BY DAN HILDEBRAN
At a recent community meeting, Interim City Manager Jamie Booth introduced himself and shared updates on Keystone Heights’ ongoing and upcoming initiatives, emphasizing community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and events to boost local commerce and tourism.
Booth, a Lake Region native and retired Army Corps of Engineers colonel, has served as interim city manager since July 2025, following a transitional period as an independent contractor.
Booth, who grew up near Crystal Lake and graduated from Keystone Heights High School, highlighted his 27-year military career, including three combat tours and leadership of coastal protection and water management projects across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He returned to Keystone Heights after retiring in May 2025 and has been working to strengthen ties between the city’s 1.2-square-mile jurisdiction and the broader community.
The city official talked about one key initiative: “Coffee and Commerce” program, spearheaded by city staff member Drew Bell, which fosters collaboration with local businesses. Recent events were held at the city pavilion in July and at Dirty Palette earlier this week, with plans for monthly or bimonthly gatherings. Booth encouraged businesses to host or sponsor these events, noting opportunities for advertising through booths, sponsorships, or flyers at city events.
Booth then reviewed upcoming events, including the Fall Festival on September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting for the resurfaced basketball courts and a three-on-three basketball tournament organized by local resident Sherry Anthony.
The tournament welcomes both adults and children, with businesses encouraged to donate gift cards for prizes.
Other events include a Veterans Breakfast on November 7, a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, the Parade of Trees on November 29, and a Christmas Market on December 13, which will feature a tennis court ribbon-cutting, vendors, and a cookie decorating contest. Sponsorship opportunities are available for all events, with recognition on banners and by event emcees.
Booth outlined infrastructure projects, including a $30,000 demolition of a property in the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to facilitate a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right-hand turn lane onto Highway 100. The project, funded by CRA dollars, will consume most of the parcel and include a pedestrian island. Additional efforts include sidewalk repairs to meet ADA standards, repairs to the Nightingale Culvert on Nightingale Street, and upgrades to the Geneva Jungle Pool, pickleball courts, and Moon Tree display.
A significant long-term project is a sewer conversion initiative, supported by a $1 million grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The grant aims to fund connections for homes near existing sewer mains, reducing reliance on septic systems that impact the environment. Booth noted that state law requires homeowners within connectable distance to hook up to sewer systems if their septic fails, with connection costs averaging $30,000 per household. The grant would alleviate this burden, particularly for fixed-income residents, though it may cover only about 27 connections.
The city’s strategic plan, adopted in March or April 2025, guides these efforts, focusing on commerce, tourism, and maintaining Keystone Heights’ small-town charm. Mayor Karen Lake is leading a “business blitz” to visit businesses along Lawrence Boulevard, sharing the plan and gathering input. A mural project, expected to be completed by mid-October, will also enhance the downtown area.
Booth emphasized the need for volunteers, particularly high school students needing service hours, to support the city’s 12 annual events, as Bell is the only full-time events coordinator. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring, hosting, or volunteering can contact Bell for details. The city’s website features a community calendar with event information, and Booth encouraged residents to stay engaged as Keystone Heights continues to grow and improve.
KLRBA members (l-r) Phil Jones of Elite Web Design Pros, Rob Shackleford of Three Shacks Capital Partners, and Todd and Debbie Beals of Team Beals Realty.
