Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

06/14/2026

Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys works to create and preserve affordable housing for local residents. When their 125-year-old building housing 12 low-income families developed severe termite issues, the stability of those homes was at risk.

With support from local donors through the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys' In Paradise for Good community grants program, the building was first treated for subterranean termites and then fully tented at the end of May.

Improving this structure preserves 12 affordable homes as well as a piece of historic Key West architecture.🏘️

https://bit.ly/3RQDvBr

Connect with the Foundation and make positive change happen in the Keys.
✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq

Learn more and at cffk.org

06/12/2026

It's hard for Florida Keys families to find affordable, enriching opportunities for children during the summer months.

That's why programs like Seacamp Association, Inc. summer camp are important. Campers spend their days exploring the marine environment and learning about science and conservation through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity. Along the way, they're building confidence, developing new skills, and making memories with friends.

Funding through the Community Foundation's annual grants program is helping make these opportunities accessible to more local youth and families throughout the Keys.

Check out Lola's story about why she loves Seacamp👇️

https://bit.ly/3RM8hLD

Connect with the Foundation and make positive change happen in the Keys.
✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq

Learn more and at cffk.org

06/11/2026

Tomorrow at noon, the official ballot for the 2026 Primary Election will be finalized, and tomorrow evening at 5:00PM Hometown Key West hosts their signature MEET THE CANDIDATES event at the Tennessee Williams Theatre.

Voters will hear directly from candidates why they’re running, what they stand for, and why they’re asking for your vote.

This is democracy up close and personal. Pick up campaign information, meet the people seeking to represent you, and be part of the first major conversation shaping the 2026 election.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Tune in to US1 Radio 104.1 and Pirate Radio Thursday night and Friday morning for the latest candidate news, filing updates, and election buzz before the official 2026 ballot is unveiled.

Who's in? Who's out? Is anyone going to file last minute?
Don't miss the final developments before the big ballot announcement at Meet the Candidates!

THURSDAY 6/11 5pm - 5:30 pm
US1 Radio 104.1 Evening Edition Nick Wright

FRIDAY 6/12 7:30 am – 9 am
US1 Radio 104.1 Morning Magazine Joe Moore

FRIDAY 6/12 8:45 am
Pirate Radio Morning Show Jack Smith & Kim Works

MEET THE CANDIDATES

FRIDAY, June 12
5:00 pm Meet & Greet
5:30 pm Program

Tennessee Wms Theatre / CCFK

06/11/2026

🎉Congratulations to John Gabay, the Florida Keys Volunteer of the Week, and to The Lower Keys Rotary! 🙌

The annual Unsung Heroes Celebration is sponsored by Lower Keys Medical Center with marketing support provided by The Keys Weekly Newspapers.

"Each year, John spends countless hours securing prizes and raffle donations from local businesses for the Kids Bridge Fishing Tournament in Big Pine Key. Because of his efforts, more than two hundred children who participate in this free community event are guaranteed to go home with a prize and a smile. His dedication helps create a fun and welcoming experience for families and keeps this beloved tradition strong year after year."

Thank you for your volunteer service, John!

✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq

Learn more and at cffk.org

06/10/2026

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys helps facilitate local generosity when it is needed most.

Through a grant from The Driftwood Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation, $5,000 was awarded to the Key West Police Department Love Fund to support Key West Police Department Officer Mike Pettee and MCSO - Florida Keys Deputy Tiffany Rodda as they recover from a devastating house fire.

Officer Pettee and Deputy Rodda were injured in the May 7 fire at their Big Pine Key home and are continuing their recovery. Thankfully their five children were not home at the time of the fire.

We are grateful to The Driftwood Fund for stepping forward to help a local family during this challenging time and to the Key West Police Love Fund for providing support to our first responders when they need it most.

Connect with the Foundation and make positive change happen in the Keys.
✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq

Learn more and at cffk.org

06/09/2026

Honoring Excellence in Education:

For more than two decades, the David Wolkowsky Teachers of Merit Awards have recognized Key West High School teachers who go above and beyond.

Established in 2001 by the late David Wolkowsky, known as "Mr. Key West," the awards were created to celebrate outstanding teachers and demonstrate the community's appreciation for their work.

David Wolkowsky presented the awards each year until his death in 2018, and his legacy continues today through a charitable fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.

This year, ten Key West High School educators were recognized through the David Wolkowsky Teachers of Merit Awards and the Harry & Linda Bryant Classroom Enhancement Award, receiving a total of $66,000 in awards.

Congratulations to:

⭐ Paula Mercer, Teacher of Merit Award
⭐ Andrew Freeman
⭐ Leslie McComsey
⭐ Deborah Hamilton
⭐ Joshua Olearnek
⭐ Gianna Pantina
⭐ Casey Daigle
⭐ Rebecca Bertucci
⭐ Kerry Malcosky
⭐ Patricia Rech, Harry & Linda Bryant Classroom Enhancement Award

Big thank you to all of the educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of our youth.

Connect with the Foundation and make positive change happen in the Keys.
✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq

Learn more and at cffk.org

06/04/2026

We're excited to see all of the fun activities Conch Discovery Campers are doing this summer!

This year, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys provided grant funding to help the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center offer camp scholarships to local workforce families.

The camp gives children the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and environment of the Florida Keys through hands-on learning experiences while providing families with a safe, enriching place for their children during summer break.

When the History & Discovery Center launched its pilot camp program, demand quickly exceeded available space and a waitlist formed almost immediately. Through scholarship support, more local children can participate in educational experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

06/04/2026

🎉Congratulations to Roy and Stephanie Freeman, the Florida Keys Volunteers of the Week, and to I.CARE! 🙌

The annual Unsung Heroes Celebration is sponsored by Lower Keys Medical Center with marketing support provided by The Keys Weekly Newspapers.

"Roy and Stephanie Freeman have been extraordinary volunteers with I.CARE, bringing unwavering dedication and contagious enthusiasm to coral restoration efforts in the Middle and Upper Florida Keys. Whether diving to transplant coral and sponge fragments, tending to existing outplants through careful maintenance activities, or contributing countless hours at the land based nursery when diving was not possible, they always show up with reliability and heart."

Thank you for your volunteer service, Roy and Stephanie!

✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq

Learn more and at cffk.org

05/30/2026

This year, scholarship funds at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys helped award $86,500 in scholarships to 45 students from Key Largo to Key West.

These students are preparing for careers in education, nursing, engineering, the arts, public safety, and many other fields. Some are heading to large universities and Ivy League schools. Others are staying in Florida to make the most of Bright Futures scholarships and in-state tuition opportunities.

Many also hope to return to the Keys and build their future here in the community that helped support them.

Each scholarship has its own story. Some honor a loved one, some support students pursuing a specific career path, attending a certain university, or excelling in athletics or academics. Together they show us how much this community cares and takes care of its own. 🫶

We look forward to staying connected with these students and following where their journeys lead next.

Scholarship funds can be a meaningful way to honor a loved one, support young people in the Florida Keys, and leave a lasting legacy. Interested in learning more? Reach out to us:

✔ CONNECT: https://bit.ly/42n42Z6
✔ JOIN US: [email protected]
✔ GIVE FOR GOOD: https://bit.ly/4nnW4Zq