Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce presents 2022 Community Awards

​The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce honored several residents and local businesses who positively contribute to the City of Key West at their General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at the Opal Key Resort and Marina.
 
The award ceremony recognizes individuals, ventures, and projects that have helped make this community what it is over the past year. Included in the award presentations, we also celebrate employees from the City of Key West.
 
The Chamber is pleased to recognize the following from the City of Key West:

• Firefighter of the Year: Captain David Zarate
• Police Officer of the Year: Officer Andrea Bernatova
• City Employee of the Year: Oscar Ladino, Foreman

 
The Business for Beauty Award is given each year for major capital projects or extensive renovations that add to the beauty and contribute to the overall attractiveness of Key West. This year we are pleased to celebrate two businesses:

• Scarlet Mango Inn for their extensive $1.6 million renovation
• Southernmost Beach Resort for their $15 million renovation

 
The Historic Preservation Award is presented for major projects focused on the renovation and preservation of historic buildings, commercial properties, and landmarks. This award was presented to:

• 323 Fleming Street owned by Jaime Caballero with Key West Vacation Properties and Key West Residential Property
• Williams Hall located at 729 Fleming Street

 
The Venture Award is given for a bold investment in a new business or enterprise that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and adds to the Key West atmosphere. The winners were:

• Gulf Atlantic Bank
• Ocean Blue Galleries
• The Shops of Mallory Square

The Key West Stars are to recognize individuals who go above and beyond making Key West a better place to live. This year, we honored five individuals:

• Melinda Sample and Jill Frieary
• Dorian Patton
• Jennifer Averette
• Ben Hennington

 
The Piece of the Rock award is presented to dedicated individuals who have clearly gone above and beyond the scope of their normal responsibilities to make Key West a better community through the years. Two individuals were recognized this year:

• Robin Kaplan
• Peter Arnow