Affordable wORKFORCE housing

Last Stand has supported and will continue to support affordable housing and workforce housing in the Florida Keys when a proposed new development meets appropriate criteria that balances the impacts of new construction with neighbors’ quality of life and the environment. A 1990s report confirmed the Florida Keys had already exceeded the quantity of structures that were sustainable, given the land available. For that reason, we do not support the goal of building our way out of the workforce housing crisis. We encourage the preservation of existing workforce housing, minimizing the use of current housing for short term vacation rentals, and the conversion of existing housing to appropriate affordability or workforce restrictions.

Our Commitment to Affordable workforce Housing

Last Stand’s commitment to affordable workforce housing remains unwavering and we support regulatory measures that promote real affordable workforce housing. Last Stand encourages employers to provide adequate compensation, housing subsidies, or the housing itself. We also see local government as a partner in fostering these efforts, encouraging businesses, and removing any unnecessary barriers.

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Ann Olsen Warns BOCC: Overdevelopment Threatens the Future of the Florida Keys

Watch Last Stand President Ann Olsen speak out against overdevelopment at the October 16th Monroe County BOCC meeting. Ann highlighted urgent concerns for the Florida Keys, such as hurricane evacuation safety, declining water quality, and environmental impacts from unchecked growth. She urged the BOCC to rethink building allowances, citing flawed evacuation models that falsely justify growth.

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Last Stand Endorses Amendment to Streamline Key West's Zoning Protections

Last Stand sent a letter to the City of Key West Planning Board supporting agenda item #12, Text Amendment to LDR - Zoning in Progress Doctrine. Last Stand supports the proposed amendment to streamline the Zoning In Progress (ZIP) Doctrine process. This tool allows the City to temporarily pause new development while updates to zoning laws and the Comprehensive Plan are being considered. This change will enhance Key West's ability to manage development efficiently, protecting the unique environment and quality of life in the Florida Keys. By enabling the City Commission to enact ZIP by resolution, Key West gains greater flexibility to address development challenges promptly, aligning with practices in Monroe County and other local municipalities. The amendment’s temporary and limited scope will ensure that development is paused during critical legislative updates, supporting responsible land use and the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals. 

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Rapid intensification, ROGOs, and your life

In light of the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, which spared the Florida Keys from devastating impacts, we must recognize the urgency of addressing the threats within our control. The phenomenon of rapid intensification (RI) is becoming increasingly common, as demonstrated by Milton's swift transformation from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 24 hours. This raises critical concerns about our evacuation strategies, which rely on outdated assumptions about the time needed for safe evacuations.

The Monroe Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is considering granting up to 8,000 additional residential building permits (ROGOs), further straining our already limited evacuation capacity. With Florida's models indicating we've exceeded safe evacuation limits, this decision poses a significant risk to our community's safety.

Join us on October 16 at the Marathon Government Center at 9:00 a.m. to make your voice heard. Together, we can advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents.

For more information, visit Monroe County Calendar and learn about the Florida Keys ROGO Coalition at Keys Last Stand.

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