Tone-deaf comments from Mayor Danise Henriquez about families “living paycheck to paycheck” ignited backlash Tuesday morning — especially after Above the Fold confirmed that both the mayor and City Manager Brian Barroso were warned nearly a month earlier about a rapidly escalating food insecurity crisis in Key West and never responded.
That warning arrived in a Nov. 5 email from AH Monroe Director of Development and Engagement Leah Stockton, sent to the official City email addresses for the mayor and city manager.
Despite that, Barroso told commissioners Tuesday the City had received no outreach from food pantries — a claim flatly contradicted by the written record.
The Email City Hall Never Replied To
At 4:16 p.m. on Nov. 5, Stockton wrote:
“FKOC has seen 40% new clients this week, and SOS had 28 new families register in the last three days… During COVID, the City’s support made an enormous difference.”
“I wanted to reach out… and see how the City could possibly help.”
Stockton received no reply from either office.
Watch the entire discussion below.
Kaufman Sponsored the Resolution
The emergency food-aid proposal appeared before the Commission because Commissioner Sam Kaufman sponsored the resolution, ensuring the issue came forward before the holidays and before the Commission recessed until January.
Mayor’s Full Quote: A Tone-Deaf Moment That Landed Hard
Responding to concerns about a surge in families seeking help, Mayor Danise Henriquez downplayed the crisis:
“Once a month when I was tax collector, my staff made 250 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for local students.
They would only eat half because they wanted to save the other half for their sister, their brother, or it was their dinner.
So it’s not something new, that they’re living paycheck to paycheck. This has been going on for years.”
Many viewed the comments as an attempt to normalize severe hardship — at the very moment data showed food-pantry demand spiking.
One nonprofit leader told Above the Fold:
“If kids were saving half a sandwich for dinner then — and things are worse now — that’s not normal. That’s an emergency.”
The Votes: Commission Rejects Both $40,000 and $20,000
Commissioner Kaufman’s $40,000 proposal was based on documented increases in local food-pantry costs.
The funding source — the unused $75,000 UNESCO allocation — was identified by Finance Director Christina Bervaldi and City Manager Brian Barroso.
But four commissioners blocked it.
Vote on $40,000:
NO: Mayor Henriquez, Carey, Castillo, Lee
YES: Kaufman, Haskell
(Failed — appropriations require four affirmative votes.)
Commissioner Donie Lee then introduced a $20,000 compromise.
But three commissioners — Henriquez, Carey, and Castillo — again voted against providing any emergency support, resulting in another 3–3 deadlock.
Vote on $20,000:
YES: Lee, Kaufman, Haskell
NO: Mayor Henriquez, Carey, Castillo
(Failed — still short of the four-vote threshold.)
With no further meetings until January, Key West will provide no municipal assistance during the highest-need weeks of the year.
It is important to note that despite repeated pleas from residents and service providers, the City of Key West continues to debate whether it can spare even a modest allocation for emergency food assistance — a striking contrast to its own financial posture.
According to its most recent comprehensive annual financial reports, the city controls nearly $1 billion in total assets in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the US and carries zero long-term debt, positioning it as one of the more fiscally stable small municipalities in Florida.
Castillo: “Right now is not a crucial time.”
Commissioner Aaron Castillo repeatedly argued the situation was not an emergency:
“Right now is not a crucial time to do this. The government is back open.”
He added: “The economy is not in a bad place right now. I don’t think this is the time.”
He warned that helping food programs could lead to other nonprofits seeking support: “We open this up and every nonprofit will come forward saying, ‘What about me?’”
Kaufman: “These are our neighbors — not abstract numbers.”
“Loaves & Fish has seen a 30% increase in clients… SOS is seeing 8–9 new weekly sign-ups.
These are not abstract numbers — they’re our neighbors, seniors, and working families choosing between rent, food, and utilities.”
Haskell: “This could have been a Christmas story.”
Commissioner Monica Haskell was puzzled at the lack of support for the initiative, particularly given the looming holiday season.
“It’s not out of the ordinary for the City to support worthy causes…
I hope anyone on the dais who has a change of heart will bring the resolution back.
That would be a great Christmas story in the tradition of Dickens and Dr. Seuss.”
Massicotte: “We need to reexamine our priorities.”
District V candidate Chris Massicotte took to social media to express his frustration for with the decision from the dais.
“We had $75,000 for a special election to extend the mayor’s term… $120,000 for the former city attorney… over $100,000 for a former city manager fired to protect three people now indicted for felonies. But somehow we don’t have $40,000 to help feed residents facing food insecurity. We need to reexamine our priorities.”
Compton: “Key West shows up for each other — with or without the City.”
District IV candidate Sarah Compton — who has been coordinating community support for local food pantries echoed Massicotte’s sentiments.
“I was disheartened by the vote, but not surprised,” she said. “We’re already working to pack food pantries and make sure families have what they need this holiday season.”
Where to Get Help — and Where to Give
Loaves & Fish Pantry (AH Monroe / FKOC)
2221 Patterson Ave. • 305-296-4888
SOS Foundation – Community Kitchen & Pantry
1010 United St. • 305-417-1220
Glad Tidings Tabernacle Pantry
1209 United St. • 305-296-5773
Cooking With Love (Senior Meals)
305-741-7344 • cookingwithlovekw@gmail.com
Star of the Sea Outreach / Catholic Charities
5640 MacDonald Ave. • 305-292-2745
United Methodist Pantry
600 Eaton St. • 305-296-2392
Key West Food Drive
sarah@sc4iv.com
