Key West December 2025 Newsfeed
- Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
- Nov 29, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Key West December 2025 Newsfeed: Get brief news updates from
local agencies and news sources.
Drug Investigation Leads to Fentanyl Arrest December 25, 2025 Monroe County Sherriff Website
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continues to make arrests in a large, ongoing narcotics investigation centered on the Lower Keys. On Dec. 25, 2025, Special Operations detectives arrested Rhonda Merle Stanfill, 44, of Big Coppitt Key. Stanfill is charged with selling cocaine and selling a controlled substance (hydrocodone acetaminophen). Her bond was set at $75,000.
Stanfill’s arrest is part of a months-long investigation focused on the sale of fentanyl and cocaine, primarily on Stock Island and in Key West. The operation involves multiple agencies, including the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and CBP Air and Marine Operations. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
Several other suspects have already been taken into custody as part of the same operation. Those arrested include Damonta Derek Knowles, 39, of Key West, charged with fentanyl and cocaine sales within 1,000 feet of a specified area and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, with bond set at $330,000. Humberto Hernandez, 65, of Stock Island, faces cocaine sales charges and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, with a $240,000 bond.
Additional arrests include Robert Lee Brown, 50, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales (bond $150,000); Zoryana Erica Brown, 28, of Stock Island and Key West, charged with cocaine sales and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (bond $130,000); Isidro Fernandez, 40, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales (bond $50,000); Lourdes Nodal Santana, 59, of Stock Island, charged with cocaine sales (bond $50,000); and Jasmine Isabel Maisonet, 43, of Stock Island, arrested on a warrant for fentanyl sales within 1,000 feet of a specified area, with bond set at $25,000.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that the investigation remains active as they continue efforts to disrupt narcotics trafficking in the Florida Keys.
Food Pantry Funds Awarded
12/18/25
The City of Key West today distributed $7,500 each to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and AH Monroe. Leah Stockton, Director of Development for AH Monroe, accepted a check at City Hall. The funding was electronically distributed to FKOC. On December 10th, the City Commission approved up to $75,000 for local nonprofits to ensure that residents have access to food. Through a quick turn-around application process, qualified nonprofits can apply for up to $7,500 to serve members of the community in need of food. The applications are available on the City’s website at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov. Applying organizations will find a button called “Human Services Form” near the top of the page. One click and they are able to access the form. In order to quickly serve the need of the community, the qualified applications will be fulfilled in a first come first serve basis. The commission set the deadline for applying as December 31st. All programs that address food insecurity in the community are strongly urged to apply.
Source: Alyson Crean, Public Information Officer, City of Key West
305-809-1058
George Mira, Football Legend, Has Passed Away
12/9/25
Key West mourns the passing of legendary quarterback George Mira, Sr., who played for the Canes from 1961-63. “The Matador” was a two-time All-American who led the nation in total offense in 1963. He is one of five UM players to have his jersey retired.
Source: Jack Niles Jr., The Key West Post Guest Sports Writer
City of Key West Calendar:
Poinciana Elementary School Jingle Walk - Street Closure Notice
12/8/25
December 9, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
This is a rolling street closure. Free to the public event begins at Poinciana Elementary School with Santa, crafts, cookies & music and continues with an escorted walk through the Avenues to view the holiday lights. Route includes Staples, Seidenburg, Harris, Fogarty, 10th Street, 12th Street and route is subject to change.
Key West Art & Historical Society Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar - Street Closure and City Property Event Notice
December 12, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Event will take place at the Customs House and Clinton Place. Front Street will be closed from Greene to Whitehead. Setup will begin at 11:00 AM.
A Positive Step of Monroe County 5K Run/Walk - Street Closure Notice
December 13, 2025, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
This is a street closure notice. Race begins at the Duval Street Pocket Park at Duval & South Street, takes a right on South St. to Casa Marina, past Higgs Beach and White Street Pier to a turnaround point and back to Duval & South Street.
Deck the Hulls! 34th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Key West Lighted Boat Parade - City Property Event Notice
December 13, 2025, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Key West Historic Seaport and Marina
Key West Triathlon - Street Closure Notice
December 14, 2025, 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This is a street closure. The Triathlon begins and ends at Higgs Beach. Racers start with a swim off Higgs Beach, then get their bicycles. They head east along S. Roosevelt for 2.5 miles, u-turning before Flagler, then returning to Higgs Beach. Racers will do this one to four times on their bicycles. Racers then run east for 1-3 miles on the S. Roosevelt sidewalk before returning to the finish line. Motorists should expect delays.
Jewish Celebration
12/8/25
The community is invited to Bayview Park on Sunday, December 14th for the lighting of the menorah. The celebration begins at 4 p.m., the lighting will be at 5 p.m.
Rabbi Shimon Dudai from Congregation B’Nai Zion and Rabbi Jacob Zucker from Chabad of the Florida Keys will say the blessings.
Source: Alyson Crean, Public Information Officer, City of Key West
Cemetery Revitalization Program
12/8/25
Mayor Danise "DeeDee" Henriquez is calling a community meeting to kick off the new Cemetery Revitalization Program. The gathering takes place Wednesday, December 17, 5:30–7:00 p.m. on the lawn of the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House.
Dr. Cori Convertito, curator and historian for the Key West Art and Historical Society, and historian Clinton Curry will speak about the important stories and heritage preserved in the cemetery, highlighting why this revitalization effort matters to the community.
"Enjoy light bites, community fellowship, and stories that bring our island's history to life," said Mayor Henriquez, "as we begin this important effort to preserve our city's treasured cemetery for generations to come."
Source: Alyson Crean, Public Information Officer, City of Key West
City Proclaims Key West Junior Football League Day
12/3/25
Mayor Henriquez and the Key West City Commission have officially proclaimed December 2nd as Key West Junior Football League Day. Founded in 1963, the League has long been a cornerstone of youth development, sportsmanship, and community pride. Over the decades, it has provided generations of young athletes with opportunities to learn teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience, while also strengthening bonds among families, volunteers, and supporters across the island community.
The proclamation noted that the 2025 season stands as one of the League’s most successful to date. It's marked by exceptional athletic achievement and exemplary conduct both on and off the field.
The City expressed its deep appreciation for the extraordinary outpouring of community involvement and support—from coaches, mentors, parents, sponsors, alumni, and countless volunteers—whose dedication continues to make the League a model for youth sports programs throughout the Florida Keys.
Source: Alyson Crean, Public Information Officer, City of Key West
Update on Grand Jury Report 12/3/25
At this week’s City Commission meeting, City Manager Brian L. Barroso shared an update on how the City of Key West is moving forward with the recommendations issued by the grand jury last spring. His report showed that the City has made substantial progress, with many of the items already completed.
Out of the 27 recommendations, 16 are fully complete. Five more are 90 percent finished, one is 75 percent complete, three are halfway done, and just two remain at 10 percent. Barroso explained the details of the items still in progress and emphasized the City’s commitment to accessibility, openness, and transparency in carrying out the recommendations.
He also noted that the City has been working closely with Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunn and members of the former grand jury to ensure that the true spirit of the recommendations is being honored. Residents can follow along with the City’s progress. The report is updated regularly and is available right at the top of the City’s official website: www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov.
Source: Alyson Crean, Public Information Officer, City of Key West
City Commission Election Updates
12/2/25
Greg Veliz, former city manager, has been chosen to fill District 5 vacant City Commission seat. Harry Russell, who announced he was running in the election to fill that seat, has dropped out of the race.
Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
Liana is a Key West native who loves writing about her island home. She taught English to students in grades 6–12 for nearly 35 years in Key West schools, sharing her love of literature and language with generations of local students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Liana is the owner of Conch Media Group, LLC, and the creator and manager of The Key West Post. Her goal is to keep readers informed about the issues that matter most in Key West. As a lifelong local, she offers a perspective often missing from corporate media and from journalists and bloggers who are new to the island. When Liana isn't writing and managing this website, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. On most days, you’ll find her walking, biking, or running outdoors, soaking up the natural beauty, friendly people, and diverse cultures that make Key West so special.
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