Key West Mayor Sam Kaufman 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 recently approved a $15.5 million bond for road and sidewalk improvements over the next three years.
Kaufman said the investment is particularly important following recent flooding in the Keys.
“You’re going to see a lot of projects over the next three years,” Kaufman said.
Work will begin with Atlantic Boulevard, including a complete renovation and drainage improvements aimed at addressing flooding. Other projects are planned for Caroline Street, Harris Avenue, Staples and additional streets.
Kaufman said the city is also carefully weighing the needs of the community against the cost to taxpayers.
The city achieved a zero tax increase this year, which Kaufman said makes careful financial planning especially important as officials begin looking ahead to future budgets.
One major priority is Fire Station Three. City commissioners are discussing how to provide the best possible facility for firefighters while also determining what improvements are necessary and what costs can be reduced.
“We’re concerned, and we had a really good presentation at the city commission meeting regarding Fire Station Three, which is one of our utmost highest priorities,” Kaufman said. “But at the same time, there’s real questions among my colleagues on the city commission about what our needs are versus wants.”
The city is also moving forward with a pilot project involving sargassum removal at Smathers Beach.
The City Commission approved a resolution allowing the city to pursue the project, which could become one of the first such efforts in the United States.
The proposal would involve removing dead sargassum from areas close to shore, rather than harvesting living sargassum that provides an important function in the marine environment.
Kaufman said the project will require approval from state and federal agencies and must be conducted with protections for marine life, including sea turtles.
Meanwhile, the city is taking steps to address concerns about conditions at the Key West cemetery.
Kaufman has asked the city’s legal department to review existing regulations and determine whether city code should be brought into closer alignment with state law.
“We need to align our city code with state statutes to be sure that we are regulating activities in the cemetery with the highest standards,” Kaufman said.
Kaufman has also reconstituted the mayor’s office cemetery committee and said residents can expect improvements.
Another historic property receiving attention is the former diesel plant in Bahama Village.
Kaufman said he opposes demolishing the buildings before the city has thoroughly explored other possibilities.
“Once those buildings are demolished, there’s no going back,” Kaufman said.
He said he believes the city should look for an investor willing to put capital into the property and potentially turn it into a business near Truman Waterfront Park. Kaufman also suggested incorporating a museum highlighting the cultural history of Bahama Village.
The city is also preparing for several major events that are expected to provide an economic boost to local businesses.
Kaufman said Goombay, Fantasy Fest and the Race World Offshore powerboat races are all important events during a traditionally slower period of the year.
He said the city recently completed an agreement with the Navy allowing the Outer Mole area to be used for the powerboat races.
“It was more of a formality really than anything,” Kaufman said.
The mayor also provided an update on proposed terms for an amicable separation with City Manager Brian Barroso. Kaufman said discussions are continuing between attorneys and that Barroso is interested in pursuing an agreement, but no details have been finalized.
Kaufman said the city will continue holding regular press conferences, with the next one scheduled for Tuesday. The meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance or participate through the Zoom link.
The mayor also highlighted a recent public meeting about possible improvements at Higgs Beach. More than 100 people attended the meeting, where residents shared ideas and concerns about the beach.
Kaufman said city staff documented the feedback so it can be provided to architects and engineers as the city develops plans for the area.
In addition, the city is recognizing the Mark House during a proclamation Monday. Kaufman said the organization has served Key West residents and families for approximately 60 years.
The city is also preparing for Fantasy Fest later this month, which will add to an already busy schedule in Key West.