Unincorporated Monroe County - Monroe County wants to remind residents that July 13, 2026 is the closing date for the final Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) quarter available to be eligible for a ROGO allocation from the current pool of market rate allocations. Building permit applications to construct new residential dwelling units must be submitted no later than June 12 (30 days prior to the ROGO deadline), pass all required permit reviews, and submit a complete ROGO application prior to July 13, to compete for the current pool of market rate ROGO allocations. This does not include building permit applications for the repair or replacement of existing dwelling units. New and expanded nonresidential development can continue to request NROGO floor area from the existing NROGO banks after this date. Applying for a ROGO does not guarantee a ROGO allocation for this quarter.

The county is amending its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to accept and distribute the new pool of 657 ROGO allocations authorized by Chapter 2023-17, Laws of Florida, and confirmed by the Administration Commission and the State Land Planning Agency last December. Building permit applications to construct new market rate residential dwelling units submitted after June 12, 2026, will continue to be accepted and reviewed; however, applicants will not be able to submit a ROGO application until the start of a new ROGO allocation period under the new ordinance. Reviewed building permit applications will be held until that time. The next ROGO allocation period is expected to open on July 13, 2027; however, the amendments are still in process and are subject to at least three pending public hearings before adoption, as well as approval by the State Department of Commerce. The county will continue to update the public on the process of these Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code text amendments and will share detailed information on the new ROGO allocations and the updated application system once available.

• To review the drafted text amendments (File 2025-017 and 2025-018): www.monroecounty-fl.gov/707/Pending-Applications
• For information on the current ROGO/NROGO System: www.monroecounty-fl.gov/rogo

Key West Womenfest, one of the country’s top annual festivals for lesbians and their friends, returns in 2026 with the theme, “Lost Women in the Arts” — a celebration that invites women to reclaim and revel in their creative power and individual identity, while having a spectacular time among a courageous community.

From Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 6, attendees can explore fresh paths to reconnecting with their artistry, their stories, and one another on the magical island where so many have come to fan the flame of their inspiration.

Festival highlights are to include a poetry reading and art exhibition event, themed and pool parties, live music and DJ sets, bike and trolley tours, a fabulous sunset sail, a clothing-optional snorkel trip, a speed-dating adventure, foodie fun and more.
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Key West Womenfest is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Key West Business Guild. For event and VIP package information, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday approved a significant shift in how the county will fund nonprofit and social service programs moving forward for the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget.

The county will transition away from the current Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) funding model, where a committee reviewed applications and recommended funding levels for non-profits countywide, and will instead prioritize core government services by directing funding through the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (FDOH-MC) for medical programs and Monroe County Community Services (MCCS) for core service programs and special needs.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of discretionary and nonprofit funding, aligned with the State of Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) guidance, which encourages local governments to spend taxpayer dollars on essential core government services, eliminating duplication of services and competition with the private sector.

As part of the approved direction, the county will begin the process of discontinuing the HSAB program to allow for:

• FDOH-MC to analyze and contract for medical services to fill the gaps in the programs they provide through contracts.
• MCCS to assist nonprofits through its nutrition, utility, and transportation programs. The commission will define a special-needs category and specify the types of programs it will fund under MCCS.

Funding amounts will be determined during the budget process.

“This approach allows us to focus on what local government is fundamentally responsible for, while reducing overlap and funding for non-county functions,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley. “By working directly with the Department of Health and strengthening our Community Services programs, we can fund the most important core services.”

Historically, HSAB funding supported a wide range of nonprofit organizations providing medical, social, and quality-of-life services; however, DOGE has required all local governments to analyze spending on non-core functions, evaluate overlapping services with existing government programs, and to eliminate spending on programs that compete with the private sector.

County staff began aligning the county budget with the DOGE priorities in FY26 and continues to use those principles in developing the FY27 budget. The State of Florida passed a bill this year requiring local governments to identify legally obligated programs or mandatory services as part of the budget process. The FY28 budget will also require local governments to conduct a 10 percent budget reduction analysis each year and post a transparent budget online. Past budgets and the FY27 budget timeline are available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/budget

KEY WEST, FL – Following the approval of the City of Key West commission on April 1, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted on Wednesday to convey ownership of Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park to the City of Key West on May 1, 2026. The park is located on the Atlantic Ocean in Key West and comprises approximately 16.5 acres of oceanfront vista and includes the 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier. The agreement outlines a coordinated transition of ownership, funding, and operational responsibilities intended to support long-term improvements and maintenance of the beach and its associated facilities.  With this conveyance, the county will now manage and operate parks and beaches in unincorporated Monroe, improving efficiency.

“This agreement reflects a common-sense approach to local government that places the park in the hands of the governing body closest to the Key West residents and the community it directly serves,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley.

The county will transfer grant funding and insurance money collected over several years for the property to the city during the transition.

• Funds in the county’s budget from Hurricane Ian insurance claims will assist with the repair and replacement of storm-damaged infrastructure, along with additional funds for seawall patching and the design of repairs to the Reynolds Street Pier.
• The county will amend existing Tourist Development Council (TDC) grant agreements to the city to support projects, including the beach pavilion, West Martello, and Reynolds Street Pier.
• The county will work with the FDOT to transfer a grant for the Reynolds Street Pier repair construction. 
• The city will build the recreational field, rather than the county.
• The county will transition the annual TDC operating funds currently used for Higgs Beach to assist with staffing, utilities, maintenance, and general operations by amending the existing multi-year beach maintenance agreement.
• The city will assume responsibility for existing tenants at the site, including Salute, Salute Watersports, and the Key West Garden Club.

MARATHON, FL – Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and the Board of County Commissioners recognize the 40th anniversary of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Founded in 1986 by Richie Moretti, the Turtle Hospital transformed the former Hidden Harbor Motel into a licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and endangered sea turtles. The mayor’s proclamation highlights the organization’s role as a global model for marine conservation and education and its lasting contributions to environmental stewardship in the Florida Keys community.

The Turtle Hospital has served as a beacon of marine conservation, treating thousands of sea turtles injured by boat strikes, entanglement in fishing line, and disease. Through expert veterinary care and rehabilitation, the organization has successfully returned countless turtles to their natural habitats.

In addition to its rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the Turtle Hospital welcomes visitors from around the world for hands-on learning experiences that highlight the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

“The longevity of the Turtle Hospital is a testament to the vision and dedication of Richie Moretti, Bette Zirkelbach, the staff, and volunteers, who have carried this mission forward for 40 years,” said Lincoln. “Their work has inspired generations to care for and protect sea turtles and natural resources.”

To learn more about the Turtle Hospital, visit www.turtlehospital.org.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln and the Board of County Commissioners recognized National Public Health Week and presented outgoing Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (FDOH-MC) Administrator Dr. Carla Fry with a Conch Certificate in appreciation of her long commitment to public health on Wednesday.

National Public Health Week serves as an opportunity for communities to reflect on the vital role public health plays in protecting and improving quality of life. FDOH-MC continues to lead efforts to protect, promote, and improve the health of all residents through strong partnerships at the state, county, and local levels. This proclamation highlights priorities to improve access to care, address substance abuse and mental health needs, and enhance community safety through initiatives focused on water safety, human trafficking awareness, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Fry was also recognized for her contributions. The United States Army Veteran has dedicated more than 35 years to the medical and public health fields, building a career defined by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to community well-being.

Fry served as Director of Nursing and Health Sciences at the College of the Florida Keys and became the nursing director for FDOH-MC in 2021. In February 2023, she was appointed Administrator and Health Officer by the State Surgeon General, with the support of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

“Dr. Fry’s leadership and dedication have strengthened public health services across Monroe County in ways that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Lincoln. “Recognizing her during National Public Health Week is a fitting tribute to both her career and the continuance of critical work being done every day to keep our community healthy.”

Fry was recently appointed the health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. Dr. Mark Roby is currently the interim FDOH-MC Administrator and Health Officer.

BOCA CHICA & KEY WEST, FL – Monroe County Marine Resources provided an update on major initiatives to address long‑term unmanaged anchoring and expand safe, managed mooring options in the Florida Keys at Wednesday’s Board of County Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting.

To address these challenges, the county is implementing new state anchoring regulations with the development of two mooring fields: Man of War Harbor off Key West and Boca Chica Basin.

The update outlined the project’s progress and next steps, noting that final regulatory permits are expected by late 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and continue in phases throughout the year, with Man of War Harbor Mooring Field expected to be completed in June 2027 and the Boca Chica Mooring Field in December 2027. The county also secured more than $6.7 million in state and federal funding, allowing work to move forward as soon as permits are approved.

“Unmanaged anchoring has contributed to environmental damage, derelict vessels, and unsafe conditions on our waterways,” said Senior Administrator for Marine Resources Brittany Burtner. “These mooring fields will protect seagrass, help prevent derelict vessels, and provide safe access for the boating community.”

State legislation establishes a 90‑day anchoring limit within 10 nautical miles of mooring fields and designated anchoring areas in Monroe County. The law imposes penalties for noncompliance and authorizes the removal of nuisance vessels.

“These investments show Monroe County’s long‑term commitment to balancing environmental protection with responsible boating,” said County Commissioner Craig Cates. “By building managed mooring fields, we’re protecting the Keys waterways while expanding fair, affordable access for residents and visitors.”

For more information on Monroe County Marine Resources and to view the presentation from Wednesday, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/marineresources.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in seven new firefighters to Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The newly sworn-in firefighters took their oaths to support and uphold MCFR’s mission and were presented with their official badges by family and friends.

Please welcome: Firefighter/EMT Gaspar Calafell, Firefighter/EMT Neovaldys Duran, Firefighter/EMT Liam Freeman, Firefighter/EMT Juan Gonzalez, Firefighter/EMT Matthew Rodriguez, Firefighter/EMT Justin Valea, and Firefighter/EMT Jourdan Zojaji.

“We’re proud to welcome these seven new firefighters to the Monroe County Fire Rescue family,” said R.L. Colina. “Each of them has answered the call to serve our community with courage and commitment. From day one, they are part of a team that shows up when it matters most, and I have no doubt they will carry on the high standard of service our residents and visitors rely on every day.”

In honor of National Poetry Month, The Studios of Key West is proud to present the Robert Frost Poetry Contest for Kids & Teens, celebrating the literary legacy of Robert Frost (1874-1963).

Open to Monroe County students aged 6-18, the contest nurtures young poets and fosters creativity within the Keys' vibrant arts community. Submissions are open April 1-30, 2026.

PRIZES:

• 1st Place: $150
• 2nd Place: $100
• 3rd Place: $50
• Three Honorable Mentions per age group

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Students may submit up to three poems, any style or subject, in English or Spanish. Entries should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed/dropped off at The Studios of Key West. Each submission must include the student's name, age, and parent/guardian contact information. Teachers may also submit the work of their students. Open to Monroe County, FL only.

Winners will be announced online and honored at a special reception and reading on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1 PM at The Studios of Key West.
The contest is supported by the Jeane and Jessie Porter Fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and judged by notable poets and artists, including Flower Conroy (former Key West Poet Laureate, NEA Fellow), Kalo Clarke (writer, artist), Erika Hawks (Key West Yoga Sanctuary founder, Studios board member, native Spanish-speaker).

For more information, contact: 

📧 Michelle Boscamp – [email protected]
📍 The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St
📞 305-296-0458

MARATHON, FL – Monroe County Solid Waste and Recycling invites community members to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Marathon City Hall. This free, family-friendly event brings together the community for an evening focused on sustainability, creativity, and environmental stewardship. The celebration is a collaborative effort with the City of Marathon and local students.

The event will feature the “Sea the Change in the Florida Keys” program, highlighting local efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment. Attendees can explore a student art exhibit showcasing creative pieces made from single-use waste by students from Sugarloaf School and Stanley Switlik Elementary, demonstrating how everyday materials can be transformed into meaningful works of art.

Guests will also enjoy eco-friendly vendors, a variety of food trucks, and the opportunity to connect with local environmental organizations offering outreach, education, and resources on sustainable living in the Florida Keys.