Greg Sullivan, Wayne Garcia Join Key West Commission Races Before Spring Filing

Two new candidates, Greg Sullivan and Wayne Garcia, filed or publicly announced bids for Key West City Commission seats in the first week of March, expanding contests in District II and District IV as spring filing approaches. Garcia is explicitly running for District IV, joining Sarah Compton and Juan Llera in a three-candidate field; the District II race currently lists Mark Rossi and Bobi Lore while incumbent Kaufman is seeking promotion to mayor in the August election. Incumbent Lissette Carey has not indicated whether she will seek reelection in District IV.

Wayne Garcia, a native Conch, described his background as a building contractor and wood-working artist and highlighted a local cultural connection: he was mentored by the legendary folk artist Mario Sanchez. Garcia’s campaign materials and public announcements stress his construction credentials, including top-tier masonry work and a specialty in preservation of historic buildings, positioning him as a candidate focused on maintaining Key West’s architectural character.

District IV voters will choose among Carey, if she runs, and the declared challengers: Sarah Compton, Juan Llera, and Wayne Garcia. Lissette Carey’s undecided status leaves the seat’s dynamics open; Garcia’s emphasis on historic-preservation work contrasts with the broader civic and neighborhood issues candidates traditionally raise in the district.

District II has coalesced around Mark Rossi and Bobi Lore. Mark Rossi owns and operates Rick’s/Durty Harry’s entertainment complex on Duval Street and previously served as the District II commissioner 10 years before Kaufman. Bobi Lore owns and operates Island House guesthouse, bringing tourism and small-business experience to her campaign. Kaufman, the current District II seat-holder, is asking voters to promote him to mayor in August, which creates the potential for an open seat should he formally vacate District II.

Greg Sullivan, who also entered the race in the first week of March, has outlined two concrete local priorities: expanding the city’s youth summer employment program in partnership with A Positive Step of Monroe County, to give local high school students real-world work experience in various city departments, and a traffic improvement suggestion at a downtown intersection. “I also want to suggest a left-turn arrow at the light at White and United streets,” Sullivan said. The reporting provided does not specify which commission seat Sullivan is seeking.

Official filing and election details are available through the City of Key West website by navigating from the home page to Your Government, then Office of the City Clerk, and Election Information. With the August mayoral contest looming and spring filing under way, candidates and voters will be watching the clerk’s office and the Monroe County election calendar for confirmed filings, district assignments, and qualifying deadlines as the campaign season accelerates.