​Monroe County Fire Rescue and Local 3909 are participating in the Movember movement, also known as No Shave November, raising money for men’s health issues. The word Movember is a combination of the words for mustache, “mo” and “November.” Movember is an annual event involving the growing of mustaches during the month to raise awareness and spark conversation about men’s health issues, like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide. Many local firefighters compete for the best-grown mustache during the month. The Movember organization’s goal is to change the face of men’s health by bringing awareness and funding for prostate and testicular cancer research, trials, and treatment. November is also Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
 
To learn more about Movember, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, or to contribute to Monroe County Fire Rescue’s fundraising efforts, visit https://movember.com/t/local-3909?mc=1. As of Nov. 21, the local team has raised more than $2,000.
 

The City of Key West offices will be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, November 28th.

There will be no bus service on Thursday, November 24th. This long-standing tradition allows our drivers to spend Thanksgiving with their families. Normal bus service will resume on Friday, November 26th.

The official Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 28th at 6 p.m. at Bayview Park. Santa will be on hand for his first appearance on the island!

The Key West World AIDS Day Service will be held at the AIDS Memorial, at the foot of White Street and the Edward B. Knight Pier, on December 1st at 5 p.m.

The service begins with a candlelight Memorial March from the Key West City Hall down White Street to the Memorial.  Marchers will assemble at 4:30 p.m.
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The traditional reading of the names of all of those previously remembered on the AIDS Memorial will be done by a roster of community leaders. Thirteen new names will be added to the memorial this year. Candles will be given out.
The Lighting of the Menorah will at 5 p.m. on December 18th, also at Bayview Park.

The College of the Florida Keys will hold Fast Track to Spring events on Wednesday, November 30 to help prospective students quickly get on a pathway toward their academic and career training goals this upcoming spring semester, which begins January 6. Fast Track to Spring services will be available between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Key West Campus and Upper Keys Center in Key Largo. Future students and their families will connect with CFK staff to receive essential information about degree and certificate options as well as financial aid and payment plans. Personalized guidance through the application process will also be provided. New students who participate in Fast Track to Spring will have their application fee waived, a savings of $30, and receive a $100 Kick-Starter Scholarship. New student applications are due December 12. 
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Prospective students are encouraged to bring the following items, if available, with them to Fast Track to Spring to expedite the admissions process: 
 

• Sealed official transcripts (college and high school) 
• Two forms of proof of Florida residency (such as a Florida driver’s license and Florida vehicle registration) 
• Official test scores (SAT, ACT, and/or PERT) 

For more information about the opportunities available at CFK, visit the College’s website at cfk.edu/FutureStudents or contact Marissa Owens, CFK Director of Recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or call 305-809-3207. 

​Monroe County is coordinating efforts across departments to ensure floodplain management ordinances are consistent with Florida Building Code and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements and in anticipation of the new FEMA flood maps adoption. At its Nov. 15 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners adopted amendments to the County’s existing regulations based on the FEMA State Model Ordinance. The amendments are critical for the County to remain in good standing with the NFIP and to maintain Community Rating System (CRS) insurance discounts for NFIP policyholders.
 
“The most important thing is that we stay in compliance and do not jeopardize our National Flood Insurance Program protections,” said Monroe County Planning Director Emily Schemper.
 
In summary, the updates to the floodplain management regulations include the following:
 

• Update Land Development Code, Chapter 122
  • Eliminates obsolete or unnecessary regulations in conjunction with the Florida Building Code and Florida Division of Emergency Management
  • Applies to all buildings and structures within any flood hazard area to meet or exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.
  • Designates the Building Official as the Floodplain Administrator
• Update Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 – Buildings and Construction, Article II
  • Addresses Building Official’s authority and duties as the designated Floodplain Administrator
  • Continues to require FEMA Elevation Certificates
  • Retains limits to the size of enclosures below elevated dwellings (299 square foot enclosure limit)
  • Requires a V-Zone and Coastal A Zone Construction Certification Form
  • Reestablishes minimum and alternate engineered foundation requirements
  • Requires non-conversion agreements for enclosures below elevated buildings
  • Requires replacement of exterior mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, equipment, and components are located at or above the base flood elevation identified on the map that was effective when the building was originally permitted
• Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code amendments to increase the maximum height of residential buildings to 40 feet, only effective after the updated FEMA flood maps are adopted.
  • Addresses the difference in elevation required in updated FEMA flood maps
• Amendment to Land Development Code Chapter 138: ROGO/NROGO
  • Updates scoring of pending ROGO permits when new FEMA flood maps are adopted
  • Requires ROGO/NROGO applicants to submit plan revisions before permit issuance, demonstrating full compliance with the current Florida Building Code and the updated FEMA flood maps.

 
At this time, there is no timeline for when the new FEMA flood maps will be adopted. Monroe County appealed several areas of FEMA’s preliminary maps and is still awaiting final decisions. Visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/floodmaps to view preliminary and appeal maps or learn more about flood map changes. 

​Key West Holiday Fest, the southernmost city’s annual joyous celebration of the season, is set to kick off on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. Whether you delight in the fun and funky, the enchantingly elegant, or all the above, revelers of all ages can immerse in a solid month of tropical warmth infused holiday magic and merry-making. Here’s a sample:
 
Wed, Nov 23, pre-sunset: People of all ages gather at Green Street Plaza where it meets Lazy Way Lane for the exciting countdown and 6:00pm official lighting of the Key West Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport.
 
Wed, Nov 23, through New Year’s Eve, Key West Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport: Revel in a wonderland of light-bedecked palm trees, Christmas trees, ships, shops, restaurants and watering holes, dazzlingly decorated for the holiday season from Lazy Way Lane at the Green Street Plaza to the Ferry Terminal at Grinnell Street.
 
Fri, Nov 25, through Christmas Eve, the MARC annual Christmas tree lot: Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, holiday accessories, ornaments, and wonderful locally produced gifts. More than 1500 trees travel from North Carolina to Key West and are available until they run out or Christmas Eve, which ever comes first. 1401 Seminary Street. For information call the MARC Plant Store at 305-296-9556.
 
Sun, Nov. 27, 7:00pm, “Messiah” concert at Key West United Methodist Church.
 
Mon, Nov 28, 5:30pm, City of Key West Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bayview Park.
 
Fri, Dec 2, 4:00-8:00pm, Wesley House Family Services Holiday Village and BeLighted Bike Ride at Coffee Butler Amphitheater: Celebrate the holidays with a family friendly party with Santa Claus, music, crafts, games, food trucks, goodies for the kids, and a “Best BeLighted Bike” contest. Admission fee includes Holiday Village and Bike Ride, and benefits Wesley House Family Services. Belighted Bike Ride through the streets of Key West departs at 8:00pm.
 
Sat, Dec 3, 11am-2pm, Pet Pictures with The Grinch: Bring your critters to Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, 409 Caroline Street, for pet pictures with The Grinch. Proceeds benefit River’s Wish, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit senior dog sanctuary.
 
Sat, Dec 3, 7:00pm, Key West Hometown Holiday Parade: Spectators line the streets for the homegrown parade which kicks off at Bayview Park and travels along Truman Ave and Duval Streets with festooned floats and marching groups consisting of adults, children, and elves, along with assorted hoofed and whiskered friends.
 
Sun, Dec 4, 6:00-8:00pm, Pet Pictures with Santa: Pack up Fifi and Fido and delight in Pet Pictures with Santa at the Christmas tree at the foot of William Street at the Key West Bight Marina. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Keys.
 
Dec 7-11, Nutcracker Key West: Some 60 local children and adults and 15 professional dancers from around the world join together in 2022 to produce this outstanding historical recreation of Key West's enchanting version of the Nutcracker ballet at the Tennessee Williams Theater.
 
Dec 8, 11-13, 16-23, Conch Tour Train Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tours: Multiple nightly tours depart from Key West High School and convey caroling passengers through streets and neighborhoods to revel in the magically illuminated city of Key West.
 
Dec 8-23, Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights & Sights Tours: Multiple nightly tours begin at Mallory Square and convey caroling passengers through magically decorated streets and neighborhoods.
 
Fri, Dec 9, Holiday Historic Inn Tours – Night 1, 6:00pm-8:00pm: Visit and tour four beautifully decorated island locales: Key West Butterfly Conservatory, The Mermaid & the Alligator, Winslow’s Bungalows, and Weatherstation Inn, and explore their unique architecture and history while enjoying sweet and savory holiday treats and libation samplings.
 
Fri, Dec 9, 5:00-9:00pm, 5th Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar at Custom House Museum: This festive free party features some of Key West’s finest artisans, musicians and choirs, along with a spectacular holiday light show.
 
Sat, Dec 10, 10:00am-2:00pm (9:00am check-in), 9th Annual Parade of Paws & Holiday Bazaar at Higgs Beach / Higgs Dog Park: Benefits the Florida Keys SPCA. Costumes encouraged!
 
Sat, Dec 10, 8:00pm, Schooner Wharf Annual Key West Lighted Boat Parade: A glittering parade of illuminated watercraft. Arrive at the Key West Bight Marina at the Historic Seaport early in order to stroll through the magical Key West Harbor Walk of Lights.
 
Sat, Dec 10 and Fri, Dec 16, Visit Santa at the North Pole, 12:00-2:00pm: Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Southernmost “North Pole,” conveniently located in the upstairs level of the historic Shops at Mallory Square, 291 Front Street. Letter writing stations and a mailbox will be available for the younger set.
 
Fri, Dec 16, Holiday Historic Inn Tours – Night 2, 6:00-8:00pm: Visit and tour four beautifully decorated island locales: Hemingway’s Library @ Papa’s Pilar Distillery, The Marquesa Hotel, The Gardens Hotel, and Island City House, and explore their unique architecture and history while enjoying sweet and savory holiday treats and libation samplings.
 
Sat, Dec 17, 7:00am check-in, 8:00am start time, 14th A Positive Step 5K Rudolph Red Nose Run: Don your festive holiday jammies and join in the 14th A Positive Step 5K Rudolph Red Nose Run, starting and ending at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval Street. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate; first 100 registrants receive a free t-shirt.
 
Sun, Dec 18, 11:00am-3:00pm, Holiday Classic Car Show: See classic cars from a variety of eras at the official show of the Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club, and choose a People’s Choice winner with your votes. Located at the Conch Republic Seafood Company parking lot at the corner of Greene and Elizabeth Streets. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter.
 
Sun, Dec 18, 5:00pm, City of Key West Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Bayview Park.
 
Dec 25, Holiday Jazz in the Gardens, 5:00-7:00pm: The Gardens Hotel at 526 Angela street welcomes holiday-goers to festive outdoor jazz in its famous garden, with a full cash bar on site and a 20% Christmas discount on bottled wine and bubbly.
 
Sat, Dec 31 – For your midnight toast, chose between an abundance of uniquely Key West New Year’s Eve Celebrations, including the Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street; the world-famous Red High Heel Drop with Sushi the Drag Queen at the Bourbon St. Pub; the saucy Pirate Wench Drop at the Historic Seaport; and at the Ocean Key Resort, the salty Key Lime Wedge in a Margarita Glass drop, along with live music by Tony Baltimore’s Beatles tribute band.
 
“Key West Holiday Fest is a sparkling, month-long celebration of the season, celebrated in our unique tropical island style,” commented Jodi Weinhofer, President of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West. “From lighted parades on land and sea, to enchanting inn tours, musical performances, stage events, and New Year’s Eve extravaganzas, there’s something wonderful for all ages happening here.”
 
Key West Holiday Fest is presented by Berkshire Hathaway Keys Real Estate, Opal Key Resort and Marina, Ocean Key Resort, The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West, and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For links and information, visit keywestholidayfest.com; for more information contact the Lodging Association at 305-296-4959.

This year’s Holiday Parade is going to be fantastic, judging from the entries. Due to the community’s enthusiasm, all the slots are now filled. The City is happy that so many people want to participate, but we are no longer accepting application.
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But you can still participate by coming out on Saturday, December 4th beginning at 7 p.m. to enjoy the family event.

City Manager Patti McLauchlin, during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, honored Community Services’ Juana Centeno Hernandez as the City’s Employee of the Quarter.

Nominated by Police Chief Sean Brandenburg, Juana is in charge of cleaning the police department and Fire Station #1.

“Juana literally never stops working,” said Brandenburg. “She is an excellent example of a workaholic and a true asset that we appreciate very much.”

He noted that she has worked at the department single handedly through many difficult challenges. In addition to keeping everything spotless during the COVID shutdown, accreditation inspections, hurricanes, and events that bring a lot of extra officers into the building, she has overcome the personal adversity of recovering from a severe accident.

“After recovery from surgery, she came back to work with an excellent disposition and giving the best of herself as she has always done,” Brandenburg said.

He noted that, in her dedication, she even returned to work a day early after Hurricane Ian this year, in order to get started right away cleaning up after the storm.
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“She always goes beyond her duties when it comes to cleaning, organizing, and helping others,” he said. “She is also an excellent mother and wife, taking care of every single detail for her family. She is very protective of her Key West Police family.”

Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission have proclaimed 16 Days of Activism beginning November 25th in honor of an important effort by the Zonta Club of Key West. The effort is aimed at raising awareness about violence against women.

“Violence against women is not a women’s issue,” read the proclamation, “but a societal issue, often rooted in misinterpretations of history, inadequate laws, culture, and religions, traditional ideas of feminine and masculine identities.”

The Zonta Club of Key West, which includes 24 members that are women of professional and executive backgrounds, encourages the community to wear orange, the color designated in the “Zonta says No” campaign.
Zonta has designated the color orange as the symbol of the effort, and the club members who accepted the proclamation at last week’s City Commission meeting wore orange scarves.
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The effort is part of a larger movement in which Zonta Clubs all over the world are engaging in an anti-violence campaign in conjunction with the United Nations and Zonta International.

Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed November 26th as Small Business Saturday to celebrate local small businesses and the contributions them make to the local economy and community.
Small Business Saturday is recognized across the country to encourage citizens to support small local shops and restaurants.

“The City of Key West supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities,” reads the proclamation.

Kevin Theriault, Executive Director Key West Business Guild, and Mark Gambuzza of Shop Mom & Pop accepted the proclamation.

Gambuzza said that the small business owners appreciate the City’s efforts to revitalize downtown. He appealed to the commission to take the effort a step further and find ways to work with the Tourist Development Council to promote small businesses as well as festivals.

“I appeal to the business owners to invest in our employees,” he said. “And I appeal to our locals to get around the island, not just downtown and support small businesses.
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“These are the people who donate to your kids’ school and step up to the plate when someone needs to get fed. It takes everyone in this village to make this work. We appreciate all the efforts you guys are making.”

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved the County’s state legislative priorities for the 2023 session at today’s regularly scheduled meeting. Legislative Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson presented and explained Monroe County’s priorities for the upcoming session from March 7 through May 5, 2023. Highlights of the agenda include:
 

• Secure the $25 million Florida Keys Stewardship Act (FKSA) appropriation for water quality projects and land acquisition. Also include the FKSA in State’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund, funded with documentary stamp taxes. Inclusion would elevate the FKSA to statewide importance for securing annual funding.
• Secure emergency operation center funding for a $6 million shortfall due to unanticipated cost escalations.
• Protect our marine environment by developing new mooring fields and continuing to address derelict vessels. Secure state funding for implementing new moorings, derelict vessel removal, and the vessel pump-out program.
• Pursue additional revenue sources for resilient infrastructure and transportation needs.
• Balance Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) protection with workforce housing needs.
• Pursue the repeal or amendment of HB 735, a preemption bill that prohibits local government occupational licensing affecting local contractors and tradespeople, passed in 2021.
• Preserve affordable wind insurance by opposing efforts to increase premiums, eliminate the cap on annual increases, reduce coverage, and reduce eligibility.
• Secure funding for resiliency projects submitted to State.
• Support home rule and fight against preemption bills.

 
“Monroe County has seen many successes in the past due to the committed leadership at the state level that has protected our unique and fragile ecosystem and those living and visiting the Florida Keys,” Tennyson said. “We are optimistic we will continue to see success in the 2023 session.”
 
More information about Monroe County’s legislative priorities can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/legislativeaffairs.