The Legend Newsletter April 2026

Legend OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER

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APRIL 2026 VOL. 28 NO. 46

April Memebers in Motion 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

2026

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 2

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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 Boilini Eye Care

X HNO Productions

X Dennis and Lee Caltagirone

X Michael Rojewski Realtor

X Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate

X Gretchen Holland

X Centennial Bank

X Coral Reef Title

X J.A. LaRocco Enterprise Inc. & All

X Arla Marr X Borland & Associates, Roberto

& Ana Alonso X In Loving Memory of Stuart Marr

Keys Concrete, LLC X SBI Window + Doors X Lance Holmquist

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.

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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 4

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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.”

Redenderings of the state-of-the-art Discovery Center & Aquarium to open in 2028 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Source Florida State Parks Foundation

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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.

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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.

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May Events See all our up-to-date events on our website, www.web.keylargochamber.org/events

Saturday, May 2

Keys Together Spring Festival & Leadership Graduation at Marathon Oceanfront Park

Books & Brews: Adult Book Fair at Florida Keys Brewing Co

Tuesday, May 5

Lionfish Keychain Workshop at REEF

Wednesday, May 6

Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Annual Meeting and 30th Birthday Celebration

Thursday, May 7

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 14 Wednesday, May 20

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!

Saturday, May 23

“All About Joel”: A Tribute to Billy Joel at Seminole Theatre

Thursday, May 28

Chamber Members in Motion “IOA at SBI”

10 APRIL 2026

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Visit www.FKEC.com or scan the QR code to get the MOBILE APP! www.FKEC.com | 305-852-2431 APRIL 2026 11

12 APRIL 2026

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!

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.

APRIL 2026 13

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.

Ana, Sue, Roberto and Spenser.

Tammy, Mary and Candace.

Lori and Nicole.

Agnes, Bradley and Doug.

Henry, JD, Manuela and Jimmy.

Teachers from Key Largo School.

Sheriff Rick, Michael and Captain Spenser.

Isabella, Dr. Steve and Michael.

Cindy, Kim, Cathy and Ginette.

Visit our Social Media platforms to see all the photos: linktr.ee/keylargochamberofcommerce 14 APRIL 2026

Ann, Barbara, Brenda and Judy.

Bruce, Ivette, Ricardo and Carlos.

Deborah, Michael and Viviana.

Barbara and JD.

Berta and Enrique.

Andy and David.

Scott and Maria.

New Members Welcome in March X Beyond Traditional Wellness

LLC

X Coastal Glades Microschool X Costa Carts LLC

X FBMC Benefits Management

X Stay Ombi

X Handy Randin Aluminum

X The Poppa Wahoo Collection

X Largo Resort

X Women for Paws

X LizzyLooDoo Duckies

APRIL 2026 15

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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 18 APRIL 2026

4 th of July is coming!

Start planning your float for

0

The 5 th Annual Key Largo 4 th of July Parade celebrating

America's 250th birthday!

Sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.

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20 APRIL 2026

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)

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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 occupan22 APRIL 2026

•

• •

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

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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