Last Stand and 15 other Keys organizations are concerned about the County’s potential request for new market-rate ROGOs, particularly given the BOCC's recent direction to recompute the number of buildable lots, which we believe is currently inflated. We stress the need for a thorough carrying capacity analysis to assess the impact on infrastructure, environment, and costs to taxpayers before any new ROGOs are approved. Additionally, we object to using an inflated $1 billion estimate of takings liability in County surveys, which seems intended to skew results and mislead the public. We urge immediate correction and a moratorium on new ROGOs pending a comprehensive analysis.

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.

Last Stand questions timing of development negotiations for Seminole Avenue Properties. Last Stand was surprised to see the item authorizing negotiations between the City of Key West and the owners of 715 and 811 Seminole Avenue appear on the August 8th agenda. Given the significance of this area, the controversial history of past proposals, and the strong community interest, we urge that discussions be deferred until after October 1, 2024. Many concerned residents are away during the summer months, and a delay will ensure greater community participation.

Here are the full comments from the July 17th, 2024, Monroe County Board of County Commissioners regarding potential new ROGO allocations, including the County’s analysis of possible takings cases.

Comments to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on July 17th, 2024, by Last Stand President Ann Olsen, addressing concerns about the County’s analysis of potential “takings” liability and the proposed request for new ROGOs. Last Stand emphasized that the number of viable takings cases is overstated and urged the county to prioritize public safety and residents' quality of life by recalculating buildable lots.

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.

Last Stand seeks clarification from Florida Commerce regarding the sudden reversal of its decision on the Tavernier Key Commercial Overlay District (TKCOD). Initially rejected for being inconsistent with the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan, the amended final order approved the TKCOD without explanation. Last Stand questions the new information that led to this reversal and requests a detailed explanation of the basis and responsible parties for this decision. We strive to protect the Florida Keys from overdevelopment and seek transparency in this process.

Tune in as Last Stand Board member Dottie Moses discusses our mission to preserve the Florida Keys, the dangers of "forever chemicals," and the recent victory in keeping Wisteria Island under government protection on US 1 Radio's Morning Magazine. She also touches on Governor DeSantis's environmental budget and its impact on our community.

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.

The Florida Department of Commerce has rejected Monroe County Ordinance No. 04-2024. This ordinance aimed to amend the county's Land Development Code to create the Tavernier Key Commercial Overlay District (TKCOD), which would apply to 19.3 acres and set specific development standards for that area. The Department found the ordinance inconsistent with both the county's comprehensive plan and the guiding principles for development in the Florida Keys, leading to its rejection.

Last Stand recently spoke at the April 17th BOCC meeting, expressing opposition to granting 86 early evacuation ("EE") ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC. Originally, this pool of EE ROGOs was designated for Beneficial Use Only (also known as Takings Cases) or for exchange with other ROGOs. However, the applicant is seeking to acquire all 86 EE ROGOs without providing any affordable allocations in return. This places a burden on Monroe County taxpayers and increases potential liabilities.

Last Stand opposes granting 86 early evacuation ("EE") ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC. The county's exchange policy, established to maintain hurricane evacuation standards, requires recipients of EE ROGOs to provide affordable ROGOs. However, the applicant seeks to obtain 86 EE ROGOs without returning any affordable allocations, burdening Monroe County taxpayers and increasing potential liabilities. Last Stand urges support for the exchange policy, which has historical backing and potential participants. Amidst concerns over ROGO availability and overdevelopment pressures, Last Stand urges the County to maintain the exchange policy and resist exceptions that endanger residents' financial resources and safety.

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.

Dottie Moses, Last Stand board member, spoke at the Monroe County Commission's ROGO workshop, stressing the need to protect the future of the Florida Keys. She highlighted the Comprehensive Plan's focus on limited growth and environmental preservation. Despite past efforts, overdevelopment threats persist, straining infrastructure and endangering the environment. Moses urged against unsustainable growth, advocating for strategic allocation of remaining ROGOs to address community needs like affordable housing and infrastructure. Each decision must prioritize the well-being of the Keys.

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.

In these remarks, Keys Last Stand emphasizes the importance of policy decisions and their impact on the affordable workforce housing crisis. They express concern that exemptions granted to the Nonresidential Inclusionary Housing Requirement worsen this crisis.

Last Stand Board Member Dottie Moses spoke out against creating the “Tavernier Commercial Overlay District” during the Monroe County Commission Special Meeting on February 15, 2024. This proposed district in Tavernier plans to introduce a 49,000-square-foot supermarket and 86 workforce housing units on a roughly 20-acre lot at Mile Marker 92.5 off U.S. 1. This development ignores County comprehensive plans, especially the community-inspired Livable CommuniKeys plan. It will create increased traffic prompting residents to voice concerns for their safety.

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.

In 2023, Last Stand continued its unwavering commitment to preserving the unique quality of life and fragile environment of the Florida Keys. Our efforts this year have been marked by significant strides in advocating for governmental policies and educational initiatives that align with our focus on managing growth, enhancing water quality, and expanding workforce housing, bringing us closer to a more sustainable future.

Last Stand achieves its mission through research, education, outreach, and action. By fostering collaborations with local stakeholders and leveraging scientific research, we have successfully pushed for responsible growth management, improved water quality standards, and increased access to affordable housing for the workforce.