Fireworks Cancelled; Rental Assistance Approved; Mask Ordinance Passed

After struggling with the difficult decision regarding the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, the Key West City Commission voted unanimously to cancel this year’s fireworks display and the Rotary event that supports it.

As cases of Covid-19 continue to rise precipitously in Florida, the commission revisited this typically well-attended event three times before making today’s decision.

The commissioners discussed whether or not to keep local beaches open for the busy weekend, but the matter was not part of the resolution and the beaches remain open.

In addition, the commission unanimously approved an ordinance that mirrors the City’s emergency directive requiring masks in establishments and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. The ordinance gives an added level of enforcement to police and code to write civil citation for infractions.

In addition, the ordinance addresses violations by businesses. It states that any business cited twice for the violation of the ordinance will be shut down for a minimum of 24 hours and subject to a full compliance review.

During the same special commission meeting, the commission unanimously voted to transfer to United Way of Monroe and Collier Counties $64,000 to provide rental assistance to hard-hit families in Key West. The money, transferred from the City’s affordable housing trust fund, is earmarked for Key West residents only. Many residents are facing huge difficulties as the state – and the nation – remain under a state of emergency.

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