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Happy weekend, Key West! In today’s edition: A $1.1 million homebuying odyssey, a Coast Guard high-seas crackdown, a blood moon sunset sail, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Inside a Down Payment Diaries journey: A 54-year-old writer left Michigan and bought a $1.1 million home in Key West for the arts scene. After years searching, she prioritized proximity to New Town and a pool — read the full story.

Inside a high-seas crackdown: Following a 60-day patrol, Coast Guard cutter Mohawk returned to Key West, having boarded and escorted two sanctioned oil tankers under Operation Southern Spear across 2,700 nautical miles — read the full mission details.

Island gains national acclaim: Key West was named one of the nation’s top luxury real estate markets earlier this month by Realtor.com, as ocean views, historic architecture, and culture keep affluent buyers interested — explore the key market drivers.

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.

Contract extension debate heats up: Key West commissioners approved a $20,000 raise for City Manager Brian L. Barroso earlier this month, and they rejected proposed welcome signs that one commissioner said looked like gravestones — see what commissioners decided.

Pre-loved tropical glam: Kirby’s Closet turns “just browsing” into finds from Lilly Pulitzer, Free People, Anthropologie, and more. Bright and friendly with an island vibe, this Key West resale gem mixes in new pieces, offers personal styling, and refreshes your wardrobe without losing that breezy soul.

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/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.

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.

🔥 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
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next 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.

📚 Storytime @ Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden | Tuesday (3/3) at 10:00 AM – Need a midweek excuse to swap screens for green? Bring the little humans to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden courtyard for free storytime under the trees, plus crafts, books, and the occasional butterfly cameo. Easy, wholesome, and yes, weather permitting.

🌕 Full Blood Moon Rise & Sunset Sail @ Schooner Hindu | Tuesday (3/3) at 5:00 PM – Trade the Mallory Square shuffle for a front-row Blood Moon rise over Key West aboard a century-old gaff-rigged schooner, tropical breeze included. New York Post astrologer Reda Wigle will unpack lunar lore, Earth cycles, and just enough cosmic insight to make your sundowner taste wiser.

🎶 The Kennedys @ Key West Library | Wednesday (3/4) at 6:00 PM – Claim a chair in the Palm Garden behind the Key West Library as The Kennedys return for their annual outdoor show, a free, family-friendly set under tiny white lights and swaying palms. No lugging gear, just island ambiance, company, and the breeze doing backup vocals.

🪸 Homeschool Days: Coral Love Stories @ Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration | Thursday (3/5) at 9:00 AM – Homeschool Days is turning your curious kid into a coral matchmaker, with hands-on activities and microscopy at the Summerland Key lab. Ages 8-11, $30, and yes, you’re staying too, chaperone required. Spots vanish faster than a parking space in season, so register early.

🍷 Zuccardi Wine Dinner @ Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen | Thursday (3/5) at 5:00 PM – Skip the red-eye and let Chef Leo Minelli fly you to Argentina via fork and glass, with empanadas, wood-fired parrilla beef, and all the right fixings, paired with Zuccardi and Santa Julia. Finish with traditional sweets, big flavors, no parking stress, $169++.

🗑 Early Bird Clean Up Whitehead and Eaton Streets @ First Horizon Bank | Friday (3/6) at 8:00 AM – Waiting for a sign to feel useful before coffee? Early Bird at Whitehead and Eaton delivers. Meet at First Horizon Bank for a vest, bucket, and picker, give it one hour, then enjoy treats, and park in the front or back lot.

🎤 Mia Borders @ Green Parrot Bar | Friday (3/6) at 5:30 PM – New Orleans powerhouse Mia Borders is back at the Green Parrot for a weekend of soul, funk, and R&B that’ll loosen your shoulders, not your standards. Expect tight, deep-pocket grooves, locals, and zero cover, just sweaty dance-floor therapy.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Key West report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 80°F – Low: 68°F – Precip: 15%

A slight chance of rain showers before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 69°F – Precip: 22%

A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Most popular house this week

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 →