more lanes for US 1, more development for the keys
On September 10, Monroe County Commissioners are set to hand FDOT the power to seize land along U.S. 1 — homes, businesses, even mangroves — all to make way for more lanes.
It won’t affect the most congested areas of US 1, like Stock Island, Islamorada, Marathon, or North Roosevelt. But it will mean:
🚜 Eminent domain could bulldoze through our community.
🐢 Irreplaceable habitat destroyed.
🚫 Local voices silenced while unelected state officials decide our future.
🚜 Years of disruptive construction that won’t fix traffic
At the same September 10th meeting, the County Commission is set to approve a traffic study that says traffic on U.S. 1 is not only up to par — it’s actually getting better.
So why is Monroe County so eager to four-lane U.S. 1?
Because more lanes = more development.
💰 By law, new commercial developments can only be approved if the road has enough capacity. If a commercial development will make an over-capacity road worse, they have to foot the bill for their share of improvements.
💰 Widen the road, and suddenly a wave of new commercial growth is unlocked — and it’s taxpayers, not developers, who foot the bill.
What do we get in exchange?
Shorelines, mangroves, and habitat filled and paved, increasing erosion, flood damage and biodiversity loss
Businesses, homes, and parking boxed in by loud, exhaust-filled highways
Communities cut in half (imagine having to turn left every morning across a our lane highway!)
More dangerous crossings for schoolchildren, pedestrians, cyclists
Bottlenecks increasing the risk of accidents that can slow down evacuation, and cause daily “phantom traffic jams” at rush hour
Years of disruptive construction
Traffic is a symptom of overdevelopment — and adding lanes only fuels more growth, more cars, and more congestion.
We didn’t elect Commissioners to pave paradise. We elected them to protect it.
Tell your Commissioners: Stop siding with developers. It’s time to vote for residents, quality of life, and the environment.
TAKE ACTION BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10:
👉 Contact your commissioner. Click here for sample emails and talking points:
📄 Read more about the impacts.
