May Memebers in Motion
Our Members in Motion After Hours was a wonderful evening filled with meaningful connections and great conversation. Guests enjoyed networking, catching up with colleagues, and indulging in delicious light bites from Vicky Bakery. A special thank you to our sponsor, Insurance Office of America, and our gracious hosts, SBI Windows and Doors, for making the night so enjoyable for all.
In This Issue
President's Corner PAGE 3
Paddleboard Proclamation PAGE 4
Destination Key Largo Guide — Now Available PAGE 4
Hurricane Tip of the Month PAGE 6
Jon Rizzo Hurricane Guide PAGE 6
Members in Motion PAGES 8 & 9
Upcoming Events PAGE 10
Why Become a Trustee PAGE 12
Chamber Luncheon PAGES 14 & 15
2026 Board of Directors PAGE 18
TDC Tourism Update PAGE 20
Thank you Trustees PAGE 21
Lionfish Event & Recipe 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
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
X Lance Holmquist
X New Edge Associates
2026
Vacations: Time to Recharge Not Collapse
As this newsletter reaches your inbox, Memorial Day weekend will have just passed, and I will be taking a little time away to recharge before returning for a busy summer season. In fact, I’ll also be taking another week of PTO in June. And you know what? I’m giving myself permission to truly unplug, something many of us struggle to do.
We often talk about taking vacations, but are we really resting… or are we simply collapsing from exhaustion?
There’s a big difference.
A collapse happens when we push ourselves so hard that we have nothing left emotionally, mentally, or physically. Time away becomes less about enjoyment and more about escape. We spend the days leading up to vacation overwhelmed by unfinished tasks and the days before returning filled with anxiety and dread, so we never truly relax. Have you ever been “relaxing” but not actually feeling relaxed? You may be sitting on a beach, spending time with family, or enjoying a quiet morning, but your mind is still tethered to emails, deadlines, unfinished projects, and all the things waiting for you when you return.
Sound familiar? For many hardworking professionals, business owners, and community leaders, it does.
A true recharge feels very different. Time away becomes an opportunity to reconnect with life, not just disconnect from work. And when it’s time to return, you come back refreshed, energized, and ready to move forward with renewed perspective.
I think so many of us have been conditioned to believe that constant busyness equals value. We wear exhaustion like a badge of honor. We convince ourselves that taking time off is something we have to “earn” after we finish just one more project, answer one more email, or solve one more problem. But the truth is, the to-do list never ends.
The work will still be there when we return.
What I’ve learned is that stepping away is not irresponsible; it’s necessary. Taking time off is part of taking care of our health. Chronic stress quietly affects every part of our lives: our sleep, our mood, our productivity, our creativity, and even our relationships. Studies consistently show that people who never unplug are more prone to burnout, anxiety, and serious health issues.
Ironically, productivity actually decreases when we never allow ourselves to rest. When we’re exhausted, everything takes longer. Decisions become harder. Creativity fades. We stop thinking strategically and start simply surviving the day. Some of our best ideas don’t come while staring at a computer screen, they come during a walk, on a boat, spending time with family, or sitting quietly watching a Keys sunset.
Our brains and bodies were not designed to operate at full speed every waking moment.
The good news is that taking time off benefits everyone around us too. When we return rested, we are better leaders, better coworkers, better spouses, better parents, and better friends. We show up with more patience, more clarity, and more energy for the people and projects that matter most.
Of course, unplugging is easier said than done. Many of us struggle to relax because unfinished tasks hang over our heads. One thing that helps is creating systems and teams we trust. Strong systems allow us to step away without feeling like everything will fall apart. They remind us that the success of our organizations should never depend on one exhausted person trying to carry everything alone.
I’ve also learned that time off done poorly doesn’t help much either. We’ve all experienced the “vacation” where
Suzi Youngberg President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
we’re still answering emails, taking calls, and mentally sitting at our desks from miles away. That kind of time away often leaves us more drained than before and usually disappoints the people we’re trying to spend time with as well.
Real rest requires boundaries. It requires permission to disconnect.
So, as we head into summer, I encourage all of you to give yourselves that permission too. Take the weekend. Take the vacation days. Close the laptop. Turn off the notifications. Spend time with the people you love. Watch the sunset. Go fishing. Ride bikes. Read a book in a hammock. Whatever fills your cup again — do more of that. Because rest is not laziness. It’s recovery.
Taking time off is not a weakness. It’s leadership.
And when we take care of ourselves, we are able to better take care of our businesses, our organizations, and our community.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a little work to finish before I officially put up my out-of-office message and head out for some much-needed time to recharge. I hope each of you finds time to do the same this summer.
Paddleboard Proclamation
May 4th was not your typical proclamation signing, usually done while sitting in a Board of County Commissioners' chambers of a government building. Business suits, paddleboards, and a whole lot of community spirit made for one of the most uniquely “Keys” moments you’ll see on the water.
Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln took to the water on a paddleboard to officially kick off America’s 250th celebration in the Florida Keys, Keys style, with TDC CEO Kara Franker. Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein and elected and administrative officials from the City of Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, and the school board joined them. Mayor Pro Tem David Rice and Commissioner Jim Scholl also attended, along with other community leaders including the leaders of Key Largo, Islamorada and Lower Keys Chambers, but they opted to stay on dry land.
What an incredible day it was! The atmosphere was festive and fun thanks to interactive displays, the talented students from Horace O'Bryant and Gerald Adams schools who provided the music, the intrepid paddleboarders, and amazing Master of Ceremonies, Clinton Curry.
Of course, the undisputed highlight was watching Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln sign the official proclamation declaring May 4-9, 2026, as National Travel & Tourism Week in Monroe County from a paddleboard, in a business suit, accompanied by a fleet of equally game public officials. Only in the Florida Keys!
This is just the beginning. We look forward to celebrating throughout Monroe County with America's 250th events in the months ahead. Stay tuned for exciting news about a Key Largo Paddle Parade in September!
Above, Holly Merrill Raschen, Kara
Right, three Chambers represented, Steve Miller from Lower Keys, Judy Hull from Islamorada, and Suzi Youngberg and Tonya Salomon from Key Largo.
Below, Community leaders joined the Mayor on the water.
Franker and Michelle Lincoln.
10 Year Anniversary Edition Now Available!
Thanks to all of our advertisers and advertorial writers in this year's special anniversary edition. Thanks also to all article and photo contributors.
We also thank and congratulate the Cover Contest winner JoNell Modys! JoNell captured the perfect Key Largo image during a visit to the beautiful Far Beach at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Look for these stunning magazines all over the Upper Keys starting next week. (You may have gotten a preview last week, thanks to our good friends at Upper Keys Weekly for sending them out with the newspapers!) They are always available here at the Key Largo Chamber & Visitor Center. Or you can read online at www.keylargochamber.org.
Please pick up your copy of Destination Key Largo!
The Hurricane Deductible
The hurricane deductible is one of the most misunderstood parts of homeowners insurance in Florida.
Most people think of a deductible as a fixed number, like $1,000. The hurricane deductible is different because it’s a percentage of the amount for which your home is insured–if your home is insured for $250,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, your deductible amount is $5,000.
The hurricane deductible only kicks in when the National Weather Service officially declares a hurricane, and it applies to damage from the start of the warning through 72 hours after the
hurricane ends.
Hurricane deductibles are generally applied only once per calendar year, regardless of how many storms strike. However, if a policyholder has windstorm damage resulting from the first hurricane of the policy term, and then moves the policy to a different insurance company that is not a part of the original insurance company’s group, the hurricane deductible applies in full to the second claim without any credit given for the first hurricane deductible that occurred the same year. With Citizens aggressively depopulating, it’s crucial
to understand how this may affect your policy.
This Hurricane Deductible Guide from the Division of Consumer Services goes into detail about the hurricane deductible including different scenarios that may affect an insurance claim.
Take a minute to read over the guide and go over any questions you have with your local insurance agent, who is your best source of information about your coverage.
Hurricane season begins June 1, and now is the time to be sure your insurance is in place.
Jon Rizzo’s Hurricane Guidance
For the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters predict below-normal storm activity due to a developing El Niño pattern. While meteorologist Jon Rizzo—the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) Key West office—does not issue independent numerical predictions, his core guidance for the Florida Keys emphasizes that "it only takes one" storm to cause a disaster. He urges residents to focus on local hazards like storm surge rather than broad regional forecasts.
The 2026 Seasonal Outlook
• The Drivers: Weak La Niña conditions are actively transitioning into a moderate-to-strong El Niño.
• The Impact: This transition creates strong wind shear and hostile atmospheric conditions across the Atlantic basin, suppressing tropical development.
• The Predictions: Major agencies like NOAA and AccuWeather align on a generally quieter season compared to recent years.
Jon Rizzo’s Guidance for the Florida Keys
As a veteran forecaster in the Keys since 1999, Jon Rizzo frequently speaks at community events—including a recent College of the Florida Keys VIP presentation and a joint Monroe County Evacuation Policy workshop. His primary safety principles include:
• Look Past the Cone: Do not rely solely on the National Hurricane Center's track cone. Winds and lifethreatening storm surge routinely extend dozens of miles outside the center.
• Prepare for Rapid Intensification: Modern storms can strengthen faster than in the past. Planning must happen well before a system forms.
• Essential Supplies: Rizzo stresses practical backup power, specifically recommending keeping at least two lithiumion backup batteries fully charged for cellular devices. The standard Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 through November 30. You can monitor active conditions directly through the NWS Key West Tropical Webpage or the National Hurricane Center.
May Members in Motion!
We had a fantastic time at our latest Members in Motion After Hours event, bringing together members for an evening of networking and reconnection. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere, tasty refreshments from Vicky Bakery, and great company. We are grateful to Insurance Office of America for sponsoring the event and to SBI Windows and Doors for hosting such a memorable evening.
Thursday, June 4
Saturday, June 6
Sunday, June 7
Thursday, June 11
Saturday, June 13
Sunday, June 21
Monday, June 22
Wednesday, June 24
Thursday, June 25
June Events
See all our up-to-date events on our website, www.web.keylargochamber.org/events
Chamber Sunrise Networking: Coffee, Connections & Conversations
FREE World Oceans Day Event @ Dolphins Plus
Drag Me to the Keys: Drag Brunch at Crooked
REEF Fish Out of Water 5K
Chamber Networking Luncheon “Legislative Update with Senator Anna Maria Rodriguez” at Bakers Cay
Mote's BleachWatch Training at John Pennekamp Park
The Bacon King Experience at Florida Keys Brewing Company
June Delicate Balance of Nature at John Pennekamp Visitor Center
Dolphin Sunset Celebration at Dolphin Research Center
Chamber Members in Motion at Skippers Dockside
Palm Cabana
May Networking Luncheon
Our May luncheon at Holiday Inn Key Largo was an outstanding gathering filled with connection, insight, and community spirit. Guests enjoyed a timely and informative panel discussion featuring Health Insurance Experts who shared valuable guidance on topics ranging from group health coverage to the Affordable Care Act. Their knowledge and willingness to educate our members highlighted the incredible talent and expertise we are fortunate to have within our Chamber family. We were also thrilled to welcome and install five new members, continuing the growth of our vibrant business community. A special thank you to New Health Partners for sponsoring this wonderful luncheon.
David, Lisa, Ana and Dennis.
Michael and Diana.
Sue, Christina, Sabine and Bonnie. Cindy and Irevi.
Yesenia, Heather, Suzi, Henry, Gretchen and Ryan. Carlos, Javi, Yesenia, Anais and Ray.
Paola and Lisa.
Andy and Alex.
New members Kay and Cathleen of Alzheimer's Association.
Special thanks to New Health Partners Carlos, Javi and Ray with Suzi.
New member Tina of FBMC, A Leavitt Group Agency
Spenser and Amy.
Health Ins Panel: Mercedes, Tina, Kevin and Carlos.
New member Lizzy of LizzyLooDoo Duckies.
Christina, Margie and Jill.
Your 2026 Chamber Board of Directors
Michael Rojewski 2025 & 2026 Chairman of the Board of Directors
Michael Rojewski Group – Owner
Roberto Alonso (2025 & 2026)
Borland & Associates President
Manuel Alvarez (2026 & 2027)
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo CPA
Berta Bravo (2026 & 2027)
SBI Windows & Doors Owner
Spenser Bryan (2025 & 2026)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain
Melissa Fernandez (2025 & 2026)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2026 & 2027)
The Catch Owner
Suzanne Holmquist (2025 & 2026)
Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor
Mary Houston (2025 & 2026)
Houston Insurance Agency Owner
Henry Menendez (2026 & 2027)
HNO Productions Owner/Operator
Yesenia Moreno (2026-2027)
New Edge Associates Managing Partner
Heather Turkay (2026 & 2027)
Playa Largo Resort & Spa Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Blaine Vernicek (2025-2026)
The Structure Group Manager
Violet Wahba (2026 & 2027)
Key Lime Products Owner
The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
Visit Florida Keys Presents “Keys Season”
Welcome to Keys Season, our new, destination-wide savings initiative designed to drive travel to The Keys during the late summer and early fall season. By bringing together compelling offers from your hotels, restaurants and attractions, we create a strong, unified reason for visitors to book a trip. This is an excellent opportunity to drive your sales and bookings, we hope you join us.
Ready to get started? Send an email to Christina@fla-keys.com
You set the offer. We drive the visibility.
• Your offer can be valid anytime between the program dates, which are Aug 1st - Oct 31st
• We’ll promote your offer on our website and in our advertising
Check out these sample offers for ideas:
• Prix-fixe dinners at your restaurant – Talk to Key Largo Chamber about “Taste the Keys” coming in October! (events@ keylargochamber.org)
• Offers on equipment rentals or charters at your shop
• 4th night free at your hotel or credits for the spa
• BOGOs on your excursions or exhibits (buy one ticket, get one free)
• 2-for-1 savings or offers on your products
very invasive)
Lionfish: Incredibly Edible (&
The 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival, held April 23–26, 2026, in Key Largo, broke records with 2,480 invasive lionfish removed, aiding reef conservation. Hosted by REEF Environmental Educational Foundation at their Campus, the event featured a competition, educational festival, and awards ceremony.
Lionfish Invasion. Why is this an issue?
Known for their show stopping appearance, venomous spines and damage to local reefs, invasive lionfish, are the first non-native marine fish to
become established in the Atlantic. Lionfish pose a significant threat to local marine ecosystems due to widespread predation of native species, prolific reproduction and lack of controlling predators. However, early detection and rapid removal can help control their populations and reduce their damage.
What is REEF doing about it?
Divers are encouraged to submit any sightings of non-native species via this sightings reporting form. Since 2006, REEF has been working in close
partnership with government agencies and partners throughout the region to help develop lionfish response plans, train resource managers and dive operators in effective collecting and handling techniques and conduct cutting edge research to help address the invasion. To aid in this effort, REEF currently enlists interested divers and snorkelers to join organized lionfish research and removal projects and encourages public participation in helping address the invasion and runs lionfish workshops and derbies annually.
Beer-Battered Lionfish
with Dill Tartar Sauce
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup dill pickle, minced
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. fresh dill
1 ½ cup flour
1 cup beer
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. black pepper
8 fillets lionfish
Canola oil for frying
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine mayonnaise, dill pickle, lemon juice and fresh dill in bowl until blended.
2. Combine flour, beer, garlic powder and pepper in a separate bowl.
3. Cut lionfish fillets into strips. Heat oil in frying pan. When oil is hot, dredge fish through beer batter, covering all of the fish fillet.
4. Put fish into hot oil and cook until golden brown. Turn fish with spatula until other side is golden brown.
5. Place a paper towel on a plate to absorb excess oil and transfer cooked fish to plate.
6. Serve with dill tartar sauce.
Recipe courtesy of REEF Lionfish Cookbook
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
