​MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County’s Artificial Reefs Program is preparing for its third upcoming reef material deployment off Key West in the Florida Keys. These deployments help create new marine habitats, enhance recreational diving and fishing opportunities, and support the local marine ecosystem.
 
The following deployment is currently scheduled:
• Gulfside 9 Mile Reef Site
Latitude: 24.899 N  (N 24°53’56.4”)
Longitude: -81.606 W (W 81°36’21.599”)
 
Previous deployments:
• Gulfside 5 Mile Reef Site - June 9, 2026
Latitude: 24.79793 N
Longitude: -81.69104 W
 
• Gulfside 8 Mile Reef Site – July 8, 2026
Latitude: 24.904 N
Longitude: -81.556 W
 
Members of the public are welcome to observe deployments from private vessels, provided they maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from deployment operations. For safety reasons, no one may enter the water during active deployments.
 
All published locations and dates are subject to change based on weather and sea conditions, contractor availability, or county scheduling needs. Last-minute changes may not be reflected immediately online. Anyone wishing to confirm the deployment schedule before traveling to a site should text 786-847-5443 for the most current information.
 
Monroe County’s Artificial Reefs Program provides valuable habitat for marine life while supporting the region’s world-renowned fishing and diving industries. The Monroe County Artificial Reefs Program is sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the State of Florida.
 
To learn more about the program, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/reefs.

CUDJOE KEY, FL - Monroe County has reopened the public boat ramp located on the bayside at the end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key (Mile Marker 21.2) in time for Florida's lobster mini-season, which takes place this Wednesday and Thursday. The boat ramp had been temporarily closed while it served as a staging area for environmental mitigation work at Tarpon Belly Keys associated with the Taxiway A Improvement Project at Key West International Airport. The project is now finished. Boaters are welcome to use the ramp for launching and retrieving vessels. Monroe County appreciates the public's patience during the temporary closure. Please have a safe lobster mini-season.

KEY LARGO, FL – Monroe County and Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park invite residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in true Florida Keys style at the America 250 Florida Keys Pennekamp Paddle Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

Thanks to Florida State Parks, park admission will be free, giving the community an opportunity to enjoy one of the Florida Keys’ most treasured natural resources as part of the yearlong America 250 Florida Keys celebration. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature:
​

• A Progressive Red, White, & Blue Paddleboard and Kayak Parade through the mangrove trail – kayaks and paddleboards provided
• Glass-bottom boat experiences at 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. (first come, first served)
• Snorkeling Experiences (fins and mask included; must buy or bring your own snorkel) at noon and 1: 30 p.m. (first come, first served)
• Hot dogs, chips, and a soda plus chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie
• Live entertainment from local musicians
• Interactive activities from community partners

“America’s 250th birthday gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation and our state's history throughout 2026, including the places, people, and experiences that make the Florida Keys so special,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “This event brings our celebration to an incredible park and gives our community members a chance to see our natural history up close and personal.”

Pennekamp is known as the nation’s first undersea park and is home to mangrove forests, tropical hammocks, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

“We are proud to welcome the community to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for this special celebration,” said Ann Helmers, president of the Friends group. “Pennekamp is an important part of our local history and identity, and there is no better place to celebrate than Pennekamp, a world-renowned destination and one of the Florida Keys’ most cherished treasures.”

The event is part of America 250 Florida Keys, which is Monroe County and the Tourist Development Council’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Several free events are being planned to highlight the islands’ history, culture, natural resources, and community spirit. On Oct. 10, a sunset celebration will be held at the Old 7-Mile Bridge in Marathon, and events in Big Pine Key and Islamorada are being planned for November.

More information and event updates will be available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/250.

BIG PINE KEY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution Wednesday requesting that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service direct additional funding to the National Key Deer Refuge to restore population data collection for the endangered Key deer.
 
The resolution highlights the importance of comprehensive biological monitoring for the continued protection and recovery of the Key deer; a species found only in the lower Florida Keys. Since 2019, staffing shortages at the National Key Deer Refuge have prevented the collection of population census data.
 
Historically, the refuge provided annual population surveys, mortality summaries, and scientific analysis that Monroe County relies on to meet federal reporting requirements under its former Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit. While mortality data has continued to be collected, the absence of population census information has limited the county's ability to complete the comprehensive monitoring reports required under federal endangered species protections.
 
"The Florida Key deer is an iconic symbol of the Lower Keys and an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage," said Mayor Michelle Lincoln. "Reliable scientific data is essential to protecting this endangered species and helping make informed decisions about conservation and responsible growth."
 
For more information, visit the Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department at monroecounty-fl.gov/environmentalresources.​

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved a Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program MSBU Ordinance that allows neighborhoods in unincorporated Monroe County to request and fund community improvements that benefit specific geographic areas beyond the county's standard level of service. The board also approved a related Financial Hardship Deferral Program to assist qualifying low-income homeowners with assessment deferrals in neighborhoods that have an MSBU approved.

The Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program is entirely voluntary and is designed to help neighborhoods pursue projects that residents identify as priorities. Rather than being initiated by the county, projects would be requested by residents within a defined neighborhood benefit area and approved by a majority vote of affected property owners (50% +1). If approved, the county would consider advancing the funds and implementing the work on behalf of the residents. All costs would be paid back to the county through an assessment on the property benefiting from the project.

The updated program expands the types of eligible neighborhood projects beyond roadway elevation and flood mitigation to include improvements such as:

• Drainage improvements
• Beach renourishment and erosion control
• Living shorelines
• Recreational facilities and services
• Canal improvements, such as weed gates
• Street and roadway adaptations
• Sidewalks
• Street lighting
• Other essential neighborhood infrastructure and services

"Every neighborhood has different needs and priorities," said Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag. "This program provides property owners who directly benefit from improvements the ability to work together with the county to pursue improvements that are important to their community."

Financial Hardship Deferral Program
Recognizing that special assessments may create financial challenges for some homeowners, the board also established a Financial Hardship Deferral Program for qualifying homesteaded properties within an approved MSBU project area, which would defer the assessments owed to the county. Under the program, Monroe County may pay the annual special assessment on behalf of eligible homeowners if the board has appropriated funding. The county would then be reimbursed for the full assessment due when the property is sold or transferred.

To qualify, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including:

• Own and live in a homesteaded property within an approved project area.
• Have a household income at or below 80 percent of Monroe County's median income (low-income level).
• Have no more than $60,000 in available cash assets.
• Have annual MSBU assessment(s) exceeding $1,500.

Participants must apply with supporting documentation, and eligibility will be reviewed periodically.

The Financial Hardship Deferral Program is intended to help qualifying residents while allowing neighborhoods to pursue important infrastructure improvements that improve safety, resilience, and quality of life.

For additional information about the MSBU Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program or the Financial Hardship Deferral Program, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/msbu.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved revisions to the county's three jury districts on Wednesday to better align jury service locations with where residents live, making travel more convenient for many prospective jurors while maintaining compliance with Florida law.

Monroe County is divided into three jury districts, Lower Keys, Middle Keys, and Upper Keys, served by the Freeman Justice Center in Key West, the Marathon Courthouse, and the Plantation Key Courthouse, respectively. State law requires each jury district to include at least 6,000 registered voters and allows counties with multiple courthouse locations to establish separate jury districts.

The approved revisions shift:

• Big Pine Key and No Name Key (Precincts 16 and 17) from the Lower Keys Jury District to the Middle Keys Jury District, allowing residents to report for jury service in Marathon instead of Key West.
• Craig Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, and Windley Key (Precinct 24) from the Middle Keys Jury District to the Upper Keys Jury District, allowing residents to report to the Plantation Key Courthouse instead of Marathon.

The change will now allow many Big Pine Key residents to travel approximately 19 miles to the Marathon Courthouse rather than about 30 miles to Key West. Similarly, residents from Craig Key northward will report to the Plantation Key Courthouse, significantly shortening their drive for jury service.

"These updates simply make more sense for our residents," said Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger. "By adjusting the jury district boundaries to better match where people live, we're reducing travel time and making jury service more convenient while continuing to meet all legal requirements."

The board's resolution supports updated jury districts for each courthouse location. Under the approved resolution:

• Lower Keys Jury District: ZIP codes 33040, 33041, 33042, and 33045 report to the Freeman Justice Center in Key West.
• Middle Keys Jury District: ZIP codes 33001, 33050, 33051, 33052, and 33043 report to the Marathon Courthouse.
• Upper Keys Jury District: ZIP codes 33037, 33070, and 33036 report to the Plantation Key Courthouse.

The revised jury districts will take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2027, following issuance of a new administrative order by the Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit.

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

• Manny Leon, Monroe County Fire Rescue

20 Years

• April Pearson, Marathon Florida Keys International Airport
• Kevin Wilson, Assistant County Administrator

10 Years

• Murray Cox, Key West International Airport
• Rosita Lyons, Upper Keys Permitting
• Jerry Montague, Key West Airport Facilities and Construction
• Dina Stitt, Monroe County Fire Rescue

5 Years

• Naomi Trevino, Public Library System
• Nicholas Courant, Plantation Key Garage
• Bill Morris, Information Technology
• Dixie Roussin, Emergency Services Billing

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County recognizes Assistant County Administrator Kevin Wilson for 20 years of dedicated service to the residents of the Florida Keys and Monroe County government. Wilson joined Monroe County as a Construction Project Manager in an initially temporary position. Over the past two decades, he has advanced through the organization, serving as Public Works Director, Public Works Division Director, and, for the last 11 years, Assistant County Administrator.

Throughout his career, Wilson has played a pivotal role in some of the county's most significant infrastructure projects and operational initiatives. As a professional engineer, he has earned a reputation for tackling complex challenges with practical solutions, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style. His technical expertise and steady guidance have earned the respect of county commissioners, employees, regulatory agencies, and community partners across Monroe County.

"Kevin's impact on Monroe County extends far beyond the projects he's helped deliver," said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. "He is a trusted advisor, a mentor, and a leader who genuinely cares about the people he works with. His ability to bring people together, solve difficult problems, and lead with humility has strengthened this organization in countless ways."

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday to discuss the proposed $695.7 million Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget that begins Oct. 1, 2026. The budget includes the Board of County Commissioners, the constitutional officers, which include the Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of Court, and other appropriations for the Tourist Development Council, capital projects, and reserves. Each entity has its own independent budget within the total budget.
 
Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley, Assistant Administrator Tina Boan, and Director of Management and Budget John Quinn presented the proposed budget, which includes FY27 revenue estimates, expenditure details, residential real estate trends, and taxable property values, along with General Fund reserves.
 
The county administrator’s budget principles include fiscal sustainability, safeguarding core services, prioritizing public safety services, promoting fiscal transparency, evaluating government efficiency, planning for economic uncertainty, strengthening reserves, shifting some programs and services to fee-based, where appropriate, and cost-of-living adjustments for staff.
 
Key FY27 budget points:

• Total FY27 proposed budget of $695,755,099, which reflects a year-over-year increase of $23,687,225 from the FY26 Adopted Budget of $672,067,874.
  • This year-over-year increase is primarily due to the TDC’s utilization of accrued fund balance for additional community investment, capital projects, events and advertising.
• Maintained the countywide millage rate for FY27 at 2.6929, likely to be the lowest millage rate in Florida again, $269.29 per $100,000 of taxable value.
• Increased FY27 aggregate millage rate to 3.4054, 1.5 percent above the FY26 aggregate rate of 3.3567.
  • The aggregate millage rate increase was needed to accommodate fire rescue and unincorporated local road patrol salary increases, which were always projected to require a millage increase.
  • To reduce the aggregate millage rate to match FY26, it would require $2,588,088 in cuts.
• The budget absorbs unavoidable increases in operational costs such as contractually obligated CPI increases for vendors and collective bargaining unit employees. Additional department cuts have been made to compensate and reduce the overall year-over-year cost increase
• Continued investment in public safety:
  • Compensation increases for fire, EMS & law enforcement personnel to attract and retain a qualified workforce.
  • Replacement of fire apparatus, ambulance remount, and EMS operational equipment.
  • Various maintenance and improvement projects to the Monroe County Detention Center, including spalling, window, kitchen, and plumbing repairs.

 
With the proposed budget and countywide average property values, a homesteaded residential property owner with an average appraised taxable value of $665,485 will see a $4.22 monthly increase in their countywide property tax for FY27. Of the total taxable value in Monroe County, 19.64 percent is from homesteaded properties. Non-homesteaded residential properties comprise 60.11 percent of the total taxable value. A non-homesteaded property with a taxable value of $1,105,135 would see a $22.55-per-month increase in countywide property taxes. Commercial property and vacant land represent 16.92 percent and 3.33 percent of the total taxable value, respectively.
 
Of the total budget, $181.1 million is ad valorem (or from property taxes), 69.9 percent of the ad valorem is for public safety (like law enforcement, fire rescue, detention centers, and the medical examiner), and 21 percent is for the constitutional officers’ operating costs.
 
FY27 budget timeline:

• The First Public Hearing of the adoption of the tentative budget and millage rate will be Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 5:05 p.m. at the Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.
• The Final Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:05 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. The BOCC adopts the final millage rate and budget at this meeting.
• Both meetings are hybrid and can be attended in person or via Zoom. Meeting and Zoom information is found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/meetings.

 
The Monroe County Office of Management & Budget will continue to monitor economic and policy developments throughout the summer and remain prepared to respond as circumstances evolve.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management invites residents to participate in a free SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Monroe County Public Library Marathon branch. National Weather Service Key West’s Jon Rizzo will be teaching the certification class. 

The program will provide participants with the knowledge needed to recognize and report potentially severe weather. Trained storm spotters can play an important role in public safety by providing timely, real-world observations during severe weather events.

Topics will include:

• Basics of thunderstorm development 
• Fundamentals of storm structure 
• Identifying potential severe weather features 
• Information needed when making a report 
• How to report severe weather information 
• Basic severe weather safety 

RSVP by Friday, Aug. 14, to Holly Winhoven at 305-797-1154 or [email protected].