FORMER BIG PINE KEY PRISON SITE IS STATE-OWNED PROPERTY LEASED BY THE COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS; COUNTY ASSISTS COLLEGE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

BIG PINE KEY – Monroe County has received inquiries regarding proposed activity at the former Big Pine Key Prison site. Monroe County’s role in this matter is limited. The county is serving solely as the Unit of General Local Government and Responsible Entity for purposes of the federally required environmental review process associated with the federal grant. County staff are reviewing the environmental assessment for completeness and accuracy, as required by federal regulations. Part of this role included the county advertising a public notice; the inquiries and opinions sent in will be provided to the college for use with the federal grant.
 
The property is owned by the State of Florida and is leased by The College of the Florida Keys. The Florida Department of Corrections facility on Big Pine Key was declared state surplus in February 2020, and the property was then leased to The College of the Florida Keys in November 2021. In 2021, county representatives met with college leadership and attended college-hosted community meetings in Big Pine Key. During those discussions, potential long-term community amenities were explored. The college identified the site for various future educational and workforce training uses.
 
In 2023, the college was awarded a $2 million federal community project funding grant to improve the former prison site. The proposed project may include site cleanup and construction of facilities and infrastructure to support workforce training and educational programs.
 
The project is intended to support economic recovery and diversification by repurposing long-vacant state land for educational use. The college has stated that the initial phase of work will focus on site cleanup and may include the demolition of deteriorating structures that have been an eyesore for the community for many years.
 
Questions regarding the proposed use of the property should be directed to The College of the Florida Keys at [email protected]. Monroe County will continue to fulfill its limited regulatory responsibilities related to environmental review in accordance with federal requirements.

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