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KEY WEST, FL - The Board of County Commissioners recognized Key West International Airport for receiving the Florida Airports Council Benjamin J. Siwinski Sustainability Award, announced last month during the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale. It is the airport’s third award for Concourse A and its fifth overall, recognizing accomplishments by the airport and its management in recent years.
The award is one of the council’s highest environmental honors, recognizing innovative sustainability efforts that strengthen Florida's aviation system while honoring the legacy of one of the industry's most respected environmental leaders. The award recognized the airport's innovative bird-friendly glass windows throughout the facility. Key West lies along both the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, placing the airport within a major migratory corridor used by hundreds of bird species each year. Large glass structures can present hazards to birds because reflections often create the illusion of open sky or habitat. Specialized ceramic frit patterns were embedded into the glass surface, creating visual markers that help birds recognize the structure and avoid collisions. The project team also utilized advanced glazing systems with low exterior reflectance to further reduce the likelihood of bird strikes. “A commitment to protecting migratory birds was a defining environmental element of the project,” said Richard Strickland, Executive Director of Airports. “This award means a great deal to the entire team who worked on Concourse A and me.” The award was named for Ben Siwinski, who was widely respected as an early pioneer in airport sustainability and environmental resiliency. Throughout his career, he championed innovative environmental practices at airports across Florida and nationally while mentoring countless young aviation professionals. After his passing in 2022, the Florida Airports Council created this award to continue his legacy of innovation, stewardship, and leadership.  MONROE COUNTY, FL – For the sixth consecutive year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks displays throughout the Florida Keys. Funds come from passenger user fees explicitly earmarked for promotional activities.
“Independence Day in the Florida Keys is more than fireworks; it’s a celebration of community, patriotism, and the traditions that bring generations of families together, especially this year, for America’s semi-quincentennial,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “We appreciate the continued partnership of Key West International Airport, the municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers who help make these celebrations possible across the Florida Keys each year.” “From Key Largo to Key West, these celebrations bring our communities together and showcase the unique spirit of the Florida Keys,” said Richard Strickland, airport Executive Director. “The airport is proud to support these longstanding traditions and the volunteers and organizations who work hard each year to create safe, memorable Independence Day celebrations for residents and visitors.” County airport-sponsored Independence Day event plans include (subject to change): Key West Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented 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. on Saturday, July 4. For information, visit keywestrotary.com. Big Pine Key The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities on Friday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31. There will be vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities, and entertainment. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information. Marathon A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade at 11 a.m., July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach, hosted by the Rotary Club of Marathon, with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m., hosted by the City of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Viewers can watch from the beach or even offshore of Sombrero Beach by boat. Admission is free. Visit www.marathonrotary.org for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon. Islamorada The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host an Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information. Key Largo The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its 50th annual July 4 parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at mile marker 98.2 and end at mile marker 100. Northbound lanes will be closed from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Immediately following the parade, the community is invited to Key Largo Community Park for the Freedom Fest Picnic, featuring free hot dogs, kids' activities, food and drink vendors, and more. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the annual fireworks can be seen over Blackwater Sound, and the public is encouraged to view from their favorite bayfront establishment. Visit keylargochamber.org for more details. **Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals.  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.  Director of Airports Richard Strickland is recognized at the September Board of County Commissioners meeting for Key West Airport being named Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). 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:
Airport Security, MCSO
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