MONROE COUNTY, FL – For the fifth consecutive year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks celebrations throughout the Florida Keys. Funds come from passenger user fees explicitly earmarked for promotional activities.
 
“These events bring our communities together to honor our nation’s history while enjoying spectacular fireworks displays and celebrations in our beautiful island settings,” said Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl. “We are happy our residents and visitors can experience a safe and memorable Fourth of July.”
 
The airport began sponsoring the events when local clubs could not fundraise during the COVID shutdown. “We’re happy to continue this tradition on Independence Day for everyone throughout the Florida Keys,” said Airports Executive Director Richard Strickland.
 
County airport-sponsored events include (subject to change):
 
Key West 
Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the Key West’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where White Street meets Atlantic Avenue, fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For information, visit keywestrotary.com. Monroe County-owned Higgs Beach is a great place to watch the display. 
 
Big Pine Key
The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host its festivities on Thursday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31 with vendors, food, games, entertainment, and more. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information.
 
Marathon
A full day of activities starts with a patriotic parade at 11 a.m. from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach and fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Community members can watch from the beach or offshore by boat. Admission is free. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon. 
  
Islamorada
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada co-host its celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 5 p.m. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information. 
           
Key Largo
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its 49th annual parade starting at 10 a.m. from mile marker 98.2. Immediately following the parade, a community picnic will be held at Key Largo Community Park until approximately 5 p.m. with vendors, food, music, and more. After 9 p.m., a fireworks display will be visible from the bayside. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events for more details.  
  
**Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals.

FLORIDA KEYS – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized Key West International Airport Executive Director Richard Strickland and his staff Wednesday for being named Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The airport received the award at the Statewide Continuing Florida Aviation System Planning Process Steering Committee Meeting held in conjunction with the Florida Airports Council annual conference in July.

FDOT annually recognizes superior achievement by presenting awards in eight different aviation categories, with Key West International Airport being nominated for Commercial Service Airport of the Year. 

Mayor Craig Cates congratulated Strickland both for the award and the ongoing Concourse A and terminal improvements project at the Key West airport.

“I’d like to thank the staff for their hard work,” Strickland said. “None of this could be done without them.

Under his direction, Key West International Airport is made up of the following employees:

• Erick D’Leon, Assistant Director of Airports
• Tyler Bethel, Deputy Director, Airport Facilities
• Beth Leto Airport, Deputy Director, Finance & Admin
• Luis Garay, Deputy Director, Operations and Security
• Cale Hartle, Airport Airside & Landside Manager
• Sonja Fleita, Security Manager
• Talandieu Dor, Assistant Manager, Operations & Security
• Stephanie Saenz, Assistant Manager, Facilities & Operations
• Katie Atkins, Marketing & Communications Manager
• Maria (Jones) Morgan, Airport Finance Analyst
• Emie Simeone, Administrator, Airport Grants and Finance
• Svilena Valcheva, Airport Executive Administrator
• Chris Hawks, Airport Systems Technician
• Joseph “Ritchie” Wright, Assistant Airport Systems Technician
• Sergej Korotkov Foreman, Airport Maintenance Foreman
• Jerry Montague, Sr. Airport Maintenance Technician
• James Lewis, Assistant Coordinator, Airport Maintenance
• Brian Holloway, Assistant Coordinator, Airport Maintenance

Airport Security, MCSO

• Lt. Michael DiGiovanni, Director of Airport Security
• Sgt. Vicki Lockwood
• Sgt. Bobby Burkett
• Dep. Sonya Morgan