An update on the College of the Florida Keys’ facility in the Upper Keys and discussion about temporary use permits for special events are among the notable topics for Islamorada Village Council’s virtual meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Work is already underway at the site of the new college in Key Largo, at the old Shell World property at MM 106.4, bayside. Construction of a new building will replace classroom space currently used at Coral Shores High School for CFK’s educational programs.
The college plans to expand five programs in the Upper Keys: nursing, emergency medical technician, marine environmental technology, public safety (law enforcement and corrections academies), and apprenticeships. In addition, the college plans to develop new programs there, including marine resource management, paramedic, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and construction technologies.
The college’s Upper Keys Center was put into motion thanks to a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, several million from local sources and the generosity of the Waterman family, who agreed to sell the old Shell World property. The college also has received support from the board of county commissioners and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Councilwoman Deb Gillis will bring forth discussion as it relates to temporary use permits for special events through the rest of the year. While many events have been called off due to coronavirus, not all have formally canceled. Gillis said she wants to discuss and set parameters so event organizers aren’t spending time and money to see their festival or party canceled two weeks before it begins.
“The fact that the big events are canceling, like Fantasy Fest, I just think as a city we need to look at the events coming up and try to help make educated decisions,” she said. “There’s just so many variables right now. We’re just going to have to take action, and we have to do it on the side of safety and health of our residents.”
Eight resolutions are on the docket for council members to consider. One seeks approval of a request for proposal recommendation for water quality and benthic vegetation monitoring in village canals. Another seeks council’s approval to request to adopt the final rate of assessment for solid waste services for fiscal year 2020-21.
On July 16, the village council adopted a resolution establishing a preliminary rate of assessment for fiscal year 2020-2021 equal to $455.65 and a maximum rate of $487.07 for future years for each dwelling unit for solid waste collection and disposal services. The final rate of assessment hearing scheduled for Aug. 20 was not property advertised by July 29 in a newspaper generally circulated in Monroe County. Therefore, the hearing must be rescheduled to Sept. 10, and the hearing will be property advertised in time for that date.
