MONROE COUNTY, FL – To support Veterans, Monroe County illuminated the Harvey Government Center in Key West and the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo green from Nov. 4 to 11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military Veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, raises awareness about the unique challenges many Veterans face and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist Veterans and their families.
 
"Participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans shows our gratitude and support for those who have bravely served," said Cathy Crane, Director of Monroe County Veterans Affairs. "A green light signifies that their sacrifices will never be forgotten and that our community stands with them."
 
For more information on Operation Green Light, visit https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans. To learn more about Monroe County Veterans Affairs and the services offered, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – At Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board recognized National Weather Service Key West’s Chip Kasper and Jon Rizzo with Honorary Conch certificates, recognized Dr. Mark Whiteside of the Florida Dept. of Health in Monroe County and Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin for their service, Florida Keys AHEC for Smoking Cessation Month, and November as National Aviation History Month. Below are the highlights.
 
National Weather Service Key West’s Chip Kasper and Jon Rizzo Presented Honorary Conch Certificates
 
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized the National Weather Service Key West’s Chip Kasper, meteorologist-in-charge, and Jon Rizzo, warning coordinator, with Honorary Conch certificates.
 
“While not native to the Florida Keys, they have demonstrated their dedication to our island home through continued service in our community,” said Monroe County outgoing Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “We congratulate them and are grateful for all that they do for the community.”
 
The NWS-KW, Kasper, and Rizzo are trusted partners for Monroe County Emergency Management throughout hurricane season and other weather events throughout the Florida Keys.
 
Dr. Mark Whiteside Presented Conch Certificate and Recognized for Dedicated Medical Services for Florida Keys Residents
 
The Board of County Commissioners presented Dr. Mark Whiteside of the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County with an Honorary Conch certificate as a pillar of public health in the Florida Keys for more than 40 years. Staff from the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and his family joined him for the recognition.
 
Whiteside, trained in infectious and tropical diseases, has been at the forefront of research and clinical work. His exceptional leadership and medical expertise have been critical in safeguarding the Florida Keys community on numerous public health crises, including managing the flu, H1N1, Zika, HIV, and Dengue outbreaks, helping to prevent and mitigate the impact of these diseases on community members.
 
“His dedication to public health is matched by his passion for environmental sustainability and advocacy for preserving natural ecosystems,” said Mayor Jim Scholl. “He recognizes the critical connection between a healthy environment and healthy communities.”
 
Photo – Whiteside: KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County
 
Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin Recognized for her Invaluable Service to Monore County Residents
 
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized Joyce Griffin for her remarkable career, dedicated service, and extraordinary contributions to the Florida Keys community. Griffin devoted 40 years of service to Monroe County, beginning in 1984 as a clerk typist, working every clerical position in the office, then being elected to Supervisor of Elections in 2012 after working under five different Supervisor of Elections. She became known as the “do it girl” as she prides herself on completing the needed work. Her staff joined her at the recognition.
 
“Joyce has served as the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections with distinction, overseeing the fair, accurate, and transparent conduct of elections, ensuring that every eligible citizen can vote and have their voice heard,” said outgoing Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “Joyce has been a trusted leader and an advocate for innovations by streamlining the voting process and successfully moved Monroe County into the future with computer voting machines helping to enhance voter accessibility and increased voter participation.”
 
Throughout Griffin’s tenure, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, tirelessly working to safeguard voters’ rights and improve the electoral system.
 
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her leadership and wish her a well-deserved retirement filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment,” said Mayor Jim Scholl.
 
Photo – Griffin: KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County
 
Commissioners Recognize EYW and AHEC Partnership; and November as Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Awareness Month
 
Key West International Airport (EYW) joined smoke-free airports around the globe in 2023 by closing its outdoor smoking patio during ongoing construction and continues to improve service with its new concourse set to open in 2025. EYW supports Florida Keys Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) by donating $2,000 annually through its community relations program. AHEC provides free tobacco cessation services for Monroe County residents that have helped thousands of Monroe County residents quit smoking through counseling sessions and nicotine replacement therapy. Those who wish to quit smoking, visit KeysAhec.org and begin their cessation journey today.
 
The commissioners also recognized November as Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has found tobacco smoke to contain more than 7,000 toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. November is National Smoking Cessation Lung Cancer Awareness Month, paired with the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday (Nov. 21).
 
Photo – AHEC: KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County
 
November is Aviation History Month
 
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized November as Aviation History Month by presenting a proclamation to Monroe County Airport Director Richard Strickland that recognizes the importance of the industry’s evolution and significance.
 
“Aviation plays a vital role in our local, state, and national economy, creating jobs and driving innovation, as well as connections across borders, disaster relief, and national security,” said Mayor Jim Scholl, an avid aviator. “The Florida Keys have a rich history of aviation dating back to 1913, and commercial service began at Key West International Airport (EYW) in 1928 at what was then known as Meacham Field.”
 
Award-winning EYW continues to transform and improve service with plans to open its new Concourse A in 2025, providing nonstop commercial service to more than 20 destinations. The airport has an economic impact of $1.6 billion.
 
Florida Keys Marathon International Airport opened in 1943 and served the U.S. Navy as an auxiliary airfield for Naval Air Station Key West. It was transferred to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners for use as a civilian airport at the end of WWII. Marathon airport is estimated to have a local economic impact of $235 million.
 
“It is important to recognize the significance of local aviation and its transformation throughout history while honoring those who have dedicated their working lives to the prosperity of both Key West and Marathon airport facilities,” said Commissioner David Rice, also an aviator. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – At Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board chose Mayor Pro Tem Jim Scholl to serve as Monroe County Mayor and Commissioner Michelle Lincoln to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the next year. Mayor Scholl has been a commissioner since he was appointed in April 2022, and Mayor Pro Tem Lincoln since elected in November 2018.
 
Mayor Scholl, Mayor Pro Tem Lincoln, and the commissioners recognized outgoing Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein for her mayoral duties for the past year and for leading the County through important conversations like ROGO throughout the year.
 
The mayor’s title is given to the Board of County Commissioners chairperson. The commissioners choose the designee based on a majority vote, usually at the November board meeting. A mayor pro tem is also designated to fill in when the mayor is unavailable. The mayor presides over the Board of County Commissioners meetings and serves as the Monroe County representative at ceremonial occasions. The mayor is also responsible for signing and cosigning documents with the County Clerk.

KEY LARGO, FL – Jacobs Aquatic Center’s competition pool in Key Largo reopened on Saturday after a long-anticipated refurbishment. Monroe County Project Management worked with Parks and Beaches and StandGuard Aquatics, the pool’s operations company, to lower the impact of the closure on the community and patrons of the pool. A TDC grant funded the refurbishment.
 
“This was a real multi-departmental effort that would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department, FKAA, StandGuard Aquatics, Monroe County Roads and Bridges, Parks and Beaches, and others,” said Monroe County Senior Project Manager Suzi Rubio. “Thanks to this joint effort, we completed the refurbishment, filled, and opened the pool eight days earlier than anticipated.” 
 
The pool liner refurbishment is the first since Jacobs Aquatic Center opened in 2002. The center is the home of the Orange Bowl Swim Classic, held the first weekend in January each year, and the management company also offers various community-centered programs, including Zumba, water fitness classes, swim lessons, and summer and break camps for children.
 
For more information on the pool, visit https://jacobsaquaticcenter.org/.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – A Monroe County Building Department Unlicensed Contractor Investigator cited an unlicensed asphalt paver and the business owner who hired the company last week. The asphalt company was from New Jersey. Fines could be up to $2,000 for the violations.

“The public needs to know that there are people out there who will try to do work like this, and it is not legal without the proper permits,” said Monroe County Building Official Rick Griffin.
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Monroe County requires all property owners or licensed contractors to pull a permit for things like paving and asphalt. The property owner could also incur additional fines from Code Compliance for unpermitted improvements to the property.
 
If you feel you are being targeted by an unlicensed contractor in unincorporated Monroe County, call 305-289-2516 or email [email protected].
 

​KEY WEST, FL-- While repairing concrete spalling at the Historic Gato Building at 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, traces of lead were found in the construction materials. In an abundance of caution, the building is closed to staff and the public, effective immediately until testing and remediation can be completed. 
 
The Historic Gato Building houses Monroe County administrative offices, including the County Administrator, Social Services, Solid Waste, Project Management, Management and Budget, Human Resources, UF IFAS Extension Services, and the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. The County is in the process of temporarily moving the offices to alternate locations. Additional details will follow as they become available. 
 
The building was originally a cigar factory built in 1871 but was destroyed by a fire in 1915. The current building was rebuilt and opened in 1920.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparation efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the threat of Hurricane Rafael to the Florida Keys.
 
To receive Monroe County Emergency Management news and informational updates by call, text message, and/or email, sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/alertmonroe.
 
The Joint Information Center (JIC) is being updated in real-time at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/JIC with local closures and recommendations from county and municipal officials. The latest updates are on the JIC website; here are some highlights:
 
Latest Updates:

• Stay off the water and roads, especially during squally conditions
• Government offices (county and municipal) will be open for regular service on Thursday.
• For Thursday: Lower Keys schools (south of the 7 Mile Bridge) will have a two-hour delayed start. Buses will run on a two-hour delay. Dismissal times will remain the same. Upper Keys schools (north of the 7 Mile Bridge) will operate as normal.
• Garbage service throughout the Keys will operate as normal.

 

• A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the Lower and Middle Keys from Key West to the Channel 5 Bridge, and for the Dry Tortugas. 
• A Coastal Flood Statement remains in effect for the Upper Keys
• A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect for the Lower and Middle Keys

 
The National Weather Service Key West said the potential impacts for the Florida Keys could include:

• Coastal flooding, with potential saltwater flooding for Atlantic-side communities of the Florida Keys today and tonight. Water levels could reach up to 2 feet above mean higher high water, or about a foot higher than recent high tides. 
• Tropical storm-force winds will most likely arrive this evening including sustained winds 30 to 35 mph and occasional gusts 40 to 45 mph, especially for areas west of the Channel 5 Bridge. 
• There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms tonight across the Lower Keys, including the potential for a few tornadoes. There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms tonight for the Middle and Upper Keys, including a tornado or two. The most potent thundery squalls will be capable of localized wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. 
• Locally heavy rainfall is possible from passing squalls, resulting in flooding of streets and poor drainage areas. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall are possible. 

Residents and visitors should plan for deteriorating conditions over the next couple of hours. The heaviest weather will be this evening and overnight. Have more than one way to receive tornado warnings, such as a fully charged mobile phone and a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup. 
Please continue to monitor reliable sources, including The National Weather Service Key West and Monroe County Emergency Management.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating preparation efforts with local, state, and federal partners due to the threat of Tropical Storm Rafael to the Florida Keys.
 
To receive Monroe County Emergency Management news and informational updates by text message or email, sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/alertmonroe.
 
The Joint Information Center is being updated in real-time at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/JIC with local closures and recommendations from officials. The latest updates are on the website; here are some of the highlights:
 
Latest Updates:

• Liveaboard boaters, campers, those in RVs, and mobile homes should seek safe shelter on Wednesday throughout the day.
  • The City of Key West’s John Jones Navigation Center in Key West is open to liveaboard boaters who do not want to stay on the water. Opens Tuesday evening. 
• Stay off the water and roads, especially during squally conditions.
• Schools are closed on Wednesday.
• Monroe County and City of Layton government offices will be closed on Wednesday; services will be remote where available. City of Key West offices are closed on Wednesday. Other city operations are as normal.
• No evacuations are planned.
• Public Participation ROGO Workshop scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Murray Nelson Government Center will still be happening. 
• Boat races in Key West are canceled on Wednesday. 
• Garbage service throughout the Keys will operate as normal on Wednesday.

 
Residents should secure their homes, yards, and boats, as significant weather impacts to the Florida Keys are most likely to occur starting early Wednesday morning.
 
According to the National Weather Service in Key West, impacts may include:

• Coastal flooding, with potential saltwater flooding for oceanside portions of the Florida Keys Wednesday and Wednesday night. Water levels could reach up to 2 feet above mean higher high water, or about a foot higher than recent high tides.
• The potential for sustained tropical storm force winds is now 2 in 3 at Key West, and just above 1 in 2 at Marathon and Layton. Tropical storm force winds could arrive as early as predawn Wednesday morning, but will most likely arrive around midday Wednesday.
• The potential for strong/damaging sustained tropical storm force winds of 55 mph or greater ranges from a little less than 1 in 5 at Key West to near 1 in 20 at Marathon.
• There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms Wednesday and Wednesday night across the Lower and Middle Keys, including a few tornadoes. There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms Wednesday and Wednesday night for the Upper Keys, including a tornado or two. The most potent thundery squalls will be capable of localized wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph.
• Locally heavy rainfall is possible from passing squalls, resulting in flooding of streets and poor drainage areas, especially Tuesday night through Thursday. Storm total rainfall likely will reach 2 to 3 inches.

 
Please begin your preparedness activities, including:

• Secure your yard and property: Bring all outdoor furniture inside. Secure anything that is not tied down—secure trashcans and any items that were not picked up.
• Boat owners should ensure their boats are secure, whether in the water or on a trailer on land.
• Monitor reliable sources, including The National Weather Service Key West and Monroe County Emergency Management.

 
Additional preparedness information can be found at www.monroecountyem.com. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Several events take place on Veterans Day to honor Veterans in the Florida Keys.
 
Monroe County Veterans Affairs is co-hosting a Veterans Day ceremony with Key Largo VFW Post 10211 to honor all who served on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. The Key Largo Community Band will be playing a selection of patriotic songs. The U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard will be presenting the colors.
 
Also at the Murray Nelson Government Center, the American Legion Post 145 is sponsoring a Big Red Bus blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
During the same time in Key West, Monroe County Veterans Affairs staff will also participate in the wreath-laying ceremony honoring Veterans at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park in Key West.
 
Other events taking place include:
 

• American Legion Post 154 will host a Veterans Day parade from 20th Street in Marathon, making a U-turn at the traffic light at 107th Street, ending at the American Legion at 4115 Overseas Hwy. The parade will start at 11 a.m. Following the parade, there will be a ceremony at the post starting around noon.
• Islamorada Fire Rescue Station 20 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 81850 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada at 11 a.m.
• Later that day, Monroe County Veterans Affairs and Monroe County staff will participate in the Key West Veterans Day Parade at 4 p.m. JIATF-South hosts the Key West parade that will run along Duval Street. The public is invited to cheer on parade participants and pay tribute to Veterans and service members.

 
Veterans Day celebrates the formal ending of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 and is a national holiday observed for all honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
 
“Veterans Day is a time to honor all United States veterans for their unwavering service and sacrifices for our country,” said Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane. “Engaging in Veterans Day events is an impactful way to express our patriotism and deep pride for those for those who bravely served.”