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KEYS LAST STAND

Safeguarding the Florida Keys' Quality of Life and Natural Environment since 1987 through Advocacy, Education, and Coalition Building.

The more members we have, the more influential our collective voice becomes. Join for as low as $5.

Join Us and Stand Up and Speak Out!

Who We Are

Established as a non-profit advocate in 1987 to preserve the Florida Keys and ensure a sustainable future for all, Last Stand belongs to all who call the Florida Keys home and those who share our desire to drive positive change to preserve this special place.

At Last Stand, our Stands form a web of influence – each impacting the others. Picture this, sensible land-use planning protects quality of life, natural resources, and community character.

It fosters environmental awareness, ensures clean water for our marine and wildlife and prioritizes workforce housing. By addressing these Stands together, we’re creating a thriving community with lasting impact. 

What We Do

OUR STANDS

  • Last Stand is dedicated to raising awareness about critical water quality issues and research findings throughout the Florida Keys.

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  • Last Stand promotes the protection and preservation of land in the Florida Keys against overdevelopment, which significantly impacts the quality of life of our residents.

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  • Last Stand’s commitment to affordable workforce housing remains unwavering and we support regulatory measures that promote truly affordable workforce housing.

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Become a member

There’s more than one way to support our mission!

At Keys Last Stand, we believe that being part of our community should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer multiple membership options to suit your preferences and budget. Join us and become an integral part of our mission to create positive change in our beloved community.

For the price of your morning Café con Leche, you can become a member for as little as $5 a month. By choosing this option, you'll enjoy the flexibility of contributing incrementally while making a significant impact on the causes you care about. Every small contribution adds up to make a big difference in the lives of those we serve.

Pledge your way into one of our Membership groups by donating Monthly via automatic debit.

  • Pledge $5 per Month to become an Individual Member.

  • Pledge $10 per month to become an Advocate.

  • Pledge $22 per month to become a Champion.

  • For $45 per month, you’ll become a Partner.

Want to give more? Contact us! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Ask about our Major Donor Program!

If you prefer to pay in a lump sum, our yearly membership is the perfect choice for you. Starting at just $50 a year, this option allows you to enjoy the convenience of a one-time payment, while knowing that your commitment supports our initiatives throughout the entire year. It's an investment in a brighter future for you and our community.

• Free Student Membership: Currently enrolled in high school or college.

• Concerned Citizen $25: Learn how much Last Stand does for the Keys. (Limited one-year trial membership)

• Individual $50: Join Last Stand and lend your voice to ours.

• Advocate $100: Show your dedication to Last Stand’s mission by joining us at the Advocate level of membership. Fun for you, plus a significant other, spouse, family member or partner can join us as members.

• Champion $250: Champions of Last Stand are particularly generous supporters whose contributions go a long way to keep our organization strong.

• Partner $500: Partners of Last Stand are those who want to demonstrate an exceptional level of commitment to Last Stand.

Want to give more? Contact us! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Keys Last Stand

Discover the heart of Keys Last Stand! Watch our video to learn who we are and how you can join our mission. Join us in protecting the Keys!

We took a stand

36 Years of Impact

Last Stand challenged the status of the ROGOs (building allocations) after then-Governor Rick Scott presented Keys communities with 1,300 additional building allocations

ROGO Challenge

Last Stand played a key role in defeating the Channel Dredging Referendum on October 1, 2013 which would have dredged the main Key West shipping channel to accommodate larger cruise ships.

Channel Dredging

We took a stand and joined over 30+ Florida Organizations to help stop permitting shallow sewage wells in the Keys to improve nearshore water quality.

Shallow Wells

Is Your water or Beach Safe?

Water Quality Reports

Uncover up-to-date details regarding the current state of Florida's water quality, including public health alerts related to harmful algal blooms and beach conditions. Experience the collective effort of "Protecting Florida Together," a dedicated initiative by the state that prioritizes environmental transparency and takes proactive measures to safeguard water quality.

Featured News

Our Blog

Featured
Ann Olsen Warns BOCC: Overdevelopment Threatens the Future of the Florida Keys

Watch Last Stand President Ann Olsen speak out against overdevelopment at the October 16th Monroe County BOCC meeting. Ann highlighted urgent concerns for the Florida Keys, such as hurricane evacuation safety, declining water quality, and environmental impacts from unchecked growth. She urged the BOCC to rethink building allowances, citing flawed evacuation models that falsely justify growth.

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Last Stand Endorses Amendment to Streamline Key West's Zoning Protections

Last Stand sent a letter to the City of Key West Planning Board supporting agenda item #12, Text Amendment to LDR - Zoning in Progress Doctrine. Last Stand supports the proposed amendment to streamline the Zoning In Progress (ZIP) Doctrine process. This tool allows the City to temporarily pause new development while updates to zoning laws and the Comprehensive Plan are being considered. This change will enhance Key West's ability to manage development efficiently, protecting the unique environment and quality of life in the Florida Keys. By enabling the City Commission to enact ZIP by resolution, Key West gains greater flexibility to address development challenges promptly, aligning with practices in Monroe County and other local municipalities. The amendment’s temporary and limited scope will ensure that development is paused during critical legislative updates, supporting responsible land use and the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals. 

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Rapid intensification, ROGOs, and your life

In light of the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, which spared the Florida Keys from devastating impacts, we must recognize the urgency of addressing the threats within our control. The phenomenon of rapid intensification (RI) is becoming increasingly common, as demonstrated by Milton's swift transformation from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 24 hours. This raises critical concerns about our evacuation strategies, which rely on outdated assumptions about the time needed for safe evacuations.

The Monroe Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is considering granting up to 8,000 additional residential building permits (ROGOs), further straining our already limited evacuation capacity. With Florida's models indicating we've exceeded safe evacuation limits, this decision poses a significant risk to our community's safety.

Join us on October 16 at the Marathon Government Center at 9:00 a.m. to make your voice heard. Together, we can advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents.

For more information, visit Monroe County Calendar and learn about the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition at Keys Last Stand.

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Our Community Partners

Become a Last Stand Community Partner!

Add your voice to ours as advocates for the environment and Keys quality of life.