In This Issue
2024 By The Numbers PAGE 3
Holiday in Havana PAGE 4
Chamber Holiday Party PAGES 6
Members in Motion PAGE 8
Monroe County News PAGE 7
Members in Motion PAGE 8
Upcoming Events PAGE 10
Thank You Trustees PAGE 11
Lifting Structures PAGES 13
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 14 & 15
BUK: Celebrating Our Community PAGE 16
Mini Cheesecake Recipe PAGE 17
FKEC SmartHub PAGE 18
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
Join the Chamber's exclusive Legacy Member 100K Club to help raise $100,000 to pay off the chamber's mortgage and bolster reserves. The Key Largo Chamber is seeking 100 sponsorships of $1,000 per business or individual. Thank you to:
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
Holiday in Havana Key Largo Chamber 2024 Chairman's Ball
We had a fantastic evening at this year’s Chairman’s Ball hosted by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce! The event was a true celebration of community filled with the vibrant energy of our Holiday in Havana theme. We were proud to induct our new Board of Directors, and we extend our congratulations to them as they embark on their leadership journey. A huge thank you to our generous sponsors for their support and to our incredible venue for allowing us to party in style. Your contributions made this memorable event possible and helped make it a night to remember!
2024 Holiday Party We
Mingled and Jingled!
Thank you to our food sponsor The Catch.
Ugly Sweater Contest Winners: First place went to Bradley (right) of Everglades Adventures and second place to Eric (left) of the Michael Rojewski Group.
The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
As
November Members in Motion!
Thank you co-hosts Centennial Bank, Key Largo Chocolates and Advanced Urgent Care Key Largo. And thank you to everyone who donated food and money to SOS Food Foundation.
wwww.web.keylargochamber.org/events
Friday, December 27
Thursday, January 9
Saturday, January 11
Sunday, January 12
Trusttee Members
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Trustee Members of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Your support, through your dues, active participation in events, and commitment to fostering strong partnerships within our membership, is invaluable.
In 2024, we were fortunate to welcome a few new Trustees, growing this vital group even further. We are proud to recognize our 7 trustees, whose dedication helps us strengthen our community and fulfill our mission. Thank you for being an essential part of our success!
Your Chamber Board of Directors
Henry Menendez 2024 - 2026 Chairman of the Board of Directors
HNO Productions – Owner/Operator
Angie Alvarez (2024 -2026)
Centennial Bank Branch Manager
Manuel Alvarez (2024-2026)
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujill CPA
Berta Bravo (2024 – 2026)
SBI Windows & Doors Proprietor
Spencer 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 Proprietor
Suzanne Holmquist (2025-2027)
Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor
Mary Houston (2025-2027)
Houston Insurance Agency Proprietor
Michelle Kane (2025-2027)
Vernis & Bowling of the Florida Keys, PA Attorney
Michael Rojewski – Chaiman Elect (2023–2025)
Rojewski & Rebl Group Realtor
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2025 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2025 - 2027)
The Structure Group Manager
Discussing Lifting Our Structures
Source: Local10news.com
In the Florida Keys, island living with boating, fishing, and nature comes with a price: Learning to live with flooding and an annual hurricane season. Hurricanes Milton and Helene hit during the rainy season and put this to the test.
During This Week In South Florida, Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein, of Tavernier, said seasonal tides already cause prolonged flooding in lowlying areas like Stillwright Point, a subdivision in Key Largo, gets flooded regularly.
“We have to lift up our structures,” the mayor said adding that an ongoing “resiliency project” in Twin Lakes, a neighborhood in Key Largo, is an example of more to come.
The project includes a drainage and stormwater collection system and road elevation to protect 105 residential structures. The groundbreaking ceremony was on Aug. 16 with the help of a $5.4 million federal appropriation.
“Our Congressman Carlos Gimenez has been
an incredible partner because these are extremely expensive projects,” Merrill Rachein said.
Milton and Helene, which mostly impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast, challenged Gov. Ron DeSantis. Milton also spawned deadly tornadoes and prompted massive evacuations. Milton caused the deaths of more than 23
people.
The rescue and recovery operations continued Sunday when President Joe Biden arrived at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, surveyed the area’s damage after back-to-back storms, and delivered a speech in St. Pete Beach about federal disaster assistance.
November Luncheon Happenings
Cathy, Karrissa, Bonnie and Melissa.
Kim, Cindy, Jack and Adam.
Henry and Lisa.
David, Maria, Ginette, and Elizabeth.
Linda and Barbara.
Michelle and Karrissa.
Suzanne and Amy.
Lindi, Dave and Kim.
Michael, Manuela, Suzi and Spencer.
Nicole, Lori and Roberto.
Keyhaw
X Filmjavier LLC
X The Armory Speakeasy
X Larkin University Corp
X Crustacean Plantation
X Nurse Massi’s
X Concierge and IV Drip Bar
X Christal Plaza
Save the Date Thursday, January 9 Network Luncheon "Starting Strong: Financial Strategies for the New Year" Baker's Cay Resort 11:30 AM
Jill, Henry and Oliver.
Sarah, Michelle, Stephanie and John.
Mary, Sherry, Jen, Michelle and Sarah.
Ana, Michael, Lourdes, Berta, Enrique and Mel.
Let’s End the Year Celebrating Our Community!
November 1, we had the privilege of celebrating our outstanding Chamber members who were recognized in the Best of Upper Keys awards by Keys Weekly Newspapers. While the event may have passed, it's never too late to continue celebrating these remarkable businesses. Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service make the Upper Keys a vibrant and thriving community. We encourage you to visit and support these local gems, along with all our chamber members. Your patronage helps keep our community strong and thriving!
Here are the businesses that were honored as Best of Upper Keys:
• Best Key Lime Pie – Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
• Best Bar – Florida Keys Brewing Co.
• Best Server – Joey Slaydon, C&C Wood Fire Eats
• Best Happy Hour – C&C Wood Fire Eats
• Best Bloody Mary – Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada
• Best Live Music Venue – Florida Keys Brewing Co.
• Best Pizza – C&C Wood Fire Eats
• Best Beer Selection – Florida Keys Brewing Co.
• Best Smoked Fish Dip – Key Largo Fisheries
• Best International Fare – Italian Food Company
• Best Non-Profit Organization – Habitat for Humanity Upper Keys
• Best Place to Take the Kids – Pinfish Entertainment
• Best Elected Official – Holly Raschein
• Best Park/Nature Preserve – John Pennekamp State Park
• Best Jewelry Store – DePaula Jewelers
• Best Dive Shop – Conch Republic Divers
• Best Backcountry Fishing Charter – Bamboo Charters
• Best Tourist Attraction – Robbies Marina of Islamorada
• Best New Business – Crooked Palm Cabana
• Best Veterinary Hospital – Island Hammock Pet Hospital
• Best General Contractor – CBT Construction
• Best Landscape Company – Beach House Gardens
• Best Law Firm – Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel, LLP
• Best Accounting Firm – Tolley & Hill, PLLC
• Best Real Estate Office – Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty
• Best Bank – SouthState Bank
• Best Overall Business –Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.
• Best Watersport/Leisure Cruises – Anchors Away Boat Rentals and Tours
• Best Place to Work Out – Mariners Wellness Center
• Best Gift Boutique – Shell World
• Best Insurance Agency – Regan Roth Insurance Agency
• Best Vacation Rental Company – Freewheeler Vacations
• Best Marine Detailing – Detailing the Keys
• Best Dentist – Everyone Loves a Gentle Dentist
• Best Family or Locally Owned Business – Anchors Away Boat Rentals and Tours
Happy Holidays
FROM YOUR UPPER KEYS CENTENNIAL TEAM
Tammy MaryBeth Giovanna Ian Stephen Melodie Claudia Fausta Oriana
Angie
Easy-to-Make Mini Cheesecakes
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
For the Crust:
Almond Flour
Unsalted butter
Sugar or keto sweetener, such as xylitol or allulose
Cinnamon Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
• Cream cheese (at room temperature)
• Powdered sugar or powdered sweetener, such as xylitol or allulose
• Egg
• Sour cream
• Freshly squeezed key lime juice, the juice of 10 key limes.
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
STEPS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit with the rack set in the center of the oven. Line a standard 12-count muffin pan with paper cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour with melted butter, sweetener, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spoon the almond flour mixture into the cupcake liners, as evenly as possible.
4. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of each mini cheesecake cup. I use a tiny measuring cup with a flat bottom to flatten them.
5. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment to beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
6. Add egg, vanilla, powdered sweetener, and continue mixing until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and stir in the key lime juice until incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the almond flour crusts in the cupcake pan.
8. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes. When they're done, they will be slightly jiggly.
9. Remove from the oven and place the cupcake pan on a cooling rack.
10. Chill overnight for the best taste.
11. Garnish with whipped cream, key lime slices, mint leaves, and raspberries.
Why Track Power Use?
Monitoring your electricity consumption can help you use energy more wisely.
Celebrating the holidays often means using more electricity to cook, host visitors, or run decorations. To help offset your holiday energy consumption, consider tracking your use because the more you know about the power you use, the more you can save by using it wisely. Understanding your power consumption also helps members understand increases and decreases in your electric bills.
Any FKEC member registered for the co-op’s SmartHub online account access service can easily review timely, accurate power information, including daily, weekly, and monthly use, allowing you to view and understand trends.
The data collected from your advanced meter can drill down to 15-minute increments, which helps members see spikes in use, for example, when the AC is running, or the pool heater is on. Or, more broadly, you can see how your energy use is impacted when you have company stay with you during the holidays.
How to Track Your Power Usage
To easily monitor your home or business’s power usage, log in to your online FKEC SmartHub account. By visiting the “My Usage” section of SmartHub, you can analyze and understand usage trends to find ways to decrease your energy use.
Members can also create and track a monthly budget to avoid unexpectedly high utility bills and set a point or range in time to compare differences in power use and costs.
Other SmartHub Advantages
SmartHub puts many FKEC account management conveniences at your fingertips. Use the online service to:
• Pay your bill online to prevent mail delays and late fees
• Increase payment security
(Check your account balance 24/7 to prevent being scammed. Prevent mail fraud by not sending a paper check.)
• Sign up for auto-pay, set your secure payment method, or go paperless
• Access your account anytime from anywhere 24/7
• Access energy usage data
(Track your power use trends daily, weekly, monthly or yearly and use energy more wisely.)
• FKEC’s live power outage map
• Contact us
(Report an issue and submit a general inquiry from your computer or mobile device.)
Register for SmartHub
SmartHub is available online and via the mobile app at the App Store or Google Play. If you don’t already have an account, visit www.FKEC.com and go to login, or scan the QR code to get the Mobile App. It is that easy! n
