BREAKING NEWS: GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL THAT VOIDS KEY WEST’S CRUISE SHIP LIMITS

Officials to discuss at special July 6 meeting

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a bill that voids Key West's ban on large cruise ships. CONTRIBUTED
Hopes for a veto by those who oppose large cruise ships in Key West ended this morning, when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1194, which voids any existing and prohibits future referendums and initiatives that restrict maritime commerce.
City officials have all emphasized their desire to uphold Key West voters’ intentions and prohibit large ships at the city-operated port facilities. But those intentions could now be in conflict with a state law.
Also on Wednesday, officials announced a special city commission meeting to discuss cruise ships. That meeting will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 6 at City Hall.
Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.