2020 STATE OF THE COUNTY AND INFORMATION GUIDE - Monroe County
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2020 STATE OF THE COUNTY AND INFORMATION GUIDE
2 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
2019 A year in review
2020 Looking into the new decade
As we welcome a new decade, Monroe County staff At the state level, $6 million was secured for water
is proud of the work that was done this past year to quality projects, $5 million for land acquisition, and
enhance the quality of the lives of our citizens, business $750,000 for the vessel pump-out program. The
owners, and visitors. County has been working with the State Department
of Economic Opportunity to garner $105 million in
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners are funds earmarked for Florida Keys households that are
leading the country in climate change and sea-level rebuilding by repairing, elevating, or reconstruct-
rise conversations. In December, the County hosted the ing damaged homes caused by Irma and for hous-
Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Leadership ing mitigation programs, including purchasing two
Summit and will continue to plan forward while tackling trailer parks and scattered lots to rebuild new resilient
the topic head-on with courageous communication. homes, primarily in the Big Pine Key area and Conch
Key.
The County continued its efforts to lessen the burden on
local taxpayers by securing millions of dollars in federal Project Management obtained grant funding to fix
and state funding for needed programs and projects Irma damaged historic properties in Key West and
while we continue to work on reimbursements from Pigeon Key. It was with great pride that Project
FEMA for Hurricane Irma expenses. Management and Public Works were able to upgrade
the hurricane-damaged lighting at both Big Pine
Community Park and Harry Harris Park in Key Largo.
The Office of Sustainability celebrated the completion
of its 257-canal marine debris removal project that
was federally and state grant-funded in October. The
project stayed on time and under budget resulting in
the addition of more canals added to the project.
Monroe County Fire Rescue had a busy year and will
be graduating its second “Hot Shot” class targeted to
residents at its fire training academy in mid-January.
The County also took possession of its third Trauma Star
helicopter to provide life-saving flights to the main-
land. The program continues to fly a record number
of patients while continuing to transport all Monroe
County residents with no out-of-pocket costs.
Monroe County Emergency Management activated with
the threat of Hurricane Dorian. Although we fared
well, some of our neighbors in the Bahamas did not.
County staff volunteered and donated to Bahamas
relief, and the County was able to “pay it forward” to
help Brevard County when they were on the brink of
exhaustion after the hurricane loomed off their shore-
line for five days.
State of the County 2020 3
The Key West airport improvement projects continue with information flowing to the public, and producing
the airport expanding nonstop services to 14 major cit- and administering a $472.6 million FY20 budget.
ies. The airport also welcomed a new deputy director and Information Technology completed a retrofitting
a Marathon Airport manager. Our airports are the first of the three BOCC chambers to broadcast in High
sight for many when they arrive in Monroe County, and Definition, and Employee Services hosted a success-
the County is proud of the future of the airports. ful and well attended annual health fair helping
keep Monroe County’s employees healthy.
For our residents in need, the County’s Social Services,
Veteran’s Affairs, and Guardian ad Litem departments The County completed its five-year strategic plan,
continued efforts to help children, seniors, veterans, and the commissioners started an all-encom-
and homeless residents in need. This is also a good time passing Florida Keys Transportation Coordination
to thank a group of County staff who volunteer on their Committee to tackle traffic and safety concerns
days off to curate holiday meals for homebound resi- on U.S. 1, which was one of the top concerns of
dents in the Florida Keys. citizens.
The County’s five libraries continue to be community In 2019, the Commissioners and County staff made
centers. While many communities across the nation may the community – a community we can all be proud
see a decline in library use, the groundbreaking of the of – our top priority by striving to make our island
new Marathon library will be an extension of Middle Keys home a beautiful and safe place to live, work, and
resident’s living room. And, this year, the community play. Looking into 2020 and a new decade in front
enjoyed the 60th anniversary of the Key West library at of us, we will continue to balance our resilient
its current location with jazz music under the stars. community.
The County funds the operations of three animal shelters Sincerely,
and helped fund a portion of the new Key West Animal
Shelter that opened on Stock Island earlier this year.
From Ocean Reef to Key West, everyday tasks included Roman Gastesi
providing building permits, enforcing County codes,
maintaining County facilities, roads, bridges, its vehicle
fleet, overseeing trash collection and recycling, keeping
4 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Monroe County Statistics
Message: Administrator Roman Gastesi
Table of Contents, County Statistics
Stay in the Know About Monroe
2-3
4
5
76,212
Population
Approx. 77.5
people per square
mile .4 percent
Monroe County Organizational Chart 6 2019 estimate of Florida’s
Monroe County Senior Staff Directory 7
Population
Board of County Commissioners 8-9
Budget & Finance 10-13
Airports – Key West, Marathon 14-15 Area: Islands:
Building and Permitting
Fema Floodmap Changes, CRS
Code Compliance, MCeSearch
16
17
18-19
3,738
Square Miles
1,783
of 1 acre or larger
Planning and Environmental Resources 20-21 (73 Percent Water)
Monroe County Fire Rescue 22-23
Fire Prevention, Hot Shots Program 24
Trauma Star 25 Established: 1823
Emergency Management 26
Hurricane Preparedness 27
County Seat:
Hurricane Irma Recovery 28-29 Key West Districts: 5
Employee Services 30
Employees of the Quarter/Year 31
Engineering and Roads 32-33
Extension Service
Fleet Management
Information Technology
34-35
36-37
38
$63,030 4,572
Median Household Income Number of Employment
Monroe County Television 39
Establishments
Legislative Affairs 40-42
Florida Keys Day 43
Project Management 44
Ground Breakings
Infrastructure
Boat Ramps
45
46
47
2.6% Unemployment
Rate 48.3
Median Age
Facilities Maintenance/Public Works 48-49
County Historic Properties & Museums 50-51
Average Number of Registered
County Parks & Beaches 52-53
Social Services 54
Commute to Boats: 29,037
Bayshore Manor 55 Work: 17.8 (Statistics courtesy of edr.state.fl.us
Solid Waste & Recycling 56-57 minutes and flhsmv.gov)
Strategic Planning 58
Census 2020 59 Monroe County is the southernmost county in the
Sustainability 60-61 continental United States and consists of the entire
Veterans Affairs 62-63 Florida Keys chain, the surrounding waters and a
County Attorney 64-65 mostly uninhabited region of Everglades National
Animal Control 66 Park and Big Cypress National Preserve on the
Guardian Ad Litem 67 mainland.
Land Authority 68
Medical Examiner 69
The 2020 Monroe County State of the County
Tourist Development Council 70
and Information Guide was produced by Public
Florida Keys Council of the Arts 71
Library Services 72 Information Officer Kristen Livengood with the help
Public Information Office 73 of Monroe County’s Senior Management Team and
Citizen Boards & Committees 74-75 printed and designed by The Weekly Newspapers.
Constitutional Officers 76-77
Municipalities, Climate Summit 78 Cover photo by Neil Mellies of the Monroe County-owned
Reynold’s Street Pier in Key West during a December 2019
Quick References 79-81
sunset.
Message: Mayor Heather Carruthers 82-83
State of the County 2020 5
Stay in the Know About Monroe MONROE COUNTY EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND
There are several ways to stay up-to-date with County
HURRICANE INFORMATION
government and happenings throughout the year.
WWW.MONROECOUNTYEM.COM
MONROE COUNTY WEBSITE Sign up at www.monro- Monroe County Information Hotline:
WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV ecounty-fl.gov/notifyme 800.955.5504
to receive County news (activated for emergencies)
Find the Board of County releases directly to your Sign up for ALERT!Monroe: www.
Commissioners, the budget, all email account. You can monroecountyem.com/alertmonroe
County departments, County also sign up for custom
projects, County parks and mu- calendars and alerts for
seums, legislative advocacy for meeting notifications for
the Keys, permitting rules, hur- specific boards or advisory
ricane preparedness and relief, committees, bid notifica-
links to department emails and tions, employment open-
phone numbers, and more. ings, and more.
MONROE COUNTY TV (MCTV)
MONROE COUNTY
WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV/MCTV
SOCIAL MEDIA
Comcast: Channel 76
/MonroeCountyBOCC AT&T U-verse: Channel 99
@MonroeCounty Covers: regular and special meetings of
@monroecountybocc the BOCC, Planning Commission, Code
flickr.com/monroecountybocc Enforcement hearings and other live, pre-
recorded, and original content. Also: local
Monroe County Fire Rescue: election coverage, approaching weather
/monroecountyfirerescue and emergency information, video bul-
Key West Airport: letin board, and NOAA weather audio.
/KWIAEWY
/eyw_kwia
Guardian Ad Litem: FLORIDA KEYS MUNICIPALITIES
Islamorada:
/galflkeys www.islamorada.fl.us
Key Colony Beach:
Monroe County Libraries: www.keycolonybeach.net
www.keyslibraries.org Key West:
www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov
Layton:
PUBLIC RECORDS www.cityoflayton.com
The County Attorney’s Office manages the County’s responsi- Marathon:
bilities under Florida’s Public Records Act. In FY 2019, County www.ci.marathon.fl.us
Attorney staff processed 684 requests for public records.
MONROE COUNTY
Such requests can be submitted by email to PublicRecords@
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
MonroeCounty-FL.Gov or by going to https://monroecountyfl. Sheriff’s Office: www.keysso.net
nextrequest.com. The NextRequest portal is a new mecha- Supervisor of Elections:
nism for making requests and helps County staff accurately www.keys-elections.org
track the processing of such requests. Clerk of Court:
www.clerk-of-the-court.com
Tax Collector:
www.monroetaxcollector.com
Property Appraiser:
www.mcpafl.org
6 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
PUBLIC
CLERK OF COURTS TAX COLLECTOR SHERIFF BOARD OF COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER JUDICIAL CHIEF JUDGE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Kevin Madok Danise Henriquez Rick Ramsay Scott Russell Mark Jones Joyce Griffin
COMMISSIONERS
David Rice
Sylvia Murphy
Michelle Coldiron
Heather Carruthers
Craig Cates
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COUNTY ATTORNEY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MEDICAL EXAMINER LAND AUTHORITY
Stacey Mitchell Robert Shillinger Roman Gastesi Dr. Michael Steckbauer Charles Pattison
ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMIN. OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT HEAD ASSISTANT COUNTY
BUDGET & FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR
Christine Hurley, AICP Rhonda Haag Tina Boan Kevin Wilson, P.E.
DEPARTMENT HEAD OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD
BUILDING EMERGENCY SERVICES ENG. SERVICES, ROADS
Lisa Tennyson
Rick Griffin James Callahan Judith Clarke
DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AIRPORTS
PLANNING & ENV. RES. Kimberly Matthews Richard Strickland
FLEET
Emily Schemper Roy Sanchez
DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER SOCIAL SERVICES SOLID WASTE
INFO TECHNOLOGY Kristen Livengood
Alan MacEachern Sheryl Graham Cheryl Sullivan
DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD
CODE COMPLIANCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LIBRARIES
Marty Senterfitt PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Cynthia McPherson Norma Kula Cary Knight
DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPARTMENT HEAD
EMPLOYEE SERVICES PARKS & RECREATION VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
Bryan Cook To Be Filled in 2020 Cathy Crane William DeSantis
DEPARTMENT HEAD EXTENSION SERVICES GUARDIAN AD LITEM
LOCAL DISASTER RECOVER Alicia Betancourt Alexsa Leto
Helene Wetherington
Monroe County Organizational Chart
The County Administrator, Roman County Administration Assistant County Administrator
Gastesi, has overall responsibility CHRISTINE HURLEY, AICP
for the daily operations of Monroe 305.289.2517
County’s government, with the Hurley-Christine@
exception of the Constitutional monroecounty-fl.gov
offices. The County Administrator, Aide: Kelly Cummings
County Attorney, Land Authority, Cummings-Kelly@
Tourist Development Council and monroecounty-fl.gov
Medical Examiner answer directly
to the elected Board of County Assistant County Administrator
Commissioners. KEVIN WILSON, P.E.
305.453.8788
The County Administrator and two Wilson-Kevin@
Assistant County Administrators, County Administrator monroecounty-fl.gov
Christine Hurley and Kevin Wilson, ROMAN GASTESI Aide: Suzanne Rubio
oversee the County’s 24 departments 305.292.4441 Rubio-Suzanne@
and offices that cover a broad range Gastesi-Roman@ monroecounty-fl.gov
of services and activities. monroecounty-fl.gov
Aide: Lindsey Ballard
Ballard-Lindsey@
monroecounty-fl.gov
State of the County 2020 7
Monroe County Senior Staff Directory
AIRPORTS EXTENSION SERVICES
Director: Richard Strickland, Director: Alicia Betancourt,
305.809.5210, Strickland-Richard@ 305.292.4501, Monroe@ifas.ufl.edu,
monroecounty-fl.gov Betancourt-Alicia
@monroecounty-fl.gov
BUDGET & FINANCE
Director: Tina Boan, 305.292.4470 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
Boan-Tina@monroecounty-fl.gov Director: William DeSantis,
305.292.4532, Desantis-William@
BUILDING monroecounty-fl.gov
Director: Rick Griffin, 305.453.8815 PUBLIC WORKS
Griffin-Rick@monroecounty-fl.gov FLEET MANAGEMENT Director: Willie DeSantis,
Director: Roy Sanchez, 305.292.3571 305.292.4431, DeSantis-William@
CODE COMPLIANCE Sanchez-Roy@monroecounty-fl.gov monroecounty-fl.gov
Director: Cynthia J. McPherson,
305.289.2508, McPherson-Cynthia@ GUARDIAN AD LITEM PUBLIC INFORMATION
monroecounty-fl.gov Director: Alexsa Corsi Leto, Public Information Officer: Kristen
305.292.3485 Leto-Alexsa Livengood, 305.680.8226 Livengood-
COUNTY ATTORNEY & RISK MANAGEMENT @monroecounty-fl.gov Kristen@monroecounty-fl.gov
County Attorney: Bob Shillinger,
305.292.3470, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOCIAL SERVICES
Shilllinger-Bob@monroecounty-fl.gov Director: Alan MacEachern, Senior Director: Sheryl
305.453.8792, Maceachern-Alan@ Graham, 305.292.4510
EMPLOYEE SERVICES monroecounty-fl.gov Graham-Sheryl@monroecounty-fl.gov
Director: Bryan Cook, 305.292.4558 Monroe County Television: Monroe County Transit:
Cook-Bryan@monroecounty-fl.gov 305.295.5128 Reservations: 305.292.4424
Cancellations: 305.295.4373
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Director: Marty Senterfitt, Director: Lisa Tennyson, 305.292.4444 SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING
305.289.6018, Senterfitt-Martin@ Tennyson-Lisa@monroecounty-fl.gov Director: Cheryl Sullivan,
monroecounty-fl.gov 305.292.4536, Sullivan-Cheryl@
Storm Ready Hotline: 1.800.955.5504 LIBRARY SERVICES monroecounty-fl.gov
During emergencies, only call the Director: Norma Kula, 305.853.7349
hotline Kula-Norma@monroecounty-fl.gov STRATEGIC PLANNING
Senior Director: Kimberly Matthews,
FIRE RESCUE PARKS AND REC 305.292.4540, Matthews-Kimberly@
Director: Fire Chief James Callahan To Be Determined later in 2020 monroecounty-fl.gov
305.289.6004, Callahan-James@
monroecounty-fl.gov PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE
Fire Prevention: ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES & CLIMATE CHANGE
Upper Keys: 305.453.8726 Senior Director: Emily Schemper, Chief Resilience Officer: Rhonda Haag,
Lower Keys: 305.797.0875 305.289.2500, Schemper-Emily@ 305.453.8774, Haag-Rhonda@
Trauma Star: 305.289.6008 monroecounty-fl.gov monroecounty-fl.gov
Trauma Star Billing: 305.289.6010
PROJECT MANAGEMENT VETERANS AFFAIRS
ENGINEERING SERVICES & ROADS Director: Cary Knight, 305.292.4527 Director: Cathy Crane, 305.295.5150
Director: Judith Clarke; 305.295.4329 Knight-Cary@monroecounty-fl.gov Crane-Cathy@monroecounty-fl.gov
Clarke-Judith@monroecounty-fl.gov
8 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/bocc
MAYOR HEATHER MAYOR PRO TEM COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER
CARRUTHERS MICHELLE COLDIRON SYLVIA MURPHY DAVID RICE CRAIG CATES
District 3 District 2 District 5 District 4 District 1
500 Whitehead 25 Ships Way 102050 Overseas 9400 Overseas 530 Whitehead
Street, Suite 102 Big Pine Key, Highway, Suite 234 Highway, #210 Street, Suite 102
Key West, FL 33040; FL 33043; Key Largo, FL 33037; Marathon, FL 33050; Key West, FL 33040;
305.292.3430 305.292.4512 305.453.8787 305.289.6000 305.292.3440
boccdis3@monroe boccdis2@monroe boccdis5@monroe boccdis4@monroe boccdis1@monroe
county-fl.gov county-fl.gov county-fl.gov county-fl.gov county-fl.gov
Administrative Aide: Administrative Aide: Administrative Aide: Administrative Aide: Administrative Aide:
Carol Schreck Katie Atkins Susie Ptomey Tamara Lamarche Amanda Leggett
Schreck-Carol@ Atkins-Katherine@ Ptomey-Susie@ Lamarche-Tamara@ Leggett-Amanda@
monroecounty-fl.gov monroecounty-fl.gov monroecounty-fl.gov monroecounty-fl.gov monroecounty-fl.gov
CONSTITUTIONAL ESTABLISHMENT Mission
Article VIII, Section 1(e) of the Florida Constitution To enhance quality of life by
states that except when otherwise provided by county providing outstanding pub-
charter, the governing body of each County shall be lic service responsive to the
a Board of County Commissioners composed of five needs of our citizens, our
members serving staggered terms of four years. unique community and our
environment.
After each decennial census, the BOCC shall divide the
County into districts of contiguous territory as nearly Vision
equal in population as practicable. One commissioner Creating a Better Life Every Day
residing in each district shall be elected by the voters. for Everyone in the Florida Keys
MONROE COUNTY BOCC MEETINGS Murray Nelson Marathon Harvey
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/meetings Government Government Center Government Center
The BOCC holds monthly meetings that are & Cultural Center 2798 Overseas 1200 Truman
open to the public. The dates and agendas 102050 Overseas Highway, Marathon Avenue, Key West
are posted on the website. Meetings start at 9 Highway, Key Largo 305.289.6036 305.295.4385
a.m. Due to the geographical challenge of the 305.852.7161 January, April, July, February, May,
100-mile island chain, the meetings are held March, June, October August, November
on a rotating basis at three sites. The BOCC September,
also holds public budget meetings and other December
special meetings during the year.
State of the County 2020 9
10 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Budget & Finance
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/budgetandfinance
The mission of the Budget and Finance Department is
to provide effective development and implementation
of Monroe County’s budget; promote efficient,
sound financial management; ensure governmental
procurement regulations are followed countywide;
facilitate financially responsible grant funding; and
maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and
prudent expenditure of public funds.
Director: Tina Boan
The Budget and Finance Department 305.292.4467
is made up of three offices: Boan-Tina@monroecounty-fl.gov
• Office of Management and Budget Employees: 9
• Purchasing Budget: $4.5 Million (includes $3.5
• Grants Administration million for non-profit funding that
the department manages). In addi-
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET tion, the department manages the
The Office of Management and Budget develops, $42 million Federal pass-through to
implements and monitors annual operating and capital the State Grant for Hurricane Irma
budgets, and provides financial analysis and revenue Relief and Recovery.
and expenditure forecasting. It performs multi-year
budget forecasts, analyzes the effect of the State
budget on the County budget, and prepares financial
information for the Board of County Commission and HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY
the public. www.monroecounty-fl.gov/irmafinancials
• Collaborate and consult with Monroe County The Budget and Finance Department
departments to develop the annual operating is also responsible for financial man-
and capital budgets agement and administrative services
• Publish, administer and monitor all Monroe in a disaster. The Department con-
County budgets tinues to play an integral part in the
• Provide financial analysis, multi-year forecasting, emergency response and recovery ac-
and financial reporting tivities of Hurricane Irma from 2017.
During Fiscal Year 2019, the depart-
ment focused on ensuring that hurri-
cane-related work was planned in a
coordinated effort with other County
Major Accomplishment:
departments and that the associated
For the 21st consecu-
expenses were properly documented.
tive year, Budget and
Finance has received the
Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award from
the Government Finance
Officers Association.State of the County 2020 11
TOTAL BUDGET
BOCC Operating 36.7% 173,513,212
Capital Projects, inc Debt Svc 16.6% 78,361,615
Sheriff 13.2% 62,188,609
Tourist Development Council 11.9% 56,164,778
Tax Collector 1.4% 6,689,390
Judicial, State Attorney, Public Defender 0.9% 4,122,270
Property Appraiser 1.0% 4,835,971
Clerk of the Courts 1.1% 5,256,225
Supervisor of Elections 0.4% 2,065,897
Budgeted Transfers, Cash Bal & Resv 16.8% 79,498,439
FY20 Adopted Budget
The Monroe County The Countywide certified millage rate adopted by the BOCC for
Fiscal Year 2020 is 1.66 percent above the rolled-back mill-
Board of County age rate from 2.5459 to 2.5881. Per the BOCC’s authorization,
Commissioners a new taxing district was created to help fund a new hospital
adopted the 2020 in the Middle Keys encompassing MM 40 to MM 65. With the
new $1.9 million taxing district, the aggregate millage rate is
budget and millage 3.14 percent above the rolled-back millage rate. Ad valorem
rate that reflect the taxes collected overall will be $95.3 million, which includes
commissioners’ direction direct funding of $1.2 million to fund the Florida Department
of Health in Monroe County.
to meet increased
service demands and The $472,696,406 budget covers the Board of County
workload, continued Commissioners’ operating budget, capital projects, and con-
Hurricane Irma recovery, stitutional officer’s budgets.
and infrastructure Within the budget, a net of an additional 11.5 new Board of
improvements including County Commissioners’ positions were approved. Positions in-
climate-resilient clude assistants for the Guardian Ad Litem and Social Services,
a park director and maintenance worker, a fleet mechanic,
infrastructure. This is fire marshal, and two fire inspectors, four firefighter posi-
planned, designed, tions for Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Sugarloaf department,
and built in a way that two fleet mechanic/generator technicians, and a safety office
administrator.
anticipates and adapts
to changing climate The budget goes into effect Oct. 1, 2019 through Sept. 30, 2020.
conditions.12 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
SOUTH FLORIDA AD VALOREM TAX COMPARISON FY20
COUNTY-WIDE SERVICES-PROPERTY WITH $500,000 TAXABLE VALUE PALM BEACH
FY17 Tax Levy $2,390.75
(Millage Rate 4.7815)
FY18 Tax Levy $2,390.75
LEE (Millage Rate 4.7815)
FY17 Tax Levy $2,025.30 HENDRY PALM BEACH
LEE FY19 Tax Levy $2,390.75
(Millage Rate 4.0506) (Millage Rate 4.7815)
FY18 Tax Levy $2,025.30
(Millage Rate 4.0506)
FY19 Tax Levy $2,025.30 BROWARD
(Millage Rate 4.0506) FY17 Tax Levy $2,723.70
(Millage Rate 5.4474)
BROWARD FY18 Tax Levy $2,731.15
COLLIER
HENDRY (Millage Rate 5.4623)
FY17 Tax Levy $4,245.45 FY19 Tax Levy $2,739.60
(Millage Rate 8.4909) (Millage Rate 5.4792)
FY18 Tax Levy $4,245.45
(Millage Rate 8.4909)
DADE
FY19 Tax Levy $4,105.35
FY17 Tax Levy $2,333.45
(Millage Rate 8.2107) DADE (Millage Rate 4.6669)
MONROE FY18 Tax Levy $2,333.45
COLLIER (Millage Rate 4.6669)
FY17 Tax Levy $1,782.25 FY19 Tax Levy $2,333.45
(Millage Rate 3.5645) (Millage Rate 4.6669)
FY18 Tax Levy $1,782.25
(Millage Rate 3.5645) MONROE
FY19 Tax Levy $1,782.25 FY17 Adopted Tax Levy $1,414.85
(Millage Rate 3.5645) (Millage Rate 2.8297)
2018 Adopted Tax Levy $1,347.85
(Millage Rate 2.6957)
2019 Adopted Tax Levy $1,347.85
(Millage Rate 2.6957)
2020 Adopted Tax Levy $1,294.05
(Millage Rate 2.5881)
Purchasing Office Grants Administration
The Purchasing Office provides qual- The Grants Administration Office oversees the funding for com-
ity purchasing and contracting sup- petitive, discretionary and mandatory grant programs funded
port to all County departments in a by the BOCC. The BOCC awards approximately $3.5 million each
timely manner and while following year in grants designed to promote the well being of vulnerable
a strict code of ethics. families, children, and individuals who live in Monroe County.
Though this grant program does not provide personal financial
• Provide high quality, best value assistance, it does provide funding opportunities to a variety of
purchasing and procurement ac- local non-profit organizations.
tivities to maximize the purchasing
power of public funds and promote The Grants Administration Office applies for and administers
fair and open competition some pass-through grants and oversees contracts related to
• Ensure governmental procurement discretionary and mandatory non-profit grant awards that are
regulations are followed countywide distributed by the County.
• Provide procurement support in a
timely and professional manner to
all County departmentsState of the County 2020 13
Grants Administration Cont.
FY2019 Major Accomplishments:
For Fiscal Year 2020,
• The cumulative total of clients served by each non-profit
organization totaled approximately 40,500.
during the budget pro-
• The amount awarded Monroe County for the Residential cess, the Board of County
Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) grant, a competitive grant Commissioners approved
awarded by FDLE/DOJ, doubled in FY2019; the award amount $2,040,000 in ad va-
is $133,334. lorem property tax rev-
enues be awarded to 26
Availability of Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) Grant nonprofit human service
Funding for Human Service Organizations: organizations that pro-
The BOCC awards grants to non-profit organizations meeting hu- vide needed services to
man needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focus- vulnerable residents of
ing on prevention and remediation of problems and maintaining Monroe County.
a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service
populations who live in Monroe County. The board is charged with
the responsibility of reviewing the grant applications and recom-
mendations for grant awards.
HSAB GRANT CYCLE
Grant Creation Pre-application Evaluation Administration Monitoring Grant Close Out
• The BOCC deter- Process & Award • BOCC public • Site visit • Funding period
mines the budget • 1st HSAB public • Application evalu- meeting for award • Invoices reviewed ends September 30th
for the HSAB grants meeting: Application ation by the HSAB approval & paid • Submit final invoice
program during updates & funding • 2nd HSAB public • Assemble & ex- • Annual
the County budget schedule meeting: Application ecute contracts Performance Report
process • Grant application discussion & award • Funding period
• Publish notice available on HSAB recommendations begins October 1st
of HSAB funding website
availability
More information about HSAB grant fund- Other responsibilities include facilitating
ing including schedules with deadlines, meetings for the HSAB and Substance Abuse
meeting dates, applications submitted in Policy Advisory Board (SAPAB).
previous years, a listing of awardees, and
a link to a video recording of most recent In addition to facilitating the annual SAPAB
HSAB meetings may be found at www. meetings (www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
monroecounty-fl.gov/hsab. sapab), the department is also respon-
sible for application implementation and
monitoring of the Florida Department of
Law Enforcement, Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grant programs, and the
Clerk’s Drug Abuse Trust Fund.14 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Key West International & Florida Keys
Marathon International Airports
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/airports
Monroe County owns and operates two airports: Key West International
and Florida Keys Marathon International.
Both airports are self-supporting Enterprise Funds, which operate using
money generated by rates and charges levied on airport tenants and us-
ers. The Airports Department operates the facilities and provides compre-
hensive aviation services.
Both of Monroe County’s airports are Federal Aviation Administration FAR
Director: Richard Strickland
Part 139 certified. Together they are a vital part of the County’s infrastruc-
305.809.5210
ture and provide a strong economic foundation for the Florida Keys.
Strickland-Richard@
monroecounty-fl.gov
Key West International Airport www.eyw.com
Key West International Airport provides air carrier service for the Keys, Airport Employees: 20 (Both Airports)
serving nearly one million passengers in 2019 on flights from Delta, Airport Fire Rescue staff: 13
American, United, and Silver. Key West provides direct air service to Sheriff’s Office Airport staff: 30
numerous cities, including Atlanta, Newark, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Budget: $16.8 Million
Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Recently
added were Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
Key West International Airport also handled approximately 31,000 general
aviation aircraft operations in 2019, and pumped more than 3 million
gallons of aircraft fuel in 2019.
Key West International is a very unique airport due to its history, compact
size, and geographic location. Originally called Meacham Field, the airport
had its first scheduled flight in 1928. During the WWII era, the airport
was used by the United States Army. In 1953, the city of Key West granted
Monroe County clear title to Meacham Field. Shortly thereafter, Meacham
Field became Key West International Airport. Today, EYW has the ability to
safely and efficiently handle a large number of aircraft operations, con-
necting Key West to the global air transportation system.State of the County 2020 15
• Total Land Area: 334 Acres
• Elevation: 3 feet above sea level
• Runway 9-27, length - 4,801 feet
Between 50 and 60 Commercial airline flights per day
As part of the Key West airport’s master plan, the airport
has plans to upgrade the passenger experience by mak-
ing improvements to the conveyor system in the baggage
area and by renovating the departure area. The new ter-
minal expansion will contain additional seating, a family Recent Safety Enhancements include completed restriping
and painting of runway markings.
restroom, a pet relief station, a new women's restroom,
and a renovated men’s restroom. New drinking foun-
tains that can fill water bottles will also be installed.
There are plans to rehabilitate Taxiway A with construc- Florida Keys Marathon
tion planned to begin in early 2020. The access road International Airport
will also be reconfigured for a fuel truck delivery area
and parking areas. The projects are funded by a Federal Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is
Aviation Administration, Passenger Facility Charge a general aviation facility that provides aero-
Program, the Florida Department of Transportation nautical, emergency, business, and ground
grants, and enterprise funding. transportation services to the Middle Keys
community.
Fixed Base Operators
Marathon General Aviation: 305.743.4222;
www.marathonga.com
Marathon Jet Center: 305.743.1995;
www.marathonjetcenter.com
The Florida Keys • Total Land Area:
Marathon Airport 197 Acres
reported approxi- • Elevation: 5 feet
mately 45,000 gen- above sea level
eral aviation aircraft • Runway 7-25,
Monroe County Fire Rescue at Key West operations in 2019. length - 5,008 feet
International Airport Station 7 is the fire • Based Aircraft: 45
station that protects Key West International
Airport by providing fire suppression,
Emergency Medical Services, and Aircraft
Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). Fire Station 7 Marathon Airport
is staffed 24/7 365 days a year by a total of Manager:
13 ARFF firefighters, with 3 to 4 firefighters Michael Legere
on duty per shift. A variety of crash rescue 305.289.6302
equipment is stationed and maintained at Legere-Michael
Key West International Airport with a primary @monroecounty-fl.gov
mission of protecting the traveling public and
aviation-related property preservation.16 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Building and Permitting
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/building
The Building Department, in coordination with
the Planning and Environmental Resources
Department, protects public health, safety, and
the environment by providing effective permit-
ting for construction and development in accor-
dance with Monroe County Code and the Florida
Building Code, consistent with Florida Statutes.
The Building Department coordinates permitting PERMITTING
with other departments to ensure consistency with Permits are required in unincorporated Monroe County
the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan and Land for the following:
Development Code. • site preparation, including land clearing, placement of
fill, and excavation
Monroe County Codes can be found at • demolition
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/codes. • tie-downs of habitable structures
• Provides plan review, permitting, and inspection • signs
services for compliance with the Florida Building • fences
Code, the Monroe County Code, and all other life • sheds
safety codes. • any new construction and remodeling work of princi-
• Coordinates unsafe structure abatement with the pal and accessory structures
Code Compliance Department and the Office of the • all work in the electrical, mechanical, and
County Attorney. plumbing trades
• Provides contractor registration and licensing and • all work subject to the County floodplain
testing programs. management requirements
•Provides staff support for the Contractors Examining • resource extraction
Board and the Construction Board of Adjustment and • any work involving life safety
Appeals.
• Provides coordinated administration and enforce There are certain residential exceptions for several
ment of County’s Floodplain regulations, pursu ant to of these categories. Contact the County Building
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Department with specific questions.
regulations, including management of the County’s PERMIT OFFICES
Community Rating System (CRS) that saves flood in- Key Largo: Stock Island:
surance policyholders 25 percent off their premiums Murray Nelson 5503 College Road,
annually, which is more than $5 million/year and Government & Cultural Suite 204
Flood Compliance Programs. Center Key West, FL 33040
• During 2020, will work with FEMA to review new 102050 Overseas 305.295.3990
flood plain regulatory mapping, based on a coastal Highway
study performed by FEMA consultants, resulting in Key Largo, FL 33037 Ocean Reef:
new flood zones, with potential impacts on insur- 305.453.8800 11601 CR 905
ance ratings and regulatory standards for construc- Key Largo, FL 33037
tion, including new base and design flood elevation Marathon: 305.453.8765
requirements. Government Center
2798 Overseas Highway,
Suite 330
Marathon, FL 33050
305.289.2501State of the County 2020 17
Monroe County Coastal Study:
Post Preliminary Processing
When the new maps are adopted, all new FEMA map-
ping elevations will be done in a different datum
(NAVD88). Staff will be available to assist the public
in understanding how these proposed changes will
impact each property owner.
The County is required to adopt the maps to be eligible
for the National Flood Insurance Policy. The email ad-
dress to contact staff is floodmaps@monroecounty-fl.
gov.
If you are eligible
for flood insurance,
the Board of County
FEMA FLOOD MAP CHANGES Commissioners stresses
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/floodmaps purchasing a flood
The County received preliminary Federal Emergency policy now even if you
Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain maps in are self-insured or in an
December 2019 that demonstrate newly modeled X Zone because under
recommended regulatory elevations and risk areas for today’s existing rules
wave action. existing flood policies Building and Permitting
can be grandfathered in Building Official: Rick Griffin
Current County zones include AE, VE, and X zones. New and can be assumed by 305.289.2521
zones, including the Coastal AE zone, were added future buyers. Griffin-Rick@
to the maps, and they now include a boundary that monroecounty-fl.gov
shows a LiMWA zone, where waves can also be expect- Employees: 49
ed to impact the strength of structures. Per the Florida Budget: $6 million
Building Code, structures in a Coastal A zone are also
required to be constructed strong enough to withstand
wave action.
Community Rating System (CRS)
The elevations and coastal boundaries are used to In 2020, Monroe County continues to work on achiev-
determine where finished floors or structural elements ing a Class 4 CRS rating, which would result in a 30
must be constructed to be strong enough to withstand percent discount to approximately 15,000 National
wave action during a flood. These maps are cur- Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders in
rently being reviewed by County staff and the County’s unincorporated Monroe County. To do so, the County
technical consultant before FEMA establishes new map is completing programs already underway, including
boundaries. Repetitive Loss Area Analysis, Stormwater Master Plan,
and a Drainage Maintenance Standard of Practice.
During 2020, the new proposed maps will be viewed The CRS is on a scale of 1 to 8, with 1 being the best.
by the general public with opportunities for public in- Florida Keys municipalities are also participating in the
put and appeals if the community does not agree with CRS program. For more information, visit
the technical modeling work that was done by FEMA to monroecounty-fl.gov/crs.
determine the required elevations or coastal construc-
tion zones.
The County entered the CRS program in 2017. Each
After FEMA receives comments from local governments year, this saves policyholders more than $5 million
and citizens on the preliminary maps, they will issue and as of 2019, has saved $19 million overall.
final maps, expected in late 2020 depending on ap-
peals. The final flood maps are expected to be adopted
in 2021.18 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Code Compliance
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/codecompliance
The Code Compliance Department
provides an equitable and effective
YOU CAN MAKE CODE COMPLIANCE
method of enforcement of building, COMPLAINTS IN A VARIETY OF METHODS:
zoning, land development, envi- Online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
ronmental and other County codes codecomplaintform
In-person or by phone:
to ensure the health, safety, and Murray Nelson Government Center:
welfare of the citizens of Monroe 305.483.5506
County. The department establishes Marathon Government Center:
305.289.2810
working partnerships with neigh-
borhoods and outside agencies to
assist with compliance.State of the County 2020 19
The Code Compliance Department performs field inspections and
investigates complaints relating to ordinance violations.
• Prioritizes safety violations related to unsafe structures, work
without permits, land clearing, sewer connections, and
vacation rental violations based on elected official goals for
compliance
• Coordinates removal of abandoned vehicles/vessels, trash and
debris, and maintenance of overgrown lots
Director: Cynthia J. McPherson
• Issues Courtesy Notices for less extreme violations and/or Notices
305.289.2508
of Violation, with emphasis placed on voluntary compliance,
McPherson-Cynthia@
but if a property owner doesn’t respond, Code Compliance will
monroecounty-fl.gov
proceed with enforcement measures to achieve compliance
Employees: 19
• Provides assistance and information to Special Magistrate and
Budget: $1.7 million
the public regarding Monroe County Code of Ordinances
• Coordinates litigation efforts with the County Attorney’s Office
• Provides collections of fines/liens related to violations
• Coordinates with the real estate industry during the sale
of property with violations or fines
MCESEARCH
The County introduced a new tool,
By the Numbers MCeSearch, earlier in 2019 in
1,542 18,564
conjunction with the Information
Technology (IT) Department. The
interface allows the public to
Opened new cases in 2019 Conducted inspections
review status and information on
permits, inspections, search local
licensed contractors, see code
Presented compliance cases, and review
Five General Code Inspectors:
• Address complaints/violations 919 cases before property information for unin-
• Work without permits the Special corporated Monroe County. The
• Abandoned vehicles and website is a single point access
Magistrate search tool.
watercraft
• High grass and weeds Including 325
• Trash and debris Vacation Rental Permit and code compliance
searches can be done by the
Specialty inspectors: owner’s name, address of prop-
• Vacation Rental The remaining cases include work erty, permit or case numbers,
• Wastewater Connection without permits, unsafe structures, real estate numbers, or inspector.
• Land clearing land clearing, trash and debris, Contractors can be found in a gen-
• Unsafe Structures abandoned vehicles/watercraft, eral “all” search, or by company
wastewater connections, collections/ name, category, license numbers,
Other positions include: new liens and mitigation. or contractor ID.
$2.2 M
• Collections facilitator
• Research analyst To use MCeSearch, visit www.
• Liaison to the special monroecounty-fl.gov/mcesearch.
totaled collections of fines, costs,
magistrate
and after-the-fact fees.
• Administrative personnel20 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Planning and Environmental Resources
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/planning
The goal of the Planning and amendments to the Comprehensive
Environmental Resources Department Plan and Land Development Code
is to foster sustainable, quality based on changing conditions
development in the County, while and applicant requests. The
conserving and promoting steward- Department’s services also
ship of the County’s fragile environ- include transportation planning,
ment, and the unique character of administration of the County’s
the diverse island communities. affordable housing programs,
The Planning and Environmental and Geographical Information
Resources Department is respon- Systems (GIS) administration for
sible for the administration of the both the Department and other
adopted Monroe County Year 2030 County entities as needed. For more
Comprehensive Plan and Land information, email Cioffari-Cheryl@
Development Code through the monroecounty-fl.gov.
review of all development proposals
for compliance with these plans. GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The department’s functions are (GIS) OFFICE: Develops, maintains
handled by the following offices: and disseminates geographic data
and GIS resources to enhance county
THE PLANNING OFFICE reviews functions and provides resources
all development proposals for making geographic data available Senior Director: Emily Schemper
compliance with the comprehensive to the public. The GIS Office is also 305.289.2500
plan, including community an integral component of the new Schemper-Emily@
character, growth management FEMA flood mapping plans. For monroecounty-fl.gov
provisions and environmental more information, email Davisson- Employees: 35
compliance; and processes Bryan@monroecounty-fl.gov. Budget: $5.8 millionState of the County 2020 21
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
The Environmental Resources Office conducts
the review of applications for compliance with
environmental regulations, such as habitat
identification, landscaping, stormwater, land
clearing, and FEMA required review of potential
endangered species impacts under the Permit
Referral Process. Environmental Resources staff
works to protect the sensitive environment and
endangered species of the county, in coordina-
tion with state and federal environmental agen-
cies. In addition, this office works in coordina-
tion with the Monroe County Land Authority,
the Land Steward, and the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection on land acquisi- RATE OF GROWTH ORDINANCE (ROGO)
tion initiatives for conservation and retirement In 2012, based on hurricane evacuation clearance
of development rights. For more information, time modeling and Monroe County’s status as an
email Roberts-Michael@monroecounty-fl.gov. Area of Critical State Concern, the State of Florida
mandated that no more than 1,970 new hous-
MARINE RESOURCES ing unit permits (ROGO permits) be issued within
The Marine Resources Office works to protect the unincorporated Monroe County through the year
nearshore marine environment, ensure public 2023. Based on the evacuation modeling, this
water access, and provide waterway infrastruc- total number of housing units brings the Florida
ture for the recreational boating public. The Keys up to its required maximum 24-hour evacu-
Office manages Boating Improvement Funds ation clearance time. The incorporated munici-
and secures marine-related grants, which are palities within the Florida Keys also have limited
used to remove derelict vessels, maintain chan- ROGO permits to issue.
nel markers, and provide for pump-out service
throughout the Keys. The Office also develops In 2019, the Board of County Commissioners
boating regulations in coordination with FWC for directed staff to process amendments to extend
boater safety as well as anchoring and moor- the timeframe for issuance of the remaining per-
ing management. For more information, email mits an additional three years, through 2026, in
Hitchins-Celia@monroecounty-fl.gov. order to leave time to consider the next hurricane
evacuation model, which is planned to occur fol-
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION lowing the 2020 US Census. Amendments to the
The Land Steward manages the County’s habi- Comprehensive Plan are currently in progress and
tat restoration and improvement projects to will cut the rate of ROGO permit issuance in half
enhance and preserve county-managed lands for the remainder of the allocation period (July
and partners with state and federal agencies on 2020 – July 2023). Results of the next hurricane
management issues. The Land Steward’s focus evacuation clearance time modeling are expected
includes invasive exotic species removal, habitat in 2022.
restoration, debris removal, and wildfire hazard
reduction. The Land Steward also contributes to
land acquisition efforts for both conservation
purposes and retirement of development rights.
For more information, email Rosch-Mark@
monroecounty-fl.gov22 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Monroe County Fire Rescue
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue
Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) operates nine fire
stations located throughout the Keys from Tavernier to
Key West International Airport and two Trauma Star air
ambulance bases, one in Marathon and the other at the
Lower Keys Medical Center. The certified firefighters are
cross-trained as paramedics, flight medics, emergency
medical technicians (EMT’s), and Aircraft Rescue and Fire
Fighting personnel (ARFF). Division Director: Fire Chief
James Callahan
The Department plans for, responds to, and mitigates 305.289.6088
the effects of emergency situations, including natural In 2019, MCFR responded Callahan-James@
and man-made events. These responsibilities include: by ground ambulance and monroecounty-fl.gov
• Fire suppression Trauma Star helicopters to
• Aircraft Emergency Response (ARFF) 3,414 medical emergency Deputy
• Advanced emergency medical response and calls. Of the 950 patients be- Chief of
transportation (air and ground) ing airlifted to out-of-county Operations
• Fire prevention and safety education hospitals, about 33 percent Steve
• Hurricane preparedness and emergency management of these incidents were scene Hudson
• Countywide firefighting and EMS training responses related to heart
attacks, strokes, traffic acci- 305.289.6342
In 2019, MCFR firefighters responded to emergency dents, and other trauma-re- Hudson-Steven@
incidents throughout Monroe County. These calls for lated incidents. The remain- monroecounty-fl.gov
service included: structure fires, wildland fires, brush ing helicopter transports were Employees: 151
fires, trash fires, vehicle fires, marine/boat fires, gas hospital-to-hospital transfers Budget: $25.1 million
leaks, water-related rescues, vehicle extrication calls, for medical emergencies, in-
hazardous material spills, aircraft incidents, and medical cluding heart attacks, strokes,
emergency calls. seizures, difficulty breathing
and abdominal disorders.MCFR helps load donations collected for vic- MCFR volunteers at several elementary tims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. schools reading with students weekly. A shrimp boat fire on MCFR stations lower the flag for annual Stock Island in 2019. 9/11 remembrance ceremonies. MCFR installs “Stop the Bleed” kits near A brush fire in Big Pine Key in 2019 community centers throughout the Keys. was quickly extinguished.
24 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Fire Prevention
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firemarshal
Fire Prevention provides services that help eliminate fires and work to prevent accidents from happening, including
inspections of businesses and multi-unit residences for compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The depart-
ment provides complete and accurate fire protection engineering and plans review, definitive fire cause investigation,
life-safety code enforcement, occupancy inspections, and outreach and education, especially to children. Inspection
checklists for commercial properties and vacation rentals can be found at the website.
FIRE MARSHALS
Upper Keys: Cassy Cane
Cane-Cassy@
monroecounty-fl.gov
305.289.8726
Lower Keys: Craig Marston
Marston-Craig@
monroecounty-fl.gov
305.289.6020
HOT SHOTS PROGRAM
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/hotshots
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners ap-
proved a second Monroe County Fire Rescue “Hot Shots”
program finishing in January 2020. The program is a
Sparky the fire dog, Monroe County’s Fire
free firefighting and first responder training for qualified
Prevention mascot, helps us teach kids about
Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to
fire safety and other ways to stay safe.
volunteer for three years or work as a professional fire-
fighter anywhere in the Florida Keys.
JOE LONDON FIRE ACADEMY
The program waives the $2,200 curriculum fee for quali-
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireacademy
fied local residents who are 18 and older with a minimum
of a high school diploma or GED to take the Firefighter I
Monroe County owns and operates the Joe London Fire
and II courses at Monroe County’s Joe London Fire Training
Training Academy, located on Grassy Key. Rebuilt in 2017,
Academy facility on Grassy Key, MM 56.6. Students who
it is one of only 43 certified firefighting training centers in
successfully complete all 17 performance objectives of the
Florida. The academy has a modern classroom facility for
firefighter program will be prepared to take the State of
educating and training our firefighters, as well as a training
Florida Firefighter I and II examinations.
tower and burn building for practical learning to certify
trainees to be state-certified firefighters. The academy of-
fers medical and fire training for our firefighter EMTs and
paramedics year-round.State of the County 2020 25
Trauma Star
www.monroecounty-fl.gov/traumastar
305.289.6010
Trauma Star is the only air ambulance service in Monroe
County. It is jointly operated by Monroe County Fire
Rescue and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Trauma
Star has bases in Marathon and Key West, both staffed
around the clock to be ready for launch at a moment’s
notice. Trauma Star’s primary mission is to provide emer-
gency helicopter transportation for individuals who are Bryant and his family were emotional when they met
critically injured either by natural causes such as heart the MCFR and Trauma Star personnel who provided
attacks or strokes or by other causes such as a vehicle life-saving care by land and air.
crash or criminal action.
“TRAUMA STAR SAVED MY LIFE”
No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Monroe County Residents
There are no out-of-pocket costs for County residents Since Trauma Star started flying, trauma victims
who use the life-saving service. In the past, private air have received treatment for life-threatening inju-
ambulances in the Keys have charged County residents ries. Thanks to the talent and skill of the dedicated
tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for professionals who serve on land and inflight, many
transport to mainland hospitals. trauma victims have returned to their daily lives. To
view their stories and others, visit the trauma star
If you qualify for the resident fee waiver, Monroe County website.
will continue to seek reimbursement from any pri-
vate insurance companies, but any remaining unpaid • Ricky Bryan, 47, from Perryville, MD, who was
fees will be waived. The waiver can be found at www. in full cardiac arrest with no pulse when MCFR
monroecounty-fl.gov/traumastar. responded. MCFR’s medically trained firefighters
performed life-saving efforts, and he was flown
by the County’s Trauma Star air ambulance to the
Trauma Star Flight Paramedic Lynda Rusinowski University of Miami Hospital.
at the 2019 National Night Out. • Osmany Zamora, of Miami Gardens, was life-
flighted out with a critical injury after being hit by
an outboard motor propeller on the water. He was
transported to Trauma Star and airlifted to Jackson
South. En route, Zamora was given the first inflight
blood transfusion, which stabilized him.
Trauma Star Now Carries Blood
for Onboard Transfusions
Monroe County Fire Rescue advanced its pre-hospital
trauma patient care by adding inflight blood trans-
fusions for critically injured patients in May 2019.
In rural areas, the role of blood transfusion is
even more critical because of the distance to
trauma centers. The flight time from Lower
Keys Medical Center to the three closest trauma
centers, Kendall Regional Trauma Center, Jackson
Memorial Hospital South, and Jackson Ryder
Trauma Center, is 50-to 55-minutes.26 Monroe County | monroecounty-fl.gov
Emergency Management
www.monroecountyem.com
Emergency Management prepares Monroe County to
mitigate against, respond to, and recover from any event
that might threaten the safety of the County’s residents
and visitors or impact property and infrastructure. The
Department is committed to serving the community with
the highest level of life safety and property protection to
meet the needs of the residents and visitors in the Florida
Keys.
Have a Plan: In 2019, Monroe County Emergency
Emergency Management provides planning, prepared- Management monitored 18 named storms and 20 tropi-
ness, and coordination of response activities to events cal cyclones. Hurricanes in the Florida Keys can bring high
that might impact the infrastructure of Monroe County or winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and tornadoes.
the safety of its residents and visitors, such as:
• Weather events -
hurricanes, tornadoes, Monroe County
waterspouts Emergency Hotline:
• Mass migration 1.800.955.5504
• Hazardous materials
accidents Sign Up for Alert!Monroe:
• Terrorist activities www.monroecountyem.
• Large fires com/alertmonroe
• Air crashes
• Civil disorders
• Nuclear incident
• Turkey Point
Hurricane Dorian Threat: In late August 2019, Monroe
County activated its Emergency Operations Center due to
In 2019, Emergency Management participated with its
the threat of Hurricane Dorian and its possible impacts
Emergency Operation Center partners in the Statewide from wind and prolonged high tides. The major hurricane
Hurricane Exercise and the FEMA evaluated Regional stayed north of the Florida Keys with little impact.
Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant Exercise. In addition,
Emergency Management hosted Incident Command
System, Radiological Operations and Incident Response to PLACARD PROGRAM
Mass Fatality training in the County. www.monroecountyem.com/placardprogram
Emergency Management worked with municipal and Businesses or organizations that are not represented
infrastructure partners to secure funding in amounts within the Emergency Operations Center but believe
over $100 million dollars from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation they have an essential response mission can apply for
Grant Funding to harden and protect infrastructure from the Business Re-Entry Placard Program. The placard
impacts of future storms. program enrollment period and applications for 2020
will be announced online.You can also read
