Dispatch - July 6, 2026
Democrats in Marathon
Thank you to all who supported a local candidate, registered voters, and collected needed supplies for those in need on the 4th.
Please watch this remarkable 14-minute America 250 address by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mayor Zohran Mamdani's America 250 Address
Speaking from George Washington's desk at City Hall and surrounded by newly naturalized Americans, he reminds us that America has always been an unfinished project. Our nation's greatest strength has never been wealth or military power—it has been ordinary people who organize, participate, and keep expanding the promises of liberty, equality, and democracy. At a time when fear and division dominate so much of our politics, his vision is hopeful, patriotic, and deeply American.
I Am America Because
As part of “We Are American 250,” Heather Cox Richardson and her team are asking people to post a video saying “I am America” to social media with the hashtag #WeAreAmerica250 (so they can find them). Complete this sentence: I am America because…
Examples:
I vote
I care for others
I speak truth
I defend democracy
I refuse to give up
Share with:
family
friends
social media
Use the hashtag #WeAreAmerica250
One woman at Heather’s event wrote that she is 82 years old and had just posted her first-ever hashtag. I love that. If she can do it, so can we!
LOCAL CANDIDATE EVENTS
Monday - July 6
Join Jim Marquardt, Candidate for Keys Energy Utility Board Seat A for a Meet and Greet from 6 - 7 pm at the American Legion, 803 Emma Street. Light snacks, cash bar
Monday - July 13th
Hometown August 18th Election Forum at Tennessee Williams Theater. This is an in-person, live event at 5901 College Road, Key West.
SCHEDULE
4:00 pm – Voter Meet & Greet
4:30 pm – County Forum
6:00 pm – Break
6:15 pm – Lower Keys/KW Utility Bd & City Forum
7:45 pm – Program concludes
We have a Democrat running for the State Senate, Jose Stoute!
Here is a letter that he asked that I share in this week’s Newsletter…
I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Florida State Senate, representing District 40, continuing a lifetime of service as a physician, retired U.S Army Colonel, professor, and community leader. Our district deserves leadership focused on people, delivering real results for families, veterans, seniors, and students.
My campaign is built on three simple principles:
Service Leadership Results
Together, we can build a Florida where every family has the opportunity to thrive and where government works for the people it serves.
This campaign is about all of us. Over the coming months, I look forward to listening to your ideas, earning your trust, and sharing my vision for a stronger District 40.
I would be honored to have your support. Whether you choose to volunteer, make a contribution, display a yard sign, or simply share our message with your friends and neighbors, every effort will help us build a campaign that truly represents our community.
To learn more about my campaign, get involved, or make a contribution, please visit:
Thank you for your friendship, your encouragement, and your belief that together we can make Florida work for everyone.
With gratitude,
Jose A. Stoute, MD
Candidate for Florida State Senate, District 40
July 2026 Keys Dems Meetings - Please join us!
Keys Democrats Meetings
Monday, July 6 -Lower Keys Dems will meet at El Siboney on Stock Island beginning at 5:30 pm in the back room, Supervisor of Elections, Sherri Hodies will be joining us for a quick presentation and to answer your questions.
Wednesday, July 15 - Upper Keys Dems will meet at Island Grill beginning at 5:30pm
Wednesday, July 22 - Middle Keys Dems will meet at 5:30pm in the Marathon Public Library. This date may change due to a Marathon Chamber Forum on the same night. Stay tuned for more information!
Local Meetings to attend in the Keys This Week (July 6 – July 12 )
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
Monday, July 6
Monroe County Historic Preservation Commission will meet at 2:00 pm in the Marathon Government Center – BOCC (2798 Overseas Hwy. 2nd Floor, Marathon) and via Zoom Please click the link to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/88142895938
Tuesday, July 7
Duck Key Security District Advisory Board Meeting at 4:00 pm @ Hawks Cay Resort Conference Room C, 61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key For Zoom link for residents and public, email must be sent to DuckKeySD@monroecounty-fl.gov.
Village of Islamorada Council https://www.islamorada.fl.us/Calendar.aspx
Bid Opening RFP 26-06 Canal 145 Organic Removal & Backfill Restoration Project at 3:00 pm Administrative Center 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
Regular Village Council Meeting 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada or via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/91106564166
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority: https://www.fkaa.com/agendacenter
Board of Directors Meeting Florida @ Keys Aqueduct Authority 1100 Kennedy Drive Key West at 11:00 am.
Wednesday, July 8
BID OPENING - RFP 26-07 COUNCIL CHAMBER BROADCAST & AUDIO/VISUAL SYSTEM HARDWARE REFRESH @ 3:00 pm in the Islamorada Administrative Center and Public Safety Headquarters, 86800 Overseas Hwy, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Islamorada.
Utility Board of Key West (Keys Energy):https://www.keysenergy.com/utility-board/
REGULAR MEETING - UTILITY BOARD OF THE CITY OF KEY WEST 1001 James Street at 4:00 pm
Thursday, July 9
LAND USE VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING at 5:30 pm at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
Local Protests
MARATHON's ICE protests continue! Sombrero Road and Overseas Hwy @ 4:30pm today - See you there!
Big Pine Key has a weekly protest every Thursday @4:30 pm at First Horizon Bank Big Pine.
From KWNOW - REMINDER The application submission deadline for the 2026 Connie Gilbert Scholarships is July 15. Open to Florida Keys women, a total of $10,000 will be awarded to assist in educational opportunities. Contact the Key West Chapter of NOW for qualifications/applications. kwnowinfo@gmail.com. Note: it must be at least the second year of college.
Vote By Mail Ballots will be sent out beginning July 9th! Be on the lookout for your ballot if you Vote By Mail!
Have a great week!