Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in public safety with high priority
Fire Station Construction
Monroe County is tearing down and rebuilding Fire Station #10 on Sugarloaf Key as a bigger two-story facility. The payoff is better fire response for the Keys, but nearby residents and drivers should expect some construction disruption while work is underway.
Domestic Abuse Shelter outreach funding loss
The shelter's new CEO warned that outreach advocate positions in Key West and now Key Largo are being lost after funding cuts and the sunset of the Health Services Advisory Board. Commissioners promised to look at contract-based funding and an upcoming January request for funding.
Trauma Star air ambulance costs and rate study
The county's air ambulance program is spending far more than it takes in — roughly $3.8 million in the hole this year, with $4.5 million in helicopter debt through 2038. Rates haven't changed since 2016 and flight volumes have dropped about 50 percent. Commissioners want a professional rate study to figure out what the service should cost and why usage is falling.
Possible e-bike ordinance
The county attorney's office found state law gives a narrow lane for local e-bike rules. Commissioners want to make fixing the vetoed state bill a legislative priority, citing safety concerns about helmetless teen riders.