What a week! We’ve made incredible progress together, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Here are some key updates:**
- Over 65 people packed the room at the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on a Wednesday afternoon, and together we affected real change! The room was buzzing with energy as we made our voices heard. (Read the full press release below.)
- KONKLife has featured a story on the BOCC meeting today. You can read it here: KONKLife Article
- Our petition has gained significant momentum, with over 39,000 views and 400 signatures so far! Additionally, we've received 38 donations to promote the petition, with an average of $50 per contributor, and the petition has been shared more than 100 times across social media platforms. We’re so close to reaching our goal of 500 signatures, and we need your help to get there. Please share the petition today and help us cross the finish line strong 🏁: Sign and Share the Petition
-Find us on Facebook. The coalition Facebook page is a great place to follow, join, stay-up-to-date, and share the latest news from FKRC. Check out the page here: FKRC Facebook Page
- While fundraising is starting to take off, we need more support to continue our work. Change is expensive, and we’re asking for your help. Donations can be made here: Donate Now. Every contribution makes a difference!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Florida Keys ROGO Coalition Advocates for Responsible Development and Celebrates Key Milestone in Protecting the Keys
Key West, FL — The Florida Keys ROGO Coalition, a grassroots group of more than 20 organizations and businesses formed to protect the Florida Keys from the dangers of overdevelopment, is proud to announce significant progress at the recent Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, held on October 16, 2024, at the Marathon Government Center.
At the meeting, the BOCC made critical strides in recognizing the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by unchecked development in the Keys and took steps to more accurately account for the number of lots that could be subject to future takings liability. Commissioner Craig Cates emphasized that “The environment and our quality of life are the most important factors” to consider when making decisions about future development.
The Coalition has called for transparent, data-driven analysis on building allocations (ROGOs) to ensure that development aligns with the region’s capacity to handle increased population and activity. The latest discussions focused on recalculating the number of buildable lots in Monroe County — an important step toward a more sustainable future for the Keys that the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition’s members have been working hard to achieve, and making progress toward a reasonable and realistic computation of the estimated takings liability for local Keys governments.
“We are thrilled to see the County taking real steps to address this pressing issue,” said Ann Olsen, President of Last Stand and a representative of the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition. “The Keys’ fragile environment and remote location, combined with our limited infrastructure, means that we cannot afford to continue issuing new development permits without proper foresight and planning.”
Olsen emphasized the need to protect the Keys’ natural resources, such as its coral reefs and marine life, which have already been severely impacted by pollution, climate change, and overdevelopment. Recent data shows a marked decline in water quality and the health of marine ecosystems, threatening both the environment and the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and fishing.
To continue this fight, the Coalition is inviting residents and supporters to join the cause by visiting FKRC.org to make a donation and sign a petition for transparent, data-driven planning and environmental review.
“We’re asking the community to stand with us in ensuring that the future of the Florida Keys remains bright—not just for us, but for future generations,” Olsen added. “Together, we can safeguard our unique way of life and the environment we depend on. Our Keys, Our Future.”
For more information about the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition, or to get involved, visit FKRC.org
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Thank you for your continued support,
The Florida Keys ROGO Coalition