Oct 20, 2024

What a week! We’ve made incredible progress together, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Here are some key updates:**

- Over 65 people packed the room at the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on a Wednesday afternoon, and together we affected real change! The room was buzzing with energy as we made our voices heard. (Read the full press release below.)
  
- KONKLife has featured a story on the BOCC meeting today. You can read it here: KONKLife Article

- Our petition has gained significant momentum, with over 39,000 views and 400 signatures so far! Additionally, we've received 38 donations to promote the petition, with an average of $50 per contributor, and the petition has been shared more than 100 times across social media platforms. We’re so close to reaching our goal of 500 signatures, and we need your help to get there. Please share the petition today and help us cross the finish line strong 🏁: Sign and Share the Petition

-Find us on Facebook. The coalition Facebook page is a great place to follow, join, stay-up-to-date, and share the latest news from FKRC. Check out the page here: FKRC Facebook Page

- While fundraising is starting to take off, we need more support to continue our work. Change is expensive, and we’re asking for your help. Donations can be made here: Donate Now. Every contribution makes a difference!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Florida Keys ROGO Coalition Advocates for Responsible Development and Celebrates Key Milestone in Protecting the Keys

Key West, FL — The Florida Keys ROGO Coalition, a grassroots group of more than 20 organizations and businesses formed to protect the Florida Keys from the dangers of overdevelopment, is proud to announce significant progress at the recent Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, held on October 16, 2024, at the Marathon Government Center.

At the meeting, the BOCC made critical strides in recognizing the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by unchecked development in the Keys and took steps to more accurately account for the number of lots that could be subject to future takings liability. Commissioner Craig Cates emphasized that “The environment and our quality of life are the most important factors” to consider when making decisions about future development.

The Coalition has called for transparent, data-driven analysis on building allocations (ROGOs) to ensure that development aligns with the region’s capacity to handle increased population and activity. The latest discussions focused on recalculating the number of buildable lots in Monroe County — an important step toward a more sustainable future for the Keys that the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition’s members have been working hard to achieve, and making progress toward a reasonable and realistic computation of the estimated takings liability for local Keys governments.

“We are thrilled to see the County taking real steps to address this pressing issue,” said Ann Olsen, President of Last Stand and a representative of the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition. “The Keys’ fragile environment and remote location, combined with our limited infrastructure, means that we cannot afford to continue issuing new development permits without proper foresight and planning.”

Olsen emphasized the need to protect the Keys’ natural resources, such as its coral reefs and marine life, which have already been severely impacted by pollution, climate change, and overdevelopment. Recent data shows a marked decline in water quality and the health of marine ecosystems, threatening both the environment and the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and fishing.

To continue this fight, the Coalition is inviting residents and supporters to join the cause by visiting FKRC.org to make a donation and sign a petition for transparent, data-driven planning and environmental review.

“We’re asking the community to stand with us in ensuring that the future of the Florida Keys remains bright—not just for us, but for future generations,” Olsen added. “Together, we can safeguard our unique way of life and the environment we depend on. Our Keys, Our Future.”

For more information about the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition, or to get involved, visit FKRC.org

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Thank you for your continued support,  
The Florida Keys ROGO Coalition

Oct 16, 2024

Action Alert: Attend the BOCC Meeting Today - ROGO Discussion at 10 am

Join us today at 10am at the Marathon Government Center for a crucial Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting. The discussion on residential building allocations (ROGOs) will start at 10 AM and will cover important topics, including:

• Results from ROGO surveys conducted by local organizations.

• Emergency management presentations on hurricane evacuations and the potential increase of the 24-hour evacuation clearance time.

• Insights from Jon Rizzo of the National Weather Service on recent improvements in hurricane forecasting.

• Updates on the recomputed number of “buildable” lots in the Keys, which has decreased from about 3,000 to 2,000.

• Responses from County staff regarding flaws in the 2023 FL Commerce evacuation model.

  Date: October 16, 2024
  Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - ROGO discussion starts at 10 am
  Location: Marathon Government Center - BOCC
  Address: 2798 Overseas Hwy, 2nd Floor, Marathon, FL 33050

Zoom webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/89204098700

We need your presence to show the BOCC that Keys residents care about overdevelopment! You don't have to make public comments—just showing up makes a powerful statement. Let's protect the future of the Keys together!  

For more information, visit: https://www.fkrc.org/calendar/event-one-zpd37
 
About The Florida Keys ROGO Coalition

Our KEYS, OUR FUTURE.

We support the completion of a transparent, objective, and data-driven analysis of the impacts of more ROGOs prior to the issuance of any more residential building allocations (ROGOs) to Monroe County and the Florida Keys municipalities.

THE FIRST RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO PROTECT THE LIVES AND WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE.

Overdevelopment in the Florida Keys poses significant threats to our community. It makes hurricane evacuation more dangerous, particularly given the recent trend of rapid storm intensification. Additionally, such development degrades our nearshore water quality, exacerbates traffic congestion on our already overcrowded highways, further stresses our infrastructure, and deteriorates the unique environment that defines the Keys.

To learn more about the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition, and to make a donation, click the link below to visit our website:

FKRC WEBSITE

Oct 13, 2024

Dear Supporters,

We’re thrilled to share that we’re nearly halfway to our goal of 500 signers in just over a week! Your support shows how deeply our community cares about preserving the unique environment and quality of life in the Florida Keys. But our work isn’t done yet.

What’s Next?

To truly make a difference, we need your help in contacting the decision-makers directly. Let them know we demand a transparent, objective, and data-driven analysis before approving any additional building allocations (ROGOs). We have a right to understand the long-term fiscal, environmental, and quality of life impacts of more development.

We’re not just fighting for today. We’re fighting to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and livability of the Keys, and that we all can safely evacuate during hurricane season. Our Keys, Our Future.

Here’s How You Can Help:

Contact the Key Decision Makers: Reach out to the Monroe County Commissioners listed below and urge them to consider the long-term impacts of additional ROGOs before making any decisions. Your voice matters!

Commissioner Craig Cates | (305) 292-3440 | boccdis1@monroecounty-fl.gov

Commissioner Michelle Lincoln | (305) 292-4512 | boccdis2@monroecounty-fl.gov

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Scholl | (305) 292-3430 | boccdis3@monroecounty-fl.gov

Commissioner David Rice | (305) 289-6000 | boccdis4@monroecounty-fl.gov

Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein | (305) 453-8787 | boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.gov

Share the Petition: Please help spread the word by sharing the petition with your friends, family, and neighbors. The more signatures we gather, the stronger our message will be.

Support Our Efforts: If you would like to support the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition further, consider making a financial contribution here.
Together, we can protect the future of the Florida Keys.

Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely,
Florida Keys ROGO Coalition

"Our Keys, Our Future"