Locals hear two Keys-specific bills introduced at the Capitol

More than 75 ambassadors from Monroe County invaded Tallahassee this week for “Florida Keys Day” at the state capital. The one-day session, which began in 2009 under the direction of State Representative Holly Raschein, has provided a vital platform for local delegates to interact with some of the state’s top officials—while lobbying for support on an array of issues such as environmental, economic and education items.

Wednesday marked the eighth opportunity for Monroe County officials and leaders to embark on Florida Keys Day, which Rep. Raschein originally conceived while serving as a legislative aide before being elected to the State House of Representatives in 2012. The day not only provides a symbolic voice of unity from representatives throughout the Keys, it also grants attendees the unique opportunity to meet with key decision makers throughout the capital building.

“I think Wednesday was the most successful Florida Keys Day on record,” said Raschein. “Particularly when you consider the community turnout and the agenda we had in place. When you look at the folks we met with and advocated with—there is just no substitute for our local community learning from and offering input with so many different agencies.”

On Tuesday evening, Florida Keys delegates were treated to a private reception with Raschein. And Wednesday’s engagements with state leaders allowed participants to engage with figures such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senator Anitere Flores and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.

But one of the Wednesday’s most exciting moments occurred on the House Floor when Florida Keys Community College President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, accompanied by more than 20 FKCC students and staff, witnessed government in action. The local contingent saw Raschein move forward House Bill 341, which will pave the way for additional dorms at the college.

Also, Senator Flores presented Raschein’s “Florida Keys Stewardship Act” to the Senate floor. The historic bill was originally sponsored by Rep. Raschein in the House and potentially serves as one of the most significant steps to preserve and protect Monroe County’s water quality and wastewater infrastructure. And while a vote on the bill was postponed in the State Senate, the measure was another step forward for the Florida Keys.

“In terms of the process, timing and relationships — all of those were in play on Wednesday,” said Raschein. “We had the Stewardship Act being proposed on the Senate floor and the college bill in the House, so the timing couldn’t have been better.”

Of course, any Florida Keys themed event isn’t complete without a reception, which Raschein and her staff pulled off with perfection. Following Wednesdays’ session, a Keys-styled social outside of the capital building came fully equipped with frozen Key lime pie on a stick, rum punch and tasty portions of conch chowder.

“Everyone’s favorite happy hour, every year, is the Florida Keys Day reception in the courtyard,” said Raschein. “It was a smashing success and I’ve gotten nothing but amazing feedback from my colleagues and staff alike”

Florida Keys Community College was well represented at Florida Keys Day: L to R: Dr. Frank Wood, Vice President of Advancement; Dr. Brittany Snyder, Provost; Dr. Patrick Rice, Chief Science and Research Officer; Breanna Soucy, student; Katlin Rahming, students; Emelia Cardenas, Student Ambassador; Jean Mauk, Vice President Business and Administrative Services; Barbariza Kariuki, Student Ambassador; Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, President; Chris DeLisle, Coordinator of Residence Life; Kaitlyn Russel, student; Shai Foy, Student Affairs Generalist; Dr. Erika MacWilliams, Dean of Student Affairs.

Fittingly, Florida Keys Council of the Arts’ Susan D’Antonio and E.D. Elizabeth Young pose in front of a Florida Keys portrait along the side of the House Floor at the state capital.

Key West Chamber of Commerce Executive VP. Virginia Panico and Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers provide Monroe County with plenty of firepower at Florida Keys Day.

Jim and Anne Dunn (retired firefighter and school teacher) join Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District’s General Manager Paul Christian and Diane Bockelman on the House Floor during Florida Keys Day.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and State Attorney Catherine Vogel played a huge role in reducing Monroe County’s crime in 2015 and plenty of legislatures in Tallahassee took a thankful notice.

Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem George Neugent and County Administrator Roman Gastesi were among 75 Keys officials who traveled to the state capital for Florida Keys Day on February 17th.

District Senior Executive Secretary Kate Deloach introduces Dept. of Environmental Protection Deputy of Ecosystem Restoration Drew Bartlett (and staff) to Islamorada Mayor Deb Gillis and FKAA’s Deputy Executive Director Kerry Shelby.

Robert Lockwood and Scott Russell talk politics on the House Floor in Tallahassee.

The City of Marathon was represented at Florida Keys Day by City Manager Chuck Lindsey, left, Councilwoman Michelle Coldiron, Councilman John Bartus, Planning Director George Garrett, Councilman Dan Zieg, Mayor Mark Senmartin, Vice Mayor Bill Kelly and City Attorney David Migut.

Attorney David Brown, David Ritz, Bette Brown, Islamorada Village Attorney Roget Bryant, Dan Leben, Islamorada Mayor Deb Gillis, Dr. Randy Fink, CFO Jeff Atwater, Audra Hill, Mariners CEO Rick Freeburg and County Mayor Heather Carruthers participated with more than 70 other Monroe County ambassadors at Wednesday’s Florida Keys Day in Tallahassee.

FKCC President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra was accompanied by an ensemble of FKCC students, faculty and board members to oversee House Bill 341; proposed by State Representative Holly Raschein. The bill was moved forward and aims to provide more dormitories at FKCC.

Florida Sen. Anitere Flores, co-sponsor of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, spoke during Florida Keys Days in Tallahassee as Florida Rep. Holly Raschein, who sponsored the House version of the Act, looks on.

Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem George Neugent and County Administrator Roman Gastesi were among 75 Keys officials who traveled to the state capital for Florida Keys Day on February 17th.

Frank Wood (VP of Advancement & Exec. Director of FKCC Education Foundation) and FKCC Board of Trustee Stephanie Scuderi (also Sr. VP at Centennial Bank) represented the college at Florida Keys Day.

County Commissioners Syliva Murphy, George Neugent, David Rice, Danny Kolhage, along with County Administrator Roman Gastesi, take a moment to unwind at the Governor’s Club after a long day of lobbying for the Keys. Mrs. Elise Smith delighted the delegates to some sensational piano playing and vocals.

Florida Senator Anitere Flores and State Representative Holly Raschein represent the Keys on both sides of the state capital.

City of Layton Mayor Norman Anderson, County Commissioners George Neugent, David Rice and Danny Kolhage, along with FKAA Board Member David Ritz, FKAA’s Kerry Shelby and Monroe County Sr. Director of Strategic Planning Kevin Madok were some of the notable delegates at Florida Keys Day.

Legislative Aide Erin Muir with Florida CFO Jeff Atwater and his Press Secretary Joel Brown (Joel is also a KWHS graduate).

Marathon City Councilman Mark Senmartin appeared extremely comfortable sitting in the House of Representatives chambers.

Village of Islamorada Manager Maria Aguilar and Islamorada Village Attorney Roget Bryant at Florida Keys Day.

Community Bank of South Florida Exec. VP Bette Brown discusses financial matters with Senator Flores and Representative Raschein at Florida Keys Day.

Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers presents Florida Senator Alan Hays with an Honorary Conch Certificate at Florida Keys Day. Pictured: County Administrator Roman Gastesi, County Mayor Heather Carruthers, Florida Senator Alan Hays and State Representative Holly Raschein.

County Mayor Heather Carruthers and Representative Holly Raschein present State Rep. Ben Albritton with an Honorary Conch Certificate at Florida Keys Day.

State Representative Holly Raschein presents a Florida Keys token of appreciation to Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam at Florida Keys Day.

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and Monroe County Commissioner George Neugent discuss Monroe County issues at the capital.

County Attorney Bob Shillinger and Monroe County Commissioner Danny Kolhage on the House Floor at the state capital.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi addresses the Monroe County contingent at Florida Keys Day on February 17th.

Dr. Robin Lockwood, Robert Lockwood and Key West Asst. City Manager Sarah Spurlock represent Key West and the Florida Keys on the House Floor at Florida Keys Day.