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

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

In 2024, Last Stand, with renewed determination, reinforced its steadfast dedication to preserving the distinctive quality of life and the fragile ecosystem of the Florida Keys. This year, Last Stand continued to make significant progress in advocating for policies and educational programs that support our goals of managing growth, enhancing water quality, and expanding workforce housing, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the cause.

Through our comprehensive approach of research, education, outreach, and action, Last Stand has worked diligently to influence responsible growth management, improve water quality standards, and promote affordable housing solutions for the workforce.

Last Stand urges denial of the proposed expansion of the Pier B cruise port due to its detrimental impact on local water quality and its location in environmentally sensitive areas. Despite lack of inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection since 2019, evidence suggests adverse effects without an environmental impact assessment. The expansion contradicts the wishes of Key West citizens, who have consistently voted to limit cruise ship sizes. Denial of the lease would not harm the applicant's business, as they could continue operations under the existing lease.

FloridaCommerce’s 2023 Hurricane Evacuation Model and local governments’ responses to it have been in the news recently. While hurricane evacuation time is important to consider when thinking about Keys’ capacity, it is far from the only meaningful factor. Let’s also consider waste water and its effect on the environment, fresh water, traffic, and housing; all of which weigh on our quality of life.

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

Last Stand has supported successful litigation against Marathon's use of shallow wells for sewage disposal, advocating for implementing deep wells instead. Now, Last Stand opposes Marathon's petition to expand the use of the Area 3 wastewater treatment plant and shallow wells, citing concerns about increased flow of partially treated sewage and data from an EPA-funded study indicating contamination exceeding acceptable levels. They argue that any discharge expansion from a wastewater treatment plant already violating its permit should be rejected, particularly considering Marathon's admission that the expansion is intended for future development.

On December 14, 2023, Robert S. Gold, representing Last Stand, stressed Hurricane Evacuation Planning should prioritize public safety and environmental protection, echoing concerns voiced at the BOCC meeting. He urged inclusion of Key West in evacuation models with a 24-hour limit due to the increasing threat of rapidly intensifying storms. Gold called for reconsidering evacuation time limits considering evolving weather patterns and environmental capacity amidst infrastructure challenges and vacation rental expansion. He urged Key West's leaders to advocate for these concerns at county and state levels while prioritizing safety and containing development. Last Stand is eager to collaborate on this vital issue.

Keys Last Stand commends the City of Marathon for its transition from shallow injection wells to deep sewage wells, addressing concerns regarding wastewater's impact on surface waters and marine life in the Florida Keys. Last Stand urges prompt action to safeguard nearshore waters and marine habitats, emphasizing the significance of responsible sewage disposal and environmental preservation.

Last Stand expresses strong support for preserving public access to open water, specifically at Bay Drive Waterfront Park in Tavernier/Key Largo. We oppose proposed changes to Monroe County’s Code (Sec. 19-1) that could privatize public rights-of-way leading to open water, citing the negative impact on public access. Last Stand applauds the County's efforts in managing Bay Drive Park but urges the Commissioners to explore alternative solutions to manage waterfront areas without reducing access.

Adverse water quality event in the Lower Keys. What happened to Lower Keys Water Quality this summer? Lower Keys residents sounded alarm bells this summer, asking, “what’s happening with our nearshore and canal waters?” Last Stand investigated.

The undersigned environmental and community organizations are writing on behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in the Florida Keys and throughout the state. We are concerned about the City of Marathon’s application to permit expansion and continuation of shallow well sewage disposal at a wastewater treatment facility in Marathon.