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.
Duval Donates is a fundraiser scheduled for Saturday on the 200 block of Duval Street and Green Street. The event will benefit Officer Mike Petty of the Key West Police Department and Deputy Tiffany Rhoda of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, whose home was recently destroyed by fire.
The fundraiser, organized through the Key West Police Department Love Fund, will feature live local music, food, drinks, games and activities beginning at 6 p.m. Henriquez said she plans to participate in a dunk tank during the event.
The mayor also recognized the passing of longtime Key West musician Carl “Caffeine Carl” Wagoner, describing him as a beloved fixture of Duval Street and extending condolences to his family and friends.
Henriquez reminded business owners about a City of Key West and Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. The event follows a similar forum previously held with the Key West Association of Realtors and is designed to connect business owners with city department heads, including representatives from planning, engineering, code enforcement and business licensing.
She said the goal is to strengthen communication between city staff and the business community by giving business owners direct access to city officials and encouraging ongoing partnerships.
Later that evening, National Night Out will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park, bringing together the Key West Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the community.
Henriquez also discussed the city’s budget process, saying commissioners received budget packets over the weekend and that she was scheduled to meet with the finance department for an initial briefing.
The City Commission will hold its first budget workshop on July 20, with a second workshop on July 21 if necessary. During the workshops, commissioners will review spending proposals, ask questions, recommend changes and provide direction to staff before the proposed budget is revised and presented again in August. Final decisions on the city’s millage rate are expected in September following required public hearings.
According to Henriquez, City Manager Brian Barroso is seeking approximately a 5% reduction in spending as part of this year’s budget planning.
The mayor also outlined several meetings and events scheduled throughout the week, including Monday’s Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee meeting, Wednesday’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board and Art in Public Places Advisory Board meetings, Thursday’s Planning Board meeting, and Friday morning’s Plogging Early Bird Cleanup co-hosted by Irish Kevin’s and the Military Affairs Committee.
Henriquez encouraged residents to review meeting agendas on the city’s website and participate in issues affecting the community.
She also reminded residents about a public engagement meeting for the city’s Key West Forward: Foster. Fund. Finish. Strategic Plan 2026-2030, scheduled for July 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. in City Commission Chambers.
For more information, click here: https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/