The Keys Weekly Newspapers

12/08/2025

BREAKING: All players and coaches are safe. A bus carrying the Marathon High School boys and girls soccer teams caught fire on Interstate 75 on Monday afternoon. The Weekly spoke with MHS Athletic Director Lance Martin and a parent of one of the players, who both confirmed that passengers heard noises coming from the bus before it broke down on the side of the highway, with the rear of the bus eventually going up in flames. The fire was extinguished with no injuries by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and the teams eventually continued to their games at Franklin Academy aboard a different bus.

11/28/2025

A guide to the holiday season the Keys 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 follow - written by locals, for locals. 🎄

Our tropical holidays may not look like the winter scenes on cards and commercials, but when have the Keys ever worried about “fitting in” with someone else’s image?!

Our Holidays in the Keys guide brings you the real season: boat parades, craft fairs, pet photos with Santa, and the traditions locals actually celebrate.

Inside, you’ll find:
➡️ Events worth going to across the islands
➡️ Local gift ideas you won’t find in the big box stores
➡️ Unique stories and traditions -

Grab the guide and experience the Keys’ holidays like someone who knows them best. We'll see you at the boat, bike, and hometown parade!

11/27/2025

From our family to yours: wishing you a happy, healthy, and joy-filled Thanksgiving. 🦃

We couldn’t be more grateful for this incredible island community! 🙌

Not pictured: our amazing Paid Campaign Manager, Designers, and Accounting team - the backbone (or should we say turkey leg? 🍗) of The Keys Weekly Newspapers and Overseas Media Group !

11/27/2025

As of 5pm on Wednesday, 4 people had applied for an interim Key West commission seat. Full story in link:

Four people have applied — so far — to fill the Key West city commission seat left empty by the Nov. 19 death of Mary Lou Hoover, who had represented District 5 since 2018. The appointed interim commissioner will serve until the Aug. 18 election, which thus far has drawn two declared candidates,...

11/24/2025

Judge sentences former sheriff's deputy Jennifer Ketcham to 3 years prison and 5 years probation for illegally sharing information about her fellow undercover narcotics officers with her then-18-year-old boyfriend. Judge Sharon Hamilton told Ketcham, "You took an oath to protect the citizens and visitors of Monroe County, but your actions did the exact opposite. Your text messages show a complete lack of character." Stay tuned to keysweekly.com for the full story. - Previous story in comments.

11/21/2025

ICE activity, including helicopter surveillance, continues to increase in the Upper Florida Keys. Some concerned residents and parents are questioning tactics that include morning stakeouts at public schools, which includes confirmed reports of a 16 year old Coral Shores student who was detained on his way to school. More on this story below:

Federal agents continue to maintain a strong, visible presence in the Upper Florida Keys as more individuals are seen being detained and sent away as part of the administration’s immigration enforcement. On Friday morning, a Customs and Border Protection helicopter circled the air in the Upper Key...

11/20/2025

11/19/2025

Beloved public servant Mary Lou Hoover passes at 72, leaving a lasting imprint of leadership in Key West that spans several decades. Plans for an interim replacement will begin as community leaders pay tribute to Hoover's dedication and legacy in Key West.

Key West woke up Wednesday, Nov. 19 to the sad news that City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover had died in her sleep overnight at her home. She was 72. Hoover represented Key West’s District V, having been elected first in 2018 and again in 2022. She had recently decided not to seek a third term, […...

11/19/2025

Juan Llera, a Cuban native and longtime Key West resident, recently announced his candidacy for the District IV seat on the Key West City Commission. A 20-year combat Navy veteran, Llera served the nation with pride and honor and now seeks to continue his legacy of service through local government....

11/17/2025

And just like that, another The Keys Weekly Newspapers ‘Best Of’ season comes to an end. ✨

Friday’s awards show was an unforgettable night filled with big laughs, familiar faces, and a room absolutely FULL of our Keys family.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this evening possible:
• To all of you who took the time to vote
• To the businesses who work tirelessly year-round and earned a spot among the top three nominees
• To the winners who continue to raise the bar for excellence in our Keys community
• To our generous sponsors who make this event possible
• To our beneficiary, Florida Keys Children's Shelter , for the incredible work they continue to do for children in the Florida Keys
• To Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection for hosting us, and to their staff who helped the night run seamlessly
• To our photographers, Doug & Jackson, for capturing the night behind the lens
• To Holly Merrill Raschein for County Commissioner and The Florida Keys & Key West President & CEO, Kara Franker, for teaming up with our Keys Weekly and Overseas Media Group leaders to help present the awards
• And to every single person who played a role in making this year’s event truly one to remember

From the bottom of our hearts - thank you.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!