In an extraordinary special meeting marked by public frustration, procedural recalibration, and repeated acknowledgments of mistakes, the Key West City Commission on Wednesday approved a $75,000 emergency grant program for local food pantries — a dramatic reversal from last week’s failed vote that ignited widespread community outrage during the peak of the holiday season.
Five commissioners attended. Commissioners Lissette Carey and Greg Veliz were absent — a detail that took on political weight after Sarah Compton, a Planning Board member and declared District IV candidate challenging Carey, delivered pointed criticism directly into the microphone facing the incumbent’s empty chair.
The commission entered the chamber under scrutiny after last week’s 4–2 vote rejecting a $40,000 aid package, a decision that many residents viewed as out of step with community need.
Resetting After a Political Misfire
Commissioner Sam Kaufman, whose initial resolution failed last week, opened Wednesday’s meeting by withdrawing his competing proposal and thanking Mayor Danise Henriquez for embracing the higher $75,000 funding level. He noted that the existence of dueling resolutions reflected Sunshine Law restrictions, which prevent commissioners from coordinating outside of public meetings.
Henriquez said she called the special meeting to establish a clearer, fairer process after the prior week’s confusion, noting she wanted a transparent method that would not overlook any eligible organization.
Public Comment: Sharp Criticism, Emotional Testimony, and Campaign Undercurrents
A candidate confronts an absent incumbent
Compton offered the day’s most pointed critique, telling commissioners the community viewed last week’s vote as “political theater.”
“It was clear the resolution couldn’t be allowed to pass simply because Commissioner Kaufman’s name was at the bottom,” she said. “What you don’t do is vote no, wait for public backlash, and then call a special meeting to fix a problem you created.”
Her comments highlighted public frustration — and the political stakes of the 2026 District IV race.
Other testimony reveals deep community tension
Former Commissioner Margaret Romero urged the city not to act as a social-services agency, citing uneven awareness of food-distribution groups.
Nonprofit leaders and volunteers rebuked the suggestion, describing overwhelming need.
Heather Slivko-Bathurst recounted families rationing formula and diapers, and parents requesting grocery cards instead of Christmas gifts.
Debbie Mason, a nonprofit consultant, said school-based food requests had risen 30 percent this year, calling conditions “the toughest in decades.”
Carey’s Position: A Statement Read Into the Record
Although absent, Commissioner Lissette Carey submitted a detailed written statement explaining why she continued to oppose both versions of the proposal.
Carey reiterated that she had not been approached by any local food banks, saying the only documented request was the A.H. Monroe email from last week’s meeting. She said she proactively contacted the CEO and a board member of the SOS Foundation, who told her SOS was not seeking city support at this time.
Carey also opposed routing funds through the Continuum of Care, arguing its mission centers on homelessness, not broader food insecurity, and that city funding should flow directly to nonprofits.
She urged the commission to ensure applicants had exhausted other community funding sources, such as the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, before turning to taxpayers. Carey added that local toy drives with surplus donations might consider purchasing grocery gift cards for families.
Her statement lacked empathy for struggling households — noting she has lived paycheck to paycheck — but emphasized fiscal responsibility during the holiday season.
Commission Deliberation: How Much, How Fast, and Who Decides
Commissioners debated several questions: whether to fund $40,000 or $75,000; whether the Continuum of Care should administer funds; and how to balance fairness with urgency.
Funding source clarified
City Manager Brian Barroso said $75,000 remained available in a former UNESCO budget line. He said staff could distribute funds “within about five days,” though it remained unclear whether disbursements would occur five days after individual application approval or five days after the Dec. 31 application deadline.
City Clerk’s role defined
City Clerk Keri O’Brien clarified that:
• Applications must be submitted directly to her office by hand, email, or U.S. mail.
• She will time-stamp every application.
• She will deliver received applications to the City Manager at the end of each business day, ensuring continuity in the first-come, first-served process.
CoC debate
Kaufman advocated using the Continuum of Care’s grant-review expertise, but no other commissioners supported the idea.
A process takes shape
Commissioners reached consensus on:
• $75,000 total funding
• A cap of $7,500 per organization
• A three-page application
• Direct submission to the City Clerk
• Funding available on a first-come, first-serve basis until Dec. 31 or until funds are exhausted
• Disbursements expected to begin within ~five days, pending clarification of timing
A Unanimous Vote After a Week of Turmoil
Commissioners Castillo, Haskell, Lee, Kaufman, and Mayor Henriquez voted yes.
Carey and Veliz were absent.
Haskell called the outcome “a rare bright spot in a difficult week.”
“It’s as close as government can get to a Christmas miracle,” she said.
Kaufman, whose original measure failed the prior week, said the reversal demonstrated the commission’s ability to correct course.
“I’m very grateful that the City Commission came together today to approve $75,000 in support for our local food pantries. This is the right decision for our community, especially during the holiday season when the need is greatest,” Kaufman said. “We should look forward, not backward. Last week’s outcome was disappointing, but today we chose to come together, correct course, and do what’s best for our residents. My hope is that this spirit of unity and compassion continues as we work to support every family in Key West.”
ANALYSIS: A Policy Fix With Political Ripples
The special meeting corrected a policy misstep but exposed deeper tensions between public expectations, procedural constraints, and election-year scrutiny. The city may need a permanent mechanism to address food insecurity, rather than relying on ad hoc emergency actions.
WHAT’S NEXT
Applications are available immediately. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until Dec. 31 or until the $75,000 is exhausted. Disbursements are expected within roughly five business days, though staff has not yet clarified whether that timeline begins upon approval of each application or after the application period closes.
The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6 at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 1300 White Street.
