The Latest News: October, 2025
KCB Calendar
Hot Dogs with the Cops!
Join the KCB police officer/chefs for a relaxed couple of hours at Sunset Park on Sunday, October 26, at noon. Meet your local police officers, ask questions, share concerns, and enjoy a free hot dog or two. https://keycolonybeach.net/2025/09/19/%f0%9f%8c%ad-hot-dogs-with-the-cops-%f0%9f%8c%85-copy/
Take Back Day
Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day to dispose of unused or expired medications safely. It’s a simple way to support a good cause and help keep our communities safe.
There are no formal "Take Back" sites in the Keys, but we have an easy alternative. While KCB itself has no place to keep or dispose of medications, the Sheriff's Office in Marathon has a drop-off box for these items. It is requested that the items that are being disposed of be prescriptions only and no needles or liquids. That office is open Monday-Friday, and the drop-off box is available all week during business hours.
Visit http://dea.gov/takebackday to find other collection sites around the country.
(Please note: our email system seems determined to change the "URL" of some sites. You may copy and paste the link above into your browser.)
Art Class
Marathon Branch Library hosts an Art Class in the second floor Activity Center on Tuesday, October 28 at 9:30 a.m. You don’t have to be in art school, or create marble sculptures, or create realistic paintings to be an artist.
Sewing Lessons
Sewing Lessons are happening in Marble Hall on Wednesday at 2 - 4 p.m. The lessons repeat each Wednesday afternoon.
People Are Asking ... Who Won the City Hall Contract?
The city commission held a special meeting to award the city hall construction contract on Friday, October 24.
Mayor Foster asked city attorney Scott Black to "go ahead and cover the line item... Nobody met the qualifications as submitted to the city."
With no discussion or hesitation, Black responded "Nobody met the five projects for the city so waiving that formality keeps everybody on board."
The commission unanimously passed resolution 25-12 "waiving certain informalities and previous experience requirements in invitation to bid ITB 25-06 for all prospective bidders". That authorized "the city and staff to proceed with the notice of award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder."
Worth noting: After extensive discussion on Tuesday, the bid review committee had decided that Pedro Falcon Contractors was not responsive. Moreover, in the August commission meeting, DeCaro had estimated a $3.9 million building cost alone plus all the furnishings, gingerbread, and other costs and without any consideration of change orders or cost overruns. Mayor Foster said at that time he "can support a $4.5M" because some of the costs won't be paid in 2026. The commission approved putting $4.5M in the budget as the total cost of the city hall project next year.Mayor Foster found, "Based on the tabulations ... Pedro Falcon Contractors offered a bid of $5,560,616... Pedro. Contractors would be the lowest bid received."
The motion to approve Pedro Falcon Contractors passed unanimously.
Commissioner Colonell reminded the commission that this building would cost "half what the previous plan was."
KCB filed a Notice of Intent that declares the city intends to award the contract to Pedro Falcon Contractors, Inc:The City of Key Colony Beach, Florida has reviewed the bids submitted in response to ITB 2025-06. After evaluating the bids for responsiveness, responsibility, and best value (including lowest cost conforming bid), the City intends to award the contract to the above-named bidder.
Bidder Awarded: Pedro Falcon Contractors, Inc.KCBers may want to ask our commissioners about this award.
The commission will negotiate the contract and call a special meeting to ratify it in the coming weeks.
City Hall Contract Award
The city commission will hold a special meeting in Marble Hall and on Zoom to award the city hall contract on Friday, October 24, at 9:30 a.m.
The commission will review the recommendations of the bid review committee, discuss the Bid pricing and deducts as well as Keystar Inc's bid document checklist and they will award ITB 2025-06 based on the bid review committee's recommend of the Keystar Inc bid of $5,831,428.09.Worth noting: In the August commission meeting, Commissioner Harding said he had planned $5.3 million for the city hall project cost (confirming KCBers' expectations of $5-6 million total cost). That set the "street price" or floor for the bids. In that meeting, DeCaro had estimated a $3.9 million building cost alone plus all the furnishings, gingerbread, and other costs which were not included in the final request for quote and without any consideration of change orders or cost overruns. Mayor Foster futher said he "can support a $4.5M" because some of the costs won't be paid in 2026. The commission approved putting $4.5M in the budget as the total cost of the city hall project next year.Note that the restriction on public commentary continues for the special meeting; "Members of the Public may speak for three minutes and may only speak once unless waived by a majority vote of the commission."
KCBers may want to ask our commissioners why this award is 50% (or more) higher than the city estimates and how they plan to limit change orders and other cost overruns.
Read the Key Colony Beach Special Meeting Agenda .
Join the 10/24/25 meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87628826620?pwd=tVob64Egz3CKZyLtThwqvoKCKpbt83.1
Passcode: 202201
Bid Review Committee Chose Keystar
The KCB city hall bid review committee--city administrator John Bartus, Commissioner Doug Colonell and architect Brandan DeCaro via Zoom, public works head Mike Guarino, and building official Tony Loreno--met on Tuesday to select the best bid to build and renovate city hall.
Bids were received from:
Keystar, Incorporated, $5,831,428.09 DL Porter Construction, $5,964,750.00 Pedro Falcon Contractors, $5,560,616.00 Some KCBers suggested pulling together a citizen team of engineers and builders to review the bid package, and then review the bids themselves for differences or common themes and, of course, to see if they met the scope of the project.We can't. KCB won't release the actual sealed bids, proposals, or replies in this competitive solicitation because they are exempt from state law and the state constitution until the city awards the bid or until 30 days after opening the bids, whichever is earlier. The exemption to the sunshine was likely made "to avoid trade secrets or financial plans getting out" but it keeps citizen experts in the dark.The committee were told to choose based on three criteria:
Lowest bid. "Responsiveness" which means the bidders included all required documents in the bid package, not whether all facets of the project were covered by the bid. "Responsibility," based on other projects and financial strength of the bidder. DeCaro said Keystar met the details of the plan. That was the only comment by any panelist about any bidder that addressed meeting the scope of the project.
Commissioner Colonell thought the Pedro Falcon financial report was convoluted. The committee discussed the different entities in the Pedro Falcon bid. After extensive discussion, they decided that Pedro Falcon wasn't responsive because they didn't fill out the forms required in the bid documents.
The committee found that Keystar Inc has the best insurance. With very little discussion on the merits, they unanimously recommended Keystar Inc as the lowest responsive bid.The Keystar Inc bid at $5,831,428.09 is $1.93 million or 50% above the city estimate of cost for building construction and renovation.
City Hall Bid Evaluation
The City received three bids in total for the City Hall project. The Bid Review Committee will meet in Marble Hall and on Zoom on Tuesday, October 21, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The Bid Opening for the project took place on October 14. City Administrator Bartus opened the bids in the order received:
- Keystar, Incorporated, $5,831,428.09
- DL Porter Construction, $5,964,750.00
- Pedro Falcon Contractors, $5,560,616.00
The apparent low bidder is Pedro Falcon Contractors.
The bid tabulation is on DemandStar and here.
Read the Key Colony Beach Bid Review Committee Meeting Packet here.
Read the Key Colony Beach Bid Review Committee Meeting Packet here.KCBers may want to ask our commissioners about these bids.
Join the 10/21/25 meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89535418922?pwd=zaaWHdTWwWIlj5HjF5v6zLnu964eL5.1
Passcode: 487135
What did the KCB City Commission do at the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting on October 16?
The commission corrected some bad actions by prior officials.
Public Hearing
The commission acted on a variance request for a pool on 10th Street and on a request for an after-the-fact variance for an already approved, four story home on Coury Drive. Current building official Tony Loreno reported that the Coury Drive property owner "did everything right." The property owner and his architect had many conversations and correspondence with Lenny Leggett and Karl Bursa "prior to submitting the plans."Mayor Foster addressed the "mistakes" Leggett and others committed. "Our own building official caused this to happen," Mayor Foster said. Leggett not only directed the architect to use the erroneous height of the house, He "actually changed [it] to go and have him build it from that elevation."
Read a transcript of the full remarks here.
Regular Meeting
SWIG Director of Operations Vince Seibold presented the plan for the first two-year marine pilot program to remove 2.7 pounds/year of phosphorus and 18.6 pounds/year of nitrogen from a section of the 7th Street canal. These slides from the SWIG PowerPoint discussion show the project site plan, projected removals, and an overview of how the system works. The system can also be scaled up on barges rather than the land based modules. The commission gave a head nod to go forward with the EPA grant using SWIG as a sole source provider. Mayor Foster said they will put it on the agenda next month to step through the process for legal.City administrator John Bartus reported that three city hall bids "in the range of $5.5 million to $5.8 million or thereabouts" were received. The Bid Review Committee will meet in Marble Hall and on Zoom on Tuesday.
The commission asked for public input on Daryl Rice Management's proposal for the golf course. There was no vote planned.
Doug Lipke who has playing this golf course for 50 years thought the public was to address why this was in the public interest. "Daryl has been involved for 17 years and he has consistently improved the condition of that special golf course each year," he said. He noted that Daryl's proposal complies with the procedure the city uses. He called the two-year contract "wonderful because Daryl wants to retire after two years so it gives the city an opportunity to have Daryl continue to improve the course and manage it. Daryl has committed that in the second year he would continue and work with you guys train or work with the transition team which is the best option to continue the improvement of the course and then give the city an opportunity to move forward with the transition." He reminded the commissioners to make the contract more of a joint venture with a commitment by the city to fund additional improvements. "I think you should move forward to determine that it is in the public interest."
Cindy Catto: "called from the farthest away... somewhere in the ocean between Japan and South Korea to show you how important this is." It's in the best interest to accept Daryl's proposed contract. The ladies league sent one letter of approval rather than 34 letters. The league wants to get started and needs to know they will be able to "so I'm asking you to please expedite this matter."
The commission discussed Commissioner Diehl's proposal to consolidate the Recreation and Beautification Committees. Commissioner Harding noted it would displacing five or six people who love to give input to the city. "I think we're very lucky to have a lot of volunteers. Now that they can all do their meetings by Zoom, there should not be a quorum issue."
Mayor Foster cautioned. "people that are reporting on conditions in the city, really kinda need to be in the city so I think we need to focus on that in the future. It's hard for somebody to comment on bocce courts when they're in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. That's my only caution."
Rec Committee Chair Cynthia Catto attended the meeting via Zoom from the Pacific Ocean. Commissioner Colonell attended this meeting via Zoom from "somewhere near Amsterdam." And Mayor Foster has used Zoom to great advantage in these last months while also out of state to deal with a family crisis.
Several KCBers commented that that was a "lousy way to treat a dedicated volunteer."The commission tabled the motion.
The commission received a lower quote of $113,008 for the John Deere Triplex Mower, Trim and Surrounds Mower, Walk Greens Mower, and Aercore Aerator for the golf course and approved the purchase unanimously. They chose Christian Landscaping for $28,250. to do purchase and install trees and landscape improvements by the Pickleball Courts and Golf Course. They told legal to update the ordinance for pool setbacks.
Mayor Foster introduced a potential settlement with Jody Cox, Kari Ann Tremblay, and Christopher Corso over a code enforcement mistreatment and lawsuit driven by Lenny Leggett and Barry Goldman. "This is the disappointing part about this job. I have to undo ... a wrong that was done," Foster said. "There's a lot of stuff I think was harmful ... and not in the best interests of our citizens," The city attorney will settle with the property owners with "all the fines and repair obligations to be waived." The motion carried unanimously. "Again to the people who were involved in this, I apologize. Dark days," Foster said.
The commission passed the first reading of another new ordinance amending the docks, piers, and mooring equipment, Section 5-44. The second reading will be November 20.
Commissioner Harding noted the general fund finished the fiscal year with a net loss of $205,000. Overall revenue was 1.2% above the budget and ad valorem taxes were 0.2% below the budget. City Hall itself exceeded the budget because they planned to be in the trailers for only six months rather than the full year. The city also spent $752,000 from the Infrastructure Fund. He looked at recent years and found "this is the first year we've had a negative account.."
The wastewater report shows COVID is back in the city and is up to moderate level. Influenza-A is also now present in the city.
Commissioner Colonell clarified the procedure to get contractors to follow the contract. Smits said various officials can "send that letter." Foster noted that the city can issue a Stop Work Order or just not pay the bill.
Mayor Foster introduced a novel way to finance the city hall project. He says about $8 million in our "kitty" has the building department at $479,000, plus $2.2 million in the general account, $2.1 million in infrastructure and the $2.2 million grant. He wants to "sell the building and we would rent from ourselves." Smits has done this for school buildings. A 'certificate of participation' is a financial tool "to get around public finance issues [when] you cannot borrow money for longer than a year." The lease payment stream is what funds the loan. Foster wants to use building funds, stormwater funds, wastewater funds and so on to pay for their portions of the building.
Commissioner Harding wanted to make sure there's no miscommunication. "There's funds in wastewater of about $2 million. Those funds are not available for city hall by our own ordinances."
Foster closed with "I don't want to solve it here. I'm just telling you what my idea is. That way, it also shows we're paying for the building ourselves. Just like when Mr. Turner took over, his salary was paid from different avenues."
Turner's salary and other administrator expenses were general fund expenses.Read a transcript of the full remarks here.
Bids for City Hall
Bids for the City Hall project are to be opened on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The location and time for the public bid opening has not been publicized. Call city hall (305-289-1212, Ext. 2) for more information.
The City Hall project consists of 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. The Bidding Documents on DemandStar include the complete electronic plan plus the specifications and schedule for the bid. Bids must be submitted by October 14, 2025. See the Invitation to bid for other details.
Golf Course Contract
The city commission will review an unsolicited Public-Private Partnership proposal for the operation and management of the city golf course as Item 7 of its regularly scheduled city commission meeting in Marble Hall and on Zoom on Thursday, October 16. Read the proposed contract.
Community members are encouraged to attend and provide input regarding the proposal at this first public meeting. Read the public notice for the meeting here: https://keycolonybeach.net/2025/10/10/10-16-2025-public-review-of-unsolicited-public-private-partnership-p3-proposal. There is no published agenda.
What (else) will the KCB City Commission do at the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting on October 16?
Public Hearing
The city commission will host a public hearing and regular monthly meeting in Marble Hall and on Zoom on Thursday, October 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public hearing will consider a variance request for a pool that would encroach into the setback by 5 feet at 491 10th Street and for an after-the-fact variance for additional height to provide access to an observation deck at 1250 Coury Drive.
Note that the restriction on public commentary continues for the public hearing and for the regular meeting; "Members of the Public may speak for three minutes and may only speak once unless waived by a majority vote of the commission."
Read the Key Colony Beach Public Hearing Agenda and Packet.
Regular Commission Meeting
The city commission will host a regular monthly meeting in Marble Hall and on Zoom on Thursday, October 16, beginning at 9:35 a.m. or at the conclusion of the public hearing.
KCBers may want to ask our commissioners about items on the agenda or other issues in the city.
The agenda includes:
There are no special requests on the agenda.
Administrative Notes:
Consent Action Items:
The KCB PD has hired Martha Dweyer as the new code enforcement officer. The new 2025 Ford F-150 has been delivered. Bus to purchase equipment for the truck is on the agenda this month. The September hot dogs with the cops was a big success. It included a health department table that distributed bicycle helmets to adults and children.
City administrator Bartus met with Dr. Gueverra and Dr. Rice to discuss water quality and testing in our canals. They may combine traditional water quality testing with new technology for a better picture of water condition in our canals.
The commission votes for Consent Action Items with a single motion. This month they include meeting minutes, a spending warrant for $1,411,924.32, and the Paradise 911 estimate for equipping the new police truck for $15,596.
Discussion Action Items:
The commission will review the Public-Private Partnership proposal for the golf course by Daryl Rice Management.
The commission will review discuss Commissioner Diehl's proposal to consolidate the Recreation and Beautification Committees.
The commission will review the Recreation Committee's Priority List for City Improvements including soliciting a bid to build the Basketball Court, plus ADA compliance for all rec areas and bathrooms, parking improvements, a covered pavilion, and exercise stations.
The commission will discuss and approve the purchase of a Triplex Mower, Trim and Surrounds Mower, Walk Greens Mower, and an Aercore Aerator, for $160,709.55.
The commission will discuss and approve proposals from Christian’s Landscaping & Lawn Services ($28,250), Blue Native ($76,960), and Brightview ($57,152 for trees and Landscape Improvements by the Pickleball Courts and Golf Course
The commission will do the first reading of another new ordinance:
Amending docks, piers, and mooring equipment, Section 5-44.Commissioner Tom Harding will publish the September, 2025, Financial Summary. He will also give the Wastewater Sampling Summary Report of October 13th, a discussion of our 2027 Health Insurance Costs, and feedback on the FDOT 5-year plan.
The agenda has no information about the city attorney’s report or commissioner’s reports and comments from Commissioner Colonell, Diehl, DiFransico, or Foster.
Read the full Key Colony Beach Regular City Commission Meeting Agenda and Packet.
Click or tap here to email your questions and comments to the commissioners and city clerk .
Join the 10/16/25 meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https:/us02web.zoom.us/j/84974102445?pwd=UsEGksZTacWRNhmmiWfR1Arhau3bUZ.1
Passcode: 216729
Rain Report
We don't often get a day long rain in KCB, even at the peak of the rainy season. A system sat right over the Keys pretty much all day on Friday. There were thunderstorms around most of the night but one parked overhead around 6:30 a.m. and just pounded away for 3 inches of rain in a couple of hours.
Some streets had puddles reaching out to the centerline from both sides and plenty of driveway aprons were underwater but 7th and 8th Streets were almost dry.
The Retention Pond on Shelter Bay Drive between 7th and 8th Streets (renamed the "Detention Pond") was full beyond where the grass will be planted but still had some capacity left.
All told, we got 5¼ inches or more in less than 24 hours.
Quick Notes
City Hall will be closed Monday, October 14, for Columbus Day.
After closing for 50 days, Marathon International Airport has reopened after a $30 million, 40-foot runway relocation.
Despite the government shutdown, the Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks, federal courts, and the National Weather Service remain open. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is closed.
Wheel of Fortune will air a "Keys-themed" episode during the week of October 13-17 as part of the statewide "Live More Floridays" marketing campaign. Wheel airs week nights at 7 p.m. on WPLG Local10 and on Hulu.
Sewer line repairs to replace a corroded, cast iron valve on 11th Street took place Thursday, October 23. The sewer line issue was discovered when the pump failed on the 17th. Call city hall (305-289-1212, extension 2) for more information.
CLOSED
The KCB Farmer's Market is closed. San Pablo Farmer's Market on Fridays will re-open for the new season from November 11, 2025 through April 2026.
Most of the vendors will be working through summer at Boondocks MM27.5, every Saturday from 10am-2pm.
Commentary
about October issues