During the July commission meeting, Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission declared July 13, 2023, as Key West Legal Rum Day, honoring the 10th anniversary of the local distillery and its contribution to the community.
Key West Legal Rum was the first license ever issued in Monroe County to Paul Menta and Tony Mantia to make "legally" alcohol in 2013. The rum is handmade in Key West and exported throughout the United States. The barrels are salt-cured in the ocean, so they only have a flavor in Key West.
Over the years, the local company has been at the forefront of community service.
"When the community needs help, Key West Legal Rum is there," reads the proclamation. "Be it a hurricane, pandemic, or any issue. They use the proceeds from the product to assist the community. This is the only way we can thank you for the support we give by always being there for the community."
In the photo: Commission Mary Lou Hoover, Shannon Killeen, Yara Gabriela Mila, Commissioner Lissette Carey, Paul Menta, Crystal Menta, Mayor Teri Johnston, Laurie Heusinger, John Petro, Wendy Maxon, Commissioner Clayton Lopez, Wladimir Paternina, Joseph Nelson, and Commissioner Billy Wardlow. In attendance via Zoom (not pictured): Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman.