Resolution 395-2002
Boord of County Commissioners
RESOLUTION NO. 395
-2002
A RESOlUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA REQUESTING THAT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION CONDUCT FURTHER STUDIES ON THE OLD seVEN MILE
BRIDSE REGARDING WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS. AND REQUESTING RESTORATION
WHEREAS, the old Seven Mile Bridge (hereinafter the -Bridge-) is the only access for motor
vehicles to Pigeon Key; and
WHEREAS, the weight restrictions imposed by the Florida Department of Transportation
(hereinafter -FDOT") on the Bridge prohibit the use of emergency vehicles for proper response for medical
and fire rescue services to Pigeon Key, thus posing serious risks to the health, safety and welfare of persons
on said Island; and
WHEREAS, the Bridge is a historic landmark and is a valued tourist attraction of Monroe County and
especially the City of Marathon; and
WHEREAS, the Bridge is also a part of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail; and
WHEREAS, weight restrictions imposed by FDOT may restrict or prohibit the use of the Bridge as a
natural spectator for local boot races, as a tourist attraction, and use for recreational purposes such as
jogging and walking; and
WHEREAS, the lack of further preventative maintenance and structural repairs to the Bridge will
eventually cause the Bridge to be closed; and
WHEREAS, the loss of the Bridge will have a significant negative impact on the City of Marathon and
the County of Monroe; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,
FLORIDA:
Section 1.
The above recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
Section 2.
The County requests that FDOT immediately conduct further studies to determine if
the existing weight restriction on the Bridge can be elevated.
Section 3.
The County requests that FDOT, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
and the City of Marathon take immediate steps to establish with Monroe County a cooperative plan to
restore the Bridge to a safe condition, capable of bearing weight loads consistent with the needs of Pigeon
Key, including bearing traffic, especially emergency vehicles, and retaining its status as a historical landmark
and tourist attraction, as well as use for recreational purposes.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a
regular meeting of said Board held on the 18th day of September, 2002.
Mayor McCoy
Mayor Pro Tem Spehar
,~issioner Nelson
ioner Neugent
" er Jimenez
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, i ;i';KOLHAGE, Clerk
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
:: MONROE c~~. ~~DA
Mayor/Chairperson
J dresBrldge
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