Key West Mayor Denise Dee Dee Henriquez joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The city commission meets on Thursday.
“We don’t have a lot of agenda items, but there are some items that will have lots of discussion,” Henriquez said.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. and reconvene for an evening session at 5 p.m.
Among the items on the agenda is a proposal to amend the commission’s rules of procedure regarding public comments, along with an agreement to continue building official and inspection services through the remainder of fiscal year 2026.
“We’re approving the addendum to the agreement… so that we can ensure that there’s nothing interrupted” in providing building inspection services for the city, Henriquez said.
Commissioners are also expected to discuss a policy governing the naming, renaming and co-naming of city buildings, an item placed on the agenda by Commissioner Lissette Carey.
During the evening session, the commission will consider an interlocal agreement with the Housing Authority to provide temporary housing accommodations for on-duty Key West Fire Department personnel while Fire Station No. 3 is replaced.
Another discussion is expected on e-bike enforcement.
“I know that the Board of County Commissioners are going to have something on their agenda as well for potential ordinance and changes,” Henriquez said. “I’m really hoping that we can get some teeth in there for our e-bikes.”
The commission will also recognize retiring city employees Allison Crean and Karen Olson and receive a recycling status update from Recycling Coordinator Keely Kessler.
In addition, commissioners will consider replacing the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with a public input process coordinated by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and discuss inspection protocols for leased commercial properties.
Before Thursday’s meeting, Henriquez will hold her weekly “Meet with the Mayor” office hours Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. at City Hall.
“I always look forward to Mondays from 2 to 4 to talk with people and answer any questions that people may have,” she said.
On Tuesday, the City of Key West and the Key West Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Roundtable at City Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“The city staff is ready to answer any questions that they may have, and I’m looking forward to that workshop tomorrow,” Henriquez said.
Tuesday evening, the city will host National Night Out at Truman Waterfront Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring military displays, first responders, law enforcement agencies and family activities.
“I’m going to take my grandkids out there because, of course, they love all the fire trucks and police cars,” Henriquez said.
The evening commission meeting on Thursday will also include a proclamation honoring Fausto’s Food Palace on its 100th anniversary.
“It’s amazing how they have been in business for 100 years throughout their family lifetime,” the mayor said.
Looking ahead, Henriquez said commissioners will continue work on the city’s fiscal year budget during a Sept. 10 meeting.
“I know our finance department is working very diligently and trying to look at some more reductions to be able to present it to us,” she said.
The mayor also highlighted several upcoming community events, including Friday’s Early Bird Cleanup, sponsored by the Key West Junior Football League, and the 28th Annual Key West Lobsterfest on Saturday, which will close portions of Duval Street, Greene Street and Telegraph Lane throughout the day.
Before concluding the interview, Henriquez reminded residents that early voting began Monday.
“We’ll put a nice little plug in for the Supervisor of Elections office,” she said. “Anybody can go down there and vote.”