January 15, 2025

Via Email

Dear Mayor and Commissioners,

Last Stand of the Florida Keys is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the unique environment and quality of life in the Florida Keys. Since 1987, we have worked to protect our fragile island chain through advocacy and action, focusing on water quality, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship.

We are deeply concerned about the recent decision by the College of the Florida Keys (CFK) to pause its partnership with the City of Key West for water-quality monitoring. The City’s collaboration with Dr. Rice and the College of the Florida Keys marked a significant and positive advancement in addressing water quality challenges. This partnership provided critical, unbiased data to guide the city’s efforts to protect our waters and coral reefs. Currently, Key West is without a monitoring partner for 2025—a gap that poses significant risks to our shared goal of safeguarding the environment.

The city’s commitment to water-quality monitoring is not optional; it is a legal requirement and an ethical imperative. In a time when our coral reefs face unprecedented threats, the decisions made now will have long-term consequences. Data-driven, unbiased decisions are crucial, and maintaining frequent, reliable testing is non-negotiable if we hope to address water quality issues effectively.

We urge the City of Key West to act swiftly and transparently to establish a partnership that ensures the continuation of rigorous water-quality monitoring. Protecting our environment requires collaboration, sound science, and accountability. The residents of Key West, as well as the vibrant ecosystems that make our community unique, depend on clean, clear waters and healthy reefs.

Thank you for prioritizing this critical issue. We look forward to seeing meaningful steps taken to ensure the health of our waters and the sustainability of our island chain.

Sincerely,
The Last Stand Board

Last Stand is a nonprofit organization of volunteer citizens working to preserve the Florida Keys' natural environment and quality of life. Since 1987, we have been committed to protecting Key West and the Florida Keys for future generations.

P.O. Box 146 • Key West, FL 33041 • www.keyslaststand.org