Good Morning, Key West
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Good morning Key West, and welcome to your Morning Bucci!
A semi-irregular morning serving of breaking news, some you might have missed, and articles from around Florida and beyond.
BREAKING: Two Monroe County deputies arrested in fentanyl smuggling case
Two Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detention deputies, Alex Caminero, 38, and James Gregory Gardner, 52, were arrested Friday for allegedly conspiring to smuggle about six grams of fentanyl into the Stock Island Detention Center. Both face multiple felony charges, including drug trafficking, smuggling contraband, and bribery, and have been placed on administrative leave without pay pending pre-termination hearings. Read more »
Key West aims for safer streets with new roundabout
Work is underway at Staples Avenue and 4th Street to install a roundabout aimed at slowing traffic and protecting cyclists and pedestrians. Studies show roundabouts can cut severe crashes by up to 90% and improve traffic flow. Completion is expected later this year, part of the city’s push for safer, more walkable streets. Read more about the new roundabout »
ICYMI — Budgets & Taxes
Here is the latest for municipal budgets throughout the Florida Keys
The City of Marathon will use part of its $144.6 million budget reserves — equal to 486 days of operating costs — to avoid raising property taxes in 2025-26. The city’s $24.9 million general fund is up $2.5 million, fueled by rising fire, police, and staffing costs as the workforce grows 40% in three years. More on the Marathon budget »
Monroe County commissioners finalized a $672.2 million spending plan on Sept. 10. The budget holds the millage rate steady at 2.6929, cutting back roughly $2 million in property tax revenue. Despite a smaller budget overall, the plan includes raises for EMS and law enforcement, a new fire station on Sugarloaf Key, and more funding for capital and emergency reserves. More on the Monroe County Budget »
Most Key West City Commissioners voted Sept. 11 to back a 4% property tax increase above rollback, down from 5%. That means about $72 more per year for a $600,000 homesteaded home. Staff must now cut spending before the Sept. 25 final budget vote. More on the City of Key West’s budget »
The Monroe County School Board approved its $320.65 million 2026 budget, setting the combined millage rate at 2.9470. That translates into a tax of $294.70 per $100,000 of assessed property value, or an $8.30 increase (2.9% increase) over last year.
More one the Monroe County School Board budget »
CFO blasts Orange County — Monroe could be next
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia slammed Orange County officials Monday, claiming $190 million in overspending and warning taxpayers are being “bled dry.” But the figures lack context: the county hasn’t raised its millage rate in five years, pandemic relief and inflation skew spending trends, and population growth and tourism increase service demand. Much of the spending went to public safety, children’s programs, and mental health. Observers say it’s only a matter of time before Ingoglia sets his sights on Monroe County, signaling the battle over property taxes is heating up in Ron DeSantis’ final act as governor. Check out The Orlando Sentinel editorial board’s take »
Around the Web
Part-time Key Wester to be honored by Bonefish and Tarpon Trust
Join the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust at 583 Park Avenue, NYC as they celebrate part-time Key West resident W. Thorpe McKenzie, recipient of the 2025 Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation. The evening features an introduction by Paul Tudor Jones II, live bluegrass from Mountain Cove, a moving tribute to the late Flip Pallot by author T. Edward Nickens, and live and silent auctions — all hosted by Steve Liesman of CNBC. To purchase tickets or learn more »
“Warm Blob” in Pacific Signals Harsh Winter Ahead
Scientists are sounding the alarm over a massive marine heat wave in the North Pacific — the fourth largest since 1982 — that’s pushing sea-surface temps well above average. From Alaska to California, its effects could ripple into brutal winter weather, risky marine life outbreaks, and longer-lasting algae blooms. Read more about “The Blob” »