Ed. note: Due to a technical issue (me) this Morning Bucci was accidentally published before it was ready to go. Above the Fold apologizes for the error. The correct version is now attached.
Good morning, Florida Keys.
Pour a bucci, grab your mimosa or settle into a Bloody… there is lots to unpack with news and information from Key West to Key Largo.
KEY WEST
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SURGES IN KEY WEST AS HAITI’S CRISIS DEEPENS
KEY WEST, Fla. — Federal immigration enforcement continued across Key West on Friday, with three separate Key West police officers assisting in operations stretching from Patterson Avenue to White Street.
New Key West Commission Faces Questions Over City Attorney, Waste Costs
KEY WEST, Fla. — Sam Kaufman will take the mayor’s seat for the first time Thursday alongside new commissioners Mark Rossi and Chris Massicotte, and current commissioners Aaron Castillo, Lissette Carey, Vice Mayor Donie Lee, and Monica Haskel.
Dirty Dining: Six Keys Establishments Post Perfect Inspections; Two Restaurants Temporarily Closed
Ed. Note: As a service to readers, Above the Fold is now publishing restaurant inspections on a two-week rotating basis in the interest of providing diners with the most up-to-date information possible on bars and r…
Sunday Funny
County Clears Hurdle For Wisteria Island Mooring Field
Monroe County has received permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for the planned Man of War Harbor Mooring Field near Wisteria Island.
Once the moorings are installed, a state law will limit vessels to 90 days in one location within 10 nautical miles of a public mooring field or designated anchoring area. The county is developing another mooring field in the Boca Chica basin. Read more
MARATHON
Search For City Manager Continues
The Marathon City Council is continuing its search for a permanent city manager. The city’s latest update says the council remains involved in the selection process after previously seeking additional interviews with candidates. Read more
Council Approves Nonprofit Grants
The Marathon City Council has approved its latest round of funding for nonprofit organizations serving the community. The city included the awards among its most recent official announcements. Read more
Wastewater Rates Increase Oct. 1
Marathon wastewater customers will see new rates beginning Oct. 1. The city announced the increase as part of its latest round of utility and budget updates. Read more
KEY COLONY BEACH
Foster Elected To Statewide Mayors Board
Key Colony Beach Mayor Freddie Foster has been elected to the Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors. The organization represents mayors and municipal leaders from across the state. Read more
City Moves Forward With Storm-Drain Contract
Key Colony Beach has issued a notice of intent to award its storm-drainage system cleaning contract to All Clear Underground Solutions of Largo. Read more
ISLAMORADA
Fishing Captain Recovering After Lightning Strike
Islamorada fishing captain Rick Stanczyk, 44, has been released from the hospital after being struck by lightning while on the water.
Crew members performed CPR until Islamorada paramedics arrived. Stanczyk was flown to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, according to WPLG Local 10. Read more
Farmers Market Returns Sunday
The Florida Keys Farmers Market is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in Islamorada. The weekly market features food, produce and locally made goods. Read more
KEY LARGO
Rowell’s Waterfront Park Remains Closed
Rowell’s Waterfront Park remains closed for construction through Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Monroe County said unexpected delays extended the project and apologized for the inconvenience. Read more
REEF Plans Educator Open House
REEF will hold an Ocean After Hours educator open house Tuesday, Sept. 1, at its Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo. The event is intended for educators and community members interested in ocean conservation and educational programs. Read more
MONROE COUNTY
County Offers Election-Sign Recycling
Residents and campaigns can recycle political signs at designated locations through Dec. 15.
Collection sites include the Key Largo, Long Key and Cudjoe Key transfer stations; Waste Management on Rockland Key; and the Key West Lions Club parking lot on North Roosevelt Boulevard. Read more
County Projects Smaller Impact From Amendment 3
Monroe County Property Appraiser Scott Russell says the county could face a smaller financial impact than originally projected if voters approve Amendment 3 in November.
The proposal would increase homestead exemptions to $150,000 in fiscal 2027 and $250,000 in fiscal 2028 while reducing the assessment-growth cap on nonhomestead property from 10% to 5%.
Earlier state estimates projected Monroe County could lose about $9 million in revenue in fiscal 2027 and $17.5 million in fiscal 2028. Read more
COMING UP
Monday, Aug. 31: Pilates at 7th Street Park in Key Colony Beach at 8 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo is scheduled to reopen after construction.
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Duck Key Security District Advisory Board meeting.
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Household hazardous waste collection on Cudjoe Key.
Thursday, Sept. 3: Key West City Commission meetings at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 3: Monroe County District 2 satellite office at Big Pine Key Community Park.
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