The Key West City Commission has officially approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget during its meeting held on September 25th. The total budget of $286,615,419 is an increase of $24,092,251 over the 2025 budget. 

In addition to the $101,417,531 General Fund budget, the FY2026 budget includes strategic investments in sustainability, infrastructure, roads, and transportation, as well as continued funding for essential public services including sewer, stormwater, solid waste, transit, and operations at the City Marina and Key West Bight.
As part of the budget adoption process, the Commission also voted to set the ad valorem property tax rate at 1.9551, which is 4 percent above the rollback rate. 

The rollback rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year, excluding new construction. By setting the rate 4 percent above this level, the City will generate additional revenue necessary to maintain financial stability and service delivery in the face of rising costs.

The FY2026 budget was developed through a collaborative and strategic process involving City departments, the City Manager, Finance Director, and guidance from the City Commission. 

“The FY2026 budget reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to providing essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting community initiatives,” said Finance Director Christina Bervaldi. “The approved ad valorem tax rate adjustment will allow the City to meet increasing operational costs, fund public safety improvements, and invest in key capital projects that align with long-term strategic goals.”

Despite the 4 percent increase over the rollback rate, the impact on property owners will vary. 

• Homesteaded residential properties with an average assessed value of $592,832 will see a 93-cent decrease in the City portion of their FY2026 property tax.

• Non-homesteaded residential properties with an average assessed value of $1,088,136 will see a $6.82 monthly increase.

• Commercial properties with an average assessed value of $2,085,773 will see a $13.07 monthly increase to the City portion of their FY2026 property tax bill. 

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The adopted budget positions the City to responsibly manage resources while investing in long-term priorities that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

It’s time to renew your Residential Parking Permit for Old Town. The stickers will help ensure marked residential parking spaces are reserved for residents.

The City of Key West has made renewal very easy – renew online! Just go to the City of Key West website Parking Department page and click the “purchase parking permits” on the left side of the page. Your permit will be mailed to you. The cost of the permits remains the same as last year: $39.13 for a full year of parking.

The 2025 Residential Parking Permits are valid through the end of the month.

Residential permits allow for parking in the spaces marked "Residential" in the historic neighborhoods, and they grant a 4-hour free parking credit once a day in select City lots. 

Applicants will need to upload proof of residency, a valid driver's license, and vehicle registration to qualify for a residential permit.

In addition to ensuring that residents can park in the marked residential spaces, the permit allows for free parking for up to four hours, one time per day, by redeeming that time at the pay station or in the app. The free extra parking is available in the following lots:
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• Fire Station #2 in the 600 block of Simonton – Zone 33054
• Key West Bight main lot in the 800 block of Caroline – Zone 33046
• Park N Ride garage in the 300 block of Grinnell – Zone 33048
• Truman Waterfront Park (except during events) -- Zone 33051
• Smathers Beach on-street parking on South Roosevelt Blvd – Zone 33053
• Jackson Square behind the county courthouse, nights and weekends only – Zone 33049

​KEY WEST, FL – The Monroe County Veterans Affairs (VA) Key West office has relocated from the Harvey Government Center to the Historic Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 1-190, in Key West. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
“This move is part of an ongoing effort to enhance accessibility and provide improved services to Monroe County’s Veteran community,” said Community Services Director Cathy Crane. “The new location will continue to deliver the same dedicated support and resources to Veterans and their families.”
 
The Upper Keys office at Murray Nelson Government Center location and hours remain the same. The Marathon satellite office at the Monroe County Public Library Marathon branch also continues every second Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
 
Appointments are recommended but not required. Call 305-295-5150 or 305-453-8777 to make an appointment. For more information, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va. 

​The City of Key West and the Key West Business Guild Executive director Rob Dougherty and Board President Cori Convertito met this week to collaborate on continuing to enhance this community’s reputation for inclusivity. Though the rainbow crosswalks are gone, both the City and the Business Guild are committed to move forward and build back better in ways that fit within state guidelines and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

The vision is to begin exploring the creation of an arch, located in the same neighborhood, reflecting the input of many members of this community with a goal of having it in place by the end of the year.
City Manager Brian L. Barroso envisions a timeline that would see a rendering that would move through City board approvals by December.

“Our role,” he said, “is to foster, fund, and finish this first step in supporting our LGBTQ+ community.”

The Business Guild will work with the community to determine a precise location and design.

But everyone agreed that this is just the first step. Simultaneously, the City is exploring the possibility of rainbow lighting. The Business Guild suggested rainbow-colored benches.

“This project represents the first step in renewed efforts to ensure visible and lasting recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in Key West,” said Dougherty in a statement to the membership. “This marks the beginning of a larger commitment to honoring the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Key West. We are deeply grateful for your continued support as we take these important steps together.”
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Before this brainstorming session, City officials pulled together parameters required by the Historic Architectural Review Commission to ensure that the envisioned arch would, from the beginning, move smoothly through the required approvals.

The City of Key West and the City Commission this month recognized Jean Cine for reaching a remarkable milestone: 20 years of dedicated service with the City of Key West.

“Jean’s story is one that reflects commitment, perseverance, and community spirit,” said Human Services Director Bridget Flores.

Originally from Croix-Des-Bouquets, Haiti, Cine moved to Key West 25 years ago, drawn by the beauty, charm, and small-town atmosphere of the island. Together with his wife of 17 years, he has raised two children here, making this community not just a place to live, but a place to call home.

Cine began his career with the City of Key West in Community Services as a Maintenance Worker at Mallory Square.

“His strong work ethic and dependability soon earned him a promotion to Parking Lot Attendant, where he worked the booths at Mallory Square, the Bight, and the Old Town Garage,” said Flores. “But Jean’s curiosity, skill, and interest in mechanics and repair led him to his next role as Parking Meter Technician.”

For the past 14 years, Cine has been the City’s lead Technician, guiding the City through one of the biggest transitions in parking services: moving from single coin-operated meters to electronic pay stations. His technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and steady leadership have been vital in ensuring that this system works smoothly for residents and visitors alike.

“I am grateful to the City for giving me a chance and for taking care of me all these years,” said Cine.
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“But, it is truly the City that is grateful to you,” responded Parking Director John Wilkins. “For two decades, you have given us your dedication, your talent, and your loyalty. You’ve contributed not just to our operations, but to the very quality of life in Key West.”

Bill Butler Park, located on Poorhouse Lane, is temporarily closed. A tree broke overnight, and to ensure public safety, the park will remain closed until the remains of the tree can be removed.
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The City of Key West apologizes for any inconvenience.

​It’s time to start planning your entries for the 2025 Holiday Parade!

Application are now available online at https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/679/Special-Events or just go to the City’s website and click the snowflake button!
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Deadline for submitting an application is November 21st at 3 p.m. A Parade Application Meeting for all participants will be held on October 1st at 4 p.m. This meeting will address a new, longer parade route, registration and media form review, rules, line-up process, and expectations for this year's parade.  It will also provide an opportunity to answer any questions you may have. The meeting will be held in the City Hall Commission Chambers, 1st Floor, at 1300 White Street, Key West.

September 5, 2025 - The City of Key West invites the community to honor the first responders of 9/11 in an annual remembrance at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum, 1024 Grinnell Street, on September 11th beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Each year the community honors the brave souls and the fallen victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 in New York, Washington D.C., and in Pennsylvania.

Several dignitaries will be on hand to speak, and the historic fire bell will be rung in honor of the people who served and the people who died on that day 24 years ago.

​FLORIDA KEYS, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) took delivery of the first of three new Trauma Star air ambulances at the Marathon hangar on Monday. The Trauma Star program is a partnership between the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and MCSO. Trauma Star provides flights to mainland hospitals for critical patients in need of specialized care.
 
On average, Trauma Star provides nearly 1,400 flights annually, with three to four flights per day. According to Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Trauma Star is one of the top five busiest air ambulance programs in the United States. The three new helicopters will replace the three helicopters in the fleet that are more than 20 years old and are no longer in production, making it difficult to find parts when needed.
 
“This state-of-the-art aircraft will serve as the flagship of our life-saving fleet and represents our continued commitment to safety, rapid medical care, and protecting lives,” said MCFR Chief R.L. Colina.
 
The new helicopter’s range also enables emergency rescues in the Dry Tortugas, allowing flights to Miami's critical care centers without needing to refuel en route. Additionally, the capacity allows for two adult patients to be flown in one helicopter at a time, which cannot be achieved with the current aircraft.
 
The funding comes from the infrastructure penny sales tax, approved by a referendum. The infrastructure sales tax is paid by Monroe County residents and visitors when buying items, not through property taxes.
 
The second and third helicopters are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The pilots and crew are continuing training, and the new helicopters are expected to be in service starting in October. 

Key West City officials gathered in front of the Custom House Tuesday to cut the ribbon on the newly refreshened Clinton Place.
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Vice Mayor Lissette Carey welcomed the community who turned out for the event. Commissioners Donie Lee, Monica Haskell, and Sam Kaufman all thanked the staff and Charley Toppino & Sons for seeing the project through.
County Historian Dr. Corey Malcolm provided an historic perspective of the Civil War monument, around which the park evolved.

“At the conclusion of the Civil War,” he said, “the Key West Navy Club decided to erect a monument dedicated to the servicemen who had died on the island.

“The 17-foot-tall monument was successfully delivered to Key West and installed in 1866,” said Dr. Malcolm, “making it the first Civil War monument in the state of Florida. Initially, the monument was closely surrounded by an octagonal wooden fence. Sometime around 1880, a three-foot-tall wooden picket fence and trees were installed to delineate a triangular perimeter around the monument and create the boundaries for a small park, which stood for the next 150 years.”

The monument bears this inscription: “Erected to the memory of the officers, soldiers and sailors of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps of the United States, who died at this military and naval station during the war of 1861-’65.”