Good morning, Florida Keys.
Welcome to September. Pour a bucci, (no Mimosa’s or Bloody’s on a work day) and settle in. Let’s get caught up on what’s happening along the island chain.
National Backlash Over AI Surveillance Hovers Over Key West
Ed. note: AI is expected to be a topic of public comment at next Thursday’s City Commission meeting. The morning session begins at 9 a.m. at 1300 White Street. The evening session begins at 5 p.m. For those unable …
New Key West Commission Faces Questions Over City Attorney, Waste Costs
KEY WEST, Fla. — Sam Kaufman will take the mayor’s seat for the first time Thursday alongside new commissioners Mark Rossi and Chris Massicotte, and current commissioners Aaron Castillo, Lissette Carey, Vice Mayor Donie Lee, and Monica Haskel.
KEY WEST
Man jailed after alleged attack during $1,300 encounter
A Miami Gardens man remained jailed without bond Monday after Key West police said he attacked and strangled a woman during a paid encounter at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites on North Roosevelt Boulevard.
Michael Dorrell Parker, 52, faces charges of aggravated battery, battery by strangulation, kidnapping and solicitation of prostitution, according to WPLG Local 10.
Police said the woman told officers Parker attacked her when she refused requests she described as illegal. Parker denied choking or restraining her but “corroborated the majority” of her account, according to the arrest report.
Duval Street getting its first Jimmy Buffett look-alike contest
Hemingway has his Papas. Now Jimmy Buffett is getting his Bubbas.
The inaugural Bubba Look-Alike Showdown will take over the 200 block of Duval Street Friday as part of the Just a Few Friends festival.
The free event begins at 5:30 p.m., with the contest scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Contestants can represent any era of Buffett, from the young musician who arrived in Key West during the 1970s to the older troubadour who continued returning to the island.
The winner, chosen through audience voting, will receive a Golden Coconut Trophy, $1,000 and some serious Parrot Head bragging rights. Gary Roland and the Landsharks will perform afterward. Read more
LOWER KEYS
Watch for lane shifts at the entrance to Key West
Traffic lanes on U.S. 1 at North College Road are scheduled to shift again Tuesday as construction continues near the entrance to Key West.
One lane will remain open in each direction during the work. Drivers heading on or off the island should expect delays and leave a little extra time. Read more
Hazardous-waste collection coming to Cudjoe Key
Monroe County will hold a household hazardous-waste collection Wednesday on Cudjoe Key.
Residents can dispose of eligible household chemicals and other hazardous materials that should not be placed in regular trash. A separate collection is scheduled Friday on Long Key. Read more
MIDDLE KEYS
Duck Key security board meets today
The Duck Key Security District Advisory Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday.
The advisory board deals with security-related issues affecting the Duck Key district. Meeting details and agenda materials are available through Monroe County. Read more
ISLAMORADA
Three utility workers hospitalized after electrical shock
Three Florida Keys Electric Cooperative line workers were taken to Mariners Hospital Monday after they were shocked while working on an underground electrical feed on Plantation Key.
The workers suffered varying degrees of electrical shock, but the cooperative said none of the injuries appeared serious.
FKEC is investigating the cause. The cooperative said preliminary information indicated that appropriate safety procedures were followed. Read more
Nine candidates qualify for Village Council races
Islamorada voters will choose council members in all five seats during the Nov. 3 election.
The candidates are Anna Richards and Joe Wischmeier in Seat 1; Steve Friedman and Deb Gillis in Seat 2; Corie McGraw-Abel and Sue Miller in Seat 3; Don Horton and Tom Raffanello in Seat 4; and Sharon Mahoney, who is currently unopposed, in Seat 5. Read more
KEY LARGO
Rowell’s Waterfront Park remains closed through today
Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo is expected to remain completely closed through Tuesday while construction continues.
Monroe County said unexpected delays extended the work and apologized for the inconvenience. The county has not announced whether the park will reopen Wednesday. Read more
County planning senior-center celebration
Monroe County Parks and Beaches and the JOY Center will kick off National Senior Center Month with a free community celebration Sept. 15 at the Plantation Key Community Center.
The event will run from 3 to 6 p.m. and include food, giveaways, community resources and local vendors.
The center, at 53 High Point Road, also welcomes seniors from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Read more
WEATHER
Keep the umbrella nearby.
Tuesday’s forecast calls for a chance of morning thunderstorms, followed by a mix of clouds and sun. Expect a high near 91, a low around 83 and the usual late-summer humidity.
COMING UP
Wednesday: Cudjoe Key household hazardous-waste collection.
Thursday: Key West City Commission meeting.
Thursday: Monroe County District 2 satellite office at Big Pine Key Community Park.
Friday: Long Key household hazardous-waste collection.
Friday: Bubba Look-Alike Showdown and free concert on Duval Street.
Monday: Government offices close for Labor Day.
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