Cuba Resolution, Fire Station Tribute And Major Infrastructure Votes Headline Key West Commission Agenda
Meeting Follows Packed Public Forum On Cuba Concerns As Political Tensions Intensify Ahead Of City Elections.
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.
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.
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.
THE FRAUDULENT AND CORRUPT ACTS OF THE BUBBA BOZO TRIO
Well, the Monroe County State Attorneys Office released the grand jury report delving into corruption at 1300 White Street and the dirty dealings by the Bubba Bozo Trio of disgraced (and likely disba…
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.