Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Appointments to Monroe County Housing Authority

January 1, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Aaron Castillo, William Gonzalez, Linda Hinchcliffe, Patrick Labrada, and Ailton Lopez to the Monroe County Housing Authority. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this important role, and their contributions will undoubtedly benefit the residents of Monroe County.

Aaron Castillo: A Stalwart of Community Service

Aaron Castillo is a highly respected figure in the Key West community, having served as the Director of Key West Mortuary and Cremation Center for many years. His unwavering commitment to serving his community is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations, including the Monroe County Housing Authority, where he has been a member for 20 years, and the Bahama Village Redevelopment Authority, where he currently holds the position of Chair. Castillo’s dedication to his community is further exemplified by his active participation in numerous initiatives and events aimed at improving the lives of Key West residents.

William Gonzalez: A Leader in Landscaping and Community Service

William Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience in the landscaping industry to the Monroe County Housing Authority. As the Senior Account Manager of Bright View Landscaping, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills. Gonzalez’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in several organizations, including the Marathon Lions Club, where he currently serves as President, and the Crane Point Board, where he previously held an executive board position. His dedication to enhancing the local community is further demonstrated by his previous role as Manager of Gonzalez Brothers Landscaping, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in providing high-quality landscaping services to the residents of Monroe County.

Linda Hinchcliffe: A Public Servant Dedicated to Monroe County

Linda Hinchcliffe’s extensive experience in public administration and her dedication to serving the Monroe County community make her a valuable asset to the Monroe County Housing Authority. As the former Director of Administration for the Monroe County Housing Authority, she demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills. Hinchcliffe’s commitment to community service is further evident through her involvement in various organizations, including the Key West Lions Club, where she currently serves as Chair of Membership, and the Monroe County Personnel Association, where she was a former member. Her dedication to improving the lives of Monroe County residents is evident through her active participation in initiatives and events aimed at enhancing the community’s well-being.

Patrick Labrada: A Business Leader with a Heart for Service

Patrick Labrada’s strong leadership skills and dedication to community service make him an excellent addition to the Monroe County Housing Authority. As the Owner and Mortgage Broker for Southernmost Financial Corporation, he has demonstrated exceptional business acumen and a commitment to providing high-quality financial services to the residents of Monroe County. Labrada’s dedication to serving his community is evident through his involvement in several organizations, including the City of Key West Utility Board, where he is a member, the Rotary Club of Key West, where he previously served as President and is currently a member, and the Monroe County School Board, where he was previously elected as a member. His passion for improving the community is further demonstrated by his active participation in initiatives and events aimed at enhancing the lives of Monroe County residents.

Ailton Lopez: A Hospitality Expert Committed to Community Well-being

Ailton Lopez’s dedication to serving the community and his extensive experience in the hospitality industry make him a valuable addition to the Monroe County Housing Authority. As a Bartender and Mixologist for the Islamorada Florida Keys Resort Collection, Lopez has demonstrated exceptional customer service skills and a commitment to providing high-quality experiences for guests. His dedication to community service is further evident through his role as the resident member of the Monroe County Housing Authority for 12 years. Lopez’s commitment to improving the lives of Monroe County residents is demonstrated by his active participation in initiatives and events aimed at enhancing the community’s well-being. In 2023, he was recognized by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association with a “Recognition of Service Excellence” Award, honoring Monroe County hospitality champions.

Governor DeSantis expressed his confidence in the abilities and dedication of the newly appointed members of the Monroe County Housing Authority, stating: “I am confident that these individuals will serve the residents of Monroe County with distinction and dedication. Their expertise and commitment to community service will undoubtedly benefit the Monroe County Housing Authority and the residents it serves.”

The Monroe County Housing Authority plays a vital role in providing safe and affordable housing to low-income families and individuals in Monroe County. The authority’s mission is to promote and develop affordable housing opportunities, provide housing assistance, and promote economic self-sufficiency for low-income families and individuals.

Call to Action

We encourage all residents of Monroe County to reach out to the Monroe County Housing Authority to learn more about their programs and services. For more information, please visit their website at www.monroecountyhousingauthority.com or call (305) 292-1121.