Cheryl Cates Bridge 

BY MAGGIE OLIVE KLEIN
KONKLIFE STAFF WRITER AND EDITOR 

On July 26, 2022, the bridge over Cow Key Channel will be renamed in honor of Cheryl Cates. There will be a ceremony from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Marriott Beachside Hotel, and then a walk to the bridge to unveil the sign. As stated in the proposal to rename the bridge, which was submitted to the state for approval by Key West businessmen Jim Gilleran and Peter Batty, “Cheryl H. Cates elegantly built bridges between people and organizations to achieve community goals. She championed the cause of improving the lives of children, and worked for decades to enhance the quality of life for all in the City of Key West.” Cheryl tragically died of complications from COVID-19 in December of 2020, at the age of 67. Prior to passing, she was the First Lady of Key West for nearly a decade. 

Cheryl was a successful co-owner of Cates Automotive, C-N-C Engine Services, and Napa Auto Parts with her husband, Craig Cates, former Key West Mayor and Monroe County Commissioner. The two were high school sweethearts, and married in 1971, and had three daughters, Tammy, Nicole, and Crystal, and four grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Trevor, and Andrew. During her career in co-owning businesses, she also decided to go on and pursue another career, as a Licensed Realtor in Florida. She worked at it for 34 years, and was even inducted into the Berkshire Hathaway Honor Society, and recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and sales on a national level. Cheryl was a passionate advocate for those in need within her community, and spent her time doing what she could to help. She was involved in many organizations, and lead numerous fundraisers for different people and causes, and used her platform as The First Lady of Key West to better the island.

Peter Batty will be speaking at the ceremony, as well as members of the Cates family. The renaming of the bridge is something that Craig Cates recognizes as an incredible honor to Cheryl and their family. It is an ode to all that Cheryl had done during her life, and how devoted to the community she was. During her time in Key West, she dedicated herself to building bridges between those in need and those that can provide, which makes her memorial unique. 

To continue the beautiful work that Cheryl did throughout her life, there is a memorial foundation that adopts the ethics she had. On the website, cherylcates.org, it says, “The mission of the Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation is to assist families and children in need in Monroe County, Florida and improve their quality of life by making grants directly to them and other charitable organizations in order to meet needs that are not otherwise being addressed.” 

Rest In Peace, Cheryl Cates, and thank you for everything you have done for the greater good of the community.

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