Keys pass annual review with flying colors

Keys pass annual review with flying colors - Jeff Atwater, Adam Putnam standing in a room - Academic conference

Various Monroe County representatives traveled to Tallahassee recently to present the Keys annual report to the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Governor and the Cabinet.

“The Cabinet meeting was a tremendous success our report was extremely favorable and shows the local communities are doing their part; sending a very positive message to the state,” said State. Rep. Holly Raschein, who represents the Keys and was there to walk the officials through the process. “With the passage of the Stewardship and numerous other initiatives, it has been great year for the Florida Keys.”

Among the officials present was Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey. He told state government officials that Marathon’s wastewater system is 100 percent complete — and has been since 2010.

“Along with enforcement efforts, pump-out services, and other initiatives, we are already seeing signs of nearshore water quality improvement,” Lindsey said. “Now we really need to focus the majority of our efforts on workforce housing.”

Lindsey told the Governor and Cabinet that 76 percent of Marathon’s workforce pays more than 50 percent of its income on housing.

“Marathon is working hard on the issue and with the support of the State, we can overcome this challenge,” he said.

Contributed Photo

Pictured are Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, left, Monroe County Assistasnt County Administrator Christine Hurley, Marathon Manager Chuck Lindsey, Marathon Deputy Manager George Garrett, Key Colony Beach Mayor Jerry Ellis, Gov. Rick Scott, State Rep. Holly Raschein, Islamorada Mayor Deb Gillis, Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Legislative Affairs Coordinator Lisa Tennyson, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.