The Latest News: January, 2026
Ground Breaking
The commission broke ground for the new city hall project on December 19. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Marathon Mayor Lynn Del Gaizo, and representatives from Pedro Falcon Construction and CPH Architects joined the commissioners, city staff, and KCBers for the ceremony.
Residents Spoke Out
Read what KCBers had to say about activities around town in January. There are comments about license plate cameras, the golf course contract, Fire/Rescue Costs, January meetings, and more.
Golf Course!
It's official. Both parties have signed the golf contract with Daryl Rice. The contract expires on September 30, 2027. It was an uphill struggle.
"KCBers made a difference! Our voices were heard," Cindy Catto, Recreation Committee Chair and President of KCB Ladies Golf League, said. "Thank you all so much for all your support of Daryl and golf at KCB."
What did the City Commission do at the Golf Course Workshop and Special Meeting?
The city commission held a workshop and a special meeting to consider the golf course contract on Monday, January 12.
The workshop discussed the comprehensive agreement and several attachments, the golf course lease agreement, as well as Daryl. Rice's comments.
The golf course contract came up at several commission meetings in 2025. The question was very controversial. KCB residents and golfers strongly supported Daryl Rice, the current lessee and manager of the course. Public input and commission discussion continued throughout the year.
Find the complete transcript of this workshop and special meeting plus the contentious recreation history here.WORKSHOP
Commissioner DiFransico noted that the citizens of KCB have told the commission that "they'd like to continue with Mr. Rice working on the golf course and since we work for the citizens I think we're trying to make that happen." Commissioner Harding reinforced that "the residents have been very clear that the quality of service, they've been actually very happy with, with excellent performance from Daryl."
Commissioner Colonell pointed out that "we need [Daryl Rice] to help us coordinate to get to the next step."Mayor Foster noted that he has spoken with Daryl "so, here's… here's what I'm going to propose when we, uh, break this meeting and move into the next one. There's an 8-month contract with monthly renewals." The contract also included Rice paying the city legal fees.
Mayor Foster and Daryl Rice had earlier agreed on a contract through September, 2027, not a month-to-month contract."That's my position, and I think it clearly lies with Mike, and we can get plenty of transition time in the next 8 months with Mr. Rice, and be done. So, that's where I'm at. "Daryl Rice reminded the commission that when he "took this course over, those trees were worse than you ever saw, ever saw. The irrigation system was not working. You had ants, you had grubs, you had nothing but a mess. It took 2 years to get it up and going... It's been a pleasure, a pleasure and a thrill to run it all these years. It's been a love." But he was blind sided by Mayor Foster's comments and "it's time to walk away."
For the city to take over the course, Commissioner Harding thinks "we would probably need two additional headcounts which, typically, we obviously provide full benefits. That's a significant increase in expenses that we may not be able to come up with from ad valorem taxes."
Mayor Foster "crunched the numbers, it's one person. I think we're fine. It'll pay for itself."
Doug Lipke commented that he, Len Testa, the mayor, a number of commissioners and Daryl had talked extensively. "We thought we walked in here today with an understanding," Rice had agreed to the 20-month lease and transition through September of 2027 which accomplishes a number of things that the commission wanted. Commissioners had said Rice would not be responsible for the legal fees. "Daryl is ... a hard-working guy, he loves the golf course, he has a passion for it. He's really good with the people, and we ask you to consider that compromise to see if we can get this thing finished and move forward."
Bill Catto commented that keeping Daryl for just eight months, then him "month to month whether you're employed or not. But we want you to invest your time, and we want you to train our people" is unfair.
Jack Marsich asked, "The question to you, Mayor, is what problem are you solving by doing what you're doing?" He was "very disappointed" in what he called Mayor Foster's "entitlement decision [and] this whole procedure."
Joe Pasvalik questioned "what are the goals? We don't have any written goals of what the golf course is supposed to look like."
Richard Pflueger commented, "If your goal is that the city operates the course, then say so, and why" He asked if the commission had done a feasibility study, a market analysis, or a property loss study? "If the city operates, how will this be an improvement over what we have now? How will it benefit taxpayers? How would it benefit golfers? ... Approve the Daryl Rice contract for as long as he is able and willing. And then find another Daryl Rice."
Commissioner Colonell commented the "The clubhouse is a pie in the sky. It's an idea, is all it is at this point there would be no clubhouse construction starting next week, or even in 6 months at the rate we're going."At the Rec Committee workshop, Commissioner Diehl asked about the CPH architectural drawings of the new club house that he had heard about from Commissioner Colonell. (CPH also designed the city hall project.) The next Rec Committee meeting is in Marble Hall, tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m.SPECIAL MEETING
Commissioner DiFransico moved to offer a 20-month lease to Mr. Rice. Commissioner Harding seconded. [Motion approved unanimously.
The commission discussed the "termination for convenience clause" which Commissioner DiFransico called "very onerous." Mayor Foster, "to move this along, I'm going to vote that we leave that language in there, and that's my motion. Do I have a second?" No one seconded the motion and the motion failed. Commissioner DiFransico moved to delete the convenience section. Commissioner Harding seconded. The motion was approved 4-1 over Mayor Foster's Nay vote.
The commission talked about providing grounds keeping equipment. Rice can use large equipment but he is to supply consumables, fuel, cleaning supplies. Motion approved unanimously.
Commissioner DiFransico moved that the city will perform all maintenance, all major repairs and maintenance, on equipment. Motion approved unanimously.
Mayor Foster made several motions. He moved to delete the different fee schedules; that Rice maintain the irrigation system minus the main line and the pumps; that the clubhouse, the bathrooms are Rice's but not the bathroom in the service building; that only golf clubs, equipment, and property needed for the operation and maintenance of the golf course be kept in the storage building; that the city may operate and maintain a vending machine; that the lease cost would be $39,500, subject to an annual CPI adjustment; to maintain the 50-50 split of utility costs; and to define summer months as May 1 to September 1; and that Rice buy and spread the mulch. Those motions were approved unanimously.
Mayor Foster also recommended that Tom Harding be point of contact and he left the $20,000 performance bond like it is.
Commissioner Harding moved that the hours stay unchanged at 8 to 4. Motion approved unanimously.
Commissioner Colonell addressed workers' compensation. Attorney Hicks noted that, "if he's required by statute to have it he must carry it. If it's not required by statute based on employment issues that he's not required to have it, but I do not believe that creates any liability on behalf of KCB."
Commissioner DiFransico moved to remove water coolers from the contract. Motion approved unanimously.
Commissioner DiFransico moved that the Commission approve the agreement and the lease Appendix to the agreement as modified. Commissioner Diehl seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
Cindy Catto thanked the commission on behalf of the Ladies Golf League and the Rec Committee. She noted that "the Rec Committee is available for any help assistance that we can do to make everything runs smoothly."
Dave McKeon add that the "Beautification Committee stands ready to help make things work wherever we need to."
Flag Maintenance
The city has this reminder: "As we enjoy this special time of year together, let us also take a moment to give thanks and honor our veterans for their service and sacrifices. In that spirit, we kindly remind residents to help keep our city looking its best by ensuring that American flags are properly maintained. If your flag is showing signs of wear or fading, please consider replacing it.
"If you have a neighbor who is out of town or may need assistance replacing a flag, please contact Sylvia at city hall (305-289-1212 #2) and we will be happy to help."
Building and Planning Scam
A new email scam appears to be an invoice from the Monroe County Building Department, Monroe County Planning Department, or Monroe County Planning Commission.
Monroe County and the Monroe County Planning Commission will NEVER ask anyone to make wire transfers to pay building permit fees. The county NEVER asks for wire transfer funds, and will NEVER tell you they can communicate only by email to "ensure proper documentation or auditing,"
Do not open attachments or respond to emails or numbers listed in the suspicious requests, no matter who sends them. The County sends emails only from xxx@monroecounty-fl.gov email addresses. If there is any doubt, call the county at the numbers listed on their website to verify any information. (This newsletter will always come from "conch@keysmail.net" or, rarely, from "conchkcb@gmail.com".)
An earlier scam appeared to come from FKEC.
We haven't seen similar scams that seemingly come from KCB departments, but the crooks may target us, too. The city sends emails only from xxx@keycolonybeach.net email addresses. If there is any doubt, call Silvia at 305.289.1212 ext 2 to verify any information.
Save Our Homes
The Monroe County Property Appraiser has announced the annual update for the Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap. "It's designed to help keep your property taxes from jumping too much each year." The cap limits increases to 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is lower.
The SOH Cap is 2.7% for 2026. The second Homestead Exemption is $26,411, up from $25,722.
That announcement implies that taxes can rise only 2.7% but the SOH Cap limits only how much the appraised value of homesteads can increase. That means that even if the tax rate were to remain unchanged, property taxes would still jump by 2.7% in 2026. KCB raised the millage rate to $2.82 per thousand in assessed valuation (driving the 8.29% increase in city taxes KCBers paid in 2025). Monroe County also raised the aggregate millage property tax rate to 3.3965.
The Florida House Ways & Means Committee voted 10-4 to support a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 213) to limit increases in taxable values for homesteaded property to 3% over three years. Other proposals ready to go to the full House would phase out non-school homestead property taxes over the next decade (HJR 203) and increase the homestead property-tax exemption for residents who have property insurance (HJR 209).
KCB Fundraiser
Help create a sculpture of the city logo for the new City Hall gateway. Your donation can help place the sailfish sculpture on a "gem" base at the intersection of the Causeway and Ocean Drive to bring the city seal to life. Donors will be recognized with their names engraved on a plaque in the new city hall. Sponsorship levels are Diamond, $1000; Platinum, $500; and Gold, $250. Make checks payable to the City of Key Colony Beach. Call Silvia (305.289.1212 ext 2) or email for more info.
KCB Calendar
New City Hall is Underway
Construction and renovations to Marble Hall has officially begun and chain link fencing divides the parking lot. During this phase of the project, access to the post office, parking areas, and portions of the property will be affected. There will be signs, barriers, and fencing to guide us through the parking lots, to the post office, and to Marble Hall.
Farmers Market
The KCB Farmers Market continues on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. through the season. The commission may choose a new location for the farmers market.
Beauty in KCB
Beauts and friends are looking for help to mulch and trim on Wednesday, February 4, at 9 - 11 a.m. at the tiki by the post office to prep for Hot Dogs in the Hut on Saturday. Here's the work party schedule for upcoming weeks: https://keycolonybeach.net/2026/01/26/%f0%9f%8c%b4-2026-beautification-committee-work-party-schedule .
Concerts in KCB
The KCB Community Association Concerts in Sunset Park series began the 2026 season with John Bartus, the 42nd Anniversary Concert, live in the new tiki in Sunset Park on Sunday, January 25, at 4 p.m.
John celebrated the 42nd Anniversary of his first show in the Keys with a program of his original songs from throughout the years, as well as some long-time favorites.
Music fills KCB this season. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and your favorite beverage. Here's the schedule:
January 25: John Bartus
February 1: Cancelled for Weather
February 15: Ericson Holt
February 22: Stormfront
March 1: KCB DAY!
March 8: Brothers of Others
March 15: 79th Street Band
March 22: Ocean Drive BandMeetings
Beginning in February, all Commission, Board, and Committee meetings will be moved to the afternoon starting at 3:30 p.m. This change anticipates the upcoming city hall construction. The post office hours are not changed.
During the construction period, there may be noise, dust, and increased activity on the entire lot. There will be a "safe passage through the parking lot to Marble Hall and the post office."
Commentary
about January issues