Contributed

https://omny.fm/shows/the-florida-keys-weekly-podcast/nov-10-marathon-cross-country-phenom-vance-bursa In recent years, Marathon High School has developed a reputation as the Keys’ perennial distance running powerhouse. In 2022, sophomore phenom Vaclav “Vance” Bursa carried that torch, pacing the Dolphins all season and running the race of his life to secure a ninth place finish at the FHSAA state...

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) celebrated the graduation of Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy No. 81 with a ceremony on Oct. 28 at Coral Shores High School’s auditorium. Eleven cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program. Upon passing the state certification exam, each will be eligible to...

The City of Marathon has installed a temporary traffic light to replace stop signs managing the single-lane flow of traffic over Coco Plum Bridge. The traffic light alternates traffic in two directions – coming from Overseas Highway and from the Coco Plum neighborhood – over the one-lane span.  “The most...

Monroe County Emergency Management, in coordination with the National Weather Service in Key West and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, is closely monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole. At this time, there are no protective actions in place for the Florida Keys. According to the National Weather Service Key West, there are...

Costumed party animals competed in Key West's Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade on Oct. 26 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The colorful contest is an annual highlight of Fantasy Fest. The Pet Masquerade attracted a wide variety of barking and meowing revelers and their human companions. Entries ranged from costumed pet-and-person pairs...

Dear Editor: There has been an erosion of ethical campaign practices in our recent elections, bringing out the worst in some individuals. When candidates or groups are communicating with the public, they should be factual. The truth should not be stretched to better their position at the expense of...

Only one fall sport is left standing at Marathon High School as the Dolphins’ quickest runners make the trip to the state championship cross country meet in Tallahassee on Nov. 5. Led by sophomore phenom Vance Bursa and fresh off a third-place finish in their regional race, this will...

The Key West Business Guild’s 39th Headdress Ball took place Oct. 27 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.  A panel of judges awarded $4,500 in cash prizes. Headdress creations portrayed the Disney hit “Aladdin,” “Finding Nemo,” “Beetlejuice,” and other interpretations of the 2022 Fantasy Fest theme “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos.” The...

The 2022 Fantasy Fest continued on Oct. 28 with the wildly popular Masquerade March, a longtime locals’ favorite and moving feast of costumed creativity open to all ages and most species. With a crowd of revelers that organizers estimate at 10,000, the march kicked off at Truman Avenue and Francis...

By Cricket Desmarais It’s hard not to notice the angels that hover behind Scott Pridgen's head as he speaks — painted by local artist Lenny Addorisio. They're a sort of metaphor for this man who has spent the last 35 years tirelessly advocating for those in need, and for health...

Keys creativity and resilience were displayed in a pageantry of glitter, feathers, flowers and incandescent imagination on Saturday, Oct. 29, as Key West’s Fantasy Fest parade made its way down Duval Street for the first time since 2019 and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three dozen entries — one...

Key West’s Zombie Bike Ride, founded by We Cycle bike shop, started in 2009 with about 70 “undead” locals riding bikes along Smathers Beach to the downtown area for cocktails and a party.  This year’s ride on Oct. 23 drew about 6,500 costumed zombies on bikes. The event started with...