​MONROE COUNTY, FL – At the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, July 16, at approximately 11:45 a.m., at the Marathon Government Center and on Zoom, there will be a public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 6-112 of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances. The proposed ordinance clarifies that for temporary uses, excluding public assemblies and temporary construction staging areas, only one special building permit may be issued per property for a specific temporary use.
 
The agenda and meeting information can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/meetings. The item is S6.
 
If adopted, a temporary use permit would not be extended or reissued in a way that would allow a food truck or other temporary use to remain on a property for more than six months in unincorporated Monroe County. Any proposed use to continue beyond that timeframe would require a separate building permit and/or additional development approvals. Temporary construction trailers or temporary housing, for example, after a hurricane, can be extended for longer periods of time.
  
Under the proposed amendment, once the initial six-month temporary use permit expires, temporary structures and associated uses must be removed. Any use, including a food truck, that intends to remain on a property for more than six months will be considered a permanent use and must meet all applicable standards outlined in the Monroe County Land Development Code.
 
For additional information on current regulations related to food truck uses within unincorporated Monroe County, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/181.
 
For questions, contact the Monroe County Planning and Environmental Resources Department at 305-289-2500.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Community Services – Veterans Affairs proudly supports the upcoming Southernmost Honor Flight for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans departing from the Florida Keys on Sept. 5 to travel Ft. Lauderdale and then fly to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 6 for a day of touring national memorials and monuments. This marks the first time an Honor Flight will originate from the Florida Keys.
 
“We will be here to support and celebrate our Veterans every step of the way,” said Director Cathy Crane, who is a U.S. Army Iraq War Veteran. “It’s a powerful way to recognize the sacrifices of our local Veterans and provide them with an unforgettable day of remembrance and connection.”
 
To help fund this historic flight, which is free for the participating Veterans, the community is invited to a military-themed fundraiser on Saturday, July 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie shopping center, 91200 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier. A suggested donation of $20 includes food, drinks, patriotic fun, and sponsorship opportunities to directly support the flight.
 
To learn more about the Southernmost Honor Flight, visit www.honorflightsouthflorida.org or call Honor Flight South Florida Director of  Operations Ryan Paton at 954-445-4285. For more information on Monroe County Veterans Affairs, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/va.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller released an audit evaluating the management of grants administered by Monroe County Social Services. The audit, covering the fiscal years 2022 to 2024, identified serious issues related to compliance, operational structure, and record-keeping that are being addressed immediately by Assistant County Administrator Tina Boan and the new Director of Community Services Cathy Crane, who assumed management of these operations in mid-June.
 
According to the clerk’s office, deficiencies in oversight and outdated practices may have led to a potential budget shortfall exceeding $2 million. The financial irregularities identified do not indicate employee theft. Rather, they indicate deficiencies in financial recordkeeping, including improper bookkeeping, unreimbursed expenditures, misclassification of expenses, and other accounting errors that accumulated over multiple years.
 
“We take the findings of the audit very seriously and are fully committed to long-term change to make sure the department is remediated,” said Boan. “The county is committed to ensuring the responsible stewardship of public funds and is implementing corrective measures to strengthen internal controls, improve operational efficiency, and ensure full compliance with grant requirements.”
 
The department, under new leadership, has acknowledged the audit findings and is taking comprehensive steps to improve operations, including:

• Establishing defined workflows and implementing new policies and procedures
• Adding staff training and cross-training
• Implementing a centralized intake and case tracking system
• Transitioning from paper-based to digital records, including timekeeping and applications
• Improving budgetary tracking and grant reconciliation processes
• Enhancing communication with granting agencies and internal departments

 
The county will engage an outside firm to facilitate the forensic reconciliation of associated grant cost centers and will conduct a year-by-year review to identify expenditures that were not properly budgeted. Additional training and policy updates are underway to ensure alignment with county administrative requirements and federal and state grant compliance standards.
 
“The clerk’s office and county administration will continue to collaborate to address the issues raised in the audit and ensure sustained accountability and improved service delivery for Monroe County residents,” said Boan.
 
The audit will be discussed by the Board of County Commissioners, likely at the Aug. 20 regularly scheduled meeting in Key West. 
 
To learn more about the assistance programs social services offers, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/socialservices.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County’s Fleet Management has been recognized among the best in the industry, earning 17th place in North America’s 2025 Leading Fleets award by Government Fleet magazine and the American Public Works Association (APWA) and 24th in the 100 Best Public Fleets in the Americas. The honor places Monroe County among the top-ranked government fleet operations out of more than 38,000 fleets across the continent.
 
The awards recognize operations demonstrating excellence in efficiency, effectiveness, innovation, and leadership, including

• Efficiency, effectiveness, and modernity of the fleet operation.
• Metrics tracking and performance measurement.
• Leadership within the team, customer service, community engagement, and contributions to the fleet industry.
• Operational efficiency.
• A clear vision for the future and steps taken toward achieving it.
• Success in addressing and overcoming challenges.

 
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and hard work of our team,” said Fleet Management Director Daryl Greenlee. “Our department’s commitment to excellence ensures Monroe County’s vehicles are safe, reliable, and cost-effective for the many critical services staff members provide to our residents.”
 
Monroe County Fleet Management’s 20 employees operate three county garages and provide safety, maintenance, and repairs for approximately 850 vehicles, including 305 sheriff department vehicles. They are also responsible for the county’s 70 emergency generators and focus on being eco-friendly with high regard for safety. In 2024, the department completed 5,651 work orders.
 
The 50 Leading Fleets and 100 Best Public Fleets represent the industry’s elite, and these recognitions highlight Monroe County’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet, enhance sustainability, and deliver outstanding service to the community.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County reminds pet owners that dogs, cats, and ferrets six months of age or older must be licensed and have a valid license tag. Licensing your pets is not only a county requirement but also helps keep your furry family members safe and ensures their quick return if lost.
 
Under Monroe County Code Sec. 4-65, any person owning or keeping a dog, cat, or ferret in Monroe County must license the animal within 30 days of establishing residency or once the animal reaches six months old. A license includes a certificate and a tag affixed to the animal’s collar or harness. Pets must also have a current rabies vaccination to obtain a license.
 
Discounts are available for pets that are microchipped or tattooed with permanent identification. Residents who own a service dog may get a license at no charge, provided they submit the necessary documentation.
 
Licenses are available through Monroe County Animal Control contractors, which include the Florida Keys SPCA in Key West and Marathon and the Humane Animal Care Coalition in Key Largo. Detailed information, including licensing fees, replacement tags, and additional regulations, can be found at www.fkspca.org/what-we-do/animal-control/pet-licenses/ or https://humaneanimalcoalition.com/.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – On Thursday, June 26, Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln was inducted as president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). She was inducted at a celebration dinner hosted during FAC’s Annual Conference & Educational Exhibition in Orange County, Florida. Her daughter, Mallory Pinto, of Marathon, swore her in that evening. Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl and Commissioners David Rice and Holly Merrill Raschein were also in Orlando for the conference, along with County Administrator Christine Hurley, Assistant Administrators Kevin Wilson and Tina Boan, and others.

Lincoln is the first representative from Monroe County to serve at this top level.

Lincoln has served on FAC’s executive committee since 2022, most recently as President-Elect. As she assumes the role of FAC President, Lincoln will lead the association by directing policy, advocacy, and administrative functions.

“This association unifies all 67 counties, each with diverse needs and perspectives, to work toward a common goal of protecting local governance,” said Lincoln. “I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the power of advocacy, collaboration, and education in connecting our counties. I’m truly honored and thankful for the opportunity to help guide us in this important work.”

In addition to her service on FAC’s executive committee, Lincoln has served on the FAC Board of Directors since 2020 and has served on numerous policy committees, such as the Water & Environmental Sustainability committee. Lincoln has also achieved the highest level of the Certified County Commissioner program, signifying hours of completed coursework focused on local government education.

“Commissioner Lincoln’s accomplishments, at the association and as a locally elected official, are a testament to the hard work and passion she brings forth every day,” said Ginger Delegal, the executive director of FAC. “I look forward to seeing her lead the association and have full confidence she will propel our mission forward with new initiatives and ideas.”

Lincoln is joined on the FAC Executive Committee by President-Elect Rene Flowers of Pinellas County, 1st Vice President Susan Adams of Indian River County, 2nd Vice President Larry Harvey of Putnam County, and Immediate Past President Terry Burroughs of Okeechobee County.

FAC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of one county commissioner from each state senate district (40); five executive officers; six county commissioners appointed at-large with no more than three of the six from counties with population of 75,000 or more; and the past presidents of FAC.  Merrill Raschein also represents the Florida Keys on the Board.

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2026 State budget, including the full $20 million Florida Keys Stewardship Act and $5 million for land acquisition appropriation. In addition, the state funded $1.65 million toward developing a mooring field in the Lower Keys, and $650,000 for the mobile vessel pump-out program. The budget also provides significant funding for programs that indirectly affect Monroe County, including Everglades restoration, Florida Forever, and affordable housing.
 
“This budget from the Governor and delegation continues to show us that protecting the Florida Keys’ delicate and fragile environment is a top priority,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley. “This included a lot of work put in by our legislative affairs team and countless hours put in by Rep. Mooney and Sen. Rodriguez.”
 
The State Legislature enacted the Florida Keys Stewardship Act in 2016. This one-of-a-kind legislation acknowledges the importance of protecting the Florida Keys’ unique and fragile resources, including its coral reef, seagrass beds, and mangroves. Monroe County has secured more than $100 million in water quality funding since the passage of the act, and Florida Keys communities use the funding to implement water quality projects to protect these resources.
 
In addition to the funding, two major bills were signed into law that affect the Florida Keys, including SB 180, which increases the hurricane evacuation window by .5 hours, providing 900 new Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) allocations, over 10 years, to be used one per vacant lot. SB 830 was also signed into law, allowing law enforcement to remove migrant vessels within five days using state funds.

MARATHON, FL – Year after year, the flat, gravel rooftop of the Monroe County Government Center in Marathon is an important seasonal nesting site for Least Terns, a state-designated threatened species, and occasionally Roseate Terns, which are a state and federally listed threatened bird. 
 
The roof is actively managed to support nesting birds and is inspected before each nesting season to help ensure safe conditions for chicks. County staff also regularly conduct ground-based monitoring without disturbing the birds, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists conduct rooftop visits for detailed nest counts.
 
This season, 36 Least Tern nests were identified on the rooftop.
 
"Rooftops offer some clear advantages for the birds,” said Environmental Resources Assistant Director Michael Roberts. “They’re typically free of beachgoers, dogs, and other ground-based disturbances and predators.”
 
In a recent visit, FWC and Monroe County Special Projects Manager Julie Cheon banded five Roseate Tern chicks to monitor survival rates, migratory patterns, and habitat use, which will generate vital data to support the long-term management and protection of these sensitive species.
 
Aside from one chick that required assistance recently, no chick rescues have been needed this season. There is a note on the front door to contact Roberts or FWC should you come across a chick in the parking lot while they are learning to fly.
 
FWC established the Qualified Rooftop Monitor Program to train volunteers to safely observe, document, and respond to rooftop-nesting birds. To learn more about how to support rooftop-nesting birds or become a Qualified Rooftop Monitor, visit

• FWC: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/shorebirds/rooftop/
• Florida Shorebird Alliance: https://flshorebirdalliance.org/get-involved/rooftop-nests/.

MONROE COUNTY – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognizes its long-term employees for their contributions to the county's citizens. See below those celebrating milestones this month.
 
15 Years

• Chris Hawks, Key West Airport Facilities & Construction

 
10 Years

• Lindsey Ballard, Executive Aide to County Administrator
• Dan Bensley, Preventive Maintenance System Operator
• Frank Gonzalez, Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Lee Placido, Monroe County Fire Rescue
• Devin Rains, Planning

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln, as part of her induction as president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), will be bringing to the Florida Keys from the annual conference in Orlando 350 tote bags filled with kid-friendly foods for local students.
 
Out of the almost 100 years the Florida Association of Counties has been serving the 67 counties of Florida, this is the first time Monroe County will be represented at this executive level. One of the perks of the presidency is a “stuff the bus” like campaign for the president-elect’s county.
 
Lincoln reached out to United Way of Collier and the Florida Keys earlier this year to assess the needs of students. While pencils and paper can be in high demand, she was told about the food insecurities many students face after school and on the weekends. Instead of “stuffing the bus” with school supplies this year, Lincoln requested the help of Comcast, the event sponsor, and the conference vendors to help her stuff bags with non-perishable, kid-friendly foods that local Monroe County food pantries could help distribute to children over the summer.
 
And, did the vendors deliver!
 
More than 350 bags were stuffed by event attendees in Orlando to be brought back to the Florida Keys in under an hour. The bags are filled to the top with juices, crackers, peanut butter, rice snacks, and other healthy and fun snacks.
 
Lincoln, along with other Monroe County commissioners, will be at KAIR in Marathon on Monday, June 30 at 10 a.m. to hand the bags over to the local food pantries across Monroe County.