STATE OF THE COUNTY 2017/18

HOME OF THE FABULOUS KEYS: ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY & RESILIENCE 2 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

Monroe County – and all its citizens – have been through a lot these past few months. Our island paradise was hit by the strongest and largest storm to make landfall in the Keys in more than half a century.

Hurricane Irma and her Category 4 winds and storm surge struck with fury. From Ocean Reef to , no part of the Keys was spared her wrath. Some of our citizens lost their homes. Some of our citizens lost their businesses. Some areas were hit much worse than others.

All of us saw our tropical island chain and blue waters transformed into a mess of barren trees, sunken boats and scattered debris.

Nearly a week before the storm struck on Sept. 10, 2017, Monroe County and its Emergency Management Team began preparing specifically for Irma. We worked simultaneously to help our visitors and citizens evacu- ate to safe locations and shelters for , while also preparing to respond to whatever the storm left in her wake.

As soon as the hurricane passed, Monroe County’s MESSAGE FROM Emergency Response was in high gear with help staged and ready to mobilize. It was a coordinated effort with COUNTY our five municipalities and many other responding federal, state and local entities – as well as a small ADMINISTRATOR army of volunteers who came from around the country to lend support. And, of course in the Keys, neighbors ROMAN GASTESI helped neighbors.

Monroe County employees from all departments

Anchor Navigation/Boating worked tirelessly to restore government services to its compass points Location bridge Wildlife palm tree history people. conch Land marks water date Thanks to everyone’s combined efforts, the County was ready within two days to begin a phased re-entry that occurred as quickly as utilities were restored, food and water resources were in place, and roads and bridges were made safe for travel.

The Keys officially reopened to visitors on Oct. 1, less than three weeks after the storm battered the island chain. Tourism is our number one economic engine and it was an important milestone for our businesses that needed the customers and our service workforce who needed to work. State of the County 2017/18 3

By New Year’s Day 2018, more than 2.2 million cubic yards of hur- ricane debris had been collected throughout the County with most of it hauled to the mainland for proper disposal.

While many parts of the Keys recov- ered quickly, our hardest hit areas from Big Pine Key to We were almost finished with a $7 our operations to create our own will take longer to bounce back. million renovation project to over- austerity program, including a hir- Many people are still living in tem- haul Bernstein Park on . ing freeze, to be prepared for lost porary housing situations. We were moving forward on projects revenue caused by the storm. to build a new Marathon Library, a But we are the Keys. We are resil- new Courthouse and Our Budget and Finance Department ient. We know this is a special place Jail complex, a new Cudjoe Key Fire has been working diligently to en- worth rebuilding. And this is an Station, a new Big Pine Swimming sure the County receives every penny opportunity not just to rebuild as Hole Vista for the Heritage Trail of possible FEMA reimbursement for it was, but to rebuild better – and Project and new amenities for the tens of millions spent on Irma’s even more resiliently. Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key response and recovery efforts. We Largo. are in a good fiscal position to ab- We already have some of the stron- sorb this kind of disaster. gest building codes in the country, In 2017, we completed construc- and this showed in the damage tion of two roadway and drainage We are proud our Emergency assessments. Many homes survived improvement projects and in 2018 Management led a unified hur- winds of 130 mph or more – and we have two more similar projects ricane response of thousands of first many elevated homes suffered lim- in the works, all with sea level rise responders from local, state and ited damage from the same storm adaptation. federal agencies. surge that destroyed or substantially damaged non-elevated homes. A new $10 million runway renova- But we know there are areas for im- tion project is underway at the Key provement, including the re-entry The County is working on obtaining West International Airport, which process, communication capability federal and state funding to help is owned and operated by Monroe and debris removal. We will take the with resilient rebuilding and mitiga- County. lessons learned and apply them as tion for our citizens’ homes, local we update our emergency manage- businesses and local government While the County will need to work ment preparation and plans. infrastructure, including our beloved on repairing damage to County community parks that were dam- infrastructure, it will also continue In Monroe County, we share more aged by Irma. to move forward on the projects than just the . We mentioned above, as well as other share a love of the Keys. Before the storm hit, Monroe County projects that have been budgeted and its economy were booming. as part of a master capital improve- We will continue to work to bring Your county government was work- ment plan. This plan was designed back the sense of island normalcy to ing on many projects and service to prepare and build for the future our citizens. This includes getting all upgrades to improve the lives of of the Keys. our parks and boat ramps opened. our citizens and business owners, Together, we can get through this and to make the Keys an even more The County knows it is especially disaster and rebuild a better and wonderful place for tourists to spend important in 2018 not to add any more resilient paradise community their vacation dollars. financial burden to our citizens. We for years to come. are evaluating and reprioritizing all 4 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

MONROE: A UNIQUE HISTORY

Florida East Coast Railway, Key West Extension. Railroad motor car on Viaduct in 1926. Photo by C.L. Matlack, Gift of Albert Perez.

MONROE COUNTY’S HISTORY Key West became the County The County’s boundaries origi- Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce seat in 1828, when the nally were the entire south- de Leon discovered the Keys population was less than 600 ern portion of Florida. Over in 1513 during his search people and the main indus- the years, Dade, Broward, for the “Fountain of Youth.” tries were salvaging ship- Collier, Lee Henry and parts During the next three centu- wrecks on the coral reef and of Charlotte, Glades and Palm ries, Spain and Great Britain fishing. In 1845, Florida was Beach all formed within claimed Florida as a territory. granted statehood. Monroe County.

In 1821, Spain ceded Florida The Keys were perpetually MONROE COUNTY TODAY to the in accor- changed with ’s Monroe County is the south- dance with the Adams-Onis decision to build a railroad ernmost county in the con- Treaty. A year later, a small from to Key West at tinental United States and is naval depot was created in the turn of the 20th century. made up of the entire Florida Key West to help rid the area His first train rolled into Key Keys island chain, its sur- of pirates that were terrorizing West in 1912. The railway was rounding waters and a virtu- the sea trade route. destroyed in the Category 5 ally uninhabitable region that Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, includes sections of Next, in 1823, the Territorial but the federal government National Park and Big Cypress Legislature established rebuilt the rail lines as an National Preserve. More than Monroe County as the sixth automobile highway, helping 99 percent of the county’s county in Florida territory. tourism evolve into the major population lives in the Keys, It was named for the fifth industry it is today. although these islands make President of the United States, up only 13 percent of the James Monroe, who served county’s land mass. from 1817 to 1825. State of the County 2017/18 5

MONROE: A UNIQUE COUNTY

Population: Area: Islands: Established: 79,077 3,738 1,783 1823 (2016 Census Estimate) square miles of 1 acre or larger 73 % Key West (percent water) 5 Districts County Seat Districting:

Median Household Income: Number of companies: $60,303 14,413 46.8 (2012-2016) (2012 last data available) Median Age:

The island chain is a special Most counties with a resi- Most counties also don’t have place, like none other in dential population of only the added expense of hav- the United States, with the about 79,000 do not need ing to provide governmental world’s third largest living three courthouses, three services to people who are coral reef off its shoreline. The government centers and three spread out in a linear fashion island chain is surrounded garages for fixing County ve- for 120 miles – and rely on by the National hicles, as well as nine County only one main road to get Marine Sanctuary. The county firehouses. This latter number around. And that one road is is so environmentally diverse does not even include the not a turnpike, but a me- and historically important municipal fire stations. andering “Main Street” that that it’s worthy of 17 national takes more than two hours and state parks. to traverse with good traffic. It begins in , which One of the challenges for also serves as the gateway to Monroe County government mainland Florida, and ends in is due to the County’s unique Key West, the County’s popu- geography. No other County lation center. in the United States looks like a pearl necklace on a map – For those of us who live and and juts more than 100 miles work on this island chain, and out into the wild blue sea. who everyday get to see the No other County has 1,783 sun rise over the Atlantic and islands. set over the , this special place is worth it. 6 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from County Administrator Roman Gastesi 2-3 Monroe: A Unique County 4-5 Ways to Stay in the Know About Monroe 7 Board of County Commissioners 8 Your County Commissioners Serving You 9 Monroe County Organizational Chart 10 About Monroe County Government 11 FY18 Adopted Budget 12 Budget & Finance 13 Wastewater 55 BOCC FY18 Operating Budget 14 Project Management and Facilities 56-57 Property Tax Levy Charts 15 Infrastructure Fund 58 Grants Administration 16 County Boat Ramps 59 Legislative Affairs 17-19 County Parks & Beaches 60-61 Emergency Services 20 County Historic Properties & Museums 62-63 Fire Rescue 21 Fleet Management 64 Trauma Star 22 Code Compliance 65 Fire Prevention 23 Building 66 Emergency Management 24 Permitting 67 Irma – Before the Hurricane 25 Solid Waste & Recycling 68-69 Irma – The Hurricane 26 Library Services 70-71 Irma – Wake of Destruction 27 Animal Control 72 Irma – The Immediate Response 28-29 Employee Services 73 Irma – FEMA+SBA Assistance 30 Employees of the Quarter 74-75 Irma – Hurricane Debris Removal 31 County Attorney 76 Irma – County Workers Behind the Scenes 32-33 Medical Examiner 77 Irma – The Long-Term Recovery 34-35 Land Authority 78-79 Planning and Environmental Resources 36-38 Tourist Development Council 80 Strategic Planning 39 Florida Keys Council of the Arts 81 Sustainability –Climate Change & Sea Level Rise 40 Municipalities 82 Sustainability – Canal Restoration 41 Constitutional Offices 83 Extension Service 42-43 Citizen Boards & Committees 84-85 Airports – Key West 44 Quick References 86-89 Airports – Marathon 45 Message from Monroe County Mayor David Rice 90-91 Social Services 46-47 Veterans Affairs 48 Guardian Ad Litem 49 The report was produced by Monroe County Public Public Information 50 Information Officer Cammy Clark, and the staff of the Information Technology 51 Keys Weekly Newspapers — Jason Koler, Javier Reyes Engineering Services and Roads Maintenance 52-54 and Sara Matthis. Cover photo of 7 mile Bridge by Andy Newman. It was taken thre weeks after Irma STruck. State of the County 2017/18 7

WAYS TO STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT MONROE There are several ways to get up-to-date information about your County government throughout the year.

MONROE COUNTY TV MONROE COUNTY SOCIAL MEDIA MONROE COUNTY BOCC WEBSITE MCTV is the television outlet for Facebook page: www.facebook. The Monroe County website – Monroe County government and is com/MonroeCountyFLBOCC www.monroecounty-fl.gov – has broadcast on Channel 76 on Comcast Twitter: @MonroeCounty received a redesign makeover and and on Channel 99 on AT&T U-verse. Instagram: www.instagram.com/ now is more functional and user- It also can be viewed live on the monroecountybocc friendly. It will launch on Feb. 12, County website. 2018 At your fingertips is information MCTV broadcasts live all regular and about the County’s Board of County special meetings of the Board of Commissioners, the budget, all County Commissioners, the Monroe County departments, County proj- County Planning Commission, ects, County parks and museums, Monroe County Code Enforcement legislative advocacy for the Keys, Hearings and various other live, pre- permitting rules and much more. recorded and original content.

PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS Recordings of Board of County FOR MONROE COUNTY Commissioners and Planning Public record requests made Commission meetings can also under Florida Public Records’ be viewed on the Monroe County laws for Monroe County gov- Video On Demand webpages of the ernment are handled by the County website. Please note that County Attorney’s Office. Email online content is available only from your request to PublicRecords@ January 2007 to the present. monroecounty-fl.gov or call DID YOU KNOW? You can 305.292.3470. Duplication requests for recordings sign up on the website to of Board of County Commissioners, receive County news re- Planning Commission and other leases directly to your email MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC meetings can be submitted via the account. You also can sign INFORMATION OFFICER online Duplication Request Form up for custom alerts for a Monroe County’s public found at www.monroecounty-fl. variety of topics, including information officer Cammy Clark gov/mctv. meeting notifications for can be reached by calling or specific boards or advisory texting 305.742.9687 during MCTV broadcasts information dur- committees, bid notifica- regular County work hours or ing hurricane events or other local tions, employment open- anytime by email at clark- emergencies. ings and more. [email protected]. (More information about public information available on page 50). 8 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MAYOR DAVID RICE, DIST. 4 Constitutional Establishment Value Statement: We believe Marathon Airport Terminal Article VIII, Section 1(e) of the in the highest of ethical be- 9400 Overseas Highway, #210 Florida Constitution states that havior as we sail the Seven Marathon, FL 33050 except when otherwise pro- “Cs”: Competence, Creativity, 305.289.6000 vided by county charter, the Commitment, Concern, [email protected] governing body of each coun- Care, Communication and ty shall be a Board of County Continuity. MAYOR PRO TEM SYLVIA MURPHY, DIST. 5 Commissioners composed of Murray Nelson Government Center five members serving stag- Monroe County BOCC Meetings 102050 Overseas Highway, Suite 234 gered terms of four years. After The Commission meetings are Key Largo, FL 33037 each decennial census, the public and held once a month. 305.453.8787 BOCC shall divide the county The dates and agendas are [email protected] into districts of contiguous posted on the County’s web- territory as nearly equal in site: www.monroecounty-fl. COMMISSIONER DANNY KOLHAGE, DIST. 1 population as practicable. One gov. Due to the geographi- 530 Whitehead Street, Suite 102 commissioner residing in each cal challenge of our 100-mile Key West, FL 33040 district shall be elected by the plus island chain, the meet- 305.292.3440 voters. ings are held on a rotating ba- [email protected] sis at three sites: Monroe County BOCC COMMISSIONER GEORGE NEUGENT, DIST. 2 Mission: Provide outstanding Murray Nelson Government & 25 Ships Way public service responsive to Cultural Center Big Pine Key, FL 33043 the needs of our citizens, our 102050 Overseas Highway, 305.872.1678 unique community and our Key Largo, 305-852-7161 [email protected] environment. Marathon Government Center COMMISSIONER HEATHER CARRUTHERS, DIST. 3 Vision: Working and learn- 2798 Overseas Highway, 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 102 ing together to maintain the Marathon, 305-289-6036 Key West, FL 33040 diverse community by pre- 305.292.3430 serving the natural resources Harvey Government Center [email protected] and habitat that makes us a 1200 Truman Avenue, Key unique and preferred place to West, 305-295-4385 live and visit. State of the County 2017/18 9

YOUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SERVING YOU

1 2

3

4

1. Commissioner Danny 4. Commissioner George Kolhage, left, tours Bernstein Neugent, Pastor Ernie Park on Stock Island. DeLoach and FEMA official Mark Landry are at a public 2. Commissioner David Rice, meeting about Irma at the 5 left, meets with Governor Rick Keys Community Church on Scott regarding legislative af- Big Pine Key. fairs during the annual Florida Keys Days in Tallahassee. 5. Commissioner Sylvia Murphy is surrounded by 3. Heather Carruthers, right, veterans and other at- testifies about matters affecting tendees of the Veterans Day Monroe County. festivities in Key Largo. 10 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

MONROE COUNTY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

PUBLIC

Board of County Commissioners David Rice Stacey Mitchell Dr. Michael Sylvia Murphy Roman Gastesi Tourist Development Robert Shillinger Steckbauer Charles Pattison Georgia Neugent County Administrator Council Executive Director County Attorney Medical Examiner Land Authority Director Heather Carruthers Danny Kolhage

Sheriff Rick Ramsay Christine Hurley, AICP Tina Boan Director Lisa Tennyson Kevin Wilson, P.E. Assistant County Office of Legislative Affairs Director Administrator Budget & Finance Assistant County Admin.

Tax Collector Danise Henriquez Rick Griffin Judith Clarke Director Rhonda Haag James Callahan Department Head, Director Office of Sustainability Director Building Emerg. Services Eng Services/Roads

Clerk of Courts Kevin Madok Mayte Santamaria Roy Sanchez Director Director Kimberly Matthews Donald DeGraw Office of Strategic Planning Director Department Head, Planning & Env. Res. Airports Fleet Management

Property Appraiser Scott Russell Alan MacEachern Cammy Clark Sheryl Graham Department Head, Director Public Information Officer Director Solid Waste Info Technology Social Services vacant

Supervisor of Elections Cynthia McPherson Norma Kula Joyce Griffin Director Alicia Betancourt Cary Knight Director Extension Services Director Proj Mgmnt Code Compliance Libraries Interim Director

Bryan Cook Director Alexsa Leto Gary Johnson William DeSantis Director Guardian ad Litem Director Facilities Interim Employee Services Veterans Affairs Director State of the County 2017/18 11

Monroe County provides a variety of services that include ABOUT MONROE fire protection, emergency management, solid waste and recycling, wastewater, social services, planning, veteran’s COUNTY GOVERNMENT services, permitting, code compliance, library services The County Administrator, Roman Gastesi, has the and animal control. overall responsibility of the daily operations of Monroe County’s government – with the exception of the Monroe County has a legislative team that works for the Constitutional offices. The Constitutional offices are: Keys at the state level in Tallahassee and the federal level Clerk of Courts, Sheriff’s Office, Tax Collector, Property in Washington, D.C. Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections. Monroe County continues to work on issues that are The County Administrator – as well as the County important to its citizens and the economy of the Keys, Attorney, Land Authority, Tourist Development Council including water quality, affordable housing and road and Medical Examiner – answer directly to the elected adaptation to sea level rise. Board of County Commissioners. And in 2017, Monroe County has the added responsibil- The County Administrator, with the help of two ity of helping the Keys recover from Category 4 Hurricane Assistant County Administrators – Christine Hurley and Irma, the worst storm to strike the Keys since Hurricane Kevin Wilson – oversee 21 departments and offices Donna in 1960. that cover a broad range of services and activities.

The County owns and is responsible for vital infra- structure throughout the Keys, including some infra- structure that is located within Monroe County’s five municipalities (Key West, Islamorada, Marathon, Key Colony Beach and Layton).

The County’s infrastructure responsibility includes: 2 airports County Assistant County Assistant County 22 parks and beaches Administrator Administrator Administrator 8 boat ramps ROMAN GASTESI CHRISTINE HURLEY KEVIN WILSON 1 community pool 305.292.4441 305.289.2517 305.292.4529 312 miles of County roads Gastesi-Roman@ Hurley-Christine@ Wilson-Kevin@ 26 County bridges monroecounty-fl. monroecounty-fl. monroecounty-fl. 5 libraries gov gov gov 3 government centers 3 courthouses CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS 1 Medical Examiner’s facility (More Information Page 83) 1 assisted living facility 3 senior centers SHERIFF PROPERTY APPRAISER 4 museums Rick Ramsay Scott P. Russell 9 fire stations 1 fire training center CLERK OF COURTS SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS Several historic buildings Kevin Madok Joyce Griffin Facilities for the State Attorney and Public Defender Many other facilities throughout the Keys for County TAX COLLECTOR operations. Danise Henriquez 12 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

TDC Budgeted transfers Tax Collector Property Appraiser Judicial Clerk of the Courts Sheriff Supervisor of Elections FY18 BUDGET $457,001,723

Capital Projects BOCC

BOCC Operating Departments — 34.4% Tourist Development Council — 12.8% Property Appraiser — 1.0% Budgeted transfers, cash balance and reserves — 19.1% Capital Projects, including debt service — 16.3% Tax Collector — 1.3% Clerk of the Courts — 1.1% Sheriff — 12.9% Judicial, State Attorney, Public Defender — 0.8% Supervisor of Elections — 0.4% State of the County 2017/18 13

• Maintained fund contin- BUDGET& gencies, reserves and fund bal- ances forward for each of the FINANCE property tax-supported funds. • Performed an update to The Budget and Finance the Residential and Business Office, also known as the Community Input Survey Office of Management and Report, which was last con- Budget, provides strategic ducted in 2009. The surveys planning, administrative were part of an effort to gather tools, techniques and consul- the opinions and ideas of a tation to County departments county-wide range of stake- to optimize performance in all holders. They were per- areas of the County budget. It formed in conjunction with 24 prepares, publishes and ad- The office led the Finance and Community Outreach Meetings ministers the annual budget. Administration Section at the that solicited in-person Emergency Operations Center, feedback from constituents The office develops, imple- helping to process more than throughout the Keys. ments and monitors annual 570 requests for resources to • Developed the County’s operating and capital bud- aid in the county’s ongoing first stand-alone Capital gets, providing financial anal- recovery efforts. Improvement Plan Report, which ysis and revenue and expen- Budget: $4.6 Million covers Fiscal Years 2018-2022. diture forecasting. It performs (includes $3.6 million for The department’s efforts will The plan is a resource that as- multi-year budget forecasts; non-profit funding that the be focused on ensuring that sists Monroe County in ensuring analyzes the effect of the department manages) hurricane-related work is that decisions on projects and State budget on the County properly planned and the as- funding are made wisely and budget; and prepares finan- Director: Tina Boan sociated expenses are properly in a well-planned manner. cial information for the Board Employees: 8 documented to ensure maxi- The quality of life for Monroe of County Commissioners and mum FEMA reimbursement. County residents depends on the the public. 305.292.4469 reliability of roads and bridges, Boan-Tina 2017 Accomplishments the accessibility of culture and The Grants Administration @monroecounty-fl.gov • Provided coordination recreation, the efficiency of Office (described on page 16) and development of Fiscal waste disposal, and many other and the Purchasing Office www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ Year 2018 adopted budget of essential public services. also are part of Budget and budgetandfinance $457 million, with a millage • Produced the Departmental Finance. The Purchasing rate of 3.4149 that is -3.1% Business Development Plan for Office provides quality pur- under the previous year’s rate Fiscal Year 2018. This annual The department also is chasing and contracting sup- of 3.5244 and 3.84% above plan is a critical link between responsible for financial port to all County departments the rolled-back millage rate the overall direction and management and administra- in a timely manner and while of 3.2877. priority-setting of the Strategic tive services in a disaster. As following a strict code of eth- • For the 19th consecu- Plan and the resource alloca- Fiscal Year 2017 was coming ics. For Fiscal Year 2017, the tive year, we received the tion done through the budget to a close, Hurricane Irma hit Purchasing Office processed Distinguished Budget process. The linkage is made Monroe County. The Budget 2,703 requisitions and 53 bid Presentation Award from the by tying the annual goals and and Finance Department openings for County projects Government Finance Officers projects of each department to played an integral part in the and services. Association. the strategic priorities and their emergency management ac- accompanying goals, as set tivities of this incident before, forth by the Strategic Plan. during and after the storm.

14 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

25 23 24 1 2 3 4 22 5

6 21

20

19 7

18 8 17

16 9 15 14 13 12 11 10

BOCC OPERATING BUDGET $157,126,812

1. BOCC Administration — 1.2% 14. County Attorney — 4.0% 2. Housing Assistance & Employee Fair Share — 1.2% 15. Social Services — 2.4% 3. HSAB & Non-HSAB —­ 1.4% 16. Library Services — 2.6% 4. BOCC Miscellaneous — 2.2% 17. Building Department — 4.0% 5. County Administrator — 1.4% 18. Planning and Environmental Resources — 3.8% 6. Employee Services — 20.6% 19. Code Compliance — 1.1% 7. Veterans Affairs — 0.4% 20. Project Management /Facilities — 9.4% 8. Airport Services — 8.7% 21. Engineering Services/Roads — 2.1% 9. Emergency Medical Air Transport — 4.2% 22. Solid Waste — 8.7% 10. Fire & Rescue, Emergency Management — 10.0% 23. Fleet Management — 1.9% 11. Upper Keys Health Care Tax District — 0% 24 Medical Examiner — 0.4% 12. Budget & Finance — 0.6% 25. Quasi-external Services — 0.1% 13. Information Technology — 1.8% State of the County 2017/18 15

COUNTYWIDE TAXABLE PROPERTY VS. AD VALOREM TAX LEVY

30 25 20 15 10 5

0

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 $26.3 $22.3 $19.6 $18.5 $18.7 $19.1 $20.2 $21.6 $23.0 $24.9 $85.3 $85.3 $82.2 $78.1 $75.3 $77.1 $79.8 $80.3 $80.9 $84.9

The blue bars represent the county-wide taxable property values in billions. The red bars are the Ad Valorem Tax Levy from that year’s budget in millions. Ad Valorem Tax Comparison 2017 (on a home with $300,000 taxable value*)

HENDRY COUNTY DADE COUNTY Tax Levy $2,547.27 Tax Levy $1,400.07 (Millage Rate 8.4909) (Millage Rate 4.6669)

LEE COUNTY BROWARD COUNTY Hendry Palm Beach Tax Levy $1,215.18 Tax Levy $1,634.22 Lee (Millage Rate 4.0506) (Millage Rate 5.4474)

COLLIER COUNTY PALM BEACH COUNTY Broward Tax Levy $1,069.35 Tax Levy $1,434.45 Collier (Millage Rate 3.5645) (Millage Rate 4.7815) MONROE COUNTY FY17 Tax Levy $848.91 Monroe Dade (Millage Rate 2.8297) 2018 Adopted Tax Levy $808.71 (Millage Rate 2.6957)

* source: Florida Department of Revenue: Comparison of property taxes levied Monroe 16 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

GRANTS ADMINISTRATION The Grants Administration of- fice monitors grant applications and implementation processes. It oversees Monroe County fund- ing of nonprofit organizations; applies for and administers some pass-through grants; and oversees contracts related to grant awards that are distributed or received by the County.

It provides grant administra- tion assistance to other County departments and human service Funding awarded to The Good Health Clinic helped the non-profit serve 623 patients organizations; pursues funding and provided 2,265 health care visits for primary care and specialists in 2017. opportunities and writes grant proposals; and ensures a coordi- Justice, Mental Health, Substance Applications by nonprofit providers nated response to grant assistance Abuse Reinvestment Grant fall within three categories: for hurricane recovery through Program. the State and Federal Emergency • Medical Services: This includes Management Administration. The HSAB typically meets bian- primary and secondary medi- nually and reviews applications cal services, mental health, and The office facilitates meetings for submitted for funding by nonprofit dental care for the economically the Substance Abuse Policy Advisory organizations that provide health disadvantaged. Board (SAPAB), the Criminal Justice, and human services to the citizens • Core Social Services: These Mental Health, Substance Abuse of Monroe County. The merits of are essential services such as food, Planning Council (CJMHSA) and the each application are discussed and clothing or housing; emergency di- Human Services Advisory Board recommendations for funding are saster relief; family violence issues; (HSAB). made to the County Commission. and adult and child daycare. This year the HSAB application • Quality of Life Improvement In addition to facilitating the process was virtually paperless Services: These include educa- annual SAPAB meetings, staff is and was available via the County tional, preventative, training, also responsible for application website. recreational and cultural services implementation and monitor- to improve the quality of life for ing of the Florida Department of individuals. Law Enforcement, Edward Byrne Highest funded medical service For Fiscal Year 2018, during the Memorial Justice Assistance Grant provider: Hospice of the Florida budget process, the Board of program and the Clerk’s Drug Abuse Keys, Inc. — $190,000 Trust Fund. County Commissioners approved $1,997,000 in property tax rev- Highest funded core social enues to be awarded to 26 non- The CJMHSA Planning Council services provider: Monroe profit human service organizations meets quarterly; its membership Association for ReMARCable Citizens that provide needed services to is defined by and required by the — $190,000 Florida Department of Children and vulnerable residents of Monroe County. Families to oversee the implemen- Highest funded quality of life im- tation, by a private not-for-profit provement services provider: service provider, of the Criminal Keys to Be the Change — $55,000 State of the County 2017/18 17

The Legislative Affairs Office’s primary goal is to advocate LEGISLATIVE for public policy decisions made at the state level in AFFAIRS Tallahassee and the federal level in Washington that pro- If Monroe County representatives are tect and benefit the interests not present to put our communities’ needs of Monroe County and its before the lawmakers and policymak- citizens. ers, to meet with them, to provide them with information and justification for our We serve as the primary requests, then the lawmakers and poli- communication link be- cymakers will direct their attention and tween the Board of County resources elsewhere. County Commissioner George Neugent, left, Legisla- tive Affairs Director Lisa Tennyson, and State Rep. Commissioners, the County Holly Raschein at Florida Keys Days in Tallahassee. Departments and the profes- Along with advocating pro-actively for ap- sional contracted lobbying propriations and policies, we also closely team regarding execu- monitor and often oppose the passage RESTORE ACT tive, legislative and agency of bills that have negative impacts for Legislative Affairs also manages the advocacy. Monroe. These types of bills include creat- Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, ing new unfunded mandates; shifting Tourist Opportunities, and Revived As a local government in the costs from the state to local government; Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act – Florida Keys, Monroe County or pre-empting local control. better known as the RESTORE Act – for operates in a unique and Monroe County. The RESTORE Act was signed complex framework of state Each year the Monroe County Commission into law in 2012. It is in response to the and federal regulations that discusses and decides upon its legisla- Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 that create issues and challenges tive priorities for the state and federal caused significant environmental, ecologi- around policies and appro- governments. From this discussion, the cal, and economic damage to the U.S. Gulf priations from Tallahassee and Legislative Affairs office develops annual Coast. Washington, D.C. state and federal legislative agendas that outline the County’s legislative priorities In 2017, Legislative Affairs helped accomplish Monroe County government and guide our work throughout each leg- the following regarding the RESTORE Act: functions and the levels of islative session. These are available on the • Drafted and submitted Monroe funding for local services Monroe County website. We also develop County’s section of the Consortium’s State and programs are impacted advocacy tools for state and federal issues Expenditure Plan (SEP) and positioned significantly by legislative ac- and legislation. Monroe County for the first round of tions, mandates and appro- Consortium SEP funding. priations from the state and • Secured $12 million in Consortium federal legislatures. SEP funding, after developing Monroe’s position paper arguing for an equitable, Local governments, like other geographic distribution of the funding in special interest and stake- the State /Consortium pot. holder groups, have issues • Submitted local project funding ap- and needs that require state plications for $1.3 million. and federal attention and Director: Lisa Tennyson • Provided staff support to Commissioner support. There is enormous Employees: 1 George Neugent as an officer of the Gulf competition among stake- Consortium Executive Committee; attended holders for limited resources. 305.292.4444; monthly conference calls of the Executive Tennyson-Lisa Committee; and attended meetings of the @monroecounty-fl.gov full board of the Gulf Consortium. 18 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS – State

The state legislative session has a regular cycle • Opposed decertification 2018 STATE GOALS: each year. This year it meets from Jan. 9 to March of a county judgeship, which • Secure $20 million ap- 9, 2018. is important because fewer propriation for water quality judges would result in denial projects Legislative Affairs developed and received ap- of access to courts for resi- • Secure $5 million appro- proval from the Monroe County Board of County dents and visitors. priation within Florida Forever Commissioners for the FY 2017 State Legislative • Increase in Clerks’ fund- for land acquisition Agenda. We used this agenda to prioritize what ing, which will allow the • Secure $15 million ap- issues we work on throughout the year. Clerk’s office to provide better propriation for construction and more efficient service to of new Emergency Operation In 2017, the Legislative Affairs Office achieved the public. Center several of Monroe County’s state legislative prior- • Secure $20 million ap- ities with the leadership of our state delegation, The Office also: propriation for acquisition of Rep. Raschein and Sen. Flores. These include: • Monitored additional sites for affordable housing issues of importance such • Secure $500,000 appro- • $13.3 million appropriation for water qual- as Constitutional Revision priation for Vessel Pump Out ity projects. Commission, Turkey Point Program • $500,000 appropriation for pump-out Nuclear Generating Station • Secure State Apartment services that help keep raw sewage from vessels and Everglades Restoration, Incentive Loan (SAIL) appro- from entering our nearshore waters and degrad- taking advocacy actions as priation for the Florida Keys ing our marine habitat and water quality. necessary. • Secure additional tax • Passage of the Vessel Pump Out bill (HB • Drafted and secured ap- credit projects for Florida Keys 7043) that gives Monroe County authority to re- proval of numerous resolu- • Passage of legislative quire vessel proof of pump out, and the ability to tions on state issues of impor- policy bill to enhance State assert this requirement in all waters surrounding tance to the Board of County land-buying in the Florida the Florida Keys to protect Keys waters. Commissioners. Keys • Passage of Local Telecommunications bill (HB • Represented Monroe • Passage of legisla- 1295) that enables participants in the County’s County in Tallahassee tive policy bill to enable the citizen advisory boards to meet via telecommuni- and Florida Association of County’s Land Authority funds cations, making it easier, greener and more cost Counties’ conferences. to be utilized for construction effective for our citizens to participate. • Managed State lobbying of affordable housing • Passage of Everglades bill (SB 10) that ad- team; held weekly confer- • Advocate for imple- vances Everglades Restoration. ence calls with State lobbying mentation of SB 10 at State • A rate freeze in Citizen’s Wind Storm insur- team; and maintained weekly and Federal level and fund- ance for Monroe County policyholders, thanks to issue assignment tracking ing for continued Everglades FIRM. spreadsheet. Restoration State of the County 2017/18 19

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS – Federal

At the federal level, lawmakers meet throughout the year. This legislative cycle is longer and slower. Congress is expected to pass an annual bud- get, however in recent years it has struggled to find consensus on bills and appropriations, and rarely passes a budget on time. The County’s Legislative Affairs Office monitors these political cycles, appropriations and budgets very carefully.

Legislative Affairs developed and received approval from the Board Keys officials visit with U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, second from right, in Washington D.C. of County Commissioners for the FY 2017 Federal Legislative Agenda that Commissioner Carruthers represented • $1.2 million appropria- includes priorities such as the National Monroe County in Washington, D.C., tion of Payments in Lieu of Taxes. Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reau- testifying on NFIP/Endangered Species These are federal payments to thorization, Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act and Climate Change; participat- local governments that help offset (PILT) and Florida Keys Water Quality ing in a White House meeting for losses in property taxes due to non- Improvement Program (FKWQIP) Florida counties; and advocating for taxable Federal lands within their appropriations, and Everglades Payments in Lieu of Taxes, Florida boundaries. Restoration. Keys Water Quality Improvements • $3 million appropriation of Program, Everglades funding, del- the Florida Keys Water Quality We provided aggressive, pro-active egation meetings, NACO and meetings Improvements Program, which advocacy to fight reforms to the of Gulf Counties and Parishes. Lisa funds centralized sewer projects in National Flood Insurance Program Tennyson also sits on NACO’s Public the Keys. that could imperil the program and its Lands Subcommittee. • Florida Keys Marathon affordability. As a coastal community, International Airport added to the Monroe County has thousands of NFIP The Office held weekly conference list of airports in the “U.S. Special policy holders and much at stake. calls with the County’s federal lob- Customs Requirement” section of bying team. On a weekly basis, we the FAA-published Airport Facility. These efforts included spearheading tracked federal legislative issues on • Opposed a variety of cuts to the Florida Association of Counties’ appropriations, Everglades, budget programs of critical importance state-wide advocacy, presentations, reductions, health care, tax reform to Monroe County (EPA, NOAA, Sea legislative meetings, conference calls, and infrastructure/housing bonds. Grant program, PILT and FKWQIP) in and monitoring and responding to The Office drafted numerous issue the FY 2017 supplemental and FY proposed legislation. We provided staff advocacy letters to federal delegation 2018 Administration budget. support to Commissioner Heathers members. Carruthers, who chaired the Federal 2018 FEDERAL GOALS: Committee of the Florida Association of In 2017, Legislative Affairs’ efforts • Passage of National Flood Counties (FAC). We developed a white helped achieve and/or advance Insurance Program reauthorization paper and successfully advocated to several of Monroe County’s federal that protects affordability. have Monroe’s position reflected in legislative priorities. These include: • Secure full funding of 2018 PILT FAC and the National Association of and FKWQIP. Counties (NACO) resolutions on NFIP reauthorization. 20 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

EMERGENCY SERVICES

DID YOU KNOW? Every Monroe County fire station has an advanced life sup- port (ALS) fire engine. These ALS engines can provide the same level of medical care as an ambulance, in the event that a station’s ambulance already is Monroe County’s Emergency Key West, to transport them committed to another Services works around-the- to trauma and specialty care emergency. ALS engine clock to protect paradise – its facilities in Miami. crewmembers stabilize unique people and property and prepare patients – with well-trained firefighter Staff also does extensive for transport while they emergency medical techni- preparatory work and training await the arrival of cians (EMTs), firefighter para- before emergencies strike. an ambulance from a medics, registered nurses and Staff instructs and drills fire neighboring zone. with well-prepared disaster rescue members at the Joe planning and response to all London Fire Training Academy, emergencies. as well as provide EMT and paramedic training. Staff We respond to fires, ma- works to prevent fires and ac- jor traffic accidents and cidents, with routine inspec- medical emergencies. Staff tions of businesses and multi- responds during storms and unit residences for fire code other events that threaten the and life-safety compliance. health and safety of our resi- dents and visitors — and that The Emergency Management Budget: $22.5 Million may damage property and department keeps disaster affect the local economy. response plans up-to-date, Division Director: whether it’s to deal with Fire Chief James Callahan We provide on-scene emer- Mother Nature’s wrath as with Employees: 145 gency medical treatment and Hurricane Irma this past year, transport patients to local an act of terrorism, infec- 305.289.6088; area hospitals by land. For tious diseases such as Zika, Callahan-James critically injured patients, infestations of New World @monroecounty-fl.gov Emergency Services uses ther Screwworm or a man-made Trauma Star air ambulances, catastrophe. monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue with bases in Marathon and State of the County 2017/18 21

Monroe County Fire Rescue operates nine fire stations, covering from Tavernier to Key West International Airport. FIRE RESCUE We also operate two Trauma Star air ambulance bases in Marathon and at the Lower Keys Medical Center. Our certified firefighters are cross- trained as paramedics, flight medics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting per- sonnel (ARFF).

In 2017, our firefighters re- sponded to 4,991 calls. These included: structure fires, wild- land fires, brush fires, trash fires, vehicle fires, marine/boat fires, gas leaks, water-related rescues, vehicle extrication calls, hazardous material spills, aircraft incidents and medical emergency calls. for medical emergencies, in- • Expanded the Trauma 2018 GOALS We mitigated propane and cluding heart attacks, strokes, Star Program and opened a • Monitor agreement gasoline leaks — and oil and seizures, difficulty breathing second Trauma Star air am- between Sugarloaf volun- chemical spills. We assisted and abdominal disorders. bulance base in Key West at teers with Wi-Fi company to law enforcement in search Lower Keys Medical Center. determine feasibility for the and rescue and facility evacu- 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Purchased and placed current fire station property to ations during bomb threats • Provided preparatory, into service new patient be used for rebuilding a new and other law enforcement response and recovery fire monitors and I-Stat Blood fire station facility. operations. We also pro- rescue operations for Category analyzers on both air ambu- • Expand existing vided Aircraft Rescue and 4 Hurricane Irma. lances to expand our critical Computer Aided Dispatch data Firefighting from Station 7 at • Continued multi-agency care diagnostic capabilities. It feed to integrate data feed Key West International Airport. training between County ca- includes the use of in-flight from our fire records manage- reer and volunteer firefighters ultrasound. ment program to our elec- In 2017, our firefighter para- and area departments to im- • Utilizing grant funds, we tronic patient care reporting medics responded by ground prove mutual aid responses. placed pediatric kits on all system. ambulances and Trauma • Provided lifesaving CPR frontline ALS rescues. Engines • Purchase and take deliv- Star to 4,116 calls, with 923 and fire safety training to and helicopters were upgrad- ery of new rescue ambulance. patients being air lifted to other County departments and ed to the Handtevy pediatric out-of-county hospitals. community partners through- Resuscitation system. About 28% of these incidents out the Keys. • We assisted charitable were scene responses related • Purchased and placed organizations with blood to traffic accidents and other into service a second Sikorsky pressure checks, feeding the trauma-related incidents. The S76 C+ air ambulance homeless, unloading and remaining transports were helicopter. distributing pumpkins and hospital-to-hospital transfers Christmas trees here in our communities. 22 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

TRAUMA STAR Trauma Star is the only air There are no out-of-pocket of critically ill patients that Trauma Star was the first air ambulance service in Monroe costs for County residents who required specialty care not ambulance service in the County. It is jointly operated use the life-saving service. In available at Keys hospitals. United States to transport by Monroe County Fire Rescue the past, private air am- In January 2017, the BOCC ap- patients exhibiting signs of a and the Monroe County bulances in the Keys have proved the purchase of a sec- neurological deficit (stroke) Sheriff’s Office. charged County residents tens ond Sikorsky S76C+ helicop- to a comprehensive stroke of thousands of dollars in ter. In June 2017, a second center for immediate inter- For an island chain that is out-of-pocket costs for trans- Trauma Star base was opened ventions and has since flown isolated from the mainland port to mainland hospitals. in Key West at the Lower Keys more than 180 stroke patients by distance and a busy single Medical Center. directly from the field. highway — Trauma Star saves Since the program began critical minutes for patients to in 2001, Trauma Star has Trauma Star has been in the Trauma Star was the first air receive life-saving interven- transported more than 3,500 forefront of new standards ambulance service in the tions. These precious minutes patients to critical care not of quality care, with a direct United States to combine the saved decrease the loss of available in the Keys. Over the affiliation with the University use of telemedicine in the heart and brain tissue, which past few years, the need for of Miami Miller School of field to perform neurological reduces or eliminates perma- the service by residents and Medicine and the Army examinations by stroke physi- nent disabilities. visitors has increased. Trauma Training Department cians. It now is in the final (ATTD), located at the Ryder stages of implementing new The Trauma Star program has 2017 was another record Trauma Center. ultrasound transmission ca- two twin-engine Sikorsky year. Trauma Star flew 917 pabilities for trauma patients helicopters. They are staffed patients to mainland fa- Trauma Star was the first air via telemedicine to surgeons by highly trained critical-care cilities:196 for trauma, 29 for ambulance service to provide at Ryder Trauma Center. nurses, firefighters/paramed- stroke, 27 for heart attacks immediate access to the high- ics and pilots. Each helicopter and 3 first response flights to est level of care to patients can transport up to two criti- the . The re- experiencing a myocardial in- DID YOU KNOW? cally injured or ill patients at maining 662 transports were farction (heart attack) and has Trauma Star provides 911 a time. hospital-to-hospital transfers since flown more than 125 first response to areas within heart attack patients directly Monroe County not accessible from the field. by land, including the Dry Tortugas and . State of the County 2017/18 23

FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE TRAINING ACADEMY Fire Prevention’s The training academy also mission is proac- includes a training tower and burn building. We do basic tive. We take action and advanced level training and provide services up to and including certifying to help eliminate individuals to be state certi- fires and we work fied firefighters. The academy to prevent accidents also offers medical training for from happening. our EMTs and paramedics.

Our responsibilities include 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS inspecting businesses and • The Monroe County Fire Monroe County Fire Chief Jim Callahan and County Administrator Roman Gastesi are multi-unit residences for Marshal’s Office conducted at the grand opening of new training facility at the Joe London Fire Training Academy. compliance with the Florida more than 650 building plan • Provided safety, logisti- • The Fire Academy also Fire Prevention Code. We pro- reviews for compliance with cal and operational support supports drill ground training vide complete and accurate the Florida Fire Prevention in the Emergency Operations for all county fire departments fire protection engineering Code. We also conducted ac- Center before, during and and numerous law enforce- and plans review, defini- companying site inspections after Hurricane Irma. ment agencies. tive fire cause investigation, for all commercial occupancy • Back-filled fire hydrants life-safety code enforcement, permits, many of which were for proper water supply 2018 GOALS occupancy inspections and large-scale projects that re- throughout unincorporated • Rebuild the burn build- outreach and education, quired daily or weekly inspec- Monroe County. ing at the Fire Academy. especially to children. Sparky, tions over several months. • The Fire Academy con- • Have the drill tower our mascot, helps us teach the • Responded to 27 fires tinued our fire officer training inspected by engineering for kids fire safety. that required formal inves- and development program. safety and compliance tigation in unincorporated In 2017, this program helped • Host Fire Officer One and Monroe County also owns and Monroe County. to prepare five firefighters for Fire Officer Two series courses. operates the Joe London Fire • All public schools, adult promotion to lieutenant, and • Conduct minimum stan- Training Academy, located on and child day care facilities, two lieutenants for promo- dard firefighting course. in the Middle Keys. and Mariners Hospital re- tion to captain, in addition to • Conduct quarterly officer It is one of only 43 certified ceived annual fire inspections. training future candidates for training. firefighting training centers in • Improved water sup- promotion. • Continue Facility train- Florida. The facility is named plies for firefighting through • The Fire Academy also ing to ensure ISO (Insurance after Joe London, the County’s the installation of 16 new fire continued multi-agency Services Office) compliance for first Fire Marshal from 1984 to hydrants throughout unincor- training between County all Monroe County Fire Rescue 2003. The academy’s newly porated Monroe County. career and volunteer firefight- firefighters. built classroom facility for • Continued to expand ers and other area depart- educating and training our community outreach by ments, to improve mutual firefighters opened in 2017. providing fire prevention and aid responses and enhance safely programs to more than working relationships with 1,000 area schoolchildren. surrounding departments and • Reviewed and approved firefighters. 15 Special Events permits and • The Fire Academy initi- 16 fireworks permits for safety ated ongoing Firefighter II compliance Keys-wide. class. 24 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Emergency Management pre- Statewide monthly conference pares Monroe County to deal call, allowing the participants with any event that might to talk through their own threaten the safety of the specific challenges and how County’s residents and visi- those challenges could be tors or impact property and overcome. infrastructure. This exercise proved invalu- Many of these key partners Emergency Management is the able, as just nine months later developed internal Incident leader, coordinating all mu- Monroe County was faced Management Teams and nicipalities, private partners, with just such a scenario. committed to following the and state and federal agen- Each of these critical agencies Incident Command System cies during emergencies. To were able to take the lessons (ICS). This allowed mutual make the County less vulnera- learned from the exercise and aid Incident Management ble, we create and implement implement the appropriate Budget: $737,000 Teams from all over the comprehensive plans that actions in a seamless manner, ($402,000 paid by grants) nation to respond and build, sustain and improve thereby contributing greatly seamlessly integrate within the county’s capability to to the successful response to Director: Martin Senterfitt the Monroe County system mitigate against, prepare for, Hurricane Irma. Employees: 5 for the Hurricane Irma respond to and recover from activation. disasters. In the Summer of 2017, 305.289.6065 Emergency Management in- Senterfitt-Martin Monroe County revised Emergency Management troduced the new Zoom video @monroecounty-fl.gov and submitted the 2017 started 2017 deeply engaged teleconference system that Comprehensive Emergency in the New World Screwworm enabled participants to log in Management Plan response in the Lower Keys. through their computers to a direct hit from the monster Emergency Management Fortunately, this event that the County conference calls storm in the Atlantic Ocean. (FDEM). This plan is re- threatened the endangered held during an emergency Emergency Management quired to be updated every population and po- activation. managed the response and five years and was last tentially agriculture in Florida recovery throughout the rest revised in 2012. FDEM has was worked to a successful In September 2017, of 2017. (More on Hurricane subsequently approved the conclusion. Screwworm was Emergency Management’s Irma on the following 12 plan, and it has been rati- officially announced eradi- plans and preparation were pages). fied by the BOCC. cated on March 23, 2017. put to its biggest test in more than half a century when Emergency Management For 2018, the impact of In January of 2017, Monroe Monroe County suffered a also placed a heavy em- Hurricane Irma creates the County challenged its State direct hit from Category 4 phasis on strengthening opportunity for additional partners to participate in a Hurricane Irma. Monroe County’s adherence evaluation and reflec- multi-month planning ex- to the National Incident tion on Monroe County’s ercise that questioned “How Monroe County’s Emergency Management System, with a Emergency Management would we handle a Category Operations Center quickly focus on interaction between Program. 4 impact in the Florida Keys, activated to Level 1 on Sept. the various municipalities, if U.S. 1 was damaged or 5, 2017, as it became likely agencies and authorities destroyed?” This exercise that the Keys would receive throughout the County. was implemented using a State of the County 2017/18 25

Simultaneously, Emergency IRMA: Management worked on BEFORE THE preparation for the response to the hurricane that un- STORM doubtedly would leave dev- On Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, astation and people needing Monroe County’s Emergency help in its wake. Management hosted a video meeting to provide emergency Preparation priorities in- responders throughout the cluded putting resources and Keys with an update from responders in place to reopen the National Weather Service the Marathon and Key West about a monster storm out in airports (so aircraft could ar- the Atlantic called Hurricane rive with emergency supplies Mayor George Neugent addresses the media about the storm. Irma. and personnel) and to make The storm was forecast to Emergency Management U.S. 1 safe for emergency After monitoring the situation pack a big punch to the Keys, worked to open and stock responders and utility crews over the holiday weekend, with high winds of more than preplanned emergency shel- to travel. Monroe County Emergency 130 mph and storm surge of ters on the mainland to house Management Director Martin several feet. The message was Monroe County residents – As Irma got closer to the Senterfitt officially activated simple: “Get out of the Keys.” and their pets. Keys, a decision was made Emergency Operations at 7 for the people working in the a.m. on Labor Day, Sept. 4. Emergency Management As a last resort for residents Emergency Operations Center, helped coordinate the evacu- who did not leave despite the located in the BOCC chambers For the next six days, County ation of people with special mandatory evacuation notice, at the Marathon Government staff and other emergency needs, brought in military Emergency Management Center, to relocate to a safer responders worked long hours aircraft to transport hospital worked with the School place. to prepare for the hurricane patients to other medical District to open several schools that was fluctuating between facilities, and arranged for for residents to more safely On Friday morning that Category 4 and 5, and whose extra transportation to take shelter during the storm. safer place was Key West. But eye was likely to directly strike people to mainland shelters. within hours the storm track the 120-mile island chain It also worked to keep fuel changed drastically and by – somewhere. trucks coming to the Keys as Friday evening it was safer long as it was safe to resupply to go to the other end of the The first priority was to pre- gas stations. Keys. On Saturday morning, vent loss of life. Mandatory about 125 people from the evacuation notices were EOC and emergency respond- issued for all visitors on ers caravanned to Ocean Reef Wednesday morning, Sept. in North Key Largo. It was a 6, and for all residents that place not only safer to ride night. out the storm but also a place where the EOC could continue response preparations even while the storm was striking the Keys.

Patients from the Florida Keys Medical Center were evacuated by the military. 26 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

IRMA: CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE The National Hurricane Center reported Irma made landfall at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, STRIKES THE KEYS 2017 with the eye of the storm passing over It could have been worse for Cudjoe Key. Strong winds continued through- out the Keys the rest of the day and subsided Monroe County. in the afternoon. The storm also brought storm surge, up to about 9 feet in some areas.

While the Keys were weathering Hurricane Irma, Monroe County’s Emergency Management team was working out of the makeshift Emergency Operations Center set up Saturday morning at Ocean Reef’s employee housing. When the power went out, everyone worked by flashlights and a few lights pow- ered by small generators.

Video conferences using Zoom technology were hosted from this makeshift EOC with the Keys municipal emergency operation centers and other emergency responders throughout the Keys and the mainland.

Emergency Management Director Martin Senterfitt led the coordinated preparation While Irma struck the Keys, preparation was being done at the makeshift effort to have local responders and out-of- Emergency Operations Center in employee housing at Ocean Reef. county personnel and resources ready to go as soon as the storm passed. As Hurricane Irma approached And it did. The eye of Irma spent the Caribbean islands, the about 24 hours bouncing right storm reached Category 5 along the northern coast of Cuba, status with peak winds of causing the hurricane to weaken 185 mph. It was the stron- from Category 5 to Category 3 gest Atlantic basin hurricane status. on record outside the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Once Irma was back over the warm Then Irma struck Cuba. waters of the Florida Straits, the hurricane began to strengthen. On Initially, the official fore- Saturday about 12:15 a.m., the cast track by the National outer bands of the storm began Hurricane Center kept the eye reaching the Keys. of Irma over the open waters just north of Cuba – albeit the Irma barely regained Category 4 cone of uncertainty included status when it struck the Keys. the possibility that Irma’s While still a strong hurricane, Irma center could go over northern did not pack as powerful a punch Cuba. as it could have had it not gone over Cuba. State of the County 2017/18 27

IRMA: WAKE OF DESTRUCTION Hurricane Irma left a path of destruction from Ocean Reef in North Key Largo to Key West. Some parts of the island chain fared far better than others, but all suffered some levels of damage.

Most sadly, the Medical Examiner reported there were 17 hurricane-related deaths in the Keys.

More than 4,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged, most in the hardest hit areas between Cudjoe Key and Marathon. More than 1,800 boats were destroyed. The once beautiful island chain was left a mess.

Vegetative and property debris were strewn into the mangroves, across U.S. 1 and local roads, throughout neighborhoods, and into canals and nearshore waters.

Large trees toppled and those that survived lost branches and most of their leaves.

Almost all homes and businesses in the Keys lost power, water, sewer, cell service and Internet service.

The last time the Keys had experienced such a powerful storm was 1960, with Hurricane Donna. 28 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

other emergency responders IRMA: THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE and utility workers. Monroe County’s public works, Fire In the late afternoon of Rescue and others began the Sept. 10, just hours after the effort on Sunday evening. eye had passed the Florida The Florida Department of Keys and conditions were Transportation had crews safe enough to go outside, ready to go the morning of Monroe County Emergency Sept. 11. Management put into action all its planning and prepara- At daybreak Sept. 11, Monroe tion to lead the Keys’ coordi- County Emergency Management nated response to Hurricane relocated its Emergency Irma. Operations Center back to the Marathon Government One priority was re-opening Center. Most communications Key West International (cell phone and broadband and Florida Keys Marathon Internet) were knocked out and International airports so mili- work began immediately to tary and other aircraft could restore service. land with emergency supplies and personnel. Emergency By 10 a.m., search and rescue responders gathered at the missions began, with crews airports on the evening of going door to door to look for Sept. 10 to start clearing the any survivors needing help. runways of tons and tons of It required getting through debris. By the next morning many local roads that were both airports were ready to impassable due to debris. receive emergency aid. By the Over six days about 15,000 evening of Sept. 11, the U.S. homes were searched. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard Food, water and temporary were stationed on site to help medical facilities began to with the response. arrive Sept. 11 to help the survivors who did not evacu- The Alaska National Guard was ate. Food and distribution the first military aircraft to ar- sites were set up throughout rive. They positioned them- the County. The County co- selves in Louisiana and were ordinated with the American able to fly around the storm Red Cross to set up and oper- to land as soon as the runway ate shelters at local schools in Marathon was clear. for those whose homes were destroyed or too damaged to Another priority was inspect- live in. ing all 42 bridges along U.S. 1, as well as clearing the Monroe County Fire Rescue highway of debris and mak- answered medical calls, as- ing several quick repairs to sisted with search and rescue, washed out roadway to make put out fires and helped clear the Keys’ only main road safe debris during the initial days for search and rescue crews, of the response. State of the County 2017/18 29

Florida Keys Electric Coop, created and distributed flyers, Keys Energy Services and provided several news releases the Florida Keys Aqueduct each day to keep up with the Authority had local and out- evolving response information, of-county crews ready to posted regularly on social me- mobilize as soon as the storm dia sites and worked with the passed and worked tirelessly media to help get information to restore water, power and out to the community. sewer services as quickly as possible. Non-profit and religious- based organizations, with Monroe County’s Sheriff Office a small army of volunteers, worked alpha/bravo shifts and helped provide meals, dis- got help from law enforce- tribute donated goods and ment teams from around the supplies, clear debris from country to prevent looting, people’s houses and de- answer calls, enforce the cur- liver smiles and hugs to the few and man checkpoints. survivors.

Much work was done as Everyone who worked on the quickly as possible to make it response tried to make the safe and secure for residents lives of the hurricane survivors who had evacuated to be able better. to return to the Keys to begin their own recovery.

Emergency Management worked with federal, state and local partners on the response. Gov. Rick Scott, U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio, U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo, state Representative Holly Raschein, FEMA Director Brock Long and other elected officials and agency leaders came to the Emergency Operations Center in Marathon to lend their support.

FEMA set up four Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the Keys, and sent crews door to door to help people with individual assistance.

Public information created a Keysrecovery.org website, 30 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

IRMA: FEMA AND SBA ASSISTANCE

Monroe County Emergency Management and County staff worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration during the response and recovery stages of Hurricane Irma.

Emergency Management helped FEMA to set up Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the Keys to sign up people for Individual Assistance and answer questions about the statuses of their accounts. FEMA also sent mobile crews into the neighborhoods to sign up people.

Entering 2018, FEMA conducted about 21,500 home inspections in Monroe County for assistance eligibil- ity, resulting in more than 16,000 Monroe County residents impacted by Hurricane Irma receiving more than $58 million in federal grants. Monroe County staff also helped with FEMA’s Sheltering and These grants include money for temporary rental as- Temporary Essential Power (STEP program), which provides sistance, home repairs and other needs not covered up to $20,000 in temporary emergency repairs, so survivors by insurance, such as replacing destroyed personal can remain in their homes while more permanent repairs property. are made. More than 250 households registered for the STEP program, which is at no-cost to the homeowner. Inspections More than 9,000 Monroe County households were and construction continued into 2018. provided with rental assistance money from FEMA. Many families received two months of rental Before the STEP program was put in place, Monroe County assistance. worked with the National Guard on a “Demucking Program.” About 500 households participated, with Guard About 2,860 Monroe County households who have members removing destroyed applicances, furniture and uninhabitable primary residences and encoun- personal goods from people’s homes and taking them curb- tered difficulty finding an appropriate place to rent side for collection. This program was another way to help stayed in hotels under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering people get a jumpstart on repairing their homes. Assistance program. That number was down to about 430 entering the new year. Additionally, the National Flood Insurance Program, which is part of FEMA, has paid more than $60 million in flood insur- As a last resort, 200 Monroe County households ance claims for Monroe County policyholders, according to entered the new year staying temporarily in housing preliminary data. The county worked diligently over the past supplied by FEMA. This included 173 households that few years to keep the Keys eligible for the National Flood were licensed into temporary travel trailers and 27 Insurance Program. households that were licensed into FEMA direct-lease properties. The County helped with these efforts. Entering 2018, the Small Business Administration had approved $130.3 million in low-interest disaster loans for residents and business owners in Monroe County. This included 1,840 home loans of $98.7 million, 272 business loans of $26.7 million and 71 business Economic Injury Disaster Loans of $4.9 million.

State of the County 2017/18 31

As of early January, more than 2.3 million cubic yards of hurricane land debris (both vegetative and construction and demolition, C&D) and 19,000 white goods (de- stroyed large appliances) was collected throughout the Keys. More than half of this debris was collected in the hardest hit areas in the Lower Keys.

To help in the effort, Monroe County public works crews IRMA: collected hurricane debris from private roads (which HURRICANE debris contractors cannot DEBRIS collect on due to FEMA rules) and took the debris to the REMOVAL closest County road right of One of the most challeng- way (so it could be collected ing tasks following a major by debris contractors for FEMA hurricane is the cleanup. This reimbursement). is especially the case on an island chain, where most of At the same time, Unified the debris ultimately must be Command, which consists of hauled to the mainland for leaders from the U.S. Coast proper disposal. Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Monroe County, the five Commission, has removed municipalities of the Keys, more than 1,670 displaced and the Florida Department vessels from Florida Keys of Transportation (which waterways. The response has maintains U.S. 1), each were been prioritized based on po- responsible for cleanup of tential environmental impact. their jurisdictions. No area A major challenge was securing temporary debris of the Keys was spared management sites, where the debris collected on local The Florida Department of Hurricane Irma’s wrath. right of ways could be staged. Once at these temporary Environmental Protection is management sites, the debris was either mulched or anticipated to lead the marine All entities worked under ground to make it more compact. This is done to reduce hurricane debris cleanup of FEMA’s hurricane debris re- the number of trucks required to haul the debris to the the canals and nearshore moval guidelines in order to final disposal destinations on the mainland. This process waters of the Keys. The work get reimbursed by the federal greatly reduces cost and time to complete the cleanup. was expected to begin in agency for the tens of mil- February. DEP is working with lions of dollars the cleanup Due to the lack of available properties that are big the County on a mutual aid would cost. enough and in the right location of the Keys to be used agreement, and is also work- as temporary debris management sites, several parks ing with the municipalities needed to be used in this capacity for the cleanup effort. on separate marine cleanup efforts. 32 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

IRMA: MONROE COUNTY WORKERS BEHIND THE SCENES Monroe County Emergency Here are a few of their Management Director Marty stories: Senterfitt has a full-time staff of four people who Several of us in Growth prepare year-round for Management/Planning were disasters: Shannon Weiner, re-assigned to FEMA and Jeff Manning, Vince Kalson County Inspectors to drive and Alary Lutazzi. around the hardest-hit areas (Stock Island, Summerland For Hurricane Irma, Key and Big Pine Key) to Emergency Management’s conduct damage assess- full-time crew began of- ments. As “drivers,” we ficial operations on Labor helped navigate the maps Day, Sept. 4, and for the (as some places just weren’t next 50 days worked an THERE any more), took pho- average of 12 to 16 hours tos and helped the public a day, with only three days with informational hand- off, while “eating their outs (“how-to” file for help, weight in peanut butter get help, etc.) The days were and bathing in local swim- hot and long, the conditions ming pools.” Three of them unbearable, but lots of us worked these grueling, trudged through to get this stressful hours despite Irma first phase done so residents having damaged their own could obtain assistance Monroe County Fire Rescue crews began work before homes so badly that they asap! – MARTINE VRAY the storm had even completely passed the Keys, help- were unlivable. ing to clear U.S. 1 and other major roads needed for Two of Fleet Management’s the recovery effort. They worked in the heat without Emergency Management’s finest (Mechanic/Generator water to shower or wash their sweaty clothing. This staff had plenty of compa- Technician Craig Smith and included search and rescue efforts and responding to ny during the hectic week Fleet Technician William an RV explosion in Bay Point called a BLEVE (boiling leading up to the hurricane Chapman) both worked with liquid expanding vapor explosion). And many fire- strike and during the diffi- the EOC round the clock – fighters helped residents clear debris from their homes cult weeks of response that before, during and after the and put tarps on their roofs. – STEVE HUDSON followed. More than 200 storm. As soon as the storm County employees worked passed, they both moved I worked in the County’s Emergency Operations Center similar long hours to help into and practically lived in for almost a month, 7 days a week, as part of the the Keys prepare for the the Marathon garage to keep Situation Unit, within the Planning Section. I’m an hurricane and then, after fuel facilities on line, gen- attorney, so this was like a crash course in Turkish. I the damage was done, erators running and emer- collected information from Incident Command, the to get back on its feet as gency recovery units in ser- other sections, law enforcement, the military, munici- quickly as possible. Many vice. Several other members palities, hospitals, utilities, NGOs, and other outside County employees continue of Fleet fought their way groups – and disseminated the information so we all to work long hours on the back into the County to open had “situational awareness.” Every day I could see long-term recovery. all three garages Monday that we were making progress for the County, so it all morning. – ROY SANCHEZ was worthwhile. – CYNTHIA HALL State of the County 2017/18 33

I contacted BOCC employees to determine if they need- For Irma, I was the Planning Section Chief. I supervised ed hurricane recovery assistance. There were times a team that collected information to produce Situation when our phone conversations got a little emotional. Reports and Incident Action Plans that were important Sometimes with grief and other times with joy. There to the entire emergency response. I facilitated the Daily were even times when it got to be fun connecting a Operations Briefs, Command and General Staff Meetings, “laundry” volunteer with someone who had been trying Tactics Meetings and Planning Meetings. I also coor- to find an open laundry to have clean underwear. dinated and facilitated the County-wide coordinating ­—MERI-DE MERCADO Zoom calls. —JEFF MANNING

I work at the Key Largo Library and lead Story Hour. Many Before the storm, I contacted the County’s debris parents who attend were searching for things to do with contractor and DEP to get additional debris sites pre- their children after the storm since the schools, parks, approved so recovery activities could begin as soon as public pools and swimming areas were closed. I volun- possible. When the winds died down, I coordinated teered to hold several Story Hours at Coral Isles Church. It with County crews, contractor crews and FDOT mainte- helped the children to see their friends and the parents nance crews to assist with the initial road clearing effort were able to give and receive support from each other. throughout the Keys. I coordinated with FDOT to inspect —CHRIS MORGAN the local bridges throughout the County once they had completed the inspection of the U.S. 1 bridges. I worked For Irma, I was the Chief of Logistics, responsible for or- with our debris contractor and monitoring consultant to dering, tracking and addressing the many unmet needs mobilize personnel to begin the months-long, 7-days- of our small County for a hurricane of this magnitude. a-week debris collection. —JUDY CLARKE This included generators, light towers, disaster teams from outside the state to help victims of the storm, As soon as the storm passed, at 8 p.m. Sunday, Monroe disaster medical assistance teams and barges with cranes County Fire Authority, City of Marathon Fire Rescue and for Keys Energy to access/repair power poles over the wa- other county and city staff started clearing the runway. ter. It also included food and water for everyone, lots of They worked through the night and by noon Monday, fuel and delivery of fuel for sanitation lift stations, gen- it was clear for military and humanitarian relief opera- erators to keep cellular/ communications towers working tions to begin landing. The airfield was occupied by U.S. and handling of donated items to charities. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and Army National Guard ­—VINCE KALSON for approximately 10 days. Omar Iglesias was the only airport employee to not evacuate. Local citizens and air- port tenants offered their help. Tony Daiuto, an aircraft mechanic at MTH, and Jim Barnhill, a local citizen and pilot, worked 12 hour days to assist me with any airport related needs for the first week after the storm. —TJ HENDERSON

I returned immediately following the storm, and for two weeks conducted damage assessments traveling the path of destruction from Marathon through Saddlebunch Key. It was in Big Pine that I saw the worst of it, reminding myself how fortunate we were in Key Largo, with only 18 inches of seawater in my garage. The tools and equip- ment I lost paled in comparison to the utter devasta- tion, and loss of everything families were unable to carry when evacuating. I saw firsthand the strength and resilience of my neighbors, and also the heartbreak of those who lost all, and would have to leave this paradise home. It is my sincere wish that the next one simply washes over my long dead bones. —STEVE SULLIVAN 34 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

IRMA: LONG-TERM MITIGATION AND HOUSING RECOVERY After the hurricane winds subsided and the storm surge was gone, it was quickly clear that many homes in the Keys did not survive and that many people who make up the Keys workforce now had no place to live. It also became quickly clear that the homes built to the stronger build- ing codes fared far better than ones built before the codes were in place. The housing task force developed ` As a condition to the County be- a Monroe County Housing Strategy Within a week of Hurricane Irma ing in the National Flood Insurance document that communicates the striking the Keys, Monroe County Program – which assures homeown- County and Cities priorities for future created a Housing Task Force that in- ers are eligible for federally subsi- grant programs with state and fed- cluded municipal, state and federal dized flood insurance – the County eral partners. partners to deal first with emergency must adopt local regulations consis- housing and now with long-term tent with FEMA federal regulations. The Monroe County Board of County housing recovery strategies. This means structures damaged more Commissioners held a Special

than 50 percent of the market value Meeting on Nov. 29, 2017 to address The task force, headed by Monroe are considered substantially dam- Housing Recovery Strategies. The County’s Director of Planning and aged and must be rebuilt to current BOCC directed staff to further inves- Environmental Resources Mayte building and flood codes. This is to tigate upcoming grant opportunities Santamaria, included members from assure the same structures will not and to look at all our options for each of the Keys’ five municipalities, be damaged in a future storm. housing recovery, which may include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and funding to elevate and/or harden several branches of FEMA. Officials Failing to enforce FEMA floodplain existing residential structures by from the U.S. Department of Housing requirements also could put the retro-fitting structures with hur- and Urban Development (HUD) and County in jeopardy of losing fu- ricane shutters, impact windows, the States’ Emergency Management ture federal disaster assistance and metal roofs and reinforced trusses. also participated. federal-backed loans and grants for our citizens. The BOCC directed staff to work on The “Approximate Damage Comprehensive Plan amendments Assessment Results” from Hurricane Building to code is more expensive. that would be effective for two years Irma detail that 1,179 homes were The County has been working to to accelerate the workforce hous- destroyed throughout the Keys, and receive as much grant funding as ing for storm recovery. The Board another 2,977 homes suffered major possible to help lessen the burden to directed additional density bonuses, damage of the 55,000 housing units homeowners. which allow more units in a space, in the Keys. These early numbers did for workforce housing for the lowest not include some of the hard-hit income groups: very low, low and mobile home parks that were dif- median. ficult to assess. State of the County 2017/18 35

The Board directed changes to the development review procedures for workforce housing projects to help them move faster through the process to get to the construction phase.

The BOCC discussed changing the ratio distribution of Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) allocations. They currently are about 50/50, with 50 percent moderate and the other 50 percent a combined very low, low and median. The BOCC discussed a 25/75 ratio with 25 percent moder- ate and the remaining 75 percent a combined very low, low and median.

All of these proposed changes are to help accelerate recovery. None are in affect yet. They must all go through the public process to get adopted.

The BOCC also directed staff to put out a Request for Qualifications to build a “tiny home” as a model home that people could tour and evaluate.

The County continues to work with the Land Authority and the state and federal agencies on increasing funding and partnerships for land acquisitions, as well as rebuilding our damaged housing stock.

Our shared goals are to find oppor- tunities to harden existing housing; demo and replace private residences to meet or exceed Building Code and Floodplain requirements; purchase lands to create additional open space and natural buffers; and build and increase the supply of workforce housing and choice of rental hous- ing opportunities. 36 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

The Department pro- landscaping, storm water, land clearing cesses amendments to the and FEMA required review of potential Comprehensive Plan and Land endangered species impacts under the Development Codes based on Permit Referral Process. Environmental changing conditions and ap- Resources staff works to protect the plicant requests. Additionally, sensitive environment and endangered the Department reviews all species of the county, in coordination development proposals for with state and federal environmental compliance with these plans. agencies.

The continued goal of the Monroe Transportation Planning man- ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION OFFICE: County Planning and Environmental ages the completion of Travel The Land Steward manages the County’s Resources Department is to foster sus- Time & Delay studies to ensure habitat restoration and improvement tainable, quality development in the the county is maintaining projects to enhance and preserve coun- county while conserving and promot- traffic related levels of service. ty-owned lands and partners with state ing stewardship of the county’s fragile It also reviews traffic stud- and federal agencies on maintaining environment and the unique character ies submitted with land use conservation lands, specifically covering of the diverse island communities. applications and coordinates the removal of invasive exotic species The functions of this department are with State agencies on road- and planting of native species. handled by the following offices: way and trail projects. GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS PLANNING OFFICE: It is responsible for ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES (GIS) OFFICE: It develops, maintains and the administration of the adopted OFFICE: Its services include disseminates geographic data and GIS Monroe County Comprehensive Plan the review of applications resources to enhance county functions and Land Development Code. In 2016, for compliance with envi- and provides resources making geo- after a six-year effort, the County ronmental regulations, such graphic data available to the public. Commission approved the updated as: habitat identification, The office also prepares maps depicting 2030 version of this plan and the various data. This includes the develop- implementing code. ment of multiple web application map tools to assist the public in researching It evaluates just about everything that properties. would affect our island chain, includ- ing land use, housing, marine resources MARINE RESOURCES OFFICE: It focuses on and conservation of environmentally the protection of the marine envi- sensitive land. It addresses transpor- ronment, channel markers and the tation, including mass transit, ports, Budget: $5.8 million preservation of public water access. This aviation and infrastructure (water, Number of Employees: 31 includes ensuring pump-out services sewer, solid waste disposal, drainage are provided throughout unincorpo- and groundwater aquifer recharge). Senior Director: rated Monroe County; the removal and This plan also deals with recreation and Mayte Santamaria disposal of derelict and abandoned ves- open space, cultural resources, historic sels that have become an environmen- preservation and capital improvement 305.289.2500, tal or navigational hazard; and work- for all County services. Santamaria-mayte@monro- ing with the Florida Fish and Wildlife ecounty-fl.gov Conservation Commission on funded projects to replace regulatory buoys, www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ channel markers and other waterway planning management needs to improve recre- ational boating access and safety. State of the County 2017/18 37

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Monroe County has been dealing with a unique problem. Due to the geography of our one-of-a-kind island chain community and our sensitive environment and endangered species, we have warranted state and federal protections for both our land and waters. These protections include a finite number of available building permits due to state limits for evacuation and environ- mental reasons.

There are now about 11,000 va- In 2018, the Planning and cant parcels throughout the Keys Environmental Resources (and approximately 8,000 within staff will continue to partner unincorporated Monroe County) with the Land Authority and with private owners that may 1,300 the Florida Department of seek to develop them with one Approximate number of Environmental Protection to housing unit. building permits unincorpo- enhance and facilitate the rated Monroe County can issue acquisition of land in the The State currently allows un- before “build out” in 2023. Florida Keys. The County has incorporated Monroe County to entered into Memorandum of issue 197 ROGO (rate of growth Agreement related to negoti- ordinance) building units per year ating and purchasing parcels to stave off reaching the 24-hour 11,000 for the Board of Trustees of evacuation limit in the event of Number of vacant parcels the Internal Improvement an approaching hurricane. At that throughout the Keys. Trust Fund. Additionally, the rate of issuing permits, unincor- County is continuing to part- porated Monroe County will reach ner with the Land Authority, its maximum build-out allowed as the County’s agent for pur- by evacuation limits in 2023. chases using the $10 million This is about 3,550 more housing budgeted by the County. units. 38 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • The County adopted amendments to both the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code to provide certain excep- tions to the height limit in order to further protect property from flooding and reduce flood insurance costs. This was done by estab- lishing standards when a structure can elevate above FEMA base flood elevation (BFE), with an 2018 GOALS increase in the maximum height limit. Continue investigat- • The department continues to provide a DID YOU KNOW? The County • ing and moving forward mobile vessel pump-out service under the funded a $61,200 effort with the Land Authority and County’s free pump-out program for boats an- that restored shoreline and the Florida Department of chored in designated areas of the Florida Keys nearshore habitats in the Environmental Protection on waters. About 1.3 million gallons of sewage – a group increasing funding for acqui- has been collected through the program. of islands located about sition and partnering on land • The department adopted a Proof of Pump- 17 nautical miles west of Key West and within the acquisitions. out ordinance, Keyswide, to enforce proof of Florida Keys National Marine Process amendments to pump-out regulations for vessels and floating • Sanctuary and the Key West the Comprehensive Plan to structures anchored or moored for more than National Wildlife Refuge. The facilitate the development of 10 consecutive days within federally estab- project removed 31 aban- workforce housing. lished No Discharge Zones (NDZ). doned and derelict vessels Develop a Land • The department, with their consultants, • from these remote islands. Development Code amend- completed a nexus study to support the ex- ment that will include a re- pansion of the inclusionary housing program quirement for non-residential to require the provision of affordable housing • The department worked development to provide af- with the development of new transient and on emergency permit- fordable housing to offset the commercial development in the County. ting and also participated impacts their development • The County entered into a 380 agreement in Preliminary Damage has on the community and with the State and the cities to receive 104 Assessments and Substantial to provide workforce hous- residential building rights known as Building Damage inspections of homes ing for their future employees Permit Allocation System units for an afford- within unincorporated (inclusionary housing). able housing project in the County. Monroe County. We coordi- • Secure supplemen- • During Irma, the Planning and nated with State and Federal tal funds for derelict vessel Environmental Resources Department drafted agencies on removing vessels removals, channel marker Special BOCC agenda items related to disaster. displaced by the storm. maintenance and the mobile They included: suspension to deadlines for • The department led the pump-out service. planning activities; suspension of permits for County’s effort to coordinate • Assist in securing funds clearing exotics; suspension of enforcement closely with the State, FEMA for hurricane housing recovery for removal of native trees for safety purposes; and the municipalities to efforts. suspension of ROGO expiration; approval of de- evaluate and identify sites for bris staging sites; approval of waiver of permit temporary housing and to de- fees for 180 days; and allowing travel trailers velop a longer-term housing for temporary housing. recovery strategy. State of the County 2017/18 39

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” —Henry Ford

STRATEGIC PLANNING Our current Strategic Plan is in Having a clear strategic canal restoration,” we know that Irma has added the process of being updated. direction enables all County new priorities to that list, including “recovery and Just as was the case with the divisions and departments to resiliency.” first plan created in 2006, the focus their actions, resources County spent much of 2017 and budgets in support of our In the early months of 2018, we will be seeking holding public meetings and Community’s shared vision of additional input from you, our citizens and busi- surveying our residents and its desired future. ness owners, to include these elements into our business owners to gather vision and plan. We know that there is a long road input on how they think We also recognize that ahead to rebuilding paradise; but we also know things are going and what Hurricane Irma has literally that together we will make it happen. they would like to see happen and figuratively changed the in the future. landscape of our community. Be sure to keep an eye on the new Strategic While the early priorities of Planning webpage for monthly surveys and op- This information will help your feedback were “traf- portunities to provide feedback and input at shape, under the guid- fic, affordable housing and www.monroecounty-fl.gov/strategicplanning. ance of our Board of County Commissioners, the priorities of the new five-year Strategic DID YOU KNOW? If you are an Plan. As the needs and priori- individual who would like ties of our community evolve, to share your thoughts on so does our Strategic Plan. Monroe County’s future direc- tion, or if you are a member In Monroe County, we believe of a community organiza- Director: that Strategic Planning is more tion who would like to have Kimberly Matthews than just a document. It is an Strategic Planning Direction Employees: 1 organizational culture that Kimberly Matthews attend 305.292.4540; keeps the Community’s and your meeting and discuss Commission’s priorities front your organization’s priorities, [email protected] and center of every decision. please contact her to schedule. www.monroecounty-fl.gov/strategicplanning 40 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

project: We are improving the eleva- SUSTAINABILITY tion data of the County’s roads and CLIMATE CHANGE & SEA LEVEL RISE facilities. Before the County can more accurately project the effects of sea level rise on the County’s roads and facilities, the County must first have accurate data on the exact elevation of all 300 miles of County roads and first-floor building elevations.

County-wide roads analysis: This project that identifies near-term roads subject to inundation risk, including nuisance flooding, will be solicited in early 2018. The elevation In the Florida Keys, some low-lying roads and areas now flood during King data from the mobile LiDAR work will Tides due to sea level rise. A revised Regional Climate Action be used in the conceptual engineer- Monroe County is ground zero for Plan was issued in November ing analysis phase of this project. experiencing the impacts of glob- 2017 and presented at the al climate change and sea level 2017 Climate Summit held in In 2017, we also began the process rise. Along the chain of islands December in Fort Lauderdale. For to adopt a PACE (Property Assessed that barely juts above the sea, the County, planning for climate Clean Energy) Program that pro- many streets already are flooding change and sea level rise must vides alternative options for fund- numerous times throughout the be integrated into all of our ing of projects that increase energy year from extreme fall tides. decision-making for a cohesive effectiveness or wind insurance. response. Homeowners can receive funds, Habitat for wildlife that once was based on specific parameters, and high and dry continues to be In 2017, we began the Year 1 pay back the funds through their encroached with seawater. Rising projects listed in the GreenKeys property taxes after the project is seas already have begun to affect Sustainability Action Plan, which completed. some roads and other County is available to review at the web- infrastructure, as well as some site: www.GreenKeys.info. The We continued our climate modeling homes and businesses – and will larger projects include: research to better characterize dam- continue to do so into the future. age assessments from sea level rise. Mobile LiDAR data elevation Over the past seven years, Monroe In 2017, we budgeted for the design County has taken a leading role in of our first two pilot road elevation the regional effort to combat cli- demonstration communities, one in mate change and adapt to rising the upper Keys and one in the Lower seas. We continued our regional Keys. Progress was slightly delayed coordination and activities with due to Hurricane Irma. Design will the four-county Southeast Florida be completed in 2018 and construc- Budget: $2.1 Million Climate Compact. tion will be completed in 2019. Employee: 1

Director: Rhonda Haag 305.453.8774

[email protected] www.GreenKeys.info State of the County 2017/18 41

SUSTAINABILITY CANAL RESTORATION In 2014, Monroe County embarked on a canal restoration program after a study showed that 311 of the 502 canals throughout the island chain did not meet the State’s minimum water quality criteria – and are a source of nutrients and other con- taminants to near shore waters.

The County has funded $7 million for 8 demonstration projects that used different methods for canal restoration. The purpose was to verify the applicability, feasibility, effectiveness and costs of the dif- ferent methods. State and federal grants have contributed more than $1 million to this program. The County is exploring a variety of methods to restore keys canals to improve water quality. In 2017, a 3-year demonstration canal monitoring program was In 2017, the County completed an hold for additional research on completed with funding through additional $3.5 million in canal res- the potential environmental risks a $300,000 U.S. Environmental toration projects, with preliminary of introducing microbes into canal Protection Agency grant to Florida indications showing improvement in waters. International University. The final water quality. The projects include: • The Eden Pines pumping project report details the effectiveness of on Big Pine Key underwent addi- the demonstration projects towards • An air curtain for Canal #290 on tional research for alternative resto- water quality improvements and Big Pine Key on Avenue I that was ration options. The results indicated other improvements such as sea- partially funded by DEP. a gravity injection well system may grass habitat. • A combination muck removal be an effective alternate to help and backfilling project for Canal #83 circulate water in the stagnant canal In September 2017, Hurricane Irma in Key Largo for $1.5 million. system. filled many of the Keys’ canals with • Backfilling for Canal #75 in Key debris Three of the County’s dem- Largo at Rock Harbor, for $1.2 mil- Results from a U.S. Environmental onstration projects in Big Pine Key lion. Construction is slated to begin Protection Agency grant – which were majorly impacted. in February 2018. provided funding to address data • A Canal Skimming program gaps and changes to the State’s DEP The Sustainability Office is work- slated to begin in early 2018 in dissolved oxygen methodology and ing with the State Department of Key Largo, with the potential to be criteria in the canal masterplan – Environmental Protection (DEP) extended to all of unincorporated showed a reduction in the number and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Monroe County. of “Poor” classified canals through- Commission (FWC) to clean the ca- • Augmented Aeration projects out the Keys. Based on this new in- nals of marine debris after the storm were selected as an option that formation, the County is re-ranking and enable work to continue with combines aeration with microbes and prioritizing canals for potential the canal restoration projects. to potentially remove organic muck restoration projects. at lower costs. The projects are on 42 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov EXTENSION SERVICE The University of Florida Institute Extension Services helped lobster- of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ men by quickly locating the traps Monroe County Extension Service is lost in Irma by organizing a rapid your front door to the experts and assessment of traps with fund- to research from across the state ing from NOAA- Sea Grant. Spotter and at the university. pilots flew planes the length of the Keys using the GPS-enabled camer- In the Keys, we provide timely as. The team found the lobster trap and relevant solutions to improve clusters in both the Atlantic Ocean your life. Extension is dedicated to and Gulf of Mexico then shared the bringing you current, science-based location with fishermen to aid in answers to all your questions —for recovering traps. free. We focus on horticulture, climate change, energy, small busi- 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS ness and water quality right here in • Monitored climate change your community. indicators and trends and analyzed potential impacts providing support UF- IFAS Monroe County Extension for the Climate Change Advisory conducts research and provides Committee as staff coordinator. education to the Keys community. • Developed the “Environmental Are you interested in science? We Purchase Policy and Program” for have several citizen science pro- adoption by the county in 2018. grams that can help you become a • Worked with the Monroe researcher for your community. Are County Sustainability Coordinator you interested in Natural Resources, to implement five actions adopted Gardening or Sustainability? We in the 5-Year Sustainability Action offer UF certification programs in Plan. the Keys. Our office is supported by • Partnered in a large-scale Monroe County (37%), UF (56%) sponge restoration project to re- and the state Department of store more than 15,000 sponges in Agriculture (7%). using an EPA grant of $379,945. We provide great programs, includ- • The Florida Keys Water Watch ing: Master Gardeners, Sustainable Program trained 355 citizens, stu- Floridians, Small Business and dents and teachers to collect water Florida Keys Water Watch, and quality data at 41 sites from Key the Florida Master Naturalist West to Key Largo and record 284 Program. Check out the Extension data points for Monroe County in Facebook to join a program at 2017. https://www.facebook.com/ MonroeCountyExtension. State of the County 2017/18 43

• Provided education on land- scape recovery from Hurricane Irma. More than 200 residents and county staff received train- ing on the issues of salty soil, salt tolerant plants and proper pruning techniques based on post-disaster recovery practices learned after . • Held and sponsored the Tropical Fruit Fiesta, which drew more than 2,000 people. We provided leadership and Master Gardener volunteers to manage the event. • Conducted business planning classes. Topics included business strategy, public data, legal struc- ture, marketing and benefit cost Teach the Monroe County analysis. Twenty-eight entrepre- • Sustainable Floridians Program. neurs learned entrepreneurship Expand the Florida Keys Water skills specific to their needs. • Watch Program, a volunteer-based • Established two bio-digesters water quality-monitoring program for to demonstrate an alternative en- local citizens and school groups. ergy technology to local businesses Teach the Florida Master Naturalist and public officials. Budget $278,700 • Program for local eco-guides, teachers, • Established a fishermen’s co- Employees: 5 (4 UF and 1 County) state park employees, and individuals. operative nonprofit organization to Partner to restore sponges in strengthen local industry resilience. Director: Alicia Betancourt • 305.292.4501 Florida Bay and hold public forums to educate citizens about the importance 2018 GOALS of sponge habitat. • Continue to monitor climate Betancourt-Alicia Educate residents about fertilizer change indicators, analyze po- @monroecounty-fl.gov • and pesticide usage and its effects on tential impacts and assist in the Keys nearshore waters. implementation of the Monroe www.monroe.ifas.ufl.edu Provide eight-week program County Climate Action Plan and • on Florida Keys Friendly Landscape other sustainability efforts. principles. • Support partnerships of or- Provide Florida Keys municipalities ganizations, agencies, businesses DID YOU KNOW? The University of • the state required Green Industries- and volunteers who wish to work Florida IFAS spent $539,000 in Best Management Practices landscaper toward the resolution of local direct funding in 2017 to manage certification. problems. Monroe County Extension office, • Increase business education and • Provide leadership in develop- which included agent salaries, efficiency by offering classes for small ing energy efficiency strategies for training and UF research and spe- businesses. county operations. cialists support. 44 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

AIRPORTS KEY WEST & MARATHON Monroe County owns and operates he airport commercial apron reconstruction project is approximately 50% com plete. two airports: Key West International This $9 million project is removing old asphalt pavement and installing 12 feet of concrete for air carrier aircraft parking that can better handle the weight of our larger and Florida Keys Marathon existing aircraft and improve apron drainage. International. Administration requirements dur- • Completed passenger experience On Sept. 10, 2017, both airports ing the Annual Safety & Security enhancements to the airport’s depar- were struck by Hurricane Irma, suf- Inspections. ture area, including new seating with fering significant impacts. Our small • The Monroe County Sheriff’s computer outlets, air conditioning but dedicated airport staff, with the office successfully initiated the upgrades and audio upgrades. assistance of the community, cleared Air Carrier Ramp Liaison program, • The airfield fence upgrade project runways and completed other tasks which is designed to assist airlines is 85% complete, with a new 10-foot that enabled both airports to open in the safe and orderly flow of pas- high chain link security fence and new to emergency aircraft operations by sengers to/from the terminal and signage in the north waterway portion noon on Monday, Sept. 11. parked aircraft on the ramp. of the airport’s perimeter. • The Key West Airport Fire • Successfully launched the start of Both airports are self-supporting Department responded to about Ground Transportation Networking com- Enterprise Funds using money gen- 150 calls: 12 aircraft incidents, 80 panies such as UBER, LYFT and Ride KW. erated by rates and charges levied emergency medical calls, 8 fuel • Applied for and received more than on airport tenants and users to spills and 37 wildlife related issues. $16 million in FAA and FDOT funding for fund the operation of each airport. • The Airport Master plan is ap- Fiscal Year 2017. No general revenue or taxpayer proximately 90 percent complete. property taxes are used. This document will help guide the KEY WEST 2018 GOALS airport in general planning and the • Complete Phase III construction At Key West in 2017, about implementation of its 5-, 10- and for the Customs and Border Protection 760,000 passengers flew in and 20-year airport planning goals, Facility. This overall project will pro- out of the airport on flights from thus providing direction for the vide CBP with a state-of-the-art facility Delta, American, United and Silver Airport’s future growth. that will allow CBP the ability to process Airways. Those carriers offer non- • The $10 million airport runway more passengers per hour, enhancing stop commercial service to nine reconstruction project started in our ability to promote and accommo- large hub airports. December 2017 and will provide date more international traffic. a mill and overlay of the airports • Begin design/construction on Key West Airport also handled aging single runway. The project Phase 2 of the Noise Insulation Program approximately 55,000 general also will take advantage of exist- phases to minimize noise intrusion into aviation aircraft operations and ing paved overrun area on the west approved residences around the airport. pumped more than 3 million gal- end to allow aircraft departing on • Complete the Airport Master Plan lons of aircraft fuel. Runway 9 to enjoy an additional study. 271 feet of available runway for • Complete the runway rehabilitation 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS takeoff only. project. – KEY WEST • Phase 2 of the airfield drainage • Complete the ramp re-construction • The airport was found to system project began in December project. be in full compliance with all and will provide increased storm • Continue working with local busi- Federal Aviation Administration water handling capacity for the ness leaders to secure additional air and Transportation Security airfield and general aviation areas. service in order to enhance competition, lower airfares and establish service to new markets. An Airforce C-170 at Marathon Airport a day after Irma hit, with supplies and support equipment.

AIRPORTS 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2018 GOALS - MARATHON - MARATHON • Continue to recover and KEY WEST & • Began an Environmental repair all airport facilities and Assessment in the Spring of assets MARATHON 2017. This study will address damaged by Hurricane The Florida Keys Marathon International any environmental issues cre- Irma. Airport finished its first full year as an inter- ated by the proposed shifting of • Complete the Airport’s national airport after the opening of the U.S. Runway 7-25 about 40 feet to Environmental Assessment. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) facility in the north of its present location. • Complete the Airport’s the spring of 2016. The CBP facility provides • Began the Airport’s Master Master Plan update. international passenger clearing services for Plan Update in the Spring of both aircraft and mariners arriving from for- 2017. Once complete, the new eign countries. Master Plan will outline airport’s responsible development over For the year 2017, approximately 270 aircraft ar- the next 15-20 years. riving from several countries (including 32 arrivals • Developed a long-term from Cuba) and numerous private boats cleared parking policy to increase air- customs at the facility. port revenue. • Completed an 11-hangar Employees: 20 The Marathon Airport continues to serve as a busy facility for the storage of private Budget: $8.4 Million general aviation Airport. In 2017, about 75,000 aircraft. takeoffs and landings were conducted at the Director: Donald DeGraw airport with a wide variety of aircraft. 305.809.5200

DeGraw-Donald@ DID YOU KNOW? monroecounty-fl.gov The largest aircraft to arrive at Marathon airport during the Hurricane Irma response was the C-17, flown in by the U.S. Air Force the day after the storm www.monroecounty-fl. struck. With a length of 174 feet and a wingspan of 170 feet, the C-17 is one gov/airports of the U.S. military’s largest transport aircraft. Though the airfield at MTH is compact and difficult for a large aircraft to taxi there was no problem — the C-17 can reverse to line up for takeoff. 46 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

SOCIAL SERVICES

Monroe County Social Services assists a diverse popula- tion with a number of long-standing programs. We are committed to offering basic and life-sustaining services to each citizen in need in Monroe County, regardless of his or her circumstances. In 2017, we had more than 3,000 office visits and more than 8,000 incoming calls from citizens inquiring about our wide variety of pro- grams and assistance.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Weatherization Assistance and maintains a constant wait This program provides financial relief from high-energy Program (WAP): list. At Bayshore Manor, we costs to prevent services disconnection for families This federal program as- also care for adult day guests. and individuals in crisis. Efforts are made to serve the sists Monroe County’s eligible Last year, these guests spent elderly, those with special needs, and families with very low-income families improve more than 5,000 hours at our young children. During federal fiscal year 2017 to date, the energy efficiency of their facility. Social Services has served 551 households countywide homes with repairs, renova- with more than $211,000 in grant funding. tion and installation of cost- Nutrition Services: saving energy measures. Through Social Services’ Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) home delivered meal and and Older Americans Act (OAA): During 2017, as a result of the congregate meal programs, Social Services provided nearly 21,500 hours of service partnership between Social our Nutrition Services allow to elderly and disabled citizens in Monroe County during Services and Monroe County clients to receive hot, healthy, 2017 via the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative and Older Housing Authority, we admin- nutritionally sound meals Americans Act with grant-funded programs. istered more than $525,000 on a daily basis. For clients in funding countywide to who are unable to leave their The services provided under this program include help 27 eligible homeown- home or are bedridden, our homemaking, personal care, in-home respite, facility- ers. These funds provide for meal delivery service also pro- based respite, chores, home improvement, and indi- home repair, renovation and vides them with a daily check vidual and group caregiver training. If our homebound installation of cost-saving on their well-being. seniors did not receive these services from us, they energy measures that can would be prematurely institutionalized and gone from reduce energy bills by 20 to Our four nutrition sites in Key our community. With our help, they are able to contin- 30 percent. West, Big Pine Key, Marathon ue to live in their homes, near their family and friends. and Plantation Key provide a Bayshore Manor variety of activities to promote Assisted Living Facility: health and wellness, social- Bayshore Manor, Monroe ization and personal enjoy- County’s 16-bed Assisted ment. In 2017, we delivered Living Facility, provides 2,544 hot meals and 24,000 residents and adult day frozen meals. care guests with quality and compassionate care, while As a result of Hurricane Irma, enhancing quality of life, pre- our Big Pine Key Meal Site was serving dignity, and meeting damaged and temporarily health, social and emotional closed for repairs. However, needs. As the only Assisted meals were still provided to Living Facility in Monroe all of our clients on Big Pine County, Bayshore Manor Key via our Nutrition and remains at maximum capacity Transportation staff. State of the County 2017/18 47

Monroe County Transportation: • Monroe County Transportation (MCT) provides door-to-door para transit service for any transpor- tation-disadvantaged resident of Monroe County. In 2017, we pro- vided more than 20,000 one-way trips, which ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are able to go to the doctor, grocery store, phar- macy and other necessary locations while maintaining a high degree of independence. • MCT also maintains the Special Needs Registry for Monroe County residents who have been identi- fied as having a special medical or transportation need. We transport these individuals who require assistance during evacuations. Hurricane Irma presented unique challenges during the evacuation due to such a high number of in- dividuals wishing to be registered and evacuated at the last minute. • For more information about the Special Needs Registry or to register yourself, call 305-292- 4591 or go to www.monroecoun- ty-fl.gov/specialneedsregistry. Indigent and Pauper Cremations: Social Services handled more than 70 indigent and GOALS: pauper cremations for Monroe County. We work with • During 2018, one of our Social the Medical Examiner, law enforcement and the local Services Bayshore Manor’s goals is funeral homes to ensure that all deceased individuals to add at least two annual so- are identified properly. cial activities or field trips to the residents’ schedules during the We exhaust all avenues to locate family members or Budget: $5.2 million year. The outings are usually spon- (which includes $1.4 loved ones. If no one is available to take financial sored by vendors or businesses in million in grants). responsibility, Social Services handles the final arrange- our community. ments and inters the cremated remains in a County- • In 2018, one of Social Services Senior Director: owned vault at the Key West Cemetery in perpetuity. Nutrition Program’s goals is to Sheryl Graham Each year we co-host a memorial service with the increase the number of hot meals Employees: 46 Florida Keys Outreach Coalition at the cemetery for those our homebound elderly citizens re- who passed away during the year to ensure they are laid ceive by a minimum of 10% during 305.292.4510 to rest with dignity, honor and respect. the year. Graham-Sheryl@ monroecounty-fl.gov www.monroecounty-fl. gov/socialservices 48 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

The Monroe County Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans VETERANS AFFAIRS services in accordance with Laws Rules and Regulations Florida Statute 292.11 and by the Florida Department of 38 C.F.R. from offices in Veterans Affairs. Key West, Marathon and Key Largo. 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Assisted veterans in The Department provides • receiving retroactive pay- technical assistance, ments of $2.4 million, with obtaining VA benefits for an increase to $57.7 million more than 9,500 Florida per year in overall VA expen- Keys veterans, as well as ditures in Monroe County. another 2,000 “snowbird” Assisted 7,035 veterans veterans, military retirees, • seeking assistance through active duty personnel and office visits: 10,346 by phone their families. and 108 field visits.

Added 572 new clients These benefits include • and made 357 referrals to on VA health care and 2018 GOALS monetary compensa- other federal, state or local future initiatives. Continue to monitor tion for service-related • agencies for assistance. Continued an open changes in veteran demo- disabilities, non-service • Received 3,999 calls for dialogue with the offices graphics within the County connected pensions, burial • transportation and trans- of U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, and make adjustments benefits, widow’s ben- ported 1,353 veterans to the FL 26th District and State when and where necessary efits, educational benefits, Miami VA hospital. Rep. Holly Raschein, 120th to ensure proper staff- VA home loans and VA Provided quarterly brief- District by providing up- ing is available to provide insurance claims. Non- • ings to Naval Air Station, to-date VA information required services. monetary benefits include Key West and the Joint and identifying areas of obtaining replacement Interagency Task Force for concern for the veterans of Military Medals and VA veterans, retirees and active the Florida Keys. Healthcare. duty personnel leaving the military. Provided Benefits We also assist veterans in VETERANS AFFAIRS Delivery at Discharge (BDD) for obtaining State of Florida OFFICES IN THE KEYS: SOC South personnel. benefits, including dis- • Provided numerous abled veterans license tags, Key Largo – Murray Nelson Budget: $668,000 briefings to organizations, property tax exemptions Government Center, Suite including Rotary Club, VFW, and educational ben- 218, 102050 Overseas Director: Gary E. Johnson American Legion and Moose efits – through the Florida Hwy., 305-453-8777 Employees: 10 Lodge on veteran’s benefits Department of Veterans and the overall veteran popu- Affairs. Marathon – 490 63rd St. 305.295.5150 or lation to include the homeless Ocean, 305-289-6009 305.453.8777 veterans. Our department’s person- Johnson-Gary • Coordinated and hosted nel, including admin- Key West – Harvey @monroecounty-fl.gov two “townhall” meetings istrative assistants, are Government Center, Suite throughout the Keys with trained in accordance with 204, 1200 Truman Avenue, www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ the Director of the Miami VA 38 CFR, Federal Veterans 305-295-5150. veteransaffairs Medical Center and his staff to provide updated information State of the County 2017/18 49

permanent homes for 62 children through family reunifications, adop- tions, permanent guardianships and age-out transitions.

In Monroe County, we had more than 271 children involved in our dependency system. They were served by 100 outstanding volun- teers, who selflessly gave their time and talents to help these vulnerable kids. This volunteer work includes investigation, report writing and testimony about a child’s current GUARDIAN AD LITEM situation and what has happened to the child. The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) The Guardian ad Litem Program Program, established into Florida advocates exclusively for the best The Guardian ad Litem takes a team law in 1980, mandates that every interests of the children. GAL’s slo- approach: One volunteer, One attor- abused, neglected or abandoned gan: “I am for the Child.” ney and One child advocate manag- child who enters the dependency In Monroe County, we have been er to achieve the highest standard of court system be provided with a able to accept all dependency cases, advocacy of the children we serve. Guardian Ad Litem. which has allowed us to represent 100 percent of the children involved More than 12,526 citizens statewide The program is a complex system of in these proceedings. have volunteered countless hours volunteers, attorneys, staff, training, to advocate for 37,135 children. support, technology and state agen- Through our volunteers, staff, at- Research shows that children who cies — with the simplest of missions: torneys and public-private commu- are represented by a volunteer “The best interest of the child is our nity partners, we worked to reach advocate are 50 percent less likely only interest.” to return to foster care, and those who do spend less time in foster While the Department of Children care. They have fewer placement and Families (DCF) and the Guardian changes when in care and do better ad Litem Program both work to in school. protect the safety and welfare of abused, abandoned and neglected I am for the child. Are you? You can children, the two entities serve dif- Budget: $210,000 make a difference in our community ferent purposes. The Department of by becoming a volunteer for the Children and Families is responsible Circuit Director: Alexsa Leto Guardian ad Litem program. Being for assessing risk and providing Employees: 11 (2 county, 9 state) a volunteer is a rewarding op- direct services to families, which is portunity because of the difference done through community-based 305-292-3485 you make in a child’s life. If you are care agencies. Leto-Alexsa interested in volunteering please @monroecounty-fl.gov contact us at 305-292-3485.

www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ guardianadlitem 50 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

The Public Information materials and the video of Office’s primary respon- the BOCC’s discussion on a sibility is to provide in- PUBLIC particular item from one formation about the ac- location. tions, policies and public INFORMATION meetings of Monroe For Hurricane Irma, the County’s Board of County Public Information Office Commissioners and the led the public information County’s 21 depart- efforts for Monroe County ments to the media and Emergency Management be- the public. This includes fore the storm hit and dur- serving as the primary ing the immediate response. public information of- Now, the office is leading ficer for Monroe County’s the public information Key West International efforts regarding the long- Airport, Monroe County term recovery efforts that Emergency Management will continues for months and Monroe County Fire and even years. Rescue. During the response, the The best source for pub- Public Information Office: done via MCTV, operated by are handled by the County lic information about Helped create a Information Technology (see Attorney’s Office. Call • Monroe County is on Keysrecovery.org website page 51). 305-292-3470. Monroe County’s web- that provided informa- The Public Information Office site: www.monroecoun- tion from all responding creates this annual State of The County Attorney’s Office ty-fl.gov. This office led agencies. the County report, which also prepares and publishes the first redesign of the Answered more than details the previous year’s the agenda for every BOCC • website in years, mak- 3,000 questions and infor- accomplishments and out- meeting using the state-of- ing it more functional mation requests from the lines goals for the upcoming the-art Minutraq software and informational for media, the public, respond- year. It can be found digi- system. This product allows the community. ing agencies and staff of tally on the County website’s residents to view agenda elected state and federal of- homepage. The report also Communication with ficials via emails, texts and is available in hard copy the public also is done phone calls at various County govern- in many other ways, Wrote about 250 press ment buildings and libraries • including: news releases releases, which were also throughout the Keys. that are used by local used for social media posts newspapers and radio and website posts The public information office stations, public meet- Worked with FEMA per- also creates County presen- • ings and posts on social sonnel to provide informa- tations and helps facilitate media. Our accounts Public Information Officer: tion about their programs access to government of- include Monroe County Cammy Clark and aid locations to the ficials and staff members for BOCC (Facebook), @ Employees: 1 public and media. the media. MonroeCounty (Twitter) 305.742.9687 • Helped coordinate VIP and we have implement- visits from Governor Scott, Freedom of information ed an Instagram account Clark-Cammy@ U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and requests made under Florida that will be used more in monroecounty-fl.gov Marco Rubio, FEMA Director Public Records’ laws for 2018. Brock Long and others to Monroe County government www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ the Emergency Operations Communication also is publicinformation Center. State of the County 2017/18 51

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Worked with Comcast • Significantly optimized and AT&T to optimize Monroe our server environment — County video stream output reduced overall server count and enable the highest qual- from 120 to 78, upgraded ity MCTV broadcast resolution/ all servers to Windows Server sound possible. 2012R2, implemented au- • Implemented, config- tomated Microsoft patching ured and rolled out Office and deployed an enterprise 365 to senior management INFORMATION backup solution supporting and Emergency Management the entire server environ- – continuing to roll out to TECHNOLOGY ment. This improved stability all employees through early and data integrity, greatly en- 2018. Office 365 provides Information Technology (IT) network for both internal and hanced security and lowered us with the highest level of provides efficient, reliable public use, phone the maintenance costs. availability for critical mes- and cost-effective technol- services, firewalls and • Upgraded County vid- saging, especially during ogy services. We strive to be our Miami Data Center eoconferencing capabilities disaster situations. innovative and resourceful Infrastructure. Additionally, through the purchase, imple- • Performed multiple to support the IT needs of this role manages a pri- mentation and roll-out of significant updates to the Monroe County. vate network that fa- Zoom videoconferencing. This network supporting Monroe cilitates secure collaboration prevents staff from having to County from a hardware, The Service Desk manages the among the Board of County travel to meetings throughout software and configuration Exchange/Office 365 messag- Commissioners and sev- the Keys, saving time and perspective. ing environment as well as eral other local government money. multiple enterprise applica- entities. • Replaced more than 50 2018 GOALS tions. It also provides support obsolete computers with new • Implement the Mitel VOIP for end users and manages Information Technology oper- machines running Windows phone system with approxi- the desktops, notebooks and ates Monroe County TV, the 10 and Office 2016 to pro- mately 1,500 desk phones other devices used by County in-house television station vide the most productive deployed from Ocean Reef to employees. that broadcasts on Comcast work equipment to County Key West. channel 76 and AT&T U-verse employees. • Extend Monroe County’s The Server Administrator role channel 99. We also man- satellite capabilities to sig- supports the 78 physical and age the technical aspects of nificantly improve our ability virtual servers in our environ- Monroe County’s websites. to communicate in disaster/ ment. This includes manag- emergency situations across ing operating systems, the We also work with the multiple locations. applications that run on them Planning and Environmental • Continue to roll out Office and the storage they require. Resources Department to 365 and enable enhanced In addition, it manages manage Monroe County’s Budget: $2.7 million functionality as appropriate. the enterprise backup and Geographic Information Employees: 16 • Upgrade obsolete MCTV recovery processes required System (GIS), which enables broadcast equipment in Key to safeguard Monroe County’s us to display geographic data Director: Alan MacEachern Largo and Key West to enable data. in an intuitive manner on the 305.453.8792 enhanced remote manage- county website and through ment capabilities and improve The Network Analyst role the County’s mobile app. MacEachern-Alan@ our ability to record and supports our external con- monroecounty-fl.gov broadcast meetings. nectivity, internal network and connectivity to more than www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ 40 locations, the wireless informationtechnology 52 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov The Sexton Cove Road Project.

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS – ENGINEERING SERVICES • Completed construction of two roadway and drain- age improvement projects, all with sea level rise adapta- tion included: Lake Surprise Estates Roadway and Drainage Improvements and Sexton Cove Estates Roadway and Drainage Improvements (both in Key Largo). • Engineering design and permitting was completed and construction began on the Stock Island I and Key Largo I Roadway and Drainage Improvement projects. ENGINEERING • Roadway and Drainage Improvement Program SERVICES & ROADS continued with engineer- The Engineering Services Staff provides support to the ing design of the Stock Island and Roads Department is Planning Department through II and Key Largo II projects responsible for managing the Development Review nearing completion; construc- the engineering design, Committee process by review- Budget: $ 24.2 tion of both will begin in permitting and construction ing proposed development for million early 2018, and engineering of County roads, sidewalks, impacts to County roads. We design and permitting of the bike paths, bridges, culverts also review and provide com- Director: Judy Clarke 1st and Bertha Street project and storm water infrastruc- ments on road abandonment Employees: 32 beginning. ture improvement projects. requests. • Bridge Program contin- Clarke-Judith@ ued with completion of the We maintain 26 County The department oversees the monroecounty-fl.gov and the bridges and approximately Card Sound Toll Authority, Garrison Bight Bridge con- 312 miles of County roads which was responsible for op- www.monro- struction projects; Garrison and rights of way. We also erating the tollbooth on Card ecounty-fl.gov/ Bight achieved an early maintain County sidewalks Sound Road near the Miami- engineeringservices substantial completion date in and bike paths – and the Dade/Monroe County line that spite of suffering delays due U.S. 1 traffic signals and was demolished in December to Hurricane Irma. streetlights within unincor- to make way for a new All • Engineering design of the porated Monroe County. Electronic Tolling System. The Sugarloaf Boulevard Bridge Toll Authority also maintains Replacement continued Engineering Services reviews Card Sound Road, County Road and included an evaluation right-of-way permit appli- 905 and the rights of way. for additional sea level rise cations for work performed Budget: $ 24.2 million adaptation at the request of by residents and contractors Number of Employees: 32 residents. on county roads and rights Director: Judy Clarke • Pigeon Key Ramp of way; issues the permits; Clarke-Judith Restoration design is at 90%. and inspects the work to en- @monroecounty-fl.gov • Work on the sure it is done in accordance Bridges Cultural Resources with County standards. Assessment project included a State of the County 2017/18 53

public meeting that resulted • Obtained grant funding to • Performed 63 underground lo- in community consensus of a leverage local funds. This included: cates to check for utilities before some preferred design alternative, $5.1 million Small County Outreach types of work are done in rights of completion of the Section 106 Program (SCOP) funds from the Florida way pre- and post-Irma. Evaluation and Effects Case Department of Transportation for con- • Picked up 1,413 bags of trash Study Report and acceptance struction and construction, engineer- weighing 24,021 pounds and re- of both by SHPO and the ing and inspection phases of the Key moved 43 tons of coconuts pre-Irma Coast Guard. Work. A draft Largo II, Stock Island II and 1st and in Upper Keys. Memorandum of Agreement Bertha Streets Roadway and Drainage • Performed 108 feet of road between the county and SHPO Improvement Projects and $400,436 shoulder work using 797 pounds of is being prepared to facilitate of Transportation Alternatives Program material used in Upper Keys. repair/replacement of the four (TAP) grant funding from FDOT to • Removed 19 tons of seaweed arch bridges. design and construct a connection to from Harry Harris Park pre-Irma. • Card Sound Toll the Overseas Heritage Trail from the • Took over Card Sound mainte- Conversion is underway with Cudjoe Gardens community, begin- nance for C905 and Card Sound Road, contracts with Transcore for ning in FY 2019. and supervision of Card Sound road the electronic tolling sys- crew. tem design and installation. 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS – ROADS • Maintained Shared Use Path Contract also is in place with • Located all drainage structures along U.S. 1 and C905 Bike lane. Florida Turnpike Enterprise with GPS coordinates and added loca- • Cleared Hazel Street lot near for the ongoing “backroom” tions to the County GIS system. County line and removed 104 tons of operations and toll transac- • Cleared 5,953 feet of wood line at debris. tion processing services. And Marathon Airport. • Removed 52 tons of Illegal Halley Construction is set to do • Buzz-barred 402 miles, mowed dumping debris from 2nd Avenue in the design and construction of 2,785 miles and conducted 75 miles Key Largo. the toll and roadway infra- of weed eating on County rights of • Built and installed new Sheriff’s structure improvements. way; swept 731 miles of County roads. department sign for Facilities and • In conjunction with • Installed 522 new signs and MCSO in Tavernier. Sustainability Department, 111 new sign posts, before and after • Conducted Jet Ski Beach cleanup Engineering provided input Hurricane Irma. with MCSO. and support for the Sea Level Rise Pilot Project to evaluate alternatives for seal level rise adaptation on county roads The Card Sound Bridge Toll- and develop a technical ap- booth was demolished in 2017 proach and design criteria for to make way for a new All Electronic Tolling System. countywide SLR adaptation. • In support of the County’s efforts in the Community Rating System program, which provides discounts for policyholders in the National Flood Insurance Program, Engineering/Roads geolocated existing county drainage structures and provided con- struction details for inclusion in the County’s GIS system. This documents drainage maintenance practices for the CRS program. 54 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

• Removed a Cuban raft from shoreline in Key Largo. • Installed antennas at two fire stations for Key Largo Fire to change traffic signals from flash- ing yellow to red. • Hauled and spread 12 truck loads of rock at base camp • Cleaned all storm drains after the hurricane. Public Works remove • Cleared and collected hurricane debris off private roads throughout the County. hurricane debris from private roads • Conducted an inmate refresher training for work road crews 2.8%. It was also the highest • Begin engineering design assets: roadways, signs, • Conducted temporary amount of revenue collected and permitting of the 1st and drainage structures, etc., so road repair and barri- during a comparable period Bertha Streets Roadway and we can keep track of mainte- cade placements on Long since 2009. Drainage project with goal of nance and issue work orders Beach Road on Big Pine • Transitioned maintenance starting construction in early to crews). Key operations and personnel to 2019. • Initiate study and develop • Hauled 100 tons of Upper Keys Road Department • Complete engineering pavement maintenance and rock to West Martello for due to termination of manual design and permitting of the management program. repair work and hauled toll collection operations. Twin Lakes/Sands Subdivision Complete tasks for the and distributed 20 trucks Conducted manual toll collec- Sea Level Rise Pilot Program Drainage Maintenance sec- of sand at Higgs Beach in tion operations until August project and identify funds to tion of the Community Rating Key West following the 31, 2017, transitioned toll proceed with construction. System program to facilitate hurricane. collection staff to open posi- Begin construction of Pigeon maximization of awarded tions elsewhere in county Key Ramp Repair Project and points to the County. 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS system and managed reloca- Sugarloaf Boulevard Bridge • Implement “lessons – CARD SOUND TOLL tion of office operations in Replacement Project. learned” from Hurricane Irma AUTHORITY anticipation of toll structure • Construct the All Electronic debris operations to increase • Collected $1,075,237 demolition. Tolling (AET) system at Card department preparation for in tolls for 11 months Sound Road Toll. Finalize future events. prior to suspension 2018 GOALS - ENGINEERING equipment and operations of tolling operations SERVICES AND ROADS agreements with service in August, 2017. This • Complete construction providers and fully implement exceeded the compa- of Stock Island I, Key Largo I the new system. rable period in 2016 by and Key Largo II Roadway and • Continue to apply for and Drainage Improvement proj- obtain grant funds for various ects and initiate construction projects. of Stock Island II project. • Continue implementation of a GIS-based Roadway Asset Management and work order system (GIS-based software program stores all our road An aerial photo of the Cudjoe Regional State of the County 2017/18 55 Wastewater Treatment Plant.

WASTEWATER

Construction of the Long Key sewer system expansions to the East and West of Long Key was completed. WASTEWATER The County worked with state In 1999, with nearshore water In 2017, the collection and trans- and federal legislators to acquire quality deteriorating around the mission system was completed and grants and other funds for systems Keys, the State of Florida mandated available for connection for all but a throughout the Keys. The County’s that the entire island chain install few neighborhoods. In 2018, con- portion of the project is fully funded. advanced wastewater treatment struction on , Middle systems to eliminate the use of tens and Big will be com- The County also partnered with the of thousands of septic tanks, illegal pleted to close out the remainder Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority for cesspits and ineffective small treat- of the Cudjoe Regional Wastewater the County portions of the system. ment units. It has been a daunting construction. The County’s wastewater “depart- task for a small county spread over a ment” manages the flow of funds to series of 42 islands. In 2017, construction of a new $7.1 the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, million deep injection well was which built, operates and maintains The price tag has reached about $1 completed that disposes of treated the County’s systems. billion for the cost of the 12 major effluent 2,000 feet below the service areas systems and the indi- surface. It has been a long and expensive vidual hookups by homeowners and process, but the efforts to convert business owners. But now the finish Cudjoe Regional runs from Mile most of the county to central sewers line is in sight. Marker 17 on to was a necessity for the Keys marine Mile Marker 33 on Big Pine Key in ecosystem that is dependent on The final piece of the County’s unincorporated Monroe County. As clear water with low nutrient levels. wastewater master plan – as well as of December 2017, more than 65 Without the new water systems, its largest and most complex – was percent of the 7,500 homes and the water quality of the canals and the $196.5 million Cudjoe Regional business have been hooked up. This near-shore waters would have Wastewater System. The system’s is the last major area to hook up in continued to degrade and threaten treatment plant began operations in the Keys. tourism, our economy, the fragile October 2015. environment and the Keys way of life. 56 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & FACILITIES Project Management and Facilities contracts and builds all new public facilities for Monroe County. We currently have 109 projects on our worklist with a total construction budget of $56.9 million.

Artist rendition of new Cudjoe Key Fire Station.

These projects include a new Plantation Key Courthouse and Detention Center, a new Marathon Library and Adult Education Center, a new Cudjoe Key Fire Station and a complete renovation of Bernstein Park on Stock Island. Budget: $56.9 million Budget: $11.3 million (projects) (facilities); Not included in this list are the numerous sites damaged by Employees: 82 Employees: 82 Hurricane Irma. Those sites are being grouped into projects as defined by FEMA’s 406 Public Assistance Program. Project Management Facilities Project Management and Facilities also is responsible for Interim Director: Interim Director: maintaining and repairing more than 100 County buildings Cary Knight Wiliam DeSantis with more than one million square feet of space, as well 305.292.4527 305.292.4534 as leased buildings throughout the Keys. These include our public facilities and offices, correctional facilities, historic Knight-Cary Desantis-William properties, museums, parks, beaches and boat ramps. @monroecounty-fl.gov @monroecounty-fl.gov We test air quality, as well as certify and maintain alarm systems and elevators. www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ projectmanagement facilities State of the County 2017/18 57

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2018 GOALS: • Finished design of the Big Pine and Reynolds • Finish major renovation project at Bernstein Park. Street Pier vistas. Advertised and selected Construction, • Finish 6f conversion of use process for Higgs Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services. Beach Park. We previously accepted a Land & Water • Finished design of the Big Pine Swimming Hole Vista Conservation Fund Grant, which sets aside this land for the Heritage Trail Project. as outdoor recreation park space in perpetuity. The • Finished construction on the Crawl Key fire training conversion is swapping park ground for roadway and classroom facility. vice versa to provide a better park layout as part of the • Finished repairs on the East Martello Museum in Key master plan. We also will be preparing for 2019 con- West and added Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) struction of the road relocation and master plan. access. • Finish Higgs Beach sand replenishing review and • Finished design of Marathon Library, Cudjoe Key Fire permitting by the Florida Department of Environmental Station and relocation of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers by mid- evidence storage room. summer 2018 and prepare for construction. • Began construction of the new Sheriff’s Office evi- • Begin construction of the Marathon Library and dence storage room. Adult Education Center and the Cudjoe Key Fire Station. • Finished structural assessment of the Harvey • Begin the Meal Site renovation/relocation on Government Center. Plantation Key Courthouse site to the 1936 Historic • Hired construction management firm (CMAR) to Tavernier School property. review and consult on the Plantation Key Courthouse • Relocate Social Services from the Spottswood program. Building on Plantation Key Courthouse site to the 1936 • Finished design of the Plantation Key Courthouse Historic Tavernier School property. sewer abandonment and cutover project. • Finish construction documents for the Plantation • For Fire Alarm Systems, developed new monitor- Key Courthouse and prepare for 2019 construction. ing guidelines; advertised Request for Proposals (RFP) • Finish construction of the Sheriff’s Office evidence for new systems monitoring; and hired contractor for storage room on Stock Island. upgrades and ongoing maintenance contract to these • Begin and complete construction of the Big Pine new systems. and Reynolds Street piers. • Completed site identification of all County buildings • Finish Design of the new mechanical building for damaged by Irma as a part of the 406 Public Assistance Jackson Square and prepare for construction. Program. • Finish master design and construction documents • Revised Local Mitigation Strategies (LMS) 404 for the bathroom facility for Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Hazardous Mitigation Grant list (HMGP). This is the list Key Largo. of identified projects that would qualify for hardening • Make repairs to the Big Coppitt Boat Ramp and “mitigation” grants at a 75/25 cost share. additional repairs to Harry Harris Park boat ramp in Tavernier.

Bernstein Park’s renovation was almost complete when Hurricane Irma struck and caused damage that needed significant repairs before opening. 58 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

ONE-CENT SALES SURTAX FOR THE KEYS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

In 1989, Monroe County continue land acquisition For Fiscal Year 2017, the penny surtax gener- citizens passed the first “in- efforts, and fund other county ated about $36.7 million of which about 60 frastructure tax,” a one-cent infrastructure projects that percent is paid by tourists and day visitors. addition to the sales tax – for improve residents’ quality of The ability to fund major capital projects with a period of 15 years. It origi- life and restore or preserve sales tax revenues significantly lowers the nally was earmarked to pay the county’s natural resourc- property tax burden of our residents. for construction of the Monroe es. At the time, the Keys, the The funds are distributed among the County County Detention Center on state of Florida and the entire and five municipalities using a revenue-shar- Stock Island, a much-needed country were just starting ing formula mandated by statute. The County facility to replace the over- to recover from a national received $21.5 million (60 percent) and the crowded jail in Key West. economic downturn, and the rest was divided among the five municipali- At the time, the county was Keys were still tens of millions ties: Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key under federal court order short of funding its sewer Colony Beach and Layton. to solve the overcrowding mandate. problem. Last fiscal year, the County made good use of Since 2012, the Keys economy its surtax funds – spending $24.6 million to In 2012, the one-cent “in- has improved and funds from follow its Capital Projects Plan, a multi-year frastructure sales surtax” was state and federal sources to blueprint. Projects using this funding includ- extended to 2033 with the help with the sewer projects ed: parks, wastewater, canal restoration and approval of 68 percent of the have materialized. With the road repairs. voters of Monroe County. The help of the surtax, which purpose of this extension was generated more than $100 For fiscal year 2018, the County is estimating to fully fund the remaining million to complete several conservatively that the surtax tax will raise state-mandated central sewer wastewater systems through- about $19.5 million for the County’s share of and storm water treatment out the island chain, the the fund. upgrades; repair deteriorat- County’s sewer obligations are ing county roads and bridges; now fully funded. State of the County 2017/18 59

COUNTY BOAT RAMPS Unincorporated Monroe County has seven boat ramps that are now available for the public to use. All are free to County residents. Check the County website for more information. • Sunset Point Park, Mile Marker 95.2 Bayside, Sunset Court, Key Largo

• Koehn Avenue Boat Ramp, Mile Marker 30.8 Bayside, Big Pine Key

• Eden Pines Boat Ramp, Mile Marker 30.8 Bayside, Big Pine Key

• State Road 4A Boat Ramp, Mile Marker 28.5 Bayside,

• Blimp Road Boat Ramp, Mile Marker 21.2 Bayside, Cudjoe Key

• Geiger Boat Launch, next door to Geiger Marina,

• Barcelona Boat Ramp, Mile Marker 9.3, Big Coppitt Key

Monroe County’s boat ramp at Harry Harris Park, Mile Marker 92.5 Oceanside in Tavernier was closed following damage caused by Hurricane Irma. The boat ramp will be reopened as soon as possible in 2018. 60 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

COUNTY PARKS & BEACHES Unincorporated Monroe County maintains 22 needed to be used as temporary hurricane parks and beaches, covering more than 100 debris management sites. The County knows acres that showcase the beauty and culture how important parks and beaches are to our of the island chain. residents and has worked as quickly as pos- sible with the resources available to repair Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma wreaked the damage and make them available again havoc on most of them – and a few were for the community to enjoy.

UPPER AND MIDDLE KEYS

KEY LARGO Rowell’s Waterfront Park Burr Beach/Park This 8-acre park along the Bay This is a vacant, sandy beach located Friendship Park opened as a passive park in 2016. at the end of Beach Road. Visitors This 3-acre park has a playground, The County was working on a scenic can relax on the beach and access baseball diamond, basketball overlook and other plans to reno- the water. Location: End of Beach courts and shaded structures. , vate the land into a more active park Road. Location: 69 Hibiscus Drive when Hurricane Irma struck. This park was turned into a temporary Harry Harris Largo Community Park & Pool management site for land hurri- The 21-acre park along the ocean This sprawling, 14-acre park fea- cane debris. That operation ended was heavily damaged during Irma tures playing fields and a fitness in December and in January it was and remained closed to the public course. It also has courts and sur- turned into a temporary manage- through the end of 2017. It tem- faces for tennis, soccer, baseball, ment site for marine hurricane porarily served as a staging site for volleyball, basketball, handball debris. Location: 104.5 mile marker damaged vessels that were re- and skateboarding. The Jacobs on U.S. 1. moved from the waters by Unified Aquatic Center is located on the Command. The park normally edge of the park (admission fees Sunset Point Park features a boat ramp, pavilions, apply for pool). The County runs the This nearly 3-acre park features a barbeque grills, picnic tables, a play- park in partnership with the YMCA. boat ramp, offering kayakers and ca- ground, a basketball court and base- Location: 500 St. Croix Place. noers access to surrounding waters. ball fields, with a protected beach Location: 20 Sunset Drive. and swimming area. Work began in Murray E. Nelson Government 2017 to restore the park and reopen Center Park Sunset Point Park 2 it to the public as quickly as possible. This park is a bit hidden at the Location: Corner of North Bay Harbor Location: end of East Beach Road back of the government center, & Sunset Road with a fabulous view of the Bay. It features five pavilions, restrooms TAVERNIER and picnic tables. It is accessible for Veterans Memorial Park small boats and kayaks and canoes Old Settlers Park Hurricane Irma decimated this small can be launched here. Location: This historic location has been park along the ocean, eroding the 102050 Overseas Highway. transformed into a small park with sandy beach and destroying the pic- a pavilion, picnic table, walking trail nic area and restrooms. It is closed and playground. Benches scatter the indefinitely. Location: west end of park to provide visitors with a place the , Mile Marker to enjoy the scenic ocean views. Pets 40 of U.S. 1. are allowed: Location: Mile Marker 92.5 of U.S. 1, oceanside State of the County 2017/18 61

LOWER KEYS

BIG PINE STOCK ISLAND

Blue Heron Park Ramrod Park Bernstein Park Due to Hurricane Irma, only the The park is vacant and sandy. The park was about to reopen in pickle ball courts are open as of Visitors can enjoy walking or relax- the fall of 2017 after a one-year January 2018. The County is work- ing on the sand while watching major renovation project to raise all ing to restore its features, which the sunset. Location: corner of Bay the ballfields, build a new com- included a community building Shore Drive and Pruitt Drive. munity center and construct a new with restrooms, three tiki pavilions playground and other amenities. with 6 barbeque grills, a basketball SADDLEBUNCH KEY But Hurricane Irma caused damage court and a volleyball court. It also and has delayed the opening until was equipped with a foosball table, Bay Point Park 2018. Location: corner of 5th Street ping pong tables and tetherballs. The park behind Baby’s Coffee at and 5th Avenue. Location: Intersection of Wilder mile marker 15 features benches, Road and Lytton Way. picnic tables and barbeque pits. KEY WEST There is a sand volleyball court, a Watson Field Park and basketball court, a tennis court and a Higgs Beach Big Pine Dog Park bocce court. It also has a sandy play- The park along the ocean offers This park serves as a dog park and ground with swing sets and a jungle swimming, snorkeling, beach vol- has a grassy playing field. There is a gym, a large grassy field and a soccer leyball, tennis courts and pickle ball baseball field, sandy volleyball court net. Location: 6 West Circle Drive courts. It includes a dog park and and two tennis courts. Location: Astro City, a large sandy playground 30150 South Street. GEIGER KEY with barbeque pits, a volleyball court and picnic tables. The County Palm Villa Park Boca Chica Beach is working on a project to renovate This small park has a picnic table This relatively secluded beach is a the park, which includes relocating and playground. Location: End of great spot to see a multitude of sea Atlantic Boulevard to make a larger Palm Avenue and Wilder. life. Location: 354 Boca Chica Road beach area. Location: 1040 Atlantic Blvd. Big Pine Key Community Park BIG COPPITT KEY This 10-acre park was hit hard by Key West Pines Park Hurricane Irma. It served as a FEMA Big Coppitt Volunteer Fire This picnic area under Australian Disaster Recovery Center during the Department Park Pines is a good place to watch recovery. Work began in December The park includes a basketball court, planes take off from Key West to repair the park, which has a roller hockey rink, bocce courts, International Airport or the beauti- roller hockey rink, basketball court, horseshoe pits and a handball ful sunrises over the water. Pets handball courts, baseball field, court. It also has six tables and are allowed if owners pick up tennis courts, bocce courts, shuffle- benches. Location: 280 Avenue F after them. Location: 3501 South board courts and pickleball courts. Roosevelt Blvd. A fitness trail has views of the bay. Wilhelmina Harvey Park There also is a playground, skate The family friendly park has a jungle park and community center, which gym, swing set and picnic area with can be used for meetings and par- a open grassy area and small walk- ties. Address: 31009 Atlantis Road, ing trail. Dogs love the gated park. at the end of Sands Road. Location: 373 Avenue F The Key West Courthouse 62 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov and Jail in 1908.

COUNTY HISTORIC PROPERTIES & MUSEUMS

Monroe County owns and maintains Key had a post office, commissary The East and West Martello multiple historic properties, four of and one-room school while the Civil War Forts which have been developed into bridge was being built from 1908 to In 1822, the U.S. Navy surveyed sites museums: Pigeon Key, a small island 1912. to determine where would be good two miles offshore of Marathon, the places for a fort whose guns could Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s When a hurricane destroyed the command the harbor in Key West. In Quarters, and the East and West railway in 1925, Pigeon Key became 1836, U.S. Army Col. Joseph Gilmore Martello Civil War Forts in Key West. the headquarters for the Florida Totten and Col. Simon Bernard, a In Key West, other historic properties Road and Toll Bridge District. Starting French military engineer, drew up maintained by the County include in 1968, the island served for 20 plans for a set of nine forts. The high the 1890 Courthouse, the 1916 years as an environmental field cost led to revising the plan to one Gato Cigar Factory, the 1914 Truman station for international research- large fort (Fort Zachary Taylor) and School now serving the public as ers studying tropical marine and two advanced batteries: East and the Harvey Government Center and island ecologies with the University West Martello Towers. the 1892 Key West Jail. The County of Miami. In 1993, the Pigeon Key also maintains the 1936 Tavernier Foundation assumed stewardship It was not until the mid-1860s School. and began restoration efforts to turn that work began on the towers it into a museum. along what is now South Roosevelt Pigeon Key Boulevard. They were never armed While Henry Flagler was building the In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused and involved in battle. In 1898, the Oversea Railway to Key West in the substantial damage to the West Tower was used during the early 1900s, more than 400 work- 1912 Commissary and the 1940 Spanish American War for quartering ers lived in the railroad village on Honeymoon Cottage, knocking both troops, storage, signaling and as a Pigeon Key, located in the path of structures off their foundations. lookout. In 1914-44, it was used for the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Pigeon Both buildings have been deemed radio stations and an anti-aircraft repairable and will be fully restored battery on the beach. At the end of in 2018. World War II, the troops departed. State of the County 2017/18 63

In 1947, the Army-owned Key West Lighthouse and In 2018, the entrance will be renovated, towers became the property of Keepers’ Quarters Museum HVAC systems will be updated and the Monroe County. The West Tower After the first Key West Lighthouse foundation of the Keepers’ Quarters will had become an eyesore to the was destroyed in an 1846 hur- be restored. Future plans include res- shoreline and there was pressure ricane, a new lighthouse was toration of the Oil House into exhibition in 1949 to demolish it and put in completed in 1848. It stood 50 space, which will display the manner in a new beach area. Rep. Joe Allen feet tall with 13 lamps in 21-inch which the lighthouse was fueled. convinced the County Commission reflectors. The growth of trees to stop the demolition. The Key and taller buildings in Key West 1892/1910 Jail in Key West West Garden Club entered into a began to obscure the light, so in The 1892 jail had been specifically land-lease agreement with the 1894 the tower was raised 20 designed to mimic the Monroe County County. In 1976, the West Tower feet, placing the light about 100 Courthouse, built just two years ear- was declared a National Historic feet above sea level. lier. Both the jail and courthouse were Site by the State of Florida and is considered impressive civic accomplish- now listed in the National Register The Coast Guard decommis- ments, and symbols of Monroe County’s of Historic Places. sioned the Key West Lighthouse position as the most populous city in in 1969. It was turned over to Florida at that time. Both were also built Under the guidance of Allen, the Monroe County, which in turn using red brick, although the front of the Key West Art & Historical Society leases it to the Key West Arts & jail was later covered in stucco. restored the East Tower and Historical Society that operates it opened the Fort East Martello as a museum. On display is the The 1892 jail was the fifth jail built at the Museum & Gardens in 1950 as first order Fresnel lens from the Historic Jackson Square made from red the first museum of the Florida Sombrero Key Lighthouse. In 2016 brick. The first jail was built in 1828 and Keys. In 1972, it was added to a $1 million dollar renovation was replaced in 1835. This process repeated the U.S. National Register of completed that repaired the slate itself in 1845, 1880 and 1892. In 1907, Historic Places. The museum now roof, adding an ADA access to the a 10-foot high concrete rear wall was houses works by Cuban folk art- Keeper’s Quarters, and new paint built around the jail and in 1910 the jail ist Mario Sanchez, and Robert for the entire site. was expanded to increase capacity with a the Doll, a supposedly haunted two-story concrete cell block. doll belonging to the late artist Robert Eugene Otto. The County is In 1952, the front of the old jail was now renovating the facility with demolished and replaced with a new jail funding from the Monroe County and office for the Monroe County Sheriff. Tourist Development Council. In 1965, the sheriff’s office was replaced with a courthouse annex. This annex was The East fort had minimal damage subsequently expanded in the 1980s. from hurricane Irma, but the West At that time, the north section of the fort suffered some structural and 1907 wall was removed. Today, only the vegetative damage, including the most rear portion of the 1892 building loss of big trees. remains, including the entire 1910 addi- tion and the 1910 cell block. In 2018 both the East and West Martello will have historic brick In 2017, Monroe County commissioned restoration work done. The East a full historical structure report which Martello will also receive drain- will be the basis for a $500,000 Historic age upgrades, road and parking Preservation Grant in 2018. If awarded, repairs, and new roofing. grant funding would become available in 2019 with work starting that fall. Fleet Management’s 64 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov Craig Smith works on a generator.

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Crews at the three County garages completed a com- bined 2,837 work orders while performing preventa- tive maintenance, repairs and safety inspections. • Garage personnel pur- chased, distributed and billed for 148,000 gallons of gaso- line and diesel fuel. • Purchased and/or re- placed 37 outdated County vehicles. • Replaced fuel tank fill FLEET MANAGEMENT intake housings at Marathon fuel facilities. Fleet Management operates Crews prepped and opened all • Assisted Key West and manages three County three of its garages — in Key International Airport with garages that keep the County’s West, Marathon and Plantation purchase of new crash rescue approximately 800 cars, trucks, Key — on Monday morning, truck. generators and anything else just hours after the storm had with a motor humming. The passed. Two of Fleet’s mechan- 2018 GOALS fleet includes approximately ics rode out the storm at the • Improve quality of Fleet’s 250 units from the Sheriff’s Marathon garage. work order documentation BUDGET: $3 million Department and 67 emergency Fleet Management provided and update Fleet’s budget power generators. in-house and contract genera- and billing format. Director: Roy Sanchez tor mechanics to do emergency • Revise Fleet’s Policy and Employees: 16 It is no easy task to keep every- repairs, re-fueling and installa- Procedures Manual. 305.292.3572 thing running in normal times tion of portable generators. • Begin replacement of with the heat, humidity and outdated garage vehicle lifts. Sanchez-Roy@ salt air of the Florida Keys. But In normal times, Fleet • Perform pre-hurricane monroecounty-fl.gov Hurricane Irma provided Fleet Management provides fuel 24 season preparation and be Management with its biggest hours a day, 7 days a week — ready for storms by May 1, www.monroecounty- challenge in decades. even during electrical power 2018. fl.gov/fleet outages — at three fully auto- • Catch up with work order Fleet Management’s crews mated sites. The Monroe County backlog brought on by staff worked around-the-clock to School District also uses these shortages and the hurricane. provide fuel delivery for emer- fuel sites. And Fleet administers • Replace vehicles and gency generators, fuel facilities County vehicle/equipment re- equipment destroyed by hur- and fuel delivery tanker trucks. placement programs for about ricane floodwater. It also provided fuel for County 450 units. • Catch up with surplus ve- workers, the Sheriff’s Office hicle disposal backlog brought and out-of-County emergency on by staff shortages and the responders. hurricane. State of the County 2017/18 65

staff during inspections for a short time to assure accuracy until they reached the level of proficiency required. About xx such as- sessments were completed.

The Code Compliance staff did not return to their offices or usual operations for more than two months. The Special Magistrate hearings were cancelled due to limited staffing. CODE COMPLIANCE Hurricane Irma recovery continues with the department focusing on work with- The Code Compliance Department Upon completion, staff moved out permits and illegal land clearing. provides an equitable and effective into the second phase of Damage Inspectors have been assigned to address method of enforcement of building, Assessment: Placarding. Color-coded these complaints throughout the County. zoning, land development, envi- placards were put on homes that Inspectors will present the cases to the ronmental and other County codes were deemed majorly damaged Special Magistrate seeking highest penal- to ensure the health, safety and or destroyed resulting in unsafe ties allowed. welfare of the citizens of Monroe conditions. Again, code inspectors County. We establish working were paired with Building inspectors 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS partnerships with neighborhoods to assist in the process by driving • Code Compliance partnered with and outside agencies to assist with vehicles, taking photos and docu- the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Waste compliance. menting results. Management and the I Love Stock Island community group to complete a cleanup In 2017, the department opened The third and final stage of Damage on Stock Island prior to scheduled street 1,127 new cases; conducted 13,688 Assessment was Substantial Damage improvements. The cleanup addressed inspections; and presented 397 Assessment. Code inspectors trash, debris, abandoned vehicles and cases before the Special Magistrate participated in a three-day train- parking. between January and August. The ing provided by FEMA to become • The department purchased software numbers are lower than usual proficient at using the software and to improve research methods to enhance due to Hurricane Irma response. conducting these inspections. FEMA enforcement of illegal Vacation Rentals. However, collections of fines, costs personnel accompanied the county Additional staff was hired to use the soft- and after-the fact fees remained ware. It has resulted in increased efforts strong, resulting in $1,305,160.00. to bring a greater number of cases into compliance at a quicker pace, improving In September, following Hurricane the quality of life in neighborhoods. Irma, the Code Compliance de- partment was reassigned from 2018 GOALS the normal daily activities of Code • Continue efforts of enforcement of Compliance to conducting Damage Budget: $1.7 million mandatory sewer connections. Assessment inspections. • Work with the Building Official to Director: Cynthia J. McPherson abate unsafe structures. Code staff reported to the Murray Employees: 19 • Review staffing patterns, area as- E. Nelson Government Center each signments and case priorities to assure morning and were paired with other 305.289.2508 adequate and consistent coverage of inspectors to complete about 19,600 McPherson-Cynthia enforcement. initial windshield damage assess- @monroecounty-fl.gov ments, which document damage to structures and properties. www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ codecompliance 66 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

The Building Department pro- tects public health and safety, property and the environ- BUILDING ment by providing efficient, effective and considerate 6,409 4,454 5,843 11,705 14,043 16,665 19,703 21,042 22,579 permitting for construction 25k in accordance with Monroe 20k County Code and the Florida 15k Statutes. 10k The permitting also is consis- 5k tent with the Monroe County 0 Comprehensive Plan. We review plans and provide per- 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 mitting services for compli- Total number of plan reviews on applied permits by calendar year as of 12/27/2017 ance with the Florida Building Code, the Monroe County Code This year also brought a 2018 GOALS and all other life safety codes. substantial challenge to the • Assist community mem- Department in the wake of bers in permitting to build We also provide inspection Hurricane Irma. Given the back stronger, Code compli- services in accordance with widespread damage, staff ant structures, including the Building Code, coordi- were required to inspect each elevating structures that were nated administration and structure in unincorporated substantially damaged above enforcement of the County’s Monroe County for the level of Budget: $5.1 million the minimum flood elevation floodplain regulations and a damage to each structure. required, given the damage contractor licensing and test- Director: Rick Griffin that occurred in Hurricane ing program. 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Employees: 47 Irma. • Achieved Class 5 • Implement new software We coordinate unsafe struc- Community Rating System 305.289.2521 to provide notification to tures abatement with the score, providing a 25 percent Griffin-Rick@monro- permit applicants that their Code Compliance Department discount on National Flood ecounty-fl.gov permits are nearing expiration and the Office of the County Insurance Program premiums to allow them time to address Attorney. We provide staff to most policyholders in un- www.monroecounty- inspections needed, prior to support for the Contractors incorporated Monroe County, fl.gov/building expiring the permits. Examining Board and the resulting in a $5.1 million • Issuance of a Request for Board of Adjustment and annual savings for the 15,000 Proposals for a consultant to Appeals. citizens who have flood insur- identify new permit software ance. The average savings per that will include electronic Our services have grown over policy is $350 annually. plan review. the past several years. The to- • Performed County-wide tal number of plan reviews on damage assessments post applied permits has increased Hurricane Irma. DID YOU KNOW? When deciding on a contractor for your steadily the past eight years. next job please know only licensed contractors have In 2010, we conduced 4,454 the ability to pull permits and are insured. Proof of plan review on applied per- permits can be essential when purchasing, refinanc- mits. In 2017, that number ing, or selling your property; and after natural disasters was 22,579. (See Chart) involving insurance claims. State of the County 2017/18 67 PERMITTING

Hurricane Irma pre- The Board of County There are certain residential sented many permitting Commissioners, in an ef- exceptions for several of these challenges. Two weeks fort to provide the citizens categories. Please contact the after the storm struck of the County with the best County Building Department and electricity and water possible services in the most with specific questions. We was restored to much of cost effective and reasonable have four offices throughout the County, the Building manner, enacted a 180-day the County: Department reopened temporary suspension of for emergency permitting building permit application services. fees associated with 22 types of emergency permits, from Marathon: Following the State of Sept. 25, 2017 through March Marathon Government Center Local Emergency declared 24, 2018. 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 330 by the County Mayor, Marathon, FL 33050 permit exemptions were 305-289-2501 allowed for work involving When do I need a building imminent danger to life or permit in unincorporated Key Largo: safety or to prevent further Monroe County? Murray Nelson Government & damage to the destruction Cultural Center caused by Hurricane Irma. A permit is required for: 102050 Overseas Highway • site preparation, Key Largo, FL 33037 These exemptions in- including land clearing, 305-453-8800 cluded replacement of placement of fill, and 300 square feet or less of excavation Ocean Reef: storm damaged roofs until • demolition 11601 CR 905 Nov. 12, 2017. They also • tie downs of habit- Key Largo, FL 33037 included work involv- able structures 305-453-8765 ing drywall, cabinets and • signs vanities, HVAC and electri- • fences Stock Island: cal systems, floor cover- • sheds 5503 College Road, Suite 204 ings in flooded structures • any new construction Key West, FL 33040 and demolition of storm and remodeling work of 305-295-3990 damaged accessory struc- principal and accessory tures or docks, seawalls, structures and lifts until Dec. 12, • all work in the electri- 2017. cal, mechanical and DID YOU KNOW? The number plumbing trades of permits issued have been • all work subject to the increasing steadily since 2013, County floodplain man- and have reached records lev- agement requirements els in 2016 and 2017. In 2017, • resource extraction we will have 65 percent more • any work involving permits issued than in 2013. life safety 68 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING In July 2017, all three transfer sta- tions began accepting credit/debit cards as a source of payment to better serve our customers.

In August 2017, construction began at all three transfer stations. New scale-house buildings are being built for our weighmaster’s and solid waste staff. Construction is expected to be completed in 2018. For Hurricane Irma response, our Pollution Control and the rest of the solid waste staff helped clear roads and access to property. We The Solid Waste department Brownie Companies’ proposal cleared private roads of hurricane provides trash, recycling and yard insures that the County will receive debris and have patrols on County waste collections and processing 100% recycling credits for our yard roadways to collect any household services to our 32,000 households waste processed through them. hazardous waste left out in the in unincorporated Monroe County, Brownie Companies also is cur- elements. as well as to the Keys’ millions of rently the subcontractor for yard annual tourists. waste processing services, which For 2018, Pollution Control will will make for a seamless transition. continue to assist with clean up The department works closely with from Hurricane Irma until the four contracted haulers to provide In August 2017, Monroe County County is free of debris and waste fast, clean and dependable service reached an overall recycling rate along County rights of way. to the residents and businesses of of 77 percent, exceeding our goal Monroe County. of 60 percent for the year and We will continue education on re- exceeding the statewide 2020 goal cycling, by visiting businesses and In 2015, the collection of separated of 75 percent. schools. Our goal is to maintain yard waste rolled out County wide. the recycle rate at or above the 75 This has made it possible for the The County recycles tons of elec- percent goal. County to reach its goal of diverting tronic waste, latex paint and bat- yard waste away from landfills and teries. Increased recycling saves the to a more environmentally friendly County money because processed use: conversion into mulch or com- materials are less expensive to post at a facility on the mainland. transport than trash and also have long-term environmental and In November 2017, the County en- sustainability benefits. tered into a contract with Brownie Companies to process yard waste We also collect household hazard- at a rate of $64.75 per ton, which ous waste at the transfer stations will save taxpayers about $450,000 and at special collections held each per year. The County currently is quarter. paying $79.50 per ton.

City of Key West Stock Island to 7 Seven Mile Bride 7 Seven Mile Bride to MM72.5 Waste Management Waste Management Marathon Garbage Service 305.296.8297 305.296.8297 305.743.5165 State of the County 2017/18 69

MONROE COUNTY HOUSEHOLD Long Key Transfer Station: First Ocean Reef Club HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION and third Fridays of each month 305.367.5992 Household hazardous waste is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collected at each transfer sta- tion on specific days. Below is Key Largo Transfer Station: the schedule. For more infor- Appointment only. mation, call 305.745.4307. Call 305.745.4307; and Key Largo (Corner of Atlantic Key Largo Transfer Station: Avenue and Homestead Avenue First and third Wednesdays of behind Walgreens): Second each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fourth Wednesdays of each month 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SERVICE PROVIDERS Cudjoe Key Blimp Road, MM 21.5 BY LOCATION 305.745.2513 Monroe County Transfer Stations and Recycling Centers Long Key Residents can drop off items directly Overseas Hwy, MM 68 at the three County transfer stations 305.664.2263 or 305.664.2269 between the hours of 8 am. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. This Key Largo includes electronic waste. 11100 County Road 905 305.367.4236

Budget: $17.8 million Employees: 17

Supervisor: Michael Basham 305.292.4432

[email protected]

www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ solidwaste

www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ recycling

Islamorada 7 Seven Mile Bride to MM72.5 MM 75.2 to 91 MM 91 to County Line Marathon Garbage Service Advenced Disposal Keys Sanitary Services 305.743.5165 305.853.3433 305.451.2025 70 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

Budget: $4.9 Million Employees: 43

Director: Norma Kula 305.853.7349,

[email protected] www.keyslibraries.org

LIBRARY SERVICES—2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Implemented an ongoing program of collection analysis. This has resulted in weeding LIBRARY SERVICES outdated print materials, replac- ing with updated materials where In 1853, the Florida Keys first public The libraries’ main mission always is appropriate, and expansion of library opened – in Key West. Today, to meet the changing needs of our special areas of the collection Monroe County’s libraries are as popu- patrons for information, education and such as non-English materials to lar as ever. In 2017, we had more than entertainment. To do so, we provide reach that underserved part of 350,000 visitors, in spite of the extra books, periodicals and audio and video our communities. closings due to Irma. We also had more materials for circulation, both in print • Expanded our popular e- than 4.7 million eVisits to our web format and through electronic access. materials collection to more than resources. 5,000 e-books available for easy We have free access for the public to download. E-materials circula- Last year, the five branches offered the internet, through library comput- tion of nearly 28,000 accounts for 1,505 programs. This was down from the ers and through our wireless access almost 10% of our total circulated number in 2016 due to Hurricane Irma that enables patrons to use their own items. and her destruction, as well as a planned laptops and other mobile devices. Our • Weeded our print refer- Key West branch renovation. But those patrons have 24/7 access to our catalog ence collections for unused and programs were well attended, drawing information, giving them off-site outdated materials, as our e- 42,417 participants – nearly 25% more ability to renew and request Library reference services have increased than the previous year. materials. They also have 24/7 access to with growing usage of our online the Library website: www.keyslibraries. databases available for study and This increase in participation is partly org. The website has links to a variety research. because we expanded our programs. of databases, also at no charge. • Continued plans for the They now cover all ages, from toddlers new Marathon Library with staff to senior citizens, and meet a broad In 2017, the libraries’ onsite and exploring options for furnishings base of interests, including: musical outreach users of our wireless computer and maximizing use of space for presentations, author talks, Lego clubs, access increased by more than 40%. patron projects. art workshops and displays, 3D printing, Many of these users were seeking hur- • Expanded the use of our scavenger hunts, a pizza cooking class, ricane recovery information and assis- webpages and social media to Fantasy Theatre, computer classes and tance after Irma’s devastating impact. become more inclusive of branch programs at the Monroe County Sheriff’s activities and reach a broader Office Animal Farm. public audience. State of the County 2017/18 71

2018 GOALS • Programs for all ages will continue • More collaboration with the • Along with the focus on print to expand in style and content, County public information officer materials for the non-English speak- including stronger focus on bi- will enhance our public presence ing community, we will expand our lingual presentations and involving and awareness of our activities and e-materials collection to include more branch collaboration and joint services. comparable resources for this under- planning. • Digitization of Florida History served group. • Plans for use of space and materials in the branch collections • Resources in our children’s furnishings for the new Marathon will increase the web presence of and youth areas will be examined Library will be focused on creativ- these collections and enable better for currency and merit; the physi- ity and fiscal responsibility, as they access to the information available cal properties of these areas will be become more tangible and geared to system-wide; archival materials will studied and improvements made specific needs. be treated accordingly; systematic where needed to increase the appeal • In response to patron requests, indexing and cataloging of content as well as comfort and safety of the we will expand our database for study and research will be imple- furnishings and rooms used by our resources to include a variety of mented, and promotion of these young patrons. media, involving appropriate staff in materials will be improved. comparison studies and test trials, to ensure the best and most viable selections for our needs.

COUNTY LIBRARY BRANCHES

DID YOU KNOW? Since Key West Marathon Key Largo the inception in 2006 Branch Manager: Nancy Branch Manager: Cristy Branch Manager: Paulette of the Library Flickr Howanitz Danford Sullivan site, featuring digi- 700 Fleming Street, Key West, 3251 Overseas Highway, 101485 Overseas Highway, tized historic photos FL 33040 Marathon, FL 33050 Tradewinds Shopping Center, of people, places 305-292-3595 305-743-5156 Key Largo, FL 33037 and events in Keys 305-451-2396 history, there have Big Pine Islamorada been more than 22 Branch Manager: Stephen Acting Branch Manager: million views of these Chambers Margery Mohr images. 213 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine 81830 Overseas Highway, Key, FL 33043 Islamorada, FL 33036 305-872-0992 305-664-4645 72 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

In 2017, the Key West shelter ANIMAL CONTROL served 2,040 animals, the Marathon shelter 896 and the Upper Keys shelter 1,921 through adoption, clinic visits, lost & found, cruelty investi- gations and animal control.

For Hurricane Irma, the three shelters evacuated a com- bined 252 animals to the mainland.

The hurricane did damage to all three shelters. Marathon lost all perimeter and play yard fencing along with some storage sheds. The FKSPCA repaired its facilities through an arrangement with Rescue These two dogs were among the 252 animals evacuated by Keys shelter personnel for Hurricane Irma. Rebuild, which installed new fencing. GreaterGood.org By Florida statute, each Animal Control Officers KEY WEST assisted with the purchase of County, is responsible for its conduct investigations, issue The Florida Keys Society for a new storage shed. The Key own Animal Control. Monroe citations and attend court the Prevention of Cruelty to West location lost landscaping County has three animal proceedings related to al- Animals (SPCA) and one of its small animal control shelters, which cur- leged violations. The three 5230 College Rd. housing areas. rently are managed by two County shelters provide all Key West, FL 33040 independent contractors. animals in their custody 305.294.4857 The Upper Keys Animal Shelter The Florida Keys Society for with proper care, nutrition After-Hours: 305.304.5964 lost landscaping and fencing and the Prevention of Cruelty to and shelter. The contractors conducted its own repair work. Animals operates branches provide an adoption service MARATHON in Key West and Marathon, for all adoptable animals. The Florida Keys Society for Post Irma, the FKSPCA worked to which cover Key West to mile the Prevention of Cruelty to provide immediate emergency marker 70 of the Overseas Animals (SPCA) veterinary care for pet owners Highway. The Humane Animal 10550 Aviation Blvd. by working with the University DID YOU KNOW? A new $8.4 Care Coalition in Key Largo Marathon, FL 33050 of Florida vet team. The FKSPCA million, 23,000 square-foot covers the rest of the Keys. 305.743.4800 also arranged for free pet food animal control facility in After-Hours: 305.394.7806 drops and stations. Animal Control is responsible Key West is scheduled for completion in April 2018. The for enforcing State and County KEY LARGO The FKSPCA also established category 5 building will re- animal control regulations, Humane Animal Care free routine and medical place the crumbling, cramped protecting the public from Coalition care clinics for keys residents and outdated existing facility the dangers and nuisances of 105951 Overseas Hwy. affected by Irma to keep ani- that was built in 1970. It will uncontrolled, dangerous or Key Largo, FL 33037 mals in the home as opposed provide many more ken- feral animals, and protecting 305.451.0088 to surrender due to financial nels for cats and dogs, a new animals from cruelty, abuse constraints. and abandonment. veterinary clinic, and enable many current functions now done outside in the elements to be done safely inside. State of the County 2017/18 73

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2018 GOALS EMPLOYEE • Established a new Health Plan • Automate software of Advisory Committee to develop recommen- department processes which SERVICES dations for BOCC consideration on a group may include a Human Resources of changes to the health insurance plan Information System (HRIS) or The Employee Services Department with the goal of reducing expenses. other components. provides guidance and information to • Implemented several changes to the • Complete an assessment the County’s more than 575 employees Group Health plan. This includes adding of county services for effec- and the public to maintain a workforce a new High Deductible Health Plan with tive communications with the that is talented, healthy, diverse, safe- Health Savings Account option to the exist- Disabled Community. ty-minded and fairly-compensated — ing Traditional Plan, which now provides • Conduct more training for a while keeping pace with the evolving employees a choice of cost structures to safer and competent workforce needs and goals of Monroe County. best meet their individual and family that is dedicated to providing needs. Converted from Retirement Drug the highest standards of service There are three offices within the Subsidy (RDS) for Medicare-eligible retirees to the public. Employee Services Department: Human to an Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) • Contract with Evergreen Resources, Workers’ Compensation and with wraparound benefits, which will Solutions for an update to The Employee Benefits. improve timing of subsidy payments to the Evergreen Classification and County and other administrative advan- Compensation Study, which In addition to serving County em- tages, while providing equal coverage to originally was adopted in May ployees, the Employee Benefits applicable retirees. 2014. and Workers’ Compensation offices • Established a minimum salary of provide services to six constitutional $15.00 per hour for all County employ- officer agencies: Monroe County ees as recommended by the Evergreen Sheriff’s Office, Property Appraiser, Solutions compensation analysis. Land Authority, Clerk of the Court, Tax • Reviewed compliance with Title VI Collector and Supervisor of Elections. of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other nondiscrimination regulations which con- Workers’ Compensation supports more tributed to Monroe County’s Local Agency than 1,300 employees and volunteers, Program (LAP) Recertification approval in Budget: $32.4 million while Employee Benefits provides in- 2017. surance coverage for more than 2,500 • Improved the Workers’ Compensation Director: Bryan Cook employees, retirees, and dependent service delivery model to include reporting Employees: 11 spouses and children. services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by providing telephonic case management 305.292.4557 services. The increased efficiency enabled EmployeeServices DID YOU KNOW? The County hires the department to eliminate one full-time @monroecounty-fl.gov about 100 employees each year. position. Job openings and the employment • Fiscal year 2017 also saw the number www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ application can be found at: http:// of safety incidents/workers’ compensa- employeeservices www.monroecounty-fl.gov/jobs. tion claims reduced by 18 (from 96 in FY16 aspx, or apply in person at com- to 78 in FY17) and the average claim cost puter kiosks reduced by $2,301 (from $7,731 in FY16 to $5,430 in FY17, excluding one outlier significant claim). • Supported the County, its employees and the public in recovery from Hurricane Irma. 74 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

and told me not to worry, he MONROE COUNTY EMPLOYEES had a team of people who would take care of business. OF THE QUARTER He wasn’t exaggerating.” Four times a year, Monroe County selects an Employee of the Quarter. These employees are chosen for go- Reeves came to her house with several others and in in ing above and beyond their own work responsibilities, one day completely gutted her and showing continual demonstration of the values of house. Monroe County. David Reeves, left After Irma struck, Reeves also led an effort to get the badly damaged Big Pine Academy repaired enough for kids to be able to go back to school.

MONROE COUNTY EMPLOYEE OF THE FIRST QUARTER 2017

Executive Administrator Tania Stoughton, Fleet Management Department Stoughton has worked for Monroe County in the Office of Management and Budget, Public Works and Fleet Management, providing For 2017, the four winners of teams of off-duty firefighters to as- versatility and a wide range of Employee of the Quarter are Executive sist anyone in need, despite having experience that has come in Administrator Tania Stoughton (Fleet significant damage to his own home on valuable. Management), Transportation Driver Cudjoe Key. He also opened his house Franklin Carey (Social Services), to host strangers flying in from the Over the past 2-1/2 years, the Supervisor Michael Basham (Solid mainland so there would be a base for Fleet Department has lost its Waste & Recycling) and Firefighter/EMT their operations. only other full time admin- David Reeves (Emergency Services). istrative staff member three Day after day they cleared debris and times, for several months at Monroe County’s Employee of the Year gutted houses, never asking for any- a time. On each occasion, is selected from these four people. For thing in return. Stoughton voluntarily worked 2017, the winner of Employee of the extra hours to keep the Year is David Reeves. A personal account from Mary Napoli, department up to date with whose home was badly damaged by purchasing, accounts payables MONROE COUNTY EMPLOYEE OF THE Irma: and any other duties left un- FOURTH QUARTER AND EMPLOYEE OF attended. In the first quarter THE YEAR 2017 “My home received 4 feet of flooding of 2017, Fleet was in a situa- and was full of mold. I had no idea tion in which Stoughton was Firefighter/EMT David Reeves, how my husband and I would ever start needed to step up again. Emergency Services Department our clean-up process while caring for During Hurricane Irma, Reeves our infant son and working full-time. stepped up, took charge and led Firefighter Reeves reached out to me State of the County 2017/18 75

Michael Basham, center Monroe County Employee of the Third Quarter 2017 Supervisor Michael Basham, Solid Waste and Recycling Department

While checking for dumped items along Blimp Road one May morning, Basham spot- ted something trapped in the water off Cudjoe Key. At first it seemed like a hunk of lumber. But as he got closer, the object grew larger. It was a truck with a woman inside.

Basham called out. A woman replied, “Help me. Get me MONROE COUNTY EMPLOYEE OF Franklin knows all of his riders and their destinations out of here.” THE SECOND QUARTER 2017 extremely well, sometimes better than they know them- selves. As we get older, sometimes we tend to forget After taking off his shirt Transportation Driver places and things. Franklin knows where his riders are and boots, Basham waded Franklin Carey, Social Services supposed to be when and where, even if they don’t chest-deep into the water to Department always remember. the Chevrolet Canyon to free Carey retired from Monroe the uninjured woman from County Social Services in 2008 Franklin’s riders (and their family members) trust Franklin Orlando. She had driven into as a transportation driver for to take care of them and take them where they need to the water at 11 the night Monroe County Transit, but be on time and safely – and to get them home again. before and did not leave the rejoined our team in 2010 in truck despite rising waters the same role. Tania Stoughton to her chin because she was worried about snakes and He is our most valued driver sharks. in the Lower Keys. Our el- derly and disabled citizens Basham remained on site ask for him by name when until law enforcement ar- they are making their ride rived to help the woman. reservations. This was all before reporting for work that morning. Franklin goes out of his way to assist our frail elders on and off of his bus and into their homes, doctor’s offices Franklin Carey, right and other appointments. He helps them load groceries into the vehicle and makes sure their wheelchairs are strapped properly into the bus so that they are safe at all times. 76 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

COUNTY ATTORNEY The County Attorney’s Six of our lawyers are board Office provides high qual- certified by the Florida Bar as ity, cost-effective legal experts in City, County and Local services to the Board of Government law. Only 259 of the County Commissioners, the more than 106,000 members County Administrator, Senior of the Florida Bar (less than ¼ Management Team members, of a percent) have earned this County departments and vari- distinction. ous County advisory boards. During and following Hurricane Irma, the County The legal staff provides coun- Staff attorneys review every Attorney’s team members worked in the Emergency sel on virtually every major contract, bid solicitation, resolu- Operations Center, providing legal advice and sup- decision made by the Board tion and ordinance considered port. Risk team members coordinated the assessment of County Commissioners and by the County Commission. The of damages to all county facilities and equipment and County staff. office also prepares the agenda for processed the appropriate insurance claims. County Commission meetings and The County’s team of nine processes every item approved by Other team members pitched in to assist with a variety lawyers has more than 160 the Board. of non-legal functions, including working on the EOC’s years of experience practicing planning team, helping distribute payroll, answering law. The County’s team also Given the broad scope of services inquiries from the media and the public, distribut- has the expertise to handle that Monroe County government ing goods and supplies to storm survivors, as well as most matters in-house, which provides to its residents and visi- assisting other County departments in achieving their usually is less costly and more tors, staff lawyers handle a wide assigned tasks. effective than using outside range of topics ranging literally counsel. The use of in-house from A (airport law) to Z (zoning), During 2017, staff lawyers represented the County in counsel avoids the conflicts with many topics in between. state and federal court as well as administrative hear- of interest that used to arise Whether it’s the federal regula- ings in hundreds of cases. when the County referred tions associated with operating matters to local law firms. two international airports or en- In 2015, the County Commission directed an increased suring that our community’s char- emphasis on prosecuting Vacation Rental Ordinance acter and precious environmental violations and collecting outstanding code enforce- natural resources are adequately ment fines. Despite losing a month to Hurricane Irma, protected through enforcement of these efforts resulted in more than $1.6 million in our Land Development Code and collections in FY17. This marks a 45% increase over zoning rules, the County Attorney’s the amount collected in FY16 and a 290% increase office works hand-in-hand with over the amount collected in FY15. Collected fines are County staff in carrying out their deposited in the County’s general fund, which offsets missions. the need for property taxes. Budget $6.2 million ($3.9 for risk) The County’s Risk Management In addition to representing the BOCC and County staff, office is located within the the County Attorney’s office provides legal counsel County Attorney: County Attorney’s Office. Risk to the County Canvassing Board that will oversee the Bob Shillinger Management team members en- administration of the 2018 primary and general elec- Employees: 16 sure that the County and its con- tions. The County Attorney’s office also provides ethics tractors are insured properly with training for elected officials, County staff and members 305.292.3470 all appropriate coverages. The of more than 20 advisory boards. Shillinger-Bob@ team reviews claims made against monroecounty-fl.gov the County and determines the www.monroecounty-fl. appropriate response. gov/county attorney State of the County 2017/18 77

cremated, dissected or buried at sea; In 2017, the Medical Examiners’ MEDICAL and when requested by the District Office investigated 17 storm-related Attorney. deaths due to Hurricane Irma. EXAMINER One of the challenges of Hurricane In 1970, the State of Florida enacted To do so, the medical examiner’s Irma, as well as the day-to-day Florida Statute 406, which estab- primary tool is the autopsy, which is operations of the Medical Examiners’ lishes a statewide Medical Examiner a post mortem examination. During Office, is the identification of de- System of death investigation. The an autopsy, the body is examined ex- cedents. Through cooperation with state is divided into 25 “Districts.” ternally and internally in a systematic multiple law enforcement agencies, The Governor appoints a medical ex- way. All organs are examined and bi- we were able to identify all but one aminer to each district for three-year opsied. Fluids and tissues are obtained of the storm-related decedents. terms. A commission of gubernato- for laboratory testing. Everything is rial appointees provides oversight. documented in a “case file,” with We also were able to identify an addi- photographs taken at all stages of tional individual who was found dead By statute, the medical examiner the process. When an investigation is in a homeless camp by comparison of determines cause and manner of complete, a death certificate listing arrest photos. death of a human being under the the cause and manner of death is filed following circumstances: criminal with the Department of Vital Records violence; accident; suicide; a person for the State of Florida. in good health dies suddenly; unat- tended by a practicing physician In 2008, Monroe County built a or other recognized practitioner; state-of-the-art Medical Examiners in a prison or penal institution; in facility on . The facility consists of two buildings separated police custody; suspicious or unusual Budget: $686,055 circumstance; criminal abortion; by a breezeway. One building func- tions as office space and the other poison; disease that threatens public Medical Examiner: as the laboratory. In the administra- health; and employment-related Dr. Michael R. Steckbauer tion building, we store records and disease, injury or toxic agent. Employees: 2 conduct the daily business of the medical examiner. In the laboratory The medical examiner also deter- 305.743.9011 building, we store bodies and per- mines cause and manner of death [email protected] when a dead body is brought into form examinations and testing. the state without proper medical www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ certification; when the body is to be medicalexaminer 78 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov LAND AUTHORITY LAND ACQUISITION PARTNERSHIPS The Monroe County Board of County The County Commission has Commissioners created the Land Authority in entered into a partnership 1986 to purchase property in the Florida Keys with the state Department for conservation, recreation, the protection of of Environmental Protection property rights and affordable housing. The Land to work jointly toward the Authority assists in the implementation of the purchase of Florida Forever County’s Comprehensive Plan and serves as an Budget: $12.4 million conservation lands in the intermediary between landowners and govern- Employees: 4 Keys. The Land Authority ment agencies that regulate land use. serves as the County’s agent Executive Director: for this program and the first In Fiscal Year 2017, the Land Authority closed 54 Charles Pattison, FAICP four partnership transactions real estate transactions and acquired 63 parcels, 305.295.5180 will be closing in early fiscal totaling 46.2 acres of land, for $3.1 million. Most year 2018. of these properties were conservation lands con- Pattison-Charles sisting of tropical hardwood hammock, pinelands @monroecounty-fl.gov Additionally, the County has and wetlands, which provide many environmen- begun using a portion of its tal benefits. These include habitat for endangered www.monroecounty-fl.gov/ local government infrastruc- species and migrating birds, and lands that help landauthority ture sales tax revenue to protect water quality. purchase non-conservation properties for density reduc- In addition to conservation land, one of the DID YOU KNOW? The Land tion and the retirement of acquisitions was an affordable housing deed Authority has acquired or building rights. This initiative restriction to help make the rents more affordable assisted in the acquisition is intended to help keep the at Eisenhower Apartments in Key West. Another of sites for approximately County’s hurricane evacua- acquisition was an addition to the Crane Point 1,100 units of affordable tion clearance time below 24 Museum and Nature Center site in Marathon to housing. hours. The Land Authority is promote public awareness of that resource-based assisting with this program by park. serving as the County’s agent. In Fiscal Year 2017, the Due to the significant impacts of Hurricane Irma, County closed six real estate the Land Authority will be putting additional em- transactions for density re- phasis on identifying and purchasing workforce duction and the retirement of housing sites in the coming year. Project coor- building rights – and retired dination with local, state and federal agencies to the development potential on maximize the use of taxpayer funds is underway. seven Big Pine Key parcels at a total cost of $310,140. The Land Authority’s funding for land acquisition comes from a half-cent of the tourist impact tax charged on lodging in the Keys and a surcharge on admissions and overnight camping at state parks in unincorporated Monroe County. State of the County 2017/18 79

LAND STEWARDSHIP The Land Authority oversees approximately 1,800 acres of conservation lands on 4,238 parcels owned by the Land Authority, the County or the State of Florida, including some individual lots within or adjacent to neighborhoods.

In most cases, newly purchased conser- vation land needs restoration. The Land Authority’s Land Steward hires contractors to remove invasive exotic vegetation and, when necessary, to plant native vegetation. Conservation lands protect important wildlife areas, reduce housing density and preserve the character of neighborhoods. Crew cares for conservation lands after Hurricane Irma.

Funding for land stewardship comes from Monroe County owns and manages several hundred conserva- mitigation fees the County charges on land tion lots within the hardest hit subdivisions and surrounding clearing activities and also from state Fish areas, including Sands Subdivision (aka “the Avenues”), Palm and Wildlife Conservation Commission funds. Villa Subdivision and Doctor’s Arm Subdivision, all on Big Pine Key. After Hurricane Irma struck, the Land Steward and the County’s Facilities Maintenance As a first priority, the County crew focused on these areas, crews began the arduous task of cleaning up removing down or leaning trees near the property lines with Monroe County conservation lands that were private residences or roads, and removing storm debris. It is impacted by the storm. anticipated that the cleanup of the County-owned properties throughout the Keys will take several months.

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS AS OF 12/31/17

Project Type Transactions Parcels Acres Units Expenditures Conservation 1,534 3,976 3,692 0 $44,713,392.53 Non-conservation Density Reduction 12 14 3 0 $0.00 Affordable Housing 55 133 105 1,134 $43,826,422.79 Recreation 29 154 125 0 $6,770,323.93 Sold Waste 1 4 74 0 $2,212,500.00

Total 1,631 4,281 3,999 1,134 $97,522,639.25

Notes: 1 The table above reflects projects where MCLA has acquired or assisted in the acquisition of real property interests. For partnership acquisitions, the expenditures shown are MCLA’s share of the acquisition costs. 2 The conservation acquisitions shown include eight Florida Forever parcels purchased in 2017 by the State of Florida. The purchase prices of these parcels totaled $300,000, of which MCLA paid $150,000 (50%). 3 The non-conservation density reduction acquisitions shown were purchased in 2017 by the BOCC at a total cost of $876,515 using Infrastructure Sales Tax revenue (the County’s 304 Fund). MCLA served as the BOCC’s agent in these transactions pursuant to an interlocal agreement. 80 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

The mission of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council is to set an overall direction for Florida Keys tourism marketing efforts. We do this in a manner that assures long-term, sustained growth in tourism revenues while also guarantee- ing the sustainability and improvement of the Keys marketing awards, including The TDC was awarded sil- product. This includes both man-made and natural two top honors, at the annual ver honors in the Resource/ resources, as well as improvements to the quality of Florida Governor’s Conference Promotional Material – life of local residents. on Tourism. Consumer division for its 24- page “Keys Traveler” maga- 2017 saw the retirement of longtime director The council received two elite zine created by NewmanPR, Harold Wheeler, who departed after 21 years at “Henrys” in the Radio and the council’s public rela- the helm of the TDC. After an advertised search, he Out-of-Home categories. The tions agency, for its sales was replaced by Stacey Mitchell, who had been the Out-of-Home initiative was department. TDC’s sales director for 18 years. a month-long Washington D.C.–based transit station The TDC is a legislative exten- Two days prior to Wheeler’s retirement luncheon, domination campaign created sion of the BOCC, which ap- Hurricane Irma struck the island chain and had a by Tinsley Advertising, the points its nine members. Six profound impact on the tourism industry, the life- TDC’s ad agency. of the council’s nine members blood of the Florida Keys economy. must represent the five tax- The TDC also secured silver and ing districts and be actively Wheeler and Mitchell, along with the TDC’s con- bronze awards, respectively, engaged in tourism marketing tracted promotional agencies, enacted emergency for Television Advertising and through ownership or mana- marketing programs to communicate that the Direct Marketing. gerial operation of a tourism- Keys, after recovery, would continue to be a viable dependent business. destination. A county commissioner and TDC Board Chair Rita Irwin spearheaded two $1 mil- two other elected municipal lion funding requests to the Monroe County Board officials fill the remaining of County Commissioners — one for advertising and three seats to represent the one to provide non-profits and municipal govern- interests of the public sec- ments with financial resources to make repairs tor. The TDC is funded by a 4 to facilities impacted by Irma. The commission percent bed tax on lodging granted the requests and the funds came from the TDC Executive Director: accommodations that visitors TDC’s $4.1 million emergency reserves. Stacey Mitchell 305.296.1552, pay. Revenues collected not only fund marketing ef- As 2017 concluded, the Florida Keys tourism indus- 1.800.648.5510 forts, but also infrastructure try and the TDC continued efforts to rebuild affected improvements such as beach facilities and the island chain’s image. [email protected] maintenance and bricks-and- mortar projects. The year was also highlighted by more posi- www.monroecounty-fl.gov/TDC tive news. The TDC picked up five Flagler tourism www.fla-keys.com State of the County 2017/18 81

FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL OF THE ARTS The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation in a public-pri- vate partnership with Monroe County government since 1997. As the designated Local Arts Agency by Florida Statute #265.32, we are committed The State of the Arts annual THE FINE PRINT to our leadership role as the membership meeting cel- • 6,250 students im- community’s umbrella orga- ebrated the Council’s 20th pacted by arts education nization for arts and culture Anniversary with one of the programs this year for the Keys. founding Board members • 35,000 arts events as our guest speaker, Nance brochures distributed by A nine-member board of Frank. volunteers throughout directors guides the council, Executive Director: Monroe County annually Elizabeth Young assisted by three alternate di- April 2017 was busy with • 3,120 commu- 305.295.4369 rectors, three directors emeri- our strategic planning board nity members to date tus and advisory members. retreat, and we wrapped up have contributed to The [email protected] Daily functions are carried out the season in June 2017 with Connections Project: A by the executive director, staff an exquisite exhibit at the Mosaic of the Keys www.keysarts.com and valued volunteers. Historic Gato building by the • $138,295 awarded to Tropical Botanic artists. teaching artists for Artists The Arts Council provides in Schools grants to date services and grants to visual In 2017, we launched the In November 2017, our • $207,000 awarded and performing artists, arts Florida Keys Sculpture Trail, members’ exhibit, also at the to Monroe County artists organizations, students and sponsored by local philan- Historic Gato building, was to date through the South the public, striving to instill a thropists John Padget and themed Changing Tides – and Florida Cultural Consortium passion for and participation Jacob Dekker. Nine monu- reflected on the ebb and flow Visual & Media Artists in the arts. mental sculptures were re- of the water, sky and island Fellowships sited to the Keys from New living challenges and joys. • $1,300,000 ad- Funding is provided by the York City’s Riverside Park. ministered by FKCA for National Endowment for the In February 2017, more than The Arts Council’s annual The Cultural Umbrella Arts, Florida Department of 2,000 elementary students Connections Project – A Mosaic committee of the Tourist State – Division of Cultural attended the South Florida of the Keys, provides 400 free Development Council Affairs, Monroe County Board Symphony Orchestra spon- 6- by 6-inch blank canvases promoting arts events this of County Commissioners, sored by the Arts Council and for Monroe County artists and year Monroe County Tourist Monroe County School District. community members to create • 10,975 total artists Development Council, the their own unique piece of and audiences impacted Community Foundation of the Continuing on last year’s suc- art. We offer free workshops by ArtReach grants this Florida Keys, South Florida cess, we partnered with the throughout the Keys to assist year Cultural Consortium and pri- Waterfront Playhouse to bring those that may need guid- vate donations. 150 Key West High School stu- ance and materials. We then dents to the musical, “Forever collect, assemble and exhibit Plaid.” the 400 canvases as one large mosaic. 82 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov MUNICIPALITIES Monroe County has five municipalities: City of Key West, City of Marathon, City of Key Colony Beach, City of Layton and Islamorada, Village of Islands. Each has its own municipal government. The rest of Monroe County is officially un- incorporated Monroe County, and it is governed by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH CITY OF KEY WEST Mayor: Chris Sante Mayor: John DeNeale Mayor: Craig Cates 86800 Overseas Highway, P.O. Box 510141, 1300 White St., Islamorada FL 33036 Key Colony Beach FL 33051 Key West FL 30040 305.664.6400 305.289.1212 305.809.3700 www.islamorada.fl.us www.keycolonybeach.net www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov

CITY OF LAYTON CITY OF MARATHON Mayor: Norman S. Anderson Mayor: Michelle Coldiron 68260 Overseas Highway 9805 Overseas Highway, Marathon (P.O. Box 778), Long Key FL 33001 Florida 33050 305.664.4667 305.743.0033 www.cityoflayton.com www:ci.marathon.fl.us State of the County 2017/18 83 CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS TAX COLLECTOR CLERK OF COURTS SHERIFF 9 Employees 53 Employees 76 Employees 557 Employees R. Joyce Griffin, Danise D. Henriquez Kevin Madok Rick Ramsay 305.292.3416, 305.295.5010, 305.295.3130 305.292.7000 www.keys-elections.org www.monroetaxcollector.com www.clerk-of-the-court.com [email protected] 530 Whitehead Street #101 Key West, FL 33040 Main Office: Key West Traffic Administration Headquarters Monroe County Tax Collector 500 Whitehead Street 5525 College Road 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 Key West, FL 33040 Suite 101 305.295.3952 Freeman Substation Key West, Fl 33040 Key West Civil/Recording 20950 Overseas Highway 305.295.5000 530 Whitehead Street Cudjoe Key, FL 33042 Marathon Branch Office: Key West, FL 33040 Marathon Substation 3101 Overseas Highway 305.292.3458 3103 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Marathon Office Marathon, FL 33050 PROPERTY APPRAISER 305.289.6034 3117 Overseas Highway Islamorada Substation 37 Employees Plantation Key Branch Office: Marathon, FL 33050 86800 Overseas Highway Scott P. Russell Governmental Center Annex 305.289.6027 Islamorada, FL 33036 305.292.3420 Building Plantation Key Office Roth Building www.mcpafl.org 88800 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Plantation Key, FL 33070 Plantation Key, FL 33070 Tavernier, FL 33070 Main Office 305.852.7150 305.852.7145 500 Whitehead Street (rear of Key Largo Branch Office: PK/Roth Office building) Tradewinds Shopping Center 50 High Point Road Key West, FL, 33040 101487 Overseas Highway Plantation Key, FL 33070 Middle Keys Satellite Office Key Largo, FL 33037 305.852.7145 305.289.2550 305.853.3562 Mile Marker 48 Key West Driver License: 2798 Overseas Hwy, Suite 310 3439 Roosevelt Blvd Marathon, FL 33050 Key West, FL 33040 Upper Keys Satellite Office 305.293.6338 305.852.7130 Marathon Driver License: Mile Marker 88.7 3384 Overseas Highway 88700 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 Tavernier, FL 33070 305-289-2306

84 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

CITIZEN BOARDS & COMMITTEES Monroe County has 22 art. Projects are funded by citizen boards and com- the 1% for Art ordinance mittees that contribute created in 2001. It strives to the County govern- to promote and support the ment in a variety of ways; vibrant arts community by some serve as advisory enhancing public buildings groups to the Board of throughout Monroe County. County Commissioners, Contact: Elizabeth Young, while others work on is- 305.295.4369; director@ sues and projects in the keysart.com community. CLIMATE CHANGE Below is a brief descrip- ADVISORY COMMITTEE tion of each board or Makes recommenda- committee. More in- tions to Board of County formation, including Commissioners (BOCC) re- agendas and meeting garding appropriate mitiga- times, is provided on the tion and adaptation policies county website: www. needed to address climate monroecounty-fl.gov/ change issues. citizenboards. Contact: Alicia Betancourt, 305.453.8774; Betancourt- AFFORDABLE HOUSING [email protected] ADVISORY COMMITTEE Works on affordable COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTORS DUCK KEY SECURITY DISTRICT housing opportunities for BLOCK GRANT CITIZENS EXAMINING BOARD ADVISORY BOARD residents and workforce, ADVISORY TASK FORCE Interprets and makes rules Provides security services for and fulfills Florida Statute Assists Monroe County by and regulations, and hears the residential areas of Duck Key. requirements regard- conducting neighborhood public complaints and code Contact: Sylvia R Hernandez, ing the Local Housing revitalization and housing compliance violations. [email protected] Assistance Plan. rehabilitation programs us- Contact: Maria Partington, Contact: Mayte ing Community Development 305-289-2583; Partington- FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR Santamaria, Block Grant funds. [email protected] PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 305.289.2562; Contact: Tina LoSacco, Implements special projects Santamaria-Mayte@ 305.292.4426; Losacco- DEVELOPMENT REVIEW that advocate for residents monroecounty-fl.gov [email protected] COMMITTEE and visitors with disabilities Reviews applications for and their families. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF development approval and Contact: Anna Haskins, The Committee of 5 ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS reviews applications for 305.292.4591; Haskins- members (appointed Hears discrepancies of in- amendments to the text of [email protected] by the Commissioners) terpretations of the current the Comprehensive Plan, Land reviews and recommends County building codes. Development Code and map proposals for commis- Contact: Maria Partington, amendments. sioned permanent public 305-289-2583; Partington- Contact: Mayte Santamaria; Maria@monroecounty-fl. 305.289.2562; Santamaria- gov [email protected] State of the County 2017/18 85

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MARINE & PORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHARED ASSET FORFEITURE FUND Designates and regulates historical Makes recommendations to the ADVISORY BOARD properties within the unincorpo- Monroe County BOCC on matters Makes recommendations for grant rated area of the County. relating to ports or marine issues, funding to private, non-profit Contact: Diane E. Silvia, such as derelict vessels, anchoring organizations using money from the 305.292.6718; and mooring and vessel sewage Sheriff Office’s forfeitures and seized [email protected] pump-out. assets. Contact Devin Tolpin, Contact: Michelle Quad, HUMAN SERVICES 305.289.2588, Tolpin-devin@ 305.292.7090; [email protected] ADVISORY BOARD monroecounty-fl.gov Reviews funding requests from SUBSTANCE ABUSE non-profit human services agencies OLDER AMERICANS POLICY ADVISORY BOARD and makes recommendations to the ADVISORY BOARD Reviews and recommends applica- BOCC. Make recommendations to BOCC tions for funding under the Florida Contact: Laura de Loach-Hartle, regarding services or programs that Department of Law Enforcement’s 305.292.4482; DeloachHartle- would benefit older American citi- Byrne Justice Assistance Grant [email protected] zens of the County. Program and the Clerk’s Contact: Pam Martin, Drug Abuse Trust Fund. This board KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AD 305.853.0907; [email protected] also serves as the County’s Planning HOC COMMITTEE ON NOISE Council for the Florida Department Acts as a conduit for information PARKS & RECREATION of Children and Families Office of to and from their constituents on ADVISORY BOARD Criminal Justice, issues related to airport and aircraft Reviews existing facilities, programs, Mental Health and Substance Abuse noise. expenditures and revenues and purposes. Contact: Don Degraw, make recommendations for im- Contact: Laura de Loach-Hartle, 305.809.5200; Degraw-Donald@ provements and additional facilities 305.292.4482; DeloachHartle- monroecounty-fl.gov and programs. [email protected] Contact: Chris Rivera, LAND AUTHORITY 305.292.4523; Rivera-Chris@ TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE monroecounty-fl.gov Sets an overall direction for the Makes recommendations to BOCC on Monroe County tourism marketing matters related to Land Authority PLANNING COMMISSION effort to assure long-term sustained property acquisitions. Serves as the local planning agency. growth in tourism revenues and Contact: Dina Gambuzza, Reviews proposed amendments to sustainability of resources. 305.295.5180; Gambuzza-Dina@ the text of the Comprehensive plan, Contact: Katrina Cool, Office monroecounty-fl.gov Land Development Code and map Assistant, 305.296.1552; office- amendments – and provides recom- [email protected] LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD mendations to the Board of County Provides the Board of County Commissioners. The Committee Commissioners with information also reviews and either approves or and counsel concerning all matters disapproves applications for major relating to the libraries. conditional use permits, variances Contact: Valerie Moore, and Rate of Growth Ordinance 305.809.5266; Moore-Valerie@ awards. monroecounty-fl.gov Contact: Mayte Santamaria, 305.289.2562; Santamaria-Mayte@ monroecounty-fl.gov 86 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

QUICK REFERENCES

BOARD OF COUNTY Neugent, District 2 ASSISTANT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 305.292.4512, boccdis2@ ADMINSTRATORS Mayor: David Rice, District 4 monroecounty-fl.gov Christine Hurley, 305.289.6000; boccdis4@ Administrative Aide: 305.289.2517; monroecounty-fl.gov Terri Colonna Hurley-Christine Administrative Aide: 305.292.4512; Colonna- @monroecounty-fl.gov Tamara Lamarche [email protected] Kevin Wilson, 305.289.6000; Lamarche- 305.292.4529; Wilson- Tamara@monroecounty-fl. Commissioner: Heather [email protected] gov Carruthers, District 3 305.292.3430; boccdis3@ COUNTY DEPARTMENTS Mayor Pro Tem: Sylvia monroecounty-fl.gov AIRPORTS Murphy, District 5 Administrative Aide: Carol Director: Donald DeGraw, 305.453.8787; boccdis5@ Schreck 305.809.5210, Degraw- monroecount-fl.gov 305.292.3430; Schreck- Donald@monroecounty-fl. Administrative Aide: [email protected] gov Ptomey-Susie 305.453.8787; Ptomey- COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BUDGET & FINANCE [email protected] County Administrator: Director: Tina Boan, Roman Gastesi, 305.292.4467; Boan-Tina@ Commissioner: Danny 305.292.4441; monroecounty-fl.gov Kolhage, District 1 Gastesi-Roman 305.292.3440; boccdis1@ @monroecounty-fl.gov BUILDING monroecounty-fl.gov Administrative Aide: DIRECTOR: Rick Griffin, Administrative Aide: Lindsey Ballard 305.453.8815, Isabel DeSantis 305.292.4443; Griffin-Rick 305.292.3440; Desantis- Ballard-Lindsey @monroecounty-fl.gov [email protected] @monroecounty-fl.gov Commissioner: George State of the County 2017/18 87

CODE COMPLIANCE EMPLOYEE SERVICES FACILITIES Director: Cynthia J. Director: Bryan Cook, Interim Director: William McPherson, 305.289.2508, 305.292.4558, Cook-bryan@ DeSantis, 305.292.4532, McPherson-Cynthia@monro- monroecounty-fl.gov Desantis-William@monro- ecounty-fl.gov Benefits: Maria Gonzalez, ecounty-fl.gov 305.292.4448; Gonzalez- COUNTY ATTORNEY & RISK [email protected] FLEET MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Human Resources: Pam Director: Roy Sanchez, County Attorney: Bob Pumar, 305.292.4559, 305.292.3571; Sanchez- Shillinger, 305.292.3470; Pumar-Pam@monroecounty- [email protected] Shilllinger-Bob@monro- fl.gov ecounty-fl.gov Safety: Mark Gongre, GRANT ADMINISTRATION 305.292.4559; Gongre- Sr. Administrator: Laura de- EMERGENCY SERVICES [email protected] Loach-Hartle, 305.292.4482; Director: Fire Chief James Worker’s Compensation: grantsmanagement@ Callahan, 305.289.6088; Meri-De Mercado, monroecounty-fl.gov Callahan-James@monro- 305.292.4451; Mercardo- ecounty-fl.gov [email protected] GUARDIAN AD LITEM Storm Ready Hotline: Director: Alexsa Corsi Leto, 1.800.955.5504 ENGINEERING SERVICES 305.292.3485, Leto-Alexsa@ Emergency Management: & ROADS monroecounty-fl.gov 305.289.6018 Director: Judith Clarke; During emergencies, please 305.295.4329; Clarke- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY only call the hotline. [email protected] Director: Alan MacEachern, Fire Academy: 305.289.6004 305.453.8792, Maceachern- Fire Prevention: EXTENSION SERVICES [email protected] Upper Keys – 305.453.8726 Director: Alicia Betancourt, Lower Keys – 305.797.0875 305.453.8747; Monroe@ifas. LAND AUTHORITY Fire Rescue Headquarters: ufl.edu, Betancourt-Alicia@ Executive Director: Charles 305.289.6004 monroecounty-fl.gov Pattison, 305.295.5180; Trauma Star: 305.289.6008 Pattison-Charles@monro- Trauma Star Billing: ecounty-fl.gov 305.289.6010 88 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

QUICK REFERENCES

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Director: Lisa Tennyson, 305.292.4444; Tennyson- [email protected]

LIBRARY SERVICES Director: Norma Kula, 305.853.7349; Kula-Norma@ monroecounty-fl.gov

MEDICAL EXAMINER Dr. Michael Steckbauer, 305.743.9011; MEO@ monroecounty-fl.gov

MONROE COUNTY TELEVISION Channel 76 on Comcast Channel 99 on AT&T U-verse SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING MOSQUITO CONTROL 305.295.5128 Supervisor : Michael Director: Andrea Leal, Basham,305.745.4307; 305.292.7190; www.key- PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL Basham-Michael@monro- smosquito.org RESOURCES ecounty-fl.gov Director: Mayte Santamaria, COUNTY ASSISTANCE 305.289.2500; Santamaria- SUSTAINABILITY Florida Keys Council for People [email protected] AND CLIMATE CHANGE with Disabilities Director: Rhonda Haag, Anna Haskins, 305.292.4591; PROJECT MANAGEMENT 305.453.8774; Haag- Haskins-Anna@monroecoun- Interim Director: Cary Knight, Rhonda@monroecounty-fl. ty-fl.gov 305.292.4416; Knight-Cary@ gov monroecounty-fl.gov MONROE COUNTY TRANSIT TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Reservations: 305.292.4424 PUBLIC INFORMATION Executive Director: Stacey Cancellations: 305.295.4373 Public Information Officer: Mitchell, 305.296.1552; Cammy Clark, 305.742.9687; www.fla-keys.com MONROE COUNTY SPECIAL Clark-Cammy@monroecoun- NEEDS REGISTRY ty-fl.gov VETERAN’S AFFAIRS Anna Haskins, 305.292.4591, Director: Gary Haskins-Anna@monroecoun- SOCIAL SERVICES Johnson,305.295.5150; ty-fl.gov Senior Director: Sheryl Johnson-Gary@monroecoun- Graham, 305.292.4510; ty-fl.gov Graham-Sheryl@monro- ecounty-fl.gov OTHER COUNTY/STATE AGENCIES

STATE ATTORNEY State Attorney: Dennis Ward, 305.292.3400; www.keyssao. org State of the County 2017/18 89

The J. Robert Dean Water Treatment Plant in Florida City treats the water that comes from the Biscayne Aquifer before it goes into the pipeline to supply water to all of the Florida Keys.

COUNTY LIBRARY BRANCHES KEY LARGO KEY LARGO Branch Manager: Humane Animal Care Coalition Key West Paulette Sullivan 105951 Overseas Hwy. Branch Manager: 101485 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Nancy Howanitz Tradewinds Shopping Center, 305.451.0088 700 Fleming Street, Key West, Key Largo, FL 33037 FL 33040 305.451.2396 MONROE COUNTY 305.292.3595 SCHOOL DISTRICT BIG PINE ANIMAL CONTROL Branch Manager: Superintendent: Mark Porter, Stephen Chambers KEY WEST 305.293.1400, Mark.Porter@ 213 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine The Florida Keys Society for keysschools.com Key, FL 33043 the Prevention of Cruelty to Public Information 305.872.0992 Animals (SPCA) Officer: Lynsey Saunders, 5230 College Rd. 305.293.1400 ext. 53307, MARATHON Key West, FL 33040 Lynsey.Saunders@keyss- Branch Manager: 305.294.4857 chools.com Cristy Danford After-Hours: 305.394.7596 3251 Overseas Highway, UTILITIES Marathon, FL 33050 MARATHON Keys Electric Cooperative 305.743.5156 The Florida Keys Society for 305.852.2431 the Prevention of Cruelty to Keys Energy 305.295-1000 ISLAMORADA Animals (SPCA) Florida Keys Aqueduct Acting Branch Manager: 10550 Aviation Blvd. Authority 305.296.2454 Margery Mohr Marathon, FL 33050 Comcast 800.266.2278 81830 Overseas Highway, 305.743.4800 AT&T 305.296.5007 Islamorada, FL 33036 After-Hours: 305.394.7806 305.664.4645 90 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov

MESSAGE FROM MONROE COUNTY MAYOR DAVID RICE For all of us, 2017 was quite a year. We were sailing along as a County and who were part of the Emergency Largo suffered less damage we were sailing along as a commu- Operations effort did their jobs days and did a great job to quickly nity. The County was strong finan- on end, even while knowing they had return to full operation. In cially. We we re accomplishing things lost their own homes or had suffered between, the Keys are still that were important to all of us. Then major personal losses. recovering to varying degrees, along came Irma. and many of our citizens still Going into the devastated neighbor- are hurting. As this powerful hurricane churned hoods was remarkable to me. I have closer and closer to the Keys, there a bit of a background in disaster As a County, we’re doing was little doubt it was going to be response and the emotional impact it everything we can to help. truly devastating. Probably, a record has on people. Initially, many people Many of the solutions come number of us evacuated the County. were shocked. Some people were just through federal funding. We Wherever this storm was coming wandering around, trying to figure are applying for grants that ashore, it was a place nobody needed out what they could save and not I wish were here instantly to to be. thinking that clearly. But shortly after immediately be put to use to that, I saw people kicking into gear help people. Many of these Irma lived up to its hype. It was the and realizing they needed to make grants we probably won’t strongest storm to hit the Keys since progress. see for the better part of the Hurricane Donna in 1960. I am very year. But the need will still be thankful that the loss of life was so What impressed me most was the here. Neighbors will continue minimal considering we are a chain community coming together as a to help neighbors. And the of low-lying islands that was struck group to help each other. That will County will continue to lead directly by a storm of this nature. stick with me. this recovery effort. Our recovery began with the hard work of our rescuers, many of whom The storm was destructive, but its were also victims. Some people path caused much more harm to some parts of the Keys than others. Our bookends of Key West and Key State of the County 2017/18 91

One of the paramount issues of this storm is its destruction of what we refer to as our affordable housing. Many of our older, ground-level homes have been destroyed. They composed the major portion of our affordable housing.

Other homes were substantially damaged, and there are a lot of them. Because the County par- ticipates in the subsidized National Flood Insurance Program, homes that are substantially damaged will have to be demolished, elevated and constructed to today’s strong building codes. Unfortunately, what that means is even after insurance payments, homeowners will be putting extra dollars into rebuilding housing options are possible and delivers them to their work, not a that dwelling and it will likely force affordable, we hope. And to make mile away from it. We want people them to rent the units for more than any viable housing options available to take advantage of public trans- they did before the storm. to our workforce. portation so they don’t further clog our highway with traffic. I’m afraid that unless we are able The storm also brings opportunity. to come up with some programs Our housing stock will become We all love the Keys. Every time I that take some of the burden off the stronger for the future. This will drive over the Seven Mile Bridge, I homeowners, we’re going to lose a come painfully, however, because it enjoy the scenery – and I’ve been lot of those dwellings that were af- also will be more expensive. In the here 45 years. It is a place where fordable housing. long run, it will have a profound ef- we all respect our environment, fect on further escalating the cost of whether it is just admiring our Irma has led to a new level of com- living in Monroe County. island’s beauty or participating in mitment by the County Commission Our workforce is going to be even boating, fishing, diving and other to come up with solutions to our more valuable to us. At this current water activities. It is a special place longtime affordable housing issues. moment, some of our major desti- to live, work and play – and worth We need less community resistance nation resorts that were damaged all the challenges. to neighborhood projects. We are by the storm remain closed. As they looking at new ideas for housing reopen and need a large workforce As your mayor, I look forward to the and ways to speed up the progress to operate these large destination next year – working with my fellow to meet the immediate needs of our resorts, I think they will run into Commissioners, County staff and the citizens. difficulty. community – to continue our recov- ery and build for our new future. We are even looking at tiny homes. Our businesses are probably going Already, our devastated landscape We are building a model one so we to be compensating their employees with toppled trees and mangled all can see what can be possible. more. We are going to need to look mangroves is growing back greener Many of us have lived in a small at enhancing our transportation sys- and stronger. And when we look apartment at various stages of our tem to get our workforce employees back years later, Irma will be a lives. So we are going to be doing to their jobs from their homes in Big turning point for the Keys. Like our some exploratory work in the County Pine, Homestead and other places. landscape, we will rebuild our com- to determine what alternative This needs to be reliable, timely munity to be stronger. and comfortable bus services that