|
MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County is reminding residents and business owners to watch for a scam where an invoice appears to be from the Monroe County Building Department, Monroe County Planning Department, or Monroe County Planning Commission.
Monroe County and the Monroe County Planning Commission will NEVER ask anyone to make wire transfers to pay building permit fees. The county will never send emails requesting that you do anything related to wire transfer instructions. We will not ask for wire transfers, and we will never tell you we can only communicate via email to ensure proper documentation, auditing, and inclusion on the Planning Commission’s agenda for review and discussion. If you are ever in doubt, please call us at the numbers listed on the county’s website to verify any information: www.monroecounty-fl.gov. Do not open attachments or respond to emails or numbers listed in the suspicious requests. Monroe County only sends emails that have this ending: [email protected] or [email protected]. KEY LARGO, FL – Another 640 pounds of debris has been removed from conservation lands in Key Largo through the ongoing partnership between the Monroe County Land Authority and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The latest cleanup targeted an illegal encampment located deep within a hardwood hammock, requiring crews to carry debris a considerable distance through the forest for removal. While the site contained less material than some previous cleanups, crews faced challenging conditions, including heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. With the latest removal, the cleanups have now removed a cumulative 32,960 pounds of debris from conservation lands in the Upper Keys. Monroe County Solid Waste helps remove the bulk items that are collected. “These cleanups take a tremendous amount of physical effort, especially when sites are located far into the conservation areas,” said Assistant Land Steward Lawrence Lopez. “Every cleanup helps restore these sensitive hardwood hammocks while also improving conditions for the surrounding community.” Monroe County, FL – Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein was appointed as chair of the Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) Water & Environmental Policy Committee. She has served on the committee since 2021. The association’s president, Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers, appointed the committee’s policy leaders.
FAC’s policy committees are responsible for proposing, debating, and adopting policy positions that focus on improving and preserving home rule of Florida’s counties. The chosen proposals will be entered into FAC’s Legislative Action Plan, which will guide the association’s advocacy efforts over the next year. “Water quality, resiliency, and environmental protection are not abstract policy issues for Monroe County. They directly affect our residents, our economy, and the future of the Florida Keys,” said Merrill Raschein. “I’m honored to continue representing Monroe County on this committee and to help shape statewide policies that recognize the unique needs of coastal communities.” The Water & Environmental Sustainability Committee deals with public policies that encompass the following: • Water Quality • Water Quantity • Water Infrastructure • Funding Issues • Interstate Issues • Waste and Pollution • Utilities and Energy • Resiliency MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Information Technology Senior Coordinator of TV/Multimedia Jethon Williams has been named Monroe County’s Employee of the Second Quarter 2026 for his professionalism, positive attitude, and behind-the-scenes support of public meetings throughout the Florida Keys.
Williams provides audiovisual support for Monroe County government meeting facilities and works with county staff and community members participating online. His work is especially important as public meetings increasingly include both in-person and virtual participation. District 3 Commissioner Jim Scholl nominated Williams for the recognition, describing him as someone who is “everywhere every week supporting multiple county meetings.” “His professional acumen and perpetual positive attitude are an example of the right person in the right job,” said Scholl. “He is genuinely polite, respectful, and positively supportive in sometimes the most challenging circumstances. In the world of ever-demanding hybrid public meetings, he is the true ‘master of ceremonies.’” Scholl also recognized Williams for his ability to work seamlessly with everyone involved in a public meeting while coordinating the technical elements that often go unnoticed when everything is working as it should. The commissioners echoed the sentiment, calling him the “man behind the curtain working all the magic.” MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Information Technology Senior Coordinator of TV/Multimedia Jethon Williams has been named Monroe County’s Employee of the Second Quarter 2026 for his professionalism, positive attitude, and behind-the-scenes support of public meetings throughout the Florida Keys. Williams provides audiovisual support for Monroe County government meeting facilities and works with county staff and community members participating online. His work is especially important as public meetings increasingly include both in-person and virtual participation. District 3 Commissioner Jim Scholl nominated Williams for the recognition, describing him as someone who is “everywhere every week supporting multiple county meetings.” “His professional acumen and perpetual positive attitude are an example of the right person in the right job,” said Scholl. “He is genuinely polite, respectful, and positively supportive in sometimes the most challenging circumstances. In the world of ever-demanding hybrid public meetings, he is the true ‘master of ceremonies.’” Scholl also recognized Williams for his ability to work seamlessly with everyone involved in a public meeting while coordinating the technical elements that often go unnoticed when everything is working as it should. The commissioners echoed the sentiment, calling him the “man behind the curtain working all the magic.” MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County has received permits from both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for the Man of War Harbor Mooring Field, marking a major milestone toward construction of the county’s planned mooring field near Key West’s Wisteria Island.
The Man of War Harbor Mooring Field is part of Monroe County’s effort to address long-term unmanaged anchoring and expand safe, managed mooring options in the Florida Keys. Chronic unmanaged anchoring can contribute to environmental damage, navigational hazards, derelict vessels, and reduced public access to waterways. “This is a significant milestone for Monroe County and a project that we have been working toward for several years,” said County Commissioner Craig Cates. “Receiving both permits brings us much closer to construction to ultimately provide additional safe, managed mooring opportunities for the boating community.” Once the required moorings are installed, the project will also allow a key provision of Florida Statute 327.4108(3)(a) to take effect. The statute establishes a 90-day limit on the length of time a vessel may anchor in one location within 10 nautical miles of a public mooring field or designated anchoring area in Monroe County. The anchoring limitation is intended to address long-term, unmanaged anchoring and its associated environmental and navigational impacts, and to help prevent vessels from becoming derelict. The Man of War Harbor Mooring Field is one of two mooring fields Monroe County is developing. The other mooring field is being developed for the Boca Chica basin. For more information, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/marineresources. MONROE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER PROJECTIONS SHOW SMALLER MONROE COUNTY REVENUE IMPACT IF AMENDMENT8/19/2026
MONROE COUNTY, FL – The State of Florida will vote on an amendment to the Florida Constitution, known as Amendment 3, in November. The amendment would increase homestead exemptions to $150,000 in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) and $250,000 in Fiscal Year 2028 (FY28) and would cap the amount non-homesteaded properties can increase in assessed value from 10% to 5%. Local governments statewide have been analyzing potential impacts on their budgets and the government services they provide to citizens.
Original estimates from the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) projected a Monroe County revenue loss of about $9 million in FY27 and about $17.5 million in FY28. On Wednesday, Monroe County Property Appraiser Scott Russell provided refined property value projections to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) showing the potential local impact of proposed Amendment 3, if Florida voters approve the referendum in November. His projections, using detailed data and a conservative 2.5% annual increase in Just Value, show that overall taxable value would continue to increase in individual taxing districts, except for the District 1 Lower and Middle Keys Fire and Ambulance taxing district. No projections show the county losing assessed property value. Monroe County is one of only two counties in Florida where the assessed value projections do not decrease based on Amendment 3 impacts. Based on Russell’s projections, the Monroe County Office of Management and Budget presented an overall countywide ad valorem revenue increase of approximately $287,440 in FY27 and a cumulative $1.52 million in FY28, reflecting strong property values and a stable economy. “The state projections were based on an earlier set of assumptions, as well as a projection of ‘lost growth potential,’ and did not reflect Monroe County’s FY26 certified values,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley. “Using the most current local data gives us a clearer picture of how the proposed amendment could affect taxable values and our county services.” The Property Appraiser’s analysis uses the FY26 certified values and projects Just Value growth of 2.5% for FY27 and FY28. The analysis also assumes:
While overall taxable values are projected to grow, the increased homestead exemption would reduce the portion of residential homestead value subject to taxation. “These projections matter as Monroe County begins planning future budgets,” said Hurley. “Even with continued taxable value growth, the county anticipates about $12.5 million in typical annual expense increases, including personnel costs, contractual obligations, and vendor-related inflation.” In addition, the legislature passed another bill, House Bill 1329, which requires county staff to conduct a 10% budget reduction exercise when developing the FY28 budget. That bill requires every local government to identify legally obligated and mandatory expenditures. When preparing these budgets, the BOCC will evaluate potential reductions and the millage rates needed to continue essential county services. The Property Appraiser’s figures are projections and will continue to be refined as updated property values and certified tax roll information become available. A special workshop and informational session on this topic is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center and via Zoom. Zoom details will be available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar. More information on Monroe County’s FY26 budget can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/budget. 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.
25 Years
15 Years
5 Years
Monroe County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Ryan Johnson is recognized by the Board of County Commissioners and Chief RL Colina on Wednesday for his 25 years of service to the citizens of Monroe County. His wife, Cara, pinned him at the meeting. MONROE COUNTY, FL – Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins visited the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Marathon on Aug. 5, meeting with Monroe County officials and public safety leadership to discuss emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and the unique challenges of protecting community members and visitors throughout the Florida Keys.
Collins met with Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Commissioner Jim Scholl, Monroe County Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow, and Monroe County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Mark Hemeyer during the visit. The group discussed Monroe County’s emergency operations, Trauma Star, and the coordination among local, state, and federal partners before, during, and after emergencies. The county’s EOC serves as the central coordination point for agencies and community partners during activations, bringing together emergency management, fire rescue, law enforcement, municipalities, utilities, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal partners. “We appreciate Lt. Governor Collins taking the time to visit our EOC and meet directly with the people responsible for protecting our community,” said Lincoln. “In the Florida Keys, strong partnerships with the State of Florida are critical to our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Having our state leadership see firsthand how we operate and understand the challenges we face is extremely valuable.” LAWRENCE LOPEZ/Monroe County Land Authority KEY LARGO, FL – Monroe County's ongoing efforts to protect environmentally sensitive lands reached another milestone this week as crews and volunteers removed approximately 2,580 pounds of illegally accumulated trash from a local conservation area near the Recovery, Unity, Services in the (RUSK) property. With this latest effort, Monroe County's cumulative total of removed debris from conservation areas has reached 32,320 pounds. The cleanup included the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Key Largo Fire Rescue, Monroe County Land Authority, and Monroe County Solid Waste.
 FLORIDA KEYS, FL – Monroe County, the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections, the City of Key West, and Waste Management are partnering to provide free recycling for election signs and campaign materials during the 2026 fall election season.
Residents and campaign sign collectors may recycle corrugated plastic election signs, metal sign stands, and paper campaign materials starting Aug. 19 through Dec. 15 at five designated drop-off locations throughout the Florida Keys. Metal stands should be removed from the signs and placed in the appropriate marked container. Participants should look for marked collection bins at each location. Election signs require special handling and should not be placed in curbside recycling bins. Drop-off locations:
For questions, email [email protected] or [email protected]. |
|
Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
510 Greene St., First Floor | Key West, FL 33040 [email protected] | sitemap |
|