In a heartfelt ceremony, the Key West City Commission honored local activist Shirley Esmerlee with a commendation recognizing her decades of service to the community. Mayor Terry Johnston presented the accolade, highlighting Esmerlee's commitment to social justice and community improvement since moving to Key West in 1980. Her activism began in her teens, where she notably supported a friend in a civil rights protest against segregation in local dining establishments.

Throughout the 1980s, Esmerlee was a vocal opponent of drug abuse, famously protesting outside drug houses with a sign that read, \"Up with hope, down with dope.\" More recently, she led the Key West Rip Off Rapid Response Team, which aimed to combat predatory business practices on Duval Street. Her family expressed gratitude for her unwavering dedication to making Key West a better place, instilling values of resilience and advocacy in her children and grandchildren.

Following the commendation, Esmerlee expressed her appreciation for the community's support, emphasizing the collective luck of living in such a vibrant city. The event also included a proclamation for Robert Albury, a local music legend, declaring August 1, 2024, as Robert Albury Day in honor of his upcoming 80th birthday. Albury's contributions to the local music scene were celebrated, although he was unable to attend the ceremony due to a postponed birthday celebration caused by a recent tropical storm.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to recognizing the contributions of its residents and fostering a sense of community pride.