![]() LEON COUNTY, Fla. - Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Holly Raschein was appointed Chair of the Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) Water & Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee. FAC’s policy committees are responsible for proposing, debating, and adopting policy positions focused on improving and preserving Florida’s counties. As chair, Raschein will lead her committee’s work, focusing on issues such as water quality, water infrastructure, funding, and resiliency. “I extend my gratitude to FAC for instilling confidence in me to oversee the committee leading 44 county commissioners to ensure our state’s water resources are prioritized in the upcoming legislative session,” said Raschein. The position is for one year. Throughout her term, she will work closely with FAC’s executive committee to develop and recommend a statewide legislation platform for issues within her committee’s jurisdiction. These platforms will serve as a guide in shaping the association’s priorities for the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session. The Florida Association of Counties represents the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their communities. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
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The Florida Keys To Experience Seasonal King Tides Through End of November, Take Precautions9/8/2023 MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County will experience seasonal high king tides through December. King tides are unusually high tides that occur several times a year, usually in the fall, that can cause coastal tidal flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Monroe County is monitoring unincorporated areas experiencing these high tides. Residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare for king tides, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid driving on flooded streets.
In coordination with the National Weather Service in Key West, the highest king tides are expected to occur
King tide reminders:
To find tides in your area, visit https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html. (Put in a zip code, or city and state, and it will use the closest station data with today's tides as well as measured water levels.) Additional information on king tides can also be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/kingtides. GRASSY KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue welcomes its sixth “Hot Shots” class to Joe London Fire Academy on Grassy Key. Class 23-01 includes 29 qualified trainees starting the process to become a career or volunteer firefighter. Of the 29 students, 23 are residents of Monroe County. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners continues to support the program that waives the tuition fee for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to volunteer or work as a career firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys for three years.
“The ‘Hot Shots’ program provides those within our community looking for a career in fire rescue the ability to complete the program without any debt,” said Deputy Fire Chief RL Colina. “By bringing in homegrown candidates with local family and friend support, we hope to keep the talent we train at the academy serving our Florida Keys’ communities for years to come.” Students who complete the 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program are prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter II examination. The program finishes on Dec. 15. Classes are held usually once a year. There are no new classes scheduled at this time. More information about the program can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots or by emailing [email protected]. KEY WEST, FL, September 6, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys’ invites the community to celebrate the birthday of the United States Government at its annual Constitution Day event on Thursday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the library on the Key West Campus. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, thus laying the foundation of our government, rights, and freedoms. This year's event will focus on voting systems and the elections process. Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin will present on the topic and share updates on the new methods of voting.
The College’s Constitution Day activities aim to educate the public on their rights under the Constitutional Amendments and encourage habits of being a good citizen. Attendees will receive Pocket Constitutions and learn how to register to vote with the help of representatives from the League of Women Voters. The event is free and open to the public. Those who cannot attend in person, can watch it live on CFK’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys/. MONROE COUNTY, FL – On Sept. 2, Monroe County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief R.L. Colina accepted a $39,295 grant for a set of extrication tools, including a Hurst Cutter, Spreader, and Ram by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Manager of Development and Outreach Nancy Palmer. The award was presented during the Heroes Salute Celebration at the Hawks Cay Resort following the Heroes Salute 5K Run/Walk. Several Monroe County firefighters participated in the run.
“When minutes count, having the right tools in the right hands makes all the difference, and we are thankful to the Foundation and our nearest Firehouse Subs in Kendall for the donation,” said Colina. “This critical equipment will allow our County’s first responders to be better prepared in emergencies and protect the citizens and visitors of the Florida Keys to the best of our abilities.” The equipment obtained through this grant will reduce extrication time during motor vehicle accidents. Accessing vehicle occupants quickly to provide needed medical care and transport to critical care increases the victim’s survivability. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated to Monroe County Fire Rescue several times when the County needs critical equipment. To learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org. One island helping another, fundraiser for Lahaina. Kaya Island Eats, owned by Scott Taylor and Dr. Bruce Boros, in conjunction with Key West Cares, LLC are throwing a huge fundraiser for fire victims of Lahaina, Maui. The event will be held at The EmPOURium, 618 Duval Street Friday Sept. 29th starting at 6pm.
There will be a Polynesian party with plenty of island style food, tropical drinks, live local music and a silent auction. All of the proceeds are going to the Maui Strong Foundation. Scott Taylor, Managing Owner of Kaya Island Eats is originally from Lahaina. ”I grew up in Lahaina and called it home until 1996. I have lifelong close friends who have lost everything. My daughter, cousins, aunts and uncles all live on Maui. When I dream at night, my dreams all take place in Lahaina and the surrounding areas,” Scott explained. This event will be a celebration of what makes Key West and Maui special -- islanders coming together at a time of need to help one another. Scott has called Key West his second island home for the past 27 years. Two ticket options are offered; a $75 for VIP ticket which includes complimentary drinks, a commemorative shirt and a delicious buffet dinner; and a $50 ticket that includes entrance to the party, cash bar and dinner. Tickets will be available at the door or online at Keystix.com. https://bit.ly/KeyWestCaresLahaina. Guests unable to attend but wish to contribute may contact Scott directly at 305-395-0213. KEY WEST, Florida Keys – The Garden welcomes children of all ages to join us and deepen their relationship with nature through art on September 9th, 10am – noon. Participants will create masterpieces that support plants and animals while learning about the unique ecosystems of the Florida Keys. The Garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island, Key West. For more information contact Alicia at [email protected] or 305-296-1504. Registration available on the Garden’s website: www.keywest.garden/events/childrens-art-in-the-garden/ What you need to know:
• Workshops are $10 per child/project • Pay by credit card, cash or check when you check in on the day of the workshop • We have two workshops scheduled: • Saturday, Sept. 9: 10 a.m.-noon. Build your own bird feeder • The Garden provides materials • Registration is required KEY WEST, Fla. — Dry Tortugas National Park will reopen on August 31 after the passage of Hurricane Idalia. Weather permitting, ferry and seaplane tours will also resume. Fort Jefferson, South Beach, and the campground on Garden Key are open.
Loggerhead Key and the North Beach of Garden Key will remain closed until park staff are able to safely assess storm impacts. Bush Key is closed for sea turtles and nesting birds at this time of year. No landing or anchoring is permitted within 100 feet of the shoreline of Bush Key. As park staff are still assessing the damage from the high winds, storm surge, and wave action, visitors should wear proper footwear and watch out for hazards. Park staff will have limited abilities for emergency response. The NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response has updates for all National Park Service sites. Private Boating Reminders Private boats recreating or stopping in Dry Tortugas National Park must obtain a boat permit at the Garden Key dock house before recreating within the park. The finger piers remain closed from Hurricane Ian damage. Vessels are prohibited from using the seaplane beach. Private vessels may use the main dock when available, but space is limited. The east end of the main dock is reserved for the Yankee Freedom III between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Vessels may use the west end of the dock when available, but dock space is limited to approximately three boats tied to the dock and no more than two boats deep (hip to hip). Total allowable dock usage for one day is two hours (cumulative) per vessel, and no overnight docking is permitted. The National Park Service has secured funding for repairs to the finger piers and dinghy beach, and repairs are expected to be completed in 2024. For more information about Dry Tortugas National Park, visit nps.gov/drto or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. ![]() MONROE COUNTY, FL - In 2021, the State of Florida Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 735, which preempted local occupational licensing. This year, the Florida legislature adopted House Bill 1383, which made several changes to the law previously adopted under HB 735. Pursuant to HB 1383, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners extended all current local specialty contractor licenses to July 1, 2024. House Bill 1383 created a carve-out for counties that include an area of critical state concern, which includes Monroe County. Monroe County will again issue local specialty contractor licenses previously preempted by HB 735. All previous specialty license types are offered except Landscaping and Landscape Curb. Specialty contractors may apply for local specialty contractor licenses through the Monroe County Building Department rather than through the State of Florida. Licenses are required to pull permits and conduct contracting work in Monroe County. Monroe County staff is available to discuss specific licensing situations and to answer questions by emailing [email protected] or calling 305-289-2583 or 305-292-4493. These updates will be discussed at the Contractors’ Examining Board (CEB) meeting on Sept. 12, 2023, with an approximate time of 11 a.m. Additional information on the CEB can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ceb, including meeting links. |
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