STOCK ISLAND, FL — Last week, Monroe County Commissioner Craig Cates and Parks and Beaches Recreational Team Lead Mike Piekenbrock met with Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe)’s Public Information Officer Jennifer Lefelar to install a new commercial refrigerator and commercial freezer at Bernstein Park on Stock Island. This generous contribution marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to support the community’s well-being and address food security and social engagement initiatives. The donation is made possible through a minority health grant.
“The provision of these refrigeration units will be a great added feature to the amenities of Bernstein Park,” said Cates, whose district includes Stock Island. “By providing residents access to these amenities, we aim to create a hub where neighbors can come together, share meals, and foster meaningful connections.” The refrigerator and freezer will be available to community members who book the community room at Bernstein Park. “These refrigeration units represent more than just appliances; they symbolize our collective commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities,” said Lefelar. For further information on this initiative and other community health programs, contact the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County at DOHMonroe@flhealth.gov.
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BIG COPPITT, FL — On Monday, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln hosted a town hall meeting for the residents of Big Coppitt Key. Approximately 50 residents were in attendance or watched online, and she was joined by County staff from solid waste, engineering and roads, code compliance, and parks and beaches to give updates and answer questions. Acting County Administrator Kevin Wilson, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office staff, and Gregg Sullivan from Waste Management also attended the meeting.
The meeting opened with Parks and Beaches Director John Allen, who updated the residents about upgraded facilities in the Lower Keys, including the Volunteer Fire Department Park and Wilhelmina Harvey Park on the island. He also discussed updated signage at the Gulfview Boat Ramp and other nearby parks. To learn more about County parks and boat ramps, visit www.parksandbeaches.fun. The Sheriff, Solid Waste Director Cheryl Sullivan, and Code Compliance Director Cynthia McPherson discussed illegal dumping and parking in the neighborhood. “You’re the eyes and ears of the community,” said Ramsay. “If you see something happening, call the sheriff’s office. We aim to prevent things like this from happening and catch the people doing it.” To learn more about County solid waste, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/solidwaste, and to report an issue, call the non-emergency substation near your Key, or visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/codecompliance to make a report. Also discussed was the upcoming Big Coppitt Sea-Level Rise Road Adaptation Project. Engineering and Roads Director Judy Clarke informed the community members that the request for qualifications is out for the area and will include 19 neighborhood roads encompassing 4.5 miles. State and federal grants fund the project. Additional community meetings will be held to discuss the project in its design and engineering phases. In closing, Lincoln explained the robust public process regarding the upcoming hurricane evacuation modeling and ROGO discussions and workshops that will take place over the next several months. To learn more about this topic, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/rogo2024. KEY LARGO, FL — Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein visited Canal 90 between Hilson and Ivanhoe courts on Key Largo yesterday to view the canal restoration efforts underway.
The restoration work includes backfilling the canal. Backfilling raises the canal bottom to an optimum depth of about 7 feet to allow maximum flushing and tidal flow in and out of the canal. This restoration technique will increase the levels of dissolved oxygen throughout the canal. The work is funded by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Keys Stewardship grant to the County. “These improvements restore the canal’s impaired waters and bring the dissolved oxygen levels up to meet State water quality standards, which will greatly enhance the levels of marine life in the canals,” said Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag. “Residents should see an immediate increase in marine life once the project is completed.” The crew also continuously monitors the canal for manatees that have been seen in the area. Close observation is being kept to ensure their safety, and activity stops if manatees enter the area while restoration work is underway. Additional restoration projects for other poor and fair water quality canals in the Florida Keys will move forward as additional grant funding allows. Canal restoration improves the overall health of canals and nearshore waters. To learn more about canal restoration or see if your canal is included in the County’s restoration plan, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/canals. MARATHON, FL — The Florida Keys Transportation Coordination Committee will be hosting a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Marathon Government Center and via Zoom technology. The agenda will include a chair introduction by County Commissioner David Rice, an update on the status of prioritized projects currently provided to the Florida Department of Transportation by Transit Director Richard Clark, and a public question and commenting section. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners created the committee in 2019 to research traffic issues and create formal recommendations for the governing bodies of the five municipalities and the county commissioners. The committee is made up of six officials, one from each municipality and one from the BOCC. State and regional transportation officials and city and county staff work with the committee to help make recommendations and answer questions. The committee will discuss enhancing public transportation, increasing intercounty trips for added convenience, promoting services to out-of-town visitors, and other ideas to be considered. Committee members include David Rice, Monroe County; Mary Lou Hoover, Key West; Brian Shea, Marathon; Tom Harding, Key Colony Beach; Bruce Halle, Layton; and Buddy Pinder, Islamorada. To see the agenda and Zoom information or learn more about the committee, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/transportation. KEY LARGO, FL — After a concerned citizen sent Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein a note of concern regarding a 'weird sinkhole' in the road in her neighborhood in Key Largo, Monroe County Roads and Bridges staff found quite an interesting culprit—an invasive iguana had tunneled underneath the asphalt to create a nesting area.
"After investigating the 'sinkhole,' we discovered iguanas have tunneled next to an old, abandoned culvert and found some soft sand where they were laying their eggs under the road," said crewmember Ron Havengar, who helped with the excavation. "We dug out the sand to a hard base, then compacted crushed lime rock in lifts, then paved over that. Only in Florida." In addition to Havengar, Francisco Palomares, Robert Biers, Dan Oliva, and Sean Martin were also a part of the iguana-gate crew. We appreciate our residents' keen eyes and taking the time to send a note of concern," said Upper Keys Roads and Bridges Administrator Kimberly Kelley. "We love special projects, especially ones with surprise endings." MONROE COUNTY, FL – For the fourth consecutive year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks displays throughout the Florida Keys. Funds come from the airport’s enterprise revenue fund, comprised of passenger user fees explicitly earmarked for promotional activities. “This is something Key West International Airport took by the reigns after COVID when fundraising for local fireworks shows was on halt,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “We appreciate this continued support of our Rotaries and Chambers in their annual funding and planning.” “We’re happy to continue this tradition on Independence Day for everyone throughout the Florida Keys,” said Richard Strickland, airport Executive Director. County airport-sponsored Independence Day event plans include (subject to change): Key West Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the Key West’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where White Street meets Atlantic Avenue, fireworks begin at 9 p.m. on July 4. For information, visit keywestrotary.com. Monroe County-owned Higgs Beach is a great place to watch the display. Big Pine Key The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31. There will be vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities, and entertainment. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information. Marathon A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade starting at 11 a.m., July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach and fireworks starting at approximately 9 p.m. hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Boaters are encouraged to watch from the beach or even offshore of Sombrero Beach. Admission is free. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon. Islamorada The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host an Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information. Key Largo The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual July 4 parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at mile marker 98.2. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the annual bayfront Blackwater Sound fireworks celebration will be at Monroe County-owned Rowell’s Waterfront Park, mile marker 104.5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events for more details. **Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals. MONROE COUNTY, FL — Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month at Wednesday’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Monore County Land Authority Executive Director Christine Hurley introduced Anastasia Smith and Paul Brakett of Florida Commerce to the commissioners. The two were viewing the 20 properties the County purchased in the Florida Keys. After Hurricane Irma, the State gave Monroe County $15 million to acquire the damaged properties. The grant requires that the sites be demolished and the land returned to its natural state.
This April is the 56th anniversary of the National Fair Housing Act under Title VIII of the 1968 Civil Rights Law. Although Equal Housing Opportunity is a right guaranteed to all Americans, the struggle against discrimination in housing continues. “Since fair housing is consistent with the principles of equality and justice for all—principles upon which our nation was founded—we all need to share in the fight to ensure fair housing is a reality for all residents,” said Merrill Raschein. The Monroe County Housing Authority provides fair housing education and outreach. More information can be found at www.kwha.org. BIG COPPITT KEY, FL — Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln will host a town hall meeting for the residents of Big Coppitt Key on Monday, April 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Big Coppitt First Baptist Church. She will be joined by County staff from solid waste, engineering and roads, parks and beaches, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Topics to be discussed include litter, illegal garbage dumping, and unregistered vehicles parking on the right-of-way along Barcelona, Ave F, Fourth Street, and Puerta Drive. There will also be a discussion regarding sidewalks and an update on a resiliency grant. WHAT: Big Coppitt Town Hall Meeting WHEN: Monday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Big Coppitt First Baptist Church, 200 Ave F, Key West, FL 33040 MONROE COUNTY, FL – Are you interested in obtaining grant funds to elevate, demolish/reconstruct, or sell your home that is below base flood elevation, at risk of flooding, or has flooded before with a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claim? If so, Monroe County is participating in a national grant program known as Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) to help with the costs of elevating, or demolishing and reconstructing your home. Buying out your home is also an eligible grant activity. This program is available to all Monroe County homeowners. The program cannot buy any properties that are condominiums or cooperatives or have common area maintenance requirements. Mobile homes do not qualify for the elevation program. Monroe County is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2024 FMA grant program. The deadline to apply through the Monroe County application process will close Oct. 30, 2024. This is a federal program administered by the State of Florida in partnership with Monroe County; therefore, it can be a timely process with slow turnaround times to move forward with projects. If you have any questions, contact program administrator Mike Lalbachan at 305-453-8796 or visit the program website at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fma. MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County County Solid Waste, partnering with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, will be hosting three free Earth Day Tire Amnesty events for Monroe County residents with proof of residency. Residents may turn in up to six non-commercial tires with no rims for three days on Saturday, April 20, Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Monroe County Transfer Stations. The transfer stations are located at:
Residents must be able to load the tires into a container at the transfer stations, but assistance can be requested if needed by calling Monroe County Recycling Coordinator Melody Tuschel at 305-509-0325. “Tires can be a detriment to our local ecosystem and, when disposed of improperly, can hold water, making them the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos,” said Tuschel. This event will help us remove some of these tires lying around people’s properties to recycle them properly.” In a landfill, it can take about 2,000 years for a tire to decompose. The tires collected at the event will be hauled to American Tire Recycling in Miami, where they are processed into rubber mesh granules. The granules are repurposed for asphalt/road surfacing, playgrounds, athletic fields, and landscape applications. |
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