Legend OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
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SEPTEMBER 2026 VOL. 28 NO. 51
OUR SEPTEMBER
Membersin Motion Our September Members in Motion at the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department Museum brought out an incredible crowd, filling the space with community spirit and curiosity. Members and guests explored historic fire-rescue exhibits, from decades of volunteer memorabilia! Sparking memories, conversations, and plenty of smiles. The strong turnout and enthusiastic engagement made this event a standout, celebrating both our Chamber community and the rich history preserved within this beloved new Key Largo landmark.
In This Issue President's Corner PAGE 3 Rethinking Privacy in AI-Dependent World PAGE 4 Taste the Keys PAGE 8 Members in Motion PAGES 10 Sheriff's Scam Warning PAGE 12 Upcoming Events PAGE 14 Why Become a Trustee PAGE 16 Chamber Luncheon PAGES 18 Grow Your Business all Year PAGE 20 Thank you Trustees PAGE 21
2026
TDC Tourism Update & Keys Season PAGE 22 2026 Board of Directors PAGE 24 Butternut Squash & Stone Crab Bisque PAGE 28 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
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
Legacy Members 2
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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 X SBI Windows & Doors X Josh Rodriguez, Window
Cleaning
X Gilbert’s Resort X Avante Insurance Group
Happy Fall Y’all! Even though the temperatures aren’t cooling down yet, the end of September triggers the beginning of Fall season and in the Upper Keys, that means it’s time for Taste the Keys! After two weeks of vacation, I’m returning to the Chamber refreshed, recharged, and ready for what promises to be a very busy, and very delicious, October! This vacation was a little different than most. I celebrated a milestone birthday, took some much-needed time to relax and decompress, and had the opportunity to process the loss of my beloved SugarBear. If you know me, you know that SugarBear was far more than a pet. He was my baby boy, my traveling companion, and a very important part of my family and life for over 13 years. Losing our fur babies is one of those inevitable but incredibly difficult parts of loving them. As we get older, we learn that life includes saying goodbye to people, and pets, we love. And I think anyone who has loved an animal knows that grief can be every bit as real. Our fur babies are family. I’m happy that SugarBear got to make a visit to the Key Largo Chamber and Visitor Center this summer for his “Paws in Paradise” photo op. At the time, it was just a fun day at work with my favorite little guy. Now, that photo is something I will treasure forever. I’m so thankful we have it. My vacation also gave me some time to contemplate another milestone: turning 60! I have to admit, 60 seemed really old when I was a kid. I remember thinking my grandparents were ancient at that age. And now here I am! But somewhere along the way, 60 changed. Maybe 60 really is the new 40? I don’t know about that, but I do
know that I certainly don’t feel like the 60-year-olds I remember growing up with. We are living differently, staying active longer, continuing to work, travel, learn and try new things. Age is a number, but perhaps more importantly, it’s a perspective. This birthday has reminded me that getting older is a privilege. We don’t get to choose every chapter of our lives, and some chapters are certainly harder than others. But we do get to choose how we embrace the next one. So, I’m coming back from PTO refreshed and recharged, a little older, maybe a little wiser, and definitely sadder. But life goes on. And there is something comforting about that, too. There is always another day, another adventure, another opportunity to make a difference, and another reason to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than with Taste the Keys! October is finally here, and Taste the Keys is happening throughout Key Largo and, this year, even into Islamorada. I am incredibly thankful to all of the restaurants that are participating and putting so much creativity and effort into making this month special. I can't wait to see everyone out enjoying the incredible food our local restaurants have to offer, and I especially can’t wait for our Foodie Trolley Tours!
Suzi Youngberg President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
If you haven’t already, get your tickets and make your dining plans. Try a new restaurant, enjoy an old favorite, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Signature Showdown dish. Here’s to turning the page, embracing every year we’re given, supporting our local businesses and making the most of whatever comes next.
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Rethinking Privacy in an AI-Dependent World Surveillance has always been a matter of architecture. The panopticon prison, designed by Jeremy Bentham in the eighteenth century, made inmates visible to a central observer while obscuring whether observation was active at any moment. The uncertainty itself produced compliance. Today’s surveillance architecture operates on a different scale and with different mechanics, but the psychological principle persists. We are watched more comprehensively than ever before, and the watching is increasingly automated, ambient, and difficult to perceive. What distinguishes the current era is not merely the volume of data collection but the intelligence applied to it. Artificial intelligence transforms surveillance from passive recording into active inference. A camera no longer merely captures images; it recognizes faces, interprets gestures, detects anomalies, and predicts behavior. A phone no longer merely tracks location; it infers emotional states from typing patterns, social connections from proximity data, and economic vulnerability from transaction histories. The surveillance apparatus has acquired cognitive capacity, and that capacity is being deployed at every 4
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layer of social and economic life.
The Consent Illusion
The dominant narrative around contemporary surveillance emphasizes consent. Users agree to terms of service. They accept cookies. They opt into location sharing for convenience. This framework treats surveillance as a contractual exchange: personal data for service value. The problem is that the exchange is structurally unequal. Consent in the AI surveillance context is not informed, not revocable, and not meaningful. Terms of service are unreadable by design, updated unilaterally, and accepted through interface friction so minimal that it barely registers as a decision. The data extracted extends far beyond what any reasonable user would consider exchanging. A weather application that requests microphone access, a flashlight utility that demands contact lists, a fitness tracker that sells sleep data to insurance brokers— these are not isolated abuses. They are the business model. The AI dependency of modern services makes withdrawal impractical. Opting out of surveillance means opting out of employment verification, financial services,
social participation, and increasingly physical mobility. The consent framework was designed for discrete transactions between equals. It is being applied to continuous, asymmetrical, and inescapable data extraction. The result is not consent but resignation dressed in legal formality.
The Inference Problem
Traditional surveillance concerned itself with known information. What did a person do? Where did they go? Who did they meet? AI surveillance is concerned with unknown information. What might a person do? Where are they likely to go? Who are they becoming? The shift from recording to prediction represents a qualitative change in the nature of surveillance. Predictive inference is inherently probabilistic and frequently wrong. An algorithm that identifies a person as a flight risk based on social media sentiment, employment instability, and travel patterns may be correct in a minority of cases and devastatingly incorrect in others. The error is not distributed equally. Inference systems trained on biased data reproduce and amplify existing inequalities. The person flagged as suspicious by an AI system is
more likely to be from a marginalized community, not because of greater propensity but because of greater visibility in the training data. The consequences of inference errors are also asymmetrical. A false positive in fraud detection may result in frozen accounts and damaged credit. A false positive in criminal justice may result in pre-trial detention. A false positive in employment screening may result in permanent exclusion from opportunity. The AI surveillance system does not merely observe. It constructs the reality it claims to detect.
The State-Corporate Symbiosis
Surveillance power has historically been concentrated in either state or corporate hands, with tension between the two. The AI era has produced something different: a symbiosis where state and corporate surveillance capabilities merge, complement, and reinforce each other. Corporations possess the data infrastructure, the user relationships, and the technical talent. States possess the legal authority, the coercive capacity, and the demand for population-scale monitoring. The exchange is not always explicit. Data brokers aggregate and sell consumer information that finds its way into government databases. Platform companies comply with legal requests that expand in scope and diminish in specificity. AI systems developed for commercial optimization are repurposed for security classification. This symbiosis is difficult to regulate because it operates across jurisdictions, sectors, and legal frameworks. A privacy law that constrains corporate data collection may be circumvented by government procurement. A government transparency requirement may be undermined by classification regimes. The surveillance ecosystem is designed to be resilient against exactly the kind of institutional accountability that liberal democracies have historically relied upon.
The Resistance Question
What remains is the question of resistance. If surveillance is structural, if consent is illusory, if inference is error-prone, and if state-corporate symbiosis is entrenched, what possibilities exist for meaningful opposition? Some resistance is technical. Encryption, decentralized networks, and privacypreserving computation offer partial
protections against data extraction. But technical solutions require technical expertise, and their adoption is concentrated among populations already advantaged by education and resources. They do not address the structural conditions that make surveillance the default. Some resistance is legal. Regulatory frameworks like the European Union’s AI Act and various national privacy laws impose constraints on surveillance practices. But law moves slowly, enforcement is uneven, and regulatory capture is common. The organizations best positioned to comply with complex regulations are often the ones with the most sophisticated surveillance operations. The most durable resistance may be social and cultural. Norms around surveillance— what is acceptable, what is stigmatized, what is expected—are still forming. The
generation now entering adulthood has grown up with pervasive monitoring and is developing distinctive attitudes toward privacy that differ from their predecessors. Whether these attitudes translate into collective action or merely individual coping strategies remains uncertain. What is clear is that surveillance in the age of AI dependency cannot be addressed through any single mechanism. It requires technical innovation, legal reform, institutional accountability, and cultural transformation operating in concert. The architecture of watching is being built around us. The question is whether we can build the architecture of resistance with equal sophistication and greater determination. Source: Jumpstart Team, Published July 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026 5
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Happy Hour specials (weekdays, 4 - 6 p.m.) Live Music (Fridays and Saturdays) Billiards and TVs firing for big games
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A Month of Flavor in the Upper Keys Taste the Keys Returns with Prix-Fixe Menus, the Signature Dish Showdown, and Trolley Foodie Tours There’s no better way to experience the Florida Keys than through its food. From fresh-caught seafood and island-inspired flavors to familyowned restaurants and creative chefs, the Upper Keys dining scene reflects the unique culture that makes this destination so special. This October, that culinary spirit takes center stage as Taste the Keys returns for a month-long celebration of local flavor. Running October 1–31, the annual festival invites both visitors and locals to discover specially crafted prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants throughout the Upper Keys, offering an affordable way to sample some of the area’s best cuisine. Each restaurant creates exclusive lunch, dinner, or all-day menus that showcase signature dishes and seasonal specialties. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience favorite spots—or discover new ones—while supporting local businesses during the quieter fall season. Adding a little friendly competition to the festivities is the Signature Dish Showdown, where participating restaurants nominate one standout item from their menus to compete for the title of Best Dish in the Upper Keys. Diners become the judges, tasting their way through the month and casting votes online for their favorites. The winning dish will earn local bragging rights when results are announced in early November. For food lovers looking for a guided
adventure, the Taste the Keys Trolley Foodie Tours offer an unforgettable evening on the town. Guests climb aboard the trolley and travel between featured restaurants, enjoying curated tasting menus and drink pairings at each stop. Forget bar hopping—this is bite hopping, Keys style. The tours bring together great food, local hospitality, and a chance to experience multiple culinary destinations in one memorable night. From inventive flavors to waterfront favorites, Taste the Keys celebrates everything that makes dining in the Upper Keys unique. Whether you’re
Taste the Keys, October 1–31, 2026
Prix-fixe menus available at participating restaurants. See locations and menus, vote for your favorite Signature Dish, buy Trolley Tour Tickets and more at TasteTheKeys.com. 8
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hunting for the next award-winning dish, enjoying a progressive dinner aboard the trolley, or simply savoring a great meal with friends, October is the perfect time to eat your way through paradise.
E T S TA
GH U O R TH
OU
026 2 R E OB T C O T
SAVOR THE FLORIDA KEYS Discover Key Largo’s Best Bites
Locations and Menus, Showdown Dishes, and Trolley Tickets available online!
TasteTheKeys.com
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September Members in Motion! Our September Members in Motion at the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department Museum was a truly special evening. Guests had the chance to meet our local firefighters, hear firsthand about the department’s proud history dating back to 1955, and see the equipment that keeps our community safe every day. Attendees explored the museum’s historic memorabilia while enjoying warm, engaging conversations with the firefighters and Chief Morse who all work tirelessly to serve our Island. Networking flowed throughout the night, helped along by delicious food from C & C Wood Fire Eats. It was a memorable blend of community, history, and connection!
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Sheriff’s Office Scam Warning! The Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office is urging Keys residents to exercise caution as scammers continue to target the community and pose as officials, attempting to extort money and issuing threats by fabricating arrest warrants. According to the Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office, reports have surfaced of scammers assuming the identities of genuine Sheriff ’s Office personnel, employing phone numbers that appear legitimate on caller ID, and even using sophisticated software to mimic the voices of public officials or loved ones. These tactics are designed to deceive unsuspecting victims. In response to the escalating scamming incidents, law enforcement authorities want to remind the public of important red flags to watch out for.
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The Sheriff ’s Office emphasizes that they will never contact individuals requesting money via gift cards, electronic financial transfer networks like Zelle, or popular mobile payment services such as PayPal or Venmo. Any such demands should be considered immediate indicators of a scam. Phone scams are commonly used by individuals posing as law enforcement officers, utility workers, insurance adjusters, lawyers, or professionals in various fields. These scammers often employ manipulation tactics, extracting personal information such as full names, addresses, passport details, phone numbers, and financial resources, under the guise of fake administrative costs. To combat these fraudulent activities, the Sheriff ’s Office advises
residents to hang up immediately and independently verify the caller’s identity by contacting the government organization, family member, or company the caller claims to represent. By taking these steps, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to scams. Residents are also encouraged to exercise caution when asked for significant sums of money during phone conversations. The Sheriff ’s Office stresses the importance of terminating such calls promptly to prevent financial loss. If you believe you have been targeted by scammers, it is crucial to report the incident to the nearest Sheriff ’s Office Substation. For a comprehensive list of locations, visit www.keysso.net/ locations.
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October Events CLICK HERE FOR ALL OUR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE
October 1st-31st
Taste the Keys—A month of Flavor in the Upper Keys, with Prix-fixe menus, the signature dish showdown & trolley foodie tours!
Friday, October 2
Happy Hour Fundraiser for Big Kahuna with Kassy & Candace at Bar Victor
Saturday, October 3
The Low - Cost Vaccination & Microchip Clinic with Marrvelous Pet Rescue
Sunday, October 4
Karaoke Night at The Catch Yesenia’s Moreno’s Big Kahuna Fundraiser
Thursday, October 8
Chamber Social Networking Luncheon at Reef House Resort
Saturday, October 10
Good Health Clinic’s 2026 Kahuna Challenge Awards Celebration at Founders Park
Thursday, October 15
REEF Fest 2026
Monday, October 19
Mote Trivia Night at Florida Keys Brewing Company
Thursday, October 22
Chamber Members in Motion at Italian Food Company Key Largo with The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.
Saturday, October 24
Full Moon Kayak Excursions with Big Pine Kayak Adventures
Taste the Keys Trolley Tour
Zombie Pub Crawl with the Islamorada Moose Lodge
MarineLab’s Haunted Lagoon: The Siren’s Curse
Thursday, October 29
Taste the Keys Trolley Tour
Friday, October 30
Owl-o-ween with the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
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“Restoring power is what we do. Keeping you informed is part of the job, too.”
— Tommy White, FKEC Lineman Crew Leader
We’re Ready. Are You? FKEC can keep you informed—but only if we can reach you.
FKEC sends outage and restoration updates through SmartHub using the email and mobile phone number in your Contact Methods. Register for SmartHub, verify your contacts and enroll in Outage Texting to receive them. Even if you already receive bill reminders by text or email, we encourage you to verify your enrollment. Register for SmartHub Visit www.FKEC.com and click Login. Verify Your Contact Information Go to: Settings → Contact Methods Verify your mobile phone numbers and email addresses. Complete the text verification sent to your mobile phone Turn On Outage Texting Go to: Settings → Manage Notifications → Service Need help? Have Questions? Call us at 305-852-2431 | Learn more at www.FKEC.com SEPTEMBER 2026 15
WHY BECOME A TRUSTEE MEMBER?
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE (305) 451-1414 PRESIDENT@KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG 16 SEPTEMBER 2026
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September Networking Luncheon On September 10, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce welcomed members, local businesses, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to the September Networking Luncheon & Health Expo at the beautiful Playa Largo Resort. The event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect, learn, and discover a wide range of health and wellness resources available throughout the Upper Keys. Health-focused businesses and organizations showcased their services, shared educational information, and engaged directly with residents and fellow professionals. Guests enjoyed meaningful networking, productive conversations, and the chance to build new relationships while supporting the local business community. The luncheon also highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering connections that strengthen both the economic vitality and overall well-being of the Keys. Set against the stunning backdrop of Playa Largo Resort, the event offered an inviting atmosphere for collaboration, community engagement, and professional growth. The Chamber extends its appreciation to all exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and the Playa Largo team for helping make this year’s Health Expo and Networking Luncheon a successful and informative gathering that brought together businesses and community members in support of a healthier, more connected Upper Keys.
Visit our Social Media platforms to see all the photos: linktr.ee/keylargochamberofcommerce 18 SEPTEMBER 2026
—Thank You Sponsors!—
New Member Zoe Fairfax of StraDGy 360
New Member Brynn Gibbs of Paws Academy Dog Training
New Member Maida Court of Principle Plantation Key School
New Member Chris Mesnell of Beyond Traditional Wellness
New Members Welcomed in September X Montessori Academy of the
X Polizze Books Inc. - The Florida Keys
X Her Swag Shop
X Hoefert & Sons
X Coast to Coast Pizza Company
X Buttonwood Grill
X StraDGy360
X Game Time Supplements
X Josh Rodriguez, Window Cleaning
X Homepartners Title Services
X Astra Home Inspections
X Bay Road Insurance Partners
Upper Keys
Magazine
X Gaby’s DJ & Karaoke X Key Largo School, PTA X Islamorada Resort Collection X Snorkel the Keys X Stephanie Cruz, P.A. X 50 Eggs Restaurant Concepts
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Key Largo Chamber Members:
A New Way to Grow Your Business All Year Running a business means making decisions every day. How should you price your products or services? Where should you invest your marketing dollars? How can you generate more leads? Should you raise prices? How do you get your existing customers to buy more? And how do you continue to grow without simply adding more work, more expenses, and more stress? For many small business owners, the problem is not a lack of ideas. The challenge is knowing what to focus on, what to implement, and what will actually move the business forward. That is why the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is working with StraDGy 360 to make ongoing business growth education more accessible to Chamber members. Practical Business Strategies Every Week The StraDGy 360 Weekly Business Workshops are a 52-week series built for business owners who want practical strategies they can actually use. Each week focuses on one specific area of the business. Topics include marketing, sales, pricing, profitability, lead generation, customer retention, offers, cost reduction, partnerships, and growth. Business owners will learn strategies such as how to create better offers, generate more leads, improve digital marketing, increase customer revenue, use upselling and cross-selling, reduce costs, improve margins, raise prices, and better position their business in the market.
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The goal is simple. Learn one strategy. See how it applies to your business. Then take action. More Than Just a Workshop This is not about attending another presentation and leaving with a notebook full of ideas that never get implemented. The program is designed to provide ongoing support throughout the year. Participants receive access to 52 live strategy workshops, along with practical workbooks and implementation tools to help turn each week's strategy into action. If you cannot attend a session live, workshop replays are available so you can watch on your own schedule. Members also receive access to the StraDGy 360 online portal, where workshop materials, resources, and updates are available throughout the program. Participants will also receive a private Business Assessment and Planning Session. This session gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at your business, identify your priorities, and uncover potential opportunities for growth and profitability. Every business is different. This helps connect the strategies we are covering throughout the year to what is most important inside your business. Built for Small Business Owners The program is designed for business owners, founders, and small teams
that want new ideas, structure, and practical guidance without committing to an expensive consulting or coaching program. It also gives owners a reason to step away from the daily work of running the business and spend time working on the business itself. Sometimes one small change can make a big difference. A pricing change. A better offer. A new partnership. A follow-up campaign. A cost reduction. A better way to generate leads. Now imagine identifying those opportunities throughout an entire year. Special Introductory Rate for Key Largo Chamber Members As part of this new program, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce members can participate at a special introductory rate of just $99. The purpose is to make practical business education affordable and accessible while creating another resource to support and strengthen our local business community. Whether you are looking for more customers, stronger margins, better marketing, increased profitability, or simply new ideas for your business, this program gives you a place to keep learning and keep moving forward. 52 weeks. 52 opportunities to work on your business, not just in it. We look forward to growing together. Sign Up Here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form /01a05ed57f2e7aa49f04929c77aff6d4 Weekly Workshop Schedule: https://stradgy.com/weekly-workshops
THANKS TO OUR TRUSTEE MEMBERS
Interested in becoming a Trustee Member? Learn more: president@keylargochamber.org SEPTEMBER 2026 21
Visitor-Paid Tourism Dollars Help Protect Florida Keys Reefs with 18 New Mooring Anchors Visitor-paid tourism tax dollars are helping protect some of the Florida Keys’ most valuable natural resources with the installation of 18 new mooring buoy anchors at three popular reef sites within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council awarded a $90,000 grant to the Marine Preservation Society of the Florida Keys for the project, which added eight new buoy anchors in Marathon at Sombrero Key Reef and six at Coffins Patch near Marathon along with four at Looe Key Reef in the Lower Keys. The project was completed for $70,000 following a competitive bidding process, with Pearl Beach Construction Company performing the work. The anchors provide the underwater foundation for mooring buoys that allow boaters to secure their vessels without dropping anchors directly onto sensitive coral reef habitat. The system helps reduce damage to corals, seagrass
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and other marine resources while providing reef-friendly access for residents and visitors. “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when local partners invest in protecting the natural resources that make the Florida Keys such a special destination,” said Sara Rankin, Volunteer Director of the Marine Preservation Society. “The Tourist Development Council’s support helps ensure that visitors and residents can continue to enjoy these reefs while reducing the risk of damage from vessel anchoring.” The highly visible mooring buoys also serve as an on-the-water reminder of the role boaters can play in protecting Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. “Tourism dollars paid by our visitors come back into the Florida Keys in many ways, and this is one both residents and visitors can see and experience firsthand,” said Visit Florida Keys & Key West President and CEO Kara Franker. “These mooring anchors help protect the
reefs that are so important to our environment, our economy and our way of life, while giving boaters a responsible way to enjoy them. This is exactly the kind of investment that benefits the Florida Keys for the long term.” The project is just one example of many where visitor-generated tourism development tax revenue is being reinvested in resources and infrastructure that benefit Florida Keys communities. In Fiscal Year 2026, over $9.5 million visitor-paid dollars was awarded for tourismrelated infrastructure projects. Over the most recent five-year period, visitor-generated tax revenue has supported $5.2 million for coral restoration and the marine sanctuary, in addition to additional investments in beaches, tourism-related attractions, cultural programs, community events and other projects throughout Monroe County.
Visit Florida Keys Tourism Partner Headquarters The TDC/Visit Florida Keys folks have created a welcoming space in the Visit Florida Keys Tourism Partner HQ Facebook group for tourism-related businesses, organizations and partners who help support the Florida Keys tourism economy. Join us to see our industry updates, marketing opportunities and more. Plus, learn about events and new offerings from fellow tourism partners, and share your news! The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center As a valued member of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, you already know that our community thrives on the strength and collaboration of its businesses. We want to remind you of the incredible benefits you enjoy as part of our network and share some updates on how we’re enhancing our offerings, just for you!
Join Now!
Aetna Medical Insurance Access to competitive health insurance options for businesses with two or more full-time employees.
Promotional Power Four (4) email blasts annually to showcase your business or events to our wide network. Non-profit membership benefits from two (2) complimentary blasts.
Enhanced Visibility Your business listing in our online member directory and our annual visitor/local guide, which reaches thousands across the county.
New Member Spotlight A complimentary ¼ page ad in the Keys Weekly Newspaper to introduce your business to the community.
Member Benefits Business referral, member-to-member discounts, social media exposure and crucial networking opportunities to help you connect and grow!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how you can leverage your membership perks, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you and ensure you get the most out of your Chamber experience.
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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
Mary Houston (2025 & 2026) Houston Insurance Agency Owner
Manuel Alvarez (2026 & 2027) Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo CPA
Henry Menendez (2026 & 2027) HNO Productions Owner/Operator
Berta Bravo (2026 & 2027) SBI Windows & Doors Owner
Yesenia Moreno (2026-2027) New Edge Associates Managing Partner
Spenser Bryan (2025 & 2026) Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain
Heather Turkay (2026 & 2027) Playa Largo Resort & Spa Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Melissa Fernandez (2025 & 2026) All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Blaine Vernicek (2025-2026) The Structure Group Manager
Cathy Gahagen (2026 & 2027) The Catch Owner
Violet Wahba (2026 & 2027) Key Lime Products Owner
Suzanne Holmquist (2025 & 2026) Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Butternut Squash & Stone Crab Bisque INGREDIENTS: • 1 lb fresh stone crab meat (or claws shelled) • 2–3 butternut squash (halved and roasted, or use pre-cut cubed squash to save time) • ½ stick (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter • 1–2 shallots, minced (and 1 diced celery rib) • 2 cups heavy cream and 2 cups half-and-half • 3–4 Tbsp chicken broth (for thinning consistency) • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme and ½ Tbsp fresh sage, chopped • 2 Tbsp maple syrup • Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper • Salt and black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Roast the squash: Heat your oven to 350°F. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and roast flesh-side up for 45–50 minutes until soft. 2. Sauté aromatics: Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the shallots and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes). 3. Build the base: Stir in the thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Pour in the heavy cream and half-and-half, then scoop in the roasted squash flesh. 4. Simmer: Add the carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, poultry seasoning, and maple syrup. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes. 5. Blend: Purée the mixture carefully with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Add chicken stock as needed to reach a velvety bisque thickness. 6. Finish: Gently fold in the fresh stone crab meat just before serving so it warms through without overcooking. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
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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 SEPTEMBER 2026 29