The Survivors, Key West
Key West is America’s preeminent literary and arts scene. Its world-class economy is under great leadership.
Maybe it’s time you and your business joined us at the southernmost point in the contiguous states.
The small, privately owned businesses of Key West have formed a strong coalition called Shop Mom and Pop Key West. These small businesses are working together to adapt to the new world economy and to operate responsibly to protect the community and the environment.
Please check to find out what all the excitement is about at shopmomandpop.com.
Read more below about Key West’s thriving economy from Key West Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships:
HOTEL & LODGING
- Total hotel bed taxes for September–December 2020 exceed the same period for 2019 throughout the Florida Keys. (Source: Smith Travel Research Monthly District & Tier Overview Report)
- For all of 2020, Florida Keys and Key West have the highest hotel occupancy rates and room rates in the state. (Source: Smith Travel Research Monthly District & Tier Overview Report)
TOTAL SPENDING
- Total sales tax revenue for September–November 2020 exceed the same period for 2019 throughout the Florida Keys (Source: Florida Sales Tax Return Data, Monroe County)
- Total sales tax and parking revenues for September–December 2020 exceed the same period for 2019 in the City of Key West. (Source: City of Key West Finance Department.)
EMPLOYMENT
- As of December 2020, there are 47,709 jobs in the Florida Keys — more jobs than at any time in the past 30 years. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Jobs are at a 30-year high in Key West as well, with 16,542 jobs (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Unemployment rate in the Florida Keys (Monroe County) is 3.8%, compared to a statewide average unemployment rate of 6.1% (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Monroe County has the 3rd-lowest unemployment rate in the state of Florida (Florida Department of Economic Opportunity).
BUSINESS AT THE PORT OF KEY WEST
- For June–December 2020, many businesses at the Historic Key West Bight, part of the Port of Key West, had monthly sales higher than 2019, including bars and restaurants and watersports and dive companies. (Source: City of Key West Finance Department)
- City of Key West Finance Director Mark Finigan reports: “Major Key West Bight tenants and the attractions based commercial tenants are doing as well as pre pandemic numbers (or better in certain cases).” (Source: Finance Director memo to City Commission)
- For October 2020–January 2021, fuel sales at Key West Bight are 8% higher than the same period last year. For the month of January, fuel sales are up 25%, transient dockage is up 4%, and dinghy dockage is up 14%. Ports Director Doug Bradshaw reports: “Marina is full and we are predicting that it will stay that way towards April.” (Source: January Monthly Report for Key West Historic Seaport)
The Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships
Coalition Blasts Controversial Bill to Limit Port Freedom & Remove Local Protections
Ask Senator Rodriguez to Defend Home Rule
Key West Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships
Mailing Address: 2612 Harris Ave, Key West, Florida 33040
info@safercleanerships.com
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