06/12/2026
🌊 The quality of our waters reflect the quality of our lives 💧
I was grateful to attend the “Legislative Update” Social Networking Lunch Meeting with the Key Largo Chamber featuring Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez.
It was a meaningful conversation with many community members in the room—local residents, environmental professionals, and partners in waste management, water quality, and coastal resilience. One of the themes that came up again and again was how deeply connected our policies are to the health of our waters and the way of life here in the Florida Keys.
A big thank you to Senator Rodriguez for coming down to Key Largo and engaging directly with the community. She spoke about ongoing legislative work, including Everglades restoration, water protection, and the importance of investing in solutions that protect Florida’s natural resources.
We had thoughtful questions and discussions from community members in attendance, including Melody, Monroe County Recycling Coordinator and Outreach Liaison, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, and Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein, as well as others, covering a range of topics related to water quality, restoration, and the future of our environment.
Two topics that came up in conversation were SB 180 and SB 1464, especially as they relate to local governance, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. I share these here simply as part of staying informed and engaged in the issues that affect our shared waters and communities.
What stood out most to me was not disagreement or division, but a shared focus: how do we protect and restore the waters that sustain the Florida Keys?
Grateful for spaces like this where community members and elected leaders can come together, ask questions, and keep the conversation centered on what matters most—our water, our environment, and our future.
