We are Last Stand

By Diane Johnson

The Last Stand organization has been protecting Key West and the Florida Keys since 1987. The name “Last Stand” and the bugle logo represents a symbolic call to arms for the mobilization of citizen activists; to band together and to protect the Keys against uncontrolled development that threatens our quality of life and the natural environment.

Attended by over 70 people, this past week Last Stand held its Annual Membership meeting. The keynote speaker was Mac Stone a renowned natural history and conservation photographer from Gainesville. Mac is passionate about Florida’s wetlands, especially the Everglades. Through photography, Stone strives to start new conversations and expose the dynamic relationship between mankind and the natural world. Currently, his work focuses on America’s swamps in an attempt to change public opinion towards our country’s wetlands. In March of 2015 he delivered his first TED talk about his work in the Everglades. Published in a wide array of magazines and books, he is a fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, and author of the award winning coffee table book Everglades: America’s Wetland.

Last Stand works with policy makers, advocacy groups and residents to fulfill its mission: to promote, preserve, and protect the quality of life in the City of Key West, the Florida Keys and their environs, with particular emphasis on the natural environment.

Last Stand directors and members keep abreast of current and upcoming issues that affect the Keys and those that live here. The organization’s leaders review agendas of public meetings, prepare public statements, attend policy and planning meetings at local municipality and county levels, and stay abreast of how state and federal actions may affect Monroe County. Last Stand’s intentions are to effect positive changes to our quality of life and environment by educating residents and decision makers as to the consequences of their actions. Whenever possible a cooperative non-adversarial approach is used, always attempting to reach consensus by building coalitions of like-minded individuals and groups to support reasoned positions. When it is necessary, Last Stand will pursue legal actions to accomplish its mission.

The Last Stand Board of Directors meets every two weeks to discuss current events and determine where and how to focus its resources. If you are interested in learning more, donating and joining Last Stand, please go on-line at: http://last-stand.org

The founders of Last Stand saw the need for a permanent organization to fight against the “destruction of paradise” on all fronts, present and future. They were passionate about saving what was left through political and legal action, demanding growth management and open government, protecting and acquiring natural lands, and serving as the people’s feisty watchdog.

Margaret Mead, a respected cultural anthropologist is famous for saying: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”. This quote is truly a reflection of what Last Stand is all about.

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