Thanks to strong community opposition to the CDL training program proposed by the College of the Florida Keys (CFK) at the old prison on Key Deer Blvd., I am pleased to report that the project has been halted for now. While the outcome is not final, it is important to share this positive development with the many concerned citizens who spoke out against the project.

The College has faced a setback in its CDL training site plan. In addition to the 1,200+ petition signatures, over 100 emails and letters to the County have made a difference. The County recently met with the College and stated it would not certify that the CDL site would have no adverse environmental impact. The College must now work with US Fish & Wildlife to conduct a formal environmental review under the Endangered Species Act, Section 7. Previously, the College was using an incorrect process that would have bypassed a legally required review meant to protect the Refuge, Key Deer, and other endangered species. This review now requires detailed engineering and site plans for USF&W to assess. The College must hire its own environmental consultants; the County’s future role will be limited to reviewing and advising on the submitted plans.

Only the County can approve the release of HUD funds to the College for the project, but this approval has not been granted. Local advocacy groups, including Save Our Key Deer and Keys Last Stand, have pointed out that the environmental reviews are incomplete and inconsistent. Granting approval now could expose the County to liability, which may be the main reason for the delay.

CFK can either end its lease with the State or proceed with the required—and costly—environmental evaluations in hopes of approval. However, given the project’s size and impact, approval is unlikely.

If CFK relinquishes the lease, the County could lease the land, or the State could seek alternative uses for the property.

Stay tuned for updates. For ongoing information, follow Big Pine United on Facebook—a grassroots group opposing the College of the Florida Keys' CDL training site next to the Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key. Updates will be posted there.

If you are a Monroe County, FL resident, email the County at boccdis2@monroecounty-fl.gov to share your views on this location’s future.

As predicted, Key Deer are already being affected by CFK’s initial efforts to fence the site for unapproved construction. At least two deer are currently trapped on the property, possibly without access to water during the dry season. It is time to open the gates, allow the deer in, and halt further construction in this area that attracts hundreds of thousands of eco-tourists annually. Not to mention that this project represents wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars.

Once again, thank you for your continued efforts in helping us stop this wholly inappropriate project.