MONROE COUNTY CONTINUES TO ADDRESS AUDIT FINDINGS; NEW MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT JACOBS AQUATIC CENTER IN KEY LARGO

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County is taking steps to enhance oversight and transparency at Jacobs Aquatic Center (JAC) in Key Largo following an audit by the Monroe County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller. The Board of County Commissioners has welcomed internal audits, as each one has identified areas for improvement and operational efficiency in the county's various departments.
 
This audit reviewed the competitive solicitation and contract compliance of StandGuard Aquatics, Inc., the contractor responsible for managing and operating the JAC. It identified areas for improvement, including the competitive bidding process, contractor licensing, sales tax reporting, and procurement of repairs and maintenance.
 
“Jacobs Aquatic Center is a tremendous asset to our community,” said County Administrator Christine Hurley. “We are committed to maintaining strong oversight of our contractors, implementing the audit recommendations, focusing on improving our procurement process and bidding process for repairs, and ensuring that it continues to provide safe, high-quality services to residents and visitors.”
 
County actions and commitments:

• Enhanced Vendor Review: As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, the department will review and, where appropriate, refine policies and procedures to strengthen both the RFP and vendor selection processes.
• Conflict of Interest Prevention: Parks and Beaches staff have taken sole responsibility for soliciting and obtaining quotes for JAC maintenance and repair needs to prevent any conflict of interest when obtaining bids for repairs.
• Contractor Oversight: The county will review StandGuard’s contract and clarify required licensure and regulatory compliance.
• Sales Tax Compliance: StandGuard is now collecting and remitting sales tax to the Department of Revenue for both concessions and admissions, with quarterly reports provided to the county.
• Future Facility Management: The county will explore adjustments to fee structures, including potential increases for non-resident visitors, to ensure long-term sustainability.

 
“We appreciate the findings of the clerk’s office and remain committed to strengthening accountability and transparency,” said Hurley. “These efforts support our goal of maintaining the highest standards for JAC and our community.”
 
The center offers swim lessons, recreational swim sessions, diving programs, after-school activities, summer camps, and fitness classes. This year, StandGuard assumed the leadership role in the Keys Kids Swim Program, providing vital water safety instruction to kindergarten students at two Upper Keys schools.
 
To learn more about Monroe County Parks and Beaches, visit www.parksandbeaches.fun.

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