The 2025 Year in Review: Highlights from Key West & Beyond
- Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
- 1 day ago
- 28 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
The 2025 Year in Review: Highlights from Key West & Beyond By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco January 3, 2025
January
The prior Interlocal Agreement with College of Florida Keys expired in April 2024 after it was not renewed. A month prior in December 2024, CFK stated it was not interested in renewing the agreement; Reversing itself, CFK later asked for a proposed draft of the agreement in January 2025. Ultimately, the contract did not continue, and they stopped being the city’s official water testing entity. Other county and state organizations continued similar water quality testing as always.
In January 2025, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved an amendment to its interlocal agreement with the City of Key West to support shore-side services for a new mooring field project, continuing cooperation on managed moorings in support of environmental and anchoring management goals.
In early 2025, the Tourist Development Council (TDC) had a new CEO, Kara Franker, who took over leadership of the tourism agency after an audit revealed major financial problems. They had access to the $60 million brought in yearly by the tourist development bed tax. The TDC scandal involved mismanagement of large taxpayer funds used to market one of the Keys’ most critical economic sectors. It exposed weaknesses in oversight and internal controls within a major county agency. It led to criminal charges against a longtime contractor and personnel shakeups at the tourism agency. By 2025, the immediate legal drama had subsided with sentencing and leadership turnover. The episode reshaped how local officials and auditors monitor and structure tourism spending.
In early January 2025, Key West police and firefighters used Narcan to reverse several near-fatal overdoses. Under Biden’s open border, fentanyl entered for years through the Mexican border, killing thousands of Americans. The local investigation led to a January 29, 2025 search warrant at a Flagler Avenue home located across the street from the Key West High School. During the search, Key West police officers and Homeland Security agents recovered 40.4 grams of fentanyl. The DEA estimates this amount to be enough for about 20,000 potentially lethal doses. It notes that just 2 milligrams can be fatal. To put into perspective, the population in Key West is approximately 27,000 residents. He had enough fentanyl in his home near a school that could kill most of the island’s population.
A tragic blaze at a public housing unit in Key West’s Bahama Village neighborhood in late January killed multiple people, including children, and injured others. Emergency crews responded quickly, and the fire prompted an investigation into its cause.
After June 2024, the Key West City Commission voted 4–3 to fire City Manager Al Childress without cause. To replace him, a search committee appointed by the mayor and commissioners, reviewed 17 applicants. They narrowed that field to five finalists in late 2024, including Brian Barroso, and four other candidates with local or military leadership backgrounds. On December 12, 2024, the City Commission voted to select Brian Barroso as the next city manager, with four of seven commissioners casting their votes for him. He officially started as city manager on January 8, 2025, following the commission’s unanimous approval of his contract at their January 7 meeting.
Sherri Hodies was sworn in as Monroe County Supervisor of Elections, beating a popular Key West democrat, Ron Saunders. He served multiple terms in the Florida House of Representatives representing the Keys and part of Miami-Dade (District 120) starting in the late 1980’s. Hodies won 61% of the vote to beat Margaret Romero in the Primary. Then she won every precinct north of Stock Island in the Florida Keys with 60-65% of the vote in each precinct, with an overall 53% of vote in the county to beat Saunders.
27th Annual Key West Half Marathon & Runfest was on January 16–19, 2025. It featured multiple races (5K, 8K, 10K, and Half Marathon) winding through scenic Old Town and waterfront areas.
The 21st Annual Rotary Club of Key West Golf Tournament raised funds for local dental care programs, blending sport with community support.
Weinerpalooza Dachshund Parade was on January 18, this beloved local dog parade brought pet lovers together for costumes, live entertainment, and community fun.
The 2025 Gulf Coast blizzard, later named Storm Éowyn, was a historic and highly unusual winter storm that struck the southern United States from January 20 through January 22, 2025. The storm delivered heavy snow, ice, and blizzard-like conditions to parts of the Gulf Coast that almost never experience winter weather, including coastal Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida’s Panhandle. Some areas recorded several inches of snow, while others saw freezing rain and ice that shut down roads, airports, schools, and government offices. This was the first recorded blizzard on the Florida Gulf Coast and the most significant winter storm in the region since 1895.
In the First Quarter during January–March 2025, Florida welcomed 41.2 million visitors, continuing strong tourism demand early in the year. Of those visitors, 91.9 percent were domestic travelers. These figures kept Florida at the top of U.S. tourism destinations and were highlighted as a strong start for the year.
After a red wave in Monroe County where Republicans won every race at every level, and Trump won almost every county in the nation, Trump was inaugurated for his second presidential term. Trump won 59% of the vote in Monroe County. Monroe County led the state in per capita fundraising for Republicans. The Supervisor of Elections office transitioned from Democratic to Republican. Monroe County showed overwhelming support for President Trump with the largest percentage of voters for President Trump than in any other county across Florida.
Almost a year earlier, Laken Hope Riley, a 22‑year‑old nursing student from Georgia, was murdered on February 22, 2024, while jogging near campus at the University of Georgia in Athens. She was attacked, beaten, and killed in what prosecutors described as a violent struggle involving attempted sexual assault. A Venezuelan national, José Antonio Ibarra, who had entered Biden’s open Mexican border illegally and had a prior arrest history, was later convicted on multiple charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act, named in her honor. The law requires DHS and ICE to detain foreign nationals charged with serious crimes, including theft, burglary, assault on law enforcement, or any crime causing death or serious injury, and allows state attorneys general to sue federal authorities for enforcement failures. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 6, 2025 (S.5) by Senator Katie Britt (R‑AL) with co-sponsors including Ted Budd and John Fetterman, and led in the House by Representative Mike Collins (R‑GA). It passed the Senate 64–35 on January 20 and the House 263–156 on January 22.
The Laken Riley Act was signed by President Trump on January 29, 2025, becoming one of the first laws of his second term.
February
Conch Republic Polar Plunge was on February 9 at Higgs Beach, a local tradition where daring participants plunge into cooler Atlantic waters to benefit Samuel’s House homeless services.
The Key West City Commission voted 5-2 to begin a Request for Proposals (RFP) for water quality testing.
Florida Keys Seafood Festival was February 15–16, 2025 at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West. This annual festival showcases fresh local seafood, live music, family fun, and a kids’ eco discovery zone.
Florida’s unemployment rate in February was 3.6%.
The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established in February. 24, 2025 to streamline state government.
Strong tourism data for Florida and the Keys, with record visitation trends in 2025. Florida broke its own tourism records multiple times in 2025, with tens of millions of visitors in quarters before and after February, reflecting a strong travel economy.
On February 10, 2025, the White House announced an executive order imposing a 25 % tariff on imported steel and aluminum, part of broader trade actions meant to bolster U.S. industry.
Trump signed actions aimed at reducing the size of the federal workforce and cutting waste, empowering the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to review staffing and hiring across federal agencies.
March
Earlier March, a separate multi-agency operation arrested 10 illegal immigrants who were registered sex offenders living in the Florida Keys, with prior convictions for lewd acts on minors, sexual battery, statutory sexual seduction, and solicitation of a child. Additional arrests included a Cuban national convicted of homicide and another charged with animal cruelty. All suspects were transferred to ICE custody and removed from the U.S. Officials emphasized the public-safety threat posed by criminal illegal immigrants and showed the strength of federal, state, and local law enforcement cooperation in the Keys.
On March 21, 2025, Border Patrol agents in Marathon, working with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Police, and Florida Department of Corrections, arrested seven criminal illegal immigrants with serious criminal records, including drug traffickers, a child rapist, and an elder-abuse offender. Those arrested included Cuban nationals convicted of elder abuse, meth trafficking, and oxycodone trafficking, and a Guatemalan national convicted of DUI causing serious injury.
As part of the NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular at Naval Air Station on March 29–30, 2025, the Blue Angels flight team — flying their iconic F/A-18 Super Hornets — was the headliner of a free, family-friendly air show. It included performances by other military and civilian aerobatic teams, static military aircraft displays, and interactive exhibits. Blue Angels did spectacular precision aerial maneuvers. The show celebrated naval aviation and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
According to the Tourist Development Council (TDC), Florida Keys visitors spent an average of about $1,327 per person per trip, with lodging making up the largest share of spending. Visitors stayed an average of 5.6 nights, and most trips were for relaxation and vacation. Domestic travelers made up 94 % of visitors.
A 2025 economic estimate reflected that tourism remains the dominant economic force in Monroe County. Visitors generate roughly $3.5 billion in annual tourism spending in the Florida Keys, supporting nearly 24,000 jobs across lodging, food service, recreation, transportation, and retail sectors. That visitor economy produces nearly $400 million in tax revenue — a significant contribution for a county with only about 80,000 year-round residents. In Key West alone, tourism-related tourist development (bed) tax revenues were $61.4 million in 2025, funds that go toward beach maintenance, destination marketing, and tourism infrastructure. These figures show that even as national tourism patterns shift, the Florida Keys maintained stable visitation and strong economic results, relative to pre-pandemic levels, that outperformed other smaller destinations.
Key West attracted a large share of all Florida Keys visitation — historically roughly 45–50 % of overnight visits within the region.
Key West International Airport reported strong passenger growth in extended data through 2024 and into early 2025, signaling continued arrival demand.
The first major 287(g)-related vote in Key West in 2025 centered on the city’s immigration enforcement agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Section 287(g) of the federal immigration law. That agreement — which allows local law enforcement to receive ICE training and assist in immigration enforcement under certain conditions — was initially signed by Police Chief Sean Brandenburg on March 4, 2025 with City Manager Brian Barroso’s knowledge but without approval from the full City Commission. Most cities and counties in Florida did the same thing.
The Frederick Douglass Community Center, a new multi-use facility adjacent to the historic Douglass Gym in Bahama Village, was completed in March 2025, after construction started following a September 2023 groundbreaking. It replaced an older structure and provided classrooms for after-school tutoring, a 2,600-square-foot event hall, a commercial kitchen, music rehearsal space, community meeting areas, the Black Educators History Museum, and the Bahama Village Music Program. The project cost around $8 million as previously planned for the expanded center.
Nine months prior, on June 17, 2024, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was found murdered in a shallow creek in Houston. She was lured under a bridge by two men she met while walking to a convenience store. Investigators determined she had been bound, sexually assaulted, and strangled; the suspects, criminal illegal immigrants and Venezuelan nationals Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, were arrested shortly after and charged with capital murder.
President Trump used his 2025 address to a joint session of Congress, on March 4, 2025, to honor Jocelyn Nungaray—hosting her mother as a guest and signing Executive Order 14229 to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. It was noted that she loved animals. This change was officially codified into law on July 24, 2025, through the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act.
April
The city commission denies the Casa Marina Hotel’s rezoning request to create 20 or so new hotel rooms, a move greatly applauded by the residents next to the Casa Marina.
In April 2025, Key West City Attorney Ronald Ramsingh, Chief Building Official Rajindhar Ramsingh, and Code Compliance Director Jim Young were arrested on felony charges. They were accused of tampering with evidence by deleting subpoenaed text messages about an investigation into city permitting and the former City Manager Al Childress. Ron Ramsingh also faced additional counts for illegally intercepting and disclosing electronic communications. Raj Ramsingh was later hit with multiple official misconduct and fraud charges for allegedly falsifying building permits. All three posted bonds and were awaiting trial, with pre-trial hearings set for July but those dates have changed.
In spring 2025, Key West International Airport opened its new Concourse A, a major modernization that significantly improved travel to the Florida Keys. The 48,802-square-foot terminal, part of a $100–$130 million airport improvement project, began operations in April 2025 and held a formal ribbon-cutting in May. The expanded facility added eight enclosed, air-conditioned jet bridges, bird-safe electrochromic glass, more seating, free Wi-Fi, and new concessions, ending outdoor tarmac boarding. Funding came from a combination of federal Airport Improvement Program grants, state transportation funds, airport bond proceeds, and airport revenues, with no local tax dollars used. The upgrades enhanced passenger comfort and operational resilience, supported growing visitor demand, and set the stage for additional security and baggage area improvements planned for completion in 2026.
The Second Quarter from April–June 2025 in Florida set a new benchmark with an all-time record of approximately 34.4 million visitors. This was the highest second-quarter total ever recorded. Domestic travelers accounted for the majority at 91.5 percent; Room demand at Florida hotels also edged up slightly, reflecting sustained travel interest and strength.
In late April 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted Operation Tidal Wave, the largest immigration enforcement operation in Florida history, resulting in 1,120 arrests statewide. Officials said 63% had prior criminal arrests or convictions, and 378 had final deportation orders. Those arrested included individuals accused or convicted of violent crimes, rape, drug trafficking, gang activity, sexual offenses, and repeat illegal reentry. Agencies involved included ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, FDLE, Florida Highway Patrol, and local sheriffs, with booking photos and criminal histories publicly released to highlight the operation’s public-safety focus.
May
Keys 100 Ultramarathon on May 17–18, 2025 challenged runners across the island chain with multiple distance options ending at Higgs Beach.
The Monroe County grand jury’s final report was publicly released on May 29, 2025, citing alleged misconduct at Key West City Hall. The report sharply criticized internal leadership and also recommended resignations of an elected official, Commissioner Lissette Carey. The report noted that she allowed herself to be influenced by the city attorney to remove a report from an agenda. Carey later noted that she was following advice from the city attorney, as all the city commissioners do with legal matters and votes in front of them. She later admitted to not fully reviewing the report herself, as did other commissioners. Because of lack of evidence, Carey was not indicted or charged with any crime; as with all grand jury proceedings, she was not allowed to present a defense.
A small group of voters in District 4, who supported Kim Highsmith in the election against Carey, even after Highsmith was arrested on domestic abuse charges, demanded Carey give up her elected seat. Carey, who wasn't charged with any crime and wasn’t allowed to present a defense in the grand jury process, refused to step down.
Harry Russell announces campaign for the Key West City Commission, District 5, but later drops out of the race after Commissioner Hoover passes away, and Greg Veliz is chosen as a temporary replacement for that seat.
City Manager Brian L. Barroso suspended former Key West chief building official Raj Ramsingh without pay, ending three weeks of paid administrative leave while city officials investigated allegations against him.
The immigration debate continued in Key West, with half of the island supporting ICE and the removal of criminal illegal immigrants from the community. They cited safety concerns. A newly formed small activist group in Key West started advocating for open borders and worked against deportations, which had been ongoing throughout America in 2025.
June
Key West city commissioners vote against rent hikes for Key West houseboat community at city marina, which was a win for affordable housing proponents.
After the Key West City Commission voted 6–1 on June 30, 2025 to void its 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement with ICE, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier publicly condemned the decision, saying it violated state law and essentially made Key West a “sanctuary city,” which is prohibited in Florida. Uthmeier sent a formal letter to the commissioners demanding they reverse their vote or face legal consequences, including civil or criminal penalties and potential removal from office under Florida law if they failed to comply. He called the June decision “bad policy and illegal” and pressured the city to restore its immigration cooperation with ICE. Only Commissioner Lissette Carey voted to keep the 287g and support law and order in Key West. Her vote was shared with a national audience of millions on Fox News, and the entire country awaited the next vote in July.
When the Monroe County School Board hired Ed Tierney as superintendent in May 2025, he was chosen unanimously over local finalist Amber Archer Acevedo, who had served as Deputy Superintendent and was seen by many as a hometown candidate. The board selected Tierney after a nationwide search and public interviews with four finalists, emphasizing his broader leadership experience.
A large military parade in Washington, D.C. took place on June 14, 2025 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, which was founded on June 14, 1775. The parade ran along Constitution Avenue near the National Mall and featured thousands of soldiers, military vehicles, aircraft flyovers, and ceremonial units. It was one of the biggest military parades in the nation’s capital in decades. It honored The Army’s history, service members, and veterans.
President Trump negotiated a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda which was signed on June 27, 2025, and ratified later in the year.
July
The city issued an initial RFP (#25-004) earlier in 2025 and at a July 23, 2025 special meeting interviewed top bidders (RES Florida Consulting and Mote Marine Laboratory) but ultimately rejected all proposals and rescinded the procurement to start over.
Commissioner Kaufman requested the city enter into a lawsuit against Florida to reject the 287g agreement being used already by every county in the state. Not wanting to waste taxpayer funds, and after Attorney General Uthmeier’s stern letter, the City Commission reversed course in early July 9, 2025 and voted to reinstate a 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement with ICE. Residents were divided on the issue. Some advocated for open border policies and denied that criminal illegal immigrants live in Key West. Other residents supported working with ICE for the safety of Key West and wanted support for law and order on the island. Deportations continued for the rest of 2025.
During the July 2025 City Commission vote to reinstate Key West’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, Commissioner Sam Kaufman was traveling and did not participate in the meeting. He refused to join the meeting remotely despite the city’s ability to allow Zoom participation and votes. His absence reduced the commission to six members and helped shape the 4–2 vote in support of 287(g) agreement. Compounding criticism, Kaufman sent a 287(g) protest email roughly an hour before the meeting, showing he did have internet service. This undercut his claim that he lacked connectivity and could not attend the meeting. The Mayor noted this conflict during the meeting. His decision to be absent during one of the year’s most consequential votes appeared deliberate. Critics argued that Kaufman was avoiding a recorded state law. By pretending he had no internet, he protected his future mayoral ambitions and avoided backlash from his mostly liberal base.
On July 30, a small group in District 4 launched a recall effort against City Commissioner Lissette Carey, citing a grand jury report that ultimately produced no charges or evidence of wrongdoing against her. The recall was led by Key West resident James Strebeck, who was later named in Carey’s lawsuit, for breaking several laws for recall petitions. The group had a website and petition costs, but never disclosed finances, because they did not register as a political committee (PAC). This is required before collecting signatures, under Florida campaign finance law (Chapter 106). Furthermore, City Clerk Keri O’Brien did not verify the PAC requirement and forwarded the recall petition to Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies, where additional legal problems were uncovered. First, the 327 signatures were submitted outside the mandatory 30-day window; Second, an affidavit from one voter stated she was misled about the purpose of the petition, believing it opposed a city commission decision unrelated to Carey. Based on these violations, Hodies ruled the recall legally invalid and dismissed it. While the group could have restarted the process by following the law — including registering as a PAC, disclosing finances, and then collecting new signatures — they chose not to do so. It is unknown who funded the recall or how much was spent.
A newly formed small anti-ICE group in Key West interferes with local police and ICE operations. They posted ICE locations on social media, started a hotline to report locations, and posted false information about arrests on social media. Some residents complained about flyers posted all over Key West that were unsightly and never removed. The flyers had the cell number to call for reporting ICE locations and helping criminal illegal immigrants to hide from ICE.
The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act passed and was signed into law on July 24, 2025, becoming Public Law No. 119-30. She was the 13 year old in Texas who was raped and murdered by two criminal illegal immigrants almost a year prior to this law. This act officially codified President Trump’s earlier March executive order to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas in honor of Jocelyn. The move recognizes her love for animals and ensures the name change remains permanent across all official federal maps and documents.
Commissioner Carey sued to stop the recall, stating that it was illegal and violated her rights as an elected official. The recall was later dismissed for exactly those reasons.
In July 2025, the Florida Commission on Ethics — the state’s independent agency that interprets and enforces ethics laws — dismissed unrelated complaints filed against Key West City Commissioners Monica Haskell and Sam Kaufman. The Chamber of Commerce filed the complaint against Monica Haskell. She was accused of voting to approve a dockage agreement with American Cruise Lines, when that company approved a contract with a non-profit organization where her son works. He advocated at the meeting for his mother to vote for this contract, and she did vote for it. Her son works for the Key West Literary Seminar, which offers walking tours to cruise ship visitors, and Haskell voted to approve that contract. However, the investigation found that his salary was not tied to the success of the literary walks sponsored by his employer. Haskell said at the time she thought it was a malicious complaint by the Chamber of Commerce. She also noted she asked the city attorney for guidance on how to vote and what to do. Ironically, Haskell voted earlier to remove Commissioner Carey as Vice-Mayor because she also followed city attorney advice to remove an item for the agenda.
Sam Kaufman’s ethics complaint alleged he had a conflicting relationship when the City Commission voted to allocate funds to 18 nonprofit service providers. That vote included the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, where Kaufman served on the board. The city attorney filed the complaint against Kaufman claiming that he lied about which board he was on and about when he stepped down from certain positions prior to the vote. Kaffman said he specifically remembered talking to the city attorney about it, and the city attorney said he had a totally different recollection about the conversation about conflicting votes. Kaufman claimed he was following the advice the city attorney gave him. Amidst the opposing descriptions of the conversation they had, the city attorney filed the complaint against Kaufman. The Ethics Commission did not find evidence that Kaufman benefitted financially from his vote, so it was also dismissed. Both ethics complaints filed against Haskell and Kaufman by the city attorney and the Chamber of Commerce, came in the wake of a grand jury report noting corruption within several city departments.
Trump negotiates peace between Thailand–Cambodia on July 28, 2025.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and its tax changes apply retroactively to the 2025 tax year, impacting returns filed in 2026, with most provisions running through December 31, 2028. For Key West residents, the law includes a federal deduction for up to $25,000 in qualified tips (often called “no tax on tips”), a deduction for overtime pay, and a new senior deduction that can significantly reduce or eliminate federal taxes on Social Security income for many retirees. Families benefit from the expanded and preserved child tax credits and a higher standard deduction, allowing households to keep more of their income. Small businesses gain from extended and permanent tax deductions, including pass-through business relief and improved expense options, which can help local employers in tourism, hospitality, and service industries reinvest, hire, and raise take-home pay across the island.
August
The city issued a second RFP on August 16 – September 17, 2025 for the Water Quality Monitoring Program (RFP 25-020), reopening the competitive process to find a qualified monitoring partner.
Supervisor of elections dismisses recall effort against Commissioner Carey. She cited the violations of Florida laws regarding recall efforts. Ironically, the recall was based on a false accusation that she did something unethical. Although allowed by law, the small recall group chose not to do the recall again.
At the August 6, 2025 Key West City Commission meeting, commissioners approved an amended resolution officially adopting three songs to represent the city. Initially only one recently created song was up for consideration but two songs with a long Key West history were added. Commissioner Haskell made the motion to adopt the three songs. Commissioner Carey then noted that the original “One Human Family” proclamation “needs some work” because it has verbiage against monotheism, which is the worship of one God. She noted that felt offensive to Christians, Jews, and Muslims who worship one God and suggested revisiting this part of the proclamation wording.
The most historically important song, considered the official song of Key West going back to the mid 1950’s when it was popular, was written by Luis Carbonell and called “Key West the Best.” It was in performed in the 1990's by the Buddy Chavez Combo. One resident noted that her grandmother sang that song to her, and she danced to that song in a conga line. Carey noted that she was taught that song in elementary school in Key West. The other song adopted as a city song is “The Beautiful Isle of Key West.” It was performed by Coffee Butler, a beloved Key West musician. It was written by Ellen Welters Sanchez, and she had her favorite piano student Coffee Butler perform it for Harry Truman in 1948 at the dedication of “Truman Avenue.” The only new song in the group was the “We Are One Human Family,” created in February 2025 by CW Colt, and no residents had heard of it but recognized the motto which was adopted 25 years prior. All three song selections were approved together as part of a single agenda item at the meeting.
Trump negotiated peace between Armenia-Azerbaijan on August 8, 2025 to end decades of conflict. The deal included the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), granting the U.S. development rights to a strategic transit corridor.
September
Florida ordered the removal of non-standard crosswalks and pavement art, including primary colored crosswalks in Key West, after the state began enforcing a new transportation law that took effect June 30, 2025. The law requires all roadway markings on state-controlled roads to comply with FDOT design standards, which only allow markings that directly serve traffic control or safety purposes. FDOT ruled that decorative or message-based crosswalks did not qualify and set a deadline for cities to remove them, warning that the state could paint them over at local expense or withhold transportation funding. By early September, FDOT crews had removed or covered the primary color crosswalks in Key West and other Florida cities, despite objections from local officials and residents. The enforcement was influenced by federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which directed states to keep intersections and crosswalks free of distracting or message-based markings to maintain uniform traffic control standards nationwide. While no new federal law specifically banned artistic crosswalks, Florida used this guidance, combined with state law and FDOT policy, as the legal basis for removals. The issue sparked protests, legal debates over home-rule authority, and national attention, with supporters arguing the changes were about safety and consistency, and critics saying the policy targeted community expression.
Two Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detention deputies were arrested September 19, 2025 after investigators say they conspired to smuggle fentanyl into the Stock Island Detention Center. The arrests followed an internal investigation by the sheriff’s office into a plan to bring drugs into the jail, involving an estimated six grams of fentanyl. According to jail and court records, Deputy Alex Caminero, 38, was charged with conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, attempted trafficking in fentanyl, unlawful compensation for official behavior, and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. Deputy James Gregory Gardner, 52, was charged with conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and smuggling contraband into a county detention facility. Investigators say both men worked together in the alleged scheme.
After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, social media across the political spectrum lit up with reactions — from genuine shock and condolences to sharply partisan commentary. In some cases, posts appeared to celebrate or mock his death. In the days after the killing, the Florida Department of Education and Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas publicly warned school districts that educators could face disciplinary action — up to license revocation — for social media posts that “celebrate” or encourage violence or otherwise violate professional conduct standards. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis voiced support for a strict approach, calling celebratory posts “disturbing.” In Florida’s Osceola County, four teachers were reported under investigation for posts about Kirk’s death, with districts placing them on alternative assignments pending outcomes. In Clay County, Florida, one teacher was suspended after a social media comment related to Kirk’s death, and the district cooperated with a state investigation launched by the Florida DOE.
In Monroe County, Key West High School teacher Brett Fink was reported by angry parents for posting hate comments against Charlie Kirk, and other religious and conservative figures over the course of at least a year on his personal and work related social media. He defended his first amendment right to do so on his social media and didn’t deny posting the hateful comment celebrating Kirk’s murder.
At a civic meeting, when pressed for answers by angry parents, Superintendent Tierny acknowledged the social media controversy involving Fink, and confirmed that it was referred to the Florida Department of Education. FDOE representatives were on campus interviewing students, but no further information is available.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, a Club America club was started at Key West High School for the first time. It’s a student-led high school club, affiliated with Turning Point USA, that focuses on civic education and conservative principles like free speech, individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and patriotism. It encourages students to discuss current events, debate ideas, and learn how the government works.
Local residents organized a memorial service and walk for Charlie Kirk which took place on Roosevelt Blvd.
October
The City Commission approved a contract with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to implement the city’s Water Quality Monitoring Program on October 9, 2025. The amount was for $131,531 for one year with options to renew for up to four additional years. Commissioner Carey confirmed that Commissioner Cates would support water quality testing before and after the mooring field is installed in Key West Harbor. This would be the first time this type of testing took place and may give a broader picture of impacts on water quality in the harbor. Some believe the boats docked without pump out service may contribute to water pollution around Key West . The testing done by the College of the Florida Keys focused on Cruise ships impact, while ignoring beaches and smaller boats without pump out service.
At the October 9, 2025 City Commission meeting, Commissioner Lissette Carey sponsored an agenda item to proclaim “Christian Heritage Month” for Key West. It was a formal recognition of the contributions of Christian faith traditions in the community. The proclamation was formally presented to acknowledge Christian heritage as part of the city’s cultural and historical impact dating back to the first established church in Key West in the 1800’s. The Episcopal St. Paul’s Church parish was established in 1831, with its first service held in December 1832 — making it one of the earliest organized Christian congregations in the city. The first Catholic parish on the island, St. Mary Star of the Sea, was founded in 1851 and its church building was dedicated on February 26, 1852 at Duval and Eaton Streets, later becoming one of the oldest Catholic congregations in Florida.The proclamation noted that Christian principles have shaped values such as faith, love, justice, family, and service that strengthen the island community. It was emphasized that local churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations contribute to Key West through prayer, ministry, education, charitable service, disaster relief, and community building. The city’s proclamation was accepted at the dais by members of the Llama family from Southernmost Baptist Church (including Kendra Llama, Maddie Llama, and Max Llama), who represented local churches in Key West and accepted the proclamation given by most city commissioners. Haskell was present but chose to not join the presentation.
On October 15, 2025, the county formally added the Boca Chica Mooring Field project to its RESTORE Act Multi-Year Implementation Plan, enabling the use of $3.5 million in funds along with a $1.65 million state appropriation to construct mooring field infrastructure designed to reduce environmental damage from unmanaged anchoring.
Sam Kaufman announces run for mayor against present mayor DeeDee Henriquez. Because she got the seat unopposed, this is the first time she will be campaigning for votes. Kaufman has been a city commissioner since 2015, so he represents experience, but no change or fresh start. Henriquez is new to city government but spent about 20 years in government service as the Monroe County Tax Collector before becoming mayor. Both candidates voted for and advocated for mostly liberal policies in Key West.
The City of Key West and the Key West Business Guild installed primary color bicycle racks along Duval Street on October 3, 2025, shortly after the state-mandated removal of the primary color crosswalks in early September. The Key West Business Guild (KWBG) is a nonprofit business association based in Key West and focused on promoting LGBT tourism to Key West. They get financial support from the Florida Keys Tourism Development Council (TDC). The group gives grants and community contributions like awarding a $5,000 grant to the Key West High School Gender & Sexuality Alliance Club. A GSA is a student-run school club that provides a safe, supportive space for students. In keeping with their community involvement, they worked with the city to install the bike racks. The bike racks were installed by city crews, indicating city funding and approval for the project. However, after the racks were installed, residents and preservation advocates raised concerns that the primary color bike racks were placed within the Old Town Historic District without HARC approval. Their permission is required for alterations or installations that impact the historic character of the area. It prompted frustration from property owners and businesses that obtain HARC approval for exterior changes.
HARC commissioners discussed primary color bike rack and fence violations at meetings on October 28 and November 18, 2025, and the topic remained under review into late 2025. Some members noted that guidelines might need clarification because the city’s own installations had skirted the usual process. This topic is up for more discussion at the HARC January meeting.
Chris Massicotte joins District 5 commission race against Harry Russell.
Trump negotiated an Israel-Hamas Gaza Peace Plan with a multi-phase ceasefire framework. The deal, signed on October 9, led to the release of surviving hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary pause in hostilities that began on October 10.
President Trump negotiated a Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire. They announced an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" in late October to resolve a long-running border dispute.
November
Katie Holloran's complaint is dismissed for lack of evidence. 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. Her complaints included intimidation, surveillance-like behavior, aggressive confrontations, and inappropriate comments. The investigation concluded that Halloran’s claims did not meet the legal threshold for a hostile work environment under federal or Florida law. To qualify, harassment must be “sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment.” While Halloran subjectively perceived Barroso’s behavior as intimidating, the evidence did not support an objectively hostile environment. The report noted that Barroso’s communication style was “not welcomed by Ms. Halloran and other now former employees,” but found no unlawful harassment or discrimination. She was replaced by Taylor T. Brown as City Planner in December 2025.
Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover passes away.
At the November 18, 2025 HARC meeting, commissioners discussed how to address existing primary color fences that were installed without prior approval. Members generally agreed that nothing in the current guidelines permits primary color painted fencing. Concerns were raised about precedent, political messaging, and how future applicants would interpret the rules if exceptions were allowed without clear standards. Two potential paths emerged from the discussion: either allow all homeowners limited freedom to paint portions of their fences, or formally amend the guidelines through the established review process.
Mark Rossi and Bobi Lore to run for city commission, District 2.
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC), charged with promoting tourism in the Florida Keys by using revenue from the tourist development tax (bed tax) — roughly $60 million annually collected from hotel and short-term rental stays–was still cleaning up a financial scandal dating back to 2023, after a financial audit exposed illegal use of funds and lack of internal controls. One of the most publicized problems was Andy Newman, who led NewmanPR, the long-time public relations contractor for the TDC. Audits showed NewmanPR created invoices for a company called “Graphics 71” that did not exist, suggesting double-billing or improper reimbursements on top of its annual contract fees. In August 2024, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office charged Newman with multiple counts of perjury and making false official statements related to his billing practices — 14 counts of each — stemming from false declarations about payments to the nonexistent company. On November 3, 2025, Newman pleaded no-contest to misdemeanor charges tied to the audit findings. He was sentenced to 42 months of probation, 140 hours of community service, and about $1,000 in fines and fees, with a 70-day jail term suspended pending probation compliance.
December
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. At the same time Veliz was chosen, Harry Russell, a declared candidate for the August 2026 election, announced his withdrawal from the District 5 race.
According to a December 16, 2025 memo from City Historic Preservation Manager Daniela Salume, current HARC Exterior Color Guidelines require wood fences and gates to be painted white or left in a natural wood finish. The memo states that multicolored or primary color fences do not fall within the traditional Key West color palette and would require HARC review if proposed as permanent alterations. Staff further advised against allowing partial or limited primary color painting, noting that such allowances could create precedent and complicate future enforcement.
After a brief interim period and re-organization, the City of Key West formally named Taylor T. Brown as City Planner in December 2025. He replaced Katie Halloran who quit September 1, 2025. Her various complaints against the city manager were dismissed by a third party law firm, which found no evidence to support her complaints.
In December 2025, several people were arrested after a months-long narcotics investigation targeting the sale of fentanyl and cocaine on Stock Island and in Key West. The arrests included Damonta Derek Knowles, 39, of Key West, for fentanyl and cocaine sales, and Jasmine Isabel Maisonet 43, of Stock Island, Florida, for fentanyl sales, and several others; the arrest show the continued effort by local law enforcement to end fentanyl drug trafficking networks on the island. The drug supply and deaths sharply increased during Biden’s open border for many years, before President Trump closed the border in 2025.
In 2025, the City of Key West and its Parks & Recreation Advisory Board approved moving forward with the Bayview Park master site plan for phased redevelopment. They secured budget allocations for improvements and moved the project through planning and reviews after discussion in November. The park’s renovation plan includes added green space, landscape and irrigation upgrades, tennis and basketball court resurfacing, a new tennis pro shop, updated restrooms, picnic tables, benches, lighting, and a children’s playground as key elements of the overall Bayview Park renovations. Phased construction is slated for 2026.
Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
Liana is a Key West native who loves writing about her island home. She taught English to students in grades 6–12 for nearly 35 years in Key West schools, sharing her love of literature and language with generations of local students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Liana is the owner of Conch Media Group, LLC, and the creator and manager of The Key West Post. Her goal is to keep readers informed about the issues that matter most in Key West. As a lifelong local, she offers a perspective often missing from corporate media and from journalists and bloggers who are new to the island. When Liana isn't writing and managing this website, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. On most days, you’ll find her walking, biking, or running outdoors, soaking up the natural beauty, friendly people, and diverse cultures that make Key West so special.
This website is free for everybody. However, readers can support her local independent news website by joining a pay plan here and cancel anytime without any hassles.
Readers can also join her free newsletter here.
Please follow The Key West Post on social media to get notifications when new articles are posted: