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Rise and shine, Key West! Record-high graduation rate, a Worm Moon bike ride, Ruth Reichl author gala, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

County gains highlight progress: Florida’s 2024-25 high school graduation rate reached a record 92 percent, and Monroe County posted the biggest gain, climbing to about 92 percent from just under 87 percent in 2023-24 — get all the details.

Workforce housing plan stumbles: On Feb. 5, Monroe County commissioners approved shifting rents at Southcliff Estates in Key Largo to 30% of an applicant’s gross income, yet the complex still lacks signed tenants — read the full story.

Response times get shorter: Kaeser Compressors opened factory-direct branches in South Florida, combining brick-and-mortar locations with mobile service vehicles to speed service from Key West to Port St. Lucie for parts, repairs, and support — get all the details.

City undertakes major utility project: Single lane closures in Marathon started Feb. 17 on the northern lane of the Overseas Highway for a court-mandated deep injection well project using trenchless pipelines to limit disruptions — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!

Highlights this week:

• Learn Menopause 101 with Leigh Pujado
• Pedal under the Worm Moon glow
• Celebrate a decade of Books & Books
• Clean up Whitehead and Eaton Streets
• Discover treasures at Palm Garden book sale
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 right now)
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🫶 We got your back

A new lens on history: Marathon City Hall’s newest gallery is now showing a permanent installation by Maine artist Timothy Goldkin. Five cyanotype works reimagine historic Florida Keys images from the Monroe County Public Library’s Florida Keys History Center and the Edwin Swift Collection in striking blue and white, created with light-sensitive chemicals and UV exposure. See what’s on display.

Legacy meets modern coastal charm: La Concha Key West just marked 100 years with an onsite celebration following a fresh renovation by Remington Hospitality. Guest rooms, public spaces, and dining were updated. The hotel also launched a philanthropic partnership with Reef Relief to support coral reef conservation in our waters. Read the full story.

Waterfront smoke, anyone?: Smoked BBQ turns out cherry-and-hickory-kissed brisket, tender baby backs, and sides like queso mac and smoked corn from a laid-back dockside perch. Easy midweek comfort for island days, real deal barbecue without the mainland schlep.

Fresh cut vibes: Whether you want a low-maintenance refresh or you’re ready for new color, Headlines Salon of Key West keeps it friendly and no-frills. Stylists actually listen, then deliver clean cuts, lived-in color, and simple styling that survives the Keys humidity… and looks good on day three.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.

📆 Around town this week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

📚 2026 Annual Author Gala @ Key West Public Library Branch | Monday (2/23) at 6:00 PM – Ruth Reichl is coming to our pink library to talk food and stories, then keep the party going in the Palm Garden with island drinks, twinkle lights, and nibbles. Heads up, even the free talk needs a ticket, and the gala fundraiser buys bragging rights.

🌮 Food Truck Jamboree @ Marathon Community Park | Wednesday (2/25) at 5:00 PM – Midweek at Marathon Community Park means one thing, second helpings. The Food Truck Jamboree is back with more trucks, more options, craft beer, a DJ, field games under actual lights, and free entry. Bring the crew, pace yourself, and pretend cooking was never an option.

🏆 Second Annual Cornhole Tournament @ Alonzo’s Patio Bar | Wednesday (2/25) at 5:00 PM – Nothing says midweek therapy like lobbing beanbags at Alonzo’s Patio Bar with a drink in hand. Grab a partner for the Second Annual Cornhole Tournament, $20 per team, day-of signup, drink specials, prizes for the top three, and yes, dogs are absolutely teammates.

🐾 Special Edition Paint and Sip – Paint Your Pet @ Island Welcome Real Estate | Thursday (2/26) at 5:30 PM – Pour a glass and immortalize your fur kid at this paint and sip benefiting the FKSPCA Marathon campus. Fifty bucks covers supplies, complimentary beer, wine, and snacks, and yes, 100% goes to the animals. Grab a ticket, then send a pet pic for your masterpiece.

🧹 Early Bird Clean Up Simonton & South Streets @ Southernmost Beach Resort | Friday (2/27) at 8:00 AM – If your morning stroll could use a conscience, spend an hour tidying Simonton and South with Southernmost crew. Meet in South Street lot between Simonton and Duval, next to Le Mar and Dewey, grab a vest, bucket, and picker, then earn breakfast and cleaner streets.

📚 Hemingway in a Funny Way @ Comedy Key West | Friday (2/27) at 5:30 PM – Trade Duval’s chaos for a smarter buzz as Comedy Key West skewers, salutes, and laughs through the funny side of Hemingway, just down the street from the House and its judgmental six-toed cats. Expect sharp jokes, local lore, and zero marlin to gut.

🎸 Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock n’ Roll, Part 6 @ Tennessee Williams Theatre | Friday (2/27) at 7:30 PM – Part 6 means the encore keeps coming, and I’m not mad about it. Neil Berg recruits Broadway belters and bona fide rock singers to tear through five decades of hits, then dishes the stories behind them, nostalgia, sharp vocals, and a sing-along vibe included.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Key West report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 63°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 20%

Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 20 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 10 to 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

This house is wild

This 3-bed, 3.5-bath Casa Marina estate pairs David Wolkowsky’s legacy with Rob Delaune’s architecture, a 1999 build renewed to museum standards. Soaring 22-foot ceilings, teak accents, and a full-height bookcase with a disappearing TV frame a chef’s kitchen. A walled double lot features a 40′ x 20′ heated pool and a separate 1-bed guest house with kitchen and garden.

Take a peek inside →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Regrow thicker hair in 3-6 months + get 20% off for life
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• See how to save up to 58% on GLP-1s with Fridays
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%