Good Thursday morning. Grab a bucci, a mimosa or an Irish coffee and settle in. Here is a quick trip through the news from across the island chain and beyond.
A New Era Begins at Key West City Hall
KEY WEST, Fla. — Sam Kaufman took the oath of office Monday as Key West’s new mayor, beginning a new era at City Hall after winning one of the most decisive mayoral victories in recent city history.
Watch the entire ceremony here on the City’s YouTube channel.
Father of Navy Sailor Released From ICE Custody
KEY WEST, Fla. — The father of a U.S. Navy sailor serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln was released from federal immigration custody Tuesday, according to a family member who spoke with CBS News.
BREAKING: Officer Arrested for DUI Had Filed 44-Page Whistleblower Complaint Against KWPD Months Earlier
Editor’s note: The 44-page whistleblower complaint includes a detailed timeline and allegations of misconduct within the Key West Police Department. This story summarizes those allegations, none of which has been proven in court. Because of the complaint’s length and complexity, readers are encouraged to
Key West Attorney Warns In-Person Immigration Hearings Put Haitian Clients at Risk
KEY WEST, Fla. — A Key West immigration attorney is warning that Haitian asylum-seekers and others are being forced to choose between traveling through an expanding federal enforcement presence to attend court in Miami or staying home and risking deportation orders.
Mario Sanchez artwork finds a new home
The Key West Art & Historical Society has acquired a culturally significant woodcarving by Cuban-American folk artist Mario Sanchez. Read more from Keys Weekly.
Banksy comes to Key West
An original work attributed to the elusive British street artist Banksy is headed for display in Key West. Read more from Keys Weekly.
Remembering the end of the slave trade
Key West remembrance events planned for Sunday will recognize the end of the transatlantic slave trade. Read more.
Lower Keys
Meet Liz Young
Keys Weekly profiles Liz Young and her work supporting the Florida Keys’ arts and cultural community. Read more.
Marathon and the Middle Keys
Citizens Insurance comes to Marathon
FIRM hosted Citizens Property Insurance officials for an Aug. 25 town hall addressing coverage and insurance concerns facing Keys property owners. Read more from Keys Weekly.
Islamorada
Captain injured by lightning leaves hospital
A Florida Keys captain injured in a lightning strike has been released from the hospital. Read more.
Remembering Guy Bradley
A Matecumbe Historical Trust lecture examines the life and work of Guy Bradley, the early Florida Keys bird-protection officer killed while defending plume birds. Read more.
Key Largo and the Upper Keys
Key Largo man convicted of murder
A jury convicted a Key Largo man in the 2025 killing of a local woman. Read more.
Coast Guard members join disabled athletes
Coast Guard personnel teamed with disabled athletes during a Key Largo triathlon. Read more.
Monroe County
Atlantic systems bear watching
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two Atlantic systems, although neither is expected to affect Florida during the next week. Read more from Axios.
South Florida
Loss of Haitian workers hits regional economy
South Florida health care, hospitality and tourism businesses are reporting staffing losses following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals. Read more from Axios Miami.
Florida
Adapting to rising seas
Communities across Florida are experimenting with living seawalls, elevated construction, flood-resistant parks and other approaches to rising seas and stronger storms. Read more.
Look up Thursday night
A deep partial lunar eclipse will cover about 96% of the moon, with viewers across the Americas in a prime position to watch. Read more.
