The new I Love Stock Island Initiative is a not-for-profit (status pending) organization “Dedicated to preserving the cultural history of Stock Island by promoting its healthy future through outreach, marketing and special events to make our community a better place to live, work and attract tourism.” The organization operates under the guidance of a board of directors comprised of community members who care about and have a vested interest in improving Stock island. Newly elected board members include President Peter Batty, Sr, Vice President Bobby Mongelli, Treasurer Colleen Quirk, Secretary Jana Carter along with Noah Sing, Eric Castellanos, Donny Kirkpatrick and Jamie Mattingly. There are three vacancies to be filled.

The idea was formed by Bobby and Michelle Mongelli, who along with many other local Stock Island businesses, are continually striving to make the island a better. Bobby developed the “I Love Stock Island” moniker and made bumper stickers to give away to help promote and expand the idea. He recruited Jill Snodgrass and Sean Krikorian, a professional event management and marketing team to organize a positive grass roots effort that brings the community together to make a difference. By creating pride in place the organization intends to help clean up Stock Island while working to retain its rustic charm.

“Take Stock in the Rock” – an island-wide clean up initiative involving the City’s Recycle & Preserve Island Life programs, Stock Island neighborhoods and area civic and church groups will take place November 19th. Take Stock will also include a recycle fair at the Key West Botanical Gardens and a footrace up Mount Trashmore.

A weekend festival is being planned November 25-27th to highlight the Island’s rich heritage and cultural diversity by showcasing the culinary, entertainment, artistic and recreation options Stock Island has to offer. Not limited to any one specific venue or happening, guests are invited to experience three full days of free & ticketed events. The Festival will host four ‘Signature Events’ including a Community Fish Fry, Discover Stock Island, Taste of Stock Island and the Stock, Rock and Roll Brunch Bike Ride along with numerous events by local businesses. Concerts, carnival, history lectures, artist studio tours, culinary demonstrations, lobster, stone crab & fishing seminars, paddle board, kayak & jet ski excursions, bike rides, marina and boat tours, introduction to sailing opportunities, food & wine, beer & rum pairings, an old fashioned shrimp boil, beach party, daily happy hours and much more will round out the weekend of events.

The I Love Stock Island initiative only works if the community bands together to offer support. Church, civic, fraternal and military organizations are encouraged to mobilize their memberships to help with island-wide clean-up, volunteer for various events and donate to help stock the SOS (Star of the Sea) food pantries and contribute to various beautification projects.

A general information meeting for businesses, volunteers, neighbors and interested parties will be held at Stock Island Village Marina at the Palapa on Tuesday, October 11 at 5:30 pm. For more information, visit the website at www.ILoveStockIsland.org or call Sean Krikorian at 573.619.2200.