KEY WEST, FL- The City of Key West invites residents, business owners, community organizations, and stakeholders to participate in an upcoming public engagement meeting for the Key West Forward: Foster. Fund. Finish. Strategic Plan 2026–2030.The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1300 White Street.

This community meeting is an opportunity for the public to learn about the progress of the Strategic Plan, receive an overview and status update on the plan’s progress, and help shape the City's future by providing feedback on the draft plan.

Participants will have the opportunity to review and provide input on the Strategic Plan's four priority areas: Infrastructure, Financial Sustainability, Climate Adaptation & Environmental Resilience, and Housing.

An updated list of proposed Strategic Plan projects will be provided at the meeting, providing residents with the opportunity to review the projects, offer feedback, and help prioritize the initiatives they believe are most important for consideration in the final Strategic Plan.

The Key West Forward: Foster. Fund. Finish. Strategic Plan is designed to serve as a project-based roadmap for action, accountability, transparency, and implementation. Building upon previous planning efforts and ongoing collaboration with City leadership, departments, community organizations, and stakeholders, the Strategic Plan is focused on identifying realistic priorities and delivering measurable results that strengthen the community for years to come.

Community participation is a vital part of this process and all residents are encouraged to attend. Those unable to attend are also invited to participate by completing the online Strategic Plan Community Survey, available at: https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/716/Strategic-Plan
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Simply click the Community Feedback Survey button on the Strategic Plan webpage to share your input.  Together, through collaboration and community engagement, we can help shape the future of Key West. 

KEY WEST, FL – This Saturday, June 27, the City of Key West will host its official community celebration in honor of America's upcoming 250th birthday—a milestone that no one alive today will ever experience again.

While Independence Day is celebrated every year, the Semiquincentennial happens only once in a lifetime. Those who gather at Truman Waterfront Park this Saturday will forever be able to say, "I was there when Key West celebrated America's 250th Birthday."

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the celebration gets underway at Truman Waterfront Park with food concessions, a full bar, local vendors, community organizations, children's activities, games, and opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors before the evening's official program begins.

At 6:00 p.m., a patriotic parade featuring military organizations, veterans groups, first responders, civic leaders, and community organizations will step off from the corner of United and Duval Streets. The procession will travel north on Duval Street, turn left onto Southard Street, and continue into Truman Waterfront Park.

Spectators are encouraged to line Duval Street and Southard Street to cheer on the participants or gather at Truman Waterfront Park to witness one of the evening's signature moments as the parade marches into the park and transitions directly into the Official Ceremony.

The Official Ceremony will begin immediately following the parade with a welcome from Mayor Danise Henriquez. The program will feature the Parade of Colors, the National Anthem performed by Kristen McNamara, welcome remarks from Mayor Henriquez, and special remarks from Rear Admiral Jeff Randall, Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South; Captain Colin Thompson, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Key West; and Commander Jared Harlow, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West. Closing remarks will be delivered by Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln before Clinton Curry concludes the ceremony with an honorary conch shell blowing.

As daylight begins to fade over Key West Harbor, the evening will transition into Salute to America: A Patriotic Music Tribute, featuring some of the island's favorite performers celebrating America, community, and the spirit of Key West.

Key West's husband-and-wife Americana duo B-Man & mi-Shell blend folk favorites, island influences, and coastal storytelling into a heartfelt musical tribute to America. Kristen McNamara, one of Key West's premier vocalists, returns to the stage after performing the National Anthem with a powerful collection of patriotic songs and original selections. Florida country artist Ry Rivers brings his signature storytelling and modern country sound to the stage with a spirited blend of patriotic classics and original songs. Closing the evening, The Durtbags, one of Key West's favorite live bands, take the stage at 9:00 p.m. with an energetic, crowd-pleasing celebration of America's soundtrack.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, and chair rentals will also be available on-site. The celebration will feature food concessions, a full bar, local vendors, a Kids' Zone with inflatables, the Truman Waterfront splash pad and playground, shopping opportunities, and a complimentary water filling station courtesy of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Rolling coolers and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Sunset over Key West Harbor is at 8:13 p.m., providing a fitting backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime community celebration.
Admission is free.
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This is more than another patriotic celebration. It is a moment in history that will never be repeated. Years from now, people will remember where they were when America marked its 250th birthday. Those who gather at Truman Waterfront Park this Saturday will always be able to say, "I was there when Key West celebrated America's 250th."

KEY WEST, FL – The City of Key West invites residents and visitors to gather at Truman Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for City of Key West Celebrates America's 250th, a free community celebration commemorating the nation's Semiquincentennial with an evening of music, food, drinks, activities, and community.

The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park and is designed as a celebration of the people, traditions, freedoms, and shared values that have shaped our nation over the past 250 years. The evening will bring together residents, visitors, military organizations, veterans groups, first responders, civic leaders, local performers, friends, neighbors, and community organizations for a waterfront gathering that belongs to the entire Key West community.

"The 250th anniversary of our nation is an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that unite us as Americans and the community spirit that makes Key West such a special place," said Mayor Danise DeeDee Henriquez. "Whether your family has been here for generations or you arrived last week, this celebration is for everyone. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us for an evening of music, fellowship, gratitude, and pride in both our country and our island community."

At 6:00 p.m., a patriotic parade featuring military organizations, veterans groups, first responders, civic leaders, and community representatives will step off from United and Duval Streets. The procession will travel down Duval Street, turn onto Southard Street, and conclude at Truman Waterfront Park, where participants will join the main celebration.

Following the parade, the official ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem performed by Kristen McNamara, recognition of military service members, veterans, and first responders, and remarks from community leaders.

The evening will then transition into Salute to America: A Patriotic Music Tribute, a showcase of local performers whose music reflects the diverse spirit of Key West and the many traditions that make up the American experience.
With sunset expected shortly after 8:20 p.m., attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music, community, and celebration against the backdrop of Key West Harbor.

Kristen McNamara, one of Key West’s most celebrated vocalists, will perform patriotic favorites and American classics. B-Man & mi-Shell will bring their signature blend of Americana and island influences to the stage. Ry Rivers will share the heartfelt storytelling and contemporary country sound that have earned him a devoted following throughout the Keys and beyond. The Durtbags will take the stage at 9:00 p.m. to close the celebration with an energetic set of Americana, roots rock, and crowd favorites.

The evening will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies Michael Stapleford of Magnum Broadcasting. Stapleford and his stations, Party 105 and Island 106.9, have been longtime supporters of community events throughout the Lower Keys and will help guide the program throughout the evening.

Event Details
City of Key West Celebrates America’s 250th
Saturday, June 27, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Truman Waterfront Park
Key West, Florida
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Highlights Include:
• Patriotic Parade through downtown Key West
• Presentation of Colors and National Anthem
• Recognition of military members, veterans, and first responders
• Salute to America: A Patriotic Music Tribute
• Food vendors and full bar service
• Children’s Village with inflatables and games
• Local vendors and community organizations
• Complimentary water station courtesy of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
• Waterfront sunset viewing
• Free admission

Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez and the Key West City Commission, during the March meeting, celebrated a new partnership between the City of Key West and the Key West Chamber of Commerce by recognizing two local businesses.

Pacific Jewelry was the first recipient of the Business Pride Award.

“Pacific Jewelry consistently demonstrates exceptional pride in both its storefront and its role in our community,” said Dorian Patton, the committee’s executive director who presented the award. “What truly sets Pacific Jewelry apart is its people. Their friendly staff, always smiling and genuinely excited to welcome visiting guests, reflects the warmth and hospitality that define our island. Their enthusiasm and professionalism help make every interaction memorable.”

The second award – the People Pride Award – was presented to Jacob Rookey of Wyland Galleries.

While working at Wyland Galleries, a gentleman entered the gallery and suddenly collapsed. Without hesitation, Rookey immediately began administering CPR and continued lifesaving efforts while emergency services were called to the scene.

“His quick thinking, calm response, and decisive action saved the man’s life,” said Patton. “In a moment that demanded leadership and bravery, Jacob stepped forward. His actions go far beyond hospitality, they reflect the true heart of Key West: looking out for one another and caring deeply for our community and visitors.”

This new program is led by the Chamber’s Beautification Committee consisting of Committee Executive Director Dorian Patton, Committee Chair Diane Schmidt, City of Key West Mayor Danise Henriquez, Key West Chamber of Commerce President Amber Shaffer, and Key West Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kerry Baker.

The purpose of the partnership is simple: focus on the positive, highlight those who go above and beyond, and inspire others to reenergize their commitment to excellence and community pride.

Beginning January 2nd, bus service for the Duval Loop route will be suspended. The existing bus stop locations will continue to be served by the Key West Rides on-demand service.

Key West Rides on-demand is an innovative form of transportation gets you to your destinations in the community without a need to transfer. It will also connect you with other transit routes, such as the Lower Keys Shuttle. The app-based technology matches multiple riders headed in a similar direction into a single vehicle, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips for just $2 a ride.

To download the app, just search for Key West Rides in your app store.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to begin preparing updates to Chapter 18 of the Monroe County Code to allow fees to be charged to non-residents for vehicle parking, boat trailer parking, and boat ramp launch and retrieval at all county parks and beaches, where allowed, including updating the fee structure for non-residents at Harry Harris Park, and to begin charging non-residents at Higgs Beach in Key West, Pine Channel Nature Park on Big Pine Key, and Rowell’s Waterfront Park and Mike Forster Memorial Park on Key Largo, and also areas like the Gato Building in Key West and Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, among others.
 
Parks and Beaches Director John Allen advised commissioners that implementing a fee structure for non-residents will provide a sustainable funding source while maintaining free access for residents.
 
“The intent is not to restrict public access, but to ensure that the financial burden of maintaining these popular amenities is shared by those who don’t pay property taxes in Monroe County,” said Allen. “The potential code amendment is intended to help offset the rising costs of maintaining and improving public facilities' ongoing upkeep.”
 
Currently, Monroe County charges non-resident admission fees only at Harry Harris Park. That fee is $15 per non-resident vehicle, plus boat ramp fees of $40 on non-holiday weekends and $60 on holidays. Park admission is waived for active-duty military, disabled veterans, and qualifying individuals under Florida law, provided they present proper identification. The direction given today would expand the county’s ability to charge parking and ramp fees at additional locations and would allow those fees to be set and adjusted by board resolution rather than through repeated ordinance amendments.
 
Staff will prepare the proposed ordinance updates for board consideration at a future meeting.

The community is invited to Bayview Park on Sunday, December 14th for the lighting of the menorah. The celebration begins at 4 p.m., the lighting will be at 5 p.m.
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Rabbi Shimon Dudai from Congregation B’Nai Zion and Rabbi Jacob Zucker from Chabad of the Florida Keys will say the blessings.

In what has become a family tradition with the City of Key West, Key West Transit will not be running buses on Thanksgiving Day so that drivers can spend the day with their families. The Lower Keys Shuttle will also be suspended for that one day. Service will resume on normal schedule on Friday.

All City offices will be closed both Thursday and Friday, November 27th and 28tth, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Bight Before Christmas Lighting of the Key West Bight will be at dusk on Wednesday, November 26th, and the official Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 30th 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. The candlelight procession will begin at 4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, with the ceremony at the at the pier at 5 p.m.
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The City of Key West wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The Key West Police Department is very grateful for a visit today from the folks at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Keys Real Estate Knight and Gardner Realty, and the Edward B. Knight Foundation.

The group generously brought pies and gift cards to thank our Key West first responders.

Will Langley, Principal Broker of Berkshire Hathaway, told the gathered group that they wanted to find an appropriate way to thank the City’s first responders.

“At first we wanted to bring everyone a turkey,” he said, “but carrying over 100 turkeys seems impossible! So we brought gift cards and pies to thank you for all you do for our community.”
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The holiday thank you gifts were also shared by the group with Key West Fire and Rescue, who also thanked them for the generous and thoughtful tribute.