City Commission
Mayor Joey Raspe
Before becoming a Commissioner, I served as Chairman of Key Colony Beach’s Planning and Zoning Board and Chairman of the Code Enforcement Board. Currently, I am an Executive Board Member and Fundraising Chairman of the KCB Fishing and Boating Club. Until recently, I served for several years as a Board Member for Inch Beach. I have served as a major organizer and fundraiser, alongside of Chief Kris DiGiovanni, for the Key Colony Beach Kid’s Fishing Derby, now in its 16th year.
My wife of 28 years, Karen, and I have owned a home in KCB since 2001. We moved here full-time in 2008, retiring after 25 years of service to the Baltimore City Fire Department as Marine Pilot of 100 ft Fire boats. I still hold a 100-ton US Coast Guard license for near coastal waters.
Over the years, I have built custom homes in Baltimore and Harford County, MD as well as operated a successful trade show & boat show company in 30 states and Mexico.
I have been involved in several fundraising events for the Florida Keys SPCA, including the Marathon Dog Park and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk.
It is my goal to help return the small community camaraderie to Key Colony and make sure our vacation rental ordinances are enforced and maintained.
Mayor@KeyColonyBeach.net 305-393-7646 (c)
Vice-Mayor Freddie Foster
Freddie Foster was born and raised in Newark, Delaware, where he met and married his wife of 45 years, Cheryl. After years of working throughout the United States, Freddie and his wife moved to Miami and purchased their current home in Key Colony Beach. They have two sons, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Freddie has a Bachelor of Science in Management and started his career in the construction and testing of nuclear submarines, later entering the commercial nuclear field. His work with nuclear power stations took him throughout the United States, Canada and Russia. He has strong project management skills and was responsible for multi-million-dollar construction projects. In addition, Freddie served as the Emergency Preparedness Group Operations Support Manager and Technical Support Center Maintenance Manager.
For over 45 years, Freddie has been involved with multiple volunteer and charity groups such as United Way, Red Cross, Masonic Lodge, and the Vietnam Veterans’ fundraising events for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In Key Colony Beach, he recently served as the Utility Board Chairperson and as an alternate on the Code Board. Freddie can also be found assisting his neighbors, resolving issues or more importantly, offering a helping hand.
Freddie’s goal as City Commissioner is to ensure Key Colony Beach remains the same little slice of paradise he and his wife discovered years ago. As Freddie’s focus is full transparency and an open-door policy with city staff, please contact him with any questions or concerns. He looks forward to working with the Commission and the residents of KCB.
freddie.foster@keycolonybeach.net (786) 229-4313 (C)
Secretary/Treasurer Tom Harding
Tom Harding has been a Key Colony Beach homeowner for 17 years. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 33 years and have 2 adult children. Recently, Tom retired from General Motors as an Engineering Manager after 35 years of service. Tom has two bachelor’s degrees in the field of engineering. For the past 4 years, he has been the Treasurer on the KCB Utility Board. Tom is also the President of Key Colony Beach’s local Condominium Association and has been in that role for the last 12 years.
Tom and Mary decided to purchase property in Key Colony Beach over 17 years ago, after vacationing here for 4-5 years. They enjoyed the small community, the teamwork within the City, and of course the beautiful weather and clear waters of the Florida Keys. Tom enjoys exercising, riding bicycle within the City and local areas, boating, and recently restoring vintage/antique items for preservation of old furniture. Tom also enjoys vintage cars and has two that he enjoys working on.
Tom looks forward to working with the City Commission, City Employees, and the residents on the challenges ahead and wanted to join the City Commission to further contribute on improvements the City is working through; like City Hall, rebuilding after Irma, contributing to working through the risk mitigation of sea level rise, and the safety for the residents.
tom.harding@keycolonybeach.net (734) 476-0531 (C)
Commissioner Tom DiFransico
Tom has been visiting the Keys since the 1950’s and has fond memories of fishing off the old seven mile bridge. He and Sandy bought their first home in Key Colony Beach in 2007 and moved here full time in 2013. Tom has been active on City Volunteer committees; serving on the Utility Board, the Code Enforcement Board and the Planning and Zoning Committee. Tom and Sandy are members of the KCB Fishing and Boating Club and are part owners of Inch Beach.
Tom enjoys fishing and snorkeling and can frequently be seen piloting his boat “Tomfoolery” through the canals. In good weather you can usually see Tom taking his morning walk around KCB.
A graduate of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Tom served ten years as an officer in the Navy’s Nuclear Submarine Program including three years as Chief Engineer of the USS Ray (SSN653). After leaving the Navy, Tom had a career in the engineering and construction business. He was responsible for the design, construction and operation of power plants of various types. Tom was a registered professional engineer and holds a Master’s degree from George Washington University.
Tom’s vision for KCB is to maintain the friendly, easy-going atmosphere which drew him here initially.
Thomas.DiFransico@keycolonybeach.net 908-432-1587 (c)