Sheriff Rick Ramsay requests meeting with FDOT/other officials regarding Indian Key Fill

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay has requested a meeting with Florida Department of Transportation District 6 (which includes Monroe County) Secretary James Wolfe and other officials regarding the Sheriff’s continued safety and quality of life concerns at Indian Key Fill, which spans U.S. 1 from Mile Marker 77 to Mile Marker 80 in Islamorada.

Sheriff Ramsay would like to share his concerns with Secretary Wolf as well as other key community partners including, but not limited to, the Florida Highway Patrol as well as Village of Islamorada Mayor Deb Gillis and Village Manager Seth Lawless.

This stretch of land and highway is administered by FDOT. Access to the water, speed limits, passing zones, waste management and the like are all approved and maintained by FDOT as the governing body.

Therefore: Sheriff Ramsay is requesting FDOT conduct a comprehensive traffic study/evaluation of this area in an effort to better determine how this area can be made safer. Last year, Sheriff Ramsay requested FDOT lower the speed limit given how this stretch of U.S. 1 is particularly dangerous with multiple crashes resulting from speeding, passing, distracted driving and traffic stopping on U.S. 1 for motorists making left turns.

Last year, FDOT responded to Sheriff Ramsay’s concerns and reduced the speed limit from 55 mph to 50 mph. Unfortunately, serious crashes continue in the area.The Sheriff’s Office and FHP Troopers have stepped up patrols, but this is an unusual area along U.S.1 that often has a lot of activity going on, particularly groups of visitors barbequing, picnicking, swimming and boating just off the highway. These activities have also led to widespread littering concerns with Memorial Day weekend being a recent egregious example.

It is with these concerns in mind that Sheriff Ramsay requested a meeting and comprehensive study.

“My concerns about Indian Key Fill have not abated,” said Sheriff Ramsay. “Last year, FDOT listened to our concerns and we were able to get the speed limit lowered. I’m grateful to FDOT for listening and responding. The lowered speed limit is a good first step, but I know I am not alone with my continued concerns regarding Indian Key Fill. It is my belief that if we continue to work with our community partners we can make Indian Key Fill a much safer stretch along U.S.1 as well as keep it beautiful. That is why I’m requesting this meeting and comprehensive study.”

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