Monroe County Parks and Beaches invites the community to join in celebrating July Parks & Recreation Month with a special event on Saturday, July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Higgs Beach playground in Key West. The family-friendly celebration will include treats and giveaways and the opportunity to meet the talented winner of the 2025 Parks & Beaches art contest. The event highlights the importance of preserving and enjoying the county’s natural spaces while recognizing the creativity of local youth who captured this year’s theme of “Protect Our Parks and Beaches.”
This year’s first-place winner is Lacee Disson-Hurhula, a 5th grade student from Gerald Adams, whose artwork features a mermaid, palm trees, dolphins, and a lighthouse.
“We extend congratulations to all the young artists who participated in this contest,” said Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “Their colorful, imaginative entries reflect a shared commitment to protecting the beauty and sustainability of our natural public spaces.”
In addition to Disson-Hurhula’s winning entry, the county recognizes the following runners-up for their contributions:
- Parker Blanche – “Stephanie the Starfish”
- Alyssa Diaz – “Keep Our Parks and Beaches Clean” Turtle
- Emma Tuttle – Mangrove Preservation Drawing
- Darwin Horn III – “Protect Our Natural Spaces” Mangrove
- Riley Tuttle – Deer with Sign
- Violet Marie Messina – Park Cleanup
- Kennedy Walsh-Castillo – “Don’t Litter at the Park and Remember to Clean Up After Yourself”
For more information on local parks and beaches, visit www.ParksandBeaches.Fun.