Key West Mayor Sam Kaufman joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
City business is continuing as usual while city officials work through differences with City Manager Brian Barroso and consider next steps for several local projects.
Kaufman said he would continue working with Barroso unless the City Commission changes its direction or the city manager decides to pursue a separation agreement.
Last month, the City Commission passed a resolution directing the city attorney to negotiate an amicable separation agreement with Barroso. However, the city manager and his office have since indicated they intend to remain on the job and work through their differences.
“There’s really no updates on that, and as far as I’m concerned, in the office of the mayor, we are conducting business as usual,” Kaufman said.
He said his office remains focused on issues important to residents, including flood mitigation, affordable housing and preserving the city’s diesel power plant.
Kaufman also praised city employees for helping manage large events such as Fantasy Fest, pointing to the work of the police, fire, public works and community services departments.
“Look at Fantasy Fest and how smoothly it operates,” he said. “Thank goodness we have the strength of our community services department, public works. They clean everything up every day. It looks spotless.”
The city is also moving ahead with its search for a new city attorney.
Kaufman said the advisory screening committee was scheduled to hold its first meeting Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the City Commission chambers at City Hall, located at 1300 White Street.
The organizational meeting was expected to include the selection of a chair and vice chair, along with other initial committee business.
“Right now, we’ll be in a holding pattern until some applications come in, and that’s going to be the big thing we need to be looking forward to,” Kaufman said.
He added that he hopes the city attracts qualified candidates for the position.
“Hopefully, we get some very strong candidates that the committee can vet and then make some recommendations concerning those applications,” he said.
Kaufman also discussed the future of Coffee Butler Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park.
The city previously solicited proposals from interested parties to operate the facility, but no applications were submitted.
Kaufman said city officials are now evaluating the amphitheater to determine what improvements may be needed before seeking potential operators again.
“The city did put it out for a solicitation to try to obtain bidders who would be interested in operating the amphitheater. Unfortunately, there were no applications submitted,” he said.
He said the city is considering what work should be completed before the facility is offered to potential operators again.
“Members of the city commission, including myself, have really been urging city management to obtain funding from the TDC, Tourism Development Council, to make the improvements at the amphitheater,” Kaufman said.
He added that further discussions are expected as officials work toward a plan for the facility.
With Fantasy Fest underway, Kaufman said Key West is entering an increasingly busy period that will include boat races, Thanksgiving activities, the holiday parade and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“It’s really the busy season,” he said, noting that city properties are being used for a variety of events and activities.
Kaufman also praised the employees responsible for maintaining public spaces as visitor numbers increase.
“A big shout out to our public works department,” he said. “We have about 100 employees in our community service and public works departments, and they really take care of all our streets and our sidewalks and the cleanups and the landscaping.”
He said their work helps keep the city looking good for both residents and visitors.
Kaufman also highlighted the recent Goombay Festival, which celebrates Bahamian culture and its influence on Key West. He said the event brought together residents, visitors and local vendors for a weekend of music and community activities.
“It was so much fun,” Kaufman said. “My wife and I, we spend time at the William Weech American Legion on Emma Street. Boy, that place is popping these days.”
The mayor encouraged residents to take advantage of volunteer opportunities, including the city’s early bird cleanup scheduled for Friday, October 23, at 8 a.m. Participants are expected to meet in the parking lot at Garrison Bight City Marina.
Kaufman said the cleanup activities organized with local partners are a good way for residents to contribute to their community.
“For those of you who are thinking of just doing one hour a week of some volunteer work, join us and join the city,” he said. “There’s always a nice breakfast afterwards and camaraderie. It’s a lot of fun.”
As Key West moves into its busy season, Kaufman said the city will continue working on its priorities while supporting the events and public spaces that serve both residents and visitors.