crafted using fresh cooked over open flames to accentuate their intrinsic flavors The newly renovated and reimagined Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club completed $14 million in renovations Kona Kai Oasis is branded as an extension of the boutique cottage-style Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo Renovations at Opal Key Resort & Marina are slated for completion in early 2025 The new two-story facility is to feature an ocean exploration gallery as well as exhibits celebrating scientific innovation Two-toed sloths Sid and Sylvia have taken up residence at the Monroe County Sheriff's Animal Farm The INGHAM Maritime Museum and National Historic Landmark is now open for sunset celebrations on Fridays We were unable to find the page you're looking for Please use the main navigation or the links below to continue exploring Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed — On a warm and sunny February day here in Florida's historic resort people stream off the Celebrity Constellation a cruise ship with more than 2,000 passengers The ship towers over the dock and surrounding shops there's a device in the harbor that has been keeping track of the area's water quality for more than a year Arlo Haskell, with the Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships one relatively close to the surface and a second relatively close to the bottom picking up environmental readings of dozens and dozens of different substances and scientific parameters." Key West has an uneasy relationship with the cruise ships that call on the island almost daily. Five years ago, the city tried to ban them but was overruled by the state Under an agreement negotiated afterwards with the private owner of the cruise pier the city adopted a law requiring it to monitor the water quality in the cruise port Haskell says a key issue is something called turbidity — how much mud and fine sediment is stirred up when cruise ships enter the harbor "You have these very large vessels with their keels very close to the bottom And what you see is giant clouds of sedimentation In Key West, a local school, College of the Florida Keys, said it was willing to run the city's water quality tests. But at a city commission meeting in November marine researcher Patrick Rice had some bad news for local officials Tests showed more than 30 occasions where turbidity stirred up by cruise ships exceeded limits set by the EPA Rice showed commissioners a graph with data from the cruise port one cruise ship had two turbidity events associated with it that exceeded EPA standards by more than three times." Rice said the monitors also recorded occasions where turbidity readings exceeded federal standards when hurricanes passed through "There's 32 events that exceed those turbidity standards over the past year," he said Captain Will Benson is a fishing guide who cares a lot about water quality in the Keys "The turbidity…comes up and gets washed around the island and it makes our waters less clear [It] has an impact on hard-bottom communities and it has an impact on the coral reef." In the cruise port, studies have shown, despite being located in an active waterway, marine life including coral have remained relatively healthy. Elsewhere in the Keys, worsening water quality has been identified as one of the factors responsible for a decline in bonefish and tarpon and the devastation of Florida's coral reefs Benson was disappointed with how Key West's commissioners responded to the water quality tests Commissioners were particularly concerned about testing for turbidity which raised a red flag about the impact of cruise ships They eventually voted not to renew the College's water quality contract testing for the city And the commission voted to require the College to remove its equipment from city property Commissioner Lissette Carey was one of those questioning the College's focus on turbidity which she suggested served the goals of those who are opposed to the large cruise ships "I believe the responsible thing to do is to make sure we broaden the scope of our testing to make sure we're not serving any one group in particular." the commission has begun looking for another organization or company to conduct water testing a process likely to take several months or more In the meantime, city-sponsored tests have been suspended while cruise ships come and go almost daily. Key West Mayor Dee-Dee Henriquez didn't respond to interview requests. But on Key West radio station US1 she said officials aren't putting politics over the environment And we remain committed to ensuring water quality for our community Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman tried to convince other commissioners to renew the city's agreement with College of the Keys or at least allow researchers to leave their equipment in the harbor He was unsuccessful but says this is an issue that locals and visitors care about "We're a tourist destination and our lifeblood is the water People come here just to look at the beauty of our environment." Kaufman says College of the Florida Keys has funding from the federal government and is likely to continue its work monitoring water quality with or without the city's cooperation If the city does find a replacement he's hoping in the end Key West may end up with more Become an NPR sponsor A Monroe County Grand Jury has returned felony indictments against three senior officials with the City of Key West — City Attorney Ronald Ramsingh Code Compliance Director James Young and Building Department Director Rajindhar Ramsingh — following a months-long joint investigation conducted by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office in close partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation The indictments stem from allegations that the three officials attempted to obstruct an ongoing law enforcement investigation by tampering with physical evidence specifically text message communications sent and received during June 2024 All three defendants were taken into custody by State Attorney’s Office Investigators and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center for booking and processing according to a news release from the State Attorney's Office Florida Keys — From its cigar-makers’ cottages to its Victorian mansions Key West’s architecture is as individualistic and historic as the island itself Visitors can explore houses exemplifying that rich architectural tradition during weekend home tours that began in December and continue through February and March 2025 the long-running annual home tours are presented by the not-for-profit Old Island Restoration Foundation which was established in 1960 to promote the preservation of Key West’s historic architecture and cultural heritage The island city’s Old Town contains what is believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States The first tours took place in late December Each showcases multiple homes chosen for being significant historic buildings creative renovations or examples of the Florida Keys lifestyle.  “We have gems each month,” said Barbara Span “They include the former home of Ernest Hemingway’s carpenter and Key West’s famed ‘wedding cake’ house dripping with lace-like wooden gingerbread.”  OIRF volunteers serve as guides at each tour stop providing details to visitors about each featured property’s past Participants can discover unique interiors filled with quirky art and antiques as well as imaginatively designed outdoor living areas In great part because of the OIRF’s work today scores of lovingly restored Key West structures still flourish as single-family homes bed-and-breakfast guesthouses and museum attractions The island’s historic district and its restorations have drawn attention and honors from organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation Tickets for each tour are $55 per person in advance ($45 for OIRF members) or $60 on tour days at a featured home Ticketholders receive a list of homes and a map and can proceed from house to house at their own pace using their own transportation.  Ticketing and tour information: oirf.org or 305-294-9501  Visitors can explore houses exemplifying Key West's historic architectural tradition Photos courtesy of Old Island Restoration Foundation Each tour showcases multiple homes chosen for being significant historic buildings creative renovations or examples of the Florida Keys lifestyle providing details to visitors about each featured property’s past It’s amazing how far some Key West residents will go in the name of hospitality.  In the early 1980s I hung out with a crowd that because of some members’ illicit occupations But that wasn’t possible the night Moses arrived at Dog Beach Moses was famed Nashville-based photographer Slick Lawson With credits that included a Jimmy Buffett album cover shoot Slick got religion after being internally baptized with Barbancourt rum many people have had religious experiences in Key West’s taverns and other places of worship have attempted to part the Atlantic Ocean and lead a flock to Cuba our crowd and I headed for Louie’s Backyard planning to have an after-dinner drink on the renowned restaurant’s oceanside cocktail deck.  The plan went awry as soon as Slick spotted the small stretch of sand beside the deck.   it was a spot where dogs could frolic in the water dogs and their owners gathered there — the pooches to play and their owners to watch and chat and the Atlantic was still and clear as Russian vodka The sandy bottom stretched invitingly toward Cuba while the full moon overhead shone pale as bone A full moon is commonly blamed for bizarre behavior in many places A full moon in Key West could make Mother Teresa do the cancan he walked as if he’d received a divine call — down the beach and straight into the water.   And given my friends’ desire to avoid the spotlight a newspaper headline like “Prominent Photographer Drowns While Key Westers Do Nothing” would hardly be appreciated.   the errant photographer was up to his waist and had assumed an entirely new persona.  “I will part the waters and lead you to Cuba.”  He swooped down on a 5-foot piece of submerged PVC pipe Slick’s compadres followed this southernmost Moses like an obedient flock Once again mentally reviewing possible newspaper headlines Suddenly the air was filled with a raucous noise he could create a squawking sound like a conch shell being blown Once we were all thoroughly wet — and had expressed our dislike of the PVC concert — the excitement of leading a flock apparently had paled Moses turned and waded toward the unused boat ramp leading to the cocktail deck at Louie’s.   he delivered a surprisingly coherent Sermon on the Ramp he leaned toward his fascinated audience and prodded with a twinkle I know I didn’t really part the Atlantic Ocean — but don’t you think I dented it a little?” It’s amazing how far some Key Westers will go in the name of hospitality After urging Moses and his flock safely ashore I left them on the newly hallowed sands of Dog Beach.  One of the Florida Keys’ largest debris cleanup events returns for the third straight year.  I.CARE’s annual Trash Derby aims to clear tens of thousands of pounds of debris — beneath the water and on land throughout the Keys — by teams competing for $3,000-plus in prizes All dive boats heading out for the trash derby on May 2 and 3 are full but there’s still an opportunity to participate in the all-day cleanup competition on land.  The inaugural trash derby collected 12,759 pounds of trash and last year’s event netted nearly 14,000 pounds of debris from coastlines Organizers are seeking to surpass last year’s total A team leader meeting will be held on Thursday At least one team member must be present; there’s also a Zoom link for those who can’t attend in person The competitive debris collection is Friday and Saturday The debris derby will culminate with a festival on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m family-friendly event will feature vendors Volunteers are needed to help with marine debris weigh-ins and collection team sign-ins and gear distribution and festival setup.  More information is at icaretrashderby.com (AP) — A holdover of the once numerous roadside attractions that lined U.S the Rain Barrel Village is collection of eccentric colorful buildings serving as a home for artists and art sellers in the Florida Keys While the rustic outpost might be easy for travelers on the Overseas Highway to pass without notice Rain Barrel Village promises visitors a unique experience filled with paintings handcrafted goods and island-inspired souvenirs 12-meter-long) sculpture of a Florida Keys spiny lobster who owns Rain Barrel Village with her husband said the Keys became part of her family’s heartbeat after the Miami couple bought a vacation home on Islamorada in 1978 “When the Rain Barrel Village came up for sale in 2007 I saw a way to continue our story in the Keys,” Keil said I just knew it needed someone to preserve it and to help grow it.” Named after the large cisterns that once provided drinking water to the Keys Rain Barrel Village isn’t just about selling souvenirs artisans and small business owners and give them a space where they also can build something real hard work and intention into the Rain Barrel,” Keil said “We’ve created something that reflects who we are.” While artists make up the soul of the Village, the face is undeniably Betsy. She is among the most photographed landmarks in the Florida Keys, second only to the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West property manager and owner of a souvenir shop called the Tipsy Octopus said Betsy definitely prompts people to pull over as they make their way down to Marathon or Key West “People love to take pictures with her,” Cullen said Artist Richard Blaze completed Betsy in 1985 The fiberglass statue originally was commissioned for a local restaurant but the business had closed by the time Betsy was done The giant lobster was placed at another Islamorada attraction but she ended up in storage after the location became a charter school Betsy was relocated to Rain Barrel Village in 2009 visitors can discover the cluster of small Megan Stennes was visiting the Keys with her family in April and made sure they stopped at Rain Barrel Village on their way back to Palm Beach Gardens She knew her mother would enjoy all the stores which she discovered by accident on a previous visit and then I realized that they had all the shops back here,” Stennes said and we actually were here longer than I expected to be.” has been at the Rain Barrel Village for more than two decades Visitors can watch as he shapes molten glass into detailed figurines of fish birds and other wildlife common to the Florida Keys He discovered the village while visiting art galleries in the Keys and liked the idea of being surrounded by other artists and doing your artwork is what it’s all about “We all want the same things from our work A place like Rain Barrel Village is great for visitors because the inventory is always changing depending on what the artists are inspired to create “You’ll come back again and again to see what’s new We’re always constantly making different pieces.” sells work from about 30 different Keys artists at her store “I try to find unique and different things which is not hard because the Keys are full of artists doing all kinds of weird things,” Chesher said The free-spirit nature of the Keys has a long history of attracting artists and those communities tend to strengthen and encourage each other “The thing about the Keys is you don’t usually get hassled rewritten or redistributed without permission Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public file should contact Richard Reingold at rreingold@whec.com or 585-546-1701 Courtesy of The Florida Keys & Key West Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents to Host More Than 150 BMI Multi-Genre Creators including Dylan Altman The annual free block party at Main Stage Duval Street will be held on Saturday After making their inaugural debut at last year’s festival “Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” at Williams Hall will return on Sunday as well as hourly rounds from the Key West Woman’s Club at Hellings Curry Museum and intimate theater showcases at La Te Da New venues will be on display such as the Marquesa Hotel The Alamo and Island Dogs while Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant will be the event’s headquarters Longstanding popular destination spots throughout the island will return like Key West Theater Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and San Carlos Institute “We’re excited for another year of collaborating with BMI and the amazing venues across the island to highlight the industry’s best songwriting talent,” said Kyle Muehlhauser owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need the festival has provided a platform for established and emerging songwriters to showcase their work through one-of-a-kind experiences The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines Songwriters will have the opportunity to enjoy the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event at BNA in Delta’s Sky Club as Delta Air Lines is the official airline for the festival to creative inspiration and dynamic playlists we’re excited about BMI’s The 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