A large photo of Tony “Fat” Yaniz, wearing his trademark red KW Conchs baseball hat, was on display in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday morning. Congressman Carlos Giménez, whose district includes the Florida Keys, stood before his colleagues in the House and praised “the life and legacy of former Key West Commissioner Anthony Yaniz, a beloved Key West community leader.”
Yaniz died in February after a long battle with cancer.
“Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor the life of Anthony Yaniz, a proud son of Key West and a true pillar of the Florida Keys community,” Gimenez said. “Tony was a former Key West commissioner and a larger-than-life figure who dedicated himself to serving others and strengthening the community that he loved. Tony’s work supported important local institutions including the Key West veterans memorial and the center for animal welfare and education. His commitment to his community was not just public; it was personal. He showed up for his neighbors time and time again.
“Anthony Yaniz leaves behind a legacy of service, passion and love for Key West. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on for generations. May he rest in peace.”
Click here to watch the congressman’s remarks: Rep. Gimenez honors Tony ‘Fats’ Yaniz in Congress.
