Nearly $1 million in state funding will go to support upcoming Habitat for Humanity builds throughout the Florida Keys, thanks to an appropriation secured in part through the efforts of state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Rep. Jim Mooney during the 2024-25 Florida Legislative session. On Oct. 7, representatives from Habitat, the city of Marathon and Monroe County gathered together with Mooney and Rodriguez to officially commemorate the $950,000 partnership that help make the dream of homeownership become a reality for multiple Florida Keys families. Back row, from left: Marathon City Manager George Garrett, Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea, Habitat family services manager Meghan Richardson, habitat board members Erin Arnett and Ben Roche, Habitat board vice president Andres Herrera, Habitat board member Lisa Ziels, Habitat advisory committee chair Mike Puto. Bottom row: Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein, Habitat Middle Keys executive director Chris Todd Young, Rodriguez, Habitat board member Cindy McKnight, Mooney, Monroe County Land Authority acting executive director Cynthia Guerra, Habitat board president Ryan Elwell. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
