By RYAN McCARTHY

The note in the window says it concisely. The Maytag closing means those who relied on the Laundromat have to travel to either Big Pine Key or Islamorada to wash their clothes.

The unimaginable became reality Wednesday for Maytag Clean Laundry owner Donna Farmer.

After spending years trying to maintain the business in the face of rising costs due to the sewering of Marathon, the longtime resident shut her business of 31-plus years down for good. The shutters that opened each morning on the open-air business remained closed on the rainy Keys morning.

"It was pretty difficult having to close the door on three decades of my life. I know I gave it all I could, but in the end it just wasn't enough," Farmer said.

Posted - Saturday, May 04, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

For a listing of home and condo sales in the Florida Keys for the period April 21 through April 27, click here:

Posted - Thursday, May 02, 2013 04:54 PM EDT

Jackie Harder

COACHING CORNER

In our increasingly connected world, meetings are more likely to take place over the phone. And while it may be cheaper and more convenient to hold telephone conferences, there are even greater challenges in how to run and to participate in those types of meetings.

Some things remain the same -- the need for an agenda sent out in advance, clearly stated objectives, specific start and end times, meeting recap and assignments (if appropriate).

Posted - Friday, April 26, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

For a listing of home and condo sales in the Florida Keys for the period April 14 through April 20, click here:

Posted - Thursday, April 25, 2013 07:18 PM EDT

Florida's unemployment rate dropped to 7.5 percent in March, the lowest it has been since fall of 2008 and continuing a recovery from joblessness that reached 12 percent at its peak in late 2010.

Posted - Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:52 AM EDT