Florida Keys Free Press

10/17/2026

The state is challenging Monroe County’s plan to award 657 new residential building permit allocations through July 2036, prompting planning staff to seek direction from commissioners Wednesday, Oct. 21, during their monthly meeting.

MARATHON — The state is challenging Monroe County’s plan to award 657 new residential building permit allocations through July 2036, prompting planning staff to seek direction from commissioners Wednesday, Oct.

10/15/2026

The College of the Florida Keys board of trustees voted 6-1 Wednesday to hire Gov. Ron DeSantis' deputy chief of staff, Jared Ochs, as interim president.

KEY WEST — The College of the Florida Keys board of trustees voted 6-1 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to hire Jared Ochs as interim president at the same $250,000 base

10/15/2026

Bass Pro Shops and Schulte Hospitality Group said Wednesday they will partner to operate Cheeca Lodge & Spa and the Islander Resort together, uniting two of the Upper Keys’ best-known oceanfront properties under a single management alliance.

ISLAMORADA — Bass Pro Shops and Schulte Hospitality Group said Wednesday, Oct. 14, they will partner to operate Cheeca Lodge & Spa and the Islander Resort together, uniting two of

10/15/2026

FLORIDA KEYS FREE PRESS (Your Link to the Island Chain)
Read the Florida Keys Free Press Edition for Oct. 15, 2026 by going to our e-edition paper @ https://epaper.flkeysfreepress.com/

FLORIDA KEYS FREE PRESS (Your Link to the Island Chain) Read the Florida Keys Free Press Edition for Oct. 15, 2026 by going to our e-edition paper @ https://epaper.flkeysfreepress.com/

10/14/2026

Alexandra Marlene Baraga was sentenced to four years in prison Tuesday, Oct. 13, after pleading guilty to seven charges stemming from a drunken-driving crash that seriously injured Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy Julian Garcia.

ISLAMORADA — Alexandra Marlene Baraga was sentenced to four years in state prison Tuesday, Oct. 13, after pleading guilty to seven charges stemming from a drunken-driving crash that seriously injured

10/14/2026

Meet Tammy Collins, your local advertising partner at the Florida Keys Free Press!

From print advertising to digital marketing, Tammy can help you build a plan to reach more customers and grow your business here in the Keys.

Let’s talk about your business goals. Contact Tammy today:
📞 479-422-3797
📧 [email protected]

Local people. Local business. Let’s grow together.

10/14/2026

For the past two years, Dani & Mike’s 102 Smash Burgers has anchored itself next to John’s General Store in Key Largo. Now, that same mouthwatering magic has headed south to Marathon.

FLORIDA KEYS — The irresistible aroma of searing beef patties and toasted buns is often the first thing that greets visitors, drawing them in even before they catch sight of

10/13/2026

🇺🇸 Honor Our Local Veterans

Advertise in our special Keys Style Veterans Section, publishing November 5.

⭐ Veteran-owned businesses receive 10% off all ad sizes.
📅 Reserve by October 14
📞 Kevin: 305-295-8001 or DM us

Honor their service. Support our local heroes.

10/11/2026

The College of the Florida Keys District Board of Trustees canceled a special meeting Thursday, Oct. 8, about pending litigation involving the former president's termination.

KEY WEST — The College of the Florida Keys District Board of Trustees canceled a special meeting about pending litigation scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8.

10/10/2026

Three people were arrested Thursday, Oct. 8, in separate drug investigations in Key West and Marathon, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.

FLORIDA KEYS — Three people were arrested Thursday, Oct. 8, in separate drug investigations in Key West and Marathon, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.