Key West voters did not elect a brand; they thought they elected a mayor.

Yet under Danise Henriquez, City Hall has too often felt more focused on image management than on governance that delivers results.

Everybody else keeps asking, “What have you done.”

Mrs. Henriquez arrived with a reputation for optimism and strong Chamber of Commerce ties dating back to her time as Tax Collector.

Maybe she is a coaches wife.

Good for her.

Let’s be clear: Mrs. Henriquez worked for one of the few men Will Rodger’s never met.

Those qualities may win applause from business circles, but they do not automatically prepare someone to lead a city and its residents facing serious structural challenges.

We won’t even begin to discuss fiscal responsibility.

Yet.

For the biesbol coach’s wife, that clarity remains elusive.

Consider the handling of Southernmost Point Plaza, a project that should have reflected thoughtful planning and respect for community legacy.

Must move foreward. At all costs. Get their names on the sign.

Moving foreward.

You cannot stop progress.

Tick another check box. Who might be watching?

Instead, the process exposed troubling dynamics, particularly the dismissive tone toward former Judge and federal magistrate Hugh Morgan and his daughter Marcella, both respected members of one of Key West’s most established Conch families.

In a city where history and lineage matter, that moment resonated beyond a single vote and raised broader concerns about whose voices City Hall chooses to value.

Spottswood. Toppino. Swift.

They all get their due and burrow their snouts deeper into the public trough

This does not go unnoticed.

There is no need to list who voted against the proposal; most residents can already recite the names.

They killed Frank Toppino’s Poinciana Gardens.

Old people like Anne McKee deserve better.

The arrogance… sorry ignorance… is strong.

A similar tone surfaced when Commissioner Lissette Carey questioned whether grand jurors were qualified to make recommendations about city conduct.

After she stole a home from disabled veterans.

Many saw the comment as more than a disagreement.

She WILL have her day in court. That is the great thing about Democracy.

When the lights go on, let’s see where the cockroaches scatter.

Likely right back to 1300 White Street.

Grand juries receive sworn testimony that commissioners never see. The citizens who serve are not required to be experts; they are required to listen, weigh evidence, and follow the truth.

Unless and until commissioners review the same evidence — and have an open, honest discussion — how can they claim the authority to question the grand jury’s capability?

See The Corradino report.

It is also worth remembering that while this is not the same grand jury, a previous panel recommended that three high-ranking city officials be arrested and indicted, that Carey be removed from the dais and that Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton be removed from his position.

Carey ignored that recommendation.

City Manager Brian Barroso marked it as one hundred percent complete.

Stoughton did not leave city government. He moved across the hall into a new role as legislative liaison, complete with a promotion and raise.

This pattern reinforces a broader concern.

Transparency.

The Henriquez/Barroso administration has repeatedly minimized, deflected or reinterpreted grand jury findings.

Directly into the face of the State Attorney Dennis Ward and the office he represents.

If I had balls like that, I would need a wheelbarrow.

Talked about his office and his employees and citizens doing their civic duty like they were clowns

I don’t know about you, but grand juries and the 16th district State Attorney?

That really is not a joke.

And for city staff and a part-time city attorney to say that?

Ward and his team and grand jury deserve better.

Scorecards have been presented by the City Manager claiming one hundred percent completion on items that were never voted on and barely discussed.

In other cases, actions taken ran counter to the recommendations while still being labeled as complete. That is not accountability.

I wanted to write it was scam.

I believe it is a scheme.

How much is enough?

Stoughton’s continued presence in a more senior role raises additional questions about judgment and oversight.

He was the official who enabled Raj Ramsingh, later felony indicted, to operate as chief building officer under conditions that amounted to a license to steal.

That decision alone continues to cast a long shadow over the city’s handling of permitting and enforcement.

Unfortunately, this pattern is consistent with a broader commission mindset that sidelines advice and discourages citizen participation.

Nothing about transparency. All about engorgement.

Not engagement.

Engorgement

A recent example is the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s agenda item proposing its own dissolution, driven by frustration that its recommendations are routinely ignored. Why devote hours to public service when the work is treated as disposable?

Residents are not distracted by bullshit language, even when it is delivered with confidence and a Cheshire Cat smile.

City Manager Brian Barroso’s vocabulary has become a point of frustration in its own right.

Phrases like “we will unpack and cascade that,” “we need enough runway to land the plane,” “strategic alignment,” “resiliency planning,” “stakeholder engagement,” and “adaptive infrastructure” are repeated often.

The issue is not that these terms exist, but that they substitute for clarity.

For many folks, it sounds less like a plan and more like a word salad, language better suited to a mid-tier bank loan officers meeting than a city dealing with flooded streets, failing systems and corruption.

When Commissioner Carey raised doubts about the current grand jury, Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward offered a far simpler framing in a recent interview on US1’s Morning Magazine.

“I cannot tell the city how to govern, but I can enforce the law.”

The contrast between plain speech and managed messaging will not go unnoticed.

It is a direct finger in the face to Ward and his staff.

Meanwhile, the Henriquez administration continues to shift blame for deteriorating infrastructure, worsening flooding, and a fragile local economy onto prior leadership.

Residents wading through flooded streets and dealing with damaged vehicles do not care whose fault it was five years ago. They want action.

Businesses, the very constituency Henriquez was expected to champion, are struggling.

Closures are mounting, costs are rising, and uncertainty is becoming the norm.

The gap between City Hall’s messaging and on-the-ground reality grows wider each month.

As a line from a well-known film puts it, sometimes a word does not mean what its speaker thinks it means.

In Key West, terms like resilience, preparedness, and strategy are used often, but their meaning fades when flooding intensifies, infrastructure falters, and residents bear the consequences.

Even the city’s most casual weather watchers agree on one point: global warming is real and sea level rise is no longer hypothetical.

It is happening now, and failure to plan accordingly is no longer a future risk; it is a present cost.

Key West’s challenges are not abstract. They are visible in flooded neighborhoods, damaged property, shuttered businesses, and a growing sense that City Hall is out of step with the needs of its residents.

They are infinitely tangible.

The path forward will not be shaped by rhetoric or creative scorecards. It will be shaped by participation. Whoever earns the public’s support next will inherit the same challenges and the same obligation to address them.

Whoever you vote for, please just vote.

It is the very least you can do.

If you want to sound like a used care salesman?

Fine.

City with $1b assets and no liabilities?

Well. Here you are.

For critics, the concern is not the intent behind the language but its effect — terminology that sounds more at home in a regional bank boardroom than in a city grappling with flooding streets, strained infrastructure and economic uncertain.

And if you think 21,000 registered voters aren’t pissed off?

You aren’t paying attention.

Good luck.

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There it is.

There is one human family.

You just aren’t in it.

Remember when you vote.

Keep it light.

Keep it bright.

Keep it gay.

KEY WEST, Fla. — An email obtained and reviewed by Above the Fold shows that Key West City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman formally denied allegations raised by City Manager Brian Barroso concerning the alleged misuse of City Hall facilities and city resources, while demanding the release of evidence supporting the claims before any further action is taken.

Kaufman sent the email to Barroso and part-time City Attorney Mayanne Downs on Monday afternoon in response to correspondence from the city manager regarding Kaufman’s access to City Hall after hours and the use of city facilities in connection with campaign-related activities.

In the email, Kaufman rejected allegations that he violated city policies, ethics rules, election laws, improperly used city resources or damaged city property.

Barroso’s claims are intertwined with Kaufman’s ethics complaint filed Monday morning alleging that Barroso and Mayor Danise Henriquez have been using tax-payer funded social media accounts to assist the mayor’s re-election campaign.

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That complaint stemmed from a a citizen complaint lodged by a longtime Bahama Village resident and community activist

“I respectfully disagree with the characterization of events contained in your letter and deny any violation of law, policy, ethics rules, election laws, misuse of City resources, or damage to City property,” Kaufman wrote.

Kaufman said he did not bypass security, force entry or knowingly attempt to gain unauthorized access to City Hall.

“I did not bypass security, force entry, or otherwise knowingly attempt to gain unauthorized access to City facilities,” Kaufman wrote.

Kaufman noted that his office is located inside City Hall and that he has authorized access, including after-hours access. He said a city-issued key card failed to provide entry because of a security-system update that commissioners had not been informed about.

“The City-issued key card did not allow access as a result of a City security-system update for which commissioners had not been advised,” he wrote.

Kaufman also denied allegations that he damaged city property, including the commission dais and nameplates.

“I also specifically deny causing any damage to the dais, nameplates, or other City property,” he wrote.

According to the email obtained and reviewed by Above the Fold, Kaufman requested records and evidence he said are necessary to evaluate the allegations and provide a meaningful response.

The commissioner argued that he cannot adequately respond to allegations or any potential reimbursement request without first reviewing the evidence.

“Before I can meaningfully respond to the allegations or any asserted reimbursement request referenced in your correspondence, I respectfully request production of all evidence and materials supporting the allegations,” Kaufman wrote.

Barroso’s original correspondence reportedly referenced the possibility of seeking reimbursement for damages and referring the matter to outside agencies.

In his response, Kaufman requested that all supporting materials be produced before any public discussion or outside referral occurs.

“Given your stated intention to potentially refer these matters to outside agencies and/or discuss them publicly, I respectfully request that the above-referenced materials be provided as soon as reasonably possible,” he wrote.

Kaufman also suggested that Barroso’s correspondence appeared to reach conclusions before a formal review had been completed.

“I also respectfully note that your correspondence appears to presume conclusions before completion of any formal factual review or investigative process,” Kaufman wrote.

The dispute comes as Kaufman is challenging incumbent Mayor Danise Henriquez in the Aug. 18 municipal election.

In the closing section of his email, Kaufman raised concerns about the political context surrounding the allegations and called for any review to be conducted impartially.

“Given the pending mayoral election and my status as Mayor Henriquez’s current opponent, I respectfully request that any review, referral, or public discussion of these matters be handled in a neutral, evidence-based, and politically impartial manner, and in a way that avoids even the appearance of selective enforcement or use of City processes for political purposes,” Kaufman wrote.

Kaufman said he intends to preserve all rights related to the matter.

The city has not publicly released the evidence referenced in Barroso’s correspondence. The allegations and Kaufman’s response are detailed in documents obtained and reviewed by Above the Fold. It was not immediately clear Monday whether the requested records would be provided or whether the matter would be referred to outside agencies.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman has filed ethics complaints against Mayor Danise Henriquez and City Manager Brian Barroso, alleging city resources, official communications systems and taxpayer-funded media platforms were used in a manner that benefited Henriquez’s reelection campaign.

The complaints, filed Monday with the Florida Commission on Ethics, grew out of concerns first raised by long-time Bahama Village resident and political activist, Marilyn Kellner, who questioned whether official City of Key West social media channels were being used to promote the mayor while excluding other elected officials.

Kaufman’s filings ask state ethics investigators to determine whether Henriquez and Barroso violated Florida ethics laws governing the use of public office and public resources.

“The people of Key West deserve fairness, neutrality, and equal treatment from their government,” Kaufman said in a statement accompanying the complaints. “Government should never insert itself into elections or take sides against political opponents.”

At the center of the complaints is a Memorial Day Weekend “End of School Celebration” advertisement that appeared on social media pages associated with the City of Key West and the Key West Police Department.

According to Kaufman, the advertisement promoted a May 24 event at a city park and included language stating it was paid for by Henriquez’s political campaign. Kaufman alleges the posting represented the use of official government communication channels to distribute campaign-related content.

The complaint against Henriquez alleges the mayor “knowingly accepted, benefited from, encouraged, participated in, or failed to prevent” the use of city resources, staff time, publicly funded media production and official communications systems in a manner that advanced her campaign.

The complaint against Barroso alleges the city manager either permitted or failed to prevent the use of public resources and official city communications in a way that favored one candidate in an active municipal election.

Kaufman also alleges that Henriquez has received disproportionate exposure through city-produced photographs, videos, ribbon cuttings, ceremonies, public appearances and official announcements distributed through city-operated communications channels.

He said he has identified and preserved approximately 150 examples of city-produced social media posts and related communications that he believes demonstrate a pattern of preferential treatment.

“In more than ten years of public service as a City Commissioner, I have never previously experienced such exclusion from official governmental appearances and City-sponsored events,” Kaufman wrote in the complaint.

Complaint Originated With Resident’s Concerns

The ethics complaints trace their origins to an email sent May 26 by Kellner to embattled part-time City Attorney Mayanne Downs.

In her email, Kellner said she had observed what she described as a recurring pattern in which Henriquez was prominently featured in city-sponsored events, ribbon cuttings, ceremonies and social media posts while other elected officials were frequently absent.

Kellner specifically questioned the Memorial Day event promotion and whether taxpayer-funded communications platforms were being used appropriately.

“As a resident and taxpayer, this raises serious concerns for me about whether official City communication platforms and taxpayer-funded resources are being used appropriately and fairly,” Kellner wrote.

She asked the city to determine whether the conduct violated Florida ethics laws, election laws or restrictions governing the use of public resources for political purposes.

The posts have largely been removed from social media — although it is unclear by who.

Downs: Posts Were Not Authorized By City

In her initial response, Downs said the allegations warranted review.

“The question of whether official platforms have been used to support a specific candidacy is a separate question and one I take seriously,” Downs wrote.

She noted that incumbent officeholders, particularly mayors, routinely appear in government communications because of their ceremonial and executive duties.

“Incumbent officeholders, particularly mayors, who have distinct ceremonial and executive functions, routinely appear in official communications by virtue of their office,” Downs wrote.

A day later, however, Downs informed Kellner that the city had concluded the disputed social media posts were not authorized by city personnel.

“We have investigated the matter and determined that the posts you flagged were not made by any city personnel and were not authorized by the City or its staff,” Downs wrote.

“The available evidence indicates a cyber-security breach.”

According to Downs, city information technology staff determined no authorized city employee was logged into the accounts when the posts appeared.

She said the city referred the matter to the FBI and that the Key West Police Department opened its own investigation.

“Mayor Henriquez had no involvement in the posts and did not authorize them,” Downs wrote.

Downs further stated that city employees are trained not to use official city accounts to distribute political advertisements and suggested the unauthorized posts may have been designed to create the appearance of wrongdoing.

Barroso Accused Kaufman Of Misusing City Resources

The dispute escalated further on May 21 when Barroso sent Kaufman a letter accusing the commissioner of improperly using City Hall and city resources for campaign purposes.

According to Barroso, city building access records, security camera footage and internal documentation showed Kaufman entered City Hall on Dec. 26, 2025, while the building was closed for the holiday after allegedly directing an off-duty city employee to provide access.

Barroso said Kaufman was accompanied by individuals who were not city employees and later used footage filmed inside the commission chambers in a political advertisement.

“You entered the building by requiring a City employee to provide you access, even though that employee had the day off,” Barroso wrote.

According to the city manager, electronic nameplates were removed from their secured mounts, the commission dais was damaged and city staff spent hours restoring the equipment.

“A political advertisement promoting your candidacy has since been published depicting footage filmed inside the commission chamber,” Barroso wrote.

“No person with authority to do so, including me, approved the use of the commission chamber to produce campaign material, the after-hours entry of non-City personnel into City Hall, or the handling of City equipment for those purposes.”

Barroso directed Kaufman to provide a written explanation of the incident, reimburse the city for associated repair costs and cease any future use of city facilities, equipment or staff time for campaign-related purposes.

The city manager also cited provisions of Florida law and the Key West City Charter that prohibit the misuse of public resources and interference with city employees.

That is counter to First Amendment law, which classifies Key West City Hall as a public building, and although the areas inside the card-keyed security system are restricted to public use, any member of the public can walk into the chambers and video. There is no restricted access and no signage stopping public access.

Election-Year Dispute

Kaufman’s complaints do not directly address Barroso’s allegations regarding the City Hall incident. Barroso gave him 10 days to respond, and Kaufman said his response is forthcoming.

Likewise, the city’s response regarding the alleged cyberattack does not address Kaufman’s broader contention that city-produced communications have disproportionately benefited Henriquez throughout the long duration of the election cycle.

The filings arrive as the race between Henriquez and Kaufman enters its final months and amid continuing scrutiny of City Hall following a series of corruption investigations and grand jury reports examining governance, ethics and transparency issues within city government.

The Florida Commission on Ethics will review the complaints to determine whether they are legally sufficient before deciding whether to open formal investigations.

If accepted, investigators could seek social media audit logs, account access records, internal communications and testimony from city employees and elected officials.

No findings have been made regarding the allegations, and the complaints do not constitute a determination of wrongdoing by either Henriquez or Barroso.

This is an evolving story. Watch this space.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — A sweeping property tax proposal backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is raising new concerns across the Florida Keys, where officials warn the measure could significantly reduce funding for public safety, housing, and schools in a county already heavily reliant on property tax revenue to sustain essential services.

The proposal, expected to be considered during a special legislative session beginning Monday, would expand Florida’s homestead exemption and move toward eliminating property taxes on primary residences. It would also restrict how local governments can spend remaining property tax revenue, limiting expenditures to narrowly defined “core services.”

In a letter to legislators on Friday, Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln said county leaders support tax relief for residents but cautioned that the plan could destabilize funding for legally required services in a region uniquely vulnerable to hurricanes and geographic isolation.

“Monroe County supports thoughtful discussions about tax relief, and the commission wants to provide tax relief to full-time residents, but any proposal must recognize the realities of providing legally mandated essential services in a geographically unique and hurricane-prone community,” Lincoln said in a letter sent to state lawmakers Friday.

“Our residents depend on public safety personnel, emergency response capabilities, constitutional offices, and numerous other services that are required by state law,” she said. “We believe any property tax reform should include a sustainable funding solution that allows counties to continue meeting those responsibilities.”

Key West’s Unique Housing and Tax Reality

Local officials say Key West in particular presents a dramatically different tax profile than much of Florida.

Only about 25% of residential property in Key West is homesteaded, according to county and municipal estimates, with the majority of properties classified as second, third, or even fourth homes.

Under DeSantis’ plan, the homestead exemption would increase from $50,000 a year to $250,000 a year, which would ease the burden on year-round residents in the Florida Keys

That could see Key West losing several hundred thousand dollars in adverted traces

The impact would be greater in Monroe County and would have a giant chilling effect throughout Florida where most homes would benefit from such tax cuts at the cost of public services.

As of yet, Tallahassee doesn’t seem to have the appetite — or votes — to completely eliminate homestead properties

If they did, such a loss to city tax rolls would mean about a $4m shortfall in the city budget — overall a fraction of Key West’s annual budget — but still a serious hit.

But despite concern from the dais and on the parts of Commisioners Haskell, Lee and Kaufman, City Manager Brian Barroso has assured commissioners and residents that his team is “crunching numbers” and is up to the task of meeting goals to come up with a budget that would address any state-wide loss of funding.

“That distinction is critical under the proposed plan, because while homesteaded properties would receive the largest tax relief, non-homesteaded properties would remain fully exposed to rate restrictions and shifting tax burdens,” Kaufman said on Sunday.

“I have advocated for lower property taxes in the City of Key West for many years and have consistently opposed unnecessary tax increases and budgets that increase the burden on residents. My record on that is very clear.”

Kaufman also said that he absolutely supports meaningful tax relief for full-time residents, seniors, and working families who are struggling with rising housing costs, insurance costs, and inflation.

“At the same time, we have to responsibly pay for the essential services our residents rely on every day, including police, fire rescue, emergency response, infrastructure, and hurricane preparedness.”

Kaufman pointed to one important difference in Key West.

“The City of Key West has strong financial reserves and revenue sources that many other local governments and taxing authorities simply do not have,” he told Above the Fold. “That is why I have long argued that tax reductions and rollback rates were possible if we budgeted more responsibly, controlled spending, improved efficiency, and focused on long-term planning.”

Kaufman also said he was very concerned about enormous bond proposals and borrowing currently being pushed by current city management.

“Those long-term debt obligations ultimately impact taxpayers and future budgets,” he said

“Ironically, the same administration that previously argued tax reductions were not realistic is now saying rollback rates may be achievable in the upcoming budget. In my opinion, that demonstrates that lower taxes were always possible with better financial planning and stronger fiscal discipline.”

Kaufman said he believed the bigger issue is that the current administration has operated for years without a true long-term strategic plan for city services, infrastructure, staffing, capital projects, and future budget needs.

“We need a transparent strategic plan with clear priorities, measurable goals, and responsible budgeting so residents can have confidence that government is living within its means while still protecting essential services and quality of life.”

County officials warn that if homestead taxes are significantly reduced or eventually eliminated statewide, Monroe County could face substantial revenue losses despite its large share of non-resident-owned housing.

Potential Impact On County And Schools

Monroe County currently relies heavily on property tax revenue to fund core government operations.

Officials say approximately 91% of the county’s ad valorem tax levy supports public safety and constitutional offices, including the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, Trauma Star air ambulance, emergency management, detention operations, and emergency communications.

The balance supports constitutional offices such as elections, property appraisal, tax collection, and court administration.

County leaders argue there is limited capacity to absorb major revenue reductions without affecting service levels.

The Monroe County School District could also face significant pressure under the proposed changes.

Education funding tied to local property taxes represents a major portion of school district budgets across Florida, and analysts say broad homestead exemptions could reduce available revenue even in counties with large numbers of non-homesteaded properties like Monroe.

Wider State Concerns Already Emerging

Monroe County is not alone in raising alarms.

Across Florida, several counties and school districts are warning that similar proposals could force major budget reductions.

Officials in Palm Beach County and Orange County have publicly indicated that significant reductions in property tax revenue could result in layoffs, program cuts, and potential school closures if funding gaps are not offset by the state.

The Florida Association of Counties estimates that the broader proposal could remove billions of dollars in local government revenue statewide, prompting concerns about long-term impacts on public education, emergency services, and infrastructure.

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell described the proposal as a “complete takeover by the state government,” arguing that it would significantly shift control over local budgets to Tallahassee.

Local Control vs. Tax Relief

Supporters of the proposal, including DeSantis, argue that Florida homeowners have been burdened by rapidly rising property values and tax bills, and that meaningful relief is long overdue.

The governor has also proposed a state trust fund to assist local governments that experience revenue shortfalls, while insisting that essential services will remain protected.

But critics say the definition of “essential” services is too narrow and could leave out key programs that are especially important in coastal and disaster-prone counties like Monroe.

What It Means For The Keys

For Key West and the Lower Keys, the stakes are particularly high.

Beyond emergency services and constitutional functions, county officials say property tax revenue supports affordable housing initiatives, flood resilience projects, environmental protection programs, libraries, parks, code enforcement, and disaster recovery efforts.

With a large share of Key West housing serving non-resident owners, officials warn that shifting tax burdens or shrinking the overall base of local revenue could create ripple effects across both government operations and public services.

Monroe County commissioners are expected to formally review the proposal during their June 10 meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.

As the debate moves forward, officials say the central question remains whether statewide tax relief can be balanced with the financial realities of maintaining essential services in one of Florida’s most geographically unique and storm-exposed regions.

For the Florida Keys, where a single hurricane can reshape entire communities, that balance may prove especially difficult to strike.

Why Key West Is Different In This Debate

• Only ~25% of residential property is homesteaded

• Majority of homes are second, third, or fourth residences

• Property tax base is heavily tied to non-resident ownership

• County already spends ~91% of property taxes on public safety and constitutional offices

• School funding and county operations both heavily dependent on property tax revenue

What Officials Say Could Be At Risk

• Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue operations

• Trauma Star air ambulance service

• Emergency management and disaster response

• Monroe County School District funding

• Affordable housing programs

• Flood resilience and environmental protection projects

• Libraries, parks, and public facilities

• Court and elections administration

“Monroe County supports thoughtful discussions about tax relief, and the commission wants to provide tax relief to full-time residents, but any proposal must recognize the realities of providing legally mandated essential services in a geographically unique and hurricane-prone community,” said Lincoln.

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CUDJOE KEY, Fla. — Bradly Shawn Shadduck, a 56-year-old Cudjoe Key man and well-known musician, was arrested Friday on a murder charge after investigators said he fatally beat his wife, 62-year-old Lynne Alane Shadduck, inside their Lower Keys home.

Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the couple’s Maracaibo Lane residence at approximately 5:51 a.m. May 28 after Bradley Shadduck went to a neighboring home wrapped in a blanket and asked residents to call 911 because there was “blood everywhere,” according to investigators.

When deputies arrived, they found Lynne Shadduck unconscious on the floor of a hallway with severe injuries to her face, head and hands. Investigators reported finding blood throughout the residence, along with signs of a violent struggle and household items scattered throughout the home.

Lynne Shadduck was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 9:40 a.m.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Bradley Shadduck initially told deputies only that “this just happened” and offered few details about the circumstances leading to his wife’s injuries.

During a later interview, investigators said Shadduck stated the couple had been drinking at a restaurant before returning home and claimed he could not remember what occurred because he blacked out after drinking alcohol. Detectives said he later requested an attorney.

Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from neighboring homes that allegedly showed Shadduck at nearby residences during the early morning hours, including video of him asking a neighbor to call 911.

A search warrant executed at the residence documented blood throughout the home, broken household items, bloody towels and other evidence detectives said was consistent with a significant physical struggle.

Investigators also noted that Shadduck did not appear to have injuries despite evidence suggesting an extensive altercation had taken place inside the residence.

According to the arrest report, detectives believe Shadduck caused his wife’s death by striking her with multiple objects or instruments, resulting in fatal blunt-force trauma.

21-year old dies in apparent suicide at Key West Light House

In an unrelated incident late Thursday, a 21-year-old man died after apparently jumping from the Key West Lighthouse on Whitehead Street.

The death prompted widespread speculation locally and on social media that the man may have been related to either Bradley or Lynne Shadduck and that the two incidents were connected.

However, sources within the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office told Above the Fold that investigators have found no indication the cases are related and currently view them as separate incidents.

Shadduck was booked into the Key West Detention Center, where he remains. The investigation remains ongoing, and final autopsy results are pending.

Filings regarding the Cudjoe incident were not yet available on the Clerk of Courts website.

This is an evolving story. Watch this space.

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Four Monroe County defendants have been sentenced to state prison in separate drug-related cases spanning Key West and Marathon, including a cocaine sale tied to a fatal overdose, according to the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

The cases, announced over four consecutive days by State Attorney Dennis Ward’s office, resulted in prison sentences ranging from two to four years and highlight ongoing efforts by local law enforcement and prosecutors to target cocaine trafficking and related crimes throughout the Florida Keys.

Marathon Man Sentenced in Cocaine-Related Death of Local Resident

The most serious sentence involved 45-year-old Jeremiah Johnson of Marathon, who received four years in state prison followed by four years of probation after pleading no contest to manslaughter by culpable negligence and sale of cocaine in connection with the 2022 death of Brandon Marr, 42, of Marathon.

According to investigators, Marr was found unresponsive in a bathroom on Feb. 14, 2022. A forensic examination of his cellphone revealed text messages arranging a cocaine purchase shortly before his death. Authorities traced the communications to Johnson, who later admitted he was facilitating cocaine transactions for another Marathon resident.

The Monroe County Medical Examiner determined Marr died from mixed drug toxicity involving cocaine and alcohol.

Prosecutors said Johnson helped arrange the cocaine sale that ultimately resulted in Marr’s death.

A co-defendant, Ronald Meyers III, remains charged with manslaughter by culpable negligence, sale of cocaine and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. His case remains pending and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Cocaine Sale in Undercover Marathon Sting Nets 50-Month Prison Term

In another Marathon case, Gerome Leatherwood was sentenced May 27 to 50 months in Florida State Prison after pleading no contest to sale of cocaine. Monroe County Judge Derek Lewis ordered the sentence to run concurrently with prison terms imposed in two other felony drug cases.

The conviction stemmed from an undercover Monroe County Sheriff’s Office operation in August 2024 in which a confidential informant purchased approximately 0.68 grams of crack cocaine from Leatherwood near 20th Street and the Boot Key Harbor Bridge, investigators said.

Authorities said detectives maintained surveillance during the controlled buy and later obtained a positive identification of Leatherwood through a photo lineup.

Leatherwood also received a six-month driver’s license revocation and was ordered to pay court, prosecution, investigation and defense costs.

Fleeing Deputies During Drug Investigation Leads to Prison Sentence

Also in Marathon, 54-year-old Johnnie Leatherwood was sentenced to two years in state prison after pleading no contest to fleeing and eluding law enforcement during a narcotics investigation.

According to court records, deputies attempted to stop Leatherwood’s vehicle on Oct. 18, 2024, after observing him driving with a passenger who was the target of an active cocaine trafficking investigation. Prosecutors said Leatherwood accelerated away despite emergency lights and sirens, driving through residential streets before eventually stopping.

After his arrest, Leatherwood told deputies he “just freaked out,” according to the arrest report.

Judge Lewis adjudicated Leatherwood guilty and ordered him to pay fines, court costs and assessments totaling $863. He received credit for time served.

Prosecutors noted Leatherwood has an extensive criminal history involving drug-related offenses.

Key West Traffic Stop Results in Cocaine Possession Conviction

In Key West, 57-year-old Rigoberto Morales received a two-year state prison sentence after pleading no contest to possession of cocaine.

The conviction arose from a June 1, 2025, traffic stop on North Roosevelt Boulevard near Kennedy Drive. Key West Police Department K-9 Officer Matthew Hansell reportedly observed Morales and a passenger traveling without seat belts before initiating the stop.

According to the arrest report, officers observed what appeared to be crack cocaine in plain view and subsequently recovered multiple rocks of cocaine from several locations inside the vehicle, including beneath the driver’s seat, beneath the passenger seat and on the rear floorboard.

Morales denied knowing the cocaine was in the vehicle but acknowledged he was its primary driver, according to court records. Investigators determined the location of the drugs and Morales’ control of the vehicle established possession.

Circuit Judge Mark Jones sentenced Morales to 24 months in state prison. The sentence will run concurrently with penalties imposed in three other felony cases. Morales was also ordered to pay fines and court costs and received a six-month driver’s license revocation.

Prosecutors Cite Ongoing Focus on Drug Enforcement

Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said the prosecutions reflect the office’s continued focus on combating illegal narcotics throughout Monroe County.

“When someone dies from cocaine, our work does not stop with the person who handed over the drugs,” Mansfield said in the Johnson case. “We follow the evidence to the source and hold accountable the suppliers and dealers who profit from these deadly substances.”

In the Leatherwood cocaine sale case, Mansfield said street-level drug dealing continues to fuel addiction and crime throughout the community and warned that those who sell narcotics in Monroe County should expect significant prison sentences.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys K. Philip Harte, Jon Byrne and Carter J. Reeves.

By the Numbers

• Four defendants sentenced

• More than 12 years of combined prison sentences imposed

• One overdose death linked to a cocaine sale conviction

• Two Marathon cocaine trafficking-related prosecutions

• One Key West cocaine possession case

• One fleeing and eluding conviction during a narcotics investigation

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KEY WEST, Fla. — A resolution supporting the people of Cuba, a proposal honoring a fallen Key West fire chief and several multimillion-dollar infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures are expected to dominate the June 4 Key West City Commission meeting as city politics surrounding Cuba and emergency preparedness continue intensifying ahead of municipal elections.

The commission’s agenda spans more than 40 items, including contracts tied to hurricane recovery operations, the controversial Southernmost Point Plaza project, sewer and stormwater rate changes and recommendations stemming from Monroe County grand jury reports examining city government operations and allegations of dysfunction inside City Hall.

Political attention, however, is expected to center on a Cuba-related resolution sponsored by Commissioner Lissette Carey just days after Commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman hosted a three-hour public forum at The Frederick Douglass School in Bahama Village focused on regional instability involving Cuba and potential impacts on Key West and Monroe County.

Carey’s resolution expresses support for “the citizens of Cuba and their struggle for freedom, democracy, and basic human rights,” while calling on the Cuban government to release political prisoners and urging continued support from the United States government.

It is essentially too little, and too late. Particularly for a lame duck candidate.

The resolution comes after more than 70 residents attended Kaufman’s Wednesday night forum alongside Key West Emergency Management Director Gregory Barroso, Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl, tourism and Chamber of Commerce officials and emergency planning experts.

Among those speaking was resident Robert Jensen, who previously served as a primary liaison between federal agencies and major airlines following the Oklahoma City bombing before later relocating to Key West.

Officials at the meeting stressed there is currently no imminent threat to Key West or Monroe County but emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordinated communication and reliance on verified information.

The timing of Carey’s resolution has already generated criticism from some residents and political observers who argue the commissioner is attempting to capitalize politically on growing public attention surrounding Cuba concerns after Kaufman organized the forum.

It also brings up questions about a sitting commissioner asking to use city reoureces in the wake of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ sweeping edicts against “wokeness.”

Some critics have also argued the measure shifts political attention away from continuing fallout surrounding two Monroe County grand jury reports examining alleged corruption, misconduct and operational failures inside City Hall. Carey was referenced during portions of the broader political controversy surrounding those investigations but was never criminally charged or indicted.

The issue has rapidly emerged as a political flashpoint in the city’s mayoral race.

All declared candidates for city office attended Kaufman’s forum except Mayor Danise Henriquez, whose absence drew criticism from some attendees and political opponents who argue the city has not been proactive enough in publicly addressing emergency preparedness and regional developments involving Cuba.

Another major item on the commission agenda is a proposal to rename Fire Station No. 3 as the “Edwin ‘Eddie’ Castro Fire Station #3” in honor of the late fire chief’s years of service and leadership within the Key West Fire Department.

The effort to rename the station was initially proposed by Kaufman, according to commission discussions and public statements surrounding the measure.

Some political observers and Kaufman supporters have since accused Mayor Henriquez and City Attorney Mayanne Downs of attempting to take ownership of the proposal as election season intensifies and political control at City Hall remains contested.

The resolution follows recommendations from a fire station naming committee and is expected to receive broad support from firefighters, city staff and longtime residents familiar with Castro’sCommissioners are also expected to consider awarding a $4.25 million construction contract to Charley Toppino & Sons for the Southernmost Point Plaza project, one of the city’s most debated redevelopment efforts in recent years that pits the Morgan family against entrenched powers including the Toppinos, Swifts and Barrosos.

A companion resolution would extend Tourist Development Council funding for the plaza project through the end of 2027.

Additional agenda items include awarding disaster debris removal contracts ahead of hurricane season the Toppinos as well, something that dates back to former disgraced City Manager Julio Avael, as well as approving monitoring services for debris cleanup operations and establishing new special-event and pavilion rental fee schedules.

The commission will also review sewer and stormwater utility ordinances that would revise annual rate adjustment formulas and update sewer service charges.

Commissioners are further scheduled to consider a Kaufman-sponsored resolution supporting additional review, implementation and public discussion of recommendations contained in the Monroe County Grand Jury’s Winter Term 2026 report examining operations within several city departments.

Nothing is expected to happen there, as Commissioners Haskell and Kaufman have been the only ones attempting to address the issue — with intense pushback from Henriquez, Carey and the rest of the dias, despite pressure from Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward to do the right thing.

Other agenda items include proclamations recognizing Pride Week, Juneteenth Independence Day and Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week, along with presentations on homelessness operations, small business awards and employee service recognitions.

The commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. June 4 at City Hall, with an evening session scheduled for 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live on the City webstite.

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Please click on the link above to hear Nick Wright and I talking the latest about Cuba, door cops and the rest of the news that is fit to print.

KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West police Sgt. David Kouri, a supervisor previously investigated for sending on-duty text messages seeking marijuana while patrolling in a marked police vehicle, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a reduced criminal charge in Monroe County Circuit Court.

Kouri pleaded nolo contendre before Circuit Judge Mark Wilson to attempted sale or purchase of marijuana stemming from a 2025 investigation involving text exchanges with a woman about obtaining medical marijuana pre-rolls and vape products.

“Nolo contendere” is a Latin legal term meaning “I do not wish to contend,” often shortened to “no contest.”

A defendant who enters a nolo contendere plea is not formally admitting guilt, but also is not fighting the charge. For criminal sentencing purposes, the court generally treats it much like a guilty plea.

Key difference:

• Guilty plea = “I did it.”

• Nolo contendere plea = “I’m not admitting it, but I’m accepting the punishment.”

Court records show Kouri was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation, submit to drug testing, complete 75 hours of community service and pay $300 in prosecution costs and court costs.

A Monroe County grand jury had previously indicted Kouri on a felony charge of solicitation to deliver or sell marijuana, alleging he knowingly encouraged another person to provide cannabis in violation of Florida law on or about June 30, 2025.

According to Key West Police Department internal affairs records, investigators concluded Kouri attempted to obtain marijuana through a medical marijuana cardholder for someone other than the authorized patient.

Department investigators said the transfer never occurred but determined Kouri exercised poor judgment and acted inappropriately while serving as a police supervisor.

The department ultimately found allegations of unlawful conduct to be unfounded during its internal investigation but sustained a charge of unbecoming conduct. Police Chief Sean Brandenburg issued Kouri a written reprimand warning that future incidents involving poor judgment could result in suspension, demotion or termination.

On April 20, Brandenburg placed Kouri on administrative leave with pay pending a separate internal investigation involving additional allegations. The department said at the time the leave was administrative and not disciplinary.

It is unclear at press time if Kouri remains employed by KWPD.

Kouri’s plea marks the latest development in a case that has drawn scrutiny because it involved a supervisory officer seeking marijuana while on duty despite Florida’s tightly regulated medical cannabis laws for non-patients.

KEY WEST, Fla. — More than 70 residents gathered Wednesday night for a community meeting on concerns involving Cuba and the potential impact any regional instability could have on Key West and Monroe County, with officials emphasizing preparedness and coordination while stressing there is no imminent threat to the Florida Keys.

The meeting, hosted by Key West city commissioner and mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman, brought together emergency management officials, tourism leaders, business representatives and residents for what Kaufman described as “a calm, thoughtful, informative” discussion focused on preparedness rather than panic.

“This discussion was calm, thoughtful, informative, and focused on preparedness, not fear or panic,” Kaufman said in a statement following the meeting.

The issue came to a head following reporting by former Key West Citizen and Miami Herald political reporter Marc Caputo in Axios.

Among those participating were Key West Emergency Management Director Gregory Barroso, Monroe County Commissioner Jim Scholl, representatives from the Key West Business Guild, the Chamber of Commerce, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and local hotel industry officials.

Resident Robert Jensen, who addressed attendees on crisis management and emergency planning, previously served as a primary point of contact between federal agencies and major U.S. airlines in the years following the Oklahoma City bombing before later relocating to Key West, according to remarks made during the meeting.

Officials repeatedly stressed during the forum that there is currently no imminent threat to Key West or Monroe County.

“At the same time, there was strong agreement that preparation, communication, coordination, and accurate public information are extremely important,” Kaufman said.

Residents questioned officials about how emergency information would be communicated during a crisis, reports involving drones and activity in Cuba, coordination between local, state and federal agencies, and the role nonprofit organizations would play in distributing resources during emergencies.

Additional questions focused on how local government and the tourism industry would communicate with visitors if conditions changed and what roles the U.S. Coast Guard, military, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers and emergency management officials would play during a regional emergency affecting the Keys.

Humanitarian concerns involving local families with relatives in Cuba were also discussed.

Kaufman said the meeting highlighted the extensive emergency response partnerships already in place throughout the Keys.

“We are fortunate to have strong emergency management operations in both the City and County, along with excellent partnerships involving the military, Coast Guard, FWC, local law enforcement, healthcare providers, nonprofits like United Way, volunteer organizations, and many others who help during emergencies and disasters,” he said.

Officials also warned residents against relying on rumors or social media speculation during uncertain situations and encouraged the public to follow trusted government and emergency management sources for accurate information.

Residents were urged to enroll in Monroe County’s Alert!Monroe emergency notification system, which distributes emergency alerts involving severe weather, evacuations, fires and public safety incidents through text and email notifications.

The meeting also underscored the political sensitivity of the issue ahead of upcoming city elections.

All declared candidates for Key West city office attended the forum except Mayor Danise Henriquez, who has faced criticism from some residents and political opponents who argue the city has not been proactive enough in publicly addressing concerns related to Cuba and regional emergency preparedness. Key West City Manager Brian Barroso, also did not attend.

The discussion comes amid heightened public attention in the Florida Keys regarding developments in Cuba and what potential impacts instability there could have on South Florida communities with longstanding cultural, economic and family ties to the island nation.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — A newly released City of Key West planning report warns that any major reopening of U.S.-Cuba travel could transform Key West into one of the country’s most strategically important civilian maritime gateways to Cuba, bringing sweeping economic, infrastructure and political consequences to the island city.

The preliminary report, circulated Wednesday by City Manager Brian Barroso and authored by Senior Policy Strategist Todd Stoughton, outlines how expanded Cuba travel could affect the city’s ferry terminal, housing market, transportation network, tourism economy and public safety operations if federal restrictions are relaxed.

“If U.S.-Cuba travel reopens in a meaningful way, Key West could become one of the most strategically relevant civilian maritime gateways between the United States and Cuba,” the report states.

City officials emphasized the document is a contingency planning exercise and not an endorsement of Cuba ferry service or changes in federal policy.

“This report does not recommend initiating Cuba ferry service,” Stoughton wrote. “Rather, it identifies the issues the City should understand in advance if federal policy or private-sector interest changes.”

The report arrives amid renewed public discussion in Key West about Cuba-related travel and ferry operations after city leaders met May 20 with officials from United States Coast Guard Sector Key West to discuss maritime readiness, security coordination and operational impacts tied to any future federal policy changes.

According to the report, Key West is uniquely positioned because the city owns the ferry terminal at 100 Grinnell St., already supports passenger ferry operations and maintains federally regulated maritime facilities governed under Coast Guard security rules.

The report outlines three possible future scenarios ranging from limited authorized travel to broader normalization involving routine passenger ferry service, cargo movement, cruise activity and expanded commerce with Cuba.

Under the broadest scenario, the report warns Key West could experience increased ferry traffic, heavier demands on police and emergency services, rising property values, intensified workforce housing shortages and growing congestion around the Historic Seaport and downtown waterfront.

“The likely net effect is higher property values and rents islandwide,” the report states, “with increased affordability stress and potential resident pushback.”

City officials estimate expanded Cuba travel could generate new revenue through terminal lease agreements, passenger fees, dockage, concessions, parking and tourism-related business activity.

The report also argues Key West could strengthen its position for federal infrastructure funding tied to port security, customs processing, resiliency upgrades and transportation improvements.

At the same time, the document warns that poorly structured agreements could leave taxpayers absorbing costs associated with policing, security, sanitation, traffic control and terminal improvements while private operators capture most of the financial benefit.

The report repeatedly stresses that Cuba policy remains under federal control and that no local ferry service could begin without approvals involving agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the State Department and the Coast Guard.

It also notes that tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited under federal law and references recent sanctions activity that tightened, rather than loosened, some commercial operations involving Cuba.

Among the recommendations, the report calls for a federal coordination meeting involving the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Monroe County officials, the Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies. It also recommends a feasibility study examining whether the city-owned ferry terminal can physically support international passenger operations.

The document proposes future planning for customs inspection areas, passenger screening zones, multilingual signage, ADA upgrades, traffic circulation changes, remote parking lots and emergency staging procedures.

The report warns that any future Cuba ferry operation could intensify existing tensions in Key West over overtourism and quality-of-life concerns already associated with cruise ships and heavy visitor traffic.

“Key West should develop a federal coordination framework, terminal feasibility analysis, cost-recovery model, and community impact plan so that if the federal government opens the door, the City is not forced into a reactive posture,” the report concludes.

The release of the report comes as Sam Kaufman is scheduled to host a Cuba-related stakeholder forum Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass School in Bahama Village. Kaufman has said the meeting will focus on community concerns surrounding potential changes in Cuba travel policy and their possible local impacts.

City officials said any future policy decisions involving terminal agreements, operational changes or local regulations would require public review and approval by the Key West City Commission.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman used a wide-ranging online question-and-answer session to outline proposals for senior care, LGBTQ representation, government transparency and public participation while criticizing recent City Hall decisions involving cruise ship policy and the Outer Mole lease.

The forum, held via Zoom and promoted as a weekly public discussion series, touched on issues ranging from assisted living and hospice care to the Corradino report, DEI restrictions and city budgeting.

Kaufman said he would create a senior citizens advisory committee or task force if elected mayor, citing concerns raised after the closure of the assisted living facility at Poinciana Gardens.

“We need to focus on transportation, healthcare, assisted living and hospice services,” Kaufman said, describing senior care as one of the city’s growing challenges.

He said the proposed committee would function similarly to previous task forces created to address hospital issues in Key West and would include residents and community stakeholders.

Kaufman also announced plans to establish an LGBTQ advisory committee to provide direct input to City Hall on issues affecting the community, including funding for local events and responses to new state restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The candidate criticized recent controversies involving rainbow-themed public displays and code enforcement disputes, including cases involving painted crosswalks and colorful residential fencing.

Kaufman said elected officials should prioritize community interests even amid concerns about political pressure from state government.

During the discussion, Kaufman addressed the city’s handling of the Outer Mole lease agreement, arguing the decision to cancel the lease should have been publicly debated by the City Commission rather than handled administratively.

He disputed claims that the lease posed a financial burden to the city, saying no direct city payment was required under the agreement.

“The city manager was wrong,” Kaufman said, adding that major policy decisions involving cruise ships and waterfront operations should occur in public view.

The Outer Mole issue remains politically significant in Key West following the 2020 referendum in which voters supported limits on cruise ship traffic.

Kaufman also pledged to revisit recommendations from recent Monroe County grand jury investigations into city government operations, including proposals for an internal auditor, compliance officer and stronger whistleblower protections.

He said he intends to place the Corradino report and additional planning and building department concerns back on the commission agenda if elected.

The candidate expressed support for increased public participation in city government and criticized what he described as decision-making “behind closed doors.”

The session also touched on emergency services funding, including concerns about a proposed fire assessment fee. Kaufman said he supports fully funding emergency response services but wants safeguards to prevent what some residents view as double taxation.

On healthcare issues, Kaufman discussed continuing efforts to improve local hospital oversight and community involvement ahead of the expiration of the current hospital operator’s lease in 2029.

Kaufman also announced plans for a public meeting next week focused on concerns surrounding Cuba and regional security issues. He said representatives from emergency management agencies, tourism organizations, the military and local business groups would be invited to participate in order to address rumors and provide accurate public information.

The mayoral candidate encouraged residents to participate in upcoming public forums and debates ahead of the election, including events hosted by the Key West Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters.

Kaufman said he previously requested additional debates with the current mayor but had not yet received a response.

Vote-by-mail ballots are expected to be sent beginning July 9, with early in-person voting scheduled for August at the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections office.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West International Airport can add another nonstop destination to its growing route map as Allegiant Air announced new direct service between Key West and Rickenbacker International Airport ahead of the busy summer travel season.

The Las Vegas-based discount carrier said the route will operate up to twice weekly, connecting Columbus-area travelers directly with the Lower Keys. Flight schedules and fares are available through the airline’s website.

“We’re excited to kick off the summer travel season with this new nonstop route between Columbus and Key West,” Allegiant Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells said in a news release. “Whether you’re attending a special event, planning a dream vacation, or visiting family and friends, our goal is to connect more travelers to their favorite destinations with Allegiant’s award-winning customer service at unbeatable value.”

To promote the new route, Allegiant briefly offered introductory one-way fares starting at $74 for select travel dates before Aug. 16. The promotional sale ended May 23, though fares listed online Saturday appeared lower on some dates.

In addition to airfare, Allegiant markets bundled vacation packages that include hotel stays and rental cars.

The new Columbus connection further expands the growing list of nonstop cities served by Key West International Airport, which has seen continued commercial growth in recent years amid sustained tourism demand in the Florida Keys.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — Commisioner and Mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman will host a public community meeting Wednesday evening to address growing concerns in Key West over rising tensions involving Cuba and possible local impacts on tourism, emergency preparedness and public safety.

The meeting is scheduled for May 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Frederick Doulass Gym Community Center.

Kaufman is the first Key West city commissioner to publicly address concerns tied to recent national reports involving Cuba via a forum, including discussions surrounding federal actions, migration, maritime policy and regional security issues.

In a statement announcing the meeting, Kaufman said the goal is to provide residents and business owners with “facts instead of rumors” as speculation and online discussion continue circulating throughout the community.

“As a community only 90 miles from Cuba, people naturally have questions and concerns,” Kaufman said. “The goal of this meeting is to provide accurate information, reduce unnecessary fear and speculation, and allow residents and businesses to hear directly from individuals involved in emergency management, public safety, and tourism.”

According to the release, local and federal officials have said there is currently no known direct threat to Key West and no immediate changes to federal policy or Coast Guard procedures.

Topics expected to be discussed include emergency management planning, tourism and economic concerns, public safety coordination, visitor confidence and federal maritime and travel policies.

Invitations have been extended to representatives from emergency management agencies, the tourism and hospitality industry, the Key West Business Guild, lodging officials, the Chamber of Commerce and other community stakeholders.

Kaufman said the meeting is intended to be informative rather than political.

“We want people to leave with facts instead of rumors,” Kaufman said. “Key West has always faced challenges best when our community stays informed, communicates openly, and works together calmly and responsibly.”

The meeting is open to the public.

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Monroe County prosecutors this week announced a series of convictions and sentencing outcomes in unrelated criminal cases spanning organized ATM fraud, kidnapping and firearm violence across the Florida Keys.

Among the cases was the sentencing of a Romanian national tied to a multi-county ATM skimming operation, the jury conviction of a man accused of posing as an Uber driver before abducting a woman in the Lower Keys, and the sentencing of a California fugitive accused of threatening a roommate with a handgun on Little Torch Key.

Romanian national sentenced in ATM fraud case

Daniel Balan, 47, of Bacau, Romania, was sentenced in Monroe County Circuit Court after pleading no contest to grand theft and fraudulent use of personal identification information connected to a 2025 ATM fraud scheme targeting Monroe County residents.

Circuit Judge James Morgan sentenced Balan to 18 months in the Florida Department of Corrections on each count, with the sentences running concurrently with each other and with a federal prison sentence he is already serving. He received credit for 126 days served in the Monroe County Jail.

Authorities said the scheme involved re-encoded debit cards containing stolen banking information and PIN numbers used to make unauthorized withdrawals from victims’ accounts at ATMs in Key Largo.

Investigators linked Balan to seven Monroe County victims who reported unauthorized withdrawals totaling more than $5,200 between Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, 2025. In one case, surveillance footage allegedly showed Balan approaching a Key Largo ATM on a bicycle while wearing a helmet, face covering and backpack.

Balan was arrested Feb. 9, 2025, in Leon County during “Operation Take Back,” a multi-agency law enforcement initiative targeting organized ATM skimming and identity theft operations statewide.

Federal prosecutors later secured convictions against Balan in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on charges including bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of unauthorized access devices. Federal authorities said the broader fraud scheme caused losses exceeding $56,000 across Florida.

Upon completion of his prison terms, Balan is expected to face immigration removal proceedings, prosecutors said.

Jury convicts defendant in kidnapping and attempted sexual battery case

In a separate case, a Monroe County jury convicted Emmanuel Noslen Teixeira of kidnapping and attempted sexual battery following a trial before Circuit Judge Mark Jones.

The charges stemmed from a July 11, 2022 incident in which prosecutors said Teixeira falsely represented himself as an Uber driver to gain the trust of a woman trying to get home after a night out in downtown Key West.

According to testimony presented at trial, the victim became separated from friends after leaving a bar and accepted a ride from Teixeira after he offered to take her home. Instead, prosecutors said, he drove north on U.S. 1 into Cudjoe Key and turned onto isolated Blimp Road.

Authorities said Teixeira ignored repeated requests to stop the vehicle and attempted unwanted sexual contact during the drive. Prosecutors said the victim escaped after the vehicle slowed, fled into nearby mangroves and later reached a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office substation on Cudjoe Key.

The investigation later intensified after a second woman reported a similar encounter in Key West in August 2022, prosecutors said. Teixeira still faces pending charges in that case, including sexual battery, false imprisonment, battery and indecent exposure. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Authorities said Teixeira later fled Florida and was eventually located in New Mexico before being extradited back to Monroe County at a reported cost of more than $7,000.

Sentencing in the kidnapping and attempted sexual battery case is scheduled for July 1.

California fugitive sentenced in Lower Keys gun case

Prosecutors also announced the sentencing of David Casares, 43, after he pleaded no contest to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in public or on residential property and battery.

The charges arose from a Feb. 3, 2025 confrontation at a shared residence on Little Torch Key.

According to investigators, the victim was watching television outside the residence when Casares demanded the television be turned off. Authorities said Casares then struck the victim, pointed a handgun at the victim’s head and later fired the weapon before fleeing the scene.

Deputies recovered a spent 9mm shell casing from the backyard, investigators said.

Authorities later determined Casares was wanted in California on an unrelated warrant and was legally prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions.

County Judge Mark Wilson sentenced Casares to 36 months of probation along with concurrent jail sentences, including 365 days in the Monroe County Jail on the most serious counts.

The cases were prosecuted by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office under State Attorney Dennis W. Ward.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — The U.S. Navy on Wednesday afternoon opened a new phase in determining the future of the Outer Mole property at Naval Air Station Key West, reigniting debate over whether large cruise ships could return to the city’s waterfront after years of political battles and voter-backed restrictions.

Members of the Key West Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships joined cruise industry executives, developers, tourism operators and maritime business representatives for a Navy-hosted industry forum and site inspection at the Outer Mole, according to a statement released by the organization.

Participants at Navy Outer Mole Industry Forum

Participants identified by the committee included representatives from Margaritaville at Sea, Cruise Terminals International, Historic Tours of America, multiple Spottswood-affiliated companies, maritime service firms and development interests connected to Sunset Key.

According to the committee, the following representatives attended Wednesday’s U.S. Navy industry forum and site inspection regarding future uses of the Outer Mole property:

Cruise and Maritime Interests

• Margaritaville at Sea

  • Kyle Anderson

• Cruise Terminals International (partly owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines)

  • Chris De Leo

• Caribe Nautical Services (Logistics and line handling for cruise ships)

  • Gretta Philips-Ford

  • Effie Ford

Tourism and Hospitality

• Historic Tours of America (Conch Train and Old Town Trolleys)

  • Clinton Curry

Development and Real Estate Interests

• Spottswood Companies

  • Robert Spottswood

• Spottswood/KeyStar, Inc.

  • Chas Spottswood

• Sunset Key Development Office (Operators of Pier B)

  • Diane Schmidt

  • Tom McMurrain

  • Mark Walsh

• Wessco

  • Jason Mayes

Legal Representatives

• Spottswood & Sterling PLC

  • Robert Gebaide

• Smith/Hawks Attorney at Law

  • Barton Smith

Advocacy Group Representatives

• Key West Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships

  • Evan Haskell

  • Arlo Haskell

  • Capt. Will Benson

There weren’t really any surprises in the mix; The meeting was part of the Navy’s ongoing Request for Interest process seeking proposals and input regarding future uses of the waterfront property along Truman Harbor.

Cruise Terminals International is one of the largest terminal operators in the world, and is partly owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, with destinations including Italy, Miami, Spain and St. Thomas. Its competitor, Wessco also participated.

Any local effort to gain control of the Mole would likely involve some mix of Pier B operator Mark Walsh, the Spottswood Family (rumored to be interested in a ferry service to Cuba) and HTA, which logistically has the now-how to shuttle passengers from the property into businesses it controls around Old Town Key West.

It is clear from the cast of players what the intent is for the property.

“The City’s loss of control means the Navy will now have the final say on whether or not large cruise ships return to the Mole,” the committee said in a statement distributed Wednesday.

The City of Key West has controlled the property through a lease agreement since 2003, but the Navy previously notified city officials that the lease will terminate in August.

Before adoption of the city’s “One Ship Policy,” the Outer Mole served as one of three primary cruise berths in the Port of Key West and regularly accommodated large cruise vessels.

The committee said it informed Navy officials about Key West’s history of voter-approved referendums, local legislation and environmental protections intended to limit the impacts of large cruise ships.

The organization also said it plans to submit additional questions and draft its own proposal advocating “sustainable future use” of the property.

The Navy has not publicly detailed what specific uses are under consideration or whether renewed cruise operations are being actively evaluated.

Residents were encouraged to submit comments and questions directly to Navy real estate officials before a May 27 deadline tied to the Request for Interest process.

The Outer Mole forms part of the breakwater protecting Truman Harbor and sits between Pier B and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park near Truman Waterfront Park.

No timeline has been announced for a final Navy decision.

Related News: Power Boat Races Secured Through 2031

In a separate waterfront development announced this week, Race World Offshore signed a five-year agreement with the City of Key West securing the annual Key West World Championship Power Boat Races through 2031.

Race week includes offshore racing competition, Race Village events at Truman Waterfront Park, the Duval Street boat parade and multiple fan gatherings tied to the November championships.

“We’re grateful to the City of Key West and the U.S. Navy for their continued good faith efforts,” Race World Offshore manager Larry Bleil said in a statement. “Key West is the home of offshore powerboat racing, and this agreement ensures the world championships stay where they belong for years to come.”

Since the City will no longer covertly the Outer Mole, Race World will have to negotiate seperately with the Navy each year.

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MIAMI — A Justice Department ceremony in Miami is expected to intensify U.S. pressure on Cuba as new intelligence reporting claims the island has expanded its military drone capabilities, including systems that analysts say could potentially reach targets near Key West. The developments — scheduled on the day that Cuba declared its independence from the United States — are stirring renewed security concerns in South Florida and prompting fresh debate over regional stability, migration and military escalation in the Florida Straits.

Federal officials are scheduled to hold a 1 p.m. event Wednesday at Miami’s Freedom Tower honoring the four men killed in the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes over international waters. Prosecutors are expected to announce charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, who served as defense minister at the time of the attack and later became president, according to people familiar with the matter.

Such an indictment could trigger a military style extradition similar to that of Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro.

The move would represent a significant legal escalation tied to one of the most contentious episodes in modern U.S.-Cuba relations. Within Miami’s Cuban exile community, the shootdown has long stood as a symbol of Havana’s willingness to project force beyond the island and of what critics view as decades of limited accountability for senior Cuban officials.

What this means for Key West and the rest of Monroe County is uncertain; little if any discussion has been had at the City or County level for what could be the most significant moment in Cuban-American relations since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

The case is also reviving broader scrutiny of Castro’s legacy. The Associated Press previously reported that federal prosecutors in Miami during the early 1990s examined potential cocaine-trafficking charges against Raúl Castro and other senior Cuban military figures based on testimony from Colombian traffickers, though no charges were ultimately filed. For critics of the Cuban government, the latest prosecution effort is being viewed as part of a broader reckoning over the conduct of Cuba’s security apparatus.

The legal and political tensions come as Axios reported that Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023 and has discussed potential strike scenarios involving Guantánamo Bay, U.S. vessels and “possibly Key West.” U.S. officials cited in the report said they do not believe Cuba is preparing an imminent attack but consider the expanding drone capability a growing strategic concern that could become significant during a future crisis.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel dismissed the drone report as false and warned that any U.S. military action against Cuba would trigger severe consequences — in his words, “a bloodbath.”

In the Florida Keys, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said he has not received any intelligence indicating a direct threat to Key West and urged residents not to panic. State and local officials, however, remain mindful that any major deterioration in U.S.-Cuba relations could lead to another large-scale migration event across the 90 miles separating Cuba and the Florida Keys that could change the face of Monroe County in general — and worrisome specifically — for decades to come.

This is an evolving story. Watch this space.

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A statement from Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay:

The statement stemmed from early reporting by Axios reporter Marc Caputo on US intelligence related to Cuba obtaining drowns to possibly target Guantanamo Bay, US military assets or possibly even Key West.

This is an evolving story. Watch this space.

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KEY WEST, Fla. — The fight over the Outer Mole Pier has mostly been treated as a local political war: cruise ships, leases, campaign rhetoric and City Hall drama.

A few people felt Cuba might be a rationale, and I mentioned the possibilities of drones playing an issue if the US were to take action against our neighbors to the south in my editorial this morning.

But didn’t think that was a very realistic scenario. However, I did point out that threat being more plausible than the Navy staging vessels in Key West Harbor due to the self-contained nature of modern surface warfare.

But a new report from veteran political journalist and friend Marc Caputo adds a far more serious backdrop to the conversation.

In an exclusive report published Sunday by Axios, Caputo detailed growing concerns inside the Trump administration over Cuba’s expanding drone capabilities and increasing military coordination with Russia and Iran. According to the report, U.S. intelligence officials believe Cuba has acquired hundreds of military drones and has discussed potential drone warfare scenarios involving American targets, including Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, U.S. military vessels and even Key West.

Caputo’s reporting also details U.S. concerns that Iranian military advisers are now operating on the ground in Havana, helping Cuba develop drone warfare strategy and military coordination capabilities just 90 miles from the Florida coast.

Russia has had military advisors on the ground for nearly 70 years and the Chinese influence cannot be overlooked, either.

The report further notes the Justice Department is expected to unseal an indictment against 94-year-old Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown. Castro was also the head of Cuba’s concerted drug smuggling efforts over the years.

If that indictment occurs, the political temperature between Washington and Havana could spike fast.

And if relations deteriorate further, all bets are off for the fantasy version of Key West politics where the biggest concerns are cruise ship schedules, powerboat races and tourism talking points.

Because beneath the t-shirt-and-cocktail economy, Key West remains what it has always been since the Civil War: a strategic military outpost sitting at the mouth of the Florida Straits.

That reality matters when discussing the Navy’s sudden push to reclaim control of the Outer Mole. What has publicly looked like a lease dispute may also reflect a broader shift in how federal officials are viewing security, infrastructure and military readiness in the region.

Click on the image below to read the exclusive report:

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