More bad news, We spoke with the planning department at Hillsborough county a few days ago, They stated that they have been instructed by the BOCC and Adam Gormly to create new verbiage to make the island a nature preserve that would not allow any structures, no restrooms, no camping, no caretakers and the island would be private for private use only.

This new law would mean that ONLY the owners of the property would legally be allowed to be on the island and have no shelter or even maintenance sheds to keep the island safe and clean.

Mac Dill Airforce base, Army, Navy, Hillsborough County Sheriffs, Fire and Rescue, all conduct training missions on the island, this would also be prohibited if this new law goes into effect. 

That is not our vision of the island, we want to continue to share the island with community, military and first responders. 

We also want to make several improvements to the island, like proper restrooms, gazebos, camp sites and more recreation areas in the interior of the island. However, our hands have been tied by Hillsborough county government and none of this will be possible if this new law goes into effect. 

We do not understand why they are attacking us, there are 100's of island around Florida that have structures even mansions on them, almost all nature preserves have restrooms and caretakers and the public is allowed to visit, why are they picking on Pine Key specifically?

Also, If the public is not allowed on the island, Hillsborough county sheriff will be required to patrol the island 24 hours per day and write trespassing tickets all day long. 

Make your voice heard, email Adam Gormly Gormlya@hillsboroughcounty.org  and all of the BOCC members.

Let them know that you are in support of zoning the island (IR - Island Recreation) or a similar category that would allow the current owners to continue to operate and keep the island safe and clean. 

Click The below link to contact all the county commissioners: 

https://hcflgov.formstack.com/forms/contact_commissioner?field51883190=1%0A2%0A3%0A4%0A5%0A6%0A7

You can copy and paste the below message to the county and/or create your own original message to them.

"I am in support of Pine Key being zoned (IR) "island recreation" or a similar designation that will allow the island to continue to be used as it has been for the past 5+ years. The current owners have staff on the island to keep everyone safe and keep the island clean. If you take away private property owners rights, I will join the campaign to have you removed from office."