During the December meeting, Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission designated the parking area at Nelson English Park, the Irving “Sonny” Rivas Memorial Parking Area.
Irving "Sonny" Bruce Rivas, who passed away this year at 75, was affectionately referred to in the Key West community as "Uncle Sonny." He was known for his generosity and contributions to the community.
Sonny Rivas was raised in Key West to a large and close-knit family. He attended Douglass High School and graduated from Key West High School. He was a proud graduate of Florida A&M University. He always instilled the importance of education, independence, and perseverance in family and friends.
He served his country in the Vietnam War and was awarded several decorations, including an Anny Commendation Medal and Expert Badge.
During his professional career, he worked for Monroe County School District, the Department of Children and Families, and Comcast Corporation. After retirement, he was known for volunteering for local organizations and helping countless individuals in Key West.
He has been an essential part of the cultural and economic development of Key West in the past 75 years, and as such, the City Commission finds it fitting to recognize him by naming this area in his honor.
 In the photo from L to R: The family of the late Sonny Rivas joined the City Commission to accept the naming of the parking area in Rivas’s honor.
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