Key West Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission proclaimed July 14th as Flora Barroso Rueda Day in honor of Rueda’s 102nd birthday.

City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley did the honors of presenting the proclamation to Mrs. Rueda, as she is his godmother.

“At 65 she took on a new career of playing the piano,” said Weekley. She played for the senior citizens at Bayshore Manor and in the convalescent center. After taking a break during the Covid pandemic, she now plans to start playing for the residents of Poinciana Gardens.

Born in 1920, she grew up on Bahama Street, where she learned to play the piano -- and to play cards -- at a very early age. She graduated from the Convent of Mary Immaculate High School in 1938.

As a lifelong member of The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Flora sang in the choir for more than 50 years alongside her sister Norma.

Flora met and married Evelio “Skippy” Rueda and, over 70 years of marriage, they raised a strong family that now includes three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Rueda has been a member of the Catholic Daughters, Court #634, and served in every office of the organization over a span of 52 years. She served as State Regent and Treasurer of the Florida Council of Catholic Daughters.
Rueda’s beautiful still life paintings grace the homes of many friends and family.
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Rueda accepted the honor surrounded by family. She recalled fondly her childhood in Key West and the importance that music has played in her life.

Mayor Teri Johnston represented Key West at the 90th annual United States Conference of Mayors from June 3rd to the 6th. The mayor joined 1,400 mayors from around the country to tackle common challenges such as housing, equity, mental health, economic growth, gun violence, climate change, women’s rights and LGBTQ issues.

Mayor Johnston was honored to participate on two panels during the conference to share her experience in Key West with other mayors.
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“This is one of those unique, refreshing conferences where there is no political divide, just mayors rolling up their sleeves to share ideas for solutions to common community problems.”

Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission commended the Key West High School Baseball Team for their outstanding season.

The 2022 baseball program for Key West High School won the 4A District 16 Championship on May 5th, 2022. The Conchs baseball program earned their #1 seed in the regional playoffs by commanding a spectacular 23 and 7 record for the season.

“The baseball team and coaches have shown,” reads the commendation, “that through tenacity and perseverance, the spirit of ‘Conch Ball’ remains intact.
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“Coach Ralph Henriquez and son Ralph Henriquez Jr. continue to add to the legacy of performance,” it continues, “Coach Henriquez collected over 350 wins in his Key West High coaching career.”
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The team thanked the commission and the Key West community for their support.

Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission commended the Key West Lady Conchs Girls Softball Team for their outstanding season.

The team won the regional championship on May 20th and became the first ever Key West High School softball team to advance to the State Championship Series.

Coach Jason Garcia, Assistant Coach Erik Snow, and the team accepted the commendation.

“They say it takes a village to raise a kid,” said Coach Garcia, “Well, it takes a community to have a quality softball team. I said here last year that we’d go to the state championships, and we look forward to doing it again next year.”

City Attorney Shawn Smith, whose daughter is on the team, reiterated Coach Garcia’s statement. He noted that this same group of young women has appeared annually in front of the commission, earning kudos for their softball accomplishments as they grew from the eight and under league to where they are today.
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The commendation also recognized the team’s leadership. “Coach Jason Garcia, assistant coach Erik Snow and pitching coach Jewls Castillo continue to do an outstanding job with the development of contenders and athletes,” reads the commendation.

Got a question or suggestion for the Mayor? Join Mayor Teri Johnston on Tuesday, May 17th at the Green Pineapple, 1130 Duval Street from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a conversation about our community.
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Mayor Johnston looks forward to seeing you there!