The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners is considering a vote to reduce or eliminate funding for the Monroe County Extension Service on July 15th. 

If the commissioners vote to approve the proposed yellow and red cuts, there will be severe implications for our many community programs. 

The proposed cuts are as follows: 

Green: Cut to spending.
Yellow: Loss of Environmental Horticulture Agent & Extension Coordinator positions.
Red: Elimination of the Extension Office, including termination of the Sea Grant Agent as well as the County Extension Director and Community Development Agent (2 positions).

The goal of this petition is to persuade the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to reject proposed Yellow and Red budget cuts to Extension Services and adopt only the Green reduction.

Public support is crucial to the continuation of Monroe County Extension services. 

We must show our commissioners that Monroe County taxpayers value Extension services and support the funding of these programs. 

Since 1972, the University of Florida and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) have jointly supported the local Extension office in response to community needs for assistance with landscape pests and disease, health, safety, financial guidance, and support for recreational and commercial fisheries. As part of a statewide network, Extension connects residents to university research, offering practical, science-based solutions across a variety of topics. Monroe County benefits from access to University of Florida resources, specialized personnel, and strategic partnerships. Extension programs, which serve an average of 11,000 residents annually, include support to commercial and recreational fisheries, disaster recovery support, water quality initiatives, diagnostic services, horticultural services, pollution reduction, and community education. The office’s four faculty members are jointly funded by the University of Florida and Monroe County, with Monroe County contributing 30–40% of their salaries. 

The Monroe County Extension Office brings in over $2.46 MILLION in University and external grant funding. This means that for the cost of ~301K, the county gets an additional $2.46 MILLION return on investment. Without Extension Services, the County would not be eligible for the university funding and would not receive these grants.  

As one supportive resident stated, "We need to respectfully urge the Board to recognize the Extension Office as a solution, not a cost."

In closing, Extension provides invaluable support and acts as a well-established, integral community resource, providing quality education, expertise, and assistance to anyone who needs it. In a unique and ecologically sensitive area like the Florida Keys, the role of UF/IFAS Extension cannot be overstated. Extension protects our natural resources, supports economic vitality, and strengthens community preparedness in the face of environmental challenges.

Loss of this service would be detrimental to the fabric of our community.

It is time to let your voice be heard - show your support for Monroe County Extension by signing this petition! 

In addition, please consider attending the budget meeting (details below) and contacting the commissioners via phone and email to express your support!

Meeting Date: July 15th at 3:00 PM
Location: Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy., 2nd Floor