There is a new face (and flippers) on the campus: Shel the Tuga! The College of the Florida Keys is proud to introduce its new mascot, the Tugas, an abbreviation of “Tortugas,” the Spanish word for turtle. The fictional sea turtle sports CFK’s colors: an ocean blue body with lateral lightning bolts and a sunset orange shell. The College’s marketing team worked with local graphic designer Seth Mularz to create the design. The Tuga will be the face of CFK athletics and a source of collegiate spirit for students, alumni, employees, and the entire Keys community.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to participate in its second CFK Poetics virtual event of the series on April 29 at 6 p.m. Nationally acclaimed poet Ross Gay will read his work and take questions from the audience. The free event will be primarily virtual. However, limited seating will be available in the CFK Library to view the live stream of the reading.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students interested in being among the first to attend classes in its new Upper Keys Center this fall to a virtual information event on Tuesday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. The new 38,000-square foot building is under currently construction in Key Largo and is scheduled to open in August. The new center allows the College to expand its program offerings and to serve twice as many students in the upper Keys.

The College of the Florida Keys is accepting applications and registering students for its summer semester, which begins May 17. CFK is offering two term options. Students can complete courses quickly in the six-week Summer A term.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) held a graduation ceremony for Basic Law Enforcement Academy #75, completed through its Institute for Public Safety, on March 26 at its Upper Keys Center in Tavernier. A total of 10 cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program. Upon passing the state certification exam, each will be eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is holding a virtual event for Keys’ high school seniors and their parents to learn more about the college opportunities available locally at CFK on Wednesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is partnering with Hawks Cay Resort to expand educational and training opportunities in the field of hospitality in the middle Keys. Beginning in August, the resort will host CFK hospitality classes on their property and sponsor three paid internships within CFK’s Hospitality Game Changer Scholar program. Students will have the opportunity to live at Hawks Cay Resort during their two-year experience.

The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) annual fundraiser, the Seaside Soiree, is going virtual this year with an online auction that will run Monday, March 22 through Saturday, April 3. Items up for bid include art, jewelry, and sports equipment, as well as adventure and travel packages.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to participate in CFK Poetics, comprised of virtual events on March 25 and April 29. The annual visiting poets series will feature live readings from nationally acclaimed poets Richard Blanco on Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m. and Ross Gay on Thursday, April 29 at 6 p.m.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn more about the various academic and career training opportunities available locally at CFK through a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m.