In the photo: City Manager Brian L. Barroso, Commissioner Monica Haskell, Vice Mayor Lissette Carey, Mayor Danise “DeeDee” Henriquez, Special Events Manager Kelli Funkhouser, Commission Liaison Dorian Patton, and Commissioners Donie Lee, Aaron Castillo, and Sam Kaufman. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover was in attendance via Zoom.

Mayor Danise “DeeDee’” Henriquez and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed April 22nd as Earth Action Day.

Since its founding in 1970, Earth Day has united citizens around the world in shared commitment for all stakeholders to take action to protect the planet and its people.

The Earth Day 2025 theme of “Our Power, Our Planet” not only recognizes the urgent need for global investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, but also demonstrates the significant social, economic and public health benefits of renewable energy within our community.

Key West is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and intense weather events, leading to the importance of community engagement in environmental stewardship.

“The City of Key West strives to uphold the Earth Day 2025 theme,” reads the proclamation, “which aims to transition to safe, clean, renewable energy to increase economic opportunity, improve community health and well-being, and protect our natural coastal and marine environments.”

The proclamation was accepted by two very involved City staffers who, each week, lead a group of volunteers picking up trash: Special Events Manager Kelli Funkhouser and Commission Liaison Dorian Patton.

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