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
In a recent article, Food & Wine Magazine shares essential tips and tricks to take the edge off holiday stress by prepping your Thanksgiving appetizers in advance! When guests arrive, you can focus on simply arranging a beautiful crudité platter, knowing the appetizers are ready to go. From savory dips to irresistible cheesestuffed mushrooms and mini deviled crab cornbread muffins, these makeahead recipes will keep Thanksgiving deliciously simple. Let’s dive into 10 ideas to help us tackle the season with confidence and flair!
• Green Curry Deviled Eggs
• Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl
• Mini Deviled Crab Cornbread Muffins
• Onion Jam and Goat Cheese Rugelach
• Green Peppercorn Marinated Feta
• Bacon Wrapped Dates
• Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms with Breadcrumbs
• Crostini with Roasted Butternut Squash, Ricotta and Preserved Lemon
• Cauliflowers Fritters
• Sausage and Apple Stuffing Bites
Inaugural Taste the Keys Food Tour
On Thursday, October 17th, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Taste the Keys event, and it was nothing short of spectacular! The evening was filled with a delicious array of culinary offerings from local restaurants, giving attendees a true taste of what the Florida Keys has to offer.
Guests began their culinary journey at Key Largo Fisheries, savoring an exquisite Oysters Plate paired with refreshing Prosecco. Next, they ventured to Playa Largo, where they enjoyed delicious poached lobster accompanied by a tasty tropical rum punch, all while taking in the breathtaking sunset that painted the sky with vibrant colors.
At The Catch, attendees indulged in a flavorful shrimp scampi dip with
toast points and crab and artichoke soup, perfectly paired with either The Catch Lager or house wine.
The Italian Food Company stop featured a mouthwatering Neapolitan Montanara and Crispino, complemented by a sparkling rosé that added a festive touch to the evening.
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we visited Mrs. Mac’s, where we sampled one of the best Key lime pies for dessert, served with coffee and dessert wine, rounding out the dining experience on a high note.
A “Sweet Caroline” singing contest was unplanned and unrehearsed, but attendees were not shy to showcase their vocal talents! While we’re still deciding which group delivered the best performance, the spirit of friendly competition added to the lively
atmosphere of the event.
The feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests enjoyed sampling the dishes, mingling with locals, and soaking in the vibrant community spirit. Many expressed delights at discovering new dishes and restaurants! It’s clear that Taste the Keys will become a beloved annual tradition in our community.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and we can’t wait to make next year’s event even better!
As a special treat, and to continue celebrating Taste the Keys, the chefs from each location will be sharing their favorite recipes with us, so be sure to check www.tastethekeys.com soon for updates and let’s continue the Taste experience at home!
I Tasted the Keys, and I Liked It!
Celebrating the Upper Keys BPW Woman and Business of the Year
Each October, the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) honor National Business Women’s Week by recognizing a Business of the Year and Woman of the Year. This year’s awards were presented during the Celebration of Working Women event, held on Wednesday, October 16, at the Pilot House Restaurant in Key Largo.
Victoria Leonard was awarded Woman of the Year and expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m so honored and grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization that is so supportive and uplifting. I believe I have made connections for a lifetime.”
Houston Insurance Agency received the title of Business of the Year and shared their appreciation: “We are incredibly honored to have been named Business of the Year by the Upper Keys BPW! A huge congratulations to Victoria Leonard for being named Woman of the Year!
Your dedication and impact in our community inspire us all.”
Congratulation to the winners! See all the amazing nominees here:
2024 Woman of the Year
Nominees:
• B onnie Barnes
• B ernice Dionne
• Vivian Dodge
• Mary Beth Harris
• Victoria Leonard
• Barbara Overton
• Megan Scallan
2024 Business of the Year
Nominees:
• Cirque Salon
• First State Bank
• Jellyfish Daydreams
• Houston Insurance
Right, BPW Business of the Year Houston Insurance Agency
VITA Volunteers Needed
United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) is seeking VITA volunteers in Monroe and Collier Counties.
Volunteer Opportunities:
• Reviewer: Have an eye for detail?
As a Reviewer, you’ll ensure tax returns are accurate & complete, giving clients peace of mind. It’s a rewarding way to put your skills to good use!
• Site Coordinator: Lead & inspire as the backbone of our VITA site! You’ll manage volunteers & ensure everything runs smoothly, gaining leadership
skills while making a real impact.
• Greeter: Be the welcoming face for our clients! As a greeter, you'll help them feel comfortable & prepared, while ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s a great way to connect with your community!
• Preparer: As a Tax Preparer, you’ll help clients with their taxes, impacting their financial well-being while gaining valuable
skills & becoming a trusted community resource.
Interested in volunteering or need more information?
Monroe County: VITA@uwcollierkeys.org for or Collier County: Carolina.Heiser@uwcollierkeys.org
Victoria Leonard, Upper Keys BPW Woman of the Year.
Florida Keys Hope Walk
Source: Florida Keys Hope Walk Facebook Page.
The Florida Keys community came together for the Florida Keys Hope Walk—formerly known as the Making Strides of Florida Keys, on Saturday October 26. Though the event was initially scheduled for October 12, it was rescheduled due to inclement weather.
By taking part in the annual event, you are joining countless others in raising awareness and funds for crucial cancer research and support programs.
Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, this event is for you. The Florida Keys Hope Walk is a powerful reminder of
When bad weather in Marathon led to the rescheduling of the Hope Walk, the Upper Keys BPW team stuck with the original date but walked at Key Largo Park to avoid the rain, wind, and lightning affecting the Middle Keys. The event was later successfully held on October 26 at the planned location of Crane Point Hammock.
hope, resilience, and the strength of our community in the fight against cancer.
For more information and updates on upcoming events, please visit their Facebook group. Together, we can bring hope and change to those affected by cancer.
September Members in Motion!
Thank you Cirque Salon Studios for hosting our October networking event and celebrating your 6-year anniversary with us.
ENDOFYEAR
CHAMBER EVENTS UPCOMING
11/14
MEMBER NETWORKING LUNCHEON MEETING AT BAKER’S CAY RESORT
11/14
WESLEY HOUSE GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
11/21
MEMBERS IN MOTION - CENTENNIAL BANK, ADV. URGENT CARE, KEY LARGO CHOCOLATES
12/07
CHAIRMAN’S BALL, “HOLIDAY IN HAVANA” BLACK-TIE CELEBRATION AT THE REEFHOUSE
HOLIDAY PARTY - KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING 12/19
KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG/EVENTS
MARIAS MEDICAL CENTER
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 (2023-2025)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain
Kevin Donlan (2024-2026)
Publix Supermarkets, Inc District Director
Melissa Fernandez (2023-2025)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2024-2026) The Catch Proprietor
Henry Quintana (2024 -2026)
Henry Quintana Realty, Inc Owner/Operator
Michael Rojewski – Chaiman Elect (2023–2025)
Rojewski & Rebl Group Realtor
Stephanie A. Russo (2023 - 2025)
Russo Law and Mediation Attorney
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2024 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2023 - 2025)
The Structure Group Manager
Trustee Members
October Luncheon Happenings
Celebrating with Elizabeth.
Giovanna, Elizabeth, Elizabeth (Brown), and Jason.
Cathy and Elizabeth.
Suzi, Elizabeth, and Manuela.
Henry, Suzi, Elizabeth, and Michael.
Key Lime Pie
Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers Over Rice. Blackened Shrimp on a Caesar’s Salad.
Sue Woltanski, School District.
David, Elizabet, Michael.
Monroe County Employee Services
Source: Monroe County’s Website Monroe County hires about 105 employees each year in various positions and departments. For job openings and employment applications, visit the website or apply in person at computer kiosk located in the historic Gato Building in Key West, Marathon Government Center, and the Key Largo Library.
The Employee Services Department provides guidance and information to the County's 634 full and part-time employees and the public. The department works to maintain a ready workforce that is talented, fairly compensated, healthy, diverse, and safety-minded while keeping pace with the evolving needs and goals of Monroe County.
The department includes:
Human Resources
Manages all matters relating to the County's most valuable re-source, its employees, and is responsible for:
• Managing job recruitment, selection, and promotion
• Developing and overseeing employee compensation and job classifications
• Developing, promoting, and enforcing personnel policies
• Promoting employee career development and job training
Provides and administers health, prescription, dental, vision, and life coverage to more than 2,650 BOCC and Constitutional Officer employees, retirees, and dependent spouses and children.
The County continues to offer health plan participants an opportunity to reduce the cost of employee premiums via the Passport to Wellness
Program. Participants can save $300 each year by participating in preventative health screenings. Despite healthcare industry costs rising, the department has been able to maintain employee / retiree costs for medical, dental, vision and supplemental life.
Safety and Security
Provides safety training and programs and workers' compensation to more than 1,700 BOCC employees and Constitutional Officer employees. Manages security programs and systems for County employees, buildings, and other assets.
The County continues to work towards enhancing safety and security for employees, the public, and county assets by expanding access control systems.
In addition to serving County employees, the Benefits and Safety offices provide services to the Monroe County Land Authority and the five Constitutional Officer agencies: Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Property Appraiser, Clerk of the Court, Tax Collector, and Supervisor of Elections.
Big Kahuna Raises $140,000
Source: Upper Keys Weekly
For the past several months, seven individuals and three duos went on a fundraising campaign for Good Health Clinic in hopes of becoming the next Big Kahuna. On Oct. 12, the clinic held a Rio-carnival-style party to crown the winner at Founders Park beach in Islamorada.
In total, the Kahunas raised $140,000 for the clinic, which provides health care services for low-income and uninsured residents of the Florida Keys. Big Kahuna winner Mary Houston, of Houston Insurance Agency, raised $31,000.
“We’re really pleased with how it went,” said Kate Banick. “We had more candidates than ever before, and they held so many events. As a result we saw an increase in patients registering for the clinic. While we love the money, we’re grateful it’s connecting people to the clinic, which is the other purpose of this.”
Stay Connected
Make Life
Access: Register for FKEC’s SmartHub Today
Go to Bill & Pay to pay your bill or setup auto-pay.
Track your energy usage
Go to Settings to select Paperless Billing and ensure your contact info is current.
Take FKEC on-the-go with the SmartHub Mobile App.
Why Use SmartHub?
FKEC strongly encourages all members to sign up and use SmartHub, our secure online account management tool. Once you complete the easy one-time registration, you can access your FKEC account anytime from anywhere via your web browser or mobile device. SmartHub benefits and advantages include:
X Pay your bill online to prevent mail delays and late fees Once you register your account, you will be notified as soon as your monthly electric bill is available, and you can easily make payments from your computer or smart device 24/7.
X Increase payment security
Check your account balance 24/7 to prevent being scammed. Prevent mail fraud by not sending a paper check.
X Sign up for auto-pay, set your secure payment method, or go paperless
X Contact Us
Report an issue and submit a general inquiry from your computer or mobile device.
X Access your account anytime from anywhere 24/7
X Easily Access FKEC’s Live Power Outage Map
X Access energy usage data
Track your power usage trends daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly, create budgets, and more to use energy wisely. Reviewing your power consumption also helps you understand increases and decreases in your electric bills.
