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2023. In theory, the number of allocations given would continue to allow for safe evacuation of the Keys over a 24hour period in the event of an impending storm.

Addressing the commission, acting DEO Secretary Meredith Ivey said that DEO is still in a stage of research and fact-finding as it works with the Division of Emergency Management to create a more formal report by the end of the calendar year based on 2020 census data.

“We recognize there is a need to update this evacuation model, and it is foundational for planning residential development in the Florida Keys over the coming decade,” she said. “Over the last several months, we have met with various local government officials and other stakeholders regarding the need for additional allocations to address affordable housing development pressures and takings claims.”

In addition to accounting for sitebuilt homes, tourist units, and vehicle use in relation to the road capacity along U.S. 1, the new model would account for mobile homes and certain military personnel – some of which were previously included in a 48-hour evacuation – in its 24-hour evacuation.

While DEO regional planning administrator Barbara Powell said the new model is largely produced by updating the variables used to create the previous iteration – including the use of the same modeling program, as confirmed by Ivey – County Administrator Roman Gastesi stressed a need for community involvement as the new model takes shape, highlighting the importance of future workshops or meetings where residents can provide their impressions and concerns directly to DEO.

“Let’s make sure that whatever assumptions we’re going to make, the community is on board,” he said.

A ‘BREAKTHROUGH’ FOR SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR LICENSE CARVE-OUT

Lisa Tennyson, the county’s legislative affairs director, delivered an update on efforts in the current Florida legislative session to modify or repeal House Bill 735. As the subject of understandable uproar among local contractors since it took effect in July 2021, the bill prevents local governments from offering specialty licenses. While not required in other areas of the state with looser requirements, the Keys’ designation as an Area of Critical State Concern requires contractors to pull permits for even small jobs like laying pavers or putting up a fence, rendering them unable to do many jobs legally if existing specialty licenses expire this July.

Though Tennyson said the House has “wanted to do little or nothing to help” House Bill 1383, which would provide relief, she praised the “unbelievable leadership” of Rep. Jim Mooney to keep the bill alive.

“Just this week, the Senate and House bills have been amended to offer some carve-out relief for Monroe County in terms of these licenses,” she said. “It’s been a big breakthrough, and we’re fairly confident that those bills will proceed.”

The bill unanimously passed the House via a 109-0 vote on April 28 and the Senate via a 38-0 vote on May 1.

In Other News

• Following a presentation from board chair Mel Montagne of Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), a nonprofit and nonpartisan advocacy and lobbying group that works to bring insurance inequities to light in the eyes of state officials, the commission elected to give the group $50,000 to continue addressing pressing concerns affecting Keys property owners.

• The commission unanimously voted to approve an employment agreement with current Medical Examiner Michael Steckbauer to create a County Medical Examiner Department with Steckbauer as its head. Addressing the commission, Steckbauer said that absorbing the previously independent office will allow for greater control of the position and easier recruitment of new employees as necessary.

• The commission unanimously approved an ordinance to create the Richard A. Recupero Park at Key West’s Hawk Missile Site. As set forth in the ordinance, the park will be open for recreational use by the public between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Camping, alcohol, fires, grilling, drones and overnight parking are prohibited.

• The commission unanimously accepted a proposal from Banc of America Capital Corp. to provide the county with lease-purchase financing for the three Leonardo AW139 helicopters that will eventually replace the current Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Trauma Star air ambulances. The 15-year agreement for the $53 million purchase comes with an interest rate of 3.25%.

• Dozens of law enforcement personnel and other first responders filled the meeting’s early portion to support Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kathleen McKinney. Due to retire after 40 years of service, McKinney was presented with an Honorary Conch certificate by the commission.

Key Largo Triathlon set for May 7

Athletes seeking to test their physical and mental stamina can compete in the Key Largo Triathlon set for Sunday, May 7, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The event is the first in the Paradise Series, with the second round scheduled to take place Aug. 20 at the same location.

The racing challenge, produced by Game On! Race Events and presented by City Bikes, includes swimming in calm waters just off the beach at Pennekamp, biking on U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road, and running through residential neighborhoods of Key Largo and the state park.

Competitors can choose the Olympic-distance or sprint-distance triathlon or duathlon or the Olympic aquabike event. Relay teams can compete in the Olympic triathlon or duathlon, with individual team members tackling different legs of the selected race.

Motorists are advised that one northbound lane on U.S. 1 from MM 102.5 (the entrance to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park) to MM 105 will be coned off for cyclists’ use between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The other northbound lane will remain open to vehicular traffic.

League of Women Voters hosts public gathering

The League of Women Voters of the Upper Keys, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, is giving the public an opportunity to learn more about the group while meeting local voters. Set for Monday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at Bayside Grill, MM 99.5, the event will include a speaker who will provide an update on the current status of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint. There will be opportunities to address postcards for returning citizens. People don’t need to be a member to attend, so bring a friend. More details are at the Upper Keys League of Women Voters Facebook page.

Program features

‘Guerrero Project’

The Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys’ monthly program will delve into the “Guerrero Project.” Set for Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, MM 90, the video digs into the 1827 pirate slave ship Guerrero, which sank off the Florida Keys with 561 slaves onboard.

Islamorada accepting applications for committee positions

Applications are being accepted for positions on Islamorada’s Achievable Housing and Land Acquisition advisory committees. Applications should be turned in before the June 15 deadline to be considered. For more information, visit governmentjobs. com/careers/Islamoradafl/IslamoradaCommittees.

Foster parent training scheduled in Key Largo

Wesley House Family Services is seeking nurturing families interested in providing a loving home to children and teens who are in the foster care system. Classes begin on June 15 at the Wesley House Key Largo office, 99451 Overseas Highway, Suite 200, and will be held for eight weeks from 6 to 9 p.m. Registration is required. The class uses the Creating and Retaining Excellence (C.A.R.E.) curriculum. There is a great need for foster parents in the Upper Keys. If you can offer love and support to a child, you can be a foster parent.

By providing a nurturing and caring home environment to the most vulnerable children in Monroe County, you can make a difference in your community. More information is available from Megan Burgess at 305809-5020 or Megan.Burgess@WesleyHouse.org.

Keys’ bicentennial features sunset celebration

Florida Keys visitors and residents can commemorate the subtropical island chain’s bicentennial with events including a sunset celebration on the Middle Keys’ Old Seven Mile Bridge, a gala sea-to-table dinner in Islamorada, a family-style waterfront picnic in Key Largo and Lower Keys festivities and fireworks highlighted by the creation of the world’s largest Key lime pie.

Commemorative events begin Friday, May 19, with a 6 p.m. gathering on the Old Seven Mile Bridge, once the centerpiece of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad that operated from 1912 to 1935. Attractions will include live music and dancing, local artists painting on-site, catered tidbits by the Marathon High School culinary class and a sunset toast with vodka distilled from breadfruit grown at the Lower Keys’ Grimal Grove. Past and present commissioners who helped guide Monroe County will be honored during the evening. Attendees can park at Marathon’s 7 Mile Marina property, 1090 Overseas Highway, with trolley service to the bridge provided by the Pigeon Key Foundation.