Former Mayor Mullins Honored

Mayor Danise "DeeDee" Henriquez and the Key West City Commission honored former Mayor Sheila Mullins for her environmental accomplishments by naming September 3rd as Sheila Mullins Day.

Mayor Mullins was the driving force behind the acquisition of the Key West Nature Preserve, also known as the Bergh property.

The Key West Nature Preserve is located between Atlantic Blvd and the ocean, and adjacent to 1800 Atlantic. To honor and memorialize Mayor Mullins' contributions, the City of Key West is adding her name to the signage at that location.

The $3.5 million purchase was funded without using any ad valorem dollars. Working with staff, Mayor Mullins secured funding from the Florida Land Trust and the match from Monroe County Tourist Development Council and Florida Forever funding.

Historically, a dock existed on the seaward side of the property where cattle were brought from Stock Island and slaughtered. The meat was then sold in Key West. The area later was used as a city dump. Today, storm winds and tides often reveal cows' teeth and bottle glass.

The property is now dense with native plants. A boardwalk runs from Atlantic Blvd to the ocean. Its natural berms form an effective water retention area. Mangroves, buttonwood, and other native plants grow around and in the brackish water. The property is valuable to migrating birds.

The Key West Nature Preserve was saved from development over 40 years ago when the newly adopted Comprehensive Plan protected remaining wetlands for their value in flood mitigation and natural water retention. Mayor Mullins was instrumental in acquiring this green area of respite on the South side of the island for all the people of Key West.