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Good morning, Key West! In today’s edition: Lilly Pulitzer’s Casa Marina debut, ocean Christmas trees for coral restoration, Wienerpalooza 2026, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
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.
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.
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.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*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:
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🫶 We got your back
Holiday spirit goes underwater: Publix partnered with FORCE BLUE veterans to plant “ocean Christmas trees” in the Florida Keys, restoring coral and raising awareness. The Publix Coral Nursery now holds 25 tree-like structures kept upright by buoys. The project was funded by associate and customer donations through the Good Together environmental campaign. See how it came together.
Craving a burrito win? The food-truck crew at Garbo’s Grill rolls hefty Cayo Fish, Korean BBQ, and Yum Yum Shrimp burritos that taste beachy and indulgent, with live tunes drifting from Hank’s. When your week needs a reset, this hits.
Dive in, no wetsuit: For a midweek brain refresh, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center serves interactive exhibits on Keys habitats, a replica of the Aquarius undersea lab, and a 20-minute theater film. Low-key, family-friendly, and ideal when you want science without sunscreen, plus an easy indoor break that still feels adventurous.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📖 Story Time @ Key West Branch Library | Friday (1/9) at 4:00 PM – Got a tiny human who narrates everything? Friday mornings, skip the Duval crawl and hit Story Time @ Key West for tales, crafts, and hands-on fun for ages 6 and under. The island’s chill hour, with fewer margaritas, more glue sticks.
😂 Hemingway in a Funny Way @ Comedy | Friday (1/9) at 5:30 PM – Think Hemingway was all gloom, gin, and bullfights? Comedy Key West is reviving a tribute to Papa’s funnier side in his life and works, just a stumble from House of six-toed royalty. Local comics, sharp takes, and stories you can laugh about, not brood over.
🎶 Howard Livingston & MM24 Band @ Boondocks Grille and Draft House | Friday (1/9) at 6:30 PM – If you need a reminder why we live here, Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band hit Boondocks, the largest tiki bar in the Florida Keys. No cover, premium seats if you insist, and plenty of room to sway without spilling your rum runner.
🎤 CJ Garton @ Geiger Key Marina | Friday (1/9) at 7:00 PM – CJ Garton brings steel-soaked country to Geiger Key Marina, all salt air, sunset views, and songs that pair well with a cold something. Skip the Duval circus, grab a ticket, and settle in with the locals, your flip-flops, and a little honest twang.
🏃 Save Our First Responders 5K @ Truman Waterfront Park | Saturday (1/10) at 8:00 AM – Whether your running shoes are fresh or from the Clinton years, this 5K lets you break a sweat and back our first responders in one scenic loop on the island. Sponsored by Shatterproof FHE Health, it’s cardio, community, and guilt-free brunch after.
🎖 Civilian Auxiliary Corps Kickoff @ Dolphin Research Center | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Join us at Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key for a volunteer corps kickoff, a hands-on day fixing, cleaning, painting, and helping neighbors; we bring gear, guidance, and snacks. Think CCC reboot, Keys-style, and RSVP via DRC’s volunteer application to turn someday projects into done.
♻ Marine Debris Cleanup @ Sugarloaf Lodge | Sunday (1/11) at 1:00 PM – Grab a bag and a sense of humor, because we’re getting ‘trashed’ the right way on the grassy lawn behind Sugarloaf Lodge. Expect grub, drinks, and prizes for the strangest flotsam, show up by boat or car to help tidy waters that keep us here.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Key West locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 Key West report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 80°F – Low: 71°F – Precip: 14%
A slight chance of rain showers after 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 10 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 71°F – Precip: 6%
Sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
This house is wild
Rooted in Old Town Key West heritage, this 3,624-square-foot, 4-bed, 4.5-bath home blends original Dade County pine, soaring ceilings, and transom windows with updated systems and surround sound. Each bedroom has an en suite. The chef’s eat-in kitchen pairs Viking appliances with granite. Sunlit living areas open through impact glass to a heated saltwater pool and separate hot tub, all wrapped in lush landscaping for privacy.
Upstairs, the primary suite brings vaulted ceilings and a spa bath with soaking tub, dual shower heads, and double vanities. A second en suite has its own entrance and balcony. Fully furnished and with covered off-street parking, it sits one block from Duval Street and the Southernmost Point.
Take a peek inside →
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