Commission trims Creative City funding to $75,000 as supporters argue commission financial support could deliver global recognition — along with a tremendous return on cultural investment.
The library collection at Key West’s San Carlos Institute. / CONTRIBUTED
For nearly 150 years, some of American literature’s biggest names have made their imprint on the Southernmost City.
Starting in 2018, city leaders and community partners began courting the United Nations council for education, sciences and culture (UNESCO,) for membership in the worldwide network of Creative Cities as evidenced by the letter below:
Over the last seven years, it appears that former alliances may have weathered like a shotgun shack next to Louie’s in a tropical storm.
But Dade County pine — like a Conch — is ever resilient.
They bend.
They flex.
They will not break.
Maybe.
Last week, during the final reading of the Key West FY 25-26 budget, some city leaders unexpectedly withdrew half of the money allotted to support the effort as a line-item — reducing the amount from $150,000 to $75,000.
Part of that stemmed from the Key West Chamber of Commerce publicly — and perhaps privately — coming out in opposition of the City helping fund the UNESCO initiative.
“I am not sure where those cuts came from,” said Commissioner Sam Kaufman, during the meeting. “Nobody asked me, and I can’t understand why we would be cutting this when it could be such a big boost to our economy.”
The lack of response by the rest of the commission and city staff was asunderous.
Kaufman said that he was concerned that when so many businesses are claiming to be struggling, that the Chamber and commission couldn’t come together on what would be a minimal contribution for an exponential return on investment.
Who’s Who in Key West Letters
Clockwise from upper left, Hemingway, Williams, Blume, Thompson, Frost and Caputo.
Ernest Hemingway — Wrote To Have and Have Not while living at his Whitehead Street home. His Key West years cemented his legend as both novelist and adventurer.
Tennessee Williams — Finished A Streetcar Named Desire in a cottage near Louisa Street and made the island his winter refuge for decades, while spending lazy days around the Casa Marina pool with fellow author, Truman Capote.
Judy Blume — Author of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Blume lives in Key West and co-owns Books & Books, where she still greets readers.
Philip Caputo — Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author of A Rumor of War, Caputo has long drawn inspiration from time on the island.
Robert Frost — Spent more than a decade wintering in Key West, writing in a small cottage off Caroline Street.
Hunter S. Thompson — Sharpened his Gonzo voice on the island while working as a journalist in the 1970s and ‘80s and also terrorizing the backcountry, the Goode family at Sugarloaf Lodge, Boog Powell’s Marina (and numerous inoffensive boats tied up peacefully at their docks) and The Chart Room Bar.
From left, Corcoran, Hambright and Frank.
Tom Corcoran — Former Coral Reefer, and mystery writer, known for his Alex Rutledge novels set in Old Town Key West. As a professional photographer, he documented Jimmy Buffet’s ascendence from bar stools to the big stage.
Tom Hambright — Longtime Monroe County historian remembered for documenting and interpreting Key West’s cultural story. Hambright often warned during the early days of the cruise ship debate that the island faced a crossroads between mass tourism and its literary legacy.
Nance Frank — Gallery owner, cultural advocate, and chair of Key West’s UNESCO Committee. Frank has championed the idea that the island’s literary and artistic traditions remain a “living force” and should be projected onto the global stage.
Together, they embody a literary lineage that advocates say make Key West uniquely positioned to become Florida’s first UNESCO Creative City. Thanks to a bloodline that includes singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who wrote much of his iconic album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes in the Southernmost City and also authored several books.
New York.
San Francisco.
Chicago.
The greatest metropolis cities.
Of the world.
They all had a piece of some.
Key West had them all.
Probably Key West’s most famous modern writer — Jimmy Buffett — post tropical depression at Louie’s Backyard. / TOM CORCORAN
While some may consider Buffett a lightweight, he was a force to be reckoned with who has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy in Key West — just since his passing on Sept. 1, 2023 — not to mention what he did before that.
His mark on the Isle of Bones is and always will be indelible like the purple-ink on a Winn Dixie t-bone.
Regardless of ones favored genre, the Island City has a little piece of something for everybody.
Yet while San Antonio budgets about $250,000 a year to support its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it appears that some Key West commissioners were hoping to get by on the cheap.
Some appear more concerned about derailing funding for an Inspector General as recommended by a seething Grand Jury report or making sure the city coffers have enough to cover their own legal fees due to malfeasance committed during their watch on the dais.
But.
I digress.
For a city with ZERO debt, nearly $1 billion in real property and almost $53 million in reserves, the $150,000 line item represents less than .052 percent of the the overall budget.
Supporters argue the UNESCO designation would cement Key West’s cultural identity and open the door to international recognition, tourism opportunities and preservation funding — ensuring the island’s creative legacy remains alive for future generations.
Global stage for a small island
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network links nearly 350 cities across various disciplines worldwide, including Dublin, Edinburgh and Reykjavik.
Likely, if you don’t recognize those names… perhaps you shouldn’t have any input in the public discourse. At least that is what the Associated Press thinks.
“What all of these members of the global community have in common is that they are committed to fostering creativity and culture as a driver of sustainable development.” — UNESCO
For literature, the recognition goes beyond a title.
It positions the City of Key West on the vanguard for cultural tourism and connects local writers, publishers and educators to a network.
On a global scale.
Who’s leading the bid
The UNESCO effort is being spearheaded by the Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF), Key West’s longtime steward of architectural and cultural heritage.
Founded in 1960, OIRF operates the Oldest House Museum & Gardens, supports preservation grants and community programming, and has become the organizing backbone of the UNESCO push.
THE Wilhelmina Goehring-Harvey was a founding member.
The Conch Queen meets The Queen of England as the Queen’s Consort looks on at Fort Jefferson. / ANDY NEWMAN
I will stop there.
The 501(c) (3) nonprofit is working in concert with the City of Key West and a network of cultural and educational institutions to make the dream a reality.
But the City’s lack of interest in funding at the full $150,000 level seems to belie previous statements by current Mayor Danise Henriquez.
Previously, Henriquez has called writing “the heartbeat of Key West,” framing the UNESCO bid as a way to elevate the creative economy.
At last week’s meeting, the city’s unwillingness to commit less than .055 percent of its total budget to the effort seemed disingenuous — at best.
But local gallery owner and cultural advocate Nance Frank, sees the positives and has said the island’s literary heritage is not just history but a “living force” that continues to shape the community’s identity — inline — with the mantra of One Human Family.
Frank should know.
She has had a distinguished career in the arts and cultural world.
And wants the best for Key West.
Frank is also the chair for UNESCO committee and a member of OIRF and the Key West Chamber of Commerce.
The application cleared UNESCO’s technical review in March 2025, meaning Key West’s case is already strong enough to be considered by the international body — with a decision coming before the end of the year.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Key West,” said Frank. “Our mayor has been incredibly supportive. She has done some fantastic things for the county (as tax collector) and is continuing to do great things for us,” in the city.
That milestone, supporters say, proves the island’s bid is serious — if Key West itself chooses to stand behind it financially.
Frank is optimistic that the bid will receive the support of both the City and and the Chamber of Commerce at the reduced amount.
Currently, the Monroe County TDC is providing support for the campaign by providing public relations services. In addition to funding from the City of Key West, Frank expects to receive financial support from the TDC and its Cultural Umbrella once Key West’s case is approved which could happen by the end of the year.
Coming Tomorrow Part II: The economic and cultural dividends of UNESCO Creative City status.
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