The Key West community is once again proving its generosity and caring. Members of the Key West Fire Department, Local 1424, contractors, and the community gathered at the home of the Franco family on Wednesday to celebrate the groundbreaking on replacing the family home.
The Ashby Street house has been in the Franco family since 1978 and was severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Robert Franco, a Key West Firefighter, has been battling cancer while continuing to work as a first responder in the city. He and his wife, Elizabeth, and their twin daughters – high school juniors – have been unable to rebuild the home due to health and financial issues.
KWFD Local 1424 and the Key West community, with the help of licensed contractors, have begun the process of donating their time and raising funds necessary to build Robert, Elizabeth, and their family a new home.
The Francos have established a GoFundMe account and non-profit 501 (C) to help assist the community and anyone who would like to donate to the effort. These funds will help pay for any materials that are not being donated by the businesses listed below.
In 2021, the community celebrated a similar feat of caring for its own by cutting the ribbon on a new Galveston Lane home for Ms. Alelia Butler. Her home had been destroyed by fire. She barely got out alive, but she lost everything. Over 60 companies and volunteers came together and donated to the effort, resulting in a new, fully furnished home.
Ms. Butler came to the Franco home groundbreaking on Wednesday, along with about 60 firefighters, police, and community members.
Frank and Mercy Herrada were on hand to present the Francos with the permits necessary to begin construction immediately. Their company. FMH Builders, Inc. leads the project, as they were for Ms. Butler's home. Jason Barroso, Division Chief, and Fire Marshal, leads the initiative and aims to relocate the Franco family to their new residence within the current calendar year.
Deacon Peter Batty was on hand to provide an invocation at the ceremony.