Key West Mayor Denise “DeeDee” Henriquez 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 is beginning its annual budget process. The City Commission began budget workshops today at 9 a.m. at City Hall, with a second day scheduled Tuesday if needed.
Henriquez said City Manager Brian Barroso is proposing a budget that starts at 1% below the rollback rate, a significant shift from last year’s proposal.
“We’re looking at a 1% minus rollback to start off with. So I’m very excited,” Henriquez said. “Last year we were 4% over rollback. This year we’re starting off as a minus rollback, which is what our city manager committed to.”
She noted the proposal could be reduced further, though deeper cuts would affect city services and staffing.
“He can go as far as 10% minus, but that would be eliminating a lot of services and a lot of staff,” Henriquez said. “We’ll see how it goes today.”
The mayor encouraged residents to attend the budget workshops, noting public comment will be taken before the lunch recess. She also announced that her regular “Meet the Mayor” office hours are canceled Monday because of the budget meetings.
Among the week’s highlights is a ceremony Wednesday evening at Mallory Square recognizing USS Key West Day.
“The City of Key West will officially proclaim July 22 as USS Key West Day,” Henriquez said. “We hope everyone will join us for this special occasion as we honor the USS Key West and the dedicated men and women who have served aboard her.”
Henriquez also highlighted several events tied to Hemingway Days, including Friday’s Early Bird Cleanup, Saturday’s Hemingway Street Fair, the Sloppy Joe’s Running of the Bulls and the annual Hemingway 5K Sunset Run, all of which will involve rolling street closures.
She reminded local business owners about an upcoming Business Community Roundtable Luncheon on Aug. 4, hosted jointly by the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce and the city.
“The owners, the managers, directors, staff—anybody that would like to come down and have a roundtable with the business community and our city staff—to be able to interact, ask any questions that you may have, put a name with the face, and just start building that partnership with our business community,” Henriquez said.
Henriquez also reflected on Saturday’s Duval Donates fundraiser benefiting Key West Police Officer Mike Pettee and Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Tiffany Rodda, whose families were affected by a fire.
Instead of participating in a planned dunk tank, Henriquez spent an hour tending bar.
“I will tell you, I had the best time,” she said. “But what was even better was just seeing how the community came out to support. There were just no words. It was packed. Everybody was just having a great time.”
Joking about her lack of bartending experience, Henriquez added, “I don’t drink, so I don’t know anything about serving alcohol or mixing drinks. I think maybe that’s why I had a long line because everybody knew I was overserving.”
Henriquez encouraged residents to stay involved in city government throughout the budget process.
“Go to our website. Lots and lots of information there. Look at the agenda and make sure you’re participating in any of the meetings you’d like to attend,” she said.
For more information, click here: https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/