By: Staff Writer May 11, 2026 Illegal Immigration Impact on Florida Keys Schools ICE remains active in Key West and deportations of illegal immigrants has remained steady, especially when the Key West City Commission unanimously voted to support 287g agreements with ICE. Key West joined all of the other 66 counties in Florida which have similar agreements with ICE. Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from various countries is being revoked by the Trump Administration, citing stabilization in native countries. Some countries had TPS for natural disasters that happened decades ago. Several community members with TPS in Key West have been impacted, and it's expected for deportations to continue. The Monroe County School system absorbed an increase in immigrant students which started during the Biden Administration and his push for an open border. Local activist groups have attempted to interfere with enforcement efforts, including creating a hotline to report ICE locations so undocumented individuals could avoid contact with officers. Those efforts have not stopped ongoing operations. With Temporary Protected Status for Haitians ending in February 2026, but still being litigated, the impact will be felt most sharply by some immigrant families, local employers, and the Monroe County School System. For the 2025–2026 school year, Monroe County Schools report a total enrollment of 8,608 students. Of that number, 18.1% are immigrant English Language Learners (ELL), totaling 1,560 students who could be affected if they lack legal status or lose TPS protections. According to Florida Department of Education data, Monroe County’s ELL population increased by 531 students between 2021 and 2025. During that period, the percentage of ELL students rose from 12% to 18%. As of Fall 2025, the district’s enrollment stands at 8,608 students, including 1,560 ELL students. Schools are prohibited from asking about a student’s immigration status during registration, but they do administer language assessments to determine ELL placement. With a per‑pupil expenditure of $17,000—as reported by the Florida Department of Education—the potential financial impact is significant. If all 1,560 ELL students were to face deportations, the district could face an estimated $26.5 million reduction in funding. Even if only half were deported, the loss would still total approximately $13 million. A funding reduction of that scale would almost certainly require staffing cuts and other adjustments across the district. Key West’s Foreign‑Born Population and the Potential Impact of Deportations According to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Key West has an estimated population of about 25,800 residents. The data shows that 88.4% of residents are U.S. citizens, while 11.6% are non‑citizens. The ACS also reports that 21.6% of Key West’s population is foreign‑born, a category that includes both naturalized U.S. citizens and non‑citizens. Because Key West is a small city, the Census Bureau relies on multi‑year ACS estimates rather than single‑year counts, meaning these numbers should be understood as well‑vetted estimates rather than exact totals. Even so, they remain the most reliable snapshot of the current demographic makeup in Key West. Based on these estimates, 11.6% of the population equals approximately 2,992 foreign‑born residents in Key West. Their legal status is unknown. Some are presumably naturalized U.S. citizens. Some have visas, but some have overstayed their visas. If only a small percentage lack legal status, the number of residents potentially subject to deportation is well below 3,000—likely only a few hundred. Of that small group, reasons vary as to why they are here illegally. The only common thread within this group is that they chose to stay in the country illegally while they apply for permission to stay here in America. Some may have taken the tax payer cash and self deported. By doing this, they can return to their native country, have money for basic necessities, and apply for American citizenship legally. A population loss of 3,000 or less isn’t significant enough to create long‑term negative effects on Key West’s tourism workforce, school funding, or housing prices. The only impact that cannot be measured is the emotional one—felt differently across the community—shaped by both the positive and negative experiences associated with illegal immigration. Local businesses who depend on cheap illegal, immigrant labor will be the loudest to complain about the deportations. Business owners who follow the law and don’t hire illegals, will finally be able to compete for business on a level playing field. National Immigration Data and Trends The ebb and flow of immigration deportations will impact Key West on many levels. Some employers may see more job openings. Housing which is always strained on the island will have more availability and rents will go down. Schools who lose students will have to trim their budgets. All of this happened before and Key West survived. The panic expressed on local social and corporate media about illegal immigration did not exist under the Clinton, Obama or Biden administration. As shown in the chart below, other presidents deported even more people, and America survived. For historical context, federal deportation numbers have been high under multiple administrations. From 2009 to 2017, the Obama administration deported an estimated 5 million people, a record that led some critics to label him the “Deporter in Chief.” Before that, the Bush administration deported approximately 10 million, and the Clinton administration deported the most, with an estimated 12 million. As shown in the chart above, Democratic presidents have historically overseen higher total deportation numbers than Republican presidents. Despite these removals, the tourism industry in the Florida Keys remained strong during all three presidencies. DHS press releases and reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of people have been deported since President Trump took office on January 20, 2025. One DHS release on December 10, 2025 cited approximately 605,000 deportations. Even with the negative attention surrounding current enforcement efforts, President Trump has deported fewer immigrants than the previous four presidents—even when including the 2 million self‑deportations DHS estimated for 2025. The impact to Monroe County Schools could be significant if deportations continue even at Trump's low deportation rate. The Monroe County School District cannot ask about a student’s immigration status, but ELL testing provides a clear picture of how many children could be affected. With per‑pupil spending at $17,000, the potential loss of up to 1,560 students represents an estimated $26.5 million in funding. Even a partial decline—roughly half that number—would still mean a $13 million shortfall, a reduction significant enough to force staffing cuts and broad operational adjustments across Monroe County Schools.

By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco January 27, 2026 Employment Challenges in the Florida Keys With the southern border now closed and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians set to end in February, many businesses in the Florida Keys are bracing for a new wave of staffing shortages. The tourism industry relies heavily on low‑skilled labor, and employers say replacing that workforce will be difficult. The challenge is compounded by recent federal crackdowns on labor brokers who supplied undocumented workers to local companies. Several of those operators were shut down, and their owners are now serving prison sentences for tax evasion and trafficking in illegal labor. Adding to the pressure, the Florida Legislature is considering bills that would expand E‑Verify requirements statewide. Companies that once ignored hiring laws are finding it increasingly difficult to do so without facing penalties. Rod Joseph, a Haitian-American candidate for U.S. Congress, said he has been working with the administration to ensure deportation efforts focus on individuals with criminal records. “If the president goes after criminals, no one is against that,” Joseph said. “But if you deport someone who doesn’t commit any crime who’s here seeking a better life, this is when we start having issues with the practice.” Immigration Election Mandate President Trump, who campaigned on enforcing immigration laws, is carrying out the mandate voters delivered in the 2024 election. In Florida, where sanctuary cities are prohibited by state law, undocumented immigrants are increasingly aware that deportation is likely. Some have already chosen to leave voluntarily, using federal incentives that offer cash bonuses and a pathway to apply for legal status. The 2025–2026 federal policy for voluntary departure—often referred to as “Project Homecoming”—encourages undocumented individuals to self‑deport through the CBP Home mobile app. Participants can receive free travel, a $1,000 to $2,600 exit payment, and a waiver of civil fines for failing to depart. Since January 2025, federal officials report that 2.2 million undocumented immigrants have voluntarily returned to their home countries, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home program. In Key West, the City Commission voted unanimously in the summer of 2025 to support 287(g) agreements with ICE, aligning the city with every county in Florida that already participates in similar partnerships. Soon after that vote, the Trump administration announced that Temporary Protected Status for Haitians would end later in the year, a deadline later extended to February 3, 2026. As these policy debates unfolded locally, federal immigration agents continued removing individuals with criminal records from South Florida. Dangerous Haitian Immigrant Deported from South Florida On July 17, 2025, federal immigration agents removed a high‑profile individual from South Florida. ICE officers arrested Pierre Réginald Boulos, a prominent Haitian businessman, physician, and former presidential candidate, on charges that he supported violent gangs in Haiti that the U.S. government has designated as terrorist organizations. Boulos was taken into custody at his South Florida home by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a statement, ICE said Boulos “engaged in a campaign of violence and gang support that contributed to Haiti’s destabilization.” According to the agency, the U.S. Department of State determined that certain individuals with lawful permanent resident status had collaborated with Haitian gang leaders tied to Viv Ansanm, which the United States has labeled a foreign terrorist organization. “The United States will not allow individuals to enjoy the benefits of legal status in our country while they are facilitating the actions of violent organizations or supporting criminal terrorist organizations abroad,” ICE said. Boulos, who has previously denied multiple corruption allegations, is among the most prominent Haitian figures arrested under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. Although born in the United States, he renounced his U.S. citizenship to run for president of Haiti. He later obtained lawful permanent resident status in 2024 under the Biden administration. ICE officials said Boulos failed to disclose in his residency application his role in forming a political party and that the Haitian government had referred him for prosecution related to alleged misuse of loans. During his years in Haiti, Boulos founded several businesses and served as president of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2019, he launched the Third Way Movement, a political party he described as a challenge to Haiti’s “shameless elite and unscrupulous politicians.” The party called for a negotiated transition to remove then‑President Jovenel Moïse from power. That same year, Boulos traveled through Haiti’s central region to build political support, telling the newspaper Le Nouvelliste, “I am part of the system that must be destroyed. I know how to destroy it.” Moïse served as president from 2017 until his assassination in July 2021. Dozens of suspects were arrested, including 17 former Colombian soldiers who remain under interrogation. Court documents later described a plot involving Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a pastor and doctor who sought to position himself as Haiti’s next leader. As the political vacuum deepened, gang violence escalated across the country, and Boulos eventually returned to the United States where ICE eventually found him. Impact of Deportations on Monroe County Schools ICE remains active in Key West, and additional deportations are expected in the coming months, particularly within the Haitian community. Local activist groups have attempted to interfere with enforcement efforts, including creating a hotline to report ICE locations so undocumented individuals could avoid contact with officers. Those efforts have not stopped ongoing operations. With Temporary Protected Status for Haitians ending in February 2026, the impact will be felt most sharply in Key West’s Haitian community, local employers, and the public school system. Click image to expand image. For the 2025–2026 school year, Monroe County Schools report a total enrollment of 8,608 students. Of that number, 18.1% are immigrant English Language Learners (ELL), totaling 1,560 students who could be affected if they lack legal status or lose TPS protections. According to Florida Department of Education data, Monroe County’s ELL population increased by 531 students between 2021 and 2025. During that period, the percentage of ELL students rose from 12% to 18%. As of Fall 2025, the district’s enrollment stands at 8,608 students, including 1,560 ELL students. Schools are prohibited from asking about a student’s immigration status during registration, but they do administer language assessments to determine ELL placement. With a per‑pupil expenditure of $17,000—as reported by the Florida Department of Education—the potential financial impact is significant. If all 1,560 ELL students were to lose legal status, the district could face an estimated $26.5 million reduction in funding. Even if only half were affected, the loss would still total approximately $13 million. A funding reduction of that scale would almost certainly require staffing cuts and other adjustments across the district. Key West’s Foreign‑Born Population and the Potential Impact of Deportations According to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Key West has an estimated population of about 25,800 residents. The data shows that 88.4% of residents are U.S. citizens, while 11.6% are non‑citizens. Click to expand image. The ACS also reports that 21.6% of Key West’s population is foreign‑born, a category that includes both naturalized U.S. citizens and non‑citizens. Because Key West is a small city, the Census Bureau relies on multi‑year ACS estimates rather than single‑year counts, meaning these numbers should be understood as well‑vetted estimates rather than exact totals. Even so, they remain the most reliable snapshot of the city’s current demographic makeup. Based on these estimates, 11.6% of the population equals approximately 2,992 foreign‑born residents in Key West. Their legal status is not known. Most are presumably naturalized U.S. citizens. If only a small percentage lack legal status, the number of residents potentially subject to deportation is well below 3,000—likely only a few hundred. A population shift of that size is not statistically significant enough to create long‑term negative effects on Key West’s tourism workforce, school funding, or housing prices. The only impact that cannot be measured is the emotional one—felt differently across the community—shaped by both the positive and negative experiences associated with immigration. National Immigration Data and Trends It remains unclear exactly how deportations will affect Key West’s housing market or local businesses. Some employers may see more job openings, and some rental units may become available, depending on how many immigrants are removed from the area. For historical context, federal deportation numbers have been high under multiple administrations. From 2009 to 2017, the Obama administration deported an estimated 5 million people, a record that led some critics to label him the “Deporter in Chief.” Before that, the Bush administration deported approximately 10 million, and the Clinton administration deported the most, with an estimated 12 million. As shown in the chart below, Democratic presidents have historically overseen higher total deportation numbers than Republican presidents. Despite these removals, the tourism industry in the Florida Keys remained strong during all three presidencies. Click to expand image. DHS press releases and reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of people have been deported since President Trump took office on January 20, 2025. One DHS release on December 10, 2025 cited approximately 605,000 deportations. Even with the negative attention surrounding current enforcement efforts, President Trump has deported fewer immigrants than the previous four presidents—even when including the 2 million self‑deportations DHS estimated for 2025. 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: X Instagram TikTok Truth Social Substack

From the City’s March 4, 2020 Facebook page: “City Manager Greg Veliz, during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, introduced the City’s new Planning Director, Katie Halloran. Although she has been working in Texas for the past five years, Halloran hails from Key West, where she was born and raised Former Planning Director Katie Halloran’s Complaint and Final Report Findings By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco December 5, 2025 The former Planning Director Katie Halloran’s Complaint against the city was scandalous. the final report was released with little attention from local corporate media. They were happy, however, to print her long so called resignation letter (which wasnt the actual letter) which was more of a political attempt to sway voters, and to smear the accused before even an investigation was completed. The local biased media doesn't play fair, but the facts cannot be ignored because the report has been released. 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. Halloran’s resignation was highly publicized. Local media published her two-page letter addressed to “residents and voters” of Key West, which gave it a political tone. In the letter, she repeated her accusations and expressed hope that “the City’s investigator will publish her report, that the City Commission will respond, and share the findings with the public.” She also warned that the Grand Jury Report about the City might be ignored as a “mirage.” Addressing the letter to both "residents and voters" suggested her intent was not only to share her complaint but also to influence elections. Response to the Complaint The City responded on September 5, 2025, clarifying that the letter Halloran shared publicly was not her actual resignation. The official resignation was a short email: “Good afternoon Alice, As we discussed by phone I am submitting my resignation… effective immediately.” Officials also corrected inaccuracies, explaining that restructuring was designed to improve efficiency, cross-train staff, and strengthen collaboration. The restructuring included office changes. Growth Management Director Patrick Wright moved to the Planning Director’s office on the first floor to be closer to daily operations, while the Planning Director’s workspace was shifted to the central planning suite to stay near their team. In a June 27 email to Halloran, Wright explained, “This isn’t a change I wanted to implement without you, but in light of the Commission’s directive and space constraints, I believe this layout will support better collaboration and operational efficiency moving forward.” Wright later emphasized that the move was based on necessity and organizational logic, adding that “interdepartmental collaboration is at an all-time high.” Attorney Chattergoon began investigating in August 2025. She interviewed 15 witnesses and reviewed city policies and EEOC guidelines, conducting the investigation independently of city management or HR staff. Complaint Details & Findings Halloran’s first concern was Barroso’s frequent presence in her department, which she and her staff perceived as “surveillance.” Several employees confirmed that Barroso often walked through the Planning Department, making staff uneasy. Barroso countered that he was deliberately trying to be visible and approachable, noting that his predecessor “did not interact with the City’s employees.” He even initiated “Coffee with the City Manager” sessions to encourage one-on-one dialogue. Another flashpoint occurred when Halloran forwarded a Planning Board appointee’s resolution to the City Clerk. Barroso objected, saying he wanted to establish the budget before recommendations were made. Halloran recalled that Barroso came to her office with Assistant City Manager Rod Delostrinos, speaking in a “loud” and “aggressive” tone. Former employee Kim Walsh testified she overheard yelling and later saw Barroso and Delostrinos “smiling and high fiving each other by the door.” Both men denied hostility, insisting the conversation was firm but not abusive. Halloran also described Barroso’s comments as threatening. During one meeting, he allegedly told her the Planning Department was hers “until it wasn’t.” She interpreted this as a warning about her job security. Barroso admitted using similar phrases with all department heads, such as “people need to be on the train or get off the train,” explaining that he was trying to establish consistency. Witnesses described his tone as “intense” but not abusive. Another allegation involved a public records request tied to the Casa Marina hotel project. Halloran said Barroso accused her of favoritism and warned that “if the results of the investigation showed that she provided the report without a public record request they would be having a different conversation.” She saw this as a threat to her job. Barroso acknowledged the remark but said he was protecting the City by requiring documentation of verbal requests. Halloran also raised concerns about gender-based conduct. She claimed Barroso referred to her as “six foot sexy,” a comment confirmed by employee Jordan Mannix-Lachner. She also added that Barroso “tended to treat women very differently than men,” often kissing female employees on the cheek while shaking hands with men. Barroso denied the comment and said culturally he hugged and kissed both men and women. It is a well known fact in Key West that in Conch culture, especially of Cuban descent, it would be considered rude if you didn't address people in such a friendly manner. To confirm this fact, some male employees who were interviewed confirmed he hugged them also, while several female directors denied feeling uncomfortable about it at all. Additional grievances included disciplinary actions and removal of duties. Halloran said she was unfairly counseled for failing to respond to emails, though HR Director Bridget Flores stated she had been copied on emails requiring her input and failed to reply. She also claimed her responsibilities were reduced when divisions like sustainability and historic preservation were moved under Growth Management Director Patrick Wright. She argued this stripped her authority, while Barroso and Wright explained the restructuring was part of broader budget cuts and reorganization. Halloran further said she was asked to discipline employees in ways she disagreed with. One example was Wright asking her to discipline staff, including Kim Walsh, for a clerical error in noticing a Planning Board meeting. Halloran felt this hurt her relationship with her team. Wright admitted he raised the issue but explained that he only asked for coaching sessions, not formal discipline, and gave deadlines to ensure they were completed. Halloran also claimed that a permit technician position was removed from her department after she filed her complaint. She said she followed the City’s hiring process and even made an offer to a candidate, but later had to retract it. She believed the decision was sudden and unfair. Employee Kerri Voelkel recalled the situation and said Halloran made the offer before an official one was prepared. Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton told Voelkel that Halloran knew the position was being eliminated during budget reorganization. Halloran denied knowing this and said she was caught off guard. In the end, 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. Since Halloran resigned, no corrective recommendations were made in the report. This investigation highlights that Barroso inherited a difficult situation already under scrutiny when he became City Manager. While Halloran’s concerns reflected genuine discomfort, the evidence showed Barroso’s actions were part of broader reorganization and not targeted at her specifically. With Halloran’s resignation behind the City and nearly all of the Grand Jury’s recommendations now implemented, Key West government is positioned to move forward. The focus is shifting toward collaboration, efficiency, and transparency. Perhaps it’s time to let go of past discord and look ahead to a brighter future for the City of Key West in 2026. Sources Chattergoon, Ria. Investigation: Complaint by Katie Halloran. RC Law Group, 13 Nov. 2025, pp. 1–10. Report prepared for the City of Key West. City of Key West. Response to Halloran. 5 Sept. 2025. Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/CityofKeyWest/posts/the-city-of-key-west-would-like-to-clarify-some-misinformation-contained-in-a-le/1104684621800753/ 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: X Instagram TikTok Truth Social Substack

Key West Is A Tale of Two Cities January 14, 2026 by: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco Try to make sense of Key West politics today and you’ll run straight into cognitive dissonance. Beliefs, values, and actions don’t line up the way they used to. There was a time when people argued about politics, then went fishing together or grabbed a café con leche. Those days feel long gone. The island now looks like its own “tale of two cities,” with neighbors living side‑by‑side but seeing the world in completely different ways. Long‑time residents, fresh‑water Conchs, and newly arrived activist groups often interpret the same events through totally different lenses. One part of the community wants calm, cooperation, and continuity. Another pushes for confrontation, rapid change, and strict ideological lines. That split shows up in debates about law enforcement, immigration enforcement, public protests, and even how people define Key West’s identity. It’s the same small island, but politically it can feel like two different places. One side cheered when a family man, Charlie Kirk, man was murdered simply for debating in public. Another side prayed for him and his family. The same side cheering that death then protested the tragic death of an anti-ICE protester. This life apparently had more value than the other, because they have ICE hatred in common. For those who support ICE, they still lamented her tragic death and prayed for her. Afterall, she has children also, and they're totally innocent. Most agree that all this death and tragedy over politics is horrible. Immigration is where the divide shows the most. A small activist group in Key West continues to insist that everyone deported from Key West is legal. They ignore that thousands of illegal immigrants, convicted of serious crimes, have been deported from Florida. Some deny they benefit from the labor of illegal immigrants, especially in tourism, where demand has outpaced the local workforce. Their businesses grow on the backs of immigrants, while they pretend to not know they hire illegals. The public is told that borders don’t matter by those who profit the most. They pretend to defend human rights, while creating a magnet which causes death and destruction to our most vulnerable communities. Florida has taken a different approach. Since 2019, state law has prohibited sanctuary policies, and local governments are expected to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. That’s why most of the Key West City Commission reversed its earlier position in supporting cooperation with ICE in 2025. It took a threat from the Florida Attorney General Uthmeier to get them to follow the law. Despite the protests, ICE has successfully done its job in Florida. In 2025, joint operations in the Florida Keys removed individuals convicted of crimes against children, the elderly, and animals. In early 2026, the governor announced that more than 10,000 individuals with serious criminal convictions had been removed statewide for offenses including rape, murder, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Despite this, local protests against ICE continue. People absolutely have the right to demonstrate, but the selective nature of these rallies raises questions. Key West activists marched in the “No Kings” protest to oppose a lawfully elected leader, yet stayed silent when an actual dictator—Nicolás Maduro—was removed from power in Venezuela. It’s another example of how two very different political realities now exist on the same island. The Cubans in Key West, who escaped the communism of Cuba or had family who escaped it, just shake their heads in disbelief when they see some locals protesting a fake King. This is an island divided. The Cubans of Key West, who helped build it over generations, live side by side with people who mock their history with fake protests. If they looked ninety miles south, they would see real tyranny and suffering. The willful ignorance and selective outrage is intolerable for this Cuban segment of the population in Key West. The island may only have 27,000 residents, but the ideological and political gap is wide. Luckily, memories of a peaceful past still linger in the minds of most residents. At some point, the community will have to come together, because this recent level of division isn’t sustainable forever. Some local activists continue to protest the removal of criminal illegal immigrants. At the same time, they demand the city follow its rules and want everybody fired. Sometimes they demand removal without even proof of wrong doing. While demanding laws be followed, they reject laws that don’t support their views. They reject basic markings for road safety and defy HARC codes for painting fences in the Historic District. The law only applies to what they want. Anyone who dares question it, as one HARC member said at a meeting, is told “That’s offensive.” The pattern is the same: they decide which laws matter and which facts to ignore. When challenged, the conversation often jumps to extreme comparisons. Anybody who wants legal immigration is a Nazi. If you want standard road markings instead of primary colors, you’re a homophobe. If you love America then you support racism and misogyny. The attacks are constant and some people just aren't listening anymore. They’re dismissing it as a failed attempt to win debates through outrage. This is why the public mood in America has shifted. A peaceful society only works when everyone agrees to follow the same basic rules. If every person picks and chooses which laws or moral standards apply to them, that’s not activism—it’s chaos. The American way has always been to debate ideas, vote your beliefs, and still live together as neighbors. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we do need shared ground. Protests are a protected right, and we should be grateful for that freedom. But it’s worth paying attention to what’s being said. If a rally promotes hatred or demands rights for one group at the expense of another, that’s a warning sign. Some movements use America’s freedoms to undermine the very system that protects those freedoms. Despite the guilt‑trip messaging, Americans have already given more to the world than any nation in history—fighting hunger, providing medicine, defending freedom, and sending aid across the globe. A world without America would look very different, and examples like Venezuela and Cuba show how quickly things can fall apart under failed communist systems. Maybe we could acknowledge that while flawed, America is the best country in the world. With that commonality, then maybe we could disagree without turning neighbors into enemies. We can debate, vote, and advocate for what we believe in—and still share the same island. That’s the part of the American spirit we all still have in common in Key West. We can at least agree on that. 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: X Instagram TikTok Truth Social Substack

By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco December 23, 2025 If the people shouting the loudest truly cared about immigrants—or about their neighbors—they would support an orderly, legal immigration system that protects everyone. Immigrants should not be exploited, and U.S. citizens should not be put at risk. What unfolded in Key West exposed something far uglier: a two-faced political performance that preached compassion while quietly profiting from lawlessness. That hypocrisy came into full view in the summer of 2025. The Summer Everything Boiled Over By the summer of 2025, the immigration fight resurfaced in Key West louder, angrier, and more personal than ever before. Accusations of racism and fascism echoed through City Hall chambers. The familiar “One Human Family” image fractured as neighbors branded one another Nazis for the simple act of supporting law and order. The illegal immigration scam in Key West was being exposed and stopped. That reality angered many. At public meetings and across social media, outrage boiled over. Protesters decried the cruelty of immigration enforcement while sharing ICE arrest locations to help illegal immigrants avoid apprehension. Republicans were blamed for everything. A Conch grandmother—who had fled communist Cuba, followed the law, and became a U.S. citizen—was publicly mocked and attacked online after she spoke in favor of legal immigration at a city commission meeting. That meeting, covered by state and national media, revealed an uncomfortable truth. The “One Human Family” motto had been hijacked and weaponized to silence dissent. Even harmless grandmothers were fair game. Click this link for a YouTube video compilation of speakers at the city commission meeting about immigration in July 2025. Link will open in a new tab. The commissioners and mayor were about to vote for a second time regarding 287g agreements in support of city police working with ICE to remove criminal illegal immigrants from the community. The first vote failed to approve 287g agreements, but most of them reversed their votes after Attorney Uthmeier and Governor Desantis threatened to remove them for violating Florida state law prohibiting sanctuary cities. This letter was sent to Mayor Henriquez and all but one of the City Commissioners. One Commissioner Carey voted to support ICE both times. The others eventually switched votes to join her in affirming law and order in Key West. Police presence at city meetings increased. Officers lined the front of the room to protect elected officials on the dais. The anger was palpable. The intolerance toward anyone who disagreed with open borders was ugly and undeniable—captured on video and archived on the city’s own website. Pro-ICE residents were called "white supremacist" supporting a "fascist regime" on social media. It was proof of a once-peaceful island tearing itself apart over immigration policy. This was not just a national argument playing out on cable news. The wave of progressive protest sweeping the country had arrived in Key West, carried largely by newer residents from liberal cities, determined to reshape the island into something longtime residents no longer recognized. In the end, it didn’t work. Law and order prevailed. Public safety outweighed demands for cheap illegal labor. By the end of the summer of 2025, a long-running illegal immigration system in Key West—one that had operated quietly for years—began to collapse under its own weight. How the Scam Took Root The illegal immigration scam in Key West did not begin in 2025, nor did it start with any single political party or president. What unfolded was a delayed reckoning for a system built quietly over decades. As tourism exploded, housing lagged, wages stagnated, and lawful labor pipelines failed to keep pace. Faced with chronic staffing shortages, parts of the hospitality industry turned to illegal immigrant labor to fill the gap. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and property managers needed workers immediately—and rewarded anyone who could supply labor without asking inconvenient questions. The system worked because everyone benefited. Businesses stayed open. Costs stayed low. Immigration enforcement was sporadic, and the risk felt manageable. Some local businesses became magnets for illegal immigrants. With jobs waiting and enforcement inconsistent, millions entered the country unlawfully, overstayed visas, or ignored deportation orders. Yes, they broke the law—but they were enabled by businesses and politicians chasing profits and votes. It was the perfect scam, until federal investigators began pulling at the threads. The Network Beneath the Postcard Image Key West sells itself as carefree—a place of sunsets, cocktails, and island vibes. Behind the postcard image, however, a quieter engine powered the tourism economy. It scrubbed hotel rooms at dawn. It cleared plates after midnight. It turned over rental properties between checkouts. That engine was illegal immigrant labor. For more than a decade, federal prosecutors would argue that much of this labor flowed through a shadow staffing system that large hospitality businesses relied on but pretended not to see. These staffing companies looked legitimate. They had official names, bank accounts, invoices, and contracts. They delivered workers on short notice, without paperwork headaches, and at prices that stayed suspiciously low. Most people knew it was too good to be legal. Phoenix ADB Services, Inc. and the First Crack The first public fracture came with Phoenix ADB Services Inc., a Key West staffing company embedded throughout the hospitality industry. Prosecutors said it was part of a deliberate scheme to supply illegal immigrant labor while erasing payroll taxes entirely. At its center stood Igor Kasyanenko, a former Key West police officer who understood enforcement—and how to avoid it. Alongside him were Roman Riabov, Mikus Berzins, and Andrejs Kozlovs. From roughly 2014 through 2020, Phoenix ADB knowingly sent illegal immigrants into hotels and restaurants across Key West. No payroll taxes were withheld. No Social Security. No Medicare. No income tax. The savings were enormous—not just for Phoenix ADB, but for the businesses paying their invoices. When federal agents finally moved in, the defendants pleaded guilty to harboring illegal immigrants and defrauding the United States. The hotels, bars, and restaurants claimed ignorance—and that was enough to avoid criminal charges. Operation RoomKey The probe was led by the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The staffing company named Phoenix ADB Services, Inc was only one access point. Beneath it existed a far larger web: Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning, Tropical City Services, Tropical City Group, and other interlocking entities that shifted labor, contracts, and money as needed. When one company drew attention, another replaced it. Workers and clients stayed. The labor never stopped flowing. The investigation—Operation RoomKey—unfolded slowly. IRS agents followed the money. Homeland Security tracked immigration violations. Prosecutors built cases across borders. The sentences were severe as shown below: Mykhaylo Chugay: over 24 years Oleksandr Morgunov: 8 years Volodymyr Ogorodnychuk: 4 years Oleg Oliynyk and Oleksandr Yurchyk: 15 years each In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez ordered Oliynyk and Yurchyk to each serve three years of supervised release, pay $10,863,233.05 in restitution to the United States and to forfeit $11 million. Federal filings showed the network operating as early as 2007. More than $25 million in federal tax losses were documented—excluding the savings enjoyed by client businesses that avoided benefits, insurance, and compliance. The most damning evidence was scale. These companies could not have survived without repeat clients. This was not deception. It was willful blindness. The Human Cost Americans paid dearly for the broken immigration system. Fentanyl flowing across open borders killed hundreds of thousands. Women and children were trafficked, raped, and murdered. Acts of terrorism were carried out by individuals who should have never been allowed into the country. One death is too many. One child raped is too many. One mother burying her child is too many. Against that reality, complaints from progressives about ICE enforcement ring hollow. U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested 10 illegal aliens March 2025. Each had a criminal history as previously convicted sex offenders. Source: US Border Patrol Key West Today Today, ICE activity in Key West is portrayed by some as sudden, political, and extreme. It isn’t. President Obama—once called the “Deporter in Chief”—removed more illegal immigrants than President Trump ever did. When Obama enforced the law, today’s loudest critics were silent. Now, enforcement is labeled tyranny, and those who support it are branded Nazis. The hypocrisy is unmistakable. Illegal immigrants came to Key West because the work was here. The work was here because businesses created it. The magnet was economic. Everyone chased the money. Few considered the consequences. What happened in Key West exposed how immigration is used politically—to bash Republicans, to shame dissent, and to protect a system that exploited vulnerable people while enriching the powerful. If the “One Human Family” mantra of Key West means anything, it would include honesty, accountability, and the rule of law. It would reject exploiting illegal immigrants while pretending to defend them. If people truly cared about anyone—immigrants or citizens alike—they would support a lawful, orderly immigration system that protects human dignity without putting lives at risk. For now, let ICE continue enforcing laws that have long been ignored. Most importantly, lets stop being hypocrites and truly embrace the One Human Family motto. Let us love and respect our neighbors, even if they vote differently than we do. 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: X Instagram TikTok Truth Social Substack

The following letter was presented during public comment by Dr. Penny Walker at the HARC meeting on January 27, 2026: The Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) in Key West maintains clear and longstanding guidelines regarding fences, as reaffirmed in its December 16, 2025 memorandum on “rainbow fences in the historic district.” This memo clearly states, in the HARC exterior colors guidelines, wood fences and gates be painted white or remain unpainted in a natural wood finish. Multicolored or “rainbow” fences do not fall within the traditional Key West color palette and would therefore require HARC Commission review if proposed as a permanent alteration. Staff does not recommend allowing a number of pickets to be painted, even in small sections, as doing so would be inconsistent with the guidelines and could set a precedent that complicates future reviews of non-traditional fence colors or patterns. In addition, staff recommends maintaining the current guidelines which require that wood fences be painted white or remain natural wood for compliance with HARC guidelines and any proposals should require HARC commission review. In the City of Key West HARC Guidelines: Page 16 “5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.” Page 19 “These standards recognize that some exterior and interior alterations to the historic buildings are occasionally needed to assure continued use, but it is important that such alterations do not radically change, obscure, damage, or destroy character – defining materials, features, or finishes.” Page 35 “Specifically states under TRADITIONAL COLORS OF KEY WEST: Wood fences & gates: white Iron fences & gates: dark green or white” The City of Key West was added to Florida’s Certified Local Government (CLG) Program in 1991. The CLG Program was enacted as part of the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980. The program links three levels of government - federal, state and local - into a preservation partnership for the identification, evaluation and protection of historic properties. Designation as a certified local government, either as a municipality or a county, makes historic preservation a public policy through passage of a historic preservation ordinance. The ordinance establishes a historic preservation board to develop and oversee the functions of its historic preservation program. Since its inception in 1986, Florida’s Certified Local Government Program has assisted in the survey, designation and preservation of thousands of historic and cultural resources and it has helped to increase public awareness of historic preservation. Participation in the program is also an important consideration in the local planning process, as governments in Florida are required to address historic preservation in comprehensive planning decisions. By identifying historic resources in a local government’s comprehensive plan, proposed development projects will be reviewed for consistency with preservation goals and strategies. Through the Florida Division of Historical Resources’ (FDHR) Small Matching Grants program, CLGs in good standing are eligible to compete for pass-through subgrants funded by the Historic Preservation Fund grant that the FDHR receives annually from the National Park Service. The federal CLG subgrants may be for survey, planning and National Register nomination projects. In addition, Small Matching Grant match funding requirements are waived for all grants awarded to CLGs in good standing, whether state or federally funded. The nonconforming violations of the HARC guidelines significantly impact the historic nature of the neighborhood (my neighborhood). At the December 17, 2025, Key West HARC meeting, the commissioners discussed broadening exceptions to the historic guidelines to permit these nonconforming situations by calling them temporary exceptions. This approach suggests HARC does not intend to enforce or is considering changing its existing guidelines in clear violation of its primary historic purpose and in violation of its obligations as a Certified Local Government. Residents of the historic neighborhood do not support such violations of the Key West HARC guidelines. It took decades of dedication to earn our place on the National Register, and even longer to preserve it. Please fly your pride flags proudly—just avoid painting fences or structures in ways that could jeopardize our city’s historic status. Let’s celebrate who we are while protecting the heritage we’ve all worked so hard to maintain. With all due respect, the HARC commission does not have the legal authority to change how code enforces violations. Code violations are enforced by code officers. There is already a legal process which currently follows Florida Statute Chapter 162. Resource Links: For more information about this issue, read The Key West Post article here. To submit a letter to the editor, get directions at bottom of the page here. Jan. 27, 2026 HARC meeting agenda and video can be found here. If you would like to contact the Key West City Commissioners about this issue, the e-mail links can be found here.

Political Rallies in Key West Ignore Reality By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco February 26, 2026 I’ve lived in Key West my entire life as a Cuban‑American, and in recent months I’ve noticed a wave of political activism on the island that often overlooks the lived experiences of the Cuban community. It has become common to see people wearing Che Guevara t‑shirts or ordering a “con leche”—a phrase that isn’t even the correct term for café con leche—as if these gestures alone reflect an understanding of Latino culture or Cuban politics. These displays are not cultural appreciation. They fall into cultural appropriation, and some activists may not realize the impact of what they are doing. Che Guevara is frequently portrayed as a symbol of rebellion, but he openly acknowledged overseeing the execution of Cuban political opponents. When his image is worn casually, it can appear to celebrate the violence and repression associated with his legacy. This reflects a misunderstanding of history rather than solidarity with the Cuban people. Connecting with Cuban culture requires more than clothing choices or trendy slogans. It requires respect, context, and a willingness to learn—not using someone else’s heritage to advance a political message. Many Latinos in Key West recognize when their identity is being used for political purposes, and they don’t appreciate being placed in that position. Key West’s Cuban history is long and significant. Cuban immigrants helped build cigar factories, contributed to the fishing and sponging industries, and shaped the cultural identity of the island. Carlos M. de Céspedes, elected mayor in 1875, came from a Cuban family deeply involved in Cuba’s fight for independence; his father even freed the enslaved people on his plantation in Cuba. For generations, Key West has served as a refuge for Cubans escaping oppression. Recent protests on the island often overlook this reality. For 67 years, Cubans have lived under an oppressive communist regime, a fact well documented by independent human rights organizations. When Cubans seek asylum in the United States, their claims are rooted in genuine fear of imprisonment, violence, or death. My own family’s story reflects this history. My parents and grandparents were born in Cuba and came to Key West in the late 1950s to escape Communism. I grew up hearing about families separated, property seized, and people killed for opposing the regime. I will never forget the expression on my Cuban cousin’s face—a recent immigrant—when she walked into a Winn‑Dixie and saw shelves full of food. Her reaction was that of someone who had known ration books, scarcity, and hunger. I am grateful every day to have been born in the United States. My appreciation for freedom is shaped by my family’s experiences. That is why it is difficult to hear people in Key West speak about oppression in ways that do not reflect their own lived reality. It is even more difficult when they attempt to speak on behalf of the Latino community. Protesters in Key West often hold “No Kings” signs while living in the most free and wealthiest country in the world. These signs feel dismissive of the experiences of Cubans who have lived under an actual dictatorship. I try to assume the good intentions of the protesters, but their disconnect from reality is obvious. I support the right to protest. Freedom of expression is a value I hold deeply. However, the contrast between protests in Key West and Cuba is stark. In Cuba, they protest knowing they may be arrested, beaten, or killed. In Key West, protests often resemble festive gatherings, complete with music, costumes, and a celebratory atmosphere. Recently put in Cuban prison for making a protest video against the Cuban communist regime. The Cubans know real fear but protest anyway. That is true courage. The Americans protest knowing they are protected by the first amendment. They can criticize the country giving them that freedom and nothing will happen to them. The opposite happens to Cubans. In Cuba, young men and women are imprisoned simply for speaking out against the government. They face starvation, beatings, and isolation. One young man was recently found hanging in his cell under suspicious circumstances. Officials called it a suicide, but many Cubans believe otherwise. Cases like his are tragically common. This raises important questions: Where are the protests for those Cubans? Where is the concern for people facing real oppression just 90 miles from our island? Why is it that only certain Latino experiences receive attention? Why are Latinos who oppose communism or support law and order overlooked? The upcoming “Latino” protest planned in Key West does not reflect the experiences of many Latinos, particularly Cuban‑Americans. Encouraging people not to show up for work for two days harms the local economy and does nothing to support Latinos suffering in Cuba. The protest organizers are also asking for “no school, no restaurants, no deliveries and no shopping.” They seek to totally shut down Key West. They believe hurting our economy and the education of children is justified. We live by the “One Human Family" motto in Key West, and we don’t hurt each other financially or use our children to make political points. This type of extreme political activism has no place in Key West. It feels like something being forced upon us by people who don’t know us or understand our culture and history. The planned protest appears to focus on opposing law enforcement and advocating for open borders, not on issues affecting the Cuban community in Key West. As a Latina, I ask that our Latino community not be used to advance political agendas that do not reflect our lived experiences. It should be called an “Open Borders/Anti-Ice” protest because that’s what it is. It has nothing to do with the entire Latino community in Key West. If the goal is to stand up for justice, then the focus should include those who are truly suffering. Ignoring the realities of some Latinos in order to advance a political message is not solidarity. It undermines the voices of those who have endured real oppression. The recent political activists in Key West who claim to speak for all Latinos overlook centuries of Cuban history on this island and don’t represent Key West accurately. Its cultural heritage is deep and resilient. It won’t be erased by a few political protests from a small segment of the community who just recently showed up on the island. 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. Some articles are free for everybody. However, readers can access all articles and support her local independent news website by joining a pay plan here and cancel anytime without any hassles. Membership includes the use of a free App. Readers can also join the free newsletter here.

A new Florida law restricting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives will cut off Monroe County funding for several long‑running LGBTQ+ events in Key West beginning in January 2027. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) announced the changes this week, warning that events historically supported through tourism grants will no longer qualify. Going forward, events will succeed or fail based on ticket sales. The consumer ultimately decides what to support, and most Key West residents say that is the most accurate measure of an event’s success. Taxpayer Funding Ends for DEI Events: Opposition to Senate Bill 1134 in Key West Fails The Key West City Commission voted 4–3 against a resolution that would have opposed Florida's anti-DEI legislation (SB 1134/HB 1001). Commissioners who voted against the measure expressed concerns regarding potential state-level funding reductions but also expressed optimism about strong community ties in Key West. The City of Key West has already begun assessing how the new DEI‑restriction law will affect local policy and funding. In March 2026, a resolution urging state lawmakers to reconsider the bill failed to pass. City Commissioner Veliz - District V Commissioner Veliz questioned why the city would stick a finger in the eye of state politicians who control some of the tax money sent to Key West. He was dumbfounded as to why the city commission would anger state officials at the same time we are asking them for financial help. The City of Key West has a history of attempting to pass Resolutions against state law. While some small loud and vocal Key West groups pushed for such political resolutions, they have repeatedly failed, as with the passage of 287g agreements with ICE and with the removal of rainbow crosswalks on Duval Street. To date, the majority has supported following state law, especially to avoid legal actions resulting in loss of financial support, removals from elected officials, and rejection from a majority who supports law and order. Commissioner Carey - District IV Commissioner Carey noted that despite these new constraints, events can continue through private support from residents and local businesses. She emphasized the island’s long‑standing “One Human Family” philosophy as a reminder for the community to support local events. Crucially, the legislation would allow the governor to remove anyone from office who violates the law. The negative legal and financial consequences to Key West are noted in the new state law. To sponsor resolutions against this law is nothing more than political pandering for votes from a small group in Key West. Taxpayer Funding Ends for DEI Events: About Florida Senate Bill 1134 (SB 1134) After an entire day of debate, the bill had a final vote of 25-11. In introducing the legislation on the floor, Senator Yarborough rolled off a number of instances when local governments spent taxpayer funds in a way that he said justified why he had filed the bill. Among those expenditures was Broward County spending nearly $900,000 since 2020 on DEI training, part of which included a so-called “Genderbread Person” to explain gender roles — or “push radical gender ideology,” as Florida DOGE put it on X. Another was Hillsborough County paying $572,000 for an external contract that included training for county employees about unconscious bias. “If counties and cities were not taking official actions that funds and promotes these types of things — these are just a few examples, by the way — the bill would not be necessary,” Yarborough said. “But we’re representing the same constituents and have an obligation to uphold the standards of transparency and accountability. That’s what the bill is about.” Florida’s Senate Bill 1134, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 23, 2026, and set to take effect on January 1, 2027, imposes broad new limits on how counties and municipalities may engage with anything defined as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The law applies statewide and immediately nullifies any existing local DEI‑related policies, programs or offices. Under the law, local governments are prohibited from funding, promoting or taking official action connected to DEI initiatives. This includes ordinances, resolutions, training programs, public messaging and any activities referencing race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation beyond what federal anti‑discrimination laws require. Existing DEI offices and staff positions must be eliminated, and counties may not contract with outside vendors to provide DEI‑related services. SB 1134 also restricts the use of public funds. Taxpayer dollars may not be used for DEI programming of any kind, and grant recipients must certify that they will not spend local funds on DEI activities. The law includes strong enforcement provisions, allowing residents to sue counties or municipalities they believe are in violation. Courts may issue injunctions, award damages and require local governments to cover legal costs. Elected officials who violate the statute may face penalties, including removal from office for misfeasance or malfeasance. In practice, SB 1134 removes local authority in this policy area and exposes counties to potential litigation if they fail to comply. Local governments across Florida will be required to restructure programs and funding mechanisms ahead of the law’s 2027 implementation date. Taxpayer Funding Ends for DEI Events: Support for Senate Bill 1134 Continues in Key West Supporters of Senate Bill 1134, including Governor Ron DeSantis and the advocacy group Heritage Action, argue that the legislation is designed to produce several positive outcomes for local and state governments. They say the bill promotes fiscal responsibility by redirecting taxpayer dollars away from what they describe as “bloated DEI bureaucracies” and toward core public services such as roads, emergency response and public safety. Supporters in Key West say the law strengthens merit‑based decision‑making by ensuring that hiring, contracting and other official actions are based on individual qualifications rather than protected characteristics. They view the bill as a safeguard against what they call “DEI‑related discrimination,” because no group will receive preferential treatment at the expense of another. They believe DEI initiatives have historically divided communities into competing groups and that eliminating them will help foster greater unity and goodwill in the One Human Family. Taxpayer Funding Ends for DEI Events: Impact to Tourism Economy in Key West According to Monroe County spokesperson Kristen Livengood, the new restrictions mean Key West Pride and other events will lose all county funding in 2027. All three events are produced by the Key West Business Guild, which markets the island only to LGBTQ travelers, a small portion of the total visitors to Key West. The Business Guild expects to lose roughly $200,000 in marketing and promotional services for DEI events formerly paid for by visitor bed taxes. Starting January 2027, they will have to pay for their own print media, digital marketing and radio. Any other group sponsoring an event already pays for its own advertising, and DEI groups will now be required to do the same. They will be free to compete for tourism dollars just like every other business or event. This is what the voters of Monroe County supported in 2024 when every Republican candidate won on the ballot. Elections indeed have consequences. The Key West economy isn’t going to implode just because some DEI events will now have to rely on their own ticket sales to survive. Supporters and longtime participants of these events will almost certainly continue showing up, whether grants are available or not. Many locals point to the basic idea of supply and demand: people want the freedom to choose which events deserve their money. They don’t want unelected bureaucrats deciding where their tax dollars go or assigning public funds to select groups. Voters want to make those decisions themselves, with their own pocketbooks. And for residents who don’t normally attend gay‑themed events, the shift gives them a financial voice as well. In the end, the voter decides what to support, and many believe this approach is simply a fairer way of doing business. 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. Some articles are free for everybody. However, readers can access all articles and support her local independent news website by joining a pay plan here and cancel anytime without any hassles. Membership includes the use of a free App. Readers can also join the free newsletter here.

Key West May 2026 Newsfeed By: Staff Writer Brief news headlines of the Florida Keys. Man Cited in Lobster Case A Middle Keys Marine Deputy cited Daverne Dantes‑Jean, 39, of Greenacres, Florida, on May 9 at Mile Marker 70 after finding him in possession of six undersized and out‑of‑season spiny lobster. Deputies responded following a report of illegal harvesting in the area. Woman Arrested for Hitting Deputy Julie Marie Graham, 43, of Port Charlotte, was arrested on Big Pine Key on May 9 after striking a Sheriff’s Office Deputy during a late‑night encounter at Pine Channel Park. Graham, who was found with marijuana and drug paraphernalia, refused commands, resisted arrest, and knocked off the Deputy’s glasses before being subdued. She was medically cleared and taken to jail. Quarterly Award Winners Honored The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recognized its First Quarter 2026 award recipients during a ceremony in Marathon. Sheriff Rick Ramsay honored Support Member of the Quarter Kevin Saltarin Nava and Deputy of the Quarter David Parker, with Blue Marlin Jewelry owner Armando Gonzalez participating as the event sponsor. Picture Source: Monroe County Sherriff Office Man Charged With Battery Deputies arrested Juan Osorto Sanchez, 33, of Stock Island, on May 6 after he allegedly choked a teenage boy during a domestic disturbance on Maloney Avenue. Witnesses reported that Osorto Sanchez, appearing intoxicated, fought with an adult woman before tackling and choking the juvenile who intervened. The teen sustained abrasions and neck discoloration. Osorto Sanchez was taken to jail. Man Who Stole $14K Equipment Arrested Roberto Alain Riera Richard, 34, of Hollywood, Florida, was arrested May 6 for stealing a $14,400 sewer camera from a Marathon rental business. Investigators say he used a false name and invalid payment method in 2025 and never returned the equipment. Detectives coordinated with multiple agencies across Florida and North Carolina, uncovering fraudulent IDs and similar crimes. Additional charges may follow. Sheriff Rick Ramsay Honors Resident Sheriff Rick Ramsay presented Key West resident John R. Padget with a Distinguished Member Award on May 6, recognizing his 25 years of support for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Sheriffs Association. Bar Patron Who Left Child Unattended Arrested Luis Fernando Del Ra Ortiz, 50, of Key Largo, was arrested May 5 after leaving a 5‑year‑old child unattended at a resort beach while he drank at a bar. Resort staff cared for the child for several hours before calling authorities. Ortiz, described as intoxicated and combative, threatened employees, grabbed one worker, and briefly boarded a docked vessel with the child. He was charged with child neglect and multiple related offenses. A family member retrieved the child, and DCF was notified. National Correctional Officers and Employees Week The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is observing National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, recognizing the demanding work of staff in local detention facilities. The agency operates three accredited facilities housing up to 704 inmates, with an average daily population of about 500. The Bureau of Corrections employs 136 certified deputies and 31 support staff. Picture Source: Monroe County Sherriff Department Sexual Predator Notification The Sheriff’s Office has issued a public notification regarding sexual predator Manuel Alfredo Aguila, 53, who has registered an address at 97450 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Aguila was convicted in Hillsborough County in 2012. Additional information is available through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Man Dies in Water‑Related Incident Edward Eugene Stills, 50, of Asheboro, North Carolina, died on May 2 after being found unresponsive in shallow water at Marvin Key. Initial reports indicate he may have dived into shallow water. He was brought ashore by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and later pronounced dead at Lower Keys Medical Center. No foul play is suspected, and autopsy results are pending.