Congeniality and good humor filled city hall on March 5, before the cruise ship contention consumed the evening’s Key West commission meeting.
More than two dozen people gathered at the front podium to celebrate longtime resident, photographer and community activist Peter Arnow, who was honored with a proclamation declaring April 5, 2022 as Peter Arnow Day in Key West.
Coordinated by Edie Hambright and Julia Davis, the proclamation includes the long list of events and organizations that Arnow has supported since he arrived in Key West in 1993 with his late partner Bob Linder.
He has coordinated the iconic Headdress Ball, one of Fantasy Fest’s original events, for more than two decades. Arnow has also worked in media, marketing, theater and promotions. He has supported AH Monroe (formerly AIDS Help), Sister Season Fund, the Key West AIDS Memorial, the Key West Symphony Orchestra, Key West Pride and the enchanting Pride Follies variety show.
Attention then turned to Police Chief Sean Brandenburg, who has served the Key West Police Department for 20 years, with no plans to slow down, he said.
“Now is not the time to hit cruise control,” he said following City Manager Patti McLauchlin’s introduction and brief history of his long resume. “We still have a lot to get done.”
Brandenburg also thanked his ever-patient wife, Julia, who endured his years of night-shift work as a narcotics officer with a beloved K-9 partner as well as his patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and then chief responsibilities.
In addition to his departmental duties, Brandenburg is an active supporter of Special Olympics, the Autism Society of the Keys, the Key West Business Guild, Rotary and every other worthy organization that seeks his help and support.
“And when I tell this story in the future, the standing-room-only crowd here tonight was for this, nothing else,” he said jokingly, referring to the crowd that packed city hall Tuesday night for yet another cruise ship debate, discussion and decision.
