Anne Winters Bolt Ons
State bill drafted to abolish City of Key West
Are Key Westβs days as a city numbered?
A draft bill received by the website FloridaPolitics.com is making the rounds in Tallahassee. If passed, the bill would βtransfer all of the cityβs assets and legitimate liabilities and revenue streams to Monroe County.β
The bill is in drafting and there was not wording in the bill to show the bill’s sponsor. Monroe County and City of Key West officials learned of the bill Tuesday night and have been in discussions with their state lobbying teams.
Florida Keys State Rep. Jim Mooney, R-Tavenier, was also made aware of the bill and has begun to make inquiries, he said.
“The City of Key west is abolished,” the draft of the bill stated. “All assets and legitimate liabilities and revenue streams of Key West are transferred to Monroe County.”
The bill states the legislation would be effective July 1, 2022. The bill comes as the City of Key West and state legislators have been at odds over proposed local cruise ship regulations and the state overturned a local election approving restrictions on cruise ships.
Key West City Attorney Shawn Smith was reviewing the issue as of Wednesday. Key West Mayor Teri Johnston called the draft “sheer insanity.”
“It’s really a sad day when the you have a difference of opinion and you then want to dissolve a city,” Mayor Johnston said. “I hope this is political theater. If not, we are in serious trouble.”
While waiting for the insanity to subside, Anne Winters is back with her doggo business…