The Wild West Meets Key West: Pepa Mahogany’s Campaign for King

5th September 2025 Richard Jones

When asked to describe himself, Floyd Jenkins, known to many as Pepa Mahogany, shared a story of deep community roots and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, and a proud resident of Key West since 2007, Jenkins has built a life dedicated to integrity, empathy, and service. Whether he’s serving as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police or delivering books to local children through his nonprofit, Pepa’s Books for Tots, Jenkins embodies a passion for lifting up others. His extensive work with local nonprofits, along with his vibrant career as a performer and fundraiser, shows that for him, a title is not just about recognition—it’s about creating laughter, supporting causes that matter, and building a stronger community. We had the chance to sit down with the former Mr. Key West Bear Himself to find out more about his run for the King of Fantasy fest 2025.

BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Floyd PEPA Jenkins: I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, and I’ve been proud to call Key West home since 2007. By day, I serve as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, a role built on integrity, empathy, and commitment. I was honored to be recognized as “Employee of the Year” by both the City of Key West and the Key West Chamber of Commerce.

But my work doesn’t stop there. I founded Pepa’s Books for Tots, which has delivered the magic of books to thousands of children throughout the Keys, sparking imaginations and nurturing literacy. I also serve on the board of Keys to Be the Change, and I’m Secretary of the Key West Police Department Love Fund, which supports officers’ families during difficult times.

I’m also active with the City of Key West Employee Committee and the TEDxCFK Committee, where I help bring TEDx Talks and big ideas to our island community.

When there’s a cause to uplift, I show up. I’ve cycled 165 miles for The SMART Ride, lip-synced and sashayed across the Real Men Do Drag stage, and performed in Aqua Idol—all to raise critical funds for organizations like AH Monroe, Sister Season, MARC House, Queer Keys, the Florida Keys SPCA, and the Waterfront Playhouse.

Beyond fundraising and advocacy, I love performing. As Pepa Mahogany, I perform with The Fabulous Spectrelles, a Motown-inspired trio known for spreading joy and bringing communities together across the Keys.

For me, running for King of Fantasy Fest isn’t about a title—it’s about celebrating everything I love: lifting people up, creating laughter, and supporting causes that matter. And as a lifelong animal lover and proud cat dad (my hairless cat, Poupée, is also WANTED), supporting the Florida Keys SPCA makes this royal run especially close to my heart.

BWM: Tell us about the King of Fantasy Fest. What does it mean?

FPJ: The Fantasy Fest King is a title given to a Key West resident who raises the most money for a local charity during a six-week fundraising campaign leading up to Fantasy Fest. Alongside the Queen, the King is crowned at the Royal Coronation Ball on October 17, which officially kicks off the festival and serves as a major fundraiser for the chosen charity—this year, the Florida Keys SPCA. It’s a huge undertaking, but also a tremendous honor.

BWM: Is there a platform that you will run on?

FPJ: Yes! My campaign is a throwback to the Wild Wild West—we’re bringing the Wild West to Key West, and I’m Key West’s Most Wanted. It’s a fun nod to both my community work and my job at the police department. JT Thompson brought the theme to life with an incredible poster design, and it couldn’t have come at a better time—I’ve been on a country kick myself lately.

BWM: What do you have to do in the run up to the crowning?

FPJ: The main goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Florida Keys SPCA through creative, community-driven events. Everything in my campaign is country-western themed. We’ve got a pool party “flamingo rodeo” where guests will lasso inflatable flamingos, a whiskey tasting at a real saloon, a paint-and-sip, silent auctions, raffles, and much more. The idea is to have fun while raising critical funds.

BWM: Is there a special ceremony? Do you reign for a year?

FPJ: Yes, the coronation is a big event filled with music, entertainment, and each candidate’s final presentation. At the end, the totals are revealed, and the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest 2025 are announced. Once crowned, the King and Queen reign for a full year, representing Key West and Fantasy Fest at community events.

BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title?

FPJ: The King and Queen are expected to continue raising awareness and funds for the Florida Keys SPCA, while also representing the community of Key West at various events. But honestly, the commitment goes beyond just the reigning year.

I’d love to win because I’m already deeply involved in this community. As the winner of Mr. Key West Bear 2019—a title I held through 2020 and 2021—I learned firsthand how a title can amplify important causes. With the King of Fantasy Fest title, I want to shine a spotlight not only on the Florida Keys SPCA, but also on other local organizations that often go underfunded and overlooked. That’s my mission, and it’s something I’ll continue doing, title or not.

BWM: Where can we find you? Websites? Social Media?

FPJ: You can support my campaign through my page on the Florida Keys SPCA website: fkspca.org/donate/floyd-jenkins

Follow along on my campaign Facebook page: Floyd PEPA Jenkins for Fantasy Fest KING 2025

My personal Facebook: Pepa Mahogany

Instagram: @floyd_aka_pepa