CFK Trustees to Meet Monday on Trapped Key deer, President’s contract

A newly reshaped board appointed largely by Gov. Ron DeSantis will consider issues surrounding the college’s Big Pine Key property and continue discussions that could determine the future of President

The Board of Trustees will discuss the Big Pine Key Property where a small herd of Key deer have been trapped for more than four months. They will also discuss the future of College President Dr. Jonathan Guevara. / CONTRIBUTED

KEY LARGO, Fla. — The College of the Florida Keys District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo to discuss the college’s Big Pine Key property, including the future of trapped Key deer, and the employment contract of President Jonathan “Dr. G” Guevara.

The meeting follows the board’s June 30 vote to retain the Key West law firm Smith-Hawks, P.L., to review Guevara’s employment agreement and determine whether legal grounds exist to terminate his contract.

The seven-member board has undergone a dramatic transformation this year, with six trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis within the past six months. Peter Batty Jr., Robert Broton, Michael Downer and Edward “Eddie” Kertis were appointed in January, while Susan Raffanello and Andrew Dulcey joined the board in June. Chair Alexandria Suarez is the only trustee who served before the board’s 2026 overhaul.

The meeting will be held at the Upper Keys Center, 106040 Overseas Highway in Key Largo.

The agenda will be posted on the College website prior to the meeting.