Dear Governor Crist:

I am writing on behalf of the members of Last Stand (Protect Key West & the Florida Keys Inc.) to express concern regarding recent actions by the Monroe County Administrator Tom Willi in firing key employees and dismantling the Monroe County Marine Resources Department.

Contrary to opinions voiced by Mr. Willi, the Marine Resources Department has and plays a key role in protecting the environment of the Florida Keys. These responsibilities are clearly outlined in the County Comprehensive Plan (see below). In addition, the Marine Resources Department helps fellow Florida citizens and tourists to safely enjoy marine resources in our county: the only “island” county in Florida surrounded by water and including a significant portion of Everglades National Park.

The coral reef, the back country, shifting sand bars and Everglades inlets are all first-rate tourist attractions that drive the economic engine of Monroe County. Without oversight and guidance from Marine Resources Department officials, we are at risk of destroying the reason the Florida Keys are a favorite destination of Florida residents and visitors from around the world. As noted earlier, the Comprehensive Plan for Monroe County has several policies that are specific responsibilities of the Marine Resources Department.

These include:

Policy 202.1.5: Monroe County shall continue to maintain the Monroe County Department of Marine Resources with adequate staff and funding to support the development and implementation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan, including the Water Quality Protection Program.

Policy 203.5.8: Implementation of the boating management program - Recommendations shall be coordinated by the Monroe County Department of Marine Resources.

Policy 204.3.1: The Monroe County Department of Environmental Resources and Department of Marine Resources shall be responsible for developing and administering the wetlands restoration program.

Policy 204.4.1: The Monroe County Department of Environmental Resources, in consultation
with the Monroe County Department of Marine Resources, shall work cooperatively with the Monroe
County Land Authority in developing and administering the wetlands acquisition program.
Acquisition shall be undertaken as part of the Monroe County Natural Heritage and Park Program.

By his actions, which have not been challenged by a majority of the Board of County Commissioners, the Monroe County Administrator will violate these and additional policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Monroe County.

Last Stand has attempted to influence the BOCC to rescind the County Administrator’s actions, so far in vain.

We are asking that you and the Department of Community Affairs intercede on our behalf to advise the County Administrator and BOCC of the consequences of actions that eliminate the Marine Resources Department. Certainly the BOCC should be charged with determining what departments will be subject to budget cuts to meet the required tax roll back. However, these budget cuts should not lead to wholesale violations of the Comprehensive Plan policies adopted to protect the citizens of Monroe County.

In our view, these actions do not indicate progress toward achieving the goals that would deem Monroe County ready to progress beyond the 1974 designation as an Area of Critical State Concern.

Sincerely,

Al Sullivan
President, Last Stand