UF IFAS Monroe County Extension

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CFAjhH7cT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A Cooler Turn for the Keys? Fingers crossed!🤞🏻📉

🌡After peaking in early September, temperatures have cooled, and many monitored sites are now dipping below the coral bleaching threshold.

That is encouraging news, but some sites are still hovering near or just above that level, and heat stress can linger even after temperatures begin to fall.

🔍We’ll continue monitoring conditions closely as the season winds down.

What’s your favorite “summer’s ending” tell? Bonus points for a photo. 🔆➡🍂

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

Fun and exciting events for the Middle Keys. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BUeXomJPN/

A Message from Curry Hammock State Park
STARRY, STARRY NIGHT IS BACK!

Join us at Curry Hammock State Park for our 9th Annual Starry Starry Night Program!

We’re excited to welcome back Libby and Jay Elliott of the Florida Keys Astronomy Club for another season of exploring the night sky!

Come discover the wonders of the universe, learn about stars, planets, and constellations, and enjoy a beautiful evening of stargazing right here in the Florida Keys.

2026–2027 Program Dates:

⭐ Friday, November 6, 2026

⭐ Friday, December 11, 2026

⭐ Friday, January 8, 2027

⭐ Friday, February 5, 2027

⭐ Friday, March 5, 2027

A Little Something Extra for November 6th!

Join us a little early for some live acoustic guitar music before we begin our evening of stargazing. What better way to enjoy a beautiful Florida Keys evening than with a little music under the stars!

Arrival Times:
November & December: Arrive by 6:00 PM
January–March: Arrive by 6:30 PM

Programs begin at nightfall.

Curry Hammock State Park – 56233 Ocean Dr, Marathon, FL

What to bring:
Lawn chairs, family, friends, and curiosity!
All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Regular Park admission fees apply.
Telescopes provided by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks
(your donations at work).

Come spend an evening with us discovering the secrets of the universe. We hope to see you under the stars!


Florida Keys Astronomy Club
Marathon Public Library Branch - Monroe County
Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
The Keys Weekly Newspapers
Thunder Country Radio Station Info News City of Marathon, Florida Monroe County BOCC - Florida Keys
Islamorada, Village of Islands
Hawks Cay Resort
Keys Life Magazine

10/16/2026

Tomorrow! Saturday, October 17th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden!
Don't miss this opportunity to start your own tomatoes and take home some bonus seeds for your fall garden 🌱🍅

🍅 Grow Your Own Tomatoes and Get Expert Gardening Advice! 🌱

This October, the Monroe County Master Gardener Volunteers are bringing a special Plant Clinic Workshop to three locations throughout the Florida Keys!

The workshop is designed as a drop-in activity! Come anytime during the listed hours, attend the tomato workshop, chat with Master Gardeners, and stay as long or as little as your schedule allows.

- Learn how to grow tomatoes in the Florida Keys
- Plant your own Campari tomato seeds to take home
- Get answers to your gardening questions from Master Gardener Volunteers

We're kicking off the series this Wednesday at the Key Largo Library!

See the flyer for all October dates and locations. We hope to see you there!

10/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our information session!
If you were unable to attend and would like access to the recording, I am happy to send it your way.

Contact:
[email protected] / 305-998-9580

Do you love plants, gardening, and giving back to your community?

The Monroe County Master Gardener Volunteer Program offers a unique opportunity to grow your horticultural knowledge while sharing research-based gardening information with others.

Interested in learning more? Join us for a free virtual information session on Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. to learn about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the upcoming 2027 training class, and the many ways volunteers make a difference throughout Monroe County.

Applications for the 2027 program are now open!

Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply eager to learn, there's a place for you in the Master Gardener program. Come discover how you can continue learning, connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, and help our community grow greener.

When: Thursday, October 15, 5:30-6:30 PM
Where: Zoom

Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/94233142396?pwd=4oarFNH0RpMsJEOOJoe75VWoyNNGw4.1

10/14/2026

Check out our recent blog to learn all about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Monroe County!
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/monroeco/2026/10/02/grow-your-gardening-knowledge-while-giving-back-become-a-master-gardener-volunteer/

Interested in learning more?
Join me for a free virtual information session on Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. to learn about the upcoming 2027 Master Gardener Volunteer training and the many ways volunteers make a difference throughout Monroe County.

Zoom Information Session
Thursday, October 15
5:30-6:30 PM

To receive the Zoom link:
Text 305-998-9580 or email [email protected]

10/13/2026

Do you love plants, gardening, and giving back to your community?

The Monroe County Master Gardener Volunteer Program offers a unique opportunity to grow your horticultural knowledge while sharing research-based gardening information with others.

Interested in learning more? Join us for a free virtual information session on Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. to learn about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the upcoming 2027 training class, and the many ways volunteers make a difference throughout Monroe County.

Applications for the 2027 program are now open!

Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply eager to learn, there's a place for you in the Master Gardener program. Come discover how you can continue learning, connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, and help our community grow greener.

When: Thursday, October 15, 5:30-6:30 PM
Where: Zoom

Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/94233142396?pwd=4oarFNH0RpMsJEOOJoe75VWoyNNGw4.1

10/13/2026

Looking for something fun to do in Islamorada?

Join us this Thursday, anytime from 9:30 am to noon, at the Islamorada Library for a Plant Clinic Workshop!

Learn the basics for successful tomato growing in the Keys and plant your own campari tomatoes 🍅

See you there!

🍅 Grow Your Own Tomatoes and Get Expert Gardening Advice! 🌱

This October, the Monroe County Master Gardener Volunteers are bringing a special Plant Clinic Workshop to three locations throughout the Florida Keys!

The workshop is designed as a drop-in activity! Come anytime during the listed hours, attend the tomato workshop, chat with Master Gardeners, and stay as long or as little as your schedule allows.

- Learn how to grow tomatoes in the Florida Keys
- Plant your own Campari tomato seeds to take home
- Get answers to your gardening questions from Master Gardener Volunteers

We're kicking off the series this Wednesday at the Key Largo Library!

See the flyer for all October dates and locations. We hope to see you there!