Page 2 - Daniel Samess News Today

FLORIDA KEYS — It has been about two weeks since fully-vaccinated foreign travelers could enter the United States, after almost 20 months of being shut out of the Florida Keys

The American Automobile Association released a report last week forecasting the July 4th weekend to be one of the busiest in history as America emerges from COVID-19 and people look to travel again. But business leaders in the Florida Keys said the island chain is already so busy with tourists that locals might not even feel much of a difference. The Keys’ busy season in years past has ended when hotter summer months descend on the islands. But in 2021, a combination of tourists looking fo...

The challenge of finding adequate staff for employers is nothing new in the Florida Keys, but some are reporting that the issue could be worse than ever now. The economic upheaval caused by the pandemic caused many Americans, mostly those who make their living in low-paying service jobs, to the brink of financial desperation. Given the extremely high cost of living in the Keys, this caused many to pack up and seek refuge in more affordable areas, according to multiple sources. Daniel Samess, CE...

Despite a shutdown of the Florida Keys during the start of COVID-19 pandemic, the chain of islands appears to have done far better than many tourist destinations in the past

Ten Middle Keys business and community leaders are charter members of a new regional advisory council for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. The Middle Keys Advisory Council will help the Keys-wide charitable foundation broaden its mission, grant-making, donor base, and public awareness in the Marathon area. Marian Buccafurni, a CFFK board member, will serve as chair of the Middle Keys Advisory Council. The founding members also include Sarah Adams, assistant principal, Stanley Switl...

Aztec Airways’ new passenger airline service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Florida Keys Marathon International Airport will enable travelers to avoid parking fees, large crowds, long security lines, renting a car and driving three hours each way. It’s also a welcomed return of scheduled commercial service to the Middle Keys’ general aviation airport since the departure of Cape Air in 2009 and Delta in 2007. “Why drive when you can fly?” said Aztec Airway...

MARATHON — Aztec Airways’ new passenger airline service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Florida Keys Marathon International Airport will enable travelers to avoid parking fees, large crowds, long security lines, renting a car and driving three hours each way. It’s also a welcome return of scheduled commercial service to the Middle Keys’ general aviation airport since the departure of Cape Air in 2009 and Delta in 2007. “Why drive when you can fly?” sa...

MONROE COUNTY — Florida Keys property owners are facing their first windstorm insurance rate increase in three years.

Private jets consistently took off and landed as about 30 people rendezvoused Feb. 5 at a Marathon International Airport hanger. Monroe County and Marathon leaders discussed how general aviation stakeholders facilitate the success of the community and how rural airports serve as a runway for economic development, job recovery and emergency response. Marathon International Airport’s new Jet Center opened in July 20, and owner Marty Hiller was widely praised by those in attendance for his vi...

MARATHON — Private jets consistently took off and landed as about 30 people rendezvoused Feb. 5 inside a Florida Keys Marathon International Airport hanger. Monroe County and Marathon leaders discussed