For Hurricane Ian, the Monroe County Fleet Department had the mission of opening up the roads near the beach area in Key West so residents could have more accessibility. Sand, seaweed, and roadblocks were pushed far from the beach. They completed the task in a few hours. Wet sand weighs approximately 3,400 pounds per one cubic yard. One Monroe County dump truck has a capacity of approximately 18 yards. That equates to 61,200 pounds per truckload. The Fleet team removed about 367,200 pounds or 183.6 tons of wet sand from South Roosevelt and Bertha Street. Fleet also removed seaweed, debris, and boulders, and replaced the concrete barricades to their original spots.
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On Wednesday evening, the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida (FEMA-4673-DR-FL) was amended to include Monroe County for Category A (debris) funding. The President authorized Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures assistance for roads and bridges, public buildings, and parks and recreational facilities, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 30 days. According to federal officials, IA is still under review. Monroe County is actively working with state and federal elected officials to expand the declarations to include the Florida Keys for Individual Assistance (IA) to help those with disaster-related needs. The Monroe County Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) is working to meet the unmet needs of the community. Human needs assessments are ongoing. Monroe County continues to collect Hurricane Ian-related debris. Additionally, individual assistance is available for Florida Keys residents through SBA loans. For more information, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov. The Navy League, Key West Commissioning Committee is the proud sponsor of the upcoming commissioning of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe HIGBEE (DDG 123), scheduled in May 2023, at the outer Mole Pier, Key West, FL.
The HIGBEE, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, is named for Navy Nurse pioneer, Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee. Nurse Higbee was the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work as Superintendent of the newly formed U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War I. The Navy League, Key West Commissioning Committee and the Key West Art and Historical Society cordially invite the Key West community to our kick-off of the commissioning events at the KWAHS Custom House on Tuesday, 8 November, 5-8PM. You’ll learn about the commissioning, Nurse Higbee, and our 200 years of Naval history here in Key West. The Navy League will be hosting many events over the next year to raise funds and raise awareness of the importance of such a major military event happening right here in Key West. The commissioning ceremony, the culmination of a week of events for the crew of 290, their families, and as many as 5,000 visitors, will be open to all, with free tickets available. For more information on the HIGBEE commissioning and the Navy League, Key West Council visit www.higbeecommissioning.org or www.navyleaguekeywest.org. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator Roman Gastesi, and staff welcome Richard Clark from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida as the new Monroe County Transit executive director.
Clark has an extensive background in public service and was previously the director of Economic Development for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, where he developed sustainable transit initiatives. He was also an elected official for 10 years in Duval County. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. “Richard has the experience and expertise to help Monroe County solve one of our largest challenges with transportation, and he appears to be the perfect match for what we are looking for in this new position,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “His passion and understanding of safe and sustainable transportation will benefit our residents and visitors, and his experience at the local, state, and federal level should prove to be a great resource for Monroe County.” The transportation director is a new position. Clark will have the key responsibilities of developing plans and programs to deliver cost-effective, high-quality, innovative public transportation options to the people of Monroe County and the many communities served. Clark started on Sept. 19 and can be reached at [email protected]. Key West City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley is convening a workshop to gather input from the community regarding ways to make Lazy Way more user friendly.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Schooner Wharf, located on Lazy Way. Lazy Way is the single lane street that connects William and Elizabeth streets. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public input and ideas on making Lazy Way more pedestrian-friendly, with easier and more inviting access for bicyclists and walkers to visit and enjoy the area. This initiative is part of the city’s efforts to create more pedestrian-friendly streets throughout Key West. In January 2020, the City conducted a survey of close to 4,000 residents, the majority of whom live in Key West year-round. One of the biggest concerns in the survey was traffic, parking, and congestion. The survey was followed by a series of focus groups with residents and employees to identify solutions. A popular suggestion was to create closed or shared streets, as many cities have done throughout the country and the world. While we as a city try to respond to the needs of residents, the City also wants to honor the needs of the tenants of the Historic Seaport. Food-crafters, artists, and alchemists of all imaginings are invited to show and sell their creations at the upcoming Holiday Concert & Bazaar, on Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front Street. The outdoor annual spectacular, which features many of the Keys finest artisans, musicians and choirs, and a dazzling holiday light show, attracts hundreds of happy revelers each year who come to shop and enjoy food, libations, and holiday cheer with friends and neighbors.
Those interested in registering as a vendor for the event should submit their application by November 15 to confirm their spot. The application and additional information are found on the Society’s website at www.kwahs.org/education/bazaar/vendor. Vendor spaces are limited and are granted on a first come first served basis. Questions about vendors or the event should be directed to Bonnie McInnis, Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or 305-295-6616 ext. 115. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island. Local businesses Conch Town Records, the Green Parrot Bar, and We’ve Got the Keys have teamed up to organize a fundraising benefit for residents displaced by a September 28 fire which destroyed a complex located at 3201 Flagler Ave. The fundraiser is set for Tuesday, October 11, from 5:30 to 7:00p.m. at the Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead Street in Key West. Musicians Nick Brownell, Turner Harrison, Tony Baltimore, Jesse Wagner, Gary Hempsey, Henry Lysy, and Randy Stindt along with host Bill Hoebee are all donating their time and talent for the event. Those wishing to donate can do so at the event, or via a PayPal link set up at www.FantasyFest.com, or by delivering/mailing a check made out to “We’ve Got the Keys” to 922 Caroline St. 100% of proceeds will be distributed directly to the displaced residents. For more information, contact Nadene Grossman Orr at We’ve Got the Keys, 305-295-9112.
Breast cancer remains a top risk for women, making up 30% of all new female cancer cases in the U.S. annually. Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Lower Keys Medical Center is encouraging women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away. “The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Stanley Santiago, M.D., MBA, FACOG, Keys Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lower Keys Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, with expanded hours on October 7th, 12th, and 18th, from 7 am – 7 pm, and Saturday, October 22nd, from 8 am – 4 pm. A discounted self-pay rate is available through the month of October. Call (305)294-5535, extension 3308, for more information. A physician’s order is required. Early Detection Saves Lives Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early. The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have yearly mammograms. Since mammography became widely used in the 1980s, the U.S. breast cancer death rate in women has dropped 43 percent. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommend annual mammograms start at age 40 for women of average risk. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk. African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if a screening earlier than age 40 is needed. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI. Lower Keys Medical Center’s mammography service at the Women’s Imaging Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology. About Lower Keys Medical Center: Lower Keys Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission in Hospital and Laboratory Programs, and as a Primary Stroke Center. The hospital is also accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center and by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography. Monroe County Continues to Work with Local, State, and Federal Officials to Expand Declarations10/4/2022 Monroe County officials are actively working with local, state, and federal elected officials to expand the declarations to include the Florida Keys for Category A Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) to help those with disaster-related needs. The Monroe County Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) is working to meet the unmet needs of the community. Human needs assessments are ongoing. Monroe County Emergency Management completed the damage assessments and has submitted information to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to be included in the declaration. “Our elected officials at all levels are aware and working on it with the FEDM and FEMA,” said Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator. At this time, Monroe County is collecting Hurricane Ian-related debris. Additionally, individual assistance is available for Florida Keys residents through SBA loans. For more information, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov. |
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