Problem: The Area of Critical State Concern continues to be attacked. If lifted, the Keys will mirror the rest of South Florida with high rise condos and hotels.
Our Solution: Indefinite State Oversight
When you drive the 118 miles of the Overseas Highway, you rarely see a structure over 3 1/2 stories tall. Compare that drive to the rest of South Florida with its wall-to-wall high rise condos and hotels.
In 1974, the Florida Keys were designated as an "Area of Critical State Concern" and put under State control because Keys' politicians had succumbed to pressure from developers. This designation ensures that our fragile infrastructure and delicate environment always have dual oversight. Simply put, a complex system of checks and balances are needed to keep the Florida Keys free of high rise condos and hotels and to safeguard water quality, habitat protection, affordable housing and reasonable hurricane evacuation.
In 2006, former State Representative Ken Sorensen introduced legislation to rescind this critical designation which had protected the Florida Keys for over three decades. Despite a scientific poll conducted by Lake Research Parters enumerating that 82% of Keys' residents were opposed to de-designation along with over 23 environmental organizations, Representative Sorensen along with the majority of Monroe County Commissioners proceeded forward with their efforts to lift this vital designation. These actions displayed a complete disregard for the concerns of the Keys' community. Although Representative Sorensen's attempt at de-designation was unsuccessful, we understand the importance of continuing to educate Keys residents on the importance of this designation as we recognize that it will continue to be attacked for years to come.
We firmly believe that the Florida Keys designation as an Area of Critical State Concern is not merely a luxury that yields such benefits as additional funding and grants but also a necessity that forever ensures that our community is protected from high-rise condos and hotels, something that developers have long yearned for in our Paradise.