Lionfish are considered the super villains of the reef because of their voracious appetites and because they have no known predators.

A temporary state rule declaring open season on lionfish may become permanent as a measure to keep the invasive species from becoming permanent Florida residents.

"We applaud the state for this effort," said Lad Akins, one of Florida's most experienced lionfish catchers. "It makes it easier for people to go out and take part in lionfish removals, so it's definitely a step in the right direction," Akins, special projects director at the Reef Environmental Education Foundation in Key Largo, said this week.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 06:00 AM EDT

Two of three panels working on updating rules for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary aim to finish their proposals at open meetings June 11 and 12.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 06:00 AM EDT

In the coming weeks, Key West city staff plans to spell out sticking points in lease negotiations with the would-be developer of an assisted/independent living facility at the Truman Waterfront.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:35 AM EDT

The Marathon City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center. Agenda items include:

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:00 AM EDT

Things are all but back to normal at Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys, operator of the Marathon animal shelter.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

No sign of fraudulent requests for absentee ballots turned up in Monroe County, State Attorney Catherine Vogel said Thursday.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:25 AM EDT

The Key West City Commission on Tuesday jumped at the opportunity to add to a long list of multimillion-dollar developments with a new parking garage on Simonton Street.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:40 AM EDT

With some exceptions, Monroe County students tracked along with their statewide peers on various standardized tests, according to scores released Friday by the Florida Department of Education.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:00 AM EDT

Florida fishery managers could move to ease a harvest ban on snook but tighten rules on taking bonefish and tarpon Wednesday.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:25 AM EDT

By RYAN McCARTHY

New Florida Keys Marathon Airport Director Don DeGraw and his administrative assistant Julie Thomson take in the Middle Keys airfield. DeGraw was hired in March and started work Monday.

Florida Keys Marathon Airport Director Don DeGraw says he's spending his first week on the job boning up on a pair of potentially major changes looming at the Middle Keys airfield.

"The two big issues is the U.S. Customs [office], so I'm taking a look at the engineering drawings and how all that's going, and the other one is the runway separation issue. I'm trying to get a firm understanding. It's either move the runway, move the taxiway or do nothing," he said.

Posted - Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:45 AM EDT