Jim McCarthy

Play at Founders Park reached a new level on June 29, as village officials cut the ribbon on a new customized playground. Kids flocked to the slides, swings, sensory panels and new climbing structures as local community members and village staff celebrated the completion of an $800,000 project. With a soft turf surface and plenty of areas to explore, the playground was constructed by Playmore Recreational Products & Services. A total of $497,771 was funded by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The playground is located where beach volleyball was formerly played. The court is now located where the playground once stood.

Sights from the Key Largo Fourth of July Parade Saturday, July 4, 2026. The day marked America's 250th Birthday. Photo by Doug Finger

Eric Ward, owner/operator of Treasure Cove Collectibles, is pictured in his trading card and collectibles shop located in Tavernier. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Founders Park baseball field is owned by the Village of Islamorada. It serves as home to the Coral Shores High School baseball program. JASON RAFTER/Keys Weekly

Local community members attend a home dedication ceremony on Valencia Drive in Key Largo on June 29. The occasion celebrated the new homeowners who were able to achieve the dream thanks to Habitat for Humanity of the Florida Keys. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The board of the College of the Florida Keys, with six new members appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year, is continuing to seek termination of President Jonathan Gueverra’s contract.

Hundreds trekked Jewfish Creek Bridge — the gateway into the Florida Keys — during last year’s First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run presented by the Keys Weekly Newspapers.

Islamorada village officials discuss the 2026 budget at a July 7 meeting at the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Connor Freeman, who recently graduated from Key West High School, became an immigrant advocate last year, when a close friend was detained by immigration officials. Freeman organized a July 12 protest on Duval Street to make people aware of the Haitian immigration situation. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Rotarian Don Horton and fellow Rotarians help organize distribution of supplies shipped from Florida.