The bridge that connects Key West and neighboring Stock Island will be renamed on Tuesday, July 26 for Cheryl Cates, who worked tirelessly to bridge gaps among all Florida Keys families and communities. A ceremony will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. at the nearby Marriott Beachside Hotel, followed by a walk to the bridge to unveil the new sign.
“Cheryl H. Cates elegantly built bridges between people and organizations to achieve community goals. She championed the cause of improving the lives of children, and worked for decades to enhance the quality of life for all in the City of Key West,” states the proposal to rename the bridge, which was submitted to the state for approval by Key West businessmen Peter Batty and Jim Gilleran. Batty will speak at the dedication ceremony, along with members of the Cates family.
Cheryl Cates lost her battle with COVID in December 2020 shortly after her husband and high school sweetheart Craig Cates was reelected to the Monroe County commission — after he served nine years as Key West’s mayor.
A new sign will mark the Cheryl Cates Memorial Bridge over Cow Key Channel, Craig Cates said recently. The name of the channel beneath the bridge will not change.
“It’s an incredible honor to Cheryl and our family to have her recognized for everything she has done for the community she loved so much,” Craig Cates said. “We are so grateful, and Cheryl would always say how much she enjoyed ‘connecting the dots and building bridges’ between people who need help and people who can help.”
Cheryl Cates moved to Key West when she was 2 and married Craig Cates in September 1971. One was rarely seen without the other. They raised three daughters, Tammy, Nicole and Crystal, and cherished four grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Trevor and Andrew. Cheryl and Craig owned several businesses in Key West, including Cates Automotive and Napa Auto Parts. Cheryl was also a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Knight Gardner Realty.
“Her vibrant presence lit up any room she entered. Cheryl was a fierce champion and advocate for those in need on her beloved island. She was involved in many organizations and spearheaded numerous fundraisers for people and causes. Her benevolence and compassion were infectious, and she used her influence and connections to make her island home a better place,” states a tribute to Cheryl Cates published upon her passing.
