In This Issue
Meet The Board Candidates PAGE 3
Suzi Youngberg, New Chamber
President PAGE 4
Taste The Keys PAGES 5
Nominate Board Members PAGE 6
Monroe County News PAGE 7
Members in Motion PAGE 8
Upcoming Events PAGES 10 & 11
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 12 & 13
Election and Ballot Information PAGES 16 & 17
Why Use 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
Meet The Key Largo Chamber 2025 Board Candidate
Join us on Thursday, October 10 at Mrs. Mac's "Big" location for our monthly Chamber Networking Luncheon!
Meet the Upcoming 2025 Chamber Board Candidates! Business Members who would like to self-nominate you will have the opportunity during the luncheon.
There will also be a short presentation about your Chamber Membership Benefits and new Marketing initiatives.
We also have the honor of two short member
presentations:
• Dr. Sue Woltanski will present on the Monroe County School Board Referendum
• Bonnie Barnes will present the award for the SBDC at FIU Business of the Year.
Menu Choices-Blackened Shrimp on A Caesar Salad
Or (2) Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers Over Rice Or Veggie Wrap W/Side Of Rice
Registration closes on October 7.There are no refunds after the reservation system closes. Register online or Call 305-451-1414 for assistance.
Announcing Incoming Chamber President
The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors has voted to promote Suzi Youngberg to incoming President. Suzi will assume the role of President on January 1, 2025.
"Soon after Elizabeth announced her retirement, it became clear that Suzi was the right person to lead the Chamber as we adapt further to amplify the voices of Upper Keys business community," said Henry Menendez, current Chairman. "Suzi's unique experience in business and non-profit leadership, along with her history of service to our community, will serve our members – small and large, new and old – extremely well in the future."
Suzi has accumulated extensive experience in sales, marketing, and account management throughout her career, engaging with clients across the Southeast. After deciding to settle down and cease extensive travel, she decided to apply her sales and leadership skills in the Florida Keys.
"With our exceptionally talented team, the leadership of our members, and our robust community, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is not just ready but poised to become the
leading business-minded advocacy organization in the Florida Keys," declared Michael Rojewski, incoming chairman. "Suzi accepting the position instills a sense of optimism about the Chamber's future."
As the past President of the Upper Keys Business and Professional Woman, Suzi has a proven track record of leadership. Her continued service to the organization and her role as a Charter member of the Upper Keys Advisory Council for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys further demonstrates her commitment to our community. Suzi is also a recent graduate of Leadership Monroe.
"Throughout her time here in the Keys, Suzi was able to apply her talent working for non-profit organizations. Her experience expanded to fundraising, donor management, stewardship, community outreach, engagement and development. Combining her experience with almost 30 years history in the Florida Keys Community, she will be a tremendous asset to the Key Largo Chamber and our members", stated Elizabeth Moscynski, current President.
The Key Largo Chamber Board of Directors extends their heartfelt congratulations to Suzi. The directors are grateful for her willingness to take on this important role and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our Chamber and community.
"It is a great honor to accept this position. I am excited for the opportunity to bring my experience and leadership skills to the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and engaging in and supporting our membership. We will certainly miss Elizabeth and thank her for her years of service. She is leaving some big shoes to fill!" expressed Suzi.
Suzi Youngberg
Excitement and Hunger is Heating Up!
Excitement is building as the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce's first annual Taste the Keys event approaches. We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Taste the Keys food tour, a delectable adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and showcase the vibrant culinary scene of the Florida Keys. This exciting new event replaces our beloved annual cook-off, adding a fresh twist with a curated tour of the area's finest dining spots.
On October 17, join us for a culinary journey that will take you to five distinct and renowned locations in Key Largo, where you'll enjoy a diverse range of sample-sized dishes, each paired with a drink. From mouthwatering appetizers to indulgent desserts, every bite is included in one flat fee, making it an excellent value for food enthusiasts.
Playa Largo Resort
• The Catch Restaurant
• Italian Food Company
• Mrs. Mac's Kitchen II
The tour kicks off at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen II, where guests will gather to board the trolley for an evening of gastronomic delight. Please note that we adhere to a strict schedule, so be sure to arrive promptly as the trolley departs at 5:00 p.m. Address details
Ticket Pricing:
• $100 per person for Key Largo Chamber members
• $125 per person for non-Chamber members
Spaces are limited, so don't miss your chance to be part of this unique event. We look forward to savoring the flavors of the Keys with you and making this event a new tradition for our community!
This notification is for the upcoming Key Largo Chamber Board of Directors election, a significant event in our chamber's calendar.
As a business member in good standing, you have the unique and exciting opportunity to self-nominate for the upcoming 2025 Board of Directors at the October Luncheon at Mrs. Macs on Thursday, October 10. We encourage you to participate in shaping the future of our chamber.
Qualifications
All self-nominees must be Chamber Business Members in good standing for at least one year after their anniversary date. To qualify, the members must be the business owner, general manager, director, broker, or chief executive oficer. Self-nominees who do not fit
the description need to seek the approval of the Business Member to represent their business on the Key Largo Chamber Board of Directors. A letter from the business member must accompany the nomination questionnaire to ensure a clear understanding of the process. The self-nomination form ensures that our bylaws are followed and that all business members have the opportunity to self-nominate.
How to Self-Nominate:
Please contact the Key Largo Chamber for the Self-Nominations form at 305-451-1414 or email vicepresident@ keylargochamber.org.
All questionnaires must be presented when called upon to self-nominate at the luncheon on October 10. Being prepared to speak at the luncheon is not just important, it's essential, as this is a prime opportunity to showcase your candidacy.
Timeline:
Online elections begin on October 11 and end on November 8. Election results are announced at the Annual Meeting/Election on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
All newly elected directors serve a two-year term on the Chamber Board. They are installed at the December Gala at the ReefHouse on December 7.
Welcome New County Administrator
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners announced th hiring of Christine Hurley as County Administrator, the county’s top leadership position. She is a former Assistant County Administrator and currently Monroe County Land Authority Executive Director.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the next County Administrator by the commissioners,” said Hurley. “I look forward to working with our staff to implement board policies and directives, serving our great community, and restoring confidence in our County operations.”
Hurley started with the county in 2009 as the Growth Management Division Director. In 2015, she then transitioned to Assistant County Administrator and became the head of the Land Authority in 2021. She holds degrees in Public Administration and Economics and is certified by the American Institute of
Certified Planners.
She has accomplished notable carrer achievements, including developing a land acquisition methodology leveraging State funding into the county to further preservation, championing affordable housing initiatives after Hurricane Irma, and working with FEMA to end the decades-long downstairs enclosure pilot program. That program created a pathway for the county to be considered in good standing with FEMA, which opened the door to the Community Rating System securing large discounts to private property owner flood insurance. Before coming to Monroe County, she held similar positions in the City of Fort Myers, Florida, and worked in the private sector as a consultant.
“Ms. Hurley is ready to hit the ground running at a time when strong leadership is required,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “She knows the issues, our team
Natural Resource Adaptation Plan Meeting
Monroe County’s Office of Sustainability will host a meeting to gain public input on the Monroe County Natural Resource Adaptation Plan virtually on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Monroe County has been planning over the last year to create a new Natural Resources Adaptation Plan that will help shape project priorities to address increasing flooding impacts on the County’s natural resources.
The county is completing the project and will present the data collected, the approach, and the technical evaluations to help prioritize the various natural resources impacted by future flood risk,
including sea level rise. The project will also provide example project strategies and potential locations to reduce these impacts in the future. The county received grant funding from the State of Florida for this project.
The meeting link can be found on the county website calendar or at https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/6757369686....
The county has been updating its Vulnerability Assessment for all its critical assets, but this specific project only focuses on adaptation strategies for natural resources. This plan is one of the first in Florida to specifically focus on addressing flooding impacts
members, and most importantly, she lives and breathes the Florida Keys.”
Kevin Wilson has been Acting County Administrator since February and will return to the Assistant County Administrator role, working side-byside with Hurley.
“We are excited that our Acting County Administrator Kevin Wilson will continue to play a big leadership role, and I am grateful for his dedicated service to our County,” said Raschein.
on natural resources assets instead of infrastructure.
As an Area of Critical State Concern, this project is important to help determine what is achievable in the future to protect the County’s natural resources and the dependent plant and wildlife species. The project also included a cost-benefit analysis to understand the economic benefits of pursuing natural resource adaptation projects with either County, grant funding, or both.
“We are seeking the public’s input to ensure we have included all of the important county natural resources, that we have developed the right priorities, and that we hear from you on the types of adaptation response you would like to see,” said Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag.
August Members in Motion!
Thank you Key Largo Fisheries for hosting our August networking event at the grand opening of their new bar The Deck.
Enjoyable evening with prefect weather.
Everyone had a nice time. Fantastic crew.
Always dog friendly!
Ana and Roberto.
Great island entertainment.
Nicole and David.
Yum!
Enjoying August's Members in Motion.
Upcoming Events
For event details visit wwww.web.keylargochamber.org/events
Thursday, September 26
Thursday, October 10
Sunday, October 13
Members In Motion!
SouthState Mortgage, Sunset Rotary and Key Largo Dental Associates 5:30 PM
Networking Luncheon "Meet the 2025 Board Candidates" at "Big" Mrs. Mac's 11:30 AM
Guided Tours at the History of Diving Museum — US Navy Anniversary 11:00 AM
Wednesday, October 16
Thursday, October 17
Thursday, October 24
Friday, October 25 Treasure Treat Night 5:30 PM
Immerse Yourself! USS Monitor Salvage Operation 7:00 PM Owl-O-Ween 1:05 PM REEF Fest! Upper Keys Candidate Forum 5:30 PM First Annual Taste the Keys Event 5:00 PM
Thank you to our members for being involved community partners!
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
Cari Sanders (2024-2026)
Vital Signs Proprietor
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2024 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2023 - 2025)
The Structure Group Manager
Trustee Members
August Luncheon Happenings
Stephanie with Chairman Elect Michael Rojewski and Board Director Ruth
Board Director Angie Alvarez with Lori and Nicole from First State Bank.
New Member Bright View
Sherry with Jill and Chris.
New Member Flamingo Adventures.
Guest Speaker Dwight Hill from First Horizon Bank.
New Member Home Team Inspection Services.
Ana and Maria with Board Director Henry Quintana.
New Member The Knotty Dawg.
Welcome New Chamber Members
X Trustee Member: Las Marias Medical Center
X Oasis at the Keys Nursing Rehab
X Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine LLC
X Purple Isles Mobile Bartender
X JAEE Environmental Services, Inc
X Dion Generator Solutions
X Edward Jones
X Denny's Latin Cafe
X National Trust Title Services
X WCO Events
X Alzheimer's Association
X Key Largo Captain Steve
X Esterman Eye Institute
X Your Front eOffice, Inc
X Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park
X Vasconcello Cohen, MD PA
X Seaway Plumbing
Ginette, Elizabeth and Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein.
Kate, Kate and Maria.
Elizabeth, Henry, Holly and Henry.
Reminders From Our Supervisor of Elections
Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin shares that the November 5, 2024 ballot will be a long one with many questions. Here is the link to Monroe County’s sample ballots: https://www.keyselections.org/Electio.../ Past-Sample-Ballots.
There are 3 ways to vote:
1. On election day at your Polling Place
2. By requesting a vote by mail ballot online at: https://www.keyselections.org/Voters/Vote-by-MailRequest. Vote by mail ballots will be mailed around September 27.
What is on the 2024 Ballot?
As of September 17, 2024, six statewide ballot measures were certified for the ballot in Florida in 2024.
To make a precise decision on how you want to vote, visit: https://ballotpedia. org/Florida_2024_ballot_ measures#On_the_ballot
Amendment 1: Changes school board elections from nonpartisan to partisan beginning in the November 2026 general election and for primary elections nominating party candidates
3. You may Early Vote starting on October 21 and ending on November 2, daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Supervisor of Elections offices which in Key Largo is at 102050 Overseas Hwy #137.
Fun fact, Monroe County normally has an 80 percent turnout for presidential elections! Make your voice heard, get out and vote!
for the 2026 election
Amendment 2: Establishes a state constitutional right to hunt and fish
Amendment 3: Legalize the recreational or personal use of marijuana
Amendment 4: Provide for a state constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability
Amendment 5: Provide for an annual inflation adjustment for the value of the homestead property tax exemption
Amendment 6: Repeal a constitutional provision providing for public campaign financing for candidates who agree to spending limits.
On the Ballot for Key Largo and Islamorada: School Board Referendums: Renewal of Operational Funding for Monroe County Schools: The School District seeks to continue its current funding for operational expenses including teacher salaries and safe-school officers.
Such funds will be shared with local charter schools proportionally based on their full-time student enrollment.
Shall the District continue to enact a yearly ad valorem tax of no more than 0.5625 mill, for four (4) years beginning January 1, 2027, to fund safe-school officers and operational expenses of Monroe County Schools? Yes/No
Facilitating School District Capital Projects Through Sales Tax Levy
Rather than Raising Local Property Taxes: Renewed funding is required for the School District's capital improvement plan such as new construction, renovations, additions, security needs, technology implementation, school buses, and permitted capital improvements. The revenues collected must be shared with eligible charter schools based on their proportionate share of the total school district enrollment.
Shall the School Board of Monroe County, Florida continue to levy a one-half cent sales surtax for a period of ten (10) years beginning January 1, 2026? For the One-Half Cent Tax Against the One-Half Cent Tax
Only the Ballot for Islamorada Voters: Charter Amendments Increasing Amount of Councilember
Compensation from $1,000 per month to $1,500 per month: It is proposed that the
Village Charter be amended to provide for the amount of monthly compensation to Councilmembers be increased from $1,000 per month to $1,500 per month and that Councilmember compensation be subject to annual cost of living adjustments commensurate with such adjustment given to
Village staff in the same fiscal year.
Shall the above described Charter amendment be adopted? Yes/No
Lifetime Term Limits for Councilmembers: The Village Charter currently provides for an eight-year consecutive term limit.
It is proposed that the Village Charter be amended to provide for an eightyear lifetime term limit, whether consecutive or not, beginning with the 2024 Village election. Shall the above described Charter amendment be adopted? Yes No
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