COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIM APRIL AS DARK SKIES MONTH IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Michael Chenoweth, President of the Florida Keys Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, accepts the proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners.

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Dark Skies Month in the Florida Keys. Light pollution is artificial light with adverse impacts on the environment, especially at night, and includes excessive light that causes glare, disrupts ecosystems, wastes natural resources, energy, and money, and impacts wildlife and human health.

“This is an opportunity to view star-filled skies over the Florida Keys with limited light pollution,” said Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “Light pollution impacts many wildlife species in our region, including sea turtles nesting along our coastlines, birds migrating through the Atlantic flyway, fireflies twinkling, and bats foraging in the Florida Keys and South Florida.

Dark Sky International designated April 2-8 as “International Dark Sky Week 2024,” but Monroe County extends the awareness throughout April and encourages public participation. The commissioners encourage residents, businesses, and visitors to discover, celebrate, and protect the starry skies and the natural nocturnal environment by shutting off any unnecessary outside lights during April.

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