‘FESTIVAL OF MUSIC’ GRACES FOUNDERS PARK

The Florida Keys Community Concert Band will take to the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park Saturday, March 18 at 4 p.m. for a concert titled “Festival Of Music.” This is a family-friendly concert of movie, Broadway and patriotic music, including a special sensory presentation of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” Ukulele Joy will entertain before and after the concert. Bring a blanket, a chair and a picnic basket for a concert in the park.

Topics include the Keys’ booms and busts, industries such as shipwreck salvage, cultural and artistic expression, sport fishing, community leaders, natural disasters and renewal, environmental conservation and the legacy of black pioneers.

Multimillion-dollar residential listing in Upper Keys

Kids Cay, located at 141 Cortez Drive in Islamorada, is up for sale with a price tag of $29.7 million. Listed by Sarah Ewald and Sabrina Wampler of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, this property boasts three homes; a main house, an expansive guest house and a caretaker’s cottage. The property contains a quarter mile of white sand beach. This tropical estate has nearly 8.5 acres of upland plus 7.98 acres of ocean bottom with ample and protected concrete dockage, plus oceanfront observation pier. Homes have ample water views, spacious porches and a resort-style pool.

Bereavement support group at St. James Episcopal Church

Most people experience the pain of grief at some point in their lives. Support groups can provide muchneeded emotional and practical help during those difficult times.

St. James Episcopal Church is offering ongoing bereavement support groups throughout the year, starting with a four-week pilot program to help determine the best format for bereavement groups in the Upper Keys. The four sessions that are planned will explore some common myths about grief, develop an understanding of the grief process as well as strategies for coping with loss. Sympathetic listening to others’ stories and concerns will be a part of each session. Participants are free to share as little or as much as they find helpful. By the end of the four weeks, group member feedback should aid in the formulation of a plan

Last year, UWCK awarded six scholarships to students throughout the Keys. With these scholarships the recipients have been afforded opportunities for success, including Key West residents Gracia Rojas and Cricket Desmarais. Rojas completed an EPP/ MSI funded research study titled “Effects of direct removal on the population dynamics of corallivorous snails” and was on the College of the Florida Keys President’s List in the fall of 2022. Using her marine science education and experience in creative writing, Desmarais has recently taken a position as NOAA’s communications coordinator for Mission: Iconic Reefs.

A scholarship committee will review the applicants, taking into consideration educational achievement, career objectives, school activities, references, and financial status. Priority will be given to students already participating in this work and demonstrating financial need. The application period is open and ends Friday, April 7. Eligibility requirements and more information about the scholarship, as well as a link to the application, are at keysunitedway.org/marine-scienceeducational-advancement-scholarship.

Health Departments gets new clinical manager

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) announced the promotion of Priscilla Hunter to clinic manager.

In her new role, Hunter will maintain all three clinic schedules and continue efforts to standardize processes to deliver the highest quality care using evidence-based practice.

“We are so pleased to promote Priscilla Hunter into the role as clinic manager,” said DOH-Monroe Administrator and Health Officer Dr. Carla Fry. “This is a new position for the department. Our staff and clients will both benefit greatly from Priscilla’s experience and leadership abilities.”

Hunter has more than a decade of nursing experience. She began her new role on Feb. 24.

Her experience includes pediatric emergency medicine, adult acute care, college health, and public health.