Member Login | Become a Member | Business Directory
Key West Chamber of Commerce
  • Home
  • 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
    • Coupons
    • 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
      • Referral Roundup
      • Testimonials
      • Member Login
    • Board of Directors >
      • How to Become A Board Member
    • Chamber Staff
    • Chamber Calendar >
      • Holiday Decorating Contest
      • Masquerade March
      • Showcase of Key West Businesses
      • Annual Golf Outing
    • Advocacy >
      • Legislative Agenda >
        • Advocacy Request Form
      • Election Information
    • Committees
    • Chamber Resources >
      • Business Magazine Archive
      • Business Directory
      • Ribbon Cuttings
      • Member Discounts and Affinity Programs
      • Marketing & Advertising Opportunities
    • Awards >
      • Athena Award Nominations
    • Chamber News >
      • Member To Member Emails
      • Cybersecurity and Ransomware
    • Photo Gallery
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
  • Foundation
    • Tom Sawyer Five Star Program
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Past Scholarship Award Winners
    • Scholarship
  • Economic Development
    • Business Resources >
      • Economic Partners
      • Quick Facts
      • Business Survey
      • Community Survey
      • Workforce Housing Survey
      • Monroe County Score Card
  • Young Entrepreneurs Academy

CITY OF KEY WEST TO CONDUCT ROAD ELEVATION SURVEY

9/13/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Specialized trucks collect LIDAR data in Marathon to evaluate road elevations for future hardening of city streets and facilities. CONTRIBUTED
Picture
Painted arrow targets used to align multiple map scans together. CONTRIBUTED
September 12, 2023 - From September 18th through October 6th, specialized trucks with the name “wood” on the side will be driving Key West streets collecting LiDAR data to evaluate the city’s road elevations.  LiDAR stands for Light Imaging Distance and Ranging and will enable the City to better plan, prioritize and budget elevation projects by vastly improving its street elevation data. The effort is part of a larger strategy to strengthen and harden the City’s infrastructure and facilities in accordance with anticipated sea level rise as well as storm surge and flooding. Staff is already preparing to use the data to further stormwater, tidal, and sea level rise planning projects.

“We want the citizens of Key West to be fully informed about our efforts to protect the City and anticipate future areas of concern,” said Key West Sustainability Coordinator Alison Higgins.  “These maps are important groundwork for our upcoming Climate Adaptation Plan.” 

Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions Inc. has performed LiDAR surveys for Monroe County and all other incorporated areas, working north to south. In Key West, Wood will evaluate 72 miles of road and the first floor elevations for critical facilities. Wood crews will be setting up the control survey for Key West in mid-September, by either painting or taping temporary arrow-like markings onto City streets. These markings are used to help the scanner match images together to enable a centimeter’s accurate picture of our road elevations. 

To stay up to date on the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan, go to www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov and look for the notify me button.  From there you can sign up to receive updates via email.
0 Comments

Frederick Douglass Community Center Groundbreaking

9/11/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
City Clerk Keri O’Brien, City Attorney Ron Ramsingh, City Manager Al Childress, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, Mayor Teri Johnston, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez, Billy Wardlow, and Lissette Carey.
September 11, 2023 - City officials and the community gathered on Friday to kick off the construction of the new Frederick Douglass Community Center with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The project will replace the entire wing off the Douglass Gym, located in Bahama Village on Olivia Street.

This $8 million dollar project will house the renowned Bahama Village Music Program, providing a platform for budding musicians.

The center's design will accommodate sports, art, learning, and social activities. It will host after-school tutoring, adult education, nutrition education, and small business incubation. This hub will feature a learning center, a senior activity area, a 2,600 square foot main hall, and an event kitchen.
​
The Community Center is expected to be up and running by January of 2025.
0 Comments

Emergency Exercise Just a Drill

9/8/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
September 8, 2023 - The City of Key West, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West, and Monroe County will be holding a joint emergency response exercise on Wednesday, September 13th at the Truman Waterfront. Emergency responders from several agencies will be on hand that morning to train with a virtual scenario.
​

This exercise is one of several held throughout the year to ensure that all agencies are coordinated in case of an actual emergency.

0 Comments

Holiday Parade Applications Available Now!

8/30/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Farmer Jeanne Sealander and Arabella during the 2022 Holiday Parade.
August 30, 2023 - It’s time to plan your float for the upcoming Key West Holiday Parade on December 2nd!

Floats can be of any length but must be maneuverable and no more than 15 feet wide and 12 feet high. Each entry requires monitors. The number of entries is limited to 55.

Entry forms must be received by no later than Monday, November 21st at 4 p.m. The parade takes place on Saturday, December 2nd beginning at 7 p.m. at the corner of White Street and Truman Avenue.
​
Applications and details are available on the City’s web site at http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov  under special events or you can call Maria at 305-809-3881.
0 Comments

Transit Adjusts for Tropical Storm Idalia

8/28/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
In advance of possible localized flooding from Tropical Storm Idalia, the City of Key West is adjusting bus service in the community on Tuesday and Wednesday August 29-30.  The Lower Keys Shuttle, Workforce Express, and the Key West Rides transit service will modify its service to avoid streets that typically flood. Since the Duval Loop route mainly encompasses areas that are subject to flooding, all service will be suspended.

The modifications are as listed: 

Lower Keys Shuttle Normal Hours 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Detours – (Inbound into Key West) Normal route until you reach Palm Ave.  The bus will instead continue on North Roosevelt Blvd. to Truman Ave. making a right onto Simonton St., then making a left onto Caroline St. resuming the normal route. 

Work Force Express – Normal Hours 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., then 3:40 pm to 8:30 pm. (Inbound into Key West) Normal route until you are northbound on Whitehead St.  Instead of entering Bahama Village at Petronia Street, the bus will make a right turn on Angela Street then making a right turn onto Simonton St proceeding to Truman Ave and making a left turn to resume the normal route.

Key West Rides – Normal Hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Normal service; however, pick-up and drop-off stops will be adjusted to avoid flooded streets.

Duval Loop –ALL SERVICE SUSPENDED
​
The City of Key West is in a heightened state of monitoring as we remain under a tropical storm watch.  Tropical Storm Idalia may further disrupt normal transit bus service operations. For more bus information, visit the City of Key West website at Key West Department of Transportation (KWDoT) | Key West, FL (cityofkeywest-fl.gov) or www.kwtransit.com.

0 Comments

Extreme Heat Safety

8/15/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
As summer continues to bring dangerously high heat to the Keys, the City of Key West wants to remind residents and visitors to be aware of signs of heat distress.

In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. For more information, visit www.ready.gov/heat.

Remember: Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index. Pay attention to the warning issued by NOAA.

When under an extreme heat warning, find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light clothing.

Check on family members and neighbors, and never leave people or pets in a closed car.

It’s also important to know the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond. Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs are a sign of heat cramps. Get to a cooler location and remove excess clothing. Sip cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If the cramps last more than an hour, get medical help.

Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting are clear signs of heat exhaustion. Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing and take a cool bath. Hydrate with cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat stroke is the most dangerous condition. Symptoms include high body temperature exceeding 103 degrees; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; and dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness. With these symptoms, call 911 immediately and cool down the person’s body any way available until help arrives.

Heat distress can sneak up suddenly with dire results. Please take precautions to ensure your safety.
0 Comments

Mayor Speaks at First-Time LGBTQ Convention

8/9/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mayor Teri Johnston
Mayor Teri Johnston last week represented Key West in Tampa on a panel at the first conference focused on the Florida LGBTQ tourism industry: the Florida Out Coast Convention (FLOCC).

She was joined on the panel by Visit Lauderdale CEO Stacy Ritter and Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada, along with representatives from the American Hospitality & Lodging Association Foundation, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, and the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association.
​
FLOCC is primarily educational and offers several opportunities for networking within Florida’s tourism and LGBTQ leadership community. FLOCC is designed to help communities and businesses better understand the specific needs and challenges around LGBTQ tourism topics.
0 Comments

Small Business Development Center Recognized

7/19/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
​ Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission commended the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida International University for its recent national recognition.

The Center started working with small businesses in the Keys in 2018. The team of highly experienced consultants provides assistance and training to entrepreneurs and business owners in the City of Key West and Monroe County to help them start, grow, and succeed.

FSBDC at FIU work one-on-one with small businesses providing startup assistance, access to capital, marketing, financial management, government contracting, human resources and business strategy advising.

The Center has delivered more than 2,215 hours of consulting to 223 Key West small businesses, resulting in business owners securing over $18.4 million in capital, securing $7.3 million in government contracts, increasing sales by $8.6 million, impacting 1,548 jobs, and launching 13 new businesses.

In April, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced SBDC at FIU as the winner of the 2023 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award, which recognizes the country’s top small business center.
Regional Director Brian Van Hook accepted the honor with consultants Nancy Hull, Bonnie Barns, and Julie Brown. They were joined on the dais by Nick Formico, owner of Key West Marine Hardware who is the Center’s Keys Client of the Year.
​
“We talk about numbers on a page but its actually all about the business owners,” said Van Hook. “Nick here was our Client of the Year. And that’s what we’re all about, helping local business owners.”
0 Comments

Commission Proclaims Miami Marlins Day

7/18/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
They’re doing it again! The Miami Marlins are supporting the Key West Police Athletic League by proclaiming the August 27th as Key West Night. During the July meeting, Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission proclaimed August 27th as Miami Marlins Day.

The August 27th game pits the Marlins against the Washington Nationals, and it’s the third year in a row that the Marlins have supported PAL with a special Key West Night. Key West residents will receive a special ticket price, and $5 of each ticket will be donated to PAL.

At that game, City Manager Al Childress will throw out the first pitch. At half time, a group of Key West kids will join Marlins’ mascot Billy on the field during the seventh inning stretch to sing “Take me Out to the Ballgame.”

Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman has worked with Florida Keys Media’s Rick Lopez each year to make this happen, noting that Key West has always been a baseball town.

Tickets are available on the Miami Marlins’ website at:  https://www.mlb.com/marlins/tickets/specials/key-west

PAL’s programs are designed to get children involved in sports and in educational programs. It provides a safe place where kids can go after school and on weekends. It encourages teamwork and strong self-esteem. PAL supports computer classes after school and provides entertaining and educational camps during the summer and on holidays.
0 Comments

Recreation and Parks Month

7/17/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mary Lou Hoover and Lissette Carey, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Vice Chair Roger McVeigh and Chairperson Tiffany Pellicier, Mayor Teri Johnston, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow. Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman was in attendance via Zoom.
​ Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed July as Recreation and Parks Month.
The declaration dovetails with recognition countrywide by the National Recreation and Park Association as well as the Florida Recreation and Park Association.

“Parks and recreation programs enhance our quality of life by contributing to healthy lifestyles, building community, creating economic development, and encouraging environmental stewardship,” reads the proclamation. In addition, they “boost the economy, enhance property values, attract new business, increase tourism, and reduce crime.”
Recreation helps build “family unity, strengthens neighborhood involvement, offers opportunity for social interaction, enhances education, develops creativity, and promotes cultural diversity.”
​
The honor was accepted by Tiffany Pellicier, Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Roger McVeigh, Vice Chair.
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 marketing@keywestchamber.org

    Archives

    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
    Art
    Artists
    Awards
    Baseball
    Bicycle Action Committee
    Biking
    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
    Concerts
    Conservation
    Contest
    Contractors
    County Commissioners
    Doctor
    Donation
    Educational Event
    Elks Lodge 551
    Emergency Preparedness
    Employment Opportunity
    Environment
    Everglades National Park
    Exhibitions
    Exit Realty
    Fantasy Fest
    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
    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 Days
    Higgs Beach
    Historic Florida Keys Foundation
    Holidays
    Honor
    Hyatt
    Job Fair
    Key 93.7
    Key Lime Pie
    Keys Citizen
    Keys Energy
    Keys Medical Group
    Keys To Be The Change
    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 Police Department
    Key West Theater
    Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
    Key West Vacation Properties & Realty
    Key West Veteran
    Key West Woman's Club
    Leadership Monroe
    Loans
    Local
    Lower Keys Medical Center
    Mallory Square
    MARC
    Mel Fisher
    Memorial Bridge
    Mentorship
    Military
    MLK Celebration
    Monroe Cou
    Monroe County
    Monroe County Fire & Rescue
    Monroe County Historian
    Monroe County Public Library
    Monroe County Sheriff's Office
    Monroe County Tourist Development Council
    National Park Service
    Nonprofit
    Ordinance
    Parking
    Peter MacDougall
    Poetry
    Poinciana
    Presentation
    Radio One Key West
    Real Estate
    Reception
    Recycle
    Reports
    Ribbon Cutting
    Rural Health Network Of Monroe County
    Safety
    Sales Tax Holiday
    Softball
    Sponsor
    Students
    Summer
    Taxes
    TDC
    Tennessee Williams Museum
    Teri Johnston
    The Navy League
    The Studios Of Key West
    The Wesley House
    Time Capsule
    Tour
    Transient Rental
    Transit
    Trash Pick Up
    Tree City USA
    Truman Waterfront Park
    Turtles
    United Way
    U.S. Small Business Administration
    Volunteer
    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
info@keywestchamber.org | sitemap
Picture
  • Home
  • 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
    • Coupons
    • 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
      • Referral Roundup
      • Testimonials
      • Member Login
    • Board of Directors >
      • How to Become A Board Member
    • Chamber Staff
    • Chamber Calendar >
      • Holiday Decorating Contest
      • Masquerade March
      • Showcase of Key West Businesses
      • Annual Golf Outing
    • Advocacy >
      • Legislative Agenda >
        • Advocacy Request Form
      • Election Information
    • Committees
    • Chamber Resources >
      • Business Magazine Archive
      • Business Directory
      • Ribbon Cuttings
      • Member Discounts and Affinity Programs
      • Marketing & Advertising Opportunities
    • Awards >
      • Athena Award Nominations
    • Chamber News >
      • Member To Member Emails
      • Cybersecurity and Ransomware
    • Photo Gallery
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
  • Foundation
    • Tom Sawyer Five Star Program
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Past Scholarship Award Winners
    • Scholarship
  • Economic Development
    • Business Resources >
      • Economic Partners
      • Quick Facts
      • Business Survey
      • Community Survey
      • Workforce Housing Survey
      • Monroe County Score Card
  • Young Entrepreneurs Academy