News Flash

One of the Keys’ most spectacular natural events has returned: turtle nesting season.

The City of Key West wants to remind residents and visitors to keep the lights out near the beaches so that turtles can lay their eggs in peace and the hatchlings can find their way safely to the water.

Hatchlings naturally run toward light, so we're asking that anyone living near the beach turn off the outdoor lighting and close your shades or curtains if at all possible. If the lights cannot be completely doused, try shielding them so that they don't shine toward the beach. Baby turtles are drawn to light after they hatch from their sandy nests. Porch lights can be fatal to these hatchlings.

Key West's beaches are closed to the public each night at 11 p.m., and this time of year it's vital that people heed the law. April 15th through October 31st is turtle nesting season -- that time of year when these magnificent creatures crawl up out of the sea to deposit their eggs in the sand.

The organization Save-A-Turtle has, in past years, seen evidence that females have crawled up on the beach and returned to the water without laying any eggs. Turtle watchers suspect these "false crawls" may be the result of human interference.

Although it's tempting to try and witness this rare and wonderful aspect of our ocean environment, it's not worth the consequences. Nesting beaches have diminished as development has increased over the past several decades. It's crucial that we do all we can to ensure safe nesting beaches in Key West.

Join us for Key West Day with the Miami Marlins and celebrate our island community at the ballpark.  This City-sponsored event is a fun way to show your Key West pride while supporting a great local cause.  For every ticket sold through this special offer, $5 will be donated to the Key West Police Athletic League (PAL) to help provide youth sports, activities, and educational programs that build confidence, character, and positive relationships between local youth, law enforcement, and the community.  Additionally, every ticket includes a special Key West Day shirt.  Come out, enjoy the game, and help support the next generation of Key West.

At Loandepot Park, the Cleveland Guardians vs. the Miami Marlins at 4:10 PM on July 11, 2026

Tickets: $37.74 - $61.97

To Purchase Your Discounted Tickets:

1. Select your desired seat location(s) 
2. Select the quantity of tickets and click the "Continue" button
3. Confirm and submit payment
4. Get ready to enjoy the Marlins game!  Tickets are located on the MLB Ballpark app under the email you used to make your purchase.

Ticket Delivery:

You will receive an email from noreply@fevogm.com with a receipt of your purchase and instructions to access your tickets in the MLB Ballpark app. 

Questions?

For questions or assistance, please contact Ashley Scheinfeldt at ascheinfeldt@marlins.com or 3

The City of Key West is pleased to announce the award of a Tourist Development Council (TDC) grant totaling approximately $4.62 million in support of the Mallory Square Phase 1 Master Plan Project.

“This represents a major milestone in advancing the long-range vision established in the Mallory Square Master Plan prepared by Sasaki,” said City Manager Brian L. Barroso. “Our team is already coordinating next steps and initiating preparations to stand up the projects that align with this plan. The approved funding reflects some of the highest priority elements identified in the master plan.”

Those elements include:

•    $1.92 million for the construction of new public restroom facilities

•    $1.00 million for shade structures to enhance comfort and usability during peak daytime hours

•    $700,000 thousand for furnishings and landscaping to improve aesthetics, functionality, and the overall visitor experience

“This investment positions the City to make meaningful, visible improvements at Mallory Square,” said Barroso, “The City of Key West sincerely appreciates the TDC’s support and partnership. Together, we remain committed to aligning capital investments with the City’s broader strategic priorities including strengthening tourism assets, enhancing public amenities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of our most valued venues.”

Key West Police Detective Sgt. Jesse Hammers has just returned from training in Pensacola to become an instructor for the FBI’s National Academy Associates course on Resiliency.

The training incorporates physical, spiritual, social, and mental health and the importance these topics are for our first responders. The training helps not only recognize the signs of stressors from the position of a first responder, but also how to prepare and manage the wellbeing of ourselves and to help each other when life challenges us to the core. 

Now Sgt. Hammers can provide this training to the men and women of the Key West Police Department.

“First responders, by nature of the career, are exposed to an abnormal amount of traumatic events while on the job,” said Sgt. Hammers. “It takes courage to run towards the danger when many would sprint in the opposite direction. It takes even more courage and strength to acknowledge the emotional and mental strain which oftentimes goes unseen.

“Having had my own personal experience with digging toward a rock bottom,” he continues, “it is my belief that taking care of not only our physical health, but our mental and spiritual health is one of the greatest ways to live with fulfillment, happiness, and peace in the journey of life. My favorite phrase is: It’s ok not to be OK. That’s what this training was about for me; knowing life will undoubtably be difficult and will challenge you, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s seek self-improvement together and face the struggles together and use it to strengthen our growth for the journey that lies ahead.”

In a recent awards ceremony, Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg honored Denise Richardson for her 15 years of dedicated service.

Richardson came to the Key West Police Department in December of 2010 and has served an invaluable role in special services, overseeing the Department’s personnel and payroll.

The City of Key West wants to congratulate Michael Anderson for his New Role from the Fire Prevention Fire Marshal's office where he had the title of Lieutenant Inspector to the Fire Emergency Management and Training Division as Lieutenant.

A fifth-generation Conch born and raised in Key West, Anderson began his career with the department in March of 2015. Throughout his service, he has earned numerous State of Florida certifications, including Paramedic, Pump Operator, Fire Investigator, Life Safety Inspector, HAZMAT Technician, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Officer II, Live Fire Training Instructor, and Lead Instructor for the department.

In 2023, he was promoted to Lieutenant Inspector with the Fire Prevention Fire Marshal's Office and now serves in the Emergency Management and Training Division, where he continues to play an important role in strengthening departmental readiness and supporting community safety.

Anderson is currently pursuing a master's degree in Fire Executive Leadership with a concentration in Emergency Services Management. The City of Key West proudly recognizes Michael Anderson for his continued service and leadership within the Key West Fire Department.

A group of dedicated Key West High School students graduated this morning from the Key West Fire Department’s Firefighters Academy. Proud families, members of the Key West Fire Department, and City officials were on hand during the ceremony to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these students who have invested two years of training for their future careers as first responders. The ceremony was held at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum.

These students earned certifications in Firefighter I, Emergency Medical Responder, and Hazmat Awareness. The graduations marks the completion of physical training, over 191 hours of Firefighter I training, and more than 50 hours of Emergency Medical Responder training. Part of that training put them in the face of real-life firefighting challenges that tested their courage and determination.

Capt. Dereck Berger, who oversees the Academy, praised the group for the tenacity it requires to finish the academy, noting that they would do their grueling physical training in the early hours before heading off to a full day of high school.

“I am proud of your dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance,” Capt. Berger told the group. “As we have told you throughout the year, firefighting is one of the most honorable and rewarding professions you can choose. Whether you pursue this career or another path, this academy has prepared you for success. Carry forward the discipline, courage, and teamwork you have gained here, and let it guide you wherever life takes you.”

Fire Chief Alan Averette congratulated the students and said he hopes they pursue a career in firefighting and EMS. He pointed out that many of the current members of the department began as graduates of the academy.

The two-year fire academy trains future firefighters while they’re attending their final two years of high school and provides them, upon completion, the equivalent training of a Certified Firefighter I, which puts them halfway through the training required to become a Key West Firefighter.

The City of Key West and the City Commission today honored Key West Firefighter Lt. Brandon Ward for his 20 years of service to the City.

Lt. Ward started with the fire department in 2006. In 2018 he was promoted to Lieutenant. He is a Driver Engineer, State Certified Haz-Mat Tech, and serves on the Haz-Mat Team.

“His greatest attributes.” Said Fire Chief Alan Averette, “are that he is a leader, a mentor, a roll model for the younger firefighters of the Key West Fire Department.

“When a new firefighter starts on his watch,” Chief Averette continued, “he goes out of his way to take them a side and teaches them the right way to do things. His patience and strong communication skills are second to none. He is a true leader.”

Gazing up at the particularly tall firefighter, Chief Averette said, “Last thing I have to say about Brandon is that everyone in the KWFD looks up to him. Literally.”  

The City of Key West wants to welcome our newest firefighter, Wyatt Kuhn.

Kuhn is a 2023 graduate of Key West High School, where he played competitive baseball. He continued his academic and athletic career at Dyersburg State Community College, earning his associate degree while competing at the collegiate level.  Following his time in college athletics, Kuhn transitioned his focus toward public service, completing his fire service preparation at the Joe London Fire Training Academy in Grassy Key.

Now serving with the City of Key West Fire Department, Wyatt Kuhn brings discipline, teamwork, and dedication to protecting the lives and property of the community he calls home.

In a joint effort between Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez’s Keep Key West Beautiful Committee, the City Commission, and the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Thurston, of Truman and White Chevron, is the recipient of the Proud People Award for the month of May.

“For many, stopping at a gas station is just another routine errand,” said Commission Liaison Dorian Patton. “But for those who visit the Chevron on White Street, it has become something to look forward to, thanks to Phillip. From the very first interaction, he greets customers with a genuine smile, takes the time to learn their names, and remembers the details that turn a simple visit into a meaningful connection.”

“Whether it’s stepping outside to continue a conversation while someone fuels up or warmly welcoming each person who walks through the door, he creates an experience that is personal, memorable, and uplifting. In a world where interactions are often rushed, Phillip makes people feel seen, valued, and appreciated.”

The Key West Police Department Special Investigations Unit along with Homeland Security Investigations executed a narcotics search warrant on a residence on Truman Avenue. This investigation stemmed from multiple complaints of drug activity at the residence. Jason Larussa, 48, was the sole occupant at the residence. 

During the search warrant, detectives located 2.9 grams of fentanyl, 10.8g of powder cocaine, 1.3 grams of crack cocaine, 0.5 grams of methamphetamine, 0.7 grams of MDMA, 8 small tabs of LSD, 31.7 grams of marijuana, a digital scale with methamphetamine residue, and numerous plastic baggies consistent with narcotics sales.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.  A lethal dose of fentanyl is only 2 milligrams -- similar to 5-7 grains of salt.

Larussa was arrested and charged with six counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and felony possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Larussa was taken to jail without incident.

In an awards ceremony Friday, Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg commended eight members for their outstanding service. The ceremony was hosted by the Double Tree Grand Key Resort.

In the early morning hours of August 10, 2025, officers responded to the report of a break-in to an apartment in a complex on Elizabeth Street. They found blood outside of a broken window and, upon making entry, found more blood inside the apartment. 

The resident of one of the units reported that the suspect had climbed up a drainpipe and broken into the main corridor of the building. As the resident called 911, the suspect escaped.

After a thorough investigation the suspect was located in Key Haven and arrested.

The reporting resident, in a letter to Chief Sean Brandenburg, noted that she was terrified by the 3 a.m. invasion but that the responding officers were comforting, calming, and professional.

“I have found none finer,” she wrote, “than the amazing team of officers that responded to my 911 call. Every member of your team operated in a professional manner and provided exceptional service.”

“These officers’ dedication and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and brought distinguished professional recognition to the Department,” said Chief Brandenburg.

The Key West Police Department Special Investigations Unit, along with HSI and CBP, executed a narcotics search warrant at Fort Village Apartments. This investigation stemmed from numerous complaints regarding suspected drug activity at the residence. 

During the search warrant, detectives located powder cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale with methamphetamine residue, prescription medication, and cutting agents commonly used in the packaging and sales of narcotics. The four occupants of the residence were arrested for various charges.

Deborah Rodriguez, 52, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Angelina Fernandez, 59, was arrested and charged with possession of medication without prescription, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, and keeping a nuisance structure for drug activity. 

Alfred Kennedy, 61, was charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

Mark Stevens, 57, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

All suspects were taken to jail without incident.