BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZES STAFF, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, AND ORGANIZATIONS AT MEETING

​KEY WEST, FL – Mayor Craig Cates and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized several staff, community members, and organizations at the Wednesday meeting in Key West. Carlton “Papa” Howard was honored for 25 Years of Service to Monroe County, Dr. Jonathan Gueverra and Frank Dunne were presented honorary Conch certificates, Leadership Monroe received a proclamation for May, and the week of May 14-20 was declared Guidance/Care Center Week and May 15-21 was declared Law Enforcement Memorial Week.
 
Carlton “Papa” Howard: 25 Years of Service
Carlton “Papa” Howard was presented with his 25 Years of Service pin at the May meeting. Howard works in the Parks and Beaches department.
 
Dr. Jonathan Gueverra: Honorary Conch Certificate
Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, president of the College of the Florida Keys, received his honorary Conch certificate at the May Board of County Commissioners meeting. He has been president of the college since 2012. His wife, Josephine, joined him at the presentation.
 
Frank Dunne: Honorary Conch Certificate
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners presented Frank Dunne of Key West with an honorary Conch certificate. Dunne owns Old Town Fitness in Key West since 2010 and volunteers with Monroe County Correctional Facilities every Monday for four years. Being sober for 25 years opened his eyes to how fitness can help people recover or stay away from drugs and alcohol. He has donated gym equipment to the HOB and PAL gyms, works with troubled youth, and donates gym memberships to those needing a life turnaround. He also supports the animal shelter and youth organizations like soccer and hockey. “It is a true honor to have a person like Frank living in Key West and supporting our youth,” said Commissioner Jim Scholl.
 
May 2023 Leadership Monroe County Month: Proclamation
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May as Leadership Monroe County Month in honor of the organization’s 30th anniversary. The non-profit organization has been educating county leaders for 30 years with the long-term goal of developing strong, dedicated leaders working for a sense of community throughout Monroe County.
The organization has had more than 650 community leaders participate. They represent the Florida Keys business community, educational institutions, governmental entities, health care facilities and practices, arts organizations, and other professions.
Leadership Monroe County Board outgoing President Chuck Licis-Masson and a few board members in attendance accepted the honor, including newly elected board members and Monroe County directors Cheryl Sullivan and Cary Knight.
 
May 14-20 Guidance/Care Center Week: Proclamation
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 14-20 as Guidance/Care Center Week. The Guidance/Care Center provides the full array of behavioral health care to the residents of Monroe County, including a 24/7 hotline, mobile crisis response, and community-based services at schools, jails, and the regional juvenile detention facility. Regional Vice President Maureen Dunleavy accepted the proclamation.
The organization also provides residential mental health at The Heron, an assisted living facility for adults struggling with mental illness, an inpatient unit for detox and crisis stabilization, and the Personal Growth Center Clubhouse for adults.
This year the Guidance/Care Center celebrates 50 years of providing comprehensive, integrated community behavioral health services to people of all ages.
 
May 15-21 Law Enforcement Memorial Week: Proclamation
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners declared the week of May 15-21 as Law Enforcement Memorial Week. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay accepted the proclamation.
 
“Law enforcement officers steadfastly provide an extraordinary level of service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, under often-difficult and dangerous circumstances,” said Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates. “Many law enforcement officers have made the supreme sacrifice for their communities. We pause every year to honor the memory of these officers and the officers who have lost their lives serving the citizens of Monroe County.”