Local Resources and Info
At every closing, Kent & Regan will donate 1% of our net commission in your name to a local non-profit of your choice from the basket of non-profits listed below.
| AH of Monroe County, Inc Our goal: that our next generation be HIV-free |
| Bahama Village Music Program offers individualized music lessons at no cost |
| Community Foundation of the Florida Keys philanthropy to local charities |
| Florida Outreach Coalition preventing homelessness through interventions |
| Key West Literary Seminar promoting the understanding of literary works |
| Key West Wildlife Center, Inc providing rescues and quality rehabilitation |
| Keys to Be The Change, Inc Empowering children, youth and adults |
| Literacy Volunteers teaching to read, write and communicate in English |
| MARC (Monroe Assn of Retarded Citizens) provides professional care |
| Old Island Restoration sustaining Key West’s architecture, culture and history |
| Red Cross preventing and alleviating human suffering |
| Reef Relief improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem |
| Rural Health Network providing a high-quality health care center |
| Sister Season Fund focusing on the Hospitality/Tourism employees |
| SPCA dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of all animals |
| The Frederick Douglas School Black Educators Memorial Project, Inc |
| The Studios of Key West (TSKW) promoting Key West artists |
| United Way of Monroe County mobilizing the caring power of our community |
| Wesley House Family Services protecting and nurturing children and families |
| Zonta Foundation of Key West, Inc empowering women |
Schools
This photo from 1911 is the San Carlos Institute in Key West which was one of the nation’s first bilingual and integrated schools. Below are links to the many choices for schools in Key West.
| The College of the Florida Keys |
| Key West High School (Public) |
| Somerset Island Prep (Charter High School) |
| Grace Lutheran School (Religious) |
| Montessori School of Key West (Montessori) |
| May Sands Montessori School (Montessori) |
| Horace O’Bryant School (Public) |
| Sigsbee Charter School (Charter) |
| Poinciana Elementary (Public) |
| Gerald Adams Elementary (Public) |
| The Basilica School of St Mary Star of the Sea (Religious) |
Arts & Culture
Key West has an illustrious history of attracting creative souls allured by its lush, tropical beauty. The quirky and fun people who currently call Key West home were perhaps also inspired by the former presence of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams who were among the most famous literary figures living on the island in the 20th century, but only two among many great talents of yesterday and today. In Key West, one now finds an eclectic mix of galleries, museums, theatre productions and arts festivals as well as an unmatched culinary scene for pre and post art events! Below, you will find links to some of our most notable cultural resources.
Utilities
This photo is of Key West’s first electric generating plant. It came on line, and shortly thereafter Thomas Edison was doing what he was doing in New York City. Below are choices for utility companies with links.
| Electric: Keys Energy Services*, 305-295-1000 |
| Solar: Benson Green Technologies*, Jolly Benson, 305-296-3940 |
| Water : Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority*, 305-296-2454 |
| Cable Internet/TV/Phone Options : |
| Comcast*, 1010 Kennedy Dr. 888-220-6780 |
| AT&T*, 1113 Key Plaza 305-296-5007 |
| Propane Options: |
| Suburban Propane*, 726 Catherine St., KW 305-296-2411 |
| Amerigas*, 6301 3rd St., Stock Island 305-295-7724 |
| Como Keys Gas*, 1109 Eaton Street, Key West 305-296-2848 |
*We know these contractors and vendors to be reputable from our past experience; this does not constitute any guarantees, warranties, or promises on our part for their future products or services.
Gingerbread Biographies
Now that you have settled into your wonderful new home, let local historian, artist and long-time Key West resident, Sharon Wells, create your house history! Her new art venture is called Gingerbread Biographies.
Each Biography pulls together Wells’ expertise in history, archival research, art and architectural photography. Each individual commission, is exclusively compiled for the Homeowner. Combining historic & contemporary photographs, deeds, wills, maps and plats, genealogy, with archival research focused on one individual Historic House, Each Gingerbread Biography represents over 100 hours of work.
Each is presented, signed and framed, as a unique Montage Print. Call Sharon for a quote 305-923-5133 or email her: sharonwells1@yahoo.com or view her Facebook Page
Dynamic FEMA Flood Maps
The FEMA website has a dynamic map whereby you simply type in a full address and press enter. This will help you to determine in what flood zone a property sits. It will not however help with determining flood insurance premiums. The premiums depend upon the elevation of the house at its lowest level and this requires an elevation certificate. Below is a list of surveyors who can provide the service for obtaining an elevation certificate. If an elevation certificate has been issued in the past on the property and it is available, there is no need to conduct another one. Provide your insurance agent with an elevation certificate in order to obtain the insurance premiums.
J Lynn O’Flynn, Inc.* 305-296-7422
Reese & White Land Surveying*, 305-872-1348
Island Surveying, Inc.*, 305-293-0466
*We know these contractors and vendors to be reputable from our past experience; this does not constitute any guarantees, warranties, or promises on our part for their future products or services.
Key West Insider Guide
“If I arrived in the Keys out of the blue…
I wouldn’t know where to eat. Certain restaurants are famous, but how’s the food? Where are the hidden, local gems, and new places, and best spots for basics, like breakfast? What places aren’t tourist traps? People ask me, “Where do YOU eat?” and this guide is my answer. Consult it for the local specialties (fish sandwiches, peel-n-eat shrimp, conch fritters, Key lime pie), most romantic tables, and best view.
Read why some places are worth a visit for the quirky charm they serve, a side dish to the cooking. Who knows why certain restaurants endear themselves to us? Each member of this guide proves some of the reasons why, and is a place that could only be right here in the Keys. Each offers an authentic experience that represents to me the very reason for travel. Make each meal count! Please tell your server, host or reservation-taker you read about it here. We’re all curious to see if you’re as glad to have this guide as we are!”
Margit Bisztray
Latest News about our Market
Keep up with the latest news about the Key West real estate market, our community and the world at-large as it affects us.
Regulators Scale Back Citizens Rate Hikes
By Jim Saunders
A 3.2% increase for multi-peril policies was approved instead of a requested 6.2% hike; a request to charge actuarially sound rates for new customers was also rejected.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Regulators have scaled back rate increases sought by Citizens Property Insurance Corp., dealing a blow to leaders of the state-backed insurer who argue it needs to charge more for coverage…Read all articles…
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