The Key West Post

President Donald Trump on Thursday rolled out TrumpRx.gov, a new website he says will give Americans access to the lowest prescription drug prices in the world. The administration is calling it one of its biggest wins yet in the push to bring down medication costs and take on Big Pharma.

Meeting Overview: The Key West City Commission meets Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at City Hall, 1300 White Street. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and reconvenes at 5:00 p.m. It is a busy agenda with many votes. Items include city events, budget decisions, ordinance changes, and policy updates.

Review of Campaign Donations for Key West Elections: Florida requires candidates and political committees to report every dollar they take in or spend. That includes all donations, loans, and expenses, no matter how small. They also have to list each donor’s name and address, and if someone gives more than $100, they must include that person’s job. State law sets the limits. You can give up to $3,000 to statewide candidates or committees tied to citizen‑initiated constitution

Guest Writer: HARC Rainbow Fence Violations in Key West Historic District-The following letter was presented during public comment by Dr. Penny Walker at the HARC meeting on January 27, 2026.

Breaking news about Cuba as posted on Spanish social media.

The impact of Maduro's Downfall has been celebrated all over the world. The impact will be felt soon in Key West. The desire for freedom is innate, and it doesn't geographical boundaries. America began as an idea—one grounded in freedom and built on the belief that our rights come from God, not government. From that foundation grew a nation shaped by liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And that idea didn’t stay where it started. It inspired people across the world.

Overview of City Commission Meeting Agenda for 1/6/26

City of Key West HARC Enforcement is Selective: The rainbow fence controversy now facing Key West did not appear out of nowhere. It emerged at a moment when public trust in local government was already strained. Scrutiny of City Hall was unusually intense already. Now, there is conflict again over why the City of Key West is selectively enforcing their own HARC guidelines.

From Rainbow Crosswalks to Rainbow Fences in Key West: The debate first surfaced with rainbow-painted crosswalks, which were removed earlier this year by the Florida Department of Transportation. The removals weren't unique to Key West and followed similar actions taken in other Florida cities. Most city commissioners, the mayor, and their voters defied the law until, much like the immigration issue, Governor DeSantis stepped in to reinforce it.  While many residents anticipa

Food Pantries Update: Rare Show of Unity at City Commission: The Key West City Commission came together tonight in a rare show of unity, voting unanimously to provide emergency funding for local food banks and nonprofits. The resolution sets aside up to $75,000, money that will be distributed quickly to groups already serving families in need.

Water Quality Testing Drama in Key West: Key West is famous for its sunsets and coral reefs, and most of us agree: clean water matters. But agreeing on the goal is the easy part. The hard part is deciding how to measure, manage, and pay for the work that keeps our waters healthy. Key West sits next to one of the country’s largest marine sanctuaries, so local water quality isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s an economic one.

Former Planning Director Katie Halloran Complaint and Final Report Findings: On November 13, 2025, attorney Ria Chattergoon of RC Law Group in Hollywood, Florida released a public investigation report commissioned by the City of Key West. The report examined allegations made by former Planning Director Katie Halloran, who resigned on September 1, 2025 after claiming she faced a hostile work environment under City Manager Brian Barroso.

Food Pantries & Outrage Politics in Key West: If you received e‑mails asking for campaign donations after false accusations that commissioners refused to help food pantries, that was no accident—it was part of a calculated plan. The tactic is familiar: first, say something outrageous to get voters angry. Then, climb on the soapbox and beat down the strawman you created. The goal is to demonize your opponent so you look better. 

Grand Jury Report Update by City Manager Brian Barroso: At the December 2, 2025 City Commission meeting, City Manager Brian L. Barroso presented a detailed update on the City’s progress in addressing the recommendations issued by the grand jury last spring.

Greg Veliz Appointed Interim District 5 Commissioner: The Key West City Commission voted on December 2, 2025, to appoint Gregory Veliz, former City Manager and current Executive Director of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, as interim District 5 Commissioner. The appointment fills the vacancy left by Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover's passing in November. Veliz was sworn in before the evening session and began serving immediately, continuing until the August 18, 2026, election

City Manager Installs Primary Color Bike Racks Against HARC Rules: Recent discussions in Key West have focused on unapproved primary color installations in the city’s historic district. At the Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) meetings on October 28 and November 18, 2025, commissioners addressed the primary color arch, fences, and bike racks. These items remain under review, with possible ordinance or guideline changes pending. One board member noted that staff

Florida Department of Transportation District 6 staff presented their tentative five-year work program to Monroe County commissioners on October 15, 2025, outlining priorities and funding through 2031. The overall District 6 (lower South Florida area) program totals about $4.15 billion, with Monroe County’s share estimated at roughly $600 million.

The District 5 seat on the Key West City Commission became vacant following the passing of Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover on November 19, 2025. Hoover had represented District 5 since 2018 and was widely respected for her dedication to civic service. Under Section 2-31 of the Key West Code of Ordinances, the City Commission was required to appoint an interim commissioner within fifteen days of the vacancy.

The last time Key West faced the unusual task of appointing an interim city commissioner was in 1995, when District 6 Commissioner Emery Major was suspended and later removed from office. Governor Lawton Chiles issued the suspension on June 30, 1995, after federal investigators uncovered evidence of election fraud and bribery tied to Major’s 1993 campaign. The suspension created a vacancy that required immediate action under city law, much like the current District 5 process

The Future of Key West 2026 Elections: Turnout and Tension-Key West politics reveal a striking contrast between uncontested victories and hard-fought campaigns. Nearly 30% of city leadership entered office without voter input, while other races—like Commissioner Lissette Carey’s—showed how turnout and credibility can decide outcomes. As the 2026 elections approach, Mayor DeeDee Henriquez faces her first real challenge against Commissioner Sam Kaufman, setting up a contest tha