front row — Superintendent Richard Sarver, Commissioner Billy Wardlow, Mayor Teri Johnston, Commissioner Clayton Lopez, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, Parks Superintendent Ralph Major, and Community Services Director Marcus Davila. Rear row — Deputy Director Mike Turner, Recreational Facilities Manager Randy Sterling, Assistant City Manager Patti McLauchlin and City Manager Greg Veliz.

Officials Cut Ribbon on New Facility

Now that the finishing touches are complete, the Key West City Commission cut the ribbon on the new home for Community Services.

In April of 2019, the residents of Key West voted to approve the purchase of the old Key West Citizen building for $4.95 million. According to the City’s charter, any sale or acquisition of property must be voted upon by the residents.

The building, located at 3420 Northside Drive, needed some TLC before it could be occupied, and Community Services crews did most of the work.

The facility brings all of Community Services under one roof. Previously the department was co-located with fleet in the facility at Palm Avenue and offices were scattered in several locations. The new building puts everyone under one roof, and also provides a good public meeting space for commissioners to hold community meetings.

In addition, the back area loading dock where the printing press used to sit provides space for Community Services’ equipment. And the move gives Fleet Services plenty of room on Palm Avenue to service the City’s cars and trucks. However, heavy equipment will still be stored on Palm Avenue.

“I really want to thank all of the Community Services workers,” said Director Marcus Davila, “who did all of the hard work rehabbing this facility. I also want to thank the community for voting to acquire the building. It’s awesome.”

Before the building came available, the City had set aside about $29 million to complete redo and expand the aging Palm Avenue facility. When the local newspaper put the building on the market, it was clear that it would serve the City’s needs and save well over $20 million.

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