Key Biscayne is one of South Florida’s most attractive communities. With all it has to offer, it’s no wonder many consider Key Biscayne to be an island paradise. As we ring in the New Year, let’s take a look back at some of the noteworthy things that happened on the Key in 2025.
We marked several momentous anniversaries in 2025. Thirty years ago, the Village Green opened. It now seems hard to imagine life on the Key without the Village Green’s recreational fields, walking path, and playground, but the ten-acre park in the center of the island was once a tract of coconut palms and overgrown thicket. It was also thirty years ago that Reina and David Gonzalez first opened up the concession shop in No Name Harbor in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park that would expand into the well-loved Boater’s Grill. And of course we marked the bicentennial year of the first lighting of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, culminating in a dazzling celebration on December 17 that featured archival footage and animations projected onto the lighthouse.
The Key Biscayne community really pulled together to rally in support of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Nature Center in Crandon Park, after a threatened eviction by the county. In partnership with the Miami-Dade County school system, the Nature Center hosts over 20,000 students a year on field trips to learn about our marine and coastal ecosystems. While the future of the Center still remains uncertain, long-time director Theo Long, with the support of the community, works tirelessly to keep Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ mission alive.
Some exciting new developments have taken place on the Key. A community garden has been created in front of the Village Beach Park, a beautiful new gate by artist Soraya Abu Naba’a has been installed at St. Christopher’s, and the Ritz-Carlton has re-opened after a multi-million dollar renovation.
Looking back, the community’s social calendar was chock full. Many long-cherished annual traditions continued, including the friendly Rib-Off barbecue competition in honor of Dr. Bob Kemper in March, the Jorge Portela Fishing & Diving Tournament in June, the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks, the Lighthouse Run in November, and Winterfest and the lighting of the Christmas Tree and Menorah in December. Our community’s commitment to helping young people further their education has continued with the Eileen McCaughan Fund and Women’s Club awarding scholarships to deserving students. This was also the 50th year of the All-Island Tennis Tournament.
And as the Key’s population continues to grow and evolve, new events are planned and carried out. Among the newer traditions already taking root are the Dominos for Education tournament, the Kids Marketplace for young entrepreneurs, the Brazil Night fundraiser for children in Haiti, FillABag’s mangrove cleanups, the Poetry Share events, and the Key Biscayne Film Festival. These events provide opportunities for community gatherings, encourage personal growth, and support those in need.
We also bid some fond farewells. After nearly seventy years welcoming guests, the Silver Sands resort closed its doors in April. And we said goodbye to a number of people who have played a prominent role on the Key, including Bobbie Savage, Diane Moss, Dick Vernon, and Willy Borroto.
May 2026 bring you good health, good times with those you love, and peace for all.
For the last The Lighter Side column, click here.