The College of the Florida Keys

UPDATE: Key deer have been safely relocated from CFK's Big Pine Key property.

The College is pleased to share that Key deer on our Big Pine Key property—believed to be the last remaining—have been safely relocated to nearby open habitat, completing a collaborative effort with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), cooperating veterinarians, and MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC). CFK and USFWS will continue to monitor the property to ensure that no other deer remain.

Wildlife professionals safely sedated the deer — a standard, widely accepted method in wildlife capture and relocation efforts nationwide — before moving them to a holding area, where veterinary staff closely monitored and confirmed the deer were stable and alert prior to releasing them together. This approach gave the team the control needed to work safely through the property's dangerous structures, debris, and dense vegetation, including poisonwood— and avoided the risks of simply leaving a gate open, which could allow more deer to wander onto the site rather than off it.

This property, which previously housed the Big Pine Key Road Prison, is zoned Suburban Commercial and sits outside the boundary of any refuge, including the National Key Deer Refuge.

CFK is responsible for securing the site for the safety of the public. The former prison site is full of deteriorating, dangerous structures, including collapsed buildings, exposed rebar, and hidden barbed wire. Ongoing efforts to safeguard the site have included repairing a vandalized gate and fence line, replacing locks, and installing security cameras. CFK will install deer grates along the gates to help prevent future deer entry.

The College is thankful to our federal, state, and local partners for their expertise and dedication. The public can learn more about the College’s Big Pine Key property, its future development, and updates by visiting https://www.cfk.edu/bpk/.
Read the full news release here: https://www.cfk.edu/news/key-deer-safely-removed-from-cfk-s-big-pine-key-property/

💡 Have a business idea you've been dreaming about? Whether it's still on paper, in your head, or already taking shape, now is the time to turn that vision into reality!

The College of the Florida Keys' Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab (EIL) at the Upper Keys Center is now accepting applications for an exciting opportunity to launch, grow, and strengthen your business while building valuable connections.

This program is open to:
🔹 Current CFK students from any program
🔹 CFK alumni ready to start a new venture
🔹 Residents of the Upper Keys, Homestead, or Florida City with a startup idea
🔹 Early-stage business owners looking to take the next step

🎉 Thanks to the generous support of the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, the inaugural cohort will participate at no cost!

🗓️ Apply by September 25
📍 CFK Upper Keys Center
🔗 https://lnkd.in/eVAaffB4

Don't miss this chance to gain expert guidance, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and bring your business goals to life!

“For what are we born if not to aid one another?”
- Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls

🚀Hemingway Look-Alikes award $40,000 in scholarships to CFK students🚀 Eighteen students were awarded scholarships during the celebrated, annual Look-Alike Contest. The “Papas” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society (HLAS) have supported the of hundreds of CFK students for 27 years.

HLAS Chair and “Papa 2013” Stephen Terry congratulated the CFK students, each receiving $2,500 to apply toward tuition and fees.

Full story : https://www.cfk.edu/news/hemingway-look-alikes-award-40-000-in-scholarships-to-cfk-students/

Right on Florida Department of Education! The College of the Florida Keys welcomes students of all ages to explore CFK's apprenticeship programs. So many opportunities in the
https://www.cfk.edu/academics/apprenticeships/

Earn while you learn.


Registered apprenticeships allow individuals to gain hands-on experience while earning a paycheck and industry-recognized credentials.


Explore apprenticeship opportunities across Florida. Find a program at GetTherefl.com/search

Ready to take the next step toward your goals? 🌟

At The College of the Florida Keys, you can build the skills and knowledge for a career you’ll love. From Nursing, Marine Science, and Business to Hospitality & Ecotourism, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Marine Engineering & Technology, General Studies (AA), and workforce certificates, CFK offers opportunities for every passion and ambition.

Your future starts with a single step. Explore programs, discover new possibilities, and find the path that fits you best today: https://www.cfk.edu/futurestudents/ 🌴📚

CFK is holding “Fast Track to Fall” activities the last week of July to help prospective students quickly get on a pathway toward their academic and career training goals this fall semester.
There will be in-person events at the Key West Campus on Wednesday 7/29 and the Upper Keys Center 7/30 from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
To learn more and to rsvp visit https://www.cfk.edu/fasttrack

CFK welcomes Dr. Brittany Snyder as Interim President following the District Board of Trustees’ appointment.

Dr. Snyder has dedicated 23-years to The College of the Florida Keys. She began her career in the Business Office and, after discovering a passion for teaching as an adjunct instructor, advanced through the College as a full-time faculty member, Business Program Chair, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Provost, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. She later returned to lead the College’s business and operational functions as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. With broad experience across the College, a deep commitment to student success, and a strong understanding of the College and community it serves, Dr. Snyder is well positioned to provide experienced, steady leadership as the College moves forward.

“I’ve been part of this College for over 20 years, and I’ve watched our students grow, work hard, and go on to build better lives for themselves and their families. That’s what matters, and I am committed to ensuring that our students and community continue to receive the same exceptional education and support they have always received from CFK,” said Dr. Snyder.

Learn more about Dr. Snyder’s background on the CFK website: https://www.cfk.edu/discover/office-of-the-president/

Discover your future at The College of the Florida Keys! 🌴📚

Whether you're passionate about Nursing, Marine Science, Business, Hospitality & Ecotourism, Culinary, Criminal Justice, Marine Engineering & Technology, General Studies (AA), or workforce certificates, CFK offers programs designed to help you turn your interests into a rewarding career.

Your passion is waiting—start exploring today at https://www.cfk.edu/futurestudents/ and find the path that's right for you! 🍂📚

Congratulations, Dr. Henry Mack!

We join the Florida Department of Education in welcoming Dr. Mack as Florida's next Commissioner of Education. We appreciate his commitment to academic excellence, workforce education, and expanding opportunities for student success.

The State Board of Education is pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of Dr. Henry Mack as Florida's next Commissioner of Education!

With decades of experience in education, workforce development, and public service at the state and federal level, Dr. Mack brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of Florida's education system.

We are confident he will build on our state's nation-leading success while expanding opportunities for students and supporting educators across Florida. Read more about his appointment: bit.ly/44J4bHi.