The land-purchasing portion of the deal was brokered by state Rep. Ken Sorensen (R-Key Largo) last month in Marathon.  Sorensen said the program has the support of the governor, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David Struhs and will be administered by Eva Armstrong, director of the Division of State Lands.

The first three areas to be considered for land purchases are North Key Largo Hammock area; parcels from Marathon to the north end of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park; and Big Pine Key, including Coupon Bight and the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge.

“This is a giant step forward to completing the county land-use plan without taxing our citizens, and demonstrates that the state of Florida is a willing partner in preserving the Keys’ unique environment,” said Sorensen. 

Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Secretary Colleen Castille also visited the Keys this week and told county commissioners that the state was committed to buying sensitive lands and would work with the DEP.   Because the county no longer needs to focus on acquiring land, Castille said the state wants the county to issue $200 million in bonds to be used for Keys sewer projects, according to County Commissioner David Rice.  Rice said that Castille suggested a phased in bond program so that the money could be used as projects are ready for construction.

“She didn’t specify what type of systems [neighborhood vs. large regional] but by the time we’re through, we’ll have some of both,” Rice said.

Castille is expected to attend the Nov. 19 County Commission meeting in Key Largo to ask for conceptual approval of the deal.