CFK continues to pursue expansion in Big Pine Key

CFK’s site on Big Pine Key would transform the former BPK prison grounds to expand workforce and educational opportunities.

KEY WEST, FL, January 13, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys is continuing its pursuit to expand workforce training and educational opportunities for residents of the Florida Keys at its, yet to be developed, site on Big Pine Key (BPK). The potential programs and uses for the site may include a marine aquaculture facility, shared community spaces, construction apprenticeships, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, and motor vehicle training for law enforcement. These programs advance CFK’s mission to deliver student-centric academic programs and services, workforce development, continuing education, and to engage with diverse partners.

The College originally shared its ideas with the community in 2019 at a Board of County Commissioners meeting. In 2021, after leasing the property from the state, the College held two community meetings in Big Pine Key. Since then, the College has pursued funding opportunities to support expansion of programs and services in the Lower Keys.

“CFK is dedicated to partnering with our Florida Keys community. Our programs are geared to benefit our residents,” emphasized Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, President and CEO of CFK. “This includes both economic prosperity and respecting what makes the Keys special,” he added.

In 2023, the College applied for and was awarded a $2 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant. Prior to accessing the funds, a Responsible Entity must complete an environmental review. HUD identified Monroe County as the Responsible Entity tasked with completing the environmental review. This role requires the county to ensure that environmental impacts of a project are thoroughly evaluated and addressed, and open for a public comment period, which for this project ended on January 2, 2026.

According to a notice published by Monroe County on December 18, 2025, “the project will have no significant impact on the human environment.”

The site is not located within the boundary of the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, and the College has replaced the perimeter fence to secure the property and keep wildlife outside.

Per Florida Statute, the College is exempt from obtaining building permits from Monroe County for development on the site. However, any development must still be consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and with the use, density, and intensity requirements of the county’s Land Development Code. The county will work with the College to review the proposed project to ensure it meets these requirements.

Two of the potential programs, law enforcement vehicle and CDL training, would increase accessibility to high-demand career opportunities allowing Florida Keys residents to prepare for and become certified close to home instead of going to the mainland. Many local organizations and businesses, spanning from utilities and public works to tourism and schools, require employees to have CDLs and the safety of every community hinges on the quality of its law enforcement. The College already administers CDL tests in the Lower Keys. Testers safely travel on the test route that traverses Rockland Key through Key West. As for law enforcement, this will be an opportunity to save at least three full days and the added expense that comes with staying on the mainland to use the tactical course.

The size and variety of the College’s fleet of vehicles for CDL training will reflect the demand from the community and may include passenger buses, garbage trucks, school buses, construction trucks, and tractor trailers. Most of the training will take place in classrooms and in vehicles on the site. On-the road training will primarily traverse routes similar to those used by commercial vehicles currently serving the community.

“The College prioritizes safety and will work with the community to mitigate traffic concerns,” said Dr. Gueverra.
Workforce demand and funding availability will determine the future programmatic opportunities. CFK welcomes conversations with those who are interested in financially supporting the College. CFK will continue to engage stakeholders, address concerns, and share details as they develop.

For questions, please contact [email protected].