We had a fantastic time at this month’s Chamber After Hours, hosted by the amazing team at Key Largo Conch House. Adrian and the crew welcomed over 45 attendees with delicious food and drinks, all while raising funds for Keys AHEC to support the work they do for our kids and families in the community. We’re fortunate to be part of such a warm and supportive community, where everyone comes together to make a difference.
In This Issue
President's Corner PAGE 3
Social Media Trends PAGE 4
What If National Flood Insurance Shuts Down? PAGE 6
Members in Motion PAGES 8 & 9
Upcoming Events PAGE 10
Why Become a Trustee PAGE 12
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 14 & 15
Taste The Keys Adds New Flavor to Culinary Scene PAGE 16
Spruce Up Your Rice Recipe PAGE 19
Before the Power Goes Out PAGE 20
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
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 SBI Window + Doors
President's Corner: Connecting Over Community, Conversation, and Cuisine
Suzi Youngberg President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
We are wired to connect. Even in a world that embraces remote work and digital convenience, most of us still crave the warmth of face-to-face interaction. That’s why live events matter so much. They aren’t just gatherings on a calendar, they are growth engines, fueling both personal and professional relationships.
When we step into a room filled with colleagues, community leaders, prospects, and partners, we’re doing more than exchanging business cards. We’re opening doors, sparking ideas, and building trust. Live events give us opportunities to expand our networks, strengthen our visibility, and share thought leadership. Whether it’s over
lunch, at a panel discussion, or during an evening reception, these moments shape how we connect and collaborate.
Why are in-person events so powerful?
• Motivation. Being around passionate, like-minded people is inspiring. It nudges us to set bigger goals and reach new opportunities.
• Well-being. Studies show that in-person networking can reduce feelings of isolation and boost mental health. Simply put, being together lifts us up.
• Authentic connection. Online meetings are convenient, but nothing replaces the spontaneous conversations, genuine laughter, and shared experiences that happen in person.
• Energy. The buzz in the room at a luncheon or community event is contagious, recharges us and reminds us why we do what we do.
My best advice, especially to young professionals, is simple: get out there. Be intentional about showing up. Attend receptions and dinners, volunteer at events, and take the time to really listen when you meet someone new. Authenticity and openness are the ingredients that turn a brief introduction into a lasting relationship.
Here at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to giving you opportunities to connect. Our monthly luncheons, evening gatherings, and annual events are designed to bring our members together in meaningful
ways. This October, we’ll host our monthly luncheon where you can meet the candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors. If you’ve been thinking about serving, it’s not too late to selfnominate. And if Board service feels like a future step, consider joining one of our committees to start building deeper involvement.
October also brings one of our most exciting new annual traditions—Taste the Keys! This month-long foodie celebration showcases restaurants across the Upper Keys. Visit www.tastethekeys. com to browse participating restaurants, explore their special prix fixe menus, and discover Signature Showdown dishes. Be sure to dine, enjoy, and vote for your favorites!
And if you want to add even more fun to your calendar, don’t miss our Trolley Foodie Tours! Two evenings full of culinary adventures, networking, and laughter, all while being chauffeured from stop to stop. Tickets go quickly, so be sure to reserve yours.
At the heart of it all is connection. Live events fulfill a deep human need to come together, share stories, and celebrate community. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events because when we connect, we all grow stronger.
Social Media Trends
Meta CEO Zuckerberg says Instagram has grown to 3 billion monthly active users
Sept 24 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms’ Instagram has grown to 3 billion Monthly Active Users, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Wednesday, marking another milestone for one of the most popular social media apps in the world.
Meta last disclosed Instagram's user figures in 2022 when Zuckerberg said the app had hit more than 2 billion
monthly active users.
Meta, previously known as Facebook, bought Instagram for $1 billion in 2012, a move that had raised questions about the company's strategy as the social media app had begun with just photo-sharing without significant revenue.
Since then the app has grown astronomically and some firms have estimated it will make up more than half of Meta's U.S. ad revenue this year.
A major factor contributing to
Instagram's success is the Reels feature which launched in 2020 and allows users to create short-form content - a market that faces fierce competition from rivals such as TikTok and Googleowned YouTube shorts.
TikTok, owned by Chinese technology behemoth ByteDance, has more than 1 billion users globally who visit monthly, a company spokesperson said earlier this month.
SOURCE: Reuters.com
What Happens if The National Flood Insurance Program Shuts Down?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and businesses in participating communities across the U.S. Its operations are tied to federal funding and statutory authorization, both of which are subject to congressional approval. As of September 25, 2025, the NFIP's authority to operate is set to expire at midnight on September 30, 2025, coinciding with the end of the federal fiscal year. Without reauthorization and a budget agreement, a government shutdown could begin on October 1, severely disrupting NFIP services.
Key Impacts of a Shutdown on NFIP
A government shutdown would halt non-essential federal activities, including most NFIP functions, because the program cannot enter into new contracts without appropriated funds. Here's a breakdown:
New Policies
| Suspended |
No new flood insurance policies can be issued for properties in flood-prone areas. This affects homebuyers needing coverage for mortgage closings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
Renewals
& Coverage Increases
| Suspended |
Existing policies remain in force until their expiration date, but renewals, endorsements, or increases in coverage cannot be processed. Policyholders must act before September 30 to avoid gaps.
Claims Processing
| Partially Available |
Valid claims on existing policies can be paid using available funds in the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF), but prolonged shutdowns could strain resources, especially after major disasters. FEMA has never failed to honor claims, but delays are possible.
Real Estate Transactions
| High Risk of Disruption |
An estimated 1,300+ property sales per day could be delayed or canceled, as lenders require proof of flood insurance for federally backed loans. This could lead to broader economic ripple effects, including up to $69.7 billion in annual income losses from stalled home sales.
Borrowing Authority
| Severely Limited | NFIP's ability to borrow from the Treasury drops from $30.425 billion to $1 billion, limiting post-disaster payouts if premiums are insufficient.
Current Status (as of September 25, 2025) — No Shutdown Yet
Recommendations for Homeowners, Buyers, and Lenders:
• Act Before September 30: Secure or renew NFIP policies now. Existing policies can transfer to buyers during a lapse.
• Explore Private Options: If in a high-risk area, compare private policies for better coverage (e.g., via state insurance departments like Pennsylvania or Florida).
• Monitor Updates: Check FEMA. gov or NAR's flood insurance FAQs for real-time alerts. Advocacy groups like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are urging immediate action to avoid disruption.
• Long-Term Outlook: Congress has an opportunity to reform NFIP for sustainability, but repeated short-term fixes create uncertainty. A prolonged shutdown could exacerbate challenges amid rising flood risks from climate change. If a shutdown occurs, Congress has retroactively covered renewals in past lapses, minimizing long-term harm.
SOURCE: Mel Montagne, Simply IOA.
September Members in Motion!
Members in Motion at Key Largo Conch House was nothing short of spectacular! A beautiful setting, delicious food, and heartfelt hospitality — we're so grateful to Adrian and the entire team for hosting us while raising funds for the incredible work of Keys AHEC.
October Events
See all our up-to-date events on our website, www.web.keylargochamber.org/events or scan the QR Code
October – All Month: Taste the Keys at participating locations
Thursday,
October 2
Sunday, October 5
Tuesday, October 7
Thursday, October 9
Saturday, October 11
Wednesday, October 15
Thursday, October 16
Friday, October 17
Taste the Keys Food Trolley Tour
Full Moon Kayak Excursions
Dolphin Sunset Spooktacular
Saturday, October 18
Thursday, October 23
Key Largo Chamber Networking Luncheon
History of Diving Museum, October Guided Tour: US Navy Anniversary
Immerse Yourself!
Deepwater Horizon Restoration
Open House at REEF Ocean Exploration Center
Taste the Keys Food Trolley Tour
Ocean Seminar & Social at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center
REEF For the Love of the Sea Celebration
History of Diving Museum: Treasure Treat Night!
Chamber Members in Motion at Dolphins Plus
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
Welcome to the Keys Side of Care.
Baptist Health is here for you in Monroe County, providing the compassionate, quality care you deserve.
Our local network includes:
y Mariners Hospital (Tavernier) and Fishermen’s Community Hospital (Marathon)
y Specialty cancer, heart and vascular, and orthopedic care
y Imaging, surgery, and physician therapy and rehabilitation
From care in your neighborhood to the full Baptist Health network across South Florida, your health is our top priority, wherever you are.
Networking Lunch & Health Expo Success!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Networking Lunch and Health Expo! With over 80 attendees and 15 vendor stations, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn about valuable health resources, and enjoy a great afternoon together. Congratulations to Lisa Feliciano,
winner of the Keurig coffee machine raffle by Sunny Hills Assisted Facility.
Thank you to our lunch sponsor Alarm & Electronics for the continued support to the chamber.
Taste The Keys Adds New Flavor to Key Largo Culinary Scene
This October, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to experience Taste the Keys, a new month-long culinary celebration showcasing the talent and flavor of Key Largo’s dining scene.
Inspired by the popular Miami Spice model, Taste the Keys will run from October 1-31. Participating restaurants will offer specially priced prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy creative cuisine at a great value.
The event is designed to stimulate local business during a traditionally slower season and encourage tourism traffic to stop and stay in Key Largo and the Upper Keys.
More than just a dining promotion, Taste the Keys
includes a communitydriven culinary competition known as the Signature Dish Showdown — a reimagined version of the chamber’s past “Cook Off” event.
Public invited to Vote for the Best Dish
Instead of a one-day cookoff, the competition will span the entire month of October. Each participating restaurant will nominate one item from its prix-fixe menu as its “Cook Off” entry. Diners are encouraged to try as many of these dishes as possible and cast their vote at www.TasteTheKeys.com.
“This new format keeps the spirit of the Cook Off while making it more accessible and beneficial to our restaurants,” said Suzi Youngberg, president of the Key Largo Chamber. “It
brings people through the doors, builds excitement throughout the month, and gives the public a direct voice in choosing the winners.”
Votes will be tallied at the end of the promotion, and winners will be announced in early November.
Trolley Foodie Tours Offer Additional Flavor
For even more gastronomical experiences, the Key Largo Chamber will host two Trolley Foodie Tours during the month, October 2nd and 16th offering ticketed guests a guided progressive dining experience. Participants will ride the trolley to multiple restaurants in one evening, sampling small plates and paired beverages at each stop.
Supporting
Local Business and Tourism
Taste the Keys is made possible in part through a grant from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and reflects the chamber’s mission to promote economic vitality in Key Largo and the Florida Keys. With support from tourism partners, hotels, and local media, the event is expected to draw both residents and visitors.
For full event details, menus, restaurant listings, and to cast your vote in the Signature Dish Showdown, stay tuned at: www.tastethekeys.com.
SOURCE: keysweekly.com
Your 2025 Chamber Board of Directors
Henry Menendez 2024 - 2026 Chairman of the Board of Directors
HNO Productions – Owner/Operator
Roberto Alonso (2025-2027)
Borland & Associates President
Angie Alvarez (2024 -2026)
Centennial Bank Branch Manager
Manuel Alvarez (2024-2026)
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo, CPA
Berta Bravo (2024 – 2026)
SBI Windows & Doors Owner
Spenser Bryan (2025-2027)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Captain
Kevin Donlan (2024-2026)
Publix Supermarkets, Inc
District Director
Melissa Fernandez (2025-2027)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2024-2026)
The Catch Owner
Suzanne Holmquist (2025-2027)
Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor
Mary Houston (2025-2027)
Houston Insurance Agency Owner
Michelle Kane (2025-2027)
Vernis & Bowling of the Florida Keys, PA Attorney
Michael Rojewski – Chairman Elect (2023–2025)
Michael Rojewski Group Owner
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2025 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2025 - 2027)
The Structure Group Manager
Florida Keys Eats:
SPRUCE UP YOUR RICE
Since I was a kid, I struggled eating just plain old rice. I always needed black beans or something to bring it to life.
Nowadays, one of my favorite recipes is toasted coconut rice. The flavor is so amazing and pairs well with just about any protein. Take it up another notch by buying a pineapple, cutting it in half vertically and scooping out the inside to make a shell. Save the pineapple flesh for a future snack, of course.
Nestle some coconut rice and teriyaki chicken side-by-side in the hollow pineapple shell and get ready for a dinner that looks like resort-level plating. But really pick anything you want to accompany this stellar rice.
Ingredients
X 14 ounce can full fat regular coconut milk
X 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
X 1/3 cup shredded coconut (I prefer unsweetened)
X 1/4 cup of sugar
X A nice pinch of salt
X The smallest pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
First off, take the jasmine rice, rinse it well, strain and put aside. Grab a saucepan, and on medium low heat, toast the shredded coconut until golden. It burns quickly so keep an eye on it. Put it aside to cool. Grab that same sauce pan so we keep dirty dishes at a minimum, and combine inside the coconut milk, sugar, salt, nutmeg, rice and roughly a can full of water. Stir it up and bring it to a boil. Once you see bubbles, stir one more time and reduce the heat to a light simmer. Put the lid on the pan and leave it for about 20 minutes.
At the 20-minute mark, I take the lid off and give the rice a poke to make sure the texture feels cooked and correct. You will see a creamy layer form on top; this is normal. Remove the pan from the heat, take a fork and fluff the rice gently. Put the lid back on and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Bear in mind this rice has a slightly stickier texture than regular rice, but it should still be a fluffy rice texture. Scoop some out onto a plate, or pineapple, and top with your toasted coconut. I hope you love it!
SOURCE: Samantha Dellilo at Keysweekly.com
Before the Power Goes Out
Make sure FKEC has your current phone numbers.
When you call FKEC, the phone system automatically matches your phone number to your electrical equipment. For faster restoration, make sure the number(s) you are most likely to call from to report an outage are registered to your account. Update via FKEC's SmartHub, or call 305-852-2431.
Stay in the know! Make sure FKEC has your accurate email address.
The cooperative uses email to communicate important timely information during storms and throughout the year. Update via SmartHub, or call 305-852-2431.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
Make sure FKEC can access your meter.
To make repairs co-op crews must have 24-hour access to your meter.
If your power goes out, check your breakers first.
Approximately 33% of all power outages are caused by breaker issues, which is the member’s responsibility to resolve.
Report the outage by calling or texting. Call 305-852-2431 or text “outage” to 45183 to report your outage. Note, your mobile number must be pre-registered with FKEC to communicate by text. Learn more at www.FKEC.com/outage-center/.
Safety first!
Stay clear of all downed power lines or electrical equipment. Call 911 to report a downed power line if you feel the situation presents a clear and imminent danger. Then report the wire down to FKEC by calling 305-852-2431.
Understand the order of restoration.
In the event of a major storm with widespread outages, work is organized to restore power to the greatest number of members in the least amount of time. FKEC also prioritizes restoring power to life and safety situations and essential community services. Then, crews work to restore power to individual members with isolated issues.
