Key West News Feed
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 20
Brief
News & Events Updates
November 2025
District 4 City Commission Race Heats Up
11/20/25
The "One Human Family" has two distinct communities in Key West, and District 4 in the center of the island is a perfect example of the differences. Key West now has a third candidate running for the District 4 City Commissioner seat. Juan Llera, born in Cuba, and Sarah Compton from Missouri are two outsiders hoping to lead District 4 residents. Commissioner Lissette Carey, a Key West native, has yet to announce a re-election bid. The deadline to qualify and officially announce is June 17–21, 2026. Llera and Compton have announced very early and Commissioner Carey still has a few months to announce her intentions. Elections reflect the values of a community, and District 4 leans conservative, but that could change next year. Voters will choose between a Key West native with a proven conservative voting record, or two newcomers without prior political experience or voting record. The pros and cons for each depends on which voters you ask, liberal or conservative.
Key West: Small City, Big Response
11/20/25
Key West’s food insecurity has spiked in November 2025. Local nonprofits like SOS Foundation and Star of the Sea Outreach Mission are serving record numbers of families, and city officials are considering emergency funding to keep pantries stocked. Food banks across Florida — from Tampa Bay to South Florida — are reporting unprecedented demand. Here in Key West, several organizations are serving the community in this time of need. Read more here.
Remembering Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover
11/19/25
The City of Key West mourns the loss of District V Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, who passed away at the age of 72 after a courageous health battle. First elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, Commissioner Hoover was known for her thoughtful leadership, integrity, and deep compassion for the community she served.
City Manager Brian L. Barroso reflected on her impact, noting that her dedication and caring approach left a lasting mark on both the City team and the wider Key West community. Read article here.
Liberal School Board Member Announces Re-Election Bid
11/12/25
Sue Woltanski has filed for re-election to the Monroe County School Board, District 5. Although school board elections are nonpartisan, Woltanski has been a long time advocate of liberal policies. Her position against conservative education policy is evident in her blog, which can be found at https://accountabaloney.com. For example, in this article, from November 7, five days before announcing her re-election, she calls all Christian, conservative, and parent rights groups as “far right” who are “taking over.” One group she dislikes is Moms for Liberty, who fought to remove pornographic books from school libraries. Read more here.
Puppies Rescued by Key West Police
11/9/25
On Sunday, November 9, Key West Police responded to a report of a man attempting to sell puppies for cash along Duval Street. Officers encountered 51-year-old Jason Michael Moffet, who claimed his dog had recently given birth to six Cane Corso puppies, and that he was meeting buyers for two of them. Moffet, who resides on a sailboat, was found with two young puppies showing signs of heat distress and lacking access to water. He was unable to provide documentation of ownership or authorization to sell the animals, a violation of Florida law. The SPCA was called to assess the puppies’ condition, and Moffet was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center. The following day, November 10, the SPCA requested assistance from the Key West Police Marine Unit and Patrol to retrieve the mother dog and remaining puppies from an offshore island.
Florida Legislators File Bills for 2026 Session
11/7/25
Florida lawmakers have filed a slate of bills for the 2026 legislative session that touch on employment verification, autism awareness in policing, regulation of emerging tobacco products, and flag display rules for government buildings.
HB 197, sponsored by Reps. Berny Jacques and Kiyan Michael, would expand the use of the federal E-Verify system by requiring all private employers, regardless of size, to confirm new hires’ work eligibility.
HB 365, filed by Rep. Susan Valdés with a Senate companion by Sen. Shevrin Jones, proposes a “Blue Envelope Program” to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops.
HB 377, introduced by Rep. Chase Tramont, seeks to regulate “heated tobacco products” by adding them to Florida’s tobacco statutes, extending age restrictions, taxation, and enforcement rules to these devices.
Finally, HB 347, filed by Rep. David Borrero, would restrict government buildings to displaying only approved flags such as the U.S., Florida, military, POW-MIA, county, city, and recognized tribal flags, while prohibiting flags with political, ideological, racial, gender, or sexual-orientation symbols.
DeSantis Marks Victims of Communism Day at Miami Freedom Tower
11/7/25
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was at Miami's Freedom Tower on November 7, 2025, to observe Victims of Communism Day. This state holiday, which started in 2022, marks the anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution. DeSantis talked about expanding K-12 education to include more about the atrocities of communist regimes, including survivor stories. He pointed out that communism has caused over 100 million deaths worldwide. The event also honored Cuban exiles and was in line with national commemorations by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. (Sources: Local10.com of Miami; Freedom Tower; and Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.)
Work on Flagler Avenue 11/6/25
Beginning Monday, November 10th, road work will begin to rehabilitate Flagler Avenue between White Street and Reynolds. The work will include the installation of ADA compliant ramps, portions of new sidewalk, as well as milling and paving and pavement markings. No parking signs will be posted in the work areas. Do not park in the posted areas as you will risk being towed. Access to all residences and businesses will be maintained during construction, which is expected to last through the end of the year. (Source: City of Key West)
Powerboat Racing Rollover
11/6/25
There was a rollover on the first lap of the Factory Stock class. It delayed the opening day of the 44th annual Race World Offshore World Championships. A powerboat called MF Racing flipped early in the race. It brought out a red flag and forced a restart of the race. One driver was taken to hospital and no further information is available. (Source: speedonthewater.com)
Contract Agreement with Firefighters 11/5/25
The City of Key West has just ratified a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1424 (IAFF). This new agreement kicks in on October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2028. The previous IAFF contract expired on September 30, 2025. After eight meetings, both the City’s management negotiation team and the IAFF negotiating team reached a consensus on the new terms and conditions.
Pictured (left to right): Randy Monahan, IAFF Treasurer; Christina Bervaldi, Finance Director; Bridget Flores, HR Director; Brian L. Barroso, City Manager; Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez; John Torres, IAFF President; Hillary Matas, IAFF Vice President; and Angelina Maltese, IAFF Secretary. Source: City of Key West
Public Workshops on Key West Transit
11/5/25
Key West Transit is hosting two public workshops to discuss current routes and future service changes. These sessions will cover:
An overview of current routes and services
Planned updates
Best practices for using public transit
Introduction to trip-planning tools
Q&A segment for community feedback
“Our goal is to ensure transparency, encourage public engagement, and support a smooth transition for all riders,” (Transit Director Rogelio Hernandez)
Workshop Details:
Thursday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m.
Department of Transportation, 5701 College Rd.
Thursday, November 20, at 5:30 p.m.
Frederick Douglass Gym, 111 Olivia St.
Source: City of Key West
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