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 important strides in acknowledging the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by unchecked development in the Keys, and more accurately accounting for the number of lots that may be subject to takings liability in the future. Commissioner Craig Cates declared that “The environment and our quality of life are the most important factors,” we should 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 take real steps to address this pressing issue,” said Last Stand President Ann Olsen from 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 stressed 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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