Key Colony Beach City Administrator John Bartus joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The new City Hall project is nearing its next major milestone, although the building may not be ready as quickly as officials had hoped.
“We’re going to get there eventually,” Bartus said. “I know it never moves as quickly as you’d like it to.”
Bartus credited Vice Mayor Doug Colonell, who owns a construction company, with providing significant oversight and helping keep the project on track.
“If there’s anybody that’s doing the oversight on this, it’d be him,” Bartus said. “We’re very lucky to have him on our commission. He brings a lot of talent to the table and has really been a huge help in keeping the project moving.”
Substantial completion had been anticipated sometime next month, but Bartus said he was uncertain whether that target would be met. He is hopeful the project will reach that point early next year, allowing crews to finish the remaining work before city operations move into the building.
“I know there’s a lot of people in our administrative offices and the building department and our local Key Colony Beach Police Department who are very ready to get out of trailers and move into our actual new building,” Bartus said.
The city also has several proposed improvement projects moving through the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s capital grant process.
Bartus said the program allows tourist tax revenue collected from hotels, motels and vacation rentals to support projects that benefit visitors and enhance the community.
“The cool part about that is that they can advertise, they can help fund events, and they can fund local visitor-related capital projects,” Bartus said. “They’re very good at parks and recreation type projects or things that enhance visitor experience.”
With additional funding available at the county level this year, Key Colony Beach pursued several projects after being encouraged to submit multiple requests.
Among the proposals are restrooms near the golf course and playground areas of Seventh Street Park, a gazebo at Sunset Park and an electronic sign outside the new City Hall.
The proposed sign would provide information about community events and activities for residents and visitors.
Bartus said the new City Hall is also intended to serve as a convention center, continuing an idea reflected in the building’s original plans.
“If you looked at the original blueprints for that, when they were developed back in 1950 or 1960, whatever, the blueprints actually said convention center,” he said.
The electronic sign would help promote events while reducing the need for community organizations to put out temporary roadside signs.
The local District Advisory Council approved the city’s grant requests, along with other proposals from the Middle Keys. The requests were then expected to go before the Monroe County Commission for final approval in December.
If approved, projects generally would have nine months to a year to be completed.
“We were very successful in getting those grants, and we’re looking forward over the next year or so to implement them,” Bartus said.
Bartus also highlighted three upcoming fundraisers for Presents in Paradise, a nonprofit organization that assists Monroe County families and individuals in need, particularly during the Christmas season.
The organization was founded by Bartus’s wife, Sarah, and has provided assistance to local families for more than 20 years. Ken Wolf is serving as the organization’s new president this year.
The first event is a Boo Bash costume contest on Friday, October 30, at Havana Jacks at Glenn’s Resort. The family-friendly event will feature live music, costume contests for adults and children, and a group of local officials and community figures serving as celebrity judges.
Bartus will serve as master of ceremonies.
“The money we’ll raise that night will help go to Presence in Paradise,” Bartus said.
He also thanked the team at Havana Jacks and Glenn’s Resort for hosting the event each year.
“They’re just absolutely fantastic. They put this on for us every year, and they do such a great job,” he said.
The organization’s inaugural Presents in Paradise Golf Tournament is scheduled for November 14 at Florida Keys Country Club. Bartus, who regularly participates in local golf tournaments, said he plans to play in this one while also helping organize it.
“If you’re interested in playing, just sign up,” he said. “This will sell out, so the best thing you can do is call the country club or go over to the pro shop and sign up for that as soon as you can.”
Businesses also can support the tournament through sponsorships or donations of gift cards and gift certificates. Bartus encouraged interested business owners to contact him through the city.
The third fundraiser is planned for November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, at the Elks Lodge. The event will include a spaghetti dinner, live music and a large silent auction.
Organizers also will accept donations from local businesses and community members.
Bartus said the events are part of the organization’s ongoing effort to help local families during the holiday season and throughout the year.
The organization’s work is especially important in a community where many households face financial challenges. Volunteers handle the organization’s operations, allowing all funds raised to go toward helping people in need.
More information about the fundraisers and ways to contribute is available at https://www.presents-in-paradise.com and on the organization’s Facebook page.
Residents can find updates on Key Colony Beach projects, city business and community events at keycolonybeach.net.