Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The mayor is fresh off a conference in Washington DC.
Henriquez said, “I did go to a mayor’s Conference in Washington, DC last week. I met lots of mayors throughout our country, shared lots of similarities, especially workforce housing, which is a national crisis. So it seemed like all the other cities had the same similarities as we do here in the city of Key West. But I will tell you, it was very, very cold, and it actually snowed while I was there. I was glad to leave 20 degree weather and come back to 60 degree weather.”
An apartment fire in Bahama Village claimed three lives last week.
Henriquez said, “Thursday night’s fire that occurred on Emma Street in Bahama Village, that took several lives, was just very, very devastating. My heart goes out to the family affected by this tragedy and I do want to thank the firefighters, the first responders, the police department, our city manager, staff, the county who worked tirelessly through the night, as well as the Red Cross and the housing authority for assisting to help the displaced families in other units. Let’s keep everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers and offer them as much support as we can during this difficult time.”
Michael Stapleford of KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM said, “I also did want to second your thanks to the first responders in the Key West Fire Department, especially during the Bahama Village fire. It’s our understanding that they were on scene very quickly, that they did control the blaze very quickly as well. Also Key West Fire Department did put out the notice last week to stay warm, stay safe, and they had space heater tips out. Luckily, we won’t need those as much this week, but they’re always diligent about keeping the public informed about the safety as well.”
Henriquez agreed, “They’re always out there educating everyone on everyone’s safety.”
Also long time Key West Housing Authority board member Frank Toppino passed away recently.
Henriquez, “What he has done for our city of Key West, there are just no words over the years. He did pass away to 101 and he was just a blessing to our community.”
The Truman Annex Master Property Ownership Association (TAMPOA) will have their annual meeting today at the Tropic Cinema.
Henriquez explained, “It’s been known in the past where they asked the mayor and District One, which is Commissioner Haskell to give an update in her district and also in the city. I’m sure there’s going to be a question that comes up whether I support or do not support the transient rental agreement that’s coming up I believe in December 2025. They’ve had this agreement for 20 some years, and I look at it as they had a beginning date and an end date, and I will not be supporting to renew that to be able to have transient rentals in the Truman Annex. So I’m sure that question may be asked at this meeting.”
The Civil War Heritage Days Parade will be this Friday.
Henriquez said, “The parade will be starting at 4pm. They’ll be in front of the Mel Fisher’s Clinton Square area. They’ll start down Front Street. They’ll go down Duvall to Southern and then Southern to Fort Zach. So there’ll be some rolling street closures. So just be aware during four o’clock to maybe five o’clock within an hour, that there will be some street closures temporarily. Tomorrow we have the HARC meeting starting at five at City Hall. Then the plogging, which is going to be between North Roosevelt and Toppino Drive. So you’ll see the green wagon parked at the First State Bank parking lot. So that’s where everybody will meet. Then Saturday, February 1, is our hazardous waste drop off from 8am to noon at the Indigenous Park. So there’s a lot going on this week. Then this week I will also have our agenda, or my agenda review for next week’s commission meeting. So I’m looking forward to seeing what’s on the agenda and get prepared for our February 4 commission meeting next week.”
The new city manager Brian Barroso really hit the ground running.
Henriquez said, “That gentleman is working seven days a week. If there was more hours in the day, I’m sure he would use those hours as well. He has definitely hit the ground running, and he is definitely moving our city forward.”