Good morning, Key West! In today’s edition: Coast Guard rescue, Lilly Pulitzer’s ‘stay like Lilly’ suites, Hemingway in a funny way, 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.

Coastal bites, breezy vibes: Roundup spotlights 14 must-try outdoor restaurants in Key West, from a refined Waddell Avenue mainstay to a Thomas Street bar and a private island getaway with limited seating — check out the full lineup.

Overnight ocean emergency update: The Coast Guard rescued four people from a capsized 28-foot vessel off Key West, and officials say they are expected to be stable, with few details released — read the full story.

Signature happenings across the islands: A packed 2026 is coming to the Keys, featuring the Key West Literary Seminar, Mile 0 Fest, Lobsterfest, BrewFest, and more, with dates running throughout the year — get the full events lineup.

Heritage meets coastal glamour: Lilly Pulitzer celebrated Key West’s homecoming with Casa Marina Key West, debuting prints and “Stay Like Lilly” suites, as the restored resort opens onto the island’s largest private beach — read the full story.

Phony money prompts confusion: Florida police have warned about “For Motion Picture Purposes Only” fake $100s and $20s. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office shared examples, after reports of cashiers struggling to spot counterfeit bills — read the full story.

Luxury and family travel surge: Key West is set to boost US domestic tourism this year, joining Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Phoenix. Orlando secured the #1 domestic holiday spot for 2025 — see which destinations are rising.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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

🖼 City Hall Art Unveiling @ City Hall | Tuesday (1/13) at 4:30 PM – City Hall gets a glow-up with five new pieces by Timothy Goldkin, historic looks at Marathon drawn from Edwin O. Swift III’s archives and the Monroe County Library Collection. Swing by before the council meeting for light refreshments, neighborly chatter, and a little hometown pride.

🎶 Sean Gaskell @ Big Pine Key Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 5:00 PM – Whether you only hit the library for printer paper or you check out books, pop into Big Pine Library for Sean Gaskell on the kora, a 21-string West African harp. Rich, centuries-old griot music, world-class chops, and a rare treat for our town.

🐔 5th Annual Key West Chick Fest @ Sunset Pier | Wednesday (1/14) – Whether your group chat has been plotting a girls’ escape or you just need an alibi for dodging email, the 5th Annual Key West Chick Fest delivers. Live music, beach parties, island adventures, and exclusive events with Erica Sunshine Lee. Pack sunscreen, sarcasm, and sandals.

🎨 Class: Fused Glass Art Open Workshop @ SuzDesign Fine Jewelry & Crafts | Thursday (1/15) at 6:30 PM – Trade happy hour for kiln vibes at SuzDesign Studio in Big Pine, where you’ll fuse glass into wall art. Only six seats, materials included, and you’ll fill an 8×8 canvas, then pick it up next week. Bring your readers, pay to save a seat.

🤠 Asleep At The Wheel @ Key West Theater | Thursday (1/15) at 8:00 PM – Asleep at the Wheel brings Texas-size Western swing to Key West Theater, the kind of toe-tapping that makes your knees remember they still work. Expect tight harmonies, steel guitar, and a friendly two-step vibe, minus Duval madness, plus cold AC, strong drinks, and locals.

✍ Hemingway in a Funny Way @ Comedy | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – Think you know Papa beyond the beard and six-toed cats? This comedy tribute digs into the boozy, brawny, surprisingly goofy side of Hemingway, a short stroll from his old house. Smart laughs, local winks, and zero homework required, unless you count ordering a daiquiri.

🎭 Martina Bevis & Friends @ Tennessee Williams Theatre | Friday (1/16) at 7:30 PM – An evening at Tennessee Williams Theatre means trading noisy bars for a Prague-polished guitar and the kind of finesse you brag about later. Martina Bevis returns with friends, delivering luminous, genre-hopping pieces, impeccable technique, and the calm we pretend yoga gives us.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Key West report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 80°F – Low: 70°F – Precip: 18%

A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 66°F – Precip: 14%

A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. North wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Most popular house this week

This renovated 1-bed, 1.5-bath home sits in the heart of Old Town Key West, in the coveted X flood zone. Quartz countertops, custom wood cabinetry, and top-of-the-line stainless appliances deliver a smart update that keeps the historic charm intact. A cozy sleeping loft adds a playful, flexible nook for guests or lazy afternoons. The vibe is equal parts polished and timeless.

Set on a generously sized lot, a separate structure works as a studio, guest room, or private cabana. An included 1/10 interest in the private parking area behind the residence is a rare Key West perk.

Take a peek inside →