Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, president and CEO of the College of the Florida Keys, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on at the college.
The institution remains focused on expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success, and preparing for financial and operational challenges ahead. The College’s Board of Trustees recently held its annual budget workshop as administrators prepare a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Under Florida law, the college must submit its budget to the state by June 30, though final state funding levels remain uncertain until the governor signs the state budget.
“Sometimes it’s difficult,” Gueverra said. “Not so much because of what is or isn’t available, but because depending on what is finally sent up and signed off by the governor, there could be shifts in amounts in our operational dollars and that would mean that whatever budget we send to the state as having been approved by the board could change, and if the change is meaningful enough, we have to go back and amend the budget, get the board to approve it again, and then resubmit that budget. The good news, though, is that regardless of what happens, there is always sort of an understanding that the state will continue to fund all the institutions, including ours, until they get to the point where that budget is signed, and right now we expect that the governor will be signing this sometime in, I don’t know, mid to maybe late July, because he does have 30 days, but again, the operational side is not the same as what we do on the capital side.”
In addition to operating expenses, the college is seeking $3.5 million in state funding to modernize its aging chiller plant infrastructure.
The college is also preparing for new security requirements under Florida’s recently approved Armor Act, which mandates additional campus hardening measures at colleges and universities statewide.
“There are some very specific things in that law that’s already taking effect,” Gueverra said, noting that previously proposed state funding to assist institutions with implementation was ultimately removed from the budget.
Despite those challenges, Gueverra highlighted several recent successes, including the graduation of the second class from the College of the Florida Keys Academy. The ceremony, held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, celebrated students who earned high school diplomas while simultaneously completing college coursework and industry certifications.
“There is nothing more rewarding for an educator than to watch them cross that stage with bright smiles and big dreams,” Guevara said.
Among the graduates were students already pursuing ambitious career goals, including future healthcare professionals, tradespeople, and university-bound scholars.
The college also awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships to local students during graduation and awards ceremonies held throughout Monroe County. Scholarship programs included the Next Generation Opportunity for Workforce (NOW) Scholarship, Board of Trustees scholarships, and support from community organizations such as the Hemingway Look-Alike Society.
“Those are lives that are forever changed in very positive ways,” Guevara said.
College officials are encouraging prospective students to apply for more than 100 scholarship opportunities available for the Fall 2026 semester. Most scholarship applications are due June 7.
Scholarship awards range from several hundred dollars to full tuition assistance and may also include stipends to help students cover books, transportation, uniforms, and other educational expenses.
“We really pride ourselves on access,” Guevara said. “If you’re a young person and education is what you want, there is no better place right now because the affordability and access are all there.”
Beyond academics, the college is preparing for its annual summer programs and athletic events.
More than 200 children are participating in the College’s Summer Adventure Camps, which offer hands-on experiences in science, technology, writing, art, aquaculture, cooking, and career exploration. Programs are designed to expose students to potential future careers while providing engaging educational experiences throughout the summer months.
The college is also preparing for the 30th Annual Swim Around Key West, scheduled for June 13. The internationally recognized event attracts participants from around the world and features multiple race distances, relay opportunities, and extensive safety measures coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Guevara also praised College of the Florida Keys employee and longtime Key West High School swim coach Lori Bosco, who has been named a finalist for the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Female Coach of the Year award.
“There’s few people who deserve that award more than Lori,” Guevara said.
As the college enters its seventh decade of service to the Florida Keys, Guevara emphasized that student success remains the institution’s central mission. “Despite the complexities and challenges we face,” he said, “if you’re in the state of Florida and education is what you want, the opportunities are here.”
For more information, click here: https://cfk.edu/