A community of Florida Keys officials and residents are banding together behind their conservative ideals.
In March, paperwork for the Keys Common Sense Conservatives political action committee (PAC) was filed with the Florida Division of Elections. The new group is chaired by Jill Cranney-Black, an elected member of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. Larry Zettwoch, Islamorada resident and retired Air Force colonel, serves as vice chair for the PAC.
Zettwoch said the PAC is made up of like-minded conservatives dedicated to promoting common-sense principles.
“We are not over the top. We’re moderate conservatives and we welcome everybody into the group if they have conservative views,” Zettwoch said.
An announcement posted to the group’s Facebook page states it will identify, encourage and support candidates who share their commitment to advance conservative values.
“Through open dialogue, grassroots action and local involvement, we aim to make a positive impact in our community and country,” the post states.
Monroe County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Kevin Madok serves as the PAC’s treasurer. The secretary is attorney Nick Mulick. He was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June to serve on the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Mulick also serves as legal counsel for the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District.
Among the founding members are several elected officials in the Florida Keys. They include Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, school board member John Dick and county commissioners Holly Raschein and Michelle Lincoln.
Kate DeLoach, Kathy Ovide, Mirna Hormachea and Sue Harrison are the other founding members.
So far, the PAC has received $2,000 in contributions ahead of a 2026 election season that will see several key offices up for grabs.
In July, the group held a “Fight! Fight! Fight!” rally to mark the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s survival from an assisination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
