In 2024, Last Stand, with renewed determination, reinforced its steadfast dedication to preserving the distinctive quality of life and the fragile ecosystem of the Florida Keys. This year, Last Stand continued to make significant progress in advocating for policies and educational programs that support our goals of managing growth, enhancing water quality, and expanding workforce housing, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the cause.

Through our comprehensive approach of research, education, outreach, and action, Last Stand has worked diligently to influence responsible growth management, improve water quality standards, and promote affordable housing solutions for the workforce.

On December 14, 2023, Robert S. Gold, representing Last Stand, stressed Hurricane Evacuation Planning should prioritize public safety and environmental protection, echoing concerns voiced at the BOCC meeting. He urged inclusion of Key West in evacuation models with a 24-hour limit due to the increasing threat of rapidly intensifying storms. Gold called for reconsidering evacuation time limits considering evolving weather patterns and environmental capacity amidst infrastructure challenges and vacation rental expansion. He urged Key West's leaders to advocate for these concerns at county and state levels while prioritizing safety and containing development. Last Stand is eager to collaborate on this vital issue.

Keys Last Stand urges the BOCC and the KWCC to pay attention to the alarming trend of tropical storms rapidly intensifying into major hurricanes, as detailed in the provided articles. With climate change exacerbating these risks, coastal communities like ours face heightened vulnerabilities. In response, Keys Last Stand implores elected officials to maintain the Phase 2 evacuation time at 24 hours and include The City of Key West in evacuation models, considering its significant population.