Ale Fadel

3 days ago | islandernews.com | Ale Fadel

After months of dormancy, saltmarsh mosquitoes are hatching in rainy Florida summer weather. Up to 150 of them can land on a person in just a minute. Known as “voracious biters,” these new mosquitoes pose a threat to humans and their furry friends. “Saltmarsh mosquitoes are one of the most persistent and aggressive biting species in Florida,” said Dr. Jorge Rey, Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) President and professor at the University of Florida’s Medical Entomology Laboratory.

4 days ago | islandernews.com | Ale Fadel

For the past 15 years, The Key Biscayne Piano Academy has been the island’s go-to place for classical piano education. There are 82 students enrolled at the Academy, all taught by pianist and educator Amarylli Fridegotto, who is also the founder and director of the Key Biscayne Piano Festival. The Academy recently held its end-of-year showcase, and Fridegotto honored young talent by announcing her annual student recognitions.

1 week ago | islandernews.com | Ale Fadel

Tiny apartments with a view, anyone? Recent trends have shown people are adopting a “less is more” mindset with just about everything – living spaces included. Now called “small-space living,” the phenomenon has taken the nation by storm. Especially navigating recent economic trends and high cost of housing, renters of all ages are drawn to lower price points and amenity-rich, transit-oriented communities.

1 week ago | islandernews.com | Ale Fadel

This year, Key Biscayne students stepped up to the plate with their 2025 Key Challenge projects, showcasing environmental consciousness, knowledge and artistry. The category was “Near-Shore Marine Habitats,” and students delivered everything from 2-D and 3-D creations to coral reef dioramas. Participants ranged from Pre-K students to 8th grade. Now in its 11th year, the Key Challenge is sponsored by The Citizen Science Project, which is part of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation.

1 week ago | islandernews.com | Ale Fadel

Earlier this year, Florida’s east coast welcomed a new visitor–the 1,653-lb Carcharodon carcharias, better known as a great white shark. The 14-foot fish, nicknamed Contender, was originally tagged by OCEARCH on January 17 just off the shore of the Florida-Georgia border. Scientists believe he was swimming around the area ever since, but do not have any data for the months of February through May. This is common with tagged sharks, however, as they are only tagged when they rise to the surface.