Monroe County BOCC - Florida Keys

CARD SOUND ROAD: Rock cores are being performed for the Card Sound Road Bridge project. The coring will continue through next week. No lane closures are in place for this, but be aware of workers on the side of the road.

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved a Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program MSBU Ordinance that allows neighborhoods in unincorporated Monroe County to request and fund community improvements that benefit specific geographic areas beyond the county's standard level of service. The board also approved a related Financial Hardship Deferral Program to assist qualifying low-income homeowners with assessment deferrals in neighborhoods with an MSBU approval.

The Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program is entirely voluntary and is designed to help neighborhoods pursue projects that residents identify as priorities. Rather than being initiated by the county, projects would be requested by residents within a defined neighborhood benefit area and approved by a majority vote of affected property owners (50% +1). If approved, the county would consider advancing the funds and implementing the work on behalf of the residents. All costs would be paid back to the county through an assessment on the property benefiting from the project.

The updated program expands the types of eligible neighborhood projects beyond roadway elevation and flood mitigation to include improvements such as:
• Drainage improvements
• Beach renourishment and erosion control
• Living shorelines
• Recreational facilities and services
• Canal improvements, such as w**d gates
• Street and roadway adaptations
• Sidewalks
• Street lighting
• Other essential neighborhood infrastructure and services

"Every neighborhood has different needs and priorities," said Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Haag. "This program provides property owners who directly benefit from improvements the ability to work together with the county to pursue improvements that are important to their community."

Financial Hardship Deferral Program
Recognizing that special assessments may create financial challenges for some homeowners, the board also established a Financial Hardship Deferral Program for qualifying homesteaded properties within an approved MSBU project area, which would defer the assessments owed to the county. Under the program, Monroe County may pay the annual special assessment on behalf of eligible homeowners if the board has appropriated funding. The county would then be reimbursed for the full assessment due when the property is sold or transferred.

To qualify, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including:
• Own and live in a homesteaded property within an approved project area.
• Have a household income at or below 80 percent of Monroe County's median income (low-income level).
• Have no more than $60,000 in available cash assets.
• Have annual MSBU assessment(s) exceeding $1,500.

Participants must apply with supporting documentation, and eligibility will be reviewed periodically.

The Financial Hardship Deferral Program is intended to help qualifying residents while allowing neighborhoods to pursue important infrastructure improvements that improve safety, resilience, and quality of life.

For additional information about the MSBU Residential Neighborhood Improvements Program or the Financial Hardship Deferral Program, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/msbu.

FLORIDA KEYS VOTERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The 2026 Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 18, and now is a good time to make sure you’re ready to vote.

📅 Important dates to remember:
• July 20: Deadline to register to vote or change your political party affiliation for the Primary Election
• Aug. 3-15: Early Voting
• Aug. 6: Last day to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot to be mailed
• Aug. 11: Last recommended day to mail Vote-by-Mail ballots
• Aug. 18: Primary Election Day; polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A few more reminders:
✅ Check your voter registration status and make sure your address is current.
✍️ Has your signature changed? Update it with the Supervisor of Elections Office. Signatures are used to verify Vote-by-Mail, Early Voting, and Election Day ballots.
📬 Voting by mail? Don’t wait until the last minute. Your completed ballot must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark is not enough.
🪪 Voting in person? Bring a valid ID that allows election workers to verify your photo and signature.
📍 Voting on Election Day? Make sure you know your assigned precinct and polling location before you go.

Get official Monroe County election information, check your status, find voting locations, and learn more at:
VoteMonroeFLKeys.gov.