Key West City Manager Patti McLauchlin, during this week’s commission meeting, named Patrick Mobley Employee of the Quarter.
Mobley is a permit technician with the Building Department, serving the public at the front desk. “His friendly upbeat demeanor is appreciated by both staff and customers alike,” said McLauchlin. “Patrick is always willing to assist customers with the permitting process as well as obtaining answers to questions or concerns they may have. He is always willing to go over and beyond to ensure that the customer receives the help they need to move forward with their permitting process. When our customers interact with Patrick they are immediately drawn in by his charismatic charm and they always leave with a smile.” Mobley started with the City in 2017 as an entry level maintenance worker, and was quickly promoted. In 2019 he moved to the Building Department where, says McLauchlin, he really shines. “Patrick also has a way of keeping the frontline staff in a good mood and laughing,” she said. “He is a major part of why the Building Department has a great customer satisfaction rating.” She noted that, with the recognition, Mobley also has a parking spot designated for the Employee of the Quarter.
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Members of the Mel Fisher family, City officials and the community gathered today to commemorate the sinking of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the entire 1622 fleet with the unveiling of a plaque. On this day, 400 years ago, 260 souls were lost in a raging hurricane. Also lost were 40 tons of gold, silver, and copper artifacts – until the persevering Mel Fisher located wreck in 1985.
Prior to the discovery, the treasure hunter had secured ownership of the wreck through the courts. He and his wife founded the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, a non-profit organization to support a collection of artifacts from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and its sister ship, the Santa Margarita in perpetuity. The plaque is located at Mallory Square alongside a time capsule that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the founding of Key West. Just in time for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, Boat US and West Marine have donated all sizes of life jackets for those who don’t have them.
The life jackets are at the Key West Bight Marina Dockmaster’s office. The island’s main dinghy dock, the pump out station, and a fuel station are all located at the Bight. “We see nearly every dinghy that brings people ashore here at the Bight,” said Key West Bight Marina Dockmaster Stan Loveday. “This generous donation allows us to provide lifejackets to those who need them.” Friends, family, colleagues and members of the community were on hand at noon today to witness the swearing in of six newly re-elected city officials.
City Clerk Cheri Smith swore in the newly re-elected Mayor Teri Johnston and re-elected Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover and Sam Kaufman. She also swore in re-elected Utility Board members Mona Clark, Steve Wells and Robert Barrios. In the photo: City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, Utility Board member Robert Barrios, Commissioner Sam Kaufman, Utility Board member Mona Clark, Mayor Teri Johnston, and Utility Board member Steve Wells. Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission, during this week’s meeting, proclaimed August 26th as Women’s Equality Day.
That day marks the 102nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. A who’s who of active women in the community accepted the proclamation. The proclamation notes that Native American women did not gain the right to vote until 1924, Asian Pacific Islander American women in 1952, and Black and Latin American women suffered suppression until the passage of the Voting Rights Acts of 1965 and 1975. “The fact that today women are active in local, state and national government and are running for office in unprecedented numbers reminds us that we all follow in the footsteps of these resolute American suffragists,” reads the proclamation. The Key West City Commission, during Tuesday's meeting set aside September 6th to honor the 400th anniversary of the sinking of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita along with the rest of the 1622 Spanish Fleet. The ships were torn apart on the reef in the waters off Key West, and all but 5 souls were lost.
Also lost were 40 tons of gold, silver, and copper artifacts – until the persevering Mel Fisher located wreck in 1985. Prior to the discovery, the treasure hunter had secured ownership of the wreck through the courts. He and his wife founded the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, a non-profit organization to support a collection of artifacts from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and its sister ship, the Santa Margarita in perpetuity. Fisher has been memorialized annually since 1997 by the Mel Fisher Days celebration. The proclamation was accepted by Kim Fisher and his wife Marylynn. “260 people lost their lives on the Atocha,” said Kim Fisher. “That ship was 90 feet at the waterline. If you’ve seen a ship that size you know it’s hard to fit 265 people.” He went on to share the accounts of the five survivors and the horror of battling the raging sea. “I’m glad to be part of the team, headed by my father Mel Fisher,” he said, “who got to bring some of that history back to life. Its going to be on exhibit here in Key West forever, I hope.” In the photo: Commissioners Gregory Davila and Mary Lou Hoover, Mayor Teri Johnston, Commissioner Jimmy Weekley, Kim and Marylynn Fisher, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow. ![]() Every ten years, after a new census is completed, the City of Key West convenes a Charter Review Committee to ensure the City’s charter is still the will of the people. That committee then makes recommendations, which the citizens must vote on. No changes can be made to the City Charter without the approval of the electorate. The primary ballot contains five of the committee’s recommendations for the public to vote on.
The City of Key West was honored to welcome U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda L. Fagan as she designated Key West as a Coast Guard City.
The Thursday morning ceremony at the Truman Waterfront Park was set off by two fast response cutters, the USCG Cutter Ingham Museum, several smaller vessels, and a USCG helicopter flyover. The turnout of people included a huge swath of the community, representatives of other military branches, and several hundred members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Admiral Fagan noted that it was befitting to bestow the honor on the 323rd anniversary of the founding of the Coast Guard. Mayor Teri Johnston and City Manager Patti McLauchlin accepted the proclamation. “We are honored – and humbled -- to have such distinguished guests visit our Southernmost City,” said McLauchlin, who was on the dais with Admiral Fagan, Mayor Teri Johnston, District 7 Commander Rear Admiral Brendan McPherson, and Sector Key West Commander Capt. Jason Ingram. “Key West has had close ties to the United States Coast Guard for many years,” said McLauchlin. “Indeed, we can trace our relationship back to 1824 when the schooner Florida sailed into Port Key West and established a permanent station here. Today we are very proud to be a homeport to multiple cutters and boats and important shore-based operations.” She gave special thanks to the families of the Coast Guard members stationed here. “Coast Guard members and families are an important part of our Conch Family,” she said. “They play on our sports teams, they volunteer, and they work civilian jobs throughout the city. The Coast Guard and their family members are part of the fabric of our community. We are honored to have you in Key West.” The Coast Guard has been operating in Key West protecting the nation’s interests since Key West was designated a Port of Entry into the United States in 1823 even prior to the City’s incorporation in January 1828. In the photo: Rear Admiral Brendan C. McPherson -- Commander of the 7th District, Mayor Teri Johnston, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, City Manager Patti McLauchlin, and Sector Key West Commander Capt. Jason D. Ingram. ![]() The City of Key West will be holding a workshop to discuss a new welcome sign at the entrance to the island. On Tuesday, July 12th at 10 a.m., architect Keith Oropeza will lead a discussion regarding the sign. The redesign is part of a larger effort to enhance the “Triangle,” where South and North Roosevelt Blvds meet up with U.S. 1. The current sign was donated to the City about 15 years ago by the three Key West Rotary clubs. It has a storied past, as it was stolen in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017. It was discovered a few months later in Fort Myers Beach and returned to Key West on a ferry. The City invites input and comments on the signage. The meeting will be held in the Commission Chamber of City Hall. Citizens may also participate via Zoom by telephoning 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 814 5520 4787 Passcode: 897786 or online at: https://cityofkeywest-fl-gov.zoom.us/j/81455204787?pwd=aDhPZEY0QTV6UVloWmp1SGFqTktvZz09 Have a Safe 4th of July.
The Key West Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind the community to stay safe this 4th of July. Public fireworks displays are not allowed within the boundaries of the City of Key West unless permitted by the Key West Fire Department. The City Code of Ordinances stipulates that permitted fireworks shall be handled by a state-licensed pyrotechnician. Key West has a large number of old wooden structures, and illegal fireworks pose a threat of fire as well as injury. KWFD Fire Marshal Jason Barroso main concern “is that everyone remains safe while celebrating this year’s 4th of July holiday.” The Rotary Club of Key West will have its annual approved and permitted fireworks display on the 4th of July at Edward B Knight Pier. |
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