Letter of Support 05/18/2022 . .� BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
County of MonroeMayor David Rice,District 4
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates,District I
Michelle Coldiron,District 2
° James K.Scholl,District 3
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
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May 23,2022
Florida Department of State
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
RE: Florida DOS Special Category Grant Program - Concurrence Letter
Dear Florida Historical Commission,
It is my pleasure to express support of the Pigeon Key National Historic District Preservation Project for the
Special Category grant program through the Florida Department of State as well as to provide consent for the
work to be completed by Pigeon Key Foundation, Inc. as part of this project proposal.I write on behalf of
Monroe County,the property owners of Pigeon Key. The permission to complete the project includes the
necessary and applicable easements or covenants as required by the grant administrators. The Pigeon Key
National Historic District Preservation Project on Pigeon Key will support the long-term preservation of this
important national historic asset.
Pigeon Key is a unique and cherished asset within the Florida Keys, state, and nation. The five-acre island is
designated a National Historic District and contains eight buildings, most of which remain from its earliest
incarnation as a work camp for Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. Today these buildings serve a variety
of purposes,ranging from housing for educational groups to administrative offices for the non-profit Pigeon Key
Foundation. The former Assistant Bridge Tender's House has been converted into a small museum featuring
artifacts and images from Pigeon Key's colorful past.
The Pigeon Key National Historic District Preservation Project includes three components: roof replacement on
the Foreman's Dormitory and Kitchen; floor replacement in the Assistant Bridge Tender's building; and
accessibility ramps to the Section Gang Quarters, Assistant Bridge Tender's House, and The Bridge Tender's
House. This project will not only continue to maintain and preserve the historic integrity of the buildings for years
to come,but will also provide increased access to allow those with mobility challenges to experience the assets of
the island. With the re-opening of the historic 7-mile bridge,Pigeon Key is seeing increased visitation by both
locals and tourists. This project will support the overall mission to share these cultural and historical resources
with the public.
We appreciate the Pigeon Key Foundation's diligence in maintaining the Pigeon Key Historic District and fully
support this project to ensure the preservation of the structures and increased access for visitors into the future. If
I can be of further assistance,please contact Senior Project Manager Jordan Salinger,PMP at 305-570-9156 or
Salinger-Jordan@MonroeCounty-FL.gov. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Roman Gastesi, County Administrator
Monroe County