Key West January 2026 Newsfeed
- Staff Writer
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Key West January 2026 Newsfeed
By: Staff Writer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Recent Incidents
December 30, 2025
Two Arrested for Child Neglect
Two Tavernier adults were arrested after deputies responded to a disturbance at the Mangrove Marina bar where young children were present. Witnesses said the pair arrived heavily intoxicated in a golf-cart-style vehicle with three small children, including an infant just a few months old. When bystanders tried to stop them from driving, a fight broke out. At least one child reportedly wandered into the street, and the infant was nearly dropped. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, and both adults were taken to jail.
Man Dies in Snorkeling-Related Incident
A 60-year-old man from Minnesota died after a snorkeling incident near the Sombrero Key Lighthouse off Marathon. He reportedly lost consciousness while in the water, and lifesaving efforts began immediately. The U.S. Coast Guard brought him ashore, but he was pronounced dead later that afternoon. Authorities say foul play is not suspected, and autopsy results are pending.
Undersized Lobsters Found in Traffic Stop
A routine traffic stop on Summerland Key led to the arrest of a man from Cocoa, Florida. Deputies found 11 lobsters in the vehicle, three of which were undersized, along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The driver had been notified the day before that his license was suspended. He was taken to jail on multiple charges, including possession of undersized lobsters and driving with a suspended license.
Man Cited for Illegal Fish
An Islamorada marine deputy issued a mandatory court citation to a Florida City man for possessing an undersized and out-of-season hogfish. The violation was discovered during a patrol near Mile Marker 79. The man was also cited for not having a valid fishing license.
Man Cited for Camping
A Key West man was cited for illegally camping on county property on Stock Island. Deputies found him sleeping under a makeshift shelter hidden in bushes, with numerous empty alcohol containers nearby. He had been warned previously about camping in the area. Deputies cleaned up the litter and confirmed space was available at the John Jones Navigation Center, but the man said he does not like staying there.
Source: Monroe County Sheriffs Department
Food Pantry Funding
December 29, 2025
The City of Key West has given out $75,000 to help fight food insecurity on the island, with 11 local nonprofits receiving up to $7,500 each. The funding was approved by the City Commission on Dec. 10 and was designed to get help out quickly to organizations already feeding people in the community.
Using an online application, the city reviewed requests on a first-come, first-served basis and issued checks within days. The funds went to a mix of churches, nonprofits, and service organizations, including Samuel’s House, the Boys and Girls Club of the Keys, ReMARCable Citizens, and several local ministries, all working to make sure Key West residents have access to food when they need it.
“We’re proud of a system that allowed us to turn applications into aid so quickly,” said Acting City Manager Rod Delostrinos. “We’re just glad to help our community.”
Source: Alyson Crean, Public Information Officer, City of Key West