Resolution 239-1989
Monroe County Commission
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RESOLUTION NO. 239-1989
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If::: RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMIS-
~ONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, OPPOSING
~. E PLANNED PHASING-OUT OF THE KEY WEST
~ FICE OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service headquarters in Silver
Springs, Maryland, is considering the phasing out of the Weather
Service Office in Key West, and the transferring of local weather
responsibilities to automated systems and the Miami Office; and
WHEREAS, the Key West Office of the National Weather Service
has served the citizens and visitors of Monroe County continu-
ously since 1870 by providing severe weather warnings, marine
weather warnings, forecasts, public awareness and education, and
by assisting the Monroe County Civil Defense Department with the
analysis of weather phenomenon and the development of response
strategies to protect the public from hurricanes, waterspouts and
other dangerous weather events; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Keys, being:
a chain of more than 800 islands, bordering the Gulf of
Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, Straits of Florida and Florida
Bay; with approximately 600 miles of coastline; with an
average elevation of only seven feet above sea level;
totalling more than 130 miles in length, and connected
by a single highway with many low spots and 42 bridges,
making evacuation of the 72,000 populace a difficult
and tenuous prospect;
having an economy intricately related to the weather
through commercial fishing, diving, recreational
boating and other tourist related industries,
are a unique area of the United States, with a population and
economy highly vulnerable to the affects of severe weather; and
WHEREAS,
this unique marine, geographic and economic
environment makes it necessary to have a local forecast office,
with a thorough knowledge of the area so that timely and accurate
forecasts and warnings can be issued using local landmarks; and
WHEREAS, the Civil Defense Department, local fishermen's
organizations and many citizens have expressed the concern that
any relocation of duties to the Miami office would represent a
serious degradation of the current level of service; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, as follows:
1. The Board hereby opposes the planned phasing-out of the
Key West Office of the National Weather Service and hereby
appeals to the National Weather Service and to Florida's
Congressional representatives to reconsider this action and to
retain the Key West Weather Service Office.
2. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to forward a
certified copy of this Resolution to the National Weather
Service, Gramanx Building, 8060 13th Street, Silver Springs,
Maryland 20910 and to the Monroe County Legislative Delegation.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting of the Board held on
the 28th day of April, 1989.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
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Mayor/Chairman
(SEAL)
Attest : DANNY L. :KOLHAGE, Clerk
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