For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Contact
Sarah Bascom, sarah@bascomllc.com, 850.294.6636
Kelsey Swithers, kelsey@bascomllc.com, 941.400.8183

Local Governments & Entities Thank Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on

General Government for Advancing SB 770
Florida Keys Stewardship Act Invests in Florida Keys Most Significant Environmental Needs
Monroe County, Fla. Local governments and entities in Monroe County, Fla., today thanked the
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government for advancing Senate Bill 770, sponsored
by Senators Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) and Anitere Flores (R-Miami). Also known as the Florida Keys
Stewardship Act, SB 770 will invest $25 million each year for 10 years into water quality, restoration
and protection; water supply protection; and land for critical habitat protection, public safety in case of
an evacuation, property rights and military base protection.
The companion bill, House Bill 447, which is sponsored by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key
Largo), is slated to be heard in the House State Affairs Committee.
It is truly an honor to commend the members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General
Government for their vote of confidence on Senate Bill 770 on Florida Keys Day at the Florida Capitol,
said Mayor Heather Carruthers of Monroe County. The Florida Keys has so much to offer, both in
terms of economic and natural resources, and we are glad that both chambers of the Florida Legislature
continue to advance this vital legislation to protect and preserve the Florida Keys.
A sincere thank you is due to the Senators who serve on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on
General Government, who today took an important step toward investing in the future of the Florida
Keys and the State of Florida, said Mayor Craig Cates of the City of Key West. The Florida Keys
have been an economic driver for the local communities and the entire State of Florida for a long time.
By making an investment through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, the Keys can continue to be a
significant economic contributor for years to come.
By supporting the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, we are investing in sound legislation that will form
an important partnership between the state and the Florida Keys, said Mayor Mark Senmartin of the
City of Marathon. For this reason, we extend our appreciation to the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on General Government for today voting favorably on SB 770 and showing their
commitment toward safeguarding an integral part of the State of Florida.
As a proud part of the Florida Keys, the Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, is dedicated to
looking after the high-quality, high-value environment of the Florida Keys, said Mayor Deb Gillis of
Islamorada. We deeply support the Florida Keys Stewardship Act and are grateful that the members of
the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government saw fit to do the same.

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Visitors from around the state, nation and world come to the Florida Keys to admire its picturesque
waters, unique coral reefs, and to experience a beautiful and laidback environment that just cant be
found anywhere else, said Mayor Jerry Ellis of the City of Key Colony Beach. Thank you to the
members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government for supporting the Florida
Keys with their vote to advance the Florida Keys Stewardship Act.
We applaud the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government for passing the Senate
version of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act out of its last committee stop, said Chairman Dave
Asdourian of the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District Board of Commissioners. As a smart
investment that will yield a high return on investment, we are hopeful that the state will guard the
investments that they have already made in the Keys and continue to support the southernmost point of
Florida.
We believe that the Florida Keys Stewardship Act is an important step that is needed to protect and
preserve the waters of the Florida Keys and provide water supply solutions that will be able to provide
the Keys with potable water for residents and tourists alike, said Chairman J. Robert Dean of the
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Board of Directors. We are tremendously thankful to the Senate
Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government for joining us in supporting SB 770.
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