Retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin was recently honored by the College of the Florida Keys with one of its most distinguished awards: The President’s Award. The award was presented by College President and CEO Dr. Jonathan Gueverra during the May 5th graduation ceremony at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center.
The President’s Award is in recognition of McLauchlin’s extraordinary service and commitment to the college and the community. “This is truly an honor,” said McLauchlin. “I’m proud and humbled by this recognition.” McLauchlin, who retires in July, has served with the City for 43 years, beginning as a dispatcher and working up through management until she was appointed City Manager in July of 2021. She is the first woman to hold the title of City Manager of Key West. McLauchlin started her education at what is now known as the College of the Florida Keys with an associate’s degree. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Barry University in Miami. Her commitment to the community includes membership in the Rotary Club and the Key West Chamber of Commerce. She serves on many local boards of directors as well as participating in numerous professional organizations. The President’s Award tops off a career of devoted public service. McLauchlin received the Zonta Club of Key West Award for Public Service, the True Grit Award from Womankind of Key West and the Women of Integrity Award for public service from Samuel’s House.
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The City of Key West’s City Manager’s Office and Code Compliance Department are convening three community meetings for the amending of the Sound Control Ordinance. The dates and locations are as follows: Wednesday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. City Hall Commission Chambers 1300 White Street, Key West, Florida, 33040 Monday, May 15th at 10 a.m. City Hall Commission Chambers 1300 White Street, Key West, Florida, 33040 Wednesday, May 24th at 5:00 p.m. City Hall, Commission Chambers 1300 White Street, Key West, Florida, 33040 The May 3rd meeting will be focused on residents’ concerns and discussions. The May 15th meeting will focus on businesses’ concerns and discussions. The May 24th meeting will be focused on both residents’ and businesses’ concerns and discussions. Members of the Key West City Commission and other Board members may be in attendance at these community meetings. April 7, 2023 - Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission this week recognized former City Commissioner Carmen Turner as the 2023 Women’s History Month Honoree.
Turner was the first and only Black woman to serve on the City Commission, appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles as Interim City Commissioner on June 30, 1995. When her predecessor was removed permanently from office by the Governor, the City Commission then appointed her to fulfill the term ending in 1997. She was then elected for two more terms before stepping down in 2005. Turner noted that people ask her what drew her to public service, first her 10 years as a commissioner and, since then, working for the federal government. “In 5th grade I discovered,” she explained, “that you could use government to improve the lives of people. That is so powerful and so important. I encourage people to pursue public service because it is a good and noble pursuit.” Her comments were met with a standing ovation. Turner noted that Commissioner Jimmy Weekley started it all when he wrote a letter to Governor Chiles recommending she be appointed to the vacated seat. Turner was born and raised in Key West and, in addition to her government job, she has her own company, creating healthy snacks for dogs. The City of Key West would like to thank the Key West community for their participation in the Mallory Square Visioning Process. In the fall and winter of last year, the city received over 2,000 survey responses from this passionate community. This feedback has been instrumental in the planning team’s development of the Mallory Square Master Plan.
The planning team is excited to unveil the Mallory Square Master Plan! The plan can be viewed at the Mallory Square Visioning Hub. You can also see the plan and ask the planning team questions at two upcoming events on Saturday April 15th: NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular Saturday April 15th 11 am to 3pm Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Saturday April 15th 5 pm to 9 pm Provide your feedback and help write the next chapter of Mallory Square’s story. The project team will continue to document, incorporate and ask for additional feedback as the Mallory Square Master Plan moves through the next phases of design and implementation. April 6, 2023- Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed April Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The designation calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in this community. The goal of the proclamation is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The proclamation was accepted by Darlene Thomas, President of the Key West chapter of the National Organization for Women, Christine Depre, Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Cheryl Bradley, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, and Anne Tapley, Christina’s Courage. “Sexual assault can really have a traumatic affect,” said Depre, “and the aftermath can be crippling.” She noted that Christina’s Courage provides free services for the victims of sexual assault, ranging from testing to counseling. Nationally, one in five women and one in 67 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Additionally, child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority for all genders. Incidents of sexual assault has increased on school campuses and in the military. “Our words shape the world around us,” reads the proclamation. “Whether you speak out against locker room talk or help someone better understand these issues, your voice in powerful and necessary in this conversation.” Ambassador Academy Facilitator Alyson Crean, Fritzie Estimond, Jim Infante, Bob Irvine, Leila Alieva, City Manager Albert Childress, Misha McRAE, Sean Krikorian, Lora Wandras, Kevin Bowes, Retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin, Bobi Lore, Jody Alwood, Amber Nolan, Megan McDowell, Donna Peak, Rachel Tufts, Mary Kay Rich, Christopher Massicotte, Joe Moore, and Mim Bedrick. Not pictured: Jana Deen. April 4, 2023 - The Key West Ambassadors Academy graduated its 38th class during this week’s City Commission meeting. They join more than 600 citizens who now have a better insight to the workings of City government. Each class of the Key West Ambassadors Academy has been a special blend of dedicated, involved citizens.
During the City Commission meeting, Retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin congratulated Class 38, noting the dedication it takes to volunteer their time for 13 weeks of delving into the inner workings of city government. “Great job,” she said. “I want to thank you for your time and interest and all your dedication. I sincerely appreciate it, and you’re going to come back and share some of the things we can do to improve the City of Key West.” She was joined at the podium by the City’s new City Manager Albert Childress, to award certificates to each of the participants. Three current city leaders -- Commissioners Clayton Lopez, Sam Kauffman, and Lissette Cuervo Carey – were elected after finishing this program. Other alumni have served as commissioners as well as sitting on a variety of other City boards. The Key West Ambassadors Academy was established in 2003 by then City Manager Julio Avael. Class 39 is slated to begin in mid-July. Applications will be available the first week in June on the City’s website. April 4, 2023 - Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission this week celebrated five Local American Youth Soccer Association teams for their successful season by proclaiming April 4th as Key West AYSO Championship Soccer Day. The athletes were in attendance, and each of their names was read for the commission and the crowded chamber. The Key West U14 Boys team and the Key West U10 Boys Lopez-Roman captured the championship and went undefeated. The Key West U12 Boys team was the runner-up after winning all but 1 game. The Key West U12 Girls captured the championship, and the U10 Boys Archer team was the runner-up after facing Key West in the final match. “These young student-athletes and their coaches illustrate what a team can accomplish together with hard work, dedication, and self-confidence,” reads the proclamation. April 4, 2023 - Retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin, during this week’s City Commission meeting, honored one of the community’s most beloved City employees. She presented Charles Major, Coordinator at the Fredrick Douglass Gym with a plaque and challenge coin recognizing his 30 years of service to the City of Key West.
“Charles has been a fixture at the gym for over 30 years,” said McLauchlin. “Community events and after school programs at the gym wouldn’t exist without him. His time at the gym has been so extensive that multiple people who went to the after school programs as kids are now employees of the City!” She noted that Major has said over the years that, when he passes away at the gym, they can just roll him up onto the stage and have his service there. “Charles Major has been a dedicated employee for the last 30 years,” said McLauchlin. “The gym wouldn’t be the same without him and we hope he stays for 30 more!” March 30, 2023 - The first of the month is a time when many households move. The City of Key West wants to remind the community about the dos and don’ts of bulky waste disposal.
Dumping is illegal. However, residents can dispose of this bulky waste free of charge. But you must do it legally. Before you put anything at the curb, call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 to schedule a pickup date. You may put the trash out the day before your scheduled pick up. Waste Management will also explain that you cannot pile furniture and appliances in one huge heap. Each type of waste material requires a different method of pickup. It’s up to all of us to keep Key West beautiful. And illegal dumping makes the dumper subject to citation. March 28, 2023 It's time again for one of the more spectacular natural events in the Keys -- turtle nesting season. The City of Key West wants to remind residents and visitors to keep the lights out near the beaches so that turtles can lay their eggs in peace and the hatchlings can find their way safely to the water. Hatchlings naturally run toward light, so we're asking that anyone living near the beach turn off the outdoor lighting and close your shades or curtains if at all possible. If the lights cannot be completely doused, try shielding them so that they don't shine toward the beach. Baby turtles are drawn to light after they hatch from their sandy nests. Porch lights can be fatal to these hatchlings. Key West's beaches are closed to the public each night at 11 p.m., and this time of year it's vital that people heed the law. April 15th through October 31st is turtle nesting season -- that time of year when these magnificent creatures crawl up out of the sea to deposit their eggs in the sand. The organization Save-A-Turtle has, in past years, seen evidence that females have crawled up on the beach and returned to the water without laying any eggs. Turtle watchers suspect these "false crawls" may be the result of human interference. Although it's tempting to try and witness this rare and wonderful aspect of our ocean environment, it's not worth the consequences. Nesting beaches have diminished as development has increased over the past several decades. It's crucial that we do all we can to ensure safe nesting beaches in Key West. |
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