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.

Ann Olsen, President of Last Stand, attended the January 22, 2024 BOCC Meeting and emphasized prioritizing public safety and environmental protection in Hurricane Evacuation Planning. She commends the inclusion of Key West in evacuation modeling. Still, she expresses concern over proposed legislation extending evacuation times and increasing building allocations without properly assessing infrastructure capacity. Olsen highlights the growing threat of rapidly intensifying storms and urges Marathon's leadership to prioritize public safety, contain development, and protect the environment.

On December 12, 2023, Roger McVeigh, Treasurer of Last Stand, attended the BOCC meeting, stating that Last Stand acknowledges the BOCC's prompt attention to the concerns and audit findings regarding financial controls at the Tourist Development Council (TDC). He said continued BOCC engagement is crucial, given the significant tax dollars involved. Last Stand urges the BOCC to heed recent public feedback on the TDC, recognizing it as an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and constructive reforms.

In October, Last Stand strongly opposed the Major Conditional Use Permit requested by Little Palm Dolphin Resort Development LLC for constructing a 38-unit resort with 8 employee dwelling units on Little Torch property. They argued that the project contradicts the Monroe County 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the Lower Keys Livable CommuniKeys Plan, as it does not align with the area's low-density character. Last Stand highlighted concerns about public safety, property values, and residents' quality of life. They emphasized that the proposed project exceeds density limits, exacerbates traffic issues, lacks community support, and strains existing infrastructure. Last Stand urged the Planning Commissioners to deny the permit based on its inconsistency with the community plans and failure to meet required standards.

In August, Last Stand raised a procedural concern regarding the Major Conditional Use (MCU) permit for Little Palm Dolphin Resort. At the August 2, 2023 Community Meeting, staff indicated the next step would be before the Planning Commission on September 27, omitting the usual step before the Development Review Committee (DRC). Last Stand sought clarification on this deviation from past procedures and requests information on the next steps for the MCU request. They emphasized the importance of public input in adhering to the Year 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Land Development Code, and Livable Communi-Keys Plans, expressing concern over the apparent procedural omission.

Review Candidate Positions to Address Water Quality Issues before Nov. 6th