LOCAL PROTEST OPPOSES FEDERAL CUTS

a group of people standing on a sidewalk holding signs
A small but passionate group of residents demonstrates in support of veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and federal workers on March 14 in front of the Harvey Government Center in Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

A demonstration on March 14 along Key West’s Truman Avenue was the latest in a string of peaceful protests opposing federal funding and staffing cuts.

The cuts are being initiated by the U.S. government’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk.

The Key West event was part of a nationwide grassroots movement encouraging protests on March 14 at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C.

a group of people standing on the side of a road holding signs
a group of people standing on the side of a road holding signs
Mandy Miles
Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.