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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem Q1 Public Comment Liz Yongue From: Ray Atkinson <gismap1 @gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 1, 2025 3:45 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: Keys Last Stand Info Subject: Say No to Paving Paradise Some people who received this message don't often get email from gismapl@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl and Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned year-round resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-laning of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion.All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. Monroe County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles.We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote NO on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Ray Atkinson,AICP Key West year-round resident gismap1_@gmau_da_con'r i Liz Yongue From: Daniel Hopkins <hopkinsd58@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 1:21 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Opposition to the proposal to grant FDOT with the authority to expand US-1 Some people who received this message don't often get email from hopkinsd58@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Mayor Scholl and Commissions, I am writing to express my opposition to, and grave concern for the proposal that would grant FDOT the authority to expand US-1. My concerns are specifically related to the removal of local controls, and to the unavoidable environmental impacts that will result. The Keys are a fragile ecosystem that continue to come under increasing demands for development. Efforts to increase capacity and development have accelerated since Hurricane Irma. The Keys, and it's unique and fragile ecosystems simply cannot withstand development that increases congestion, pollution, stormwater runoff, and the displacement and destruction of wetlands, mangroves, and native species. The very life blood of the Florida Keys, our beautiful and unsurpassed water resources and reefs, are in danger from changes in climate and the demands and destruction from unwise and excessive development. I am not opposed to thoughtful development. Decisions regarding development must however take into consideration an environments ability to carry the capacity increases it will bring. Local officials and residents must retain control to make decisions that are not only forward thinking but which also take into consideration the fragility of the unique and natural environment in which we live. Widening the highway will not decrease congestion. Widening the highway will increase congestion in the long run. Widening the highway, and the resultant increases in congestion will result in an increase in the need for infrastructure to accommodate the visitation and development that WILL follow. We simply cannot trade the irreplaceable resources and quality of life the Keys provide for the financial gains that the increases in capacity are designed to achieve. Please vote NO on the proposal. Thank you for your consideration, Daniel W. Hopkins 58950 Overseas Hwy. #25 Marathon, FI 33050 hopkinsd58@yahoo.com i Liz Yongue From: Ginette Hughes <ginette0789@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 12:26 PM To: BOCCDIS5; Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4 Subject: Don't four-lane US1 Some people who received this message don't often get email from ginette0789@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Greetings commissioners, I am unable to make the meeting on Wednesday September 10 to personally express my opposition to the idea of four-laning US1 in the Upper Keys. Adding two more lanes will only decrease the safety and quality of life for our residents. Too many businesses would also be affected by losing parking and access. Do not allow FDOT to widen the road. What is going on at the commission level? Isn't quality of life for our residents a primary responsibility of our government leaders and staff? It doesn't seem like we the people are being prioritized, so who is? Ginette Hughesty of 305.393.0722 There is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. - Kenneth Grahame i Liz Yongue From: Jody Smith Williams <kwjody@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:34 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Say NO to Four-laning US 1 CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Jody Smith Williams Assistant Director Keys to Be the Change www.keystobethechange.com 305-304-2064 i Liz Yongue From: Mariso) Gonzalez <kaymari1115@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 3:21 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Saying No to Paving Paradise! Some people who received this message don't often get email from kaymari1115@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl&Commissioners, As a resident of Marathon Key, I strongly oppose the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be expanded to four lanes. This amendment would cede local authority over U.S. 1 land use decisions to FDOT, allowing choices to be made without consideration of local context. We elect county representatives to defend our residents' interests and safeguard our community's character—not to hand over decision-making power to a non-legislative, unelected arm of the State. The Overseas Highway is the "Main Street" for neighborhoods and communities throughout the Keys; its future belongs in local hands. Under Florida Statutes 334.044, FDOT has the authority to obtain property through eminent domain—"to acquire, by the exercise of the power of eminent domain as provided by law, all property or property rights, whether public or private, which it may determine are necessary to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers." This amendment would grant FDOT sweeping power to take over local businesses, residences, and public lands for a four-lane expansion that the community has neither requested nor endorsed. In doing so, it directly contradicts the County's Comprehensive Plan as well as the Principles for Guiding Development within the Area of Critical State Concern established under Florida Statutes. Sincerely, Marisol Gonzalez i Liz Yongue From: Ken Dwarshuis <kdwarshuis@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 10:20 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Eminent Domain & Property Rights/Proposal to give FL DOT Authority to widen US 1 to 4 lanes Some people who received this message don't often get email from kdwarshuis@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Thank you for representing the citizens of the Florida Keys. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. On September 10 we're counting on you to do the right thing representing the citizens wanting to protect the Florida Keys not siding with developers who will degrade our environment and quality of life. Sincerely, Ken and Laurie Dwarshuis Grassy Key i Liz Yongue From: Marlene C Yero <ladyero@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 9:01 AM To: BOCCDIS3 Subject: Fwd: STOP PAVING OUR PARADISE Some people who received this message don't often get email from ladyero@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Marlene Yero Begin forwarded message: From: Marlene C Yero <ladyero@yahoo.com> Date: September 5, 2025 at 8:57:14 AM EDT To: boccdis1 @monroecounty-fl.gov Subject: STOP PAVING OUR PARADISE Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Marlene Yero Islamorada, FL i Liz Yongue From: Karen Dignan <keyslife205@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 8:33 AM To: BOCCDIS3 Subject: Protect our Keys Some people who received this message don't often get email from keyslife205@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Karen Dignan, full time resident of Villages of Islamorada Sent from my Phone i Liz Yongue From: April Applegate <aprilapplegate37@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:10 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Say No to Paving Paradise Some people who received this message don't often get email from aprilapplegate37@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Commissioners, My name is April Applegate and I live in Key Largo. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace • wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove • natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase • stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further • fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species i This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. We live in a unique area and we need to protect it - not pave it. Sincerely, April Applegate 2 Liz Yongue From: justin bachert <justin.bachert@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 2:56 PM To: Burke-Sue Subject: Re: NO TO FDOT LAND TAKEOVER You don't often get email from justin.bachert@gmail.com.Learn why this is important III CAUTION Thank you for responding, Mayor Scholl! I can assure you I speak for everyone on my block here in Eden Pines that isn't as involved in sending emails or taking action otherwise. Very respectfully, Capt. Justin D. Bachert Hot Water Fishing (386) 206-6137 Justin.bachert@gmail.com HotWaterFishing@gmail.com On Sep 3, 2025, at 4:52 PM, Burke-Sue <Burke-Sue@monroecounty-fl.gov>wrote: Dear Capt. Bachert, Received; thank you. Sincerely, Sue Burke Executive Assistant to Jim Scholl Mayor Monroe County District 3 530 Whitehead Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 305-292-3430 (Office) 850-341-5041 (Cell) Courier Stop: CLK - Stop #8 Burke-Sue@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov www.monroecounty-fl.gov <image001 .png> Monroe County, Florida 1 "The Florida Keys" PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS A VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOST WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO OR FROM THE COUNTY REGARDING COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. From:justin bachert<justin.bachert@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, September 3, 2025 1:22 PM To: BOCCDIS2<boccdis2@monroecounty-fl.gov>; Cates-Craig<Cates-Craig@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov>; BOCCDIS3<BOCCDIS3@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov>; BOCCDIS4<BOCCDIS4@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov>; BOCCDIS5<BOCCDIS5@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: NO TO FDOT LAND TAKEOVER Some people who received this message don't often get email from iustin.bachert@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: 1. Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats 2. Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge 3. Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters 4. Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Capt. Justin D. Bachert Hot Water Fishing (386) 206-6137 Justun.ba_chert gmaiu .co HotWaterFishing@gniaiD.c ni 2 Liz Yongue From: Stuart <sfschaffer@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 7:26 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: Hurley-Christine; Schemper-Emily; Tolpin-Devin; Powell-Barbara Subject: Letter From 24 Organizations Opposing the Proposal to Allow 4-Laning the Overseas Highway Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl and County Commissioners: The 24 undersigned organizations, representing many thousands of Keys residents, strongly oppose the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment that would eliminate the existing prohibition on widening the Overseas Highway to four lanes and thereby grant FDOT the unilateral authority to expand the Overseas Highway to four lanes (agenda item Q1 for the September 10 BOCC meeting). Our organizations support protecting the unique quality of life the Keys' communities cherish, advocating for thoughtful and sustainable development rather than unchecked growth, and fiercely safeguarding our fragile natural environment. Four-laning the Overseas Highway would undermine all of these priorities. These are not narrow or special-interest concerns. They are the core values that represent the interests of your entire constituency and reflect the vision our communities have worked hard to define. This is reflected by the vote of the Planning Commission which recommends denial of this amendment, as well as public comment which has unanimously opposed the passage of the amendment. This amendment, which was put forward without meaningful analysis from transportation experts, environmental scientists, or community planners, is not a simple tweak to a plan; it is a fundamental change that will shape the character of the Keys for generations and, unfortunately, not for the better. This amendment should be rejected for the reasons discussed below. 1. Loss of Local Control This amendment would surrender local control over Overseas Highway land-use decisions to FDOT, where decisions can be made without regard for local context. We elect our county representatives to protect our residents and preserve our community's character, not to relinquish decision-making power to a non-legislative, non-elected arm of the state. The Overseas Highway is "Main Street" for neighborhoods and communities throughout the Keys; its future should be 1 in local hands. The BOCC should stand firmly against still another attempt at state preemption of local control. 2. Induced Demand and Overdevelopment The notion that adding lanes will reduce congestion is disproven by decades of transportation research. Adding roadway capacity almost always leads to more development and more traffic, in a phenomenon known as "induced demand."When road capacity increases, people drive more, and congestion quickly returns to the same level(or worse). Most studies show at least a 1% increase in driving for every 1% increase in highway capacity. Congestion isn't the core problem, unchecked overdevelopment is.Adding lanes only enables more growth, while the real failure lies in the County and municipalities allowing development to outpace infrastructure, degrading traffic and quality of life. 3. Community Impact and Public Safety Four-laning the Overseas Highway would transform the character of our communities by turning our main street into a faster, louder, and more dangerous corridor. Sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadside parking would be reduced or removed, pushing homes and businesses closer to loud, speeding traffic. This widening would physically divide neighborhoods rather than connect them. • Pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren face increased danger crossing or traveling alongside the highway • Two additional lanes in many areas would lead to more crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by the added difficulties in crossing and turning onto and off the highway • Loss of sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe access to local businesses • Communities fractured by a widened highway, undermining neighborhood cohesion and quality of life 4. Hurricane Evacuation Reality Proponents argue that four-laning the highway will improve hurricane evacuation. But that's simply not true unless the entire Keys and the entire 18-Mile Stretch are widened, which is simply not feasible. What it will do is create new bottlenecks, which would contribute to accidents that delay evacuation.Worse yet, the additional development spurred by four-laning would bring more vehicles onto already crowded evacuation routes. • Partial widening creates dangerous merging bottlenecks that slow traffic • Increased development adds more cars, increasing evacuation demand • No relief for the most critical choke points There are a number of reasons why it is extremely unlikely that the entire Overseas Highway will ever be able to be widened to four lanes, including resistance and eminent domain concerns in Islamorada and the enormous cost of widening our longest bridges. 5. Environmental Degradation 2 The Overseas Highway cannot be expanded without profound, permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Expanding the highway would mean filling wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitat. Once lost, this habitat is gone for good, along with the vital services they provide, such as flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The environmental damage wouldn't be contained to the construction zone; it would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that defines the Keys. • Displacement of wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitat • Replacement of native habitats with fill, which will lead to greater erosion • Loss of natural green buffers that shield communities from flooding and storm surge • Increased stormwater runoff carrying harmful pollutants into our fragile nearshore waters 6. Construction Disruptions Road construction in the Keys is slow and difficult, often disrupting essential services like water, electricity, and wastewater. Because asphalt plants and paving contractors are located on the mainland, schedules are unpredictable and delays are common.Widening the Overseas Highway would mean a massive,years-long construction project that worsens daily traffic and slows hurricane evacuations for years to come. The County would have limited, if any, power to control these impacts. 7. Ignores the Real Problem—and the Proven Solution The congestion we see today is not an accident. It's the direct result of unmanaged growth and overdevelopment. Rather than addressing these root causes, this amendment proposes a costly and disruptive fix that won't improve traffic where congestion is worst. The worst congestion on the Overseas Highway is concentrated in areas in or near the Keys' employment centers. Widening the highway introduces a host of negative consequences while ignoring a solution already built into our Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan directs us to expand public transit, which is proven more effective, more environmentally responsible, and safer than simply adding lanes. Public transit can reduce congestion, protect our fragile environment, and preserve the unique character of the Keys without all the adverse consequences of widening the highway that are discussed above. In conclusion, this Comprehensive Plan amendment would cost billions, relinquish local control, fragment communities, destroy critical habitats, increase public safety risks, and fuel unchecked development, all while failing to solve the congestion issues it claims to address. The documented harms are extensive and clear. The promised benefits remain vague, unproven, and often contradicted by evidence. We strongly urge you to follow the recommendations of your Planning Commission and the public comments that have unanimously urged you to do the same. Please reject this amendment and recommit to the Comprehensive Plan's proven path toward safety, sustainability, and protection of the Florida Keys' unique environment and way of life. Respectfully submitted: Coastlove 3 Cudjoe Gardens Property Owners Association Florida Keys Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America Florida Keys Citizens Coalition Florida Keys Environmental Coalition Friends of the Lower Keys (FOLKs) Hammer Point Owners Association Islamorada Community Alliance Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations Key Deer Protection Alliance Keys Accountability Project Last Stand Lower Keys Guides Association 1000 Friends of Florida Pirates Saving Paradise Protect Our Residential Neighborhoods Reef Relief Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys Save Our Key Deer South Point Homeowners Stock Island Association Sugarloaf Shores Property Owners Association Tavernier Community Association Upper Sugarloaf Residents Association 4 Liz Yongue From: Wendy Cyriacks <wc@cecosenvironmental.com> Sent: Monday, September 1, 2025 12:04 PM To: BOCCDISS; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS2; Cates-Craig Subject: Opposition to 4-laning US 1 Some people who received this message don't often get email from we@cecosenvironmental.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Good afternoon Commissioners, First time I came to the Keys was in 1976 and I fell in love with the place:the water,the beauty, the character & Quirkiness. I lived there for about six months before going west. However, I came back in 1979 to attend the University of Miami, and I continued to spend time in the Keys. I have lived in south Florida since 1979. In 1995 my husband and I were able to buy a house on Plantation Key, a dream I had since first seeing these beautiful turquoise waters. I have seen a lot of changes in the keys and unfortunately, in my opinion, not positive ones—too much development and traffic. We don't need to 4-lane US 1,we need to preserve what is remaining of paradise. I strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow 4-laning of US-1. The County needs to maintain the off switch, control on what happens to our thoroughfare US-1. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Additionally, the negative impact to our environment including water quality, wetlands, seagrass, corals, species, etc would be irreversible. The other factor is cost for road widening including the PD&E study, design, construction, right-of-way acquisition, business damages, environmental impacts and mitigation. Additionally, what about the bridges? FDOT has already removed bridge replacement of two bridges due to cost. Impacts associated with bridge replacement and widening would be significant! Please stand with the residents of the Keys and VOTE NO on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities and save our environment. Best Regards 19 President `5§11"4 11�(ra, I'f%//oa �� �up� i Cyriacks Ills iiiilviiurourilurlieuriliall Coirisuldirilg Services, Illirilc„ 1 3001 Southwest 15" Street I SuH.e IB I IDeeirfiiekJ IBeach, F"brida 33442 T: 954.571.0290 1 M: 954.242.9271 7850 Northwest 14611 Street I SuH.e 510 1 N/harnii II akes, IFIbrlida 33016 T: 305.509.6550 314 Woods Avenue I Ilse arnoireida, F"brlda 33070 M: 954.242.9271 Visit us on our newly designed company website! www.CECOSenvironmental.com The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction. - Rachel Carson Liz Yongue From: Bonnie Talsma <blt882001 @yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 3:19 PM To: Cates-Craig Cc: B0CCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4 Subject: Lane additions in Monroe County FI Some people who received this message don't often get email from blt882001@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. What you are allowing to happen with the approved construction of Publix in Tavernier is disgusting and extremely damaging to our quality of life. My quiet little town, my/OUR peaceful Keys lifestyle will be significantly impacted by this monstrosity. It will be a traffic and noise pollution nightmare. And your "fix" is to add more lanes resulting in more building and more traffic? What are you thinking??? We do not want this!!! Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Bonita Talsma 92550 Overseas Hwy#116 Tavernier Fl 33070 Sent from Yahoo Mail for Phone 1 Liz Yongue From: shevaun shamon <heartyoga@hotmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 12:41 PM To: BOCCDIS3 Subject: Oppose 4 lanes Some people who received this message don't often get email from heartyoga@hotmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Hi. This is SHEVAUN Shannon from Islamorada. I oppose the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. It also puts our unique environment at risk. I urge you to reject this amendment! Many Blessings, Shevaun Shannon —Guiding you to a Holistic Life Path with Yoga, Meditation,Wellness, Essential Oils & Massage 1 Liz Yongue From: Charles Goulding <cgoulding0929@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 11:45 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Eminent Domain & Property Rights Some people who received this message don't often get email from cgoulding0929@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Charles Goulding i Liz Yongue From: barbara overton <boverton@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 11:29 AM To: BOCCDIS2; Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Don't 4-Lane US 1! CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Commissioners, I'm writing to let you know that I oppose the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. It also puts our unique environment at risk. I urge you to reject this amendment! If nothing else, remember the hours-long traffic jam the last time FDOT made traffic choices for us! • Barbara Overton, Tavernier i Liz Yongue From: Taylor Petrusha <taylor.petrusha1 @gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 9:17 AM To: occdis1 @monroecounty-fl.gov; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Subject: Protect the Florida Keys Some people who received this message don't often get email from taylor.petrushal@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Taylor Petrusha i Liz Yongue From: Chris Hildreth <childreth84@icloud.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 7:04 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: Wife Subject: Vote NO on 4-Lane Amendment [Some people who received this message don't often get email from childreth84@icloud.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderidentification j CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl &Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four- laning of U.S. 1. 1 object to essentially giving the Florida Department of Transportation the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. Please stand with me and the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment to protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Chris Hildreth 77521 Overseas Highway#4 Islamorada, FL 1 Liz Yongue From: Captain Joe <veteransailing@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 6:30 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Paving Away Paradise Some people who received this message don't often get email from veteransailing@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Mayor Schol&Commissioners, Capt. Joe Mastrangelo from Veteran Sailing Association hailingyou from Key Largo. As a S Dade native and Key Largo resident of 40 years, to say I have seen development would be an understatement. Reality dictates that change is inevitable, however place and circumstance must always be considered to the rational mind. That being said, the proposed amendment allowing for the encroachment of land and widening of roadways must be held in check.As elected officials you are the pinnacle of how a democracy works -for the people, by the people - Capt Schol as a Naval aviator you know this best. This will not be a diatribe email-we all know what's at stake - ESPECIALLY environmentally. Ms. Raschein, as a USN SEAL, I spent a great deal of time in Kodiak,Alaska - untold beauty,just like our Fabulous Florida Keys and Everglades National Park. In closing, at this point in time,you are the Pretorian Guard of the Keys and our environment. Let your clear conscious be the guide and mentally defeat external entities which serve only their selfless positions as you vote on this crucial matter. Respectfully, Capt. Joe Mastrangelo www.veteransailing.org us 4,, „ i Liz Yongue From: Maria Gonzalez <lumagonz72@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 4:20 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: The threat to The Florida Keys environment Some people who received this message don't often get email from lumagonz72@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. I to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. 1 Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Luis and Maria Gonzalez Sent from my Phone 2 Liz Yongue From: Maria Gonzalez <lumagonz72@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 4:16 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Local Input and Representation Some people who received this message don't often get email from lumagonz72@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Luis and Maria Gonzalez Sent from my Phone i Liz Yongue From: Troy Holbrooke <tholbrooke@visiblecc.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 11:45 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: We "Hired You" to Protect the Keys! Some people who received this message don't often get email from tholbrooke@visiblecc.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-laning of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Troy Holbrooke Visible Construction Corp www.visiblecc.com Cell 954.914.3330 i Liz Yongue From: Marilyn Smith <marilynkw@bellsouth.net> Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2025 12:02 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Vote NO on expanding US 1 Some people who received this message don't often get email from marilynkw@bellsouth.net. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl, Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein, et.al: I am writing to urge you to oppose the amendment that would give the FLORIDA DOT authority to expand US 1 for construction of 4 lanes, including power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses and public lands. Monroe County's Comprehensive Plan has made community-centered growth and sustainable development priorities for those of us who own property and reside full time in the Florida Keys. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Marilyn Smith James E. Smith, USCG (ret.) 87851 Old Hwy P-2 Islamorada, FL 33036 1 Liz Yongue From: Sammy Roberts <sammyroberts305@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:53 AM To: info@keyslaststand.org; Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Local input on proposed 4 lanes Some people who received this message don't often get email from sammyroberts305@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am a born and raised Upper Keys local. I have spent the vast majority of my life here, being raised in Key Largo and now residing in Islamorada. My husband and I lived briefly in Louisiana and made the decision to move back to our roots when we decided to start a family. Raising our daughter in this community is not a choice we came to by chance. It is deeply rooted in wanting her to grow up with a love for our unique marine environment. She is being taught to value the land and the water we are so lucky to enjoy. Her middle name is Bay, a nod to the Florida Bay I was so incredibly blessed to have as my childhood backyard. The further destruction of our neighborhoods, undeveloped land, and protected land is disgusting and I truly believe the decision to entertain this idea was made in bad faith. I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Samantha Spaniol, Dalton Spaniol, and Hendrix Bay Spaniol 1 Liz Yongue From: Sammy Roberts <sammyroberts305@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:40 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5; info@keyslaststand.org Subject: 4 Lane Opposition Some people who received this message don't often get email from sammyroberts305@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Samantha Spaniol i Liz Yongue From: Bob Winterhalter <winterhal3@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 9:19 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: No to widening of US1 [Some people who received this message don't often get email from winterhal3@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderidentification ] CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear County Commissioners, Why are thinking about widening US1? Just think how this would evolve. If lanes get added to US1 it would allow more traffic that would bring more growth and tax money.That might sound good but more traffic and building would threaten everything that the Keys have to offer. How much land will you need to take from local businesses and residents to add more lanes? Let's go through the progression. You want to add more lanes for more people that would bring more building and taxes money to the county. Increased tourists will require more infrastructure that requires more taxes that you think it can be paid by tourists tax and building fees.Then you need utilities like water, sewerage and electricity which will cost all of us more. Our sewer system is antique,the new water line from the mainland is costing millions of dollars per mile and the power companies aren't increasing capacity for free. We already have affordable housing shortage and more tourists/traffic won't help that. Workers are moving out everyday. Your solution is pay government emergency workers and teachers more plus giving them affordable housing and don't forget employees of the tourist industry.That also will require more taxes. More people will increase the pressure on an a fragile environment that is already dying. We no longer have clear blue water. It's more like green algae polluted sewer water.The coral is dying and the fishing is a fraction of what it used to be, if you can find any in the near shore polluted waters. Many charter captains are now going out to depths of 700-800+ feet or going a 100 miles in the gulf to find decent fishing. So in five, ten or fifteen years when the coral and fish are gone, so will be your tourist tax base. All this building and housing won't be needed but the cost of maintaining it will still be there. Real estate prices will drop and so will the tax base. What will be the solution then? Maybe you can try to get more tax money to clean up the polluted shoreline and waters of the Keys and hope the coral and fish come back. Don't forget you will need money to advertise for the tourists to come back. i When are you going to start working for the residents of Monroe County instead of large developers and large corporations that only want to make money? My question is,when is there enough? I await your response. Regards, Bob Winterhalter 58950 Overseas Hwy#55 Marathon, FL 33050 2 Liz Yongue From: Mike Norment <bluecraw@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 11:06 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: URGENT-US 1 widening-be responsible Some people who received this message don't often get email from bluecraw@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species The environment's resilience is already at its limit with the current stressors. Additional pressure from further development will do nothing but cause even more damage to the environment that locals as well as our valued visitors treasure. Without a healthy environment visitors will have nothing to come to visit (and contribute to our economy). Your responsibility is to do what is right for the keys-please do not take this responsibility lightly-the environment is at stake! This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Michael- Norment 108 Ave G Marathon Sent from my iPad i Liz Yongue From: Bryant Diersing <diersing@bellsouth.net> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 4:10 PM To: Raschein-Holly; B0CCDIS5; Scholl-Jim; B0CCDIS2; Cates-Craig; boccdis1 @monroecounty-fl.go; B0CCDIS3; B0CCDIS4; David Rice; coldiron- michelle@monroe-fl.gov Cc: Schemper-Emily; Hurley-Christine; kevin-wilson@monroecounty-fl.gov; Clarke-Judith Subject: Highway item on September BOCC meeting CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl and Commissioners This purpose of this email is to express my serious opposition for the idea of widening US 1 to four lanes in places. This will only make traffic worse, less safe and unnecessarily splinter our communities. In fact, I think most people would prefer the traff c jams to what this plan will mean -- endless construction delays, traffic jams, unsafe conditions and the loss of community. All done in the name of alleviating traffic congestion. Widening the road under FDOT will mean a significant loss of local control. FDOT takes direction from Tallahassee, and the closest office is in Miami where they have many issues to contend with. We are not FDOT's priority. This loss of local control/input will add layers of time-consuming bureaucracy and won't work well for us. This is not about wishing for the old days. It's about being practical and realistic today and into the future. I can't imagine anything worse for our community than to be cut in half even further and to be subjected to more high-speed truck traffic and the safety issues that go with more lanes, etc. Maybe people who near the two- lane portions of US 1 or in the city don't fully understand what it means to have the high-speed dangerous road conditions that exist on the four lane sections (Tavernier and Key Largo). Traffic in such areas is much more dangerous than heavy traffic traveling at 30 mph or even 45 mph. We all know pedestrians and drivers who were killed on US 1, mostly due to high-speed travel. When four lanes exist, the races and passing begins. We don't need more of this on our road. Widening the road won't help with evacuations either. Bottlenecks will still exist in the Keys and in Florida City. which is getting more congested by the day and has limited hotel capacity to absorb Keys evacuees. I know from personal experience that hotels in Miami-Dade fill up fast and flooding is rampant in much of the interior parts of the county, making the roads impassable in large areas. With all of the issues and reluctance to leave the Keys, maybe building better shelters is part of the answer. It's just not feasible make the long evacuation journey, especially from the Lower Keys, knowing that the hurricane can change direction at the last minute. Instead of paving over our islands, we should be making them more habitable and greener. I have visited a lot of islands in Florida and can't think of one that has the high speed out-of-control traffic that we have in the Upper Keys. They have traffic jams, but people just live with them because the alternative is even less desirable. In fact, everyone in South and Southwest Florida lives with traffic congestion. 1 It might be a partial evacuation solution to have two lanes leaving the Keys on the stretch. Additionally, I can think of a number of measures that can be taken to improve flow and safety in the Upper Keys where four lanes exist and would be happy to share them. Thank you for considering this issue carefully. Please do not rush into anything this drastic without more public input and taking time to develop better solutions to our issues. Sincerely, Nancy Diersing 2 Liz Yongue From: Anna Capps <annachristinacapps@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 3:29 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Concerned Resident: STOP THE WIDENING PROPOSAL Some people who received this message don't often get email from annachristinacapps@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace • wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove • natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase • stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further • fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species i As a member of the local dive and tourism industry, the environmental impacts would be catastrophic for our ecotourism and directly impact my employment and residence in the Keys. This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Anna C. Capps Tavernier, FL resident 2 Liz Yongue From: Mary-Margaret Dale <mmdwalrus@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 12:54 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Please say NO to Paving Paradise Some people who received this message don't often get email from mmdwalrus@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Mary-Margaret Dale, Key Largo, FL i Liz Yongue From: Randall Perry <perryrandall@rocketmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 7, 2025 9:53 AM To: BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Important, please read!! Some people who received this message don't often get email from perryrandall@rocketmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Randall Perry <perryrandall@rocketmail.com> To: boccdis1@monroecounty-fl.gov<boccdis1@monroecounty-fl.gov> Sent: Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 09:49:28 AM EDT Subject: Important, please read!! Dear Mayor Scholl& Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-laning of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation(FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway,including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes,businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a pro]ect that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy,would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes.Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment.Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Local Input&Representation Dear Mayor Scholl& Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. I to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT,bypassing local oversight,public input, and careful review. 1 As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Environment-Focused Dear Mayor Scholl& Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic)impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last- and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment.Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, 1. Loss of Local Control& Eminent Domain This amendment would surrender local control over U.S. 1 land use decisions to FDOT,where decisions can be made without regard for local context. We elect our county representatives to protect our residents and preserve our community's character-not to relinquish decision-making power to a non-legislative,non-elected arm of the State. The Overseas Highway is "Main Street"for neighborhoods and communities throughout the Keys;its future should be in local hands. Under Florida Statutes 334.044, FDOT has the power to acquire to "acquire,by the exercise of the power of eminent domain as provided by law, all property or property rights, whether public or private, which it may determine are necessary to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers." This amendment would empower FDOT to exercise eminent domain over local businesses, residents, and public lands for the sake of a four-lane expansion that the community isn't even asking for. In doing so, it flies in the face of the County's own Comprehensive Plan, and Area of Critical State Concern Principles for Guiding Development outlined in Florida Statutes. 2 2. Environmental Destruction U.S. 1 cannot be expanded without profound,permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources.Expanding the highway would mean filling wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitat. Once lost, this habitat is gone for good—along with the vital services they provide, like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The environmental damage wouldn't be contained to the construction zone; it would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that defines the Keys. • Displacement of wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitat • Loss of natural green buffers that shield communities from flooding and storm surge • Increased stormwater runoff carrying harmful pollutants into our fragile nearshore waters • Further fragmentation of habitats, threatening already endangered species Why is the County advancing this amendment without a thorough environmental review? We cannot—and must not—rely on the State to carry out this critical responsibility. Local government is often the last, and only, line of defense in protecting natural habitat. 3. Community Impact and Public Safety Four-laning U.S. 1 would transform the character of our communities by turning our main street into a faster, louder, and more dangerous corridor. Sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadside parking would be reduced or removed, pushing homes and businesses closer to loud, speeding traffic. This widening would physically divide neighborhoods rather than connect them. • Pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren face increased danger crossing or traveling alongside the highway • Two additional lanes in many areas would lead to more crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by the added difficulties in crossing and turning onto and off the highway. • Loss of sidewalks,bike lanes, and safe access to local businesses • Communities fractured by a widened highway, undermining neighborhood cohesion and quality of life • Bottlenecks at merge points increase the likelihood of collisions, and create "phantom traffic jams" where braking at the front of a queue ripples backward, surprising drivers and causing rear-end collisions 4. Induced Demand and Overdevelopment The notion that adding lanes will reduce congestion is disproven by decades of transportation research. Adding roadway capacity almost always leads to more development and more traffic, in a phenomenon known as "induced demand."When road capacity increases,people drive more, and congestion quickly returns to the same level(or worse). Most studies show at least a 1%increase in driving for every 1%increase in highway capacity. So, why is the County moving this amendment forward without analyzing such a well-established transportation principle? Congestion isn't the core problem—unchecked overdevelopment is. Adding lanes only enables more growth, while the real failure lies in the County and municipalities allowing development to outpace infrastructure, degrading traffic Level of Service and quality of life. S. Hurricane Evacuation Reality Proponents argue that four-laning will improve hurricane evacuation. But that's simply not true unless the entire Keys and the entire 18-Mile Stretch are widened — which is simply not feasible. What it will do is create new bottlenecks, which would contribute to accidents that delay evacuation. Worse yet, the additional development spurred by four-laning would bring more vehicles onto already crowded evacuation routes. • Partial widening creates dangerous merging bottlenecks that slow traffic • Increased development adds more cars, increasing evacuation demand • No relief for the most critical choke points, such as the 18-Mile Stretch 6. Construction Disruptions 3 Road construction in the Keys is slow and difficult, often disrupting essential services like water, electricity, and wastewater. Because asphalt plants and paving contractors are located on the mainland, schedules are unpredictable and delays are common.Widening U.S. I would mean a massive,years-long construction pro]ect that worsens daily traffic and slows hurricane evacuations for years to come. The BOCC would have limited,if any, power to control these impacts. 7. Ignores the Real Problem —and the Proven Solution The congestion we see today is not an accident. It's the direct result of unmanaged growth and overdevelopment. Rather than addressing these root causes, this amendment proposes a costly and disruptive fix that won't improve traffic where congestion is worst. The worst congestion on U.S. I is concentrated in incorporated areas of Monroe County—not unincorporated areas where this amendment applies.As a result,this change won't alleviate traffic in the most problematic zones.Instead, it introduces a host of negative consequences while ignoring a solution already built into our Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan directs us to expand public transit, which is proven more effective, environmentally responsible, and safer than simply adding lanes. Public transit can reduce congestion, protect our fragile environment, and preserve the unique character of the Keys without all the adverse consequences of widening the highway that are discussed above. 8. Doesn't Meet Legal Standards This amendment simply does not meet the criteria for Comprehensive Plan Amendments as required by Monroe County's own Comprehensive Plan or under Florida Statutes. It is inconsistent with the Principles for Guiding Development in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern, including but not limited to Section 380.0552(7)(a)of Florida Statutes which requires that any Comprehensive Plan Amendments "must be consistent with the following principles"including: a. Strengthening local government capabilities for managing land use and development.., b. Protecting shoreline and marine resources... C. Protecting upland resources, tropical biological communities, freshwater wetlands... d. Limiting the adverse impacts of development on the quality of water throughout the Florida Keys. e. Enhancing natural scenic resources,promoting the aesthetic benefits of the natural environment, and ensuring that development is compatible with the unique historic character of the Florida Keys... This amendment is also inconsistent with numerous Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives and policies designed to ensure sound planning practices, protect natural resources, and invest in sustainable, multi-modal transportation alternatives, including but not limited to Objective 203.1, Objective 401.3, and related policies. May sensibility guide your hearts with this important matter. Thank you for listening to your concerned citizens. Sincerely, Randall Perry Little Torch Key 4 Liz Yongue From: Mary DiLalla <marydilalla@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 1:54 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Subject: Say No To 4-Landing US-1!!! Some people who received this message don't often get email from marydilalla@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace • wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove • natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase • stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further • fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species i This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Mary DiLalla 2 Liz Yongue From: Hernandezcony <hernandezcony@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, September 7, 2025 7:06 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS5; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; B0CCDIS4 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: 4 Lane Highway Some people who received this message don't often get email from hernandezcony@aol.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl&Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources.Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental(or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last- and sometimes only- line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Consuelo Hernandez 710 N Emerald Dr Key Largo, Fl 33037 Sent from AOL on Android i Liz Yongue From: Peter LeVasseur <petrleva@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2025 8:36 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS; Keyslaststand Info Subject: Vote NO on amendment to expand US 1 Some people who received this message don't often get email from petrleva@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. I am opposed and angered at the amendment that could expand US 1. The Keys are becoming overdeveloped and the citizens do not like it. Expanding lanes will encourage more development, traffic, and strain on infrastructure. I urge you to not destroy what we moved here to enjoy. Year Round Marathon Resident, Peter LeVasseur 1 Liz Yongue From: Hernandezcony <hernandezcony@aol.com> Sent: Sunday, September 7, 2025 7:06 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS5; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; B0CCDIS4 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: 4 Lane Highway Some people who received this message don't often get email from hernandezcony@aol.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl&Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources.Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental(or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last- and sometimes only- line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Consuelo Hernandez 710 N Emerald Dr Key Largo, Fl 33037 Sent from AOL on Android i Liz Yongue From: Taylor Bange <taylormbange@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 6:14 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Concerned Keys Citizen Some people who received this message don't often get email from taylormbange@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, A seriously concerned Keys Citizen i Liz Yongue From: Elizabeth J Beckmann <yojane39@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 6:07 PM To: BOCCDIS3; nfo@keyslaststand.org Subject: Quality of Life & US1 CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. 1. Induced Demand and Overdevelopment The notion that adding lanes will reduce congestion is disproven by decades of transportation research. Adding roadway capacity almost always leads to more development and more traffic, in a phenomenon known as "induced demand."When road capacity increases, people drive more, and congestion quickly returns to the same level (or worse). Most studies show at least a 1% increase in driving for every 1% increase in highway capacity. So, why is the County moving this amendment forward without analyzing such a well-established transportation principle? Congestion isn't the core problem—unchecked over development is. Adding lanes only enables more growth, while the real failure lies in the County and municipalities allowing development to outpace infrastructure, degrading traffic Level of Service and quality of life. Sincerely, and with Best Regards, Elizabeth Beckmann 1024 Adams Dr Key Largo i Liz Yongue From: Elizabeth J Beckmann <yojane39@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 6:04 PM To: BOCCDIS3; info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Quality of Life & US1 CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. 1. Induced Demand and Overdevelopment The notion that adding lanes will reduce congestion is disproven by decades of transportation research. Adding roadway capacity almost always leads to more development and more traffic, in a phenomenon known as "induced demand."When road capacity increases, people drive more, and congestion quickly returns to the same level (or worse). Most studies show at least a 1% increase in driving for every 1% increase in highway capacity. So, why is the County moving this amendment forward without analyzing such a well-established transportation principle? Congestion isn't the core problem—unchecked over development is. Adding lanes only enables more growth, while the real failure lies in the County and municipalities allowing development to outpace infrastructure, degrading traffic Level of Service and quality of life. Sincerely, and with Best Regards, Elizabeth Beckmann 1024 Adams Dr Key Largo i Liz Yongue From: Beth Fennell <bthfennell@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 10:06 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: For your September 10th meeting Attachments: I MG_3129.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from bthfennell@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Honorable Mayor and Commissioners, Please do not give up local control of US1 to the State which could allow four laning of US1. The record is clear on what happens to the Keys when we give up local control. In addition, any knowledgeable and unbiased traffic engineer will tell you increasing lanes does not ease traffic congestion but only allows for more capacity. (See attached). I found this out myself as a 30 year Executive Committee and Board member of the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Council of Governments, OKI, which is the Municipal Planning Organization for the Greater Cincinnati area.All State and Federal transportation dollars are analyzed and recommended for funding through this entity. The harm to our natural environment by filling in wetlands and otherwise stressing our natural beauty could also have lethal consequences that could affect every Keys citizen and business. Please do what is best for the long term health of our Florida Keys. Thankyou foryour time and consideration. Beth Fennell 29412 Independence Ave BPK 859 912 2562 i Liz Yongue From: Ann Olsen <aolsen@keyslaststand.org> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 8:51 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: Hurley-Christine; Schemper-Emily; Tolpin-Devin; Shillinger-Bob; daniel.iglesias@dot.state.fl.us; rudy.garcia@dot.state.fl.us Subject: Last Stand's Concerns with Monroe County LOS Study Attachments: 09072025 LOS Memorandum.pdf CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl and County Commissioners: This letter contains the comments of Last Stand on agenda item J1 for the September 10 BOCC meeting regarding your consideration of the 2025 US 1 Level of Service (LOS) Study. Attached to this email is a memorandum explaining in greater detail the reasons for the concerns summarized below. Our principal concern with the results of the 2025 LOS Study is the fact that the time measurements in 2025 occurred later than is required under the LOS methodology— at a time when traffic volumes had declined considerably from peak season. Because the results of the 2025 LOS Study did not measure peak seasonal traffic, its LOS Grade C is invalid. Policy 301.2.1 of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan requires a Level of Service Study based on speeds of"peak season" traffic, using a methodology developed by the US 1 LOS Task Force. The 2025 LOS Study, at page 8, defines "peak season" as the period beginning the second week in February and ending the fourth week of March. This language has been included in every LOS study going back to at least 2017. The methodology developed by the US 1 LOS Task Force, which is included in the 2025 LOS Study, requires that the LOS studies be conducted during March. About half of the time measurements made for the 2025 LOS Study occurred after the fourth week of March, and more than 35% of the time measurements for the 2025 study occurred in April. Based on the above definition of"peak season" and the LOS methodology, a significant portion of the time measurements in 2025 were conducted after the conclusion of the "peak season," which violated the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the 2025 timing measurements were taken much later than in prior studies — 18 days after the 2023 study and 20 days after the average dates for the 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 studies. As a direct result of the late timing of the study, traffic volumes on the highway were significantly reduced. Average Daily Traffic was down by 40% during the second week of the study. In fact, the study acknowledges that 2025 traffic volumes were lower than in every other LOS year dating back to 2011. This study is supposed to be based on a 2-week sampling of peak seasonal traffic. At best, it is a one-week sampling of peak season merged with a week of traffic that is down 20% - 40% from the 1 norm of the previous 8 studies. It cannot be relied upon to yield a valid LOS grade. AECOM has apparently told County planning staff that the results cannot be adjusted to correct this fatal flaw in the testing. Another anomaly in the 2025 LOS Study is an apparent inconsistency in the treatment of construction and congestion delays. The LOS methodology requires that time associated with a construction delay is deleted from the overall score, while time allocated to congestion is included in the time it takes to travel each segment. Both 2023 and 2025 studies show approximately 10 total hours of construction and congestion, yet 2023 records 5 hours as congestion with a similar amount allocated to construction, while 2025 reflects the same 10 hours but eliminates 9 hours due to construction (a 94% decrease and striking contrast). A clear example of this anomaly is the FKAA water main replacement project (MM 80-89) present in both studies and described identically in FDOT's data. In both years, AECOM recorded a total of 9 - 9.5 hours of delay due to construction and congestion. Yet construction delays in these segments went from 3.5 hours in 2023 to 8.5 hours in 2025 — a 143% increase. The same project, in the same place, was coded two very different ways. This dramatic shift in handling delays undermines the validity of the 2025 LOS Study. For the above reasons, it is clear that the results of the 2025 LOS Study are critically flawed and we urge you to reject the results of the 2025 study. Two years ago, the BOCC voted to reject the results of the 2023 LOS Study. At the November 2023 meeting, the Commissioners cited construction delays due to the water main breach as their reason for rejection. Supporting materials for the March 2024 BOCC meeting further stated that the 2023 results were rejected "due to excessive traffic signal and construction delays." However, the LOS Study methodology explicitly requires that delays caused by construction or other extraordinary events be excluded from the time measurements. And indeed they were. On that basis, the BOCC's rejection of the 2023 results was inappropriate. For these reasons, we respectfully request that you reverse course at this time and accept the results of the 2023 LOS Study. When rejecting the 2023 results, the BOCC also voted to conduct an interim LOS Study in 2024. But in 2024, you chose not to proceed due to the unnecessary cost, since a full study was already scheduled for 2025. By the same logic, commissioning an interim LOS Study in 2026 would likewise be inappropriate. For all the above reasons, we ask that you vote on September 10 to (1) reject the results of the 2025 LOS Study because the time measurements were taken too late, at a time when traffic volumes were decreasing dramatically, which violated the requirement of the Comprehensive Plan that the study be conducted during peak season based on the methodology developed by the US 1 LOS Task Force, and (2) accept the results of the 2023 LOS Study because it complied with the methodology adopted by the US 1 LOS Task Force, properly excluding construction delays. Respectfully submitted: LAST STAND 2 LAST STAND 3 G ty� (LAST STAII LAST STAND'S CONCERNS WITH THE 2025 LEVEL OF SERVICE STUDY This memorandum explains in detail Last Stand's concerns regarding the conclusions reached in AECOM's final draft of the 2025 US 1 Arterial Travel Time and Delay Study dated June 2025, which is being considered by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at its September 10 meeting. 1. Methodology and Peak Season Policy 301.2.1 of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan states as follows: "Monroe County, in consultation with the FDOT, shall continue the systematic traffic monitoring program initiated in March 1991, to monitor peak season traffic volumes at permanent count stations and travel speeds on the overall length of U.S. 1 and on each of 24 study segments of U.S. 1, and to determine the cumulative impact of development and through traffic. Monroe County shall use the methodology developed by the U.S. 1 LOS Task Force composed of representatives from Monroe County, FDOT, and the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) for conducting this analysis and shall request that the Task Force update and refine the methodology's assumptions on a periodic basis when new data becomes available. [Section 163.3177(6)(b)1.b., F.S.]" (emphasis added) The 2025 LOS Study, at page 8, contains an explicit definition of "peak season".- "The travel speeds for the entire 108-mile stretch of US 1 and the 24 individual segments are measured by conducting travel time runs during the peak season. The peak season, for the purpose of this study, has been established by the Task Force as the six-week window beginning the second week of February and ending the fourth week of March." (emphasis added) This language has been included in every single LOS Study going back to at least 2017. The methodology, developed by the US 1 LOS Task Force and last revised and approved by the BOCC in 2021, has contained the same language about when the LOS Study must be conducted since it was first adopted in 1993: "The next step in the process was to determine the number of travel time runs and how, when and to/from where ... The surveys were conducted during March, reflecting the area's peak traffic season." 2025 LOS Study, Appendix A, page 7 (emphasis added) On February 3, 1997, Monroe County and FDOT entered into a Joint Participation Agreement under which the County engaged FDOT to conduct, among other things, US 1 LOS travel 1 time studies for concurrency management purposes. The agreement states that the studies were to be "conducted in accordance with the methodology that was developed by the US 1 LOS Task Force and approved by the County, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Florida Department of Community Affairs." Exhibit A, Task 1, Section 1 (emphasis added). The agreement further states that "[t]he study will be conducted over 14 days within the six-week period from February 15 to March 31." Exhibit A, Task 1, Section 2C (emphasis added). The US 1 LOS Task Force seems to have expressed two similar, but slightly different definitions of when peak season ends for the purposes of the study — the end of the fourth week of March or March 31 st 2. Measurement Dates In years past, the studies measured both the volume of traffic, and the time it takes to traverse US 1 in the Keys, in late February to middle March —well within the "peak season" defined above. 2023 March 5 — 18 2021 March 7 — 20 2019 March 3 — 16 2017 February 26 — March 11 Average: March 3 — 16 The 2025 study ran from March 23 through April 5. Accordingly, the 2025 time measurements were taken 18 days after the 2023 study and 20 days after the average dates for the 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 LOS Studies. MARCH 2025 MWuRmW G ..... WW nv A'a n 'mIXlntiFiax....... 1�mnRWd..... }gttxdOvp Smw aY wp j ] .ti,....... ......... 2 t N .,_ tv 6k .,... ,.... .... y .... ..... ...1Y% 11 iRk 1rr7 M V'R ....... ...... bll 5 Therefore, about half of the time measurements made for the 2025 LOS Study occurred after the fourth week of March, and more than 35% of the time measurements for the 2025 study occurred in April. Based on the above definition of"peak season" and the LOS methodology, a significant portion of the time measurements in 2025 were conducted after the conclusion of the "peak season," which violated the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan and the US 1 LOS Task Force. 2 3. The Impact to Traffic/Tourist Volumes To illustrate the impact of the late scheduling, traffic volumes were significantly lower in 2025 according to the 2025 LOS Study itself. As shown in Table 3 of the 2025 Study, volume counts at the three key checkpoints which are used to calculate the average daily traffic (ADT) and annual average daily traffic (AADT) were notably down 22-23% in Big Pine Key, 43-44% in Marathon, and 28-30% in Upper Matecumbe compared to 2023, Figure 1: U.S. 1 AADT -HISTORICAL COMPARISON AM 4QQE7ET 35pQ@ d 2SQ©® u 15200 1QQ)®- Saar � �! Ma 2C11 N 2012 2013 2015 20M17 2019 2C21 X28 2t125 Year 13 Biq w aMarath(cm 010pprerMatir:cuml::�v 2025 LOS Study, page14, with modifications The above chart shows that the 2025 volumes were lower than in every other LOS year dating back to 2011. Though volume counts were taken in Big Pine Key and Upper Matecumbe after the time measurements were completed, the Marathon counts were taken during the second week of the time measurements and reflect the largest decline in volume (43 — 44%) from 2023. This traffic volume data is consistent with and reinforced by 2025 Monroe County hotel bed tax collections. Hote� Occ Tax Tax '10e Lions by MIon'h Rsc,N Year 202S 11 Location: AN Current"071D L, S11'V" f" $8NCH 6 M 4.8MM 4MwM 2:M MMMwN i ...... Oct New Dec Ilan Feb Mar Apr May J uirro JW A uu2 Sep Monroe County Tourist Development Council Monthly Summary Report(June 2025) 3 The above chart shows that bed tax collections were more than 20% lower in April 2025 than in March 2025. Lower tourist volume means lower traffic volume on US 1. All of this is very conclusive evidence that the 2025 LOS Study was not measuring peak seasonal traffic. Yet AECOM concluded that the 2025 overall LOS was essentially the same as in 2021—even though the 2021 study was conducted 16 days earlier, when average daily traffic volumes were 20-40% higher. Year 2019 2021 2023 2025 Median Speed 44.6 45.5 44.2 45.6 Grade D C D C There is no acknowledgement in the report that the time measurements it assessed — certainly in the second half of the study —were not taken under peak seasonal conditions. It is clear that the median speed of 45.6 mph would have been significantly reduced had there been more cars on the road. Therefore, because the time measurements in 2025 occurred later than is required under the LOS methodology at a time when traffic volumes were declining considerably, the results of the 2025 LOS Study are invalid as a measure of peak seasonal traffic. AECOM has apparently told County planning staff that the results cannot be adjusted to correct this fatal flaw in the testing. 4. Exclusions Due to Construction Delays Another anomaly in the 2025 LOS Study is an apparent inconsistency in the treatment of delays — particularly those caused by construction vs. congestion. The cause may be difficult to discern, but the distinction is critical. The Data Collection Methodology approved by the US 1 LOS Task Force provides as follows: "When computing both segments and overall travel times, delays due to typical events such as turning movements, traffic signals, and certain types of congestion were included. Unusual or non-recurring delays, such as construction, accidents, school bus, and emergency vehicles were excluded." 2025 LOS Study, Appendix A, Exhibit 1, page 2 (emphasis added). Therefore, time associated with a construction delay is deleted from the overall score, while time allocated to congestion is added to the time it takes to travel each segment. • In 2023, over 5 hours were recorded as congestion with a similar amount allocated to construction. • In 2025, only 40 minutes were allocated to congestion while over 9 hours were eliminated because they were coded as construction. 4 2023 2025 78% Coingesti,oin Construction Coingesti,oin Cou ii atru ctio ili more time allocated to (hr : gin) (hr ` gin) (hr ` n) construction 5�20 5:06 0A0 33 and excluded! This is not because there was more construction in 2025 but because it seems the implementation of the coding protocols may have deviated from the previous study. A glaring example is the FKAA water main replacement project (MM 80-89) present in both studies and described identically in FDOT's data. In both years, AECOM recorded a total of 9 - 9.5 hours of delay due to construction and/or congestion. • In 2023, about 6 hours of those 9 hours were deemed congestion (and thus included in the time logs), with the balance recorded as construction. • In 2025, only 30 minutes were logged as congestion, with the balance of over 8.5 hours logged as construction and eliminated from the overall time. Islamorada Transmission Main Replacement Segments 19 — 22. 2023 2025 (Total: 9:34) (Total: 9:08) Construction delays Congestion Construction Coi ngl stiii n Cmiivatru timii increased from ( : n) (' : f.n�) (hrs:m ) (hrs:m ) 37% in 2023 to 94% in 2025! .59 335 0,31 8 37 The same project, in the same place, was coded two very different ways. This dramatic shift in handling delays undermines the validity of the 2025 LOS Study. 5. Summary We urge rejection of the 2025 US 1 Arterial Travel & Delay Study for three critical reasons discussed above: 1) most critically, the lateness of the study, with a significant portion of the time measurements occurring after "peak season" in violation of the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan and the US 1 LOS Task Force; 2) the clear impact the late dates of the measurements had upon capturing peak traffic volumes; and 3) anomalies in the treatment of construction vs. congestion delay times. All of these defects in the 2025 LOS Study impacted the concluding C score. 5 Liz Yongue From: Maria Arbesu Dutra <mdutrapac@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 8:00 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.go Subject: Vote No against US 1 widening!! Some people who received this message don't often get email from mdutrapac@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor and Commissioners, Flying cars and drones are coming ! ! Who needs a bigger highway! ! ! Vote NO against these changes and preserve our national treasure! ! I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. Please DO NOT allow this! Additionally, Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. 1 The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last- and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely a very concerned citizen„ Maria Mercedes of Key Largo 2 Liz Yongue From: Maria Arbesu Dutra <mdutrapac@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 8:00 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.go Subject: Vote No against US 1 widening!! Some people who received this message don't often get email from mdutrapac@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor and Commissioners, Flying cars and drones are coming ! ! Who needs a bigger highway! ! ! Vote NO against these changes and preserve our national treasure! ! I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. Please DO NOT allow this! Additionally, Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. 1 The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last- and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely a very concerned citizen„ Maria Mercedes of Key Largo 2 Liz Yongue From: Jessica Keller <jkellerfsu@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 7:42 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Oppose widening of U.S. 1 [Some people who received this message don't often get email from jkellerfsu@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderidentification j CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. I am a resident of Miami Dade County and while I do not cast a vote for you, I do spend my money in Monroe County and have been doing so regularly for the past 13 years. I stand with residents of Monroe County and people across the state who enjoy the Keys as they are. We are running out of retreats from development. As someone,with 30 years of transportation planning and engineering experience,who has performed countless studies in roadway expansion, this project does nothing but address potential development. As a taxpayer who would fund this FDOT project, I prefer my money be spent maintaining existing infrastructure rather than building new in vulnerable locations like the keys. I will be sure to communicate my concerns to FDOT and the State representative on the matter as well. Have a nice day. Jessica A Keller Sent from my iPhone i Liz Yongue From: Bob Winterhalter <winterhal3@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2025 3:49 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: No to US1 Four Lanes Some people who received this message don't often get email from winterhal3@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. Sincerely, Bob Winterhalter 58950 Overseas Hwy #55 Marathon, FL 33050 941-780-2725 2 Liz Yongue From: Lucy Nadeau <lucy_nadeau@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 4:44 AM To: BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Eminent Domain and Proposed 4 lane of US-1 Some people who received this message don't often get email from lucy_nadeau@yahoo.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Sent from Yahoo Mail for Phone 1 Liz Yongue From: Julie Pistorino <pistorino@me.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 1:42 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: US1 expansion Some people who received this message don't often get email from pistorino@me.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Juliette Pistorino-Shutty i Liz Yongue From: staci.stokes@comcast.net Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 12:27 PM To: boccdist1 @monroecounty-fl.gov; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Making US1 Wider CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Hi All: I am being told that you are voting on someways to make US1 wider to allow for more development. PLEASE NO MORE!!!!!! I live in a resort community in CO part time. We have widened here, and developed more and now its awful. Traffic is ridiculous and no matter how much housing for employees they build it doesn't make a dent in all the jobs that are being created that we don't need. Once you go corporate you cant go back. Now we are down 30% in visitor numbers.The amount of trash and the destruction of our beautiful environment is horrible our roads are full of trash, our rivers are losing fish. I am no tree hugger at all, but I have seen what too much has done here and I am watching it happen in the Keys for the last 26 years. We already have more trash all over the place in the keys and not enough workers, more tax dollars can't fix anything overdevelopment does. Your have to live under a rock to not see that we already have less fish then we have had in years past. We are constantly picking up trash offshore. I can go on and on, but you really need to pay attention to what we have in the Keys and just make it BETTER not Bigger!!Thanks Staci 1 Liz Yongue From: Pd_keys <pd_keys@bellsouth.net> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 10:42 AM To: Cates-Craig Subject: Against 4 lane Some people who received this message don't often get email from pd_keys@bellsouth.net.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Patricia and Patrick Dodson 35 year resident Sent from my iPhone i Liz Yongue From: Erin Allison <erinallison09@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 10:29 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: Saying NO to Paving Paradise Some people who received this message don't often get email from erinallison09@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Erin Allison i Liz Yongue From: Tori Fitzsimmons <tori.fitzsimmons@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 10:16 AM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDISS Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: NO to Paving Paradise CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am emailing you to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendment that would allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. Expanding the highway would result in profound and permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitats would be filled, lost forever along with the vital services they provide—like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The damage wouldn't be limited to the construction area. It would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that makes the Keys unique. Specifically, this project would: • Displace wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitats • Remove natural green buffers that protect communities from flooding and storm surge • Increase stormwater runoff, carrying harmful pollutants into fragile nearshore waters • Further fragment habitats, threatening already endangered species This amendment is being pushed forward without any analysis of the environmental (or economic) impacts. That's incredibly irresponsible - and we can't rely on the state to do it for us. Local government is often the last - and sometimes only - line of defense in protecting our natural habitats. Please stand with the residents of the Florida Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect our environment, wildlife, and the natural resources that cannot be replaced. I do not want my taxpayer dollars paying for this outrageous proposal. Thank you for your time, Victoria Fitzsimmons 33042 i Liz Yongue From: Cindy Wooten <clmwooten@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 1:45 PM To: BOCCDIS3 Subject: Proposed Amendment 4 lane Highway Attachments: Document Some people who received this message don't often get email from clmwooten@aol.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Cindy L McDermott-Wooten 133 N Indies Dr Duck Key, FL 33050 Sent_from the_all new AOL app for iOS 1 Liz Yongue From: Jan Baker <Ijbaker1183@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 1:03 PM To: BOCCDIS3 Subject: 4 lane issues Some people who received this message don't often get email from Ijbaker1183@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to allow U.S. 1 to be widened to four lanes. It hands over control of our main thoroughfare to FDOT, bypassing local oversight, public input, and careful review. As elected officials, Commissioners are entrusted with representing the people and safeguarding the Keys. Voting for this amendment would be an abdication of that responsibility. This is your opportunity to do what you were elected to do: represent your constituents. I urge you to reject this amendment and uphold your duty to the residents, communities, and natural environment of the Florida Keys. Sincerely, Jan Baker &Anne Meredith, Key West Sent from my Phone i Liz Yongue From: Eric R <erk626@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 12:12 PM To: Cates-Craig; BOCCDIS2; BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Cc: info@keyslaststand.org Subject: Eminent Domain & Property Rights-Focused Some people who received this message don't often get email from erk626@gmail.com.Learn why this is important CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. Dear Mayor Scholl & Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of the Florida Keys to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four-Ianing of U.S. 1. This amendment would grant the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) the unilateral authority to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes, businesses, and public lands. This is not a theoretical risk—it would put countless property owners directly in harm's way for a project that the community has not requested. Local businesses, many of which have operated for decades and are the backbone of our economy, would face displacement or loss of access. Families could lose homes. Parks and public spaces could be appropriated for road expansion. All of this would occur without meaningful input from the people who live and work here, undermining the very principles of democracy and local governance. The County's Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community-centered growth and sustainable development. Ceding decision-making authority to an unelected state agency and putting property owners at risk is incompatible with these principles. We cannot allow the Keys to be sacrificed for a project that benefits developers and short-term traffic theories at the expense of residents' livelihoods, homes, and public spaces. Please stand with the residents of the Keys and vote no on this amendment. Protect property rights, safeguard local businesses, and preserve the character of our communities. Sincerely, Eric Rojewski 245 2nd Rd, Key Largo 1. Loss of Local Control & Eminent Domain This amendment would surrender local control over U.S. 1 land use decisions to FDOT, where decisions can be made without regard for local context. We elect our county representatives to protect our residents and preserve our community's character - not to relinquish decision-making power to a non-legislative, non-elected arm of the State. The Overseas Highway is "Main Street" for neighborhoods and communities throughout the Keys; its future should be in local hands. Under Florida Statutes 334.044, FDOT has the power to acquire to "acquire, by the exercise of the power of eminent domain as provided by law, all property or property rights, whether public or private, which it may determine are necessary to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers." This amendment would empower FDOT to exercise eminent domain over local businesses, residents, and public lands for the sake of a four-lane expansion that the community isn't even asking for. In doing so, it flies in the face of the County's own Comprehensive Plan, and Area of Critical State Concern Principles for Guiding Development outlined in Florida Statutes. 2. Environmental Destruction U.S. 1 cannot be expanded without profound, permanent destruction of invaluable natural resources. Expanding the highway would mean filling wetlands, mangroves, and scarce upland habitat. Once lost, this habitat is gone for good — along with the vital services they provide, like flood protection, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The environmental damage wouldn't be contained to the construction zone; it would ripple outward, degrading water quality, fragmenting habitats, and eroding the natural beauty that defines the Keys. 1 • Displacement of wetlands, mangroves, and critical native habitat • Loss of natural green buffers that shield communities from flooding and storm surge • Increased stormwater runoff carrying harmful pollutants into our fragile nearshore waters • Further fragmentation of habitats, threatening already endangered species Why is the County advancing this amendment without a thorough environmental review? We cannot— and must not— rely on the State to carry out this critical responsibility.til Local government is often the last, and only, line of defense in protecting natural habitat. 3. Community Impact and Public Safety Four-laning U.S. 1 would transform the character of our communities by turning our main street into a faster, louder, and more dangerous corridor. Sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadside parking would be reduced or removed, pushing homes and businesses closer to loud, speeding traffic. This widening would physically divide neighborhoods rather than connect them. • Pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren face increased danger crossing or traveling alongside the highway • Two additional lanes in many areas would lead to more crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by the added difficulties in crossing and turning onto and off the highway. • Loss of sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe access to local businesses • Communities fractured by a widened highway, undermining neighborhood cohesion and quality of life • Bottlenecks at merge points increase the likelihood of collisions, and create "phantom traffic jams" where braking at the front of a queue ripples backward, surprising drivers and causing rear-end collisions 4. Induced Demand and Overdevelopment The notion that adding lanes will reduce congestion is disproven by decades of transportation research. Adding roadway capacity almost always leads to more development and more traffic, in a phenomenon known as "induced demand." When road capacity increases, people drive more, and congestion quickly returns to the same level (or worse). Most studies show at least a 1% increase in driving for every 1% increase in highway capacity.DJ So, why is the County moving this amendment forward without analyzing such a well-established transportation principle? Congestion isn't the core problem — unchecked overdevelopment is. Adding lanes only enables more growth, while the real failure lies in the County and municipalities allowing development to outpace infrastructure, degrading traffic Level of Service and quality of life. 5. Hurricane Evacuation Reality Proponents argue that four-laning will improve hurricane evacuation. But that's simply not true unless the entire Keys and the entire 18-Mile Stretch are widened — which is simply not feasible. What it will do is create new bottlenecks, which would contribute to accidents that delay evacuation. Worse yet, the additional development spurred by four-laning would bring more vehicles onto already crowded evacuation routes. • Partial widening creates dangerous merging bottlenecks that slow traffic • Increased development adds more cars, increasing evacuation demand • No relief for the most critical choke points, such as the 18-Mile Stretch 6. Construction Disruptions Road construction in the Keys is slow and difficult, often disrupting essential services like water, electricity, and wastewater. Because asphalt plants and paving contractors are located on the mainland, schedules are unpredictable and delays are common. Widening U.S. 1 would mean a massive, years- long construction project that worsens daily traffic and slows hurricane evacuations for years to come. The BOCC would have limited, if any, power to control these impacts. 7. Ignores the Real Problem —and the Proven Solution The congestion we see today is not an accident. It's the direct result of unmanaged growth and overdevelopment. Rather than addressing these root causes, this amendment proposes a costly and disruptive fix that won't improve traffic where congestion is worst. The worst congestion on U.S. 1 is concentrated in incorporated areas of Monroe County — not unincorporated areas where this amendment applies. As a result, this change won't alleviate traffic in the most problematic zones. Instead, it introduces a host of negative consequences while ignoring a solution already built into our Comprehensive Plan. 2 The Comprehensive Plan directs us to expand public transit, which is proven more effective, environmentally responsible, and safer than simply adding lanes. Public transit can reduce congestion, protect our fragile environment, and preserve the unique character of the Keys without all the adverse consequences of widening the highway that are discussed above. 8. Doesn't Meet Legal Standards This amendment simply does not meet the criteria for Comprehensive Plan Amendments as required by Monroe County's own Comprehensive Plan or under Florida Statutes. It is inconsistent with the Principles for Guiding Development in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern, including but not limited to Section 380.0552(7)(a) of Florida Statutes which requires that any Comprehensive Plan Amendments "must be consistent with the following principles" including: 1. Strengthening local government capabilities for managing land use and development.., 2. Protecting shoreline and marine resources... 3. Protecting upland resources, tropical biological communities, freshwater wetlands... 4. Limiting the adverse impacts of development on the quality of water throughout the Florida Keys. 5. Enhancing natural scenic resources, promoting the aesthetic benefits of the natural environment, and ensuring that development is compatible with the unique historic character of the Florida Keys... This amendment is also inconsistent with numerous Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives and policies designed to ensure sound planning practices, protect natural resources, and invest in sustainable, multi- modal transportation alternatives, including but not limited to Objective 203.1, Objective 401.3, and related policies. 3 Liz Yongue From: Julie Schaeffer <julieschaeffer58@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 10:23 PM To: BOCCDIS3; BOCCDIS4; BOCCDIS5 Subject: No to paving paradise!!!! [Some people who received this message don't often get email from julieschaeffer58@icloud.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderidentification j CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the County. Whether you know the sender or not, do not click links or open attachments you were not expecting. I am writing this letter to let you know that I strongly oppose the proposed amendment to allow four lanes of highway on US 1 being built.This amendment would give FDOT the power to expand the highway, including the power to exercise eminent domain over private homes and property. Not to mention businesses.This is agrees and should never be permitted.This also would irreversibly damage the beautiful Florida Keys and its marine and wildlife,the mangroves which bind the Key's together and protect from hurricanes. I COMPLETELY OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENTM!! Julie Schaeffer Sent from my iPad i