Taste of Key West Draws Over 1,000 to Truman Waterfront for Annual Fundraiser

Thousands filled Truman Waterfront Park on the evening of March 23 as the 31st annual Taste of Key West brought together nearly 50 local restaurants, dozens of beverage partners, and a community celebrating something bigger than a night of island food and wine: the 40-year legacy of the organization now known as Keys Health and Housing.

The local nonprofit formerly known as AH Monroe announced it will now operate under the name Keys Health and Housing, timing the reveal to coincide with its 40th anniversary. The organization had already reflected the change at Taste of Key West, where tents, signage, and merchandise all featured the new name.

Thousands attended the annual food and drinks event, which serves as a major fundraiser for the nonprofit. Leah Stockton, director of development and engagement at Keys Health and Housing, has called it "the largest single-day food and wine event in Key West," and said approximately 4,000 people come out in a typical year.

"I love that you get to see everybody... friends and neighbors, past co-workers, people you used to live near," Stockton said.

Booths from across the island offered everything from fresh island seafood and chef-driven small plates to craft beers and fine wines. At one of the most photographed stations, Richard de Felice of Lola's Restaurant prepared fresh scallops and lamb shanks as guests lined up along the waterfront. The event showcases the best of local restaurants, chefs, and beverage partners, set against the backdrop of Truman Waterfront Park, where guests sip, savor, and explore while enjoying the spirit of the Keys.

Admission to the grounds was free, with tasting tickets available for purchase at the gate. The popular Two for Taste Pass included 60 tickets along with commemorative plates and glasses. A limited number of VIP Passes offered an elevated tier: access to tables inside a private tent, unlimited tastings, butler-passed bites, and lounge seating overlooking the water. General admission guests could purchase $1 tasting tickets, while the $75 Two for Taste package included 60 tasting tickets and two souvenir glasses or plates. The $150 VIP Pass delivered unlimited food and wine, access to a climate-controlled VIP tent, butler-passed bites, and a private lounge positioned for sunset views over the water.

The weekend began two nights earlier with the Vintners Dinner on Saturday, March 21, at Williams Hall in Key West. To celebrate the milestone year, the organization brought back the intimate chef-curated wine dinner at Williams Hall, where they launched the new name and handed out birthday cake. Executive Director Scott Pridgen made a toast at the Vintners Dinner to celebrate the 40-year milestone for Keys Health and Housing.

The name change coincides with the organization's 40th anniversary, reflecting how far its work has evolved since it was founded in 1986 during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, growing from a grassroots effort into an organization serving thousands of residents across Monroe County. More recently, the addition of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition brought expanded programs to end homelessness under the same organization.

"This new name brings greater clarity to the work we've been doing for years," said Stockton. Executive Director Scott Pridgen added: "For 40 years, our work has been rooted in meeting people where they are, with compassion, dignity, and care. Until there is a cure for HIV and an end to homelessness, our commitment to these two challenges will remain unwavering."

The transition to the new name will continue to roll out across programs, communications, and community initiatives in the coming months. More information on Keys Health and Housing is available at KeysHH.org.