Chamber Chowder©510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West www.keywestchamber.org

Page 1 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

I f it were not for term limits, Holly Raschein and Anitere Flores may very well have been reelected for life as state representative and state senator, respectively, from the Florida Keys. But the popular duo must surrender

their seats following November’s general election and the burden of following in their shoes falls to a talented group of party nominees who appeared at the Chamber’s August General Membership Meeting via Zoom.

Democrat Javier Fernandez and Republican Ana Maria Rodriguez, a pair of sitting state representatives, will square off in the race for Senate District 39, while Islamorada Councilman Jim Mooney, a Republican, takes on political newcomer Clint Barras, a Democratic businessman from Key West.

The nominees fielded a range of questions that focused on everything from the state’s unemployment woes to the budget impacts of COVID-19. One of the most poignant exchanges came in the Senate race where the candidates drew a line in the sand over the possibility of federal aid for states and local municipalities. Rodriguez did not back away from her conservative credentials, explaining why she signed a Republican group letter opposing bailouts.

“I don’t support accepting federal funds because there are many states around our country that run their states irresponsibly and do not balance their budget like Florida does. Because we do balance our budget and we have money in reserves, I don’t think it would be responsible to accept that as Floridians because we do manage our money well.”

Fernandez framed the federal support in the larger context of a state budget that had to be carved up after the latest legislative session ended. “Florida is a recipient state not a donor state so every dollar we get from the federal government allows us to keep taxes lower in Florida. We need to get back into

Message from President Greg Sullivan

A s August draws to a close there is light at the end of the tunnel. For a few days the hot topic was not Covid-19 but another

familiar situation, Hurricane Laura. Thanks to everyone who visited the Grotto as once again we were spared a direct hit which was earlier predicted. Key Westers did what they do best--make lemonade out of lemons. White Street Pier was the place to be Monday afternoon to play in the waves as they broke over the outer rails. To quote our City Manager, Greg Veliz we know how to do hurricanes.

Locally we are seeing a decline in positive Covid tests and some progress statewide. Our own Bill Lay as chair of our Bar & Restaurant Committee has asked for some relief to allow patrons to be allowed to use bar space while socially distancing. Restaurants are still as of this day restricted to 50% but, only seeing 30% to 40% of diners. They are literally counting pennies to survive and keep staff working. Hotels see similar decreases with weekdays average 25% and weekends 60% occupancy, again counting pennies in order to keep the doors open and staff able to survive.

The chamber is involved with both city programs, of Covid recovery and Duval Street revitalization. We have members on various committees to both listen and be a voice for our

continued on page 3 4

continued on page 3 4

The raCe IS oNSTaTe CaNdIdaTeS SQUare oFF IN Chamber ForUm

by Scott atwell

Table of ContentsChamber Spotlight Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

FREE Marketing Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Ready, Set, COLLEGE! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Business Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7-8

Tom Sawyer 5 Star Program . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Welcome New Members! . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Chamber Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . 11

Page 2 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

Ernest HemingwayHouse Museum

907 Whitehead StKey West, FL 33040

305-294-1136

La ConchaCrowne Plaza430 Duval St

Key West, FL 33040305-296-2991

Horan Law608 Whitehead St

Key West, FL 33040305-294-4585

The Chamber Chowder Heartily Thanks These Businesses for Their Generous Support of this Issue of the Newsletter

Porter AllenInsurance Company

513 Southard StKey West, FL 33040

305-294-2542

Old Town Key West Development

201 Front St, Suite 301Key West, FL 33040

305-294-3225

I f you were around Key West in the 1980s you no doubt found your way to the Casa Marina’s famed Calabash Lounge, where Jim Tallman first

came to the island and cut his teeth on the bar business as beverage manager. Flash forward thirty years and the Rhode Island native has come full circle, returning as Director of Restaurant Operations for the Casa Marina and The Reach, both operated under Hilton’s corporate umbrella.

Tallman’s territory at the two Key West properties spans everything from the bar and pool experience to upscale dining, including Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill and HMS Sidecar Speakeasy at the Casa, and

the newly crowned Four Marlins at the Reach, where he’s teamed with personable General Manager Christopher McLeod and Executive Chef Kevin Spencer. “Chef Kevin has immersed himself in the food & cultures that influence the food scene of Key West. He brings flavors and influence from the Caribbean, Cuba, Creole, Haitian, southern, and the low country which give the food at Four Marlins it’s soul and personality, allowing us to tell the story.”

After that original Key West stint, Tallman headed west to San Diego to grow his career with Marriott Hotels and later entered the freestanding bar and nightclub world by turning an under-appreciated cabaret bar into

a local’s go-to. Then he was off to New York City to learn the W Hotel brand. “In the 90’s and early 2000’s that’s how you did it,” he says. “Hotels were expanding, and I would go and open a lot of them.” Tallman has also worked in Houston, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Florida, in hotel-based operations and free-standing restaurants. He has even furthered his wine studies while living in France.

“The fact that I’ve lived in so many parts of the country usually gives me a connection with people,” he says, “a frame of reference that makes it easy to strike up a conversation with a guest and enhance the dining experience.”

While Tallman considers himself a behind the scenes guy with a knack for putting the right people in the right positions for success, he also recognizes the external relations imperative of the hospitality industry.

“Restaurants are a fantastic way to be part of a community. People like knowing who their bartender is…who their restaurant manager is. I like being part of an industry that allows you to be part of the community, and I’ll be supportive of any local organization looking to promote itself in a way that allows us to be a partner.”

Four Marlins is open for breakfast, lunch dinner and Sunday Brunch with a local’s discount of 15% off food and beverage, plus a weekday happy hour (5:30-6:30) featuring half off any liquor in the bar. Sun Sun Beach Bar and Grill features a generous 10 p.m. closing time.

Each month, the Key West Chamber of Commerce spotlights a business or professional person whose business card is drawn at the Business After Hours. This month’s winner is Jim Tallman, Director of Restaurant Operations, Casa Marina and The Reach. Photo: L-R: Jim Tallman, Christopher McLeod and Kevin Spencer.

Chamber Spotlight Shines on ... Jim Tallman, Director of Restaurant Operations, Casa Marina and The Reach

Page 3 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

members. The City just approved a $250,000, project with KCI to do a Duval Street re-image plan. KCI intends to interview local businesses for their input, and I encourage you to meet with them and get your opinion and concerns out there. You can go to the city’s web site and see the presentation from the August 19th commission meeting. http://keywestcity.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=1182

Finally, the cruise ship issue! The chamber continues to gather FACTS for you to be an informed voter. I ask you go to our web site https://www.keywestchamber.org/ and educate yourself. There is a large amount of overstated information from the anti-cruise side, for example the stated income for the Bar Pilots is not $2 million profit. That may be a total gross number, but once you deduct expenses (fuel, insurance, dockage, maintenance, personnel and licenses) the two million quickly becomes a smaller number. Along with legal issues and potential financial obligations put upon the city by the referendum we have many unanswered consequences. We are still waiting for the cruise ship Industry to get a green light to move forward. The referendum will only allow 22 ships where for 2020 we were scheduled 417port calls. In its 2021 budget the city projects a drop in cruise revenue from $1.7 million to just $40,000. I don’t have the magic sweet spot number, but I can tell you it is not 22 port calls. Do your homework for yourself and make a good decision.

Please support your local merchants, buy local.

President’s Message cont. from page 1 4

session to vote on a balanced budget. We have allowed the Governor to veto his way out of a deficit. We’re looking at significant shortfalls and need to reprioritize where we are putting dollars and that means putting everything on the table.”

Barras said it was less about tightening belts and more about tax fairness. “At the end of the last legislative session our Republican-led government gave a tax refund of $543 million to Florida’s largest and biggest corporations. A couple weeks later Governor DeSantis line item vetoed over a billion dollars out of the budget—$10 million out of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, literally taking money from food pantries in our district. If you show me your budget and I’ll show you your priorities.”

Rodriguez countered with a pro-business philosophy founded on less government. “How do we close the budget gap? Businesses need to re-open and things need to get back to normal. People need to get back to work and people want to get back to work in a safe manner in a way that in responsible, with social distance, wearing masks to protect themselves and the people around them. But staying closed is irresponsible. It is going to continue killing our economy. The faster we reopen in a safe manner that is protecting ourselves as well as those around us will help us get our economy back not just where it was but even better.”

One of Mooney’s major selling points is his lifelong history in the Keys, where he was born, raised and served as a teacher and coach before entering a successful career as a real estate broker. That experience gave him a front-row perspective on the recent plan by Monroe County to explore a toll road on U.S. 1.

“I’ve been hearing about tolls since I was ten years old. I’m all for tolls but the biggest challenge is changing how FDOT allocates

money. They’re going to want to put it into asphalt and that’s not a good place. We welcome more than five million visitors a year. We love our tourists and we love our day trippers but we’re spending a lot of money on the back side making sure our tourists have a good time and return safely. But it comes at a price.” Mooney believes funding the impact of tourism or stormwater runoff would be a better use of the toll monies, if only it could get reallocated.

Rodriguez is willing to support a toll study but acknowledged she is generally opposed to taxes and tolls, while Fernandez saw the toll question in the larger light of how money moves from Tallahassee to the Keys. “Monroe County contributes a disproportionate share revenue to the state in terms of sales tax. The state distributes that money back to counties per capita and that’s inherently unfair to a county the size of Monroe County.”

A question about diversifying the local tourist-based economy led Barras down an unexpected path. He acknowledged the need to maintain tourism but also pointed out the risks of having the state’s highest percentage of jobs tied to a vulnerable sector. “In Monroe County 42 percent of all households are at ALICE (asset limited) or poverty level and 70% of school children are at free or reduced lunch,” said Barras, whose opening statement included a story about growing up poor in a central Florida family dependent on food stamps. “So here we are in this area of great wealth and just under the surface there is suffering around us. We can do better as a state.”

The Chamber will continue candidate forums in September (county nominees) and October (city and U.S. House). The general Election is slated for November 3.

“Scott Atwell” cont. from page 1 4

Page 4 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

The Key West Chamber of Commerce offers members a FREE member benefit with our online JOBBANK located at https://www.keywestchamber.org/ under the community tab. Whether you’re a local seeking a new job, a long time island enthusiast seeking an opportunity to move and work in paradise, or you’re a Member Business looking for your next talented team member, this is the place for you! You can post your new positions and apply for openings in the area! This service is FREE to all member businesses! If you are already a member, you can upload your available positions

directly off the website by clicking here: https://www.keywestchamber.org/job-submit

For assistance contact the chamber offices at 305-294-2587.

did you know the Key west Chamber of Commerce is currently offering FREE marketing tools for our valued members?

� Job Portal

The Key West Chamber offers a FREE on-line coupon program. Along with the FREE business listing and website link that comes with your Chamber membership, you also have the ability to market an on-line coupon through our “Shell Out Less” program. The “Shell Out Less” page includes a categorized listing of all participating businesses, along with an online coupon featuring a special offer or discount. Please visit https://www.keywestchamber.org/ to view existing coupons, see what specials are out there and get ideas for what you might want to offer. Customers can click, print and “Shell Out Less.”

This is available to all members. For a coupon submission form click here:

https://www.keywestchamber.org/discount-coupons

� The “Shell out Less” Coupon Program

The Key West Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center has COMPLIMENTARY business card and

brochure space available! You can display a standard rack card,

or discount business card. (Business cards will be dedicated to discount promotions ONLY) SPACE IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME,

FIRST SERVE BASIS.

� The rack Card Program

For additional information on any of our Free tools, please reach out to Shay at the Chamber 305-294-2587 or e-mail info@keywestchamber.org

“It takes two the Chamber and YoU!”

Page 5 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

Page 6 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

3.4% 3.3% 3.0% 2.9% 2.7% 2.5% 3.0% 2.8%4.3%

13.5% 13.5%

10.5%

11.5%

2.1% 2.1% 1.8% 1.9% 1.7% 1.7% 2.0% 1.9% 2.5%

22.0%20.7%

12.4%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

Une

mpl

oym

ent

Rat

e

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Florida Unemployment RatesJuly 2019 - July 2020

Florida Unemployment Key West Unemployment

$-

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Bed

Tax

Col

lect

ions

in D

olla

rs

Source: Monroe County Tax Collector

Key West Bed Tax CollectionsJanuary 2015 - June 2020

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Airport closed 9/8-19/2017 for Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma 9/10/2017

Thus far in 2020, the 182,892 deplanements is 39.4% less than the 301,882 passengers that arrived in Key West over the same period in 2019. There were just 475 landings in Key West in July of this year compared to the 626 landings in July of 2019. Traffic to Key West International Airport was down 24.1.% for the month and 24.4% for the year to date. However, the total number of arrivals in July represents a 36.7% increase in Passengers from June 2020. The increase from June to July gives signs of encouragement as we anticipate August deplanement numbers.

Key West Airport currently offers nonstop flights to Atlanta by Delta. Flights to Miami, Charlotte, Dallas, and Philadelphia by American Airlines. Silver Airways services Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale daily.

There is still a lot of uncertainty within the airline industry and the airlines themselves will add and cut flights to locations based on demand.

The State of Florida's unemployment rate increased in July to 11.5% from 10.5% in June. Locally, the Monroe County unemployment rate was 16.5% in May and 9.9% in June. The Key West rate was reported at 20.7% and 12.4% for the same two months and July numbers have not yet been released. The total documented Key West labor force which is never reported at more than 17,000 workers reached 18,192 in May. The speculated reason for this increase is that contract workers and self-employed people who have non payroll incomes have applied for unemployment for the first time. The National unemployment rate fell from 11.2% in June to 10.5% in July.

In the most recent Business Environment Survey conducted by the KWCC 15% of respondents claimed they plan to cut employee levels in the third quarter of 2020 while 23.7% said they planned on hiring more employees in the third quarter. In the same survey 55% of the respondents claimed they had already brought back more than 85% of their workforce. When asked about former staff being available to come back to work 23.9% of respondents stated that less than half of their workers were available while 57.7% of the respondents said at least 85% of their workers were available to return to work in the second quarter. The reported Bed Tax Collections for Key West in June, 2020 were $934,112 which was 39.3% lower than the same period in 2019. Bed Tax Collections increased in all but three months of 2019. The Bed Tax Collections have increased every year since 2009 with the lone exception of 2017.

The average daily rate (ADR) was reported at $408.44 for February of 2020, representing a 8.8% increase from the ADR of $375.33 posted in February, 2019. Never before February 2020 had Key West seen a ADR above the $400 mark. According to the Smith Travel Report the ADR for June was $231.04, a 3.3% decrease from the $238.81 in June of 2019.

The occupancy rate for Key West hotels was just 50.8% in June, representing a 41.8% decrease from June, 2019. In June of 2020 the county checkpoint ceased operations and many hotels resumed limited operations.

Through the first two months of 2020 Key West hotels were reporting all time highs in occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available room. The closing of most hotel operations at the end of March and extending into June is going to represent the longest period of inactivity Key West has experienced in modern times.

-

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dep

lane

men

ts

Source: Key West International Airport

Key West International Airport ArrivalsJanuary 2015 - July 2020

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Airport closed 9/8-19/2017 for Hurricane Irma

2020 month to month trajectory

Page 7 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

September

5

6 7 9 City of KW 5:05pm Via

10 11 12

2 3 BOCC 5:05pm Online

41

8 MCSD 5:50pm KW

27 28 29

26

30

19

20 21 23 24 25

13 14 16 17 18

22

15

Chowder Trends Special Focus: Key West Property Tax (Part I )

The chart above shows the composition mix of yourproperty tax, as currently proposed.

The chart on the left, has a blue line connecting themillage rates for the City of Key West's General Fund forthe Tax Roll Years of 2005 through 2020, compared withproperty values for the same period. Declines in propertyvalues does not automatically mean lower taxes, as thered line shows connecting the amount of Ad Valoremtaxes levied during the period. Note that the tax billslevied bear little relationship to property values. AdValorem taxes are assessed based on what a governmentthinks will be required to provide services that it believesthe residents want.

One should be mindful that the millage rate is not the final objective. The focus should be on how government is spending your tax dollars, by attending public hearings and speaking out. Your Chamber of Commerce will be at these meetings, keeping you informed.

0.0000

0.5000

1.0000

1.5000

2.0000

2.5000

3.0000

3.5000

0.02.04.06.08.0

10.012.014.016.018.020.0

'05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 20

Mill

age

Rate

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$1,

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City of Key WestProperty Values, Millage Rates, & Ad Valorem Taxes

Tax Roll Years 2005 through 2020*

Property Value Ad valorem Millage Rate

$117.53to $3,224.90

On a $478,713 market valuation and a $352,070 HOMESTEAD taxable valuation in Key West*

(Only 17% of all properties in Monroe County are homestead and 31% of all residential properties. In Key West 39% of all residential properties are homestead exempt.)

City of Key West2.2527

25%

Water Mgt Districts0.2675, 3%

Public Schools3.36238%

Monroe County2.5881

29%

Mosquito Control District0.4508

5%

Proposed Millage Rates for Key West*

Municipal Budget process is Underway with a 8.9211 Millage Proposal*

Property taxable values in Key West increased citywide about 5.6% this year. A “Roll-Back” in property tax rates will be necessary this year to avoid a tax increase on property owners. When the taxable value of homes increases, the amount of taxes collected also increases. Unless the government "rolls back" the millage rate they are collecting more taxes than they did in the previous year. The City of Key West is raising the millage rate and the proposed millage rate of 2.2527 is 8% above the roll back rate that would result in a 8% net increase in revenue collected. Therefore your taxes will be increased. Public input is critical to the budget process. Your local officials are elected to serve you; for them to properly do that you must let your voice be heard! Remember that it's your money they’re spending and the tax rates can be changed.

LegislativeCalendar

call or email your Commissioner.... or tell them face to face

VOTE City| CityofKeyWest-FL.govfind budget information under Finance Department

MC| MonroeCounty-FL.govfind budget information under Budget & Finance Department

MCSD| KeysSchools.comfind budget information under Finance Department

FKMCD| KeysMosquito.orgcall for budget information

FKAA| FKAA.comfind budget information under Resources/About Us/Reports

KES| KeysEnergy.comfind budget information under About KEYS/Financial Information

Ad V

alor

em ta

xesi

n M

illio

ns o

f Dol

lars

Homestead Values Increase

5.6%

*2020 millage rates are proposed numbers, subject to change.

Total PropertyTaxes

Locations: L-Key Largo, M-Marathon, KW-Key West,

9 City ofKW 5:05 pmVia

15 FKMCD5:05pmVia Go to Meetings.

10 WaterMGMT5:15pmOnline

Page 8 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

\

Chowder Trends Special Focus: Key West Property Tax (Part I I)

TRIM Notice: Florida's Oxymoron

Taxable property values in Key West increased by about 5.6% this year and with about only 17% of Key West's taxablevalue Homesteaded, the majority of property owners could see noticeable increases in their valuations. Yet because of thecomplexity in our property taxes, generalities will rarely give an accurate expectation of what your individual bill will beand how all the municipal budget processes will hit home for you. That is why the TRIM notices go out this time of theyear, so that you can see what your specific bottom line is and choose to get involved before it is too late. Remember, youcan lower your property tax bill if you show up and participate in the hearing process over the next few weeks.

Understanding Your TRIM NoticeThe TRIM Notice will list both your property's Taxable Value as well as the respective Tax Rates for each of the taxingauthorities that collect taxes on your property. The TRIM Notice provides three sets of numbers: the amount of tax leviedlast year, how much your taxes would (or could) be at a rolled back rate, and what they will be if the budgets of each taxingauthority are approved as proposed. The Property Appraiser provides a tax estimator tool on their website(www.mcpafl.org) that can be helpful in considering what affects your tax bill, including where the property is located, theproperty value and all the possible exemptions including the Portability amendment that allows you to carry your “Save ourHomes” benefit when buying a new home. If you have questions about your Taxable Value, contact the Monroe CountyProperty Appraiser. If you have questions about the proposed tax rates, contact the respective taxing authority and plan toattend their Public Hearings to make your voice heard.

While an increase in the Tax Rate (also called "millage") increases your tax bill, the same is true of your property’s TaxableValue. Your tax bill equals (Millage Rate/1000) x (Taxable Value). Taxable Value is not meant to equal what yourproperty could be sold for; and two identical homes with the same market value could have very different Taxable Valuesand therefore significantly different tax bills. While all property owners are taxed at the same rate, Taxable Values willalways be lower than market values depending on exemptions owners receive and when they began receiving the particularexemptions. This is true not only because exemptions reflect the exclusion of a certain dollar amount of your property’svalue from being taxed, but also since those properties with Homestead exemptions and now certain commercial propertiesare afforded protections under State law (“Save Our Homes”) which slow or “cap” the rate of increase in value. So eventhough market values may rise based upon market forces, the Property Appraiser can only raise your Homesteaded propertyvalue by the lesser of 3% or CPI, and your qualified commercial property by 10%. This creates what is called AssessedValue, from which the exemption amounts are subtracted to arrive at a value that is subject to taxation (Taxable Value).

The City of Key West was the municipality hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. The loss of cruise ship fees, sales taxrevenues, parking revenues, and revenue from city owned leases created a giant hole in the city budget. With a $1.6 milliongap between total revenue and total expenditures in the General Fund the city staff recommended several proposals. Theyincluded no pay increases for FY 2020-21, suspend 29 positions, and delete 9 positions. Six of the deleted positions aredirectly related to the cruise ship referendum and result in a $609,210 estimated savings. Staff also recommended a singleone non paid furlough day for all General Fund employees. The one day furlough would save an estimated $104,090 whichis just under 1% of rollback at $153,589. If all City of Key West General Fund employees took six unpaid furloughdays in FY21 that would equal 4% of the 8% (half) of the proposed tax increase by the city. No city employees haveexperienced a reduction in salary, a furlough day, or a lay off. The 29 suspended and nine deleted positions are allaccounted for by vacancies, transfers, and general reduction by means such as retirement.

it's Millage and not Mileage...but don't worry, it really doesn't matter, because they will tell you how much to

take out of your pockets come November...

Source: City of Key West

Page 9 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chair: Brittany Snyder Florida Keys Community CollegeVice-Chair: Angie Walterson First State Bank of the Florida Keys Jennifer Barrios Monroe County School District Julie Cuneo Volunteer Chuck Licis Take Stock in Children Andrew Morawski Hemingway Home & Museumn Yvette Talbot Appraisers of the Keys Don Whitehead Wicker Guesthouse Kay Miller Honorary Member Scott Atwell CEO Key West Chamber of Commerce

be a STar!

T he Key West Chamber of Commerce Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contributions to organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be tax deductible.

Every star awarded reflects a commitment to K-12 EDUCATION by a member of the chamber. Every star is important! Members can earn a maximum of five stars each (FIVE STAR MEMBER). Every star counts, and every member is encouraged to do 5, 4, 3, 2, or even 1.

Decide for yourself what you and your company can do and accumulate your own stars!

Give any education committee member a call to discuss how this program can work for your business!

Scholarship Information

Donate $1000 and receive Four Stars (HR 100 Charley P. & Orsolina Toppino Memorial Scholarship, Educational Enrichment, Teacher Recognition and Sponsor a Classroom)

HR 100 Charley P. & Orsolina Toppino Memorial Scholarship ($100 contribution)

This scholarship is awarded each year to a Key West High School student. The award is based on several aspects of the student’s high school career, including grades, community service and extracurricular activities.

Educational Enrichment ($100.00 Contribution)This program enhances our student’s education by providing business related education to our teachers and directly to the students.

TEACHER RECOgnITIOn PROgRAM22 gifts with a minimum value of $25 each (for a total of $550 – or cash option available) from your company for 22 outstanding teachers. These are combined into gift bags and awarded three times within the school year.

Donation/Sponsorship $250.00 contribution to any Education Committee approved arts program or sponsor a Key West area academic classroom.

Mentoring A Student (Minimum one hour per week during the school year in an approved program such as Take Stock in Children in a Key West area school).

Contact the committee liaison if you are considering a program and need to know if it qualifies. (305) 294-2587 committees@keywestchamebr.org

Click here to complete the Tom Sawyer Five Star form - give to any education committee member or email it to committees@keywestchamebr.org to start earning your stars!

Thank you for being a STAR!

Page 10 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

Certified Mold Treatment Solutions, LLCPO Box 420311

Summerland Key, FL 33042305-879-1839

http://certifiedmoldtreatment.com/Contact: Gary Marsden

Locally owned and operated serving the Florida Keys for over 14 years. Certified Mold Treatment Solutions is licensed and insured providing Mold Remediation,

Mold Assessment, Air Quality Testing and COVID -19 Sanitizing.

Cr gray Sculptor.5600 4th Avenue

Key West, FL 33040 305-432-6856

http://www.crgray.com/Contact: Craig Gray

DLocal Artist Craig Gray is a sculptor of large-scale public art works. Each piece of art is handcrafted, with no two pieces being exactly alike. All art is created by Craig and is made by his two hands in his Key West

Studio. Whether you’re looking for a sculpture for your home, office, or community park CR Gray has natural art waiting for you.

Paradise Technologies910 Grinnell Street

Key West, FL 33040 305-394-1091

https://keywest.paradise-technologies.com/Founded in 1998, Paradise Technologies specializes in providing high-quality Information Technology support and phone systems. Bob Henkel and company work in areas of Managed IT Services, Business Services, Field Support, Cloud Computer Consulting, Website consulting, Phone systems and System Integration. Proud to be headquartered in Key West, providing the best Information Technology, Network and Computer services support

available anywhere

Honest Eco Tours Docked in the Historic Key West Seaport

231 Margaret Street305-294-6306

https://honesteco.org/Contact: Billy and Jennifer Litmer

Honest Eco Tours operates out of the Historic Key West Seaport and provides Dolphin Watch, Snorkel & Kayak tours through uninhabited islands. Four-hour tours depart four days per week from 9am & 2pm with a 12-guest max currently. Private Charters can also be arranged including Sunset Time Slots.

Kirby’s Closet 218 Whitehead Street, #4

Key West, FL 33040305-847-9977

Contact: Kirby Myers Resale Boutique

Kirby’s Closet is an upscale resale boutique located in the heart of our historic district at the Galleon Square at 218 Whitehead Street. The women’s boutique offers a luxury shopping experience with Vintage -excellent condition -pre-loved & new women’s clothing, accessories,

and home goods. Private parties are also available.

Welcome New Members!

CERTIFIED MOLD TREATMENT SOLUTIONS• Mold Remediation• Air Quality Testing• Servicing All the Keys

305-879-1839 www.moldfree.net

Locally Owned& OperatedLicensed

& Insured

Proudly serving the Florida Keys for over 10 yearsState Certified Lic. #’s MRSA113, MRSR114 CMRC #79462, CMI #79488

Page 11 September 2020Chamber ChowderVol. 23, No. 7

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEGreg Sullivan, President

Waste Management/305-434-9140Melissa Kendrick, First Vice President

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum/305- 294-2633Cara Higgins, Second Vice President

Cara Higgins Law /305-294-6030Joe Caso, Treasurer

Caso & Company/305-453-6378Diane Schmidt, Secretary

Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina/305-292-4350

Michael Morawski, Past PresidentHemingway Home/305-294-1136 5

David Clay, AppointeeLower Keys Medical Center/305-294-9200

John Toppino, AppointeeCharley Toppino & Sons/305- 296-5606

Mark Rossi, AppointeeRick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment

Complex/305-296-5513Scott Atwell

Executive Vice PresidentKey West Chamber of Commerce

305-294-2587

CHAMBER STAFFScott Atwell

Executive Vice President

Kerry BakerAssociate Executive Vice President

Edward Dawicki, IIIDirector of Research

Dorothy SchmidaAdministrative Assistant

Gladys Clarks, Shay PenkeTourist Information Receptionists

Scott AtwellNewsletter Editor

Cindy JeffersonArt Director

Karrie BondSocial Media Director

September - October 2020general Membership MeetingDate: Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Time: NoonRSVP is required with advance paymentLocation: Key West Marriott Beachside

3841 N Roosevelt BlvdCandidates Forum for Candidates for Monroe County Board of County Commission

general Membership MeetingDate: TuESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020

Time: NoonRSVP is required with advance paymentLocation: Key West Marriott Beachside

3841 N Roosevelt BlvdCandidates Forum for Candidates for Key West City Commission

For more information contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 305-294-2587. Videos will be sent out afterwards of the forum for those that are unable to attend in person.

mark Your CalendarIn Person Luncheons to resume!

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