Member Login | Become a Member | Business Directory
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • Visit Key West
    • Community Calendar
    • Getting Here
    • Map & Places of Interest
    • Places to Stay >
      • Lodging Online Booking
    • Places to Dine
    • Things to Do >
      • The Florida Keys & Key West
    • Weddings
    • Sunset Times
  • Live, Work & Relocate
    • New Residents Guide
    • Important Telephone Numbers
    • City of Key West >
      • Utilities
      • Disaster Preparedness Resources
    • Monroe County >
      • School/College Registration
      • Auto/Drivers License Info
      • Fishing/Hunting/Boating Licenses Info
    • Latest Community News
    • Job Listings >
      • Job Board
  • The Chamber
    • Why Join the Chamber >
      • Membership Application
      • Testimonials
      • Member Login
      • Membership Referral
    • Board of Directors >
      • How to Become A Board Member
    • Chamber Staff
    • Chamber Calendar >
      • BBQ Rib Battle
    • Committees
    • Chamber Resources >
      • Business Magazine Archive
      • Business Directory
      • Member Discounts and Affinity Programs
    • Awards >
      • Athena Award Nominations
    • Chamber News >
      • Cybersecurity and Ransomware
    • Photo Gallery
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
  • Foundation
    • Tom Sawyer Five Star Program
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Past Scholarship Award Winners
  • A Guide to Tourist Development Tax for Home Rentals
  • Economic Partners
  • Quick Facts

Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façade Contest Community Favorite Winner Announced

10/31/2023

1 Comment

 
Picture
1 Façade Community Favorite: The Ramsingh household at 2812 Staples Ave. won the “Community Favorite” prize package in this year’s Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façade Competition for “Thriller on Staples,” (Photo: Michael Blades/FantasyFest.com)
Each year Key West guesthouses, businesses and private homes compete for cash prizes in the Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façade Competition, with the winners selected by a panel of judges. This year for the first time a “Community Favorite” component was added, with the public invited to visit all 22 competition locations and then cast “Community Favorite” votes online.

The Ramsingh household at 2812 Staples Ave., took the most votes with their towering “Thriller on Staples” presentation and have scored a valuable prize package provided by Key West Chamber of Commerce members, with treats and treasures including a Hemingway Rum gift bundle, single-day passes for either Rokisland Fest, Mile O Fest, or Key Western Fest, a one night stay at Ocean’s Edge Resort, and gift certificates to Key Lime Bike Tours, Historic Tours of America, Key West Express, Little Whitehouse Subs, Tavern N Town, Benihana, La Trattoria, Mattheessen’s, Latitudes, Bistro 245, Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen at Ocean’s Edge Resort, McKee’s Tiki Bar at the Capitana Key West Resort, and Love In Bloom.
​
For more information on the annual contest visit www.FantasyFest.com.
1 Comment

Key West Art & Historical Society Seeks Vendors for Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar at Key West Museum of Art & History

10/30/2023

0 Comments

 
October 30, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL).  Food-crafters, artists, and alchemists of all imaginings are invited to show and sell their creations at the upcoming Holiday Concert & Bazaar, on Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front Street.  The outdoor annual spectacular, which features many of the Keys finest artisans, musicians and choirs, and a dazzling holiday light show, attracts hundreds of happy revelers each year who come to shop and enjoy food, libations, and holiday cheer with friends and neighbors.

Those interested in registering as a vendor for the event should submit their application by November 15 to confirm their spot.  The application and additional information are found on the Society’s website at www.kwahs.org/bazaar.  Vendor spaces are limited and are granted on a first come first served basis.   Questions about vendors or the event should be directed to Bonnie McInnis, Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or 305-295-6616 ext. 505.
​


Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island. 
0 Comments

College invites future students to a virtual info event

10/27/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
CFK students Jude Marceau and Lesley Pazo study together on the Key West Campus.
​KEY WEST, FL, October 27, 2023—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn more about the academic and career training opportunities available at CFK through the Future Students Virtual Event on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 p.m. 
  
Topics to be covered at the Future Students Virtual Event: 
  • Academic and career training programs, including bachelor’s degrees in business, hospitality, marine science, nursing, and education. 
  • Guaranteed transfer to Florida universities with an Associate in Arts degree 
  • Programs and services at the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo 
  • Paying for college: cost comparisons, financial aid, scholarships, payment plans 
  • Steps to become a CFK student 
Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Applications to start classes in the spring semester, which begins January 5, are due December 1. Registration for the Future Student Virtual Event is required. Visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/futurestudents to learn more and to sign up. For more information or to schedule a personal information session, contact Marissa Owens, CFK Director of Recruitment, at [email protected] or call 305-809-3207. 
0 Comments

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE MONROE COUNTY’S 2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

10/25/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved the County’s state legislative priorities for the 2024 session at last Wednesday’s regularly scheduled meeting. Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson presented and explained Monroe County’s priorities for the upcoming session from Jan. 9 through March 8, 2024. Highlights of the agenda include:

  • The County’s number one priority is to secure a $25 million appropriation through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act (FKSA): $20 million for water quality projects, like canal restoration, and $5 million is for land acquisition and have the Stewardship Act funded in the State’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund that funds environmental priorities annually with documentary stamp taxes.
  • Oppose legislation to consolidate the State’s judicial circuits, specifically the 16th (Monroe) and 11th (Miami) circuits.
  • Support legislation to maintain Citizens’ annual rate cap at 10%, raise the Citizens’ value cap of primary homes to $1.5M, require only properties at flood risk to carry flood insurance, and allow that wind and flood policies not “be identical” as they relate to contents coverage.
  • Support legislation to expand the eligible uses for Tourist Development Tax-generated funds to include affordable/workforce housing for tourism sector workers.
  • Support legislation that gives temporary flexibility to Monroe County’s SHIP program regarding its income distribution requirements to ensure Monroe County can use the full allocation to assist qualified families.
  • Support legislation to enable local governments to provide ad valorem property tax relief to owners of privately owned rental properties that voluntarily comply with affordability criteria.
  • Water Quality: Support legislative appropriation for the development of mooring field shoreside facilities, support changes to the State’s Derelict Vessel Grant Program to improve removal timeframes, support statutory language to define and classify “migrant vessel” to allow for their immediate removal, and support continued DEP funding and management of the County marine vessel pump-out program.
  • Support legislation for continuing local licensing programs for small, specialty tradespeople and contractors by repealing preemption and clarifying Monroe’s exemption (carve-out) language.
  • Support Monroe’s projects submitted to the Resilient Florida grant program and for elevation/buyout/demo-rebuild programs, and reduce the 50% match requirement.
  • Support legislation that ensures that State affordable housing, land use, or development-related preemptions do not supersede Monroe County’s local comprehensive plan regulations.
  • Support legislation to exempt Monroe County from preemptive vacation rental legislation.
 
“Monroe County has been fortunate to see success in the past due to State leadership that is committed to protecting the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Florida Keys and those living and visiting here,” Tennyson said. “We are optimistic we will continue to see success in the 2024 session.”
 
More information about Monroe County’s legislative priorities can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/legislativeaffairs.

0 Comments

JANET GUNDERSON, SENIOR GRANTS COORDINATOR, NAMED MONROE COUNTY’S EMPLOYEE OF THE SECOND QUARTER 2023

10/25/2023

0 Comments

 
MONROE COUNTY, FL – Janet Gunderson, Senior Grants Coordinator in the Office of Budget and Management (OMB), is named Monroe County’s Employee of the Second Quarter for 2023 for exceeding job expectations, noteworthy performance, and her positive impact on her co-workers and community. She started with the County in June 2016 and was recognized by the Board of County Commissioners at their recent meeting.
 
Gunderson was nominated by Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag, who said Gunderson went above and beyond when the resilience office was overwhelmed with an unprecedented amount of contracts, invoices, and grants in the department.
 
“Janet was able to step in and not only help process the tremendous workload but also fix outstanding financial issues,” said Haag. “Without Janet’s help, there would be fewer grants to the County, slower processing of millions of dollars in invoices, and potential late grant reports.”
 
Gunderson continued to fulfill her job responsibilities in OMB, train another person to take on her previous workload, and carry out the duties of both departments. “She is the epitome of effectiveness and determinedness,” said Haag.
 
OMB Director Tina Boan echoed Haag’s comments, “She has taken on a significant increase in workload and has stayed connected in OMB for an entire year to help train her replacement. I could not agree more that she deserves this recognition.”
0 Comments

KEY WEST WOMAN’S CLUB PORCH DEDICATION

10/23/2023

0 Comments

 
​The Key West Woman’s Club housed at the Hellings Curry Museum located at 319 Duval Street dedicated the front porch to women of the year Diane Eliopoulos and Patricia Neyra during a Celebration of Life for Diane on October 18th.  Diane passed away this pass April.  She loved sitting on the porch with her Woman’s Club friends.  A capital campaign spearheaded by Patricia Neyra in her honor named “saving Eleanor through Diane” raised over $66,000 for the restoration of the porch.  
0 Comments

MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE CONGRATULATES RECENT STAFF PROMOTIONS

10/23/2023

0 Comments

 
​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue would like to congratulate the following staff members on their recent promotions: Josh Eitel, Ryan Devitt, Kati Foster, Adrian Saez, and Fernando Duran.
 
  • Lieutenant Josh Eitel and Captain Ryan Devitt serve as officers in the Training Division at the Joe London Fire Academy.
  • Lieutenant Kati Foster serves as an officer in the Trauma Star/EMS Division.
  • Captain Adrian Saez serves as the station officer at Station 11, servicing the Cudjoe Key area.
  • Captain Fernando Duran serves as the station officer at Station 17, servicing the Conch Key area.
 
“I am extremely proud of these highly qualified individuals,” said Monroe County Fire Chief Jim Callahan. “They have earned their new ranks and are ready to lead our department to bigger and better things.”
 
0 Comments

MONROE COUNTY PARTICIPATES IN OPERATION GREEN LIGHT IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL VETERANS

10/23/2023

1 Comment

 
MONROE COUNTY, FL – In advance of Veterans Day, Monroe County is illuminating the Harvey Government Center in Key West and the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo green through Nov. 12 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military Veterans. Veterans Day is Nov. 11. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, raises awareness about the unique challenges many Veterans face and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist Veterans and their families.
 
Residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by changing one light bulb at their home to a green one.
 
“By shining a green light, we let our Veterans know they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said Monroe County Director of Veterans Affairs Cathy Crane. “Operation Green Light shows that we appreciate and have much gratitude for the service and sacrifices of our Veterans.”
 
In 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light. Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, visit https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans. To learn more about Monroe County Veterans Affairs and the services offered, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va.
1 Comment

CFK invites all to Community Day on Nov. 4

10/23/2023

1 Comment

 
Picture
A crowd gathers to dance at a past Community Day event.
KEY WEST, FL, October 23, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites all to its ninth annual Community Day on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the Key West Campus. The free, family-friendly event will feature a full slate of attractions—including CFK academic showcases, interactive exhibits, live performances, a bounce house and other children's activities, arts and crafts, vendors, music, free food and drinks, and free T-shirts. As tradition, CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra will lead a salute to veterans and military service members. 
 
CFK’s Community Day is supported by sponsors First Horizon Bank, Waste Management, Lisa Ferringo Group Coldwell Bank Schmitt Real Estate, Yamaha, Essential Net Solutions, Florida Keys Media, the Keys Citizen, and the Key West Weekly. For more information about Community Day, call CFK at 305-809-3198. 
1 Comment

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZES STAFF FOR YEARS OF SERVICE MILESTONES IN OCTOBER

10/20/2023

0 Comments

 
​MONROE COUNTY – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognizes its long-term employees for their contributions to the citizens of the County. See below those celebrating milestones this month.
 
15 Years
  • Alejandro Lucio – Monroe County Fire Rescue
  • Lazaro Rangel – Monroe County Fire Rescue
  • Jared Shapiro – Monroe County Fire Rescue
 
5 Years
  • Ana Galino – Facilities Maintenance
  • Jamie Gross – Licensing
  • Matthew Howard – Project Management
  • Jillian Kenna – Key West Library Branch
  • Sara Lopez – Upper Keys Permitting
  • Alexander Thomas – Plantation Key Garage
  • Cary Vick – Project Management
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Submit Your Stories

    Chamber members send us your press releases on your organizations accomplishments, staff awards and/or major happenings. We will post them for free. 

    Email to [email protected]

    Archives

    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022

    Categories

    All
    200th Anniversary
    2021 Income Taxes
    Annual
    A Positive Step Of Monroe County
    Art
    Artists
    Awards
    Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro
    Baseball
    Beach Weekend
    Bicycle Action Committee
    Biking
    Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
    Casa Marina
    Ceremony
    City Manager
    City Of Key
    City Of Key West
    City Of Key West Transit
    Civil War Heritage Days
    Classical Music
    College Of The Florida Keys
    Committee
    Community Foundation Of The Florida Keys
    Community Health Systems
    Concerts
    Conservation
    Contest
    Contractors
    County Commissioners
    Doctor
    Dolphin Research Center
    Donation
    Educational Event
    Elks Lodge 551
    Emergency Preparedness
    Employment Opportunity
    Environment
    Everglades National Park
    Exhibitions
    Exit Realty
    Fantasy Fest
    FDOT
    FEMA
    Festival
    Film Festival
    Filming
    Florida Department Of Revenue
    Florida Department Of Transportation
    Florida Keys Children's Shelter
    Florida Keys Council Of The Arts
    Florida Keys History Center
    Florida Keys Wildlife Society
    FloridaMakes Affirm
    Florida SBDC Network
    Florida Small Business Development Center At FIU
    Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
    Funds
    Grants
    Greater Key West Chamber Of Commerce
    Habitat For Humanity
    Harry S. Truman Foundation
    Harry S. Truman Little White House
    Hemingway 5K Sunset Run
    Hemingway Days
    Higgs Beach
    Historic Florida Keys Foundation
    History Of Diving Museum
    Holidays
    Honor
    Hyatt
    Jag Gallery
    Job Fair
    Just A Few Friends
    Key 93.7
    Key Lime Pie
    Key LIme Pie Fest
    Keys Citizen
    Keys Energy
    Keys Medical Group
    Keys To Be The Change
    Key West Art Center
    Key West Art & Historical Society
    Key West Artisan Market
    Key West Bicentennial
    Key West Botanical Garden Society
    Key West Business Guild
    Key West Cemetery
    Key West Chamber Of Commerce Foundation
    Key West City Commission
    Key West City Hall
    Key West Code Compliance
    Key West Community Services
    Key West Fire Department
    Key West Firehouse Museum
    Key West Gallery
    Key West High School
    Key West International Airport
    Key West Mayor
    Key West Playbills
    Key West Police Department
    Key West Theater
    Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
    Key West Vacation Properties & Realty
    Key West Veteran
    Key West Wildlife Center
    Key West Woman's Club
    Key West Writers Guild
    Leadership Monroe
    Leadership Monroe County
    Loans
    Local
    Lower Keys Medical Center
    Mallory Square
    MARC
    Marquesa Hotel
    Mel Fisher
    Memorial Bridge
    Mentorship
    Mile 0 Fest
    Military
    MLK Celebration
    Monrnoe County
    Monroe Ccouty
    Monroe Cou
    Monroe County
    Monroe County Fire & Rescue
    Monroe County Fire Rescue
    Monroe County Historian
    Monroe County Public Library
    Monroe County School District
    Monroe County Sheriff's Office
    Monroe County TDC
    Monroe County Tourist Development Council
    National Park Service
    Nonprofit
    Offshore Sailing School
    Ordinance
    Parking
    Peter MacDougall
    Pier House
    Poetry
    Poinciana
    Presentation
    Radio One Key West
    Rainbow Cone
    Rams Head Presents
    Real Estate
    Reception
    Recycle
    Reports
    Ribbon Cutting
    Rural Health Network Of Monroe County
    Safety
    Saint Leo
    Sales Tax Holiday
    Softball
    Sponsor
    Students
    Summer
    Sunset Watersports
    Taxes
    TDC
    Tennessee Williams Museum
    Tenne Williams Theate
    Teri Johnston
    The College Of The Florida Keys
    The Navy League
    The Studios Of Key West
    The Wesley House
    Time Capsule
    Tour
    Transient Rental
    Transit
    Trash Pick Up
    Tree City USA
    Tropic Cinema
    Truman Waterfront Market
    Truman Waterfront Park
    Turtles
    United Way
    U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcemet
    U.S. Small Business Administration
    Volunteer
    Walk On White
    Waterfront Winter Wonderland
    Williams Hall
    Womankind
    Woman's Club
    Wyland Mural
    Youth
    Youth Sports
    Zonta

    RSS Feed

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
510 Greene St., First Floor  |  Key West, FL 33040
[email protected] | sitemap
Picture
  • Visit Key West
    • Community Calendar
    • Getting Here
    • Map & Places of Interest
    • Places to Stay >
      • Lodging Online Booking
    • Places to Dine
    • Things to Do >
      • The Florida Keys & Key West
    • Weddings
    • Sunset Times
  • Live, Work & Relocate
    • New Residents Guide
    • Important Telephone Numbers
    • City of Key West >
      • Utilities
      • Disaster Preparedness Resources
    • Monroe County >
      • School/College Registration
      • Auto/Drivers License Info
      • Fishing/Hunting/Boating Licenses Info
    • Latest Community News
    • Job Listings >
      • Job Board
  • The Chamber
    • Why Join the Chamber >
      • Membership Application
      • Testimonials
      • Member Login
      • Membership Referral
    • Board of Directors >
      • How to Become A Board Member
    • Chamber Staff
    • Chamber Calendar >
      • BBQ Rib Battle
    • Committees
    • Chamber Resources >
      • Business Magazine Archive
      • Business Directory
      • Member Discounts and Affinity Programs
    • Awards >
      • Athena Award Nominations
    • Chamber News >
      • Cybersecurity and Ransomware
    • Photo Gallery
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
  • Foundation
    • Tom Sawyer Five Star Program
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Past Scholarship Award Winners
  • A Guide to Tourist Development Tax for Home Rentals
  • Economic Partners
  • Quick Facts