The Key West City Commission honors Manuel Castillo

City Commissioners Gregory Davila and Billy Wardlow, City Manager Gregory Veliz, Mayor Teri Johnston, honoree Manuel Castillo, and Commissioners Jimmy Weekley and Sam Kaufman.

The Key West City Commission, City staffers, and the community took the opportunity of last night’s commission meeting to honor Manuel Castillo who has retired from a dedicated career with the Key West Housing Authority. The Housing Authority Executive Director retired at the end of December after 30 years of service.

During those years, he has played a vital role in the creation of affordable housing in Key West. Among the many projects completed under this guidance are the Newport Village Apartments, Roosevelt Gardens, the Senior Citizen Complex, and most recently the Frank P. Toppino Poinciana Gardens Senior Living Facility. In fact, Castillo announced that he will continue on, volunteering, to ensure that the new facility gets a good start.

“This is my hometown,” said the emotional Castillo, “and I’m very grateful that I have been able to give a little piece back to my hometown.”

Historic Tours of America Director Ed Swift added kudos to those of the commission, noting that the creation of Roosevelt Gardens was a huge accomplishment.

“He got it built and brought it in under the projected price,” said Swift. “This whole town is going to miss you.”

Castillo introduced the new Director of the Housing Authority, Randy Sterling.

“Call me if you need my help; call him if you want to complain,” he quipped.

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