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.

Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez and the Key Wet city Commission, during this week’s meeting, shared a proclamation with members of VFW Post #3911 and the Key West Military Affairs Committee in honor of Veteran’s Day.
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Vietnam Veteran Marine Ray Guitierrez accepted the proclamation.
“We probably have 200 years of service just on this dais,” said Juan Llera, past president of the Military Affairs Committee. “This means the world to us. We appreciate this great community and thank you for everything you do for us.”

The City of Key West has a proud and enduring history of supporting the United States Armed Forces, dating back to the City's founding as a strategic military outpost and continuing through its modem role as home to Naval Air Station Key West and numerous military commands.

“The City recognizes with deep gratitude the generations of brave men and women who answered the call to serve” reads the proclamation, “who have protected our freedoms, defended democracy, and stood watch over our way of life with courage, honor, and unwavering resolve during times of war and peace.

“Many of our residents proudly count themselves among this distinguished group,” it continues, “veterans who continue to serve our community with distinction as public servants, business owners, volunteers, and leaders, exemplifying the highest ideals of commitment, integrity, and service.”

In honor of the designated day, City offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th. The community is encouraged to attend the Veteran’s Day Parade, hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard. The parade begins at 4 p.m., starting at United Street and running down Duval.

As Key West heads into its busy season, dozens of local businesses came to the dais at City Hall to celebrate tourism in the island city. Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez and the City Commission issued a commendation for “the vital role that tourism plays in strengthening our economy, preserving our heritage, and enriching the lives of all who live in and visit our city.”

Key West is world-renowned for its tropical beauty, historical charm, cultural diversity, and welcoming spirit,” reads the proclamation, “making it one of the most visited destinations in the United States.”
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It notes that sustainable tourism is the economic heartbeat of the community, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, protecting the environment and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

“The City of Key West remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices,” the proclamation continues, “that protect our fragile ecosystem, preserve our cultural heritage, and ensure a quality experience for both residents and visitors. Tourism also fosters a sense of community pride and global connection, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds who experience and celebrate our island's One Human Family spirit.”
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It credits the success of Key West's tourism industry to the dedication and professionalism of hospitality workers, small business owners, tour operators, and community partners who make every visitor feel at home. 

Key West Transit is convening two public workshops to give an overview of current routes and discuss service changes in the future.

These sessions will provide an overview of the current routes and services, outline planned updates, offer guidance on best practices for utilizing public transit, introduce trip-planning tools, and include a Q&A segment to address community questions and feedback.

“Our goal,” said Transit Director Rogelio Hernandez, “is to ensure transparency, encourage public engagement, and support a smooth transition for all riders.”
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There will be two sessions:

• Thursday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m.
  Department of Transportation, 5701 College Rd.
• Thursday, November 20, at 5:30 p.m.
  Frederick Douglass Gym, 111 Olivia St.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted to eliminate the longstanding 299-square-foot limitation for enclosed storage space below elevated homes in unincorporated Monroe County, as well as the requirement for an inspection at the time of sale.
 
County code amendments to formalize these changes are now being processed and are expected to take effect in late January or early February 2026. Until that time, all current rules, including the 299-square-foot limit, remain in effect. Those seeking to construct more than 299 square feet of space under their homes may submit building permit applications now, but the permits cannot be issued until the new code amendments take effect (anticipated in late January/early February). Applicants should submit a signed, notarized copy of the acknowledgement form with their permit application. The form can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/flood. 
 
Under the upcoming changes, downstairs enclosures must still be used only for limited storage, parking, or access to the building. They cannot be converted into habitable living space under federal floodplain regulations. Property owners seeking permits to expand storage enclosures will continue to be required to sign a recorded non-conversion agreement, which documents allowable uses and ensures that future buyers have a clear record of permitted improvements.
 
“This is a major step forward for Monroe County residents,” said Growth Management Director Emily Schemper. “Removing the size restriction will give homeowners more flexibility while maintaining compliance with federal flood regulations and protecting our community.”