A significant outpouring of community support has resulted in over $30,000 raised for a Key West police officer and his wife, a sheriff's deputy, who lost their home and pets in a fire on Big Pine Key earlier this year.

Duval Donates Event Raises Funds

The fire, which occurred in May, destroyed the home of Key West Police Officer Mike Pettee and his now-wife, Sheriff’s Deputy Tiffany Pettee. Officer Pettee sustained severe smoke inhalation while attempting to rescue the couple's pets, including three dogs and a rabbit, who tragically perished in the blaze.

As the couple dealt with the aftermath, a collective of downtown Key West business owners initiated a fundraising effort. Mark Rossi, owner of Rick’s Dirty Harry’s entertainment complex, collaborated with other establishments like Irish Kevin’s, Tiki House, Fogarty’s, and the Bull Whistle to organize a block party fundraiser named "Duval Donates."

The Key West Police Department’s Love Fund was designated as the nonprofit partner to receive and distribute the collected donations directly to Officer Pettee and Deputy Pettee. Daylin Sparks, general manager of Irish Kevin’s and a key organizer, described the event as a "party with a purpose" designed to show the couple the community's care.

Sparks highlighted the unprecedented collaboration among these Duval Street businesses, noting it was their first joint fundraising event. The streets were reportedly packed with local residents showing their support during the July 18th event, which ran from 6 to 10 p.m. Live music filled lower Duval Street, and vendors offered food, drinks, games, and raffle tickets.

Numerous businesses and individuals contributed to the event by donating food, beverages, raffle prizes, and monetary contributions. Sparks recalled a particularly moving moment when Mike and Tiffany Pettee took the stage to express their gratitude to attendees.

The success of the event was largely due to donated resources and volunteer efforts. Musicians volunteered their time and talent, police officers provided security without charge, and countless volunteers managed behind-the-scenes operations. The fundraising total surpassed $30,000 within just four hours.

"Every raffle ticket purchased, every drink poured, every meal served, every donation made and every person who showed up was a reminder that they weren’t facing this journey alone," Sparks stated. He added that witnessing the community embrace the couple, who have dedicated themselves to Key West, was unforgettable and a testament to the community's spirit.

Donations are still being accepted to support the Pettee family. Contributions can be made through the Key West Police Department's Love Fund website or via Venmo at @lovekwpd. For more details on this story, see the original report from Keys Weekly.