Tavernier Community Association

01/02/2026

Please be advised - the Tavernier Community Association has been dissolved as of 12/29/25. Unfortunately, after a lengthy effort, we were unable to find an individual willing to assume the leadership that was needed.

08/01/2024

CEMEX/SINGLETARY/PUBLIX

INFORMATION UPDATE

I have been asked to provide a Facebook update on the proposed development at mm 92.5 (the old Cemex concrete site), with a little perspective on the development proposal. The development of
this site was first proposed in 2022. At that time the developers wanted to construct workforce housing and a 70,000 SF building. It was learned later that the intention for this large building was to
house a Publix supermarket and liquor store.

It is important to understand that many years ago the Board of County Commissioners challenged various communities up and down the keys to develop a master plan for their areas. In Tavernier
that plan is called the LIVIBLE COMMUNIKEYS, TAVERNIER CREEK BRIDGE TO MM 97 Master plan.

The plan took several years to develop through a broad-based cross section of the community working with the County Planning staff. The provisions that were recommended were argued back
and forth and everyone made concessions. In the end, all agreed to the plan that would guide future development of Tavernier. The plan was then approved by the Board of County Commissioners and incorporated into the County Comprehensive Plan. The Tavernier Master plan, among other things provided an emphasis on maintaining community character and a small-town environment. The plan provided for NO new commercial districts and limited the size of newly constructed buildings to 10,000 SF. The proposed building on the CEMEX site is seven times larger than was allowed.

To accomplish this the developers proposed creating a special overlay that would in effect change the zoning to provide for the large structure. We have argued from the beginning that this violated the provisions of the Master plan and the Comprehensive plan.

Our commissioners and others supporting this development, more often than not, wrap their argument around the idea that we need Workforce housing. We have no objection to workforce housing!

The developers can build workforce housing under the existing suburban commercial zoning. We have made recommendations to expand the Workforce housing footprint, but those suggestions have fallen on deaf ears. They can build commercial buildings under the SC zoning.

What they cannot do is build a commercial building in excess of 10,000SF.

As this proposal moved through the approval process the developers have reduced the size of the building to approximately 50,000SF. The proposal has been reviewed by the Development Review Committee and the Planning Commission both of which recommended against the project. The County Planning Department also issued a report, advising the Commission that the proposal would violate the master and comprehensive plans along with other Statutes and regulations.

Despite these recommendations, our Commission, on February 15th passed an ordinance approving the Overlay. The only commissioner to descent was Commissioner Craig Cates.
Because Monroe County is a state area of critical concern, all such development proposals must be approved by the State of Florida. The ordinance was forwarded to the Commerce Department.
After about 60 days they issued a FINAL ORDER rejecting the ordinance passed by our Commission. This rejection was based on the same foundation established by our own planning department. Subsequent to the rejection and 45 days later the Department of Commerce issued a stunning, complete reversal of their position. This was done even though there was never a petition of appeal filed as required by law. There have been no good answers as to why this was done, and I will leave the speculating to others but certainly this does not pass the smell test!!

Pursuant to this decision we have filed a petition of appeal, as required by law. This will wind its way to the administrative division, be assigned to a judge and a hearing will be held.

Why are we fighting this fight? Most of us living in the keys came here to enjoy a very different environment than the one we left. What we fear most is that our distinctly different way of life will
disappear and be replaced with something that resembles what we left. An overdeveloped, congested and commercialized community. We see this fight as a battle worth fighting for. We strongly believe if we lose this fight developers will build on every piece of property they can find and simply create an overlay to build whatever they want. Master plans were developed by communities in partnership with our government. Our government now see’s these plans as an
obstacle to development rather than a guide to development. We are hopeful the courts will remind our lawmakers that it is more of the latter.

Fighting this battle in the courts requires attorneys. They won’t work for free, and we don’t expect them to. If you are passionate about our community, care about over development and the resulting congestion as well as the adverse impact on our precious environment please consider making a donation to support this fight. 100% of any donations are used exclusively to pay our attorneys.

Donations can be sent to the TAVERNIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION P.O. 72 TAVERNIER, FLORIDA 33070

Richard Barreto, President
[email protected]

07/16/2024

Please read : The latest on the Cemex saga:

06/29/2024

06/24/2024

There will be General Membership Meeting this Thursday night (6/27) at 6:00 pm at the Tavernier Fire Department, 151 Marine Ave. Everyone is welcome to attend.

03/12/2024

TCA is looking for new members and officers. Get involved in your community. Go to [email protected] to request a Membership Application.

03/12/2024

TCA needs new members and officers. Please join and get involved in our community’s affairs.

03/07/2024

On February 15th, after a long and contentious BOCC meeting, 4 of our 5 commissioners voted to disregard the will of the Tavernier Community as well as the advice and recommendations of their own county staff. I say thank you to all those in attendance and who shared your thoughts. It was an unfortunate and depressing outcome. Many are saying “there is nothing more to do”. Nothing is further from the truth. Now is not the time to give up! We have two options: we can fold the cards and accept the decision or we can appeal to the Department of Commerce. TCA is choosing to do the latter since we believe our commissioners are wrong primarily on the issue of consistency with the LCP as well as the Comprehensive Plan. Filing an appeal requires the need of an attorney. We have chosen one, but that costs money. HERE IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP. TCA has committed $1,000 towards this expense but donations in any amount are needed. Donations should be made by check which will act as your receipt with a notation of “Cemex Appeal Fund” and made payable to Tavernier Community Association and mailed to PO Box 72, Tavernier, Fl 33070. All donations will be noted in our account and copies of all records are available for review. A more detailed and comprehensive explanation will be presented at our next general meeting on March 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm at the Tavernier Fire Station located at 151 Marine Ave which is open to the general public. We invite all to attend and to become members of TCA. Applications will be available at the meeting. Dues are just $15 for a single person and $20 for two or a business per year. We need your support and backing to continue our goal to protect the small town character of our beautiful community. Thank you.
Rick Barreto, President TCA
[email protected]

08/28/2023

Dear Members and Friends: As we previously reported, the application process for the CEMEX/SINGLETARY Development Project is entering its final stage. The Application was originally scheduled to be heard by the Board of County Commissioners in June but was postponed and has been rescheduled for the BOCC meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. At this writing, I do not have a time certain but will make every effort to secure one before the meeting and pass that information along. The BOCC will make the final decision to approve or not approve this project. This past week, the developer asked to meet with the Tavernier Community Association to discuss their proposal. The meeting took place on Wednesday August 23, 2023. During that meeting the developer (Toppino and sons) expressed a desire to share with the community their vision of the development. They added that they realized that they did not do this very well at the beginning of the process. They are looking to give the public as much time as needed to ask questions and provide feedback. The TCA Board approved the request. This approval in no way alters our position on the development. The TCA believes you should have all the information available relating to this development, as well as additional opportunities to share your feelings and ask questions. While TCA has acted to facilitate this presentation, I want to be very clear that this presentation will be made by the development team who will answer and take questions. The presentation location is scheduled for Thursday, September 7th, 2023 @ 6:30PM at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Concerned members of the community are encouraged to attend. Our District 5 Commissioner, Holly Raschein, has indicated she will be in attendance and notices will be sent to the entire Board of County Commissioner

04/28/2023

https://www.keysnews.com/flkeysfreepress/news/county/planning-commission-opposes-large-tavernier-development/article_47ed9500-e5e2-11ed-9b7e-b7bef25175bb.html

KEY LARGO — The Monroe County Planning Commission voted 3-2 Friday to deny an applicant’s request for a land use amendment that would allow for the construction of 70,000 square

03/18/2023

Tavernier lost a legend this past week. Below is a good write up in the local paper, but I would like to add a few points. Jerry Wilkinson was a political mentor during my seasons as President of TCA, always knowledgeable of the pieces and processes to make things happen in the Keys. Always available over a glass of ice tea, and an ardent believer in our Tavernier Community. Post Hurricane Irma, which laid a wallop on the Oceanside in the Keys, including our Harry Harris neighborhood, well into the backside of his 80's, Jerry took it up on himself to replant vegetation and flowers in the bed just past our crown jewel HHP entrance on the left, visiting everyday and hand watering these plants amidst the destruction of nature and vaporized fiberglass from the derelict vessel / ballfield backdrop. Jerry understood the need to plant anew, leaning into the hardship. Additionally, Jerry had a unique way of speaking that put a smile on your face just hearing it. He easily could have been a Country and Western Superstar with that accent. Finally, Jerry is and was all of these things due to Mary Lou, his partner in crime. While Jerry was planting in the park post Irma, Mary Lou could be found on scaffolding over on Fantasy Island, taking care of the homestead with fervor and grit. This spring, take the time to thank your Community Elders and celebrate those that make your neighborhood special. Thank you Jerry and Mary Lou.

A passion for history ignited fourth-generation Floridian Jerry Wilkinson upon settling in Tavernier in 1988. He amassed collections of Keys records and unique stories surrounding the island chain. He invested in the community through a library at one local museum and scholarships for students. Wilk...