LATEST NEWS

A proposal that would pave the way for a grocery store, a liquor store and housing at a dormant Tavernier concrete property will go before the Monroe County Planning Commission next month. Specifically, the planning commission will consider a request from the developers that would change county development regulations to...

Tavernier resident Jerry Wilkinson had the knowledge and charisma to perform re-enactments of early history-making personalities such as Henry Flagler, Zane Grey, Dr. Henry Perrine, William Matheson and John James Audubon, and anyone who saw Wilkinson act, often donning his top hat and long coat, was treated to living history presentations that were as educational as they were enjoyable. Wilkinson’s passing on Friday, March 17, at 94 leaves a void of Florida Keys history keepers; yet, both he and Irving Eyster of the Matecumbe Historic...

On Cassandra Clark’s lower right arm, a vivid blue, green and purple parrot fish swims amid a sea of coral. The tattoo, the first of many marine creatures now decorating her body, captures a moment still colorfully poignant in Clark’s memory: her first time snorkeling in the Florida Keys.

The 32nd annual lecture series, The Delicate Balance of Nature, returns to its in-person venue in Key Largo with a lecture that delves into the correlation between climate change and the impacts of tropical storm and lower-end hurricanes in the Florida Keys. Nancy Barnhardt, of the Florida Keys National Weather...

A passion for history ignited fourth-generation Floridian Jerry Wilkinson upon settling in Tavernier in 1988. He amassed collections of Keys records and unique stories surrounding the island chain. He invested in the community through a library at one local museum and scholarships for students. Wilkinson passed away on Thursday night...

On March 7, Coral Shores traveled to Marathon to play the only matchup between two Keys teams scheduled this season. The result was a win for the Hurricanes and the first blemish on Marathon’s season record. Coral Shores racked up 12 hits in the game. Leadoff hitter Andrew Putetti...

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier was established by Laura Quinn and incorporated in 1988. The Upper Keys Weekly recently sat down with Maggy Pollicino, outreach coordinator, to learn more about this essential nonprofit in our community. It’s very helpful when people can bring the sick or...

A 24-year-old Homestead, Florida motorist was arrested Friday after shooting another vehicle in Key Largo during a road rage incident on U.S. 1. There were no serious injuries reported. Baldemar Martinez was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, discharging a firearm into...

Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Such was the case in much of the Florida Keys last week, when residents from Tavernier to Key West turned on their showers, sinks or garden hoses and got nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Toilets would flush, but just once. Then came...

Professor Joe Dituri hopes his 100-day mission can help researchers find ways to help treat traumatic brain injuries.

Local musicians, LA Rock and contemporary Irish music will take to the ICE Amphitheater at Islamorada’s Founders Park for the 28th annual Bay Jam Outdoor Music Fest on Sunday, March 19. “We are so happy to be partnering with Founders Park and Florida Keys Brewing Co. this year as...

Local community members and Islamorada Chamber representatives gathered on March 1 to celebrate the grand re-opening of local iconic general store Abel’s Tackle Box and General Goods. The shop reopened at its new location at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina after it sustained damage from Hurricane Ian at...

Just as he had done thousands of times since the age of 10, at 9:30 a.m. on March 1, Joseph Dituri stood at the edge of the water, suited up to scuba dive. But this dive would be unlike any that he – or anyone else – has ever done.

A canal backfilling project in the village of Islamorada is on hold after one resident voiced concern that he wouldn’t be able to use his large boat. Issues over the selection process for a contractor were also revealed during the March 2 village council meeting. Peter Frezza, village environmental...

I’ve been an inshore fishing guide in the Islamorada area for the last 15 years. One thing I’ve enjoyed most is having the versatility of a slightly larger vessel, like my former classic Seacraft and my current Contender Bay, that can go both offshore and in the backcountry. Many of today’s bay-style boats and hybrids offer these capabilities as they’ve had decades of research to implement the proper hull designs and use of modern materials and production methods to build hulls that can go shallower while still riding comfortably in choppy waters offshore.

In addition to water line breaks and myriad Spring Breakers traveling along U.S. 1, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been busy with a variety of roadway incidents on the Overseas Highway. On Friday, March 10, a 24-year-old Homestead, Florida motorist was arrested after shooting another vehicle in Key Largo during a road rage incident on U.S. 1. There were no serious injuries reported. Baldemar Martinez was charged with aggravated...

The Coral Shores Hurricanes picked up a pair of wins in their most recent battles for Keys court supremacy, defeating Marathon in back-to-back matches before falling to Pace on March 9. Coral Shores swept the Fins in true Hurricane fashion, beating them 7-0 on March 7 and again the following day. The Lady ’Canes winners were Olivia Hughes, Kai Guth, Macy Cakans and Lupita Guerrero, while the boys winners were Makani Burga, Aiden Althouse and Johan Smith. Both teams will finish out their seasons in the next few weeks before districts begin on April 11 in Miami.

Much of the Florida Keys lost water pressure after a water main broke

Late wet season rainfall and a tropical storm in 2021 produced a banner year for Everglades wading birds, according to the latest tally by the South Florida Water Management District. Across the expansive marshes, from water conservation areas in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, to Everglades National Park, the...

A Homestead man fired several shots into a car in the Florida Keys Friday morning in what Monroe County sheriff’s deputies say was road rage on the Overseas Highway. Baldemar Martinez, 24, was booked into the county jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a weapon from a vehicle, discharging a weapon from a conveyance and criminal mischief.