RESILIENCE PROJECTS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS

Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag with Key Largo Rotary Club President Stephanie Russo at a recent meeting where Haag presented on current and upcoming resilience projects in the Florida Keys.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County continues advancing a wide range of resilience projects designed to address flooding, sea level rise, and water quality improvements throughout the Florida Keys. Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag recently shared updates on the county’s ongoing initiatives, which include infrastructure improvements, shoreline protection, and canal restoration efforts across multiple communities. 

“Monroe County is working proactively to address flooding and sea level rise while protecting homes, infrastructure, and our natural environment,” said Haag. “These projects are helping the Florida Keys remain resilient for future generations.”

Some of the highlights include:

Several roadway adaptation projects are underway or in development to reduce flooding impacts and improve stormwater management in vulnerable neighborhoods. Projects include roadway elevation and modern engineered drainage systems designed to function even during high groundwater conditions common in the Keys. 

Additional resilience efforts include repairs to breakwaters damaged during Hurricane Irma, which help protect waterfront homes while improving canal water quality, and the incorporation of mangroves and other living shoreline features to stabilize shorelines and enhance marine habitat. 

Monroe County’s canal restoration program continues to remove organic muck buildup in canals, among other restoration techniques,  to improve oxygen levels, water quality, and marine life habitat while reducing stagnant “dead zones.” Upcoming canal update meetings on March 17 and 19 are available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/calendar.  

The resilience office also works closely with Florida Keys municipalities to coordinate regional planning efforts, vulnerability assessments, and watershed management initiatives to strengthen the long-term resilience of communities throughout the island chain. 

Public outreach and community engagement remain key to these efforts as Monroe County continues working with residents and local partners to plan and implement solutions that protect the Florida Keys from the impacts of rising seas and increased flooding.

To view the most recent presentation or learn more about resilience efforts, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/resilience.