BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The City of Keystone Heights hosted a gathering of officials and business owners during a coffee and commerce meeting at the Dirty Palette art studio on South Lawrence Boulevard.
The city’s events director, Drew Bell, and social media specialist Kathryn Wills led the discussion about how the city could help area small businesses.
Interim City Manager Jamie Booth and City Council members Ryan Knight and Elston “Speedy” Kussler also attended.
Portal on the city’s website
Bell informed the audience of upcoming events within the city.
She focused on a basketball clinic during the city’s fall festival that will feature a three-on-three contest with local coaches and NBA-affiliated trainers. This event includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony for resurfaced basketball courts.
Bell also outlined plans for a Christmas market and a potential scavenger hunt as part of the “Shop Small” campaign.
Wills pitched attendees on an idea for a business portal within the city’s website.
Wills, who is also the vice president of the Clay Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber employs such a portal on its website, and members have given it positive reviews.
“You control the information, and it’s very user-friendly,” she said, adding that business owners can present their products and services on the city’s website. She said the information could be basic and minimal or more detailed with specific product offerings and discount offers.
She said the portal could connect readers to business websites and social media pages, YouTube videos, and Google business profiles.
Wills said she hoped to launch the portal by October 15.
“The goal is,” added Bell, “when someone comes in town…If they go to the City of Keystone Heights website…and see what the City of Keystone Heights offers. This is what the businesses offer.”
Homelessness, dumpster diving and traffic
Bell addressed ongoing issues such as homelessness, dumpster tampering, and panhandling. She encouraged attendees to use the sheriff’s office SaferWatch app to report concerns directly to deputies, enhancing law enforcement responsiveness.
Booth talked about traffic safety, updating the group on a federal grant for road safety assessments and ongoing communication with the Florida Department of Transportation regarding intersection improvements and sidewalk concerns. Bell urged attendees to participate in surveys to highlight traffic issues and contribute to securing funding for safety enhancements.
Mayor’s business blitz
Bell and Booth said Mayor Nina Rodenroth was out of town during the meeting. They added that when she returns, she plans a “business blitz,” going door-to-door to city businesses, asking them about their concerns and drafting a plan to respond to their needs.
