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Commission renames future Fire Station 3 for Chief Eddie Castro after debate over process
Summary
The commission approved a resolution to name the planned Fire Station 3 for former Chief Eddie (Eddie) Castro. Family members and firefighters supported the move; some commissioners raised procedural concerns about timing and whether the committee selection process included sufficient commission input. The motion passed 6–1.
The Key West City Commission on June 1 approved renaming the planned Fire Station No. 3 in honor of former Fire Chief Eddie Castro, following public testimony from family members and veterans of the fire department.
Melinda Castro Rodriguez, speaking for the Castro family, described her father’s 32 years of service to the Key West Fire Department and urged the commission to approve the resolution as a tribute to his leadership. Margaret Romero and others said the nomination originated with a committee associated with the fire department, and supporters described Captain Castro’s mentorship and impact across the department.
Commissioner Velez led the most sustained critique of the process, saying commissioners and the public should have had more formal input and asking why a station that has not yet been built was being named during an election cycle. Velez proposed postponing the matter until after the election to avoid any appearance of political advantage. Commissioner Kauffman and other supporters said the nomination resulted from a committee vetted by the fire department and urged the commission to respect the family’s wishes.
After public comment and debate, the commission voted to rename Fire Station No. 3 the Eddie Castro Fire Station No. 3; the motion passed 6–1, with Commissioner Velez opposed. Commissioners asked staff to ensure that committee processes for naming are clear in the future and noted public concerns about campaign timing and outreach.
