The Key Largo Chamber was proud to host this month’s Members in Motion at the brand-new Bar Victor, the stylish bar next door to Vicky Bakery. With rich red and black décor, photos honoring the founding family, and domino tables on the patio, the venue offered a warm and lively setting for networking. Nearly 60 attendees traveled from Miami to Key West to enjoy handcrafted mojitos, savory bites, and great company. We are grateful to Bar Victor for hosting this fantastic event and for their continued support of the Chamber. Read more on page 8.
In This Issue
President's Corner PAGE 3
Pennekamp Discovery Center
Groundbreaking PAGE 4
Ribbon Cutttings 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
Creative Shrimp Cook Styles PAGE 21
TDC Tourism Trends PAGE 22
Thank You Trustees PAGE 27
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
2026
President's Corner: Reflecting on Gratitude
April has been a busy, productive, and incredibly rewarding month, and as it comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on gratitude. I like to begin each day by naming something I am thankful for, but this month it has been difficult to narrow that list to just one thing. There is simply so much to appreciate about our Chamber, our community, and the people who make it all possible.
First and foremost, I am thankful for our outstanding staff. Many of you know that I had to miss our April luncheon. It was the first monthly luncheon I have missed since working for the Chamber! Several of the Tourist Development Council meetings this year have conflicted with our luncheon schedule, and both the Board and I recognize the importance of maintaining a strong presence there to represent and advocate for Key Largo. While I was away, Tonya Salomon, our Membership & Marketing Manager, stepped up beautifully and led the luncheon with professionalism and confidence. Alongside Andy Morales and our Chairman, Michael Rojewski, they made an excellent team and delivered a wonderful event. It gives me tremendous peace of mind to know that I work with such capable, dedicated, and resourceful people.
I am also thankful for the opportunity to participate in so many meaningful community events and organizations. One of the great privileges of this role is representing Key Largo in a variety of settings that directly impact our future. Earlier this month, I attended the Everglades Foundation’s Economic Round Table, where it was encouraging to hear how restoration efforts are contributing to the health of Florida Bay, something that directly affects both our
environment and our economy. In addition to TDC meetings and events, I was honored to stand alongside many community leaders at the recent groundbreaking at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Add in ribbon cuttings, Rotary meetings, Community Foundation events, BPW gatherings, and more, and I am reminded often how fortunate I am to serve in this capacity.
I am deeply thankful for our Board of Directors. Having a strong, thoughtful, and supportive Board is truly a blessing. Under the leadership of Chairman Michael Rojewski, our Board provides guidance and encouragement while also giving me the trust and space to lead with confidence. Their recent decision to update my title to President & CEO was made to avoid confusion with the Chairman role, which in some organizations is also referred to as President. I greatly appreciate their confidence, trust, and respect.
I am also excited and thankful for the outstanding speakers and programs we have coming up in the months ahead. In May, we will host a panel of respected health insurance professionals for a timely discussion on the current state of health insurance and what it means for businesses and individuals. In June and July, we look forward to hearing from our State Senator and County Mayor, followed in August by the CEO of Visit Florida. We have an exceptional lineup planned, and I encourage you not to miss these valuable opportunities.
Another reason for gratitude this month has been the continued strength of our visitor traffic. April has been surprisingly busy, perhaps even busier than March. Our Visitor Center continues to have days
Suzi Youngberg
President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
where we welcome more than 100 guests. We hope that strong visitor numbers translate into continued success for our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and activity businesses, and that momentum carries into the summer season. Once again, I return to gratitude for our staff, who greet those daily visitors with warmth, professionalism, and pride in both the Keys and our beautiful Visitor Center. Finally, and most importantly, I am thankful for our members and supporters. Just this month, three new members shared with me how welcomed they feel and how quickly they developed a sense of belonging within our Chamber family. They expressed appreciation for the networking opportunities, the connections, and the welcoming spirit they have experienced. Hearing that fills me with pride. When I look around the room at our events and see genuine friendships, partnerships, and support among our members, I am reminded how special this Chamber truly is. I feel fortunate every day to be part of the best Chamber, with the best members, in the best community. Thank you for all you do to make that true.
Pennekamp State Park Breaks Ground on Discovery Center
Multimillion-dollar facility will attract visitors from around the world to connect with Florida’s Coral Reef and marine ecosystems.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — America’s “first undersea park” and a beloved South Florida institution that has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world for more than six decades — ushered in a new era with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new, state-of-the-art Discovery Center & Aquarium to open in 2028.
The Florida State Parks Foundation joined Florida State Parks, the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and several community partners to commemorate the occasion. Once complete, the multimillion-dollar facility, funded from public and private sources, will foster new connections between park visitors, Florida’s Coral Reef and the abundant native wildlife that lives in and around it.
“John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a true one-of-one within Florida’s state parks system, and the new Discovery Center & Aquarium will be as special and unique as the park itself,” said Matt Caldwell, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation. “The Foundation is
proud to play a part in bringing this new facility to fruition, and we are so grateful to all our partners whose generous support has helped make it possible.”
Upon completion in fall 2028, the Discovery Center & Aquarium will transform visitor experiences with modern and expansive aquarium tanks filled with native Florida marine species. The aquarium’s centerpiece will feature more than 23,000 gallons devoted to Florida’s Coral Reef.
The Discovery Center & Aquarium will also offer several interactive experiences, exhibits and displays designed to create a sense of stewardship for one of Florida’s most precious natural resources. Additionally, the facility will further the work conducted by the Mote Marine Laboratory, whose scientists have restored more than 200,000 corals to Florida’s reef and will continue their efforts in and around the park.
With more than 350 miles of coral reef spanning from the Florida Keys to St. Lucie Inlet, Florida is home to the
only living coral reef along the coast of North America.
“Our parks manage and preserve the state’s natural resources, and that includes Florida’s Coral Reef,” Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher said. “We’re excited for visitors to enjoy this new Discovery Center & Aquarium, and we think it will be a perfect starting point to explore the park’s beaches, trails and undersea experiences.”
Created in response to growing concern about Florida’s Coral Reef in the 1950s, the park is named for John D. Pennekamp, a former editor at the Miami Herald who led efforts to protect the reef and helped rally public support for its conservation.
Approximately 400,000 people visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park each year to explore Florida’s Coral Reef and surrounding ecosystems via boat tours, paddling trails, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming. The park also offers 42 campsites, three hiking trails and three sites designated for saltwater fishing.
“John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a jewel of Monroe County and the state of Florida, and this new Discovery Center & Aquarium
is an incredible investment in our natural resources, our community and our economy,” Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein
Pennekamp’s grandson, Tom Pennekamp of Tallahassee, serves as Vice President on the Florida State Parks Foundation’s Board of Directors and spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of the Foundation and the Pennekamp family.
“Some of my fondest memories are of visiting this park with my grandfather,” Tom Pennekamp said. “This is a special place for our family, but it’s also special for the millions of people who have created their own memories and experiences here.
“We join everyone who loves John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in celebrating this momentous day and looking forward to this incredible new Discovery Center & Aquarium.”
Source Florida State Parks Foundation
Redenderings of the state-of-the-art Discovery Center & Aquarium to open in 2028 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Compass Storage in Florda City celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new location. This state of the art modern storage facility is only 30 minutes from Key Largo and a great option for our residents with limited storage facilities available.
Celebrating Local Businesses
Ribbon Cutting at Vicky Bakery. Vicky Bakery opened in Key Largo last summer, but the ribbon was cut on their 30th Florida Location on April 9th. The celebration also marked the opening of the adjacent cocktail lounge Bar Victor, the first full-service bar for the family-owned Cuban bakery. Founders, Antonio and Gelasia Cao, were in attendance along with many of their family.
April Members in Motion!
Our April Members in Motion networking event was a tremendous success, hosted at the exciting new Bar Victor, adjacent to the recently opened Vicky Bakery. Nearly 60 members and guests joined us from Miami to Key West for an evening filled with connections, conversation, and community. Guests enjoyed fresh mojitos, delicious croquettes, empanadas, and more while experiencing the warm, vibrant atmosphere that makes Bar Victor such a unique addition to Key Largo. With laughter filling the room and new relationships forming, it was a memorable night of networking and celebration.
Saturday, May 2
Tuesday, May 5
Wednesday, May 6
Thursday, May 7
Thursday, May 14
Wednesday, May 20
Saturday, May 23
Thursday, May 28
May Events
See all our up-to-date events on our website, www.web.keylargochamber.org/events
Keys Together Spring Festival & Leadership Graduation at Marathon Oceanfront Park
Books & Brews: Adult Book Fair at Florida Keys Brewing Co
Lionfish Keychain Workshop at REEF
Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Annual Meeting and 30th Birthday Celebration
National Day of Prayer
Social Networking Lunch Meeting "Health Insurance & You" – A Conversation with the Insurance Experts
Upper Keys BPW Annual Meeting & Luncheon
Bingo for the Birds
History of Diving Museum “Immerse Yourself” 45 Years of DAN & Exhibit Opening!
“All About Joel”: A Tribute to Billy Joel at Seminole Theatre
Chamber Members in Motion “IOA at SBI”
As
The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
April Networking Luncheon
Our April luncheon was hosted at Pilot House Restaurant. The speaker was Dr. Steve Davis from the Everglades Foundation giving important information and updates on the restoration projects and their impact on the Florida Keys. The luncheon was led by Membership & Marketing Manager Tonya Salomon as President Suzi Youngberg was called away to another meeting. One new Trustee member, Poppa Wahoo Collection, was installed. Thank you to our sponsor Everglades Alligator Farm.
Tammy, Mary and Candace.
Ana, Sue, Roberto and Spenser.
Sheriff Rick, Michael and Captain Spenser.
Cindy, Kim, Cathy and Ginette.
Isabella, Dr. Steve and Michael.
Teachers from Key Largo School.
Henry, JD, Manuela and Jimmy.
Agnes, Bradley and Doug.
Lori and Nicole.
Scott and Maria.
Ann, Barbara, Brenda and Judy.
Berta and Enrique.
Andy and David.
Bruce, Ivette, Ricardo and Carlos.
Deborah, Michael and Viviana.
Barbara and JD.
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
Start planning your float for The 5 0 th Annual Key Largo 4 th of July Parade celebrating America's 250th birthday! is coming! Sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.
Creative Shrimp Cooking Styles
How can Key Largo shrimp be prepared in unique and flavorful ways while keeping their natural freshness as the highlight?
Home cooks focus on quick techniques that respect texture and sweetness. Minimal marinating, brief high-heat cooking, and acid finishes are common themes.
Light
Marinades
and Fast Grilling
A short 10-minute marinating of garlic and lime creates a flavor that preserves the shrimp's ocean tones. Moderate heat grilling offers just the right amount of char for complexity; these marinades usually need a little brush of oil to avoid staying on the grill for flavor integrity.
Coconut
and Fruit Accents
Coconut milk reduction, diced mango, or pineapple salsa made it possible to pair shrimp in a silky-sweet matchup; it tasted island-style. It gave shrimps the comfort of familiarity and novelty. Perfect for summer dinners as open gatherings.
What are popular shrimp dishes in the Florida Keys?
Menus in the Keys range from humble shrimp tacos to elevated seafood plates, each celebrating local harvests and tradition.
Classic Local Offerings
When you browse Florida Keys seafood spots, you’ll find plates built around fresh catch, from ceviche-like salads
to robust grilled shrimp dishes paired with citrus slaws and island sides.
How can shrimp be cooked quickly without losing flavor?
The secret to fast, flavorful shrimp is heat, timing, and minimal handling. These methods keep shrimp tender and flavorful.
Poaching for Salads and Cold Dishes
Gentle poaching followed by an ice bath preserves a plump, tender texture perfect for salads or chilled appetizers. Timing here is everything; for two to three minutes often suffice.
Which spices and marinades complement shrimp?
Spices should enhance; they should not compete with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Island Spices and Bright Marinades
We will savor all that delicious flavor and warm sweetness! This time, we will adjust it with some cumin, garlic, and paprika, and just a touch of pepper. We'll punch it up to umami with a bright, spicy citrus-soy marinade. Last but not least, let's finish it with a rich coconut-and-mango turn to heighten that island feel and flavor the tropical shrimp without overpowering it. Again, most shrimp dishes do not require actual ingredient requests as they are looking for the proper amount of balance in flavor.
Simple Finishes
A drizzle of quality olive oil, a squeeze
of Key lime, or a parsley garnish are small touches in local seafood cuisine that make an outsized difference in presentation and flavor.
What are the healthiest shrimp cooking methods?
If you’re watching fat or sodium, there are plenty of ways to enjoy shrimp while keeping meals light and nutritious.
Steaming, Grilling, and Baking
Steaming retains nutrients without the added fat, and grilling and baking use minimal oil while highlighting natural flavors. Thus, these methods transform healthy shrimp recipes that, although they remain quite mind-blowing, can become truly decadent when paired with whole grains and fresh vegetables.
Pairings for Balance
Serve with leafy salads, vegetable sides, or quinoa to round out the plate and add fiber, vitamins, and texture to the meal. Pairings should refresh the palate and complement the shrimp’s subtle sweetness.
Drinks and Simple Sides
Citrus-forward cocktails, iced teas, or crisp white wines pair nicely. Coconut rice, mango salsa, and grilled corn with lime are common sides that echo tropical shrimp flavors and keep meals bright and satisfying.
Source – Key Largo Fisheries (keylargofisheries.com/blogs/recipes)
Tourism Trends
Lodging Performance
Our latest report with March data showed strong, continued rate-led growth consistent with weekly trends.
• March RevPAR up 9.8% in the Florida Keys and 9.2% in Key West, driven by 8% ADR gains
• Key West held $508.90 ADR at 90.3% occupancy, with YTD RevPAR up 10.2%
• Hotel forward pacing stays positive through May but softens June through August, with RevPAR trending down mid-summer
• Vacation rental revenue pacing is ahead of 2025 across all months April through August, offsetting hotel softness
• Four penny bed tax collections at $28.2M through February, up 3.8% year-over-year
• Future Partners April data shows sustained travel intent despite rising recession concerns, with 60% still prioritizing travel
March marks three consecutive months of ADR growth above 6%, confirming sustained pricing power through peak season.
Forward Outlook
As we move through shoulder season, booking pace signals continued strength:
• April and May: Hotel occupan-
cy pacing ahead of last year, with modest ADR gains keeping RevPAR +3-6%
• Summer months: Vacation rental pace remains above 2025 levels across June, July and August, with July showing the strongest YOY gains at +26%
• Hotel booking windows have shortened, making forward pace a less reliable indicator.
• Hotel forward softness through summer is being offset by vacation rental strength.
Slow Season Starts With You: Submit Your Deal
Thank you to every stakeholder who took our slow season survey. Your input shaped “Keys Season: One Road, Miles of Savings,” launching May 4 and running through fall.
You should have received an invitation to submit your offer. We need everyone to participate.
This only works if the whole industry shows up. Let us know if you need the link.
• Four pillars: Stay & Save, Experience Bundles, Events & Happenings, Book with Confidence
• Partner support: paid media amplification, email and social promotion, website placement
FY27 Budget: Investing on Both Sides of the Equation
The FY 2027 budget strategy protects the marketing engine that drives our bed tax and reinvests a record amount back into Monroe County’s parks and public spaces. Tourism works when visitors pay and residents benefit. FY27 advances both.
$65.4 million for advertising, Events, Promotions & Operations
Our marketing investment is the engine. It drives the overnight visitation that fills hotel rooms and generates every bed-tax dollar we reinvest in the community. We are protecting and growing that engine. The full lineitem advertising and promotion budget will come to the TDC for approval at the June 25 meeting.
20% One-time Boost to Each DAC’s Capital Grant Allocation
For FY27 only, we are boosting the individual capital grant allocation in every district by 20%, giving each DAC more to work with as partners bring forward their project applications this cycle.
$9.7 million in Destination Stewardship projects
This is the one we want to amplify. The plan is for $9.7 million to flow directly to five signature community projects, one in every district. These projects are so significant to both the visitor
economy and resident enjoyment that we pulled them out of the standard DAC capital application process for direct approval by the TDC and the BOCC. The funding comes from our prior-year unappropriated fund balance forward, which is how we’re able to make this level of reinvestment this year. This is Destination Stewardship in action.
DAC I (Key West): Mallory Square improvements $4,620,000
DAC II (Lower Keys): Monroe County Artificial Reef Project $1,000,000
DAC III (Marathon): Old Seven Mile Bridge maintenance ($562,655) + Marathon Airport Access Control System ($800,000)
DAC IV (Islamorada): Founders Park expansion — $750,000
DAC V (Key Largo): John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park renovation $2,000,000 (alongside the state’s $50 million investment)
“This is an example of putting VFK’s money where its mouth is by investing in projects that are significant to residents as well as visitors.”
— Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln at the TDC Board Meeting on April 9
