Key West woke up Wednesday, Nov. 19 to the sad news that City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover had died in her sleep overnight at her home. She was 72.
Hoover represented Key West’s District V, having been elected first in 2018 and again in 2022. She had recently decided not to seek a third term, given continuing health problems that had forced her to miss meetings and participate in others via video conference.
“Her leadership extended well beyond the commission dais,” said Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez. “She was a mentor, a friend and a respected voice who always worked to bring people together for the greater good. Her legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward. Her service spirit will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.”
“The City extends its heartfelt gratitude in recognizing the great contributions of Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover throughout her dedicated term of service,” said City Manager Brian L. Barroso. “Commissioner Hoover’s leadership, thoughtfulness and deeply caring approach made a lasting and positive impact on our community and on the City team she worked alongside each day.”
Hoover was a dedicated public servant, not just as a city commissioner, but throughout her life. She was an advocate for local businesses and an avid fundraiser for many nonprofits. She was the founder of Girls Night Out, a networking organization that raises funds for a variety of charities. She was a former Fantasy Fest queen and served on the board for the Key West Business Guild and as president of Helpline of the Keys.
She moved to Key West after a 35-year career in public works construction. She continued her career as a consultant to surety companies and their attorneys, managing a variety of projects including a Superfund project, an airport renovation and a structural steel contract at the Pentagon.
Next steps for commission
The city’s code of ordinances outlines the process for filling a commission seat in the event that one is vacated mid-term by death, removal from office or resignation. The commission can either appoint someone to fill the seat until the Aug. 18, 2026 election, or schedule a special election. Mayor Henriquez told the Keys Weekly on Nov. 19 that she would not support spending taxpayer money on a special election.
Within 15 days of the seat being vacated, “the city commission shall appoint an eligible person to serve until either an election is held to fill the position or until the end of the term,’ city code states. “The city commission by resolution shall establish a procedure for nomination and selection of the appointment.”
The city commission next meets on Tuesday, Dec. 2, but a special meeting could be called before that, Henriquez said, to discuss the appointment.
Currently two candidates are running for the District V seat — Harry Russell and Chris Massicotte. Whoever wins more than 50% of the vote in August will be elected. If another candidate enters the race, though, and spreads out the vote so no one receives more than 50%, then the top two vote-getters will head to a runoff in the Nov. 3 general election.
