For The Locals
Local Sustainability Programs and Resources
Voluntourism: Join eco-conscious visitors who donate time during their vacations to activities that make the Keys a better place. Activities might include free shoreline cleanup boat trips with Conch Republic Marine Army, coral outplanting dives and more. Provide your perspective on island life, tips for things to do, and share your thanks for their contributions.
Plastic Free Key West: You have the power to protect our oceans and waterways around Key West from plastic pollution. Plastic Free Key West is a community initiative that celebrates local businesses taking real action to reduce — and ultimately eliminate — single-use plastics.
Skip the Straw: The simplest way to keep plastic out of our ocean? Use less of it. That’s why Reef Relief is collaborating with local businesses to take a stand against single-use plastic straws. By joining the Skip the Straw campaign, businesses shift consumer habits and reduce the demand for unnecessary plastic.
Responsible Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is essential — but the type of sunscreen you use affects more than just your health; it can also harm delicate marine ecosystems like coral reefs. The good news is, you don’t have to choose between your well-being and the environment — by using coral-safe mineral sunscreens like Stream2Sea and others, or sun-safe alternatives like hats, UPF clothing, and shade, you can do both.
Monroe County Native Plant Landscaping Guide: A guide to native landscaping is available from county environmental resources to guide residents in creating stunning landscapes while supporting local ecosystems. Choose plants based on qualities like butterfly attraction, showy flowers, salt tolerance and more. Find the guide as a downloadable PDF and flipbook.
Have a great opportunity that locals or local businesses should know about? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com
Upcoming Community Events
Kids Fishing Expo - March 15, Founders Park, Islamorada
Guides from the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association invite kids 16 and younger to take part in the annual Kids Fishing Expo, Sunday March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Islamorada's Founders Park. Kids can learn from hands-on skill stations for tying flies, tying knots and even how to throw a cast net. There's a skills competition by age group competing for accuracy trophies in both spin and fly casting. lunch and drinks provided. Please register early at fkfga.com!
Free Line Dancing Classes
Monroe County's Parks and Beaches division hosts free line dancing classes at Big Pine Key Community Park every Monday and Wednesday. Classes are open to all levels and led by volunteer instructor Maryse Hill. Email: ParksandBeachesFun@MonroeCounty-FL.gov
Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk
The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District’s Art Walk is every third Thursday of the month throughout the year. Join other residents and visitors from 6 to 9 p.m. for nighttime gallery openings, local artists, vendors offering clothing, jewelry, gifts and more, plus live music, delectable food, and thirst-quenching libations at food and beverage trucks and Florida Keys Brewing Co. Find the event in the area of 81599 Overseas Hwy.
Walk on White Art Celebration
Walk on White, a popular Key West monthly art stroll, continues on every third Thursday through May, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Centered along White Street from Southard to United, the event showcases local galleries, studios, and businesses featuring visual art, live performances, creative demos, and refreshments.
Friends of the Key West Library Speaker Series
March 2: Join the Friends of the Key West Library in the Palm Garden and listen to author Bob Rich, whose novel "Looking Through Water" is now a major motion picture.
March 9: New York Times bestselling author and TEDx speaker Jenn McKinlay.
March 16: Christopher Castellani, author of "Leading Men," a novel about Tennessee Williams and Frank Merlo that is currently being adapted for film.
Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30pm.
History of Diving Museum Monthly Immerse Yourself Presentations The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada offers a unique and educational experience with its monthly "Immerse Yourself!" series featuring free presentations starting at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Topics range from marine life to diving history and more. Find the museum at 82990 Overseas Highway in Islamorada.
The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West Annual Golf Tournament
March 29th at the Key West Golf Club. Click here for more information on sponsoring or having a team play 18 holes for a good cause!
Hosting a community event that locals will love? Let us know at: webeditor@fla-keys.com
Jobs in the Keys
Community Notices
Village of Islamorada
Founders Park Pool is closed through the end of May 2026 for resurfacing and major facility improvements. This project includes new pool interior surfacing, tiling, deck repairs, railings, lighting, etc. as well as upgrades to the pool’s mechanical systems, scoreboard, sports lighting, improved access to the high-dive platform, and renovations to the locker rooms (floors, tile, fixtures, and more).
In addition, a new enclosed Lifeguard First Aid Office and Break Room will be added to enhance staff security and safeguard emergency equipment.
During this time, the public is encouraged to utilize the Jacob’s Aquatic Center Community Pool, located at 320 Laguna Ave, Key Largo, FL 33037.
Some of the Aquatics Programs may also transition to this facility during the closure. Stay tuned for additional announcements.
Membership Information:
- Existing annual memberships will be frozen and may resume once the pool reopens.
- Click here for Founders Park Admission Fees and Membership Rates.
 For questions or concerns, please contact the Park Office at (305) 853-1685 or ifp@islamorada.fl.us. Project updates will be available at www.islamorada.fl.us.
City of Marathon
The City of Marathon is pleased to confirm that the splash pad project at Community Park remains fully funded and on schedule. In response to recent community inquiries, the City wants to assure residents that there are no funding issues affecting this project.
Contractors are currently onsite completing work on the Skate Park and will transition to the Splash Pad upon completion. Construction continues to proceed according to the planned timeline. The City looks forward to delivering this new community amenity and thanks residents for their continued support and patience.
Monroe County - Lower Keys
Monroe County officials joined Governor Ron DeSantis on President's Day for the unveiling of a new statue honoring James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States and the namesake of Monroe County. The monument was installed on the west end of the Bahia Honda Bridge on Scout Key as part of Florida’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The statue stands along the newly designated Spottswood Heritage Trail and near the historic Flagler Railroad bridge and Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve. The site was selected by the state to connect visitors with both the natural and historical resources that define the Keys.
Monroe County - Key Largo
Monroe County has amended the rental rate for a one-bedroom/one-bathroom Southcliff Estates housing units for workers in the tourism industry, located at 95295 Overseas Highway (MM 95) in Key Largo to $1900/month. The units are only available to those employed in Monroe County’s private-sector tourism-related industries, including arts, entertainment, recreation, fishing and diving, hotels, restaurants, food services, and sightseeing. Applicants must work in a qualifying business located in the Florida Keys and fall under maximum income requirements.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Maximum income:
- One person: $109,560
- Two people: $125,040
- Two people (married/domestic partners): $166,720
- Rent includes water, sewer, and trash.
- Tenants pay for electricity. Tenants pay for cable and internet, if desired.
- A maximum of two people only in a unit.
- Show proof of income and employment in an eligible tourism-related business.
- Meet additional eligibility requirements outlined in the application.
Additional requirements include background checks, landlord verification, and submission of all required documents through the online application portal. No paper applications will be accepted. The units will be rented on a first-come, first-qualified basis.
These units were purchased as part of a $35 million TDC surplus, for which the Florida Legislature passed a bill explicitly authorizing Monroe County to use the surplus funds for affordable housing for employees of private-sector tourism-related businesses. Southcliff Estates is the first project funded through this initiative. Additional projects are being set for each TDC district in the Florida Keys.
For more information or to apply, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/southcliff or contact SouthcliffApartments@MonroeCounty-FL.gov. The Monroe County Housing Authority also has available units for individuals of different and lower income levels throughout the Florida Keys. For information on the housing authority, visit https://www.kwha.org/mcha/.
