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COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS HONORS RETIRING CITY MANAGER
Patti Mclauchlin To Leave The City After 43 Years
It’s all about the lime in Key West from June 30-July 4. The Key Lime Festival features five days of activities, competitions, culinary experiences and plenty of opportunities to sample variations of Key West’s favorite dessert. FILDA KONEC/ KeyLimeFestival.com
In 2013, the inaugural Key West Key Lime Festival made its debut over Independence Day weekend. Concocted by author, ghost hunter, historian and cuisinier David Sloan, and artist, allaround production designer, and Wonderdog Studios founder Marky Pierson, the event included several days of sweet, tart and savory diversions, including creation of the world’s largest Key lime pie.
Now, for its 10-year anniversary, the 2023 Key Lime Festival is revving up to celebrate the sensational citrus with an array of festivities across the very island where Key lime pie was conceived. From June 30 to July 4, lovers of the lime can indulge in a full menu of diversions, beginning with an event kick-off cookbook signing and champagne reception at the Curry Mansion Inn with David Sloan, author of the famous “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook.”
Activities over the following days include a Key lime scavenger hunt, delicious Key lime inspired dinner and brunch events, mini Key lime pie-making classes at the Key West Key Lime Pie Company, a Key lime pie hop, a Key lime tree master-class, and a thrilling and gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition – from the top of the Key West Lighthouse.
Those with a taste for limey libations can enjoy a Key lime rum tasting experience at the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, and a Sip & Stroll where participants get to vote on who serves up the best Key lime cocktails and margaritas from among multiple participating bars.
Fourth of July events begin early and energetically with the annual “Rotary Club of Key West 4th of July 5K,” and continue into the night with the Rotary’s spectacular “Patriotic Dinner Under the Fireworks.” In the hours between the two, revelers can dive into a 4th of July pool party at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, with live music and DJ jams, and head over to the Southernmost Beach Café where the wild World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship is to take place, and where Father Gary Delos Santos, a priest from the Archdiocese of Miami, has announced he will return to defend and reclaim his previous championship title, won in 2013 when he was a Seminarian assigned at the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Key West.
The Florida Legislature made Key lime pie the official state pie in 2006. “According to my extensive research, Key lime pie is credibly believed to have originated from the Key West kitchen of Sarah Jane Lowe Curry, aka “Aunt Sally”’ (18481906), said Sloan. “It’s actually more American than apple pie, which did not in fact originate in America.”
For a full calendar of events along with registration and reservation links, visit keylimefestival.com.
Retiring City Manager Patti McLauchlin was recently honored with the College of the Florida Keys’ President’s Award.
The award was presented by Jonathan Gueverra, college president and CEO, during the May 5 graduation ceremony at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center.
The President’s Award recognizes McLauchlin’s extraordinary service and commitment to the college and the community.
“This is truly an honor,” said McLauchlin. “I’m proud and humbled by this recognition.”
McLauchlin, who retires in July, has served with the city for 43 years, beginning as a police dispatcher and working up through management until she was appointed city manager in July 2021. She is the first woman to hold the title of city manager of Key West.
McLauchlin started her education at what is now known as the College of the Florida Keys with an associate’s degree. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Barry University in Miami.
Her commitment to the community includes membership in the Rotary Club and the Key West Chamber of Commerce. She serves on many local boards and participates in numerous professional organizations.
The President’s Award tops off a career of devoted public service. McLauchlin received the Zonta Club of Key West Award for Public Service, the True Grit Award from Womankind of Key West and the Women of Integrity Award for public service from Samuel’s House. — Contributed
