Key West Commission Appoints Greg Veliz Interim District 5 Commissioner

The Key West City Commission appointed Gregory Veliz as interim District 5 commissioner at its December 2, 2025 meeting. Veliz, a longtime municipal official in the Keys and the Executive Director of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, was sworn in the same evening and will serve until the next regular election for the seat in August 2026.

Commission discussion centered on the need for an experienced administrator who could step into constituent service responsibilities and participate in upcoming policy and budget decisions without delay. Commissioners cited Velizs municipal background, which ranges from field inspector work to city manager roles, as a primary factor in his selection. At least one prospective candidate for the August 2026 election withdrew their candidacy concurrent with the interim appointment vote, a development that may shape the candidate field ahead of next summer.

For District 5 residents the appointment means continued representation at commission meetings and a familiar presence for resolving constituent concerns. Interim commissioners gain the authority to vote on ordinances, budget items, and appointments, so Velizs role will carry practical influence on local governance during the transition period. His concurrent leadership at the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority also places him at the intersection of municipal policy and regional infrastructure oversight, a connection that may inform his approach to utility, resilience, and public works issues while serving on the commission.

Institutionally, the commission followed its responsibility to fill a vacancy promptly, prioritizing operational continuity. The withdrawal of a candidate raises questions about the competitive dynamics of the August election, and it may prompt additional candidates to step forward. Voters in District 5 should note the timeline for qualifying and the opportunity to evaluate any interim actions taken by the commission before the election.

The appointment underscores the importance of civic engagement in interim periods. With a special role now occupied through the next regular election, residents have a clear window to monitor decision making, communicate priorities to their interim representative, and prepare for the upcoming August 2026 ballot that will decide the districts permanent commissioner.