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.

Listen to Ann Olsen on US 1 Radio

Last Stand President Ann Olsen recently joined US Radio host Nick Wright to discuss the formation of the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition (FKRC)—a dynamic alliance of 17 organizations representing thousands of residents across the Keys.

The FKRC is dedicated to monitoring Monroe County’s deliberations on new market-rate building allocations (ROGOs) and advocating for a thoughtful, cautious approach to protect the fragile beauty of the Florida Keys.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Monroe County's controversial decision to approve 86 early evacuation (EE) ROGOs.

• The severe impact of impaired water quality on marine life.

• Growing concerns about infrastructure strain, traffic, and congestion.

Ann's message to the Board of County Commissioners is clear: "Pump the brakes on more development."

Last Stand has raised serious concerns about a permit submitted by Floridian Holdings, LLC for the Valhalla Island Resort on Crawl Key. The proposal involves dredging and filling activities that would remove 1,500 sq ft of road, 9,100 sq ft of protected red mangroves, and 15,275 sq ft of additional dredging to supposedly restore water flow. This project threatens our vital ecosystems, which are already under significant stress from overdevelopment and climate change.

16 organizations, representing thousands of Keys residents, have concerns about the County’s analysis of potential “takings” liability and the proposed request for new ROGOs. Last Stand believes the public benefit of limiting new development outweighs private property interests. The current analysis lacks realistic computation of potential takings liability and overestimates the number of buildable residential lots. We urge the County to request no more ROGOs for market-rate units to ensure safety and preserve the Keys' natural resources.

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.

Last Stand urges denial of the proposed expansion of the Pier B cruise port due to its detrimental impact on local water quality and its location in environmentally sensitive areas. Despite lack of inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection since 2019, evidence suggests adverse effects without an environmental impact assessment. The expansion contradicts the wishes of Key West citizens, who have consistently voted to limit cruise ship sizes. Denial of the lease would not harm the applicant's business, as they could continue operations under the existing lease.

FloridaCommerce’s 2023 Hurricane Evacuation Model and local governments’ responses to it have been in the news recently. While hurricane evacuation time is important to consider when thinking about Keys’ capacity, it is far from the only meaningful factor. Let’s also consider waste water and its effect on the environment, fresh water, traffic, and housing; all of which weigh on our quality of life.

Last Stand has supported successful litigation against Marathon's use of shallow wells for sewage disposal, advocating for implementing deep wells instead. Now, Last Stand opposes Marathon's petition to expand the use of the Area 3 wastewater treatment plant and shallow wells, citing concerns about increased flow of partially treated sewage and data from an EPA-funded study indicating contamination exceeding acceptable levels. They argue that any discharge expansion from a wastewater treatment plant already violating its permit should be rejected, particularly considering Marathon's admission that the expansion is intended for future development.

Keys Last Stand commends the City of Marathon for its transition from shallow injection wells to deep sewage wells, addressing concerns regarding wastewater's impact on surface waters and marine life in the Florida Keys. Last Stand urges prompt action to safeguard nearshore waters and marine habitats, emphasizing the significance of responsible sewage disposal and environmental preservation.

Adverse water quality event in the Lower Keys. What happened to Lower Keys Water Quality this summer? Lower Keys residents sounded alarm bells this summer, asking, “what’s happening with our nearshore and canal waters?” Last Stand investigated.

The undersigned environmental and community organizations are writing on behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in the Florida Keys and throughout the state. We are concerned about the City of Marathon’s application to permit expansion and continuation of shallow well sewage disposal at a wastewater treatment facility in Marathon.