August Members in Motion
Good times sharing with great people! Networking is all about the people you meet. Be sure to attend our events to build new relationships and connections. This is how we chamber! See more photos on page 10
In This Issue
President's Corner PAGE 3
Pets at Hurricane Shelters PAGE 4
Florida by the Numbers PAGE 6
State Breaks Own Record PAGE 7
Honorary Conchs PAGE 7
Members in Motion PAGES 10 & 11
Upcoming Events PAGE 12
Why Become a Trustee PAGE 14
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 16 & 17
Taste The Keys PAGE 19
Watermelon Salad Recipe PAGE 21
Thank You Trustee Members PAGE 23
Credits:
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
Market Design Connect with Nikki Dunn Cullen
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 305-451-1414 www.keylargochamber.org
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
Legacy Members
X Henry Quintana
X HNO Productions
X Michael Rojewski Realtor
X Gretchen Holland
X Coral Reef Title
X Arla Marr
X Borland & Associates, Roberto & Ana Alonso
X In Loving Memory of Stuart Marr
X Boilini Eye Care
X Dennis and Lee Caltagirone
X Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
X Centennial Bank
X J.A. LaRocco Enterprise Inc. & All Keys Concrete, LLC
X SBI Window + Doors
President's Corner: Stronger Together is How We Chamber
Over the past month, I’ve attended several key meetings on behalf of our Chamber, including the Tourist Development Council (TDC), Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys. I also stay active with organizations such as the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK.) The Everglades Foundation is a recent member and has invited me to attend their meetings. I regularly attend meetings of our District Advisory Council (DAC V), lunches with Ocean Reef Chamber, zoom meetings with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and more.
Representing & Advocating
I share this with you because I want our members to know: your Chamber is your representative and advocate. By being present at these meetings, I hear firsthand what’s happening in our county, build relationships with community leaders, and ensure that the voice of the Key Largo business community is at the table. Many of our Board members are also serving in leadership roles across the community, strengthening this representation even further.
Advocacy and representation are essential benefits of Chamber membership. When you join the Chamber, you gain a collective voice that can speak on behalf of businesses
before government agencies and community partners. This engagement not only influences policy but also creates opportunities for you to connect with decision-makers and make your own voice heard.
Government Relations Committee
Did you know the Key Largo Chamber has a Government Relations Committee? This group builds relationships with elected officials, monitors legislative issues, and makes recommendations for action, such as letters or calls to representatives, on behalf of our members. They are also leading the effort to form a Coalition of Chambers for Insurance Reform, bringing together Monroe, MiamiDade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties to advocate for change.
Collaboration Equals Progress
Collaboration is key to progress. When the Chamber partners with other agencies and organizations, we amplify our ability to address challenges, share resources, and create opportunities that no single group could accomplish alone. Business success depends on having strong representation and advocacy at every level, from local decision-makers to regional coalitions. By working together, we ensure the needs of our business community are not only heard, but acted upon. These partnerships give Key Largo businesses a seat at the table where critical policies are shaped, and they strengthen the foundation for long-
Suzi Youngberg President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
term growth and resilience.
Leveraging collective support is another way We Chamber! It’s often said that “it takes a village to raise a business.” No single business thrives alone; it requires collaboration, advocacy, and strong partners. That’s exactly what your Chamber provides: a powerful ally committed to ensuring that the interests of Key Largo and the Upper Keys are represented. Together with our Board of Directors, I will continue to represent and position the Key Largo Chamber as a leader for the good of our community and the success of business.
Interested in Getting Involved?
If you are interested in getting more involved with the Chamber, there are upcoming opportunities to join the Board and/or a Committee. Board nominations will be opening soon so stay tuned for more information, or give me a call. I invite you to become part of this vital, growing organization and help shape the future of Key Largo.
Pets at Hurricane Shelters
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So, prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
Pet-Friendly Shelter Registration
It is highly recommended that pets be pre-registered prior to a sheltering event. In order to pre-register your pet you must complete an
on-line registration. You will be required to attest to the fact that you have read and will comply with the PetFriendly Shelter Agreement and the Pet-Friendly Shelter Checklist. Pre-registrations are only valid for the calendar year in which they were submitted.
Requirements
• All pets must be properly caged.
• The medical history and current vaccination records for each pet must be presented upon checking in to the PetFriendly Shelter.
• Monroe County Code requires that all dogs be collared and tagged with proper license and current vaccination information.
• Proof of Monroe County residency must be
provided at Mainland Pet-Friendly Shelters.
• See the Pet-Friendly Shelter Checklist (https://monroecountyfl.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/32989/PetFriendly-ShelterChecklist-Rev-2023 ) for a complete list of pet sheltering provisions and vaccination requirements. These items MUST accompany your pet, or it will not be granted access to the Pet-Friendly Shelter.
Pets Accepted
• Dogs, with license and vaccination records
• Cats, with vaccination records
• Ferrets, with vaccination records
• Pocket Pets (Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs, and Rabbits
under 10 pounds)
• Birds
• Reptiles (In-County shelters only. Mainland shelters do not accept reptiles)
Pet-Friendly Shelters: (All Monroe County General Population Shelters are PetFriendly)
In County (Category 1 & 2):
• Key West High School, 2100 Flagler Avenue
• Sugarloaf School, 225 Crane Boulevard, MM19
• Coral Shores High School, 89591 Overseas Highway, MM89.9 in Tavernier
• Marathon High School, 350 Sombrero Road
Out of County (Category 3, 4, & 5)
• E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th Street
FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS
SOURCE: www.floridajobs.org
120,000+ Miles of Roadway
2,700+ Miles of Freight Tracks
21 commercial Airports
14 DEEPWATER Seaports
3 innovative Spaceports
Florida excels in nine key industries: from aviation to life sciences, hosting innovative enterprises with global recognition
Florida Breaks Own Record Again
34.4 million Visitors in Second Quarter
August 19, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has achieved another historic milestone in tourism, welcoming a record-breaking 34.4 million travelers in the second quarter of 2025. This alltime high for second-quarter visitation further cements Florida’s reputation as the nation’s premier travel destination. These results are proof of Florida’s enduring draw and the state’s commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for visitors from across the country and around the world.
“Florida continues to lead the way as the nation’s top travel destination,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “People from all over the world come to the Free State of Florida to take advantage of our top-tier attractions, great weather, and our commitment to public safety. Today's record
numbers are a testament to the work we’ve done to make Florida the most appealing state to visit in the nation.”
Domestic travelers
accounted for 91.5% of total visitation, with 31.5 million Americans visiting the state. Overseas visitation rose by 11.4% over the year to reach 2.3 million, with an additional 640,000 Canadian visitors visiting Florida.
“Florida’s tourism industry is strong thanks to strong state leadership under Governor DeSantis as a top destination for families,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “We are committed to keeping Florida the destination of choice for visitors from across the country and around the world as we promote our worldclass amenities, unique natural and historical sites, and family-oriented opportunities.
Key highlights from VISIT FLORIDA’s Quarter 2 visitation estimates include:
• An estimated 34.4 million travelers visited Florida in Q2 2025.
• Domestic visitors made up 91.5% of the total, overseas visitors 6.7%, and Canadian visitors 1.9%.
• Overseas visitation increased by 11.4% compared to Q2 2024.
• The domestic air/ non-air ratio was 37.7% / 62.3%.
• Florida’s 19 commercial airports handled 28.6 million total enplanements. Punta Gorda (+22.5%) and St.
Petersburg-Clearwater (+14.0%) saw the fastest growth.
• Room demand at Florida hotels rose by 1.2%.
Florida visitation’s steady growth shows that visitors from all over the world know that a safe and enjoyable experience can be found in the Free State of Florida.
SOURCE: www.flgov.com
Congratulations Honorary Conchs: Jim Mooney & Lee Young
A pair of longtime Florida Keys residents who now spend their time advocating for the island chain in Tallahassee were recently recognized as Honorary Conchs.
State Representative Jim Mooney and legislative aide Lee Young obtained their certificates as Honorary Conchs during a July meeting of the Monroe County Commission. The special designation goes to individuals who weren’t born in Monroe County but have made significant contributions
to enhancing the quality of life in the Florida Keys.
Mooney said while he wasn’t born in the Keys, he has called the island chain home for more than 70 years. A former Islamorada councilman, Mooney
was elected to the Florida House in November 2020. Young, who resides in Islamorada, has served with Mooney as his aide from day one.
SOURCE: www.keysweekly.com
August Members in Motion!
What a night! Members in Motion at Baker’s Cay was pure island-style VIP evening —stunning views, an incredible setting, and the best company. We could not have asked for a more perfect networking evening.
Huge thanks to Baker’s Cay Resort for hosting and to all our amazing members and attendees who joined us!
See all our up-to-date events on our website, www.web.keylargochamber.org/events or scan the QR Code
Saturday, September 6
Thursday, September 11
Thursday, September 25 All of October
Experts in what we do, bound by a code of ethics
Florida Keys Board of Realtors®
Board of Directors:
Claire Johnson
Karen Williams deCastro
Corie MaGraw-Abel
Michael Rojewski
Kathe Kaile
Erin Kiel
Amy Bruggeman
Christine GGarcia-Castellanos
Lindsey Davis
David Lazcos
Michaela Walters
Welcome to the Keys Side of Care.
Baptist Health is here for you in Monroe County, providing the compassionate, quality care you deserve.
Our local network includes:
y Mariners Hospital (Tavernier) and Fishermen’s Community Hospital (Marathon)
y Specialty cancer, heart and vascular, and orthopedic care
y Imaging, surgery, and physician therapy and rehabilitation
From care in your neighborhood to the full Baptist Health network across South Florida, your health is our top priority, wherever you are.
August Networking Luncheon
Our August sold-out Networking Lunch sponsored by The Keys Weekly Newspapers and held at Playa Largo Resort & Spa was one to remember!
With over 100 attendees, we had the pleasure of hearing from Kara Franker of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, who shared valuable insights on tourism data in the Florida Keys.
We also took a moment to give back! United Way of Collier and the Keys Board Vice Chair Brandi Horton
accepted a generous donation from the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce & Florida Keys Visitor Center to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
We’re already looking forward to our next gathering: Extended Networking Luncheon and Health Expo on September 11th at Playa Largo Resort.
Visit our Social Media platforms to see all the photos: linktr.ee/keylargochamberofcommerce
Adrian, Carin, Tracey and Bruce.
Captain Spenser and Jason.
Brandi, Miki and Mitch.
Kara, Christina and JoNell from the TDC.
Britt, Kara and Jason.
Agnes, Ana and Anais.
Guest speaker Kara Franker, TDC.
Key Largo Sunset Rotary Group.
New member The Everglades Foundation.
New member Electric, Cooling & Illumination.
New Trustee member, New Edge Associates
Your 2025 Chamber Board of Directors
Henry Menendez 2024 - 2026 Chairman of the Board of Directors
HNO Productions – Owner/Operator
Roberto Alonso (2025-2027)
Borland & Associates President
Angie Alvarez (2024 -2026)
Centennial Bank Branch Manager
Manuel Alvarez (2024-2026)
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo, CPA
Berta Bravo (2024 – 2026)
SBI Windows & Doors Owner
Spenser Bryan (2025-2027)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Captain
Kevin Donlan (2024-2026)
Publix Supermarkets, Inc
District Director
Melissa Fernandez (2025-2027)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2024-2026)
The Catch Owner
Suzanne Holmquist (2025-2027)
Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor
Mary Houston (2025-2027)
Houston Insurance Agency Owner
Michelle Kane (2025-2027)
Vernis & Bowling of the Florida Keys, PA Attorney
Michael Rojewski – Chairman Elect (2023–2025)
Michael Rojewski Group Owner
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2025 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2025 - 2027)
The Structure Group Manager
Watermelon Salad
SOURCE: www.themediterraneandish.com with Feta,
Ingredients
X Watermelon: You can use 1 small watermelon or 1/2 a large watermelon. You’ll need to peel and cut the watermelon into cubes. I have a step-bystep tutorial on how to cut a watermelon if this is new to you, but you can also slice it in half and use a melon baller, if you’re feeling fancy! , if you’re feeling fancy!
X English cucumber or hot house cucumber: English cucumbers are sweeter, and their skin is thin, so you don’t need to peel them. If you end up using American slicing cucumbers, you’ll want to peel and seed the cucumbers before slicing.
X Mint and basil leaves: I used a good amount of herbs here, about 1 cup packed of each (or 15 leaves of mint and 15 leaves of fresh basil), roughly chopped or torn. Trust me, you need the punch of freshness from these herbs!
X Creamy feta cheese: You’ll need about 1/2 cup or more of creamy crumbled feta. I usually start with a small block of feta packed in the brine, and I don’t mind crumbling it myself. Feta packed in the brine is more creamy and not as salty as dry, already crumbled feta (besides I always keep a block of feta on hand in case the mood strikes for a delicious baked feta appetizer).
X Watermelon Feta Salad Dressing
X Honey: I used 2 tablespoons of our Greek honey from Crete, the thyme and wild herb flavor really enhances and balances the other ingredients.
X Lime juice: Use lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand.
X Extra virgin olive oil: I recommend 2 tablespoons of our Greek Early Harvest EVOO or our fruity Spanish Hojiblanca EVOO for this salad.
X Kosher salt: Just a pinch is all you need here to help draw out some of the delicious juices in the cubed cucumber and watermelons.
Instructions
Add your watermelon cubes, cucumber, torn fresh herbs in a large salad bowl or platter. Pour the honey-lime dressing on top, then gently toss to combine. Finally, crumble feta cheese and sprinkle it all over the salad!
Before the Power Goes Out
Make sure FKEC has your current phone numbers.
When you call FKEC, the phone system automatically matches your phone number to your electrical equipment. For faster restoration, make sure the number(s) you are most likely to call from to report an outage are registered to your account. Update via FKEC's SmartHub, or call 305-852-2431.
Stay in the know! Make sure FKEC has your accurate email address.
The cooperative uses email to communicate important timely information during storms and throughout the year. Update via SmartHub, or call 305-852-2431.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
Make sure FKEC can access your meter.
To make repairs co-op crews must have 24-hour access to your meter.
If your power goes out, check your breakers first. Approximately 33% of all power outages are caused by breaker issues, which is the member’s responsibility to resolve.
Report the outage by calling or texting. Call 305-852-2431 or text “outage” to 45183 to report your outage. Note, your mobile number must be pre-registered with FKEC to communicate by text. Learn more at www.FKEC.com/outage-center/.
Safety
first!
Stay clear of all downed power lines or electrical equipment. Call 911 to report a downed power line if you feel the situation presents a clear and imminent danger. Then report the wire down to FKEC by calling 305-852-2431.
Understand the order of restoration.
In the event of a major storm with widespread outages, work is organized to restore power to the greatest number of members in the least amount of time. FKEC also prioritizes restoring power to life and safety situations and essential community services. Then, crews work to restore power to individual members with isolated issues.
Key Largo