Item T12 County of Monroe BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
r `� � Mayor David Rice,District 4
The Florida Ke S Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates,District 1
Y �, Michelle Coldiron,District 2
ti Vacant,District 3
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
County Commission Meeting
February 16, 2022
Agenda Item Summary #10264
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: BOCC District 5
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Corie Abel 3054538787
None
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a resolution in support of Sheriff Ramsay's request to
FDOT regarding a visual barrier at mm 109 to reduce distracted driving, traffic congestion and
increase public safety.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
As traffic problems remain one of the top concerns of our citizens it also remains one of
the top concerns for public safety.
For many years we have all heard about and witnessed the impact of what has become
known as "Bikini Beach"located on the Barnes Sound side at the log mile marker on
U.S.l. This area has become a popular spot for boaters to anchor near the fence line
with its occupants then congregating on shore. These occupants are generally in swim
attire, thus the name Bikini Beach. Currently is blocked from USl by only a chain link
fence. The proximity of motorists and swimmers has caused traffic to slow well below
the posted 55 mph speed zone in order to look at the water, boats and swimmers. The
constant slow speed causes the normal flow of traffic to come to a stop with backups
going miles in each direction. The result of this major reduction of speed and distracted
driving has caused a large increase in rear-end collisions, which has made the backups
that much worse. These crashes then require police, fire and rescue assets to respond
and deal with them.
Sheriff Ramsay has asked FDOT to block the view of that area with saltwater-tolerant
trees, fencing or tennis court fencing's netting. The Upper Keys' residents have started a
petition in support of blocking the view. FDOT has acknowledged the problem at that
location but is reluctant to block the view as it is a scenic highway without ensuring
there is broader support for the initiative. FDOT has advised the Sheriff to obtain
support from the Board of County Commissioners before they will consider blocking the
view. The Sheriff has asked for support of this body as a matter of public safety and
traffic congestion. While it is understood the scenic highway is important, public safety
must be a priority and this resolution supports the Sheriff's request to FDOT.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: N/A
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
BOCC_Reso_support barrier_USl_mm109
Sheriff memo MM109
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract:
Total Cost to County:
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
Revenue Producing: If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Insurance Required:
Additional Details:
N/A
REVIEWED BY:
Corie Abel Completed 02/09/2022 10:09 AM
Bob Shillinger Completed 02/14/2022 3:43 PM
Liz Yongue Completed 02/14/2022 4:21 PM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 02/16/2022 9:00 AM
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F'1$ 23
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I I 15 �5
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MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION NO. -2022
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE REQUEST OF MONROE
COUNTY SHERIFF RICK RAMSAY FOR A VISUAL BARRIER AT
APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 109 ALONG THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) RIGHT-OF-WAY
OF U.S. 1 ADJACENT TO BARNES SOUND.
WHEREAS, in this February 7, 2022 letter to the Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC)(attached hereto as Exhibit A), Monroe County Sheriff Rick. Ramsay requested
the Board's support to establish a visual barricade at approximately Mile Marker 109 along the Barnes
Sound side of U.S. 1; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Ramsay has indicated the purpose of preventing distracted driving in the
interest of traffic safety and reduction of congestion; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Ramsay stated"I ask for your support as a matter of public safety and traffic
congestion."; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Keys are dependent on a safe, attractive, resilient, sustainable, and
efficient access and travel along U.S. 1 throughout Monroe County; and
WHEREAS, coordinated and comprehensive solutions are necessary for the traffic flow,
congestion, safety and other transportation issues that affect the Florida Keys; and
WHEREAS, the FDOT is tasked with providing a safe statewide transportation system that
ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of
our environment and communities, and
WHEREAS, the partnership with FDOT is important to address and solve transportation issues
affecting the Florida Keys and recognizing the importance of and support for maintaining a safe,resilient
and efficient access and travel along U.S. 1;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA:
Pagel of 2
Section 1. The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida hereby supports the
installation of a visual barrier along the Barnes Sound side of U.S. 1 at approximately
Mile Mark 109.
Section 2. The Clerk is hereby directed to provide a copy of this resolution to:
• Stacy Miller, Florida Department of Transportation District Six Secretary
• Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida,
at a regular meeting held on the day of , 2022.
Mayor David Rice
Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates
Commissioner Michelle Coldiron
Commissioner District Three VACANT
Commissioner Holly Raschein
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY
MAYOR
(SEAL)
ATTEST: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK
AS DEPUTY CLERK
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
Robert B. Shillinger, Monroe County Attorney
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