Sam Kaufman Discusses TPS Workforce Loss on “This Week in South Florida”

Last week, Key West received difficult news: nine long-time city employees will lose their jobs on January 18 due to the expiration of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These individuals—who serve in our Parks, Transit, and Port Departments—are part of the fabric of our community. Their dedication helps keep our neighborhoods clean, our city moving, and our public spaces cared for.

On This Week in South Florida, Sam Kaufman joined host Glenna Milberg to discuss what this decision means for the affected workers, their families, and the Key West community at large. He emphasized the human impact of the policy change, the importance of treating every member of our workforce with dignity, and the urgent need for compassionate, practical solutions at the local and federal levels.

As a City Commissioner, Sam has consistently advocated for fairness, stability, and strong workplace protections. In this interview, he reaffirmed his commitment to standing with our workers while pushing for policies that keep Key West safe, thriving, and true to its values.

The full conversation is available in the video above. More details will be shared as this situation continues to unfold.