LAST WEEK: Hurricane Evacuation Modeling: Public ROGO/BPAS Survey #2 Available

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is committed to a robust public participation process regarding the state-mandated hurricane evacuation modeling discussions that will continue through January 2025. In survey #1, more than 1,850 people replied, which helped us learn how people receive their information and their basic knowledge of ROGO and BPAS. Today, survey #2 is available with a focus on housing, commuting, and the livability of the Florida Keys. The survey is available until THIS SUNDAY, July 28 at 5 p.m.

Monroe County community members are invited to take this survey, which is the second of several. The survey can be found directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCROGOSurvey2.

The 14-question survey shouldn't take too long (approximately four minutes). Additional surveys will be available in August to help gauge what the community wants to see moving forward.

"The goal of these surveys is to learn and understand more about the issues and challenges our residents encounter in their daily life concerning housing, essential services, quality of life, and more," said Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County Strategic Planner. "We will also be asking for your opinions, ideas, and desires for the future of our community in upcoming surveys."

Monroe County continues to host workshops and updates during regularly scheduled BOCC meetings and began meeting with nonprofit and civic groups throughout the Florida Keys regarding the Dept. of Commerce's hurricane evacuation modeling to gauge public opinions on everything that affects evacuation timing and the number of additional ROGO/BPAS allocations, if any, the County and municipalities should request from the State. The hurricane evacuation modeling is based on a Florida Statute requiring that Monroe County residents be able to evacuate the Florida Keys within 24 hours before a storm. Any allocations awarded could be issued over the next 10 to 30 years or at a rate that does not lead to unbalanced growth or additional takings liability. To learn more about these terms, why they are important, to view the process, or to see upcoming meetings, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/rogo2024.