Key Colony Beach Letters:
» Setting the Record Clear on the State of City Hall
» Things We Should Know about the City and City Hall
» Against the Prospect of a New KCB City Hall
» Letters to the Commission in advance of the May, 2023 Meeting
» Residents Spoke Out at the May 18 Commission Meeting
» Why does Key Colony Beach need a Police Department?
» Challenges and Fraud Facing KCB City Hall
» The Commissioner Mess in KCB
» Poor Decision Making and Poor Planning
» Regarding the June Agenda
» Why Not Use Marble Hall or Somewhere Else?
» More Letters to the Commission
» Letters and Commentary about the June, 2023 City Commission meeting
» Bid Evaluation Sheets and More
» Letters to the Commission in advance of the July, 2023 Meeting
» Birth of a Fraud
» Letters to the Commission in advance of the August, 2023 Meeting
» Request for all Minutes-Recordings of Open/workshop Meetings Held
» The Real Cost of Denying Your Voice
» Letters to the Post Office in Answer to their Survey
» Letters to the Commission in advance of the 2023 Budget Hearings
» Letters to the Commission about Subverting the Will of the People
» Key Colony Beach
» Letter to the Commission for the October, 2023 Meeting
» Letters to the Commission for the December, 2023 Meeting
» Comments from KCBers after the Year in Review and the Release of the Transcripts
» Emails from former Mayor John DeNeale (from December 24 and January 6)
» A Collection of Letters Following Up on the News about Resignations and the City Hall Proposals
» The Former Mayor's Email (from February)
» A Collection of Letters Following Up on the March News, the Resignations, and City Hall
» Letters and Commentary about the June, 2024 City Commission meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the August, 2024 City Commission meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the November, 2024 City Hall Special Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the January, 2025 City Commission Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the February 14, 2025, Town Hall Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the February 26, 2025, City Hall Special Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the March 5, 2025, City Hall Special Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the March 17, 2025, City Hall Special Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the April 1, 2025, City Hall Special Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the April 14 and 17, 2025, City Meetings
» Letters and Commentary about the May 5, 2025 City Meeting
» Citizen Correspondence for the May 15, 2025 City Meeting
» Citizen Correspondence for the June 11, 2025 City Meeting
» Letters and Commentary about the August, 2025 City Meetings
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Key Colony Beach in the News:
(Scroll Down or click for Month-by-Month around KCB):
2022
» KCB Commission Candidates: What Is Key Colony's Biggest Issue? September 12, 2022.
» New Key Colony Beach Commission Takes Office & Appoints Final Member. December 23, 2022.
2023, a Long and "Newsworthy" Year
» Big plans for little Key Colony Beach (the article with so much "spin" from city officials). April 5, 2023.
» KCB, Residents Feud over New City Hall. May 10, 2023.
» KCB Police to Unionize. May 17, 2023.
» City Administrator Takes the Talk Show Out for a Spin. May 17, 2023.
» Division in KCB Intensifies May 24, 2023. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy>
» KCB Police to Unionize after Rocky Start. May 25, 2023. City administrator called the retaliation just a case of "bad timing." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy)
» More Problems arise for KCB June 8, 2023. "The city's code and building departmemts are ramping up fines and penalties... excess building department revenue has been traditionally rolled over to the following year to pay other city expenses... Per Florida law, that can't be done..." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy)
» Key Colony Beach Set to Consider Two City Hall Bids as Some Residents Decry Change. June 8, 2023. The city administrator opened two bids "in front of an agitated crowd" on the side of 7th Street. (The online version of the article has been updated.)
» KCB City Hall Rebuild Draws Two Bids. June 15, 2023. "Yep, we are the laughing stock of the state." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB Commissioner's Voter Status Cleared. June 20, 2023. Both the Supervisor of Elections and the State's Attorney says his Michigan homestead is not a violation. This story is far from over. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Evening Edition Discussed Commissioner Harding on June 19, 2023. The popular US1 Radio talk show interviewed Keys Citizen reporter Tim O'Hara about the election issue. The Tom Harding segment starts at about 18:30. This story is far from over. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB City Commission considers fraud investigation. June 21, 2023. The Commission proposed that allegations of fraud by the former mayor and city administrator for their actions after Hurricane Irma be explored. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Key Colony Beach Addresses Fraud, Building Surplus Misuse. June 22, 2023. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» DeSantis Vetoes $500 Million from State Budget--Funds Axed for Key Colony Beach and Islamorada Projects. June 22, 2023. DeSantis vetoed $1 million for the repair and hardening of Key Colony Beach's City Hall. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» State deals KCB funding blow. July 5, 2023. All the city unrest in Key Colony Beach may be moot but don't count on it. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» FEMA initiates KCB fraud investigation. July 18, 2023. The agency has begun looking into into former city administrator Chris Moonis and former Mayor John Deneale for allegedly ordering city staff to alter the condition of the City Hall floor after Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB Commission at Crossroads. July 19, 2023. KCB has undergone public scrutiny regarding its handling of the City Hall bids, its building department surplus funds, a pending FEMA investigation into potential fraud, and the overall shroud of secrecy that's denied residents clear city direction. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Cheers and Jeers in The Citizen. July 22, 2023. "Jeers: To the Key Colony Beach City Commission for its lack of transparency regarding bids to rebuild its City Hall. You'd think being under an active FEMA fraud investigation would ensure the City be extra open about this project."
» Key Colony Beach Commission Approves New Building. July 26, 2023. Despite clear division among the five-member City Commission, the city approved a complete City Hall rebuild. Commisioner Harding said at a recent meeting that the cost would likely be out of reach. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB Greenlights New City Hall in Split Vote. July 27, 2023. Commissioner Raspe said he didn't "understand why we're putting this project in the hands of a residential builder." Commissioner Foster. "can't believe that we’re entertaining this... I just don't understand how people, especially without a construction background, could come down this path." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB residents file temporary injunction. August 1, 2023. Following the 3-2 Commission decision to award the City Hall project to a residential builder, residents have filed a temporary injunction asking a judge to prohibit the city from taking any action before a referendum vote. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Cheers and Jeers in The Citizen. August 8, 2023. "Cheers: To the citizens of Key Colony Beach for their efforts to undo the decision to build a new City Hall. Many believe that the process wasn’t properly vetted and needs to go back to the drawing board. We wish them luck."
» Police unionization looms, accusations swirl in Key Colony Beach. August 10, 2023. "Commissioner Freddie Foster accused the city and [city administrator Dave] Turner of attempting to defund the police..."
"There’s a strict state law about defunding the police, which is only a couple years old" PBA General Counsel Andrew M. Axelrad said. "It would be viewed as retaliatory." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB City Hall petition drive gains traction. August 17, 2023 "Key Colony Beach never put a vote on rebuilding City Hall up for referendum, which they had no requirement to do. However, the three-commissioner majority has demonstrated for months it wouldn’t allow a small pool of bidders, a hefty price tag nor the amplified rancor among dissenting residents to sway their plans for a rebuild." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Key Colony Beach files motion to dismiss City Hall petition drive. August 23, 2023. On August 17, city attorney Dirk Smits announced an upcoming meeting with the commissioners to plan strategy, litigation expenses, and that he might file a motion to dismiss the petition drive and the injunction. Smits had already filed that motion on August 15, two days before the commission and closed-door meetings which means the motion to dismiss was already in progress and not conveyed as such at the commission meeting. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
Read an analysis of the litigation expenses here.
» Vote-by-mail Requests down in Keys. August 23, 2023. "The Monroe County Supervisor of Elections is reminding people to fill out vote-by-mail paperwork if they want to cast ballots by mail in upcoming elections, because the laws have changed and there are currently 4,500 fewer vote-by-mail requests in the county than in 2020."
Still unknown is whether Key Colony Beach voters will need to file separate "paperwork" to vote in any local KCB election. We're seeking answers to that now.
» Large Issues See Small Discussions in KCB Meeting. August 24, 2023. "Key Colony Beach has yet to see resolution to three hot-button issues facing the city, with a petition for a City Hall referendum, police unionization and dual fraud investigations all still underway ..." (The external link was unavailable so we have a local copy.)
» Islamorada group seeks to oust their councilman. August 23, 2023. Islamorada is showing the way. Stay tuned. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Turner raise, city hall rebuild included in KCB budget. September 13, 2023. Even with the reduced millage rate, KCB's property tax revenue will climb more than 14% thanks to increased property values.
"Draining city reserves to pay for the new City Hall, core to several of Harding's financial scenarios ... means KCB will enter the new fiscal year without funds to cover unforeseen additional expenses, like cost overruns for the rebuild and any hurricane cleanup that could occur later this year or early next. By comparison, the city of Marathon is expected to add $1 million to reserves [this year], while last year that city was able to add $5 million to reserves." (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» KCB refuses to hold public vote on City Hall. September 21, 2023. The city dismissed the efforts in writing when petitions were delivered on Sept. 13: "...the City will not be further processing your Referendum Petition."
» Clashes continue in KCB. September 25, 2023. Key Colony Beach grapples with three hot-button issues facing the city: the referendum, police unionization, and a fraud investigation. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Judge delays injunction decision, KCB budget finalized. September 26, 2023. Key Colony Beach had a very busy day with the commission meeting, the budget, and a hearing on the petition drive injunction. The new budget resulted in ad valorem taxes $1 million higher than last year. Laurie Swanson accused the commission of indifference toward its residents. More commission time was spent on pickleball than critical city business. And, although a ruling wasn't issued at the hearing, attorney Matt Hutchinson says that was because the case shifts to being about the rebuild. He doesn't believe the city will initiate any movement on the rebuild while this case is ongoing. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Judge dismisses City Hall injunction, but leaves the door open. September 28, 2023. The case hinges on "legislative" or "administrative" interpretation of $8.375 million contract. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Key Colony cops move toward union. October 5, 2023. The Key Colony Beach police force, a team of five, who filed interest cards in early May to begin the process of unionizing, ratified the move in a 5-0 vote. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Two breaking stories:
Key Colony Beach mayor abruptly resigns. October 11, 2023. In a surprise development hastened by resident outrage against the Key Colony Beach City Commission, as well as media scrutiny about the myriad investigations into the dealings of the commission, Mayor Patti Trefry abruptly resigned Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 11, effective at midnight. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
Breaking: Key Colony Beach Mayor Patti Trefry resigns. October 11, 2023. In a surprising move, Key Colony Beach Mayor Patti Trefry submitted her letter of resignation effective today. Trefry's resignation comes as Key Colony continues to wade through dual investigations into allegations of fraud, an ongoing police unionization, and the decision to accept an $8.375 million bid for City Hall. (Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.)
» Apply for the KCB City Commission. October 17, 2023. In the wake of Commissioner Patti Trefry's sudden resignation, KCB has invited all residents to apply for the vacant seat. The city set a new deadline of Friday, November 9, for your application. Commissioners must be KCB residents and registered voters here.
Applications are available at the KCB City Hall trailer but apparently not the city website. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy of the application with the invitation and other instructions.
» Florida Keys officials speak loud against court consolidation idea at Tampa hearing. October 18, 2023. Inside a Hillsborough County courthouse, state attorneys, public defenders, sheriffs and residents provided three hours of testimony to a committee tasked with recommending whether Florida’s 20 circuit courts should be consolidated. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Court consolidation criticized. October 18, 2023. From the question, Could Monroe County lose its court system to Keys residents flooding a state committee with survey responses, here's a roundup of articles about the possible Court Consolidation.
» Multiple possibilities on the table for vacant KCB commission seat. October 19, 2023. The Key Colony Beach City Commission is set for a new fifth member, following last week’s surprise resignation by former Mayor-Commissioner Patti Trefry. When exactly that member will take a seat on the dais is still far from determined. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Mayor’s resignation looms over KCB commission. October 24, 2023. Just a week after Mayor Patti Trefry abruptly resigned, the remaining four commissioners reconvened for the first meeting of the new fiscal year. The replacement plan for Trefry’s seat on the commission was led by the City Attorney. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» KCB files motion to dismiss referendum petition. November 7, 2023. The City has filed a motion to dismiss the resident-initiated petition drive to halt the rebuilding of city hall. They claim the decision to build the Taj ma-KCB was not subject to a referendum and that they held numerous open meetings for comment. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Familiar face enters KCB Commission fray. November 8, 2023. For those who closely follow Monroe County politics or simply have a good memory, a familiar face is throwing his name into the mix to fill the open Key Colony Beach City Commission seat. He admits he "is not familaiar with all the city's issues." Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Committee votes down court consolidation. November 9, 2023. Florida's Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee voted unanimously against merging court districts in Florida. That's not the end of it. The decision next goes to the Florida Supreme Court which must report its recommendations to the Florida legislature.
» KCB Installs New Commissioner. November 21, 2023. Residents came out to attend the Key Colony Beach City Commission November meeting to witness the selection of a new commissioner to fill the seat previously occupied by Patti Trefry, hoping it might provide a glimpse into the city’s direction. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» This week the Citizen reports that Debate continues about KCB City Hall, reinforced by a long hidden FEMA letter. November 28, 2023. While disagreements rage about whether the city of Key Colony Beach rebuilds or repairs its city hall, there is legitimate debate as to whether the current structure can be used in the interim for large group meetings.
A newly uncovered FEMA "letter clearly stated that 'based on FEMA policy and project cost calculations, [the KCB City Hall] project does not meet the 50% rule and does not qualify for replacement.' Not only did FEMA determine it didn't meet the 50% threshold for a rebuild, FEMA calculated the percentage at just under 9%."
The Weekly further reports on the $3M FEMA Denial Letter. November 30, 2023. The letter zeros in on an engineering group hired by the city commission to buttress its claims that they condemned the building. Eastern Engineering Group admitted it "never inspected the damaged City Hall building or reviewed any other damage data or assessments."
(Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also maintain local copies of the Citizen article and the Weekly article.)
Note that People Are Asking, Was the Key Colony Beach City Hall really condemned? We have the rest of the story here.
» Cheers and Jeers in the Citizen. Again. December 2, 2023. "Jeers: To the ongoing debate regarding a new city hall in Key Colony Beach. Recently discovered documents clearly show the Federal Emergency Management Agency saw no need to assist in funding a rebuild of City Hall, stating damages did not meet the 50% threshold. Why some members of the KCB City Commission continue to push for a brand new City Hall — and frequently block current use of the building — is a question we taxpayers should be asking ourselves, and our government leaders."
» Breaking: Key Colony Beach City Commission Terminates City Administrator Dave Turner. December 14, 2023. KCB made a swift vote not to renew the contract of current administrator Dave Turner. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Marathon City Council weighs wastewater settlement and more. December 14, 2023. The council meeting saw unanimous approval of a settlement agreement with FOLKs, bringing the wastewater litigation one step closer to resolution. Marathon will install a single deep injection well for wastewater disposal. KCB may see some benefits as a result. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» KCB ousts Turner, appoints new mayor. December 16, 2023. The city had a serious changing of the guard last week, culminating with the ousting of Key Colony Beach City Administrator.
» KCB takes a full pivot, firing administrator & settling lawsuit. December 21, 2023. A swing vote provided by new commissioner Thomas DiFransico meant wholesale changes in city leadership and the direction of a hotly-debated City Hall rebuild at the Key Colony Beach City Commission’s Dec. 14 meeting. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Fresh start for KCB as settlement finalized. December 27, 2023. The Key Colony Beach City Commission agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit by the resident group Concerned in KCB at the commission’s December 14 regular session, which prompted an additional session on December 20 to formally execute the settlement, regarding rebuilding City Hall. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» City addresses settlement, potential takings cases. December 28, 2023. The big news at the Marathon City Council session was the final disposition of the lawsuit levied by the environmental group FOLKs earlier this year. The potential $70-100 million taking problem relates to a shortage of building permit allocations.
» 2023: A Year in Review
2024
» KCB Finalizes City Hall Lawsuit Settlement. January 4, 2024. With its 4-0 vote, with commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey absent, the KCB City Commission repealed its award of an $8.375 million contract for construction of a new hall. The lawsuit dismissal came in exchange for the commission's repeal of its July vote. "It's always reassuring to me when you see democracy in action, which is exactly what this is," attorney Matthew Hutchinson said. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» KCB transcripts reveal troubling sentiments January 6, 2024. Just when one of the biggest challenges of 2023 was behind the City of Key Colony Beach, the newly released transcripts reveal commissioner and attorney comments that concern KCBers. Commissioner Beth Ramsay Vickrey uttered the following statement: "These people (residents seeking the referendum) are, you know, interfering with our city businesses... What kind of legal fees and damages can we in turn go back on them for?" Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
These people?
Read the complete transcripts here.
» Marathon Requests 8,000 ROGO/BPAS Units, Evacuation Time Increase. January 13, 2024. Marathon City Manager George Garrett has proposed the state give the Keys 8,000 more building allocations and increase the allowable hurricane evacuation time to 31 hours. The city says it will run out of allocations in 2025. County Administrator Roman Gastesi was "blindsided" by the request. Evacuation is an issue for KCB. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series begins the new season with the Lady A Blues Band live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. Free. Click here for more info.
» KCB Mulls options for city hall. January 25, 2024. The Key Colony Beach City Commission hosted the first of its monthly "Townhall" meetings on Jan. 17 to openly review the status of city hall and plans to address its current condition. Former KCB building head Ed Borysiewicz was present and gave a detailed assessment of City Hall. He said there was "no substantial damage" to City Hall and there was "no reason marble hall should have been closed."
Here's the transcript of former Building Official Ed Borysiewicz's remarks during KCB's Jan. 17 Townhall meeting.
» City Hall Conundrum Rolls on in Key Colony Beach. January 26, 2024. The KCB city hall building’s history of inspections, engineering reports and official determinations in regard to its status as an "unsafe" or "condemned" structure have been even more under the microscope, as put on display during KCB's Jan. 17 workshop and Jan. 18 city commission meeting.
A memo from Smits offered an opinion that all existing areas in the hall, including the Marble Hall portion, must legally be considered unsafe. Ed Borysiewicz challenged the narrative. "I believe the city hall building was not substantially damaged due to Hurricane Irma, period." Commissioner Foster challenged Leggett’s assumptions, saying he was "struggling with condemning a building that's never been condemned based on the word 'unsafe'."
» Two Breaking Stories:
Breaking: KCB'S Ramsay-Vickrey Abruptly Resigns Commission Post. February 7, 2024. KCB Commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey abruptly resigned her seat today in an email to city commissioners and staff. This move follows former mayor Patti Trefry's abrupt resignation in October. Calls for her resignation or recall have been ongoing almost from the start of her term. Ramsay-Vickrey becomes the third KCB city official to either resign or be removed from office in the past four months, joining Trefry and ousted City Administrator Dave Turner. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
Breaking: Key Colony Beach Commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey Resigns. February 7, 2024. Citing an impending move to Marathon that would make her ineligible to serve on the city commission, Key Colony Beach City Commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey announced her resignation in an email to eight city staff members early Wednesday morning.Vickery, who claims to have "added a new level of transparency in government to KCB," blocked the city hall referendum and planned to change city ordinances to forbid future citizen referendums and initiatives. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Two More Breaking Stories: Building Official Gone, Cleanup Started in City Hall
Fifth City Official Gone. February 21, 2024. Gerald L. "Lenny" Leggett abruptly resigned as KCB building official this week.
Leggett's tenure as building official began in the Fall of 2022, after he completed the licensing requirements as a KCB employee. His time in the position was marked by contractor and resident complaints about the roadblocks to city hall and other local projects, office inefficiency, permitting delays, missing inspection slips, and more. Leggett also operates Florida Coastal Construction Inspection Services LLC, Island Bubba LLC, and Foreshore Home Inspections LLC from his home on Summerland Key.
He was the third building official to hold that position in the city since long-time official Ed Borysiewicz retired and the fifth city official to go. Mayor Patti Trefry resigned in October. The commission ousted city administrator Dave Turner in December. Commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickery dropped out February 7. Code enforcer Barry Goldman decamped February 15.
City Hall Refurbishment. February 22, 2024. Contractors and KCB Public Works employees were seen beginning the repairs to City Hall this week. Dry wall replacement may have been first on the list but electrical work and the replacement of the air conditioning for the post office and for Marble Hall are on the list.
» City Outlines Legal Costs, Commissioner Replacement, City Hall Updates. February 22, 2024. Data supplied by the KCB city clerk reveals that since Vernis and Bowling took over KCB's legal work in 2021, the town of roughly 775 people has spent more than a half-million dollars on legal expenses.
The city commission plans to fill the seat left open by Beth Ramsay-Vickrey's abrupt resignation. The deadline for applicants to submit a letter of intent to the city clerk is March 14 and the commission is expected to discuss and potentially select a candidate at the next commission meeting on March 21.
Several repair items are aimed at shoring up the current City Hall for occupancy. Electrical, HVAC repairs, and asbestos removal were quickly approved by the commission. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach Preps for City Hall Reopening & Commissioner Appointment. February 22, 2024. Though the long-term fate of Key Colony Beach’s city hall building remains to be seen, portions of the building are set to reopen in the coming weeks.
Following former commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey’s resignation, Raspe laid out a selection timeline for candidates wishing to fill the vacant position. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest or resume to city clerk Silvia Gransee. Candidates are highly encouraged to fill out an application for the city commission post, available at KCB’s city hall or for download here or from keycolonybeach.net.
The search for a new city administrator following the termination of then-administrator Dave Turner will likely take place in the late spring or summer months. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Marathon hotel/motel ordinance gets more scrutiny. February 27, 2024.The hot topic at the Marathon City Council session was the status and potential implications of proposed changes to that city's hotel/motel ordinance. That was also the basis for charges leveled by Councilman Kenny Matlock against City Manager George Garrett for a lack of transparency regarding communications with a local developer before the changes were presented to council.
» Two More Stories about City Hall Departures
Two more resign from Key Colony Beach ranks. February 29, 2024. Code Officer Barry Goldman, who abruptly resigned Feb. 15, was followed by Building Official Gerald L. Leggett last week. The city has lured former longtime KCB building official Ed Borysiewicz out of retirement to lead both the code and building departments. Borysiewicz has agreed to remain in that capacity as long as is necessary. "Bringing him in is as easy as giving him a set of keys. It could’ve been painful, but the city is rallying around us, the atmosphere has changed dramatically, and we couldn't be happier," Commissioner Foster told the Citizen. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
Key Colony Beach Loses Building Official " Code Officer as City Hall Prepares to Reopen. February 29, 2024. Key Colony Beach is continuing its five-month period of heavy turnover among city leadership and staff, adding former Code Enforcement Officer Barry Goldman and Building Official Lenny Leggett to its list of resignations over the past two weeks.
"I'm in for compliance. I'm not in for punishment, I'm not in for fines, and I don't think we should budget for (them)," said Vice Mayor Foster, stressing the importance of prompt notification of violations to prevent accrual of fines. "I think we should be facilitative and work with the citizens, not work as an enforcement agency." Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach opens City Hall. March 5, 2024. Good news on "305 Day." It was only fitting that on the same weekend this tiny community marked its 67th anniversary during a festive Key Colony Beach Day, that KCB also reopened City Hall after almost seven years.
In more good news, the city has lured former long-time KCB building official Ed Borysiewicz out of retirement to lead both the code and building departments. Borysiewicz offers KCB a turnkey solution to both those departments. He will also oversee the engineering work to determine how much work remains within City Hall. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Did the Circus Come to Town? March 25, 2024.
» Twenty-two Feet to Glory. March 28, 2024. March 21 was a day for Seven Meters of Grueling Running as KCB residents and visitors braved a daunting three-foot (we think) incline. The Weekly has photos and an interview with the new Champ (spoiler alert: she's 100-year old Dorothy Bitzer who has also dived (in a submarne) to 850 feet, gone parasailing, and walked on the ocean floor in Bora Bora. There is no link to the article so pick up your copy around town. We also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Installs New Commissioner. March 27, 2024. The tiny city of Key Colony Beach has been in the headlines for the past year, mostly because of controversy over whether to renovate or rebuild its hurricane-damaged City Hall. But what transpired at the recent KCB City Commission meeting could hail a return to normalcy. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach Commission Appoints Douglas Colonell. March 28, 2024. The Key Colony Beach City Commission is once again a five-member board, following the unanimous appointment of Douglas Colonell to the open commission seat. Colonell’s appointment marks the second in four months for KCB, which since October has contended with significant commission and staff turnover. The commission also appointed Ed Borysiewicz to oversee building, code, and fire inspection. Commmissioners are ironing out city administrator details, discussing city hall, and considering solar power to run the KCB sewage treatment plant. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» FBI investigating Former Village Manager. April 2, 2024. The FBI has been conducting an investigation in Islamorada on former village manager Ted Yates for about two months, related to a parallel investigation being conducted in Twinsburg, Ohio. After less than a year on the job, Yates had been voted out by the Islamorada Village Council. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Deep Well Debate, Grants Highlight Meeting. April 17, 2024. The Marathon City Council regular session included strong and vocal resident attendance as consent agenda items involving the upcoming construction start of the city’s deep well, as well as the outstanding Hotel/Motel ordinance, were addressed. "I've had zero contact [with Garrett]," FKAA's David Hackworth said, adding, "We offered to give Marathon the [Crawl Key] property for the well." On another topic, Charter boat captain Dustin Huff noted "Our best interests as citizens are not a priority." Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach moves closer to office repairs and pickleball expansion. May 23, 2024. The City Hall sagging ceiling will get a support beam and the administrative offices may receive sub-floor foam injection on he path to reopening. Commissioner Harding requested a quote for repair of the administrative area floor using pin piles, while commissioner Colonell spoke in favor of formal budgeting for repairs, hardening and additions to City Hall. The city is headed for a reshuffling of its pickleball, tennis and basketball courts. Major work is needed on the 7-Meter Sadowski Causeway bridge. The city's mailboxes will now move back into the City Hall post office June 21. Four building permits were extended without charge. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» 20 Unopposed Keys Candidates Get Easy Wins. June 20, 2024. In Key Colony Beach, all four candidates who had signed up for individual seats on the nonpartisan city council were elected with no opposition: Doug Colonell, Thomas DiFransico, Thomas Harding and Joey Raspe. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Fixing the Flooding on Sombrero Boulevard. June 20, 2024. Street flooding is of particular interest in KCB. Here's a look at what is happening next door: Following numerous complaints received about the road through a variety of channels, the Weekly looked at the causes, history and potential remedies for the floods.
The answers are quotes and summaries from city agenda documents, previous council meetings, press releases, resident concerns voiced to the Weekly, and an extensive interview with Garrett, Williams and Planning Director Brian Shea. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» John Bartus Named City Administrator. July 18, 2024. Former Marathon mayor and longtime city councilman John Bartus will take the helm as Key Colony Beach's next city administrator, following a unanimous vote by the KCB City Commission. Commissioners approved a contract that authorizes Bartus to continue as musician, publisher, and active community volunteer. He will keep a time sheet for KCB. He will start on July 22. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» The Heat Is On, but Not like 2023. July 18, 2024. Sea temperatures are on the rise again, but not as hot as the ones last year that led to a historic bleaching event. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary gave a briefing last week on water temperatures and the forecast on coral bleaching this summer.
The prognosis for bleaching is not as dire as last year at this point, but water temperatures are on the rise once more as there have not been significant cooling storms or rains in recent days.
» Officials accused of ROGO scare tactics. July 25, 2024. Residents argued Monroe County officials are using “scare tactics” to justify receiving more building allocations from the state.
» Bartus to oversee KCB government. July 24, 2024. The Key Colony Beach City Commission chose John Bartus, a 14-year Marathon city council member and past four-term mayor, as its new administrator. The commission also discussed budget requirements for the coming fiscal year. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Broward County has dedicated a new solar canopy "resilience project" above two full basketball courts at the Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale. The solar canopied courts provide immediate shade to the children and community who use the recreational area plus offset 30% of the energy usage at the library and cultural center next door. These artistic, clean energy structures seamlessly integrate into the landscape to create a unique space. And it is an interesting "pilot project" for KCB's own questions about solar power on public grounds. Click or tap this link for the story: https://webapps6.broward.org/newsrelease/View.aspx?intMessageId=14751.
» Staff Raises Are a Hot Topic in Marathon Budget Talks. September 19, 2024. Council members pledged not to raise taxes for the city at its first 2024-25 budget hearing on September 17. But raises for city staff were a point of contention for the second year in a row. Vice Mayor Lynn Landry wasted no time in suggesting the city levy the rollback mileage rate--defined as the tax rate needed to raise the same total dollar amount in ad valorem revenues as the prior year. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach discusses city hall renovation. November 7, 2024. The Key Colony Beach City Commission last Friday discussed two bids it received for city hall renovation designs and unanimously decided King's Construction response was preferred... The next steps are to request proposals, qualifications and quotes of interested building firms. [Architect Wes] Burton said the goal is to have a project design with a list of needs and must-haves. Architects can provide sketches, and engineering plans with mechanical and electrical needs can be incorporated along with a site meeting. At that point the bid proposal can be refined, said Mayor Joey Raspe, who added "I don't want resident input to affect what the architect does."
» Key Colony Beach commission shares City Hall update. December 20, 2024. City Hall pin piling is nearly complete, with the last nine pin piles going in. But, the engineers found the floor slab was thinner than expected and they had to change the design of the "cage" that supports the slab surrounding each piling. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
2025
» KCB addresses costs, laws and projects. January 23, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission addressed possible new laws and projects, as we;; as determined it wants to seek additional grants by perhaps hiring a new grant writer and curb expenses by hiring an in-house finance officer rather than paying about $200 an hour for contracted finance services. The topic of golf carts is to come back to a town hall meeting.
Resolutions: The commission adopted the fee schedule for building permits and services without discussion. They adopted the miscellaneous fee schedule without discussion. They adopted the code enforcement schedule with a long discussion of fireworks (and whether to include fireworks in the city code).
» Key Colony Beach makes city hall progress--but gets a rude interruption March 20, 2025. The March 17 special session of the Key Colony Beach City Commission provided a window into the upcoming remodel and expansion for City Hall--but not without an explicit speedbump from an unexpected guest. That broadcast came to an abrupt halt when outside "participants" began broadcasting pornographic imagery and the symbol of the Chinese Communist Party, while a pre-recorded audio message played racial slurs and claimed the meeting had been "hacked by the CCP."
The meeting explored the current compromise. The basic structure of Key Colony's existing City Hall, including its post office and Marble Hall, will be hardened and floodproofed. The police and building departments will be located in an elevated space with views of Sadowski Causeway and West Ocean Drive to "keep better tabs on contractors and others entering the city."
"If every citizen comes in and says 'We want this, we don't want that,' we're never going to get anywhere," said Foster. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony prepares for Marble Hall renovations. March 20, 2025. The building is to be expanded and that portion is to be two stories high with each floor approximately 1,505 square feet. "As far as the elevation goes, we are allowed to use hardening and flood proofing on existing ground floor buildings," city administrator John Bartus said. The bid documents are expected to be ready for building contractors by Aug. 25. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» In pictures: Key Colony Beach Day celebrates city's 68th birthday. March 20, 2025. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach moves forward with design. April 10, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission last week unanimously approved a design by the CPH architecture and engineering firm for the renovation of City Hall at its current site. It includes many windows to provide a light and spacious feel as well as an "entry tower" for architectural interest. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» The New Sargasso Sea. May 1, 2025. Wondering about the "seaweed" washing up on the Key Colony shoreline? Two pelagic sargassum species have started inundating our coast. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» The Keys could get 900 ROGO allocations May 3, 2025. The Florida Keys could receive up to 900 residential building allocations during the next 10 years and see its state-mandated residential emergency evacuation threshold increase by 30 minutes to 24.5 hours after both chambers of the Florida Legislature approved late amendments.
» KCB city hall reconstruction plans progress. May 15, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission made progress May 5 on its city hall reconstruction plans by discussing design, exterior finishes, stucco color and pattern, metal roof finish, a "hill" in the parking lot, and more. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Commission tackles wastewater & stormwater assessments. May 22, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission moved through some hefty housekeeping in its May 15 session, addressing wastewater and stormwater charges, a vehicle purchase, a potential reopening of the city's boat ramp, and the decision to ignore letters and comments without resident names among a laundry list of administrative items. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» KCB Discusses Stormwater Treatment Rate Change. May 22, 2025. Stormwater treatment rates that need to go on the property owners' annual tax assessments were among the items discussed May 15. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Mosquito District Plans a New Control Project. June 6, 2025. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District will again be putting a cutting-edge mosquito control technique to work this summer when it releases Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes as a means to lower the population of that species within 320 acre release locations... As a part of this project, in early June, FKMCD technicians will begin releasing a limited number of Wolbachia-infected male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in targeted locations on Key Largo, Plantation Key, and Key Colony Beach. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Keys Electric Cooperative Moves to Four-day Week. June 6, 2025. Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is now open four days a week. The utility for the Upper and Middle Keys changed its business hours to operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. effective June 2. And that means FKEC will be closed on Fridays... Outside of FKEC business hours, emergency operators are available 24/7 at 305-852-2431, and online services are always open. FKEC’s dispatch center and line crews also remain prepared to respond to power outages or any service emergency around the clock. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Water-related issues top KCB agenda. June 19, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission continued its focus on water treatment June 12 and approved a contract with LPS Utilities of Key Colony Beach for the Seventh Street and Shelter Drive Drainage project. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Former Key West official could lose home's Certificate of Occupancy. June 20, 2025. The City of Key West is moving to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy for the Harris Avenue home of former Chief Building Official Rajindhar "Raj" Ramsingh, whose alleged misconduct in the role remains under investigation... Following the procedure in Florida statute, the city sent a certified letter to Ramsingh. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» In Pictures: Key Colony Beach Hosts 18th Annual Kids Fishing Derby. June 26, 2025. The Marathon Lady filled the decks with grinning kids and their catch on June 18 for the Key Colony Beach and Marathon Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Legislature's Budget Has $40-plus Million for the Keys; Spending Plan Awaits Governor's Pen. June 26, 2025. Legislators in the Florida House and Senate ultimately overcame tax cut disagreements — which pushed session from 60 to 105 days — to approve a $115.1 billion spending plan on June 17 in Tallahassee. Gov. Ron DeSantis has until June 30 to sign the budget. The governor has the authority to make line-item vetoes as he has done in previous years. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Public libraries offer access to ad-free film and TV streaming. June 26, 2025. The streaming service, Kanopy, is free with a Monroe County public library card. Choose from over 30,000 documentaries, popular films, international films and learning videos. Go to https://www.kanopy.com/en/keyslibraries to register or login. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Storm on the Horizon--'The Hurricane' is set to reopen this fall. June 26, 2025. Storm season will wind to a close this fall, but there's one--and ONLY one--Hurricane that Middle Keys locals can’t wait to see. There's still work to be done, but business partners Cesar Sandoval, Bernardo Ornelas, and Oscar Islas say the plan is to have the Hurricane Bar and Grill, shuttered for years since the COVID-19 pandemic, up and running--hopefully in time for Fantasy Fest. Yes, they will still have a stage for live music. Maybe two. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Apply for the KCB City Commission. July 3, 2025. Vice Mayor Joey Raspe has resigned and moved from the area. In the wake of Vice Mayor Raspe's sudden departure, KCB has invited all residents to apply for the vacant seat. The city will set a deadline for your application. Commissioners must be KCB residents and registered voters here.
Applications are available at the KCB City Hall trailer and on the city website Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
One resident has already offered his service. KCB's Utility Board chair and long time community member Fred Swanson has informed the mayor of his ability to serve.
» Storm recovery changes signed. July 3, 2025. Senate bill 180, signed June 26, directly effects KCB. It requires local governments each year to set in advance at least one debris management site, to develop plans for businesses and homeowners about post-storm permitting processes, to establish mutual aid agreements, and to set plans for staffing after storms..
» Keys get up to 900 new building rights. July 3, 2025. The Florida Keys have the go-ahead for up to 900 new building rights throughout the island chain, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature on Senate Bill 180 last week. For decades, development in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern has been regulated by the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO), predicated on a maximum hurricane evacuation time of no more than 24 hours for permanent residents. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach seeks commissioner, set to address taxes. July 10, 2025. Joey Raspe recently submitted his resignation as a commissioner on the City of Key Colony Beach commission with no reason given. He said he served three years on the board and before that eight years as chair of the planning and zoning and code enforcement boards. He’s been a city resident for 25 years. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Inn Closes. July 10, 2025. One of the Middle Keys' most popular eateries shut its doors--and both the staff and the building's owner say they were just as surprised as the patrons. The Inn did not open for normal business hours on July 6 and 7, leaving kitchen staff, bartenders and servers in limbo. The apartment above the restaurant, where [restaurant owners Ali and Andy Baker] had been living has been cleared out, and that there has been no word on the status of outstanding paychecks and tip-outs. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony Beach Looks for New Commissioner after Joey Raspe's Resignation. July 17, 2025. Key Colony Beach will seek to replace its third commissioner lost to resignation in less than two years as city leaders convene for their monthly session on July 17. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy
» County Keeps 50% Cuts to Nonprofits, 20 Staff Layouts, & a Tax Increase in Preliminary Budget. July 17, 2025. Facing mounting scrutiny from the state Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and uncertainty in future federal disaster assistance, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners may look to a tax increase to build its emergency reserves. In a preliminary budget meeting lasting on July 15, commissioners elected to set a county wide maximum millage rate of 2.7327, or $273.27 per $100,000 in taxable home value, up from 2.6929 in 2024 dash 25. If preserved, the new rate would represent a 10.25% increase over the rollback rate of 2.4786 the millage that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as 2024-2025. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Tax hike, funding cuts expected. July 24, 2025. The Monroe County Commission met July 15 to discuss the proposed $678.5 million fiscal year 2025-2026 budget that begins Oct. 1. The commission also raised the aggregate mileage property tax rate to 3.3965 which is 0.6% above this year's aggregate rate of 3.3779 but it was said at the meeting that this millage is "likely to be the lowest in the state again." Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Funds coming, city hall progressing. July 24, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission on Thursday, July 17, approved construction documents that are 90% complete for the new City Hall. It also held nominations for the office of vice mayor.
» Stewardship Squabbles: Unincorporated Monroe, Key West square off with smaller cities over cash. July 31, 2025. Millions of state dollars from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act have funded crucial water quality improvement acts throughout the delicate island chain. But as another $20 million is on the way from Florida’s 2025-26 state budget, Keys governments aren’t aligned on how to split it up.
The KCB city commission approved an ILA for the Stewardship Funds at the July meeting. City administrator John Bartus had reported "the [smaller] stakeholders have agreed to work together to distribute it as an equal partnership." Monroe County and Key West appear to be challenging that agreement. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy
» Commissioner Carey Sues to Stop Recall Effort. July 31, 2025. Key West city commissioner Lissette Carey, currently facing a recall effort by voters in her district, filed a lawsuit to stop the recall process. The lawsuit names as defendants the City of Key West, city clerk Keri O’Brien, Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies and Key West resident Jim Strebeck, who is leading the recall effort. More than 300 Key West voters signed the recall petition in light of a corruption investigation involving city government, indictments and arrests of three former city officials and a grand jury report that recommended she resign. She has not been criminally charged and has declined to resign, saying at a public meeting last month that she instead would "allow the democratic process to play out." Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy
» KCB commission approves city hall cost. August 28, 2025. Following an Aug. 18 presentation by CPH architect Brandan DeCaro, the Key Colony Beach City Commission discussed and approved The final construction cost of the new City Hall, which totaled about $3.9 million for a 12,493 square foot, two story building. The 100% design drawings were also approved.
» Key Colony Commission settles on final city hall design. August 28, 2025. A new city hall design in Key Colony Beach is ready for contractors’ bids, following two meetings and approval by the city commission last week. A special session on Aug. 18 reviewed and unanimously approved the complete design plans presented by architect Brandan DeCaro... The construction cost estimates were later unanimously approved in the commission’s regular session on Aug. 21. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Two of three Trauma Star Helicopters arrive in the Florida Keys. August 28, 2025. Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) took delivery of the first and second of three new Trauma Star air ambulances at the Marathon hangar on Aug. 25 and 26. The Trauma Star program ... provides flights to mainland hospitals for critical patients in need of specialized care, nearly 1,400 flights annually, with three to four flights per day. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» KCB invites bids for two city hall projects. September 4, 2025. The Marble Hall columns and beam repair project includes the repair of spalling. The City Hall project includes hardening and renovating the existing City Hall facility with a new two story addition. It includes city administration offices, the building department, police department, Marble Hall, emergency operations center, and US Post Office, and associated site work. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy of the invitations to bid.
» Key Colony Beach weighs fishing at Sunset Park. September 4, 2025.With a design approval and preliminary cost for its upcoming City Hall remodel behind them, the Key Colony Beach City Commission moved through a lengthy session of grant updates, contracts, billing and budget items on August 21, headlined by a discussion of allowing fishing in the city's Sunset Park. Mayor Freddie Foster told the commission the city has received a $19,000 Tourist Development Council grant for running water and a filet station that would allow fishing and cleanup at the end of the pier. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony tackles budget, emergency protocols. September 30, 2025. In a wide-ranging meeting, the Key Colony Beach City Commission tackled its budget, new buildings, emergency protocols and water quality. It established its yearly budget and shared that the invitation to bid on building City Hall has been placed on DemandStar and awaits responses by Oct. 14. The commission adopted its final millage rate for FY 2025-2026.
The general fund budget is just over $7.5 million, including almost $1.94 million in reserves. The total budget is more than $21.6 million when including road, infrastructure, impact, building and enterprise funds. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Wyland Adds to the Wall. October 23, 2025. Wyland returned to his Whaling Wall #87 on October 20. He added a larger-than-life mother and baby manatee to the sub-sea scenery, first painted in 1991. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony addresses boat ordinance, water quality. November 4, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission recently amended its Boats, Boat Trailers, Marine Facilities and Waterways ordinance and explored participating in a study on new technology to fight water pollution in canals at its October 16 meeting. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony selects city hall contractor. November 6, 2025. The new 12,460-square-foot Key Colony Beach City Hall is expected to cost $5.65 million, which was the low bid submitted by Pedro Falcon Contractors based in Big Pine Key. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Library Launches New Phone App. November 6, 2025. The Monroe County Public Library's new phone app can manage your account, search the catalog and reserve books, check out items at the library, at the desk or the self-checkout station and works at the library’s Lending Machines and Pickup Lockers. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy.
» Key Colony proceeds with city hall plans. November 13, 2025. The Key Colony Beach City Commission held a public workshop Nov. 5 with Pedro Falcon Construction representatives regarding Construction documents for the New City Hall. Under review were grant requirements, pertinent documents and contractual responsibilities. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy
» Back Inn Business. November 1, 2025. It may look and taste) different, but the famed Key Colony Inn is set to reopen its doors as Michael and Amanda Lordi and Jim Figueroga breathe new life into the Key Colon Beach eatery. Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy
» "Write a permit or Write a Check." December 11, 2025. A Florida Supreme Court decision could mean big payouts for a Marathon private island. A private island has become one of the Keys’ most publicized takings cases–-triggered when owners of buildable land are denied the opportunity to do so--and a benchmark for future litigation. Florida’s Third District Court of Appeals sided with the owner, agreeing that "allowing the government to avoid a categorical, as-applied takings claim by awarding TDRs is constitutionally infirm, and here, the downzoning barred [the owners] from improving or developing Shands Key in any manner." Some readers have reported difficulty with external links so we also have a local copy
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People Are Asking Editorial Pages:
» Funds Axed for Key Colony Beach. "They" promised the funds for the new City Hall. They promised a lot of things.
» Whiplash from the Mayor and the Commission. It is time to take back our city.
» The KCB Commission Violates the Law? Let us count the ways. KCB Citizens have the duty and the right to help the commission make educated--not arbitrary or capricious--decisions. It is our right to challenge those decisions and WE DO.
» Are We a Bunch of Dips? It's hard to get real figures from KCB officials but estimates show that the Gang of 3 will spend up to 50,000 tax dollars to fight the injunction and referendum petition.
» Thoughts on the City Administrator's Raise(s)
» Subverting the Will of the Voters. Our mailbox about exploded on the news that KCB refused to hold your referendum.
» The Importance of Dissent. The KCB mayor now refuses to read any more from Concerned in KCB.
» Unanswered Questions. People Are Asking has KCB gotten past the "bad old days" or are they still with us? The mayor still refuses to answer questions raised by Concerned in KCB.
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Month-by-Month around KCB:
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