The Key West Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual holiday awards luncheon on Dec. 16 at the Marriott Beachside Hotel with a combination of video and in-person presentations.
Awards honored people, projects and improvements that occurred throughout 2020.
Key West Star Awards went to the Community Wins fundraising initiative; restaurateur Bill Lay for his outspoken calls for compromise in the city; Roxanne Posada of Kids Come First; County Commissioner Mike Forster for feeding needy people in the Keys and Daylin Starks of Irish Kevin’s Bar.
Business for Beauty Awards that honor property improvements went to Barbary Beach, Gulf Atlantic Bank, Key West Botanical Garden, Kimpton Key West, Old Town Bakery, The Reach Resort and the Casa Marina Resort.
Venture Awards went to Mile 0 Fest and Ramshead.
Finally, Elke Rockteschel was named the City Employee of the Year for her efforts in the finance office for City Marina and Key West Bight. Captain Robert Franco was named Firefighter of the Year and Officer Gabriella Kouri received a standing ovation when named Police Officer of the Year. An emotional video message detailed Kouri’s community efforts to find a homeless man permanent housing and to protect local children from an abusive family situation.
