MONROE COUNTY BOARD MEETING PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

MONROE COUNTY, FL – At Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board recognized National Weather Service Key West’s Chip Kasper and Jon Rizzo with Honorary Conch certificates, recognized Dr. Mark Whiteside of the Florida Dept. of Health in Monroe County and Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin for their service, Florida Keys AHEC for Smoking Cessation Month, and November as National Aviation History Month. Below are the highlights.

National Weather Service Key West’s Chip Kasper and Jon Rizzo Presented Honorary Conch Certificates

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized the National Weather Service Key West’s Chip Kasper, meteorologist-in-charge, and Jon Rizzo, warning coordinator, with Honorary Conch certificates.

“While not native to the Florida Keys, they have demonstrated their dedication to our island home through continued service in our community,” said Monroe County outgoing Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “We congratulate them and are grateful for all that they do for the community.”

The NWS-KW, Kasper, and Rizzo are trusted partners for Monroe County Emergency Management throughout hurricane season and other weather events throughout the Florida Keys.

Dr. Mark Whiteside Presented Conch Certificate and Recognized for Dedicated Medical Services for Florida Keys Residents

The Board of County Commissioners presented Dr. Mark Whiteside of the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County with an Honorary Conch certificate as a pillar of public health in the Florida Keys for more than 40 years. Staff from the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and his family joined him for the recognition.

Whiteside, trained in infectious and tropical diseases, has been at the forefront of research and clinical work. His exceptional leadership and medical expertise have been critical in safeguarding the Florida Keys community on numerous public health crises, including managing the flu, H1N1, Zika, HIV, and Dengue outbreaks, helping to prevent and mitigate the impact of these diseases on community members.

“His dedication to public health is matched by his passion for environmental sustainability and advocacy for preserving natural ecosystems,” said Mayor Jim Scholl. “He recognizes the critical connection between a healthy environment and healthy communities.”

Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin Recognized for her Invaluable Service to Monore County Residents

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized Joyce Griffin for her remarkable career, dedicated service, and extraordinary contributions to the Florida Keys community. Griffin devoted 40 years of service to Monroe County, beginning in 1984 as a clerk typist, working every clerical position in the office, then being elected to Supervisor of Elections in 2012 after working under five different Supervisor of Elections. She became known as the “do it girl” as she prides herself on completing the needed work. Her staff joined her at the recognition.

“Joyce has served as the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections with distinction, overseeing the fair, accurate, and transparent conduct of elections, ensuring that every eligible citizen can vote and have their voice heard,” said outgoing Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “Joyce has been a trusted leader and an advocate for innovations by streamlining the voting process and successfully moved Monroe County into the future with computer voting machines helping to enhance voter accessibility and increased voter participation.”

Throughout Griffin’s tenure, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, tirelessly working to safeguard voters’ rights and improve the electoral system.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her leadership and wish her a well-deserved retirement filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment,” said Mayor Jim Scholl.

Commissioners Recognize EYW and AHEC Partnership; and November as Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Key West International Airport (EYW) joined smoke-free airports around the globe in 2023 by closing its outdoor smoking patio during ongoing construction and continues to improve service with its new concourse set to open in 2025. EYW supports Florida Keys Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) by donating $2,000 annually through its community relations program. AHEC provides free tobacco cessation services for Monroe County residents that have helped thousands of Monroe County residents quit smoking through counseling sessions and nicotine replacement therapy. Those who wish to quit smoking, visit KeysAhec.org and begin their cessation journey today.

The commissioners also recognized November as Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has found tobacco smoke to contain more than 7,000 toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. November is National Smoking Cessation Lung Cancer Awareness Month, paired with the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday (Nov. 21).

November is Aviation History Month

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognized November as Aviation History Month by presenting a proclamation to Monroe County Airport Director Richard Strickland that recognizes the importance of the industry’s evolution and significance.

“Aviation plays a vital role in our local, state, and national economy, creating jobs and driving innovation, as well as connections across borders, disaster relief, and national security,” said Mayor Jim Scholl, an avid aviator. “The Florida Keys have a rich history of aviation dating back to 1913, and commercial service began at Key West International Airport (EYW) in 1928 at what was then known as Meacham Field.”

Award-winning EYW continues to transform and improve service with plans to open its new Concourse A in 2025, providing nonstop commercial service to more than 20 destinations. The airport has an economic impact of $1.6 billion.

Florida Keys Marathon International Airport opened in 1943 and served the U.S. Navy as an auxiliary airfield for Naval Air Station Key West. It was transferred to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners for use as a civilian airport at the end of WWII. Marathon airport is estimated to have a local economic impact of $235 million.

“It is important to recognize the significance of local aviation and its transformation throughout history while honoring those who have dedicated their working lives to the prosperity of both Key West and Marathon airport facilities,” said Commissioner David Rice, also an aviator.

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