Upper Keys Rotary Club

05/28/2026

This is what the Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Market makes possible!

Because of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, donors, and everyone who shows up to support this event year after year, the Upper Keys Rotary Club was able to award $225,000 in scholarships and local program support this year.

Every sponsorship helps turn a community event into real opportunities for local students, returning college students, Take Stock in Children, technical training, and other programs that help build brighter futures in the Upper Keys.

To our 2026 Gigantic Nautical Market sponsors, thank you for believing in our event, supporting our community, and helping send kids to college.

Your impact reaches far beyond event weekend.

05/28/2026

For the sixth consecutive year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks displays throughout the Florida Keys. Funds come from passenger user fees explicitly earmarked for promotional activities.

“Independence Day in the Florida Keys is more than fireworks; it’s a celebration of community, patriotism, and the traditions that bring generations of families together, especially this year, for America’s semi-quincentennial,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “We appreciate the continued partnership of Key West International Airport, the municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers who help make these celebrations possible across the Florida Keys each year.”

“From Key Largo to Key West, these celebrations bring our communities together and showcase the unique spirit of the Florida Keys,” said Richard Strickland, airport Executive Director. “The airport is proud to support these longstanding traditions and the volunteers and organizations who work hard each year to create safe, memorable Independence Day celebrations for residents and visitors.”

County airport-sponsored Independence Day event plans include (subject to change):

Key West
Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented Key West’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where White Street meets Atlantic Avenue, fireworks begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. For information, visit keywestrotary.com.

Big Pine Key
The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities on Friday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31. There will be vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities, and entertainment. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information.

Marathon
A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade at 11 a.m., July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach, hosted by the Rotary Club of Marathon, with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m., hosted by the City of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Viewers can watch from the beach or even offshore of Sombrero Beach by boat. Admission is free. Visit www.marathonrotary.org for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon.

Islamorada
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host an Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information.

Key Largo
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its 50th annual July 4 parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at mile marker 98.2 and end at mile marker 100. Northbound lanes will be closed from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Immediately following the parade, the community is invited to Key Largo Community Park for the Freedom Fest Picnic, featuring free hot dogs, kids' activities, food and drink vendors, and more. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the annual fireworks can be seen over Blackwater Sound, and the public is encouraged to view from their favorite bayfront establishment. Visit keylargochamber.org for more details.

**Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals.

05/27/2026

Last night was what the Upper Keys Rotary Club is all about.

On behalf of the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation and the generous sponsors of the Gigantic Nautical Market, our President, Matt Turk, and Immediate Past President, Anna Richards, had the honor of awarding scholarships to 43 local students from the Class of 2026.

For 13 consecutive years, the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships each year to students from Coral Shores High School, investing more than $2.5 million into the young people of our community.

Every dollar awarded last night was made possible by the Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Market, our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and everyone who shows up each year to support this incredible community tradition.

To the Class of 2026: congratulations. Your community is behind you, and we always will be. 🎓✨

05/19/2026

A Tuesday full of laughs, community updates, and emergency preparedness with the Upper Keys Rotary Club.

Happy dollars had the room laughing today, proving once again that Rotary meetings are never short on personality.

We also had the opportunity to hear from Holly Winhoven with Monroe County Emergency Management, who gave us a better understanding of the many responsibilities Monroe County Emergency Management - Florida Keys handles before, during, and after storms and emergencies in the Keys.

One topic discussed was the Business Hurricane Early Re-Entry Placard Program, which helps approved businesses and essential employees access the Keys sooner after a storm when conditions allow. If your business may qualify, visit www.monroecountyem.com for more information on hurricane preparedness.

05/05/2026

We can’t wait!!

Mark your calendars for RYLA 2027 to be held in Islamorada, Florida Keys, February 5-7th!

05/05/2026

A packed and informative meeting today with the Upper Keys Rotary Club.

We had the opportunity to hear from Monroe County Mayor, Michelle Lincoln, who gave a great breakdown of what the BOCC is responsible for and shared an update on the current state of the county. From infrastructure and emergency services to planning and growth, it’s a lot that impacts our day-to-day here in the Keys, and it was valuable to hear it firsthand.

And in true Rotary fashion, we kept things light too… Terry Abel brought the Cinco de Mayo spirit to newsmakers and definitely delivered a few laughs. 🌮

Also worth noting… Robert and Claire showed up perfectly coordinated today and we had to capture it. Safe to say they won best dressed. 👏

Always a good balance of staying informed, staying connected, and enjoying the time together as a club.

Monroe County BOCC - Florida Keys

04/29/2026

We’re proud to support the students and music programs right here in the Upper Keys 🎶

Thanks to the dedication of these young musicians and their directors, programs like this continue to grow and thrive. It’s an honor for our club to play a small part in helping provide the resources they need.

Join us this Thursday for the Tri-School End of Year Concert featuring Key Largo School, Plantation Key School, and Coral Shores High School.

📍 Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center
🕖 7pm

Come out and show your support for these talented students and the future of our community

Join us for an unforgettable night of music! The Tri-School Spring Concert showcases the talented students of the Coral Shores High School Band, Key Largo School Band, and Plantation Key School Band. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

🗓 Thursday, April 30, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center

04/29/2026

Looking for Saturday night plans? Check out the Miss Coral Shores Scholarship Contest hosted by our member, Lorie LaLonde Miller!

Join us this Saturday, May 2nd, for the Miss Coral Shores Scholarship Contest, proudly sponsored by the Chi Sigma Sorority. All proceeds support the Miss Coral Shores Scholarships. Come celebrate our students as they take the stage and show why they were "Born to Sparkle"! 💚💛

04/28/2026

Another great Tuesday with the Upper Keys Rotary Club.

We were excited to officially welcome Sylvia Rossi-Montero into the club, with Darrin Carroll standing in as her sponsor. Sylvia, we’re so glad to have you as part of our Rotary family.

Our guest speaker, Danielle Smalling with Island Dolphin Care, shared more about the incredible work they’re doing through their rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities and veterans. Truly inspiring to hear the impact happening right here in our community.

Scholarship season is in full swing, and our high school interviews are officially underway. We’ve been so impressed with the candidates so far. These scholarships, funded through the Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Market, continue to support some amazing futures.

It’s all about showing up, giving back, and investing in the next generation.

04/22/2026