Key West: City of Key West Special City Commission Meeting on Cruise Ships (7/12/2021)
Summary. The City of Key West held a special commission workshop on July 12, 2021, to discuss cruise ship regulations following state legislation that preempted local voter-approved restrictions. The meeting focused entirely on public comment, with dozens of residents and business owners speaking for and against cruise ship limits. The commission heard extensive testimony on three main issues that had been approved by voters in November 2020: prohibiting ships carrying more than 1,300 people, limiting daily disembarkations to 1,500 people, and giving priority to ships with better environmental records. Speakers were deeply divided, with environmental advocates and many residents supporting the voter-approved restrictions, citing concerns about water quality, coral reef protection, and quality of life. Business owners dependent on cruise tourism opposed the limits, arguing they would cause significant economic harm and job losses. Several speakers emphasized that this was fundamentally about respecting the democratic process and the will of the voters, while others focused on the practical economic impacts. The meeting was structured as a workshop with no votes taken, with the commission to provide direction to staff at the conclusion.
Agenda Items
1. Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the meeting agenda
- No changes to agenda requested
2. Public Comment on Cruise Ship Regulations
Extended public comment period on cruise ship limits and regulations following state preemption of local voter-approved measures
- Support for voter-approved cruise ship restrictions (1,300 passenger limit, 1,500 daily disembarkations, environmental priorities)
- Opposition from cruise-dependent businesses citing economic impacts and job losses
- Environmental concerns about coral reef and water quality
- Democratic process and respecting voter will
- Infrastructure costs and capacity issues
- Pier B development rights and agreements
- Alternative solutions like environmental fees
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve the agenda
Moved by Commissioner Weekley, seconded by Commissioner Wardlow
Passed unanimously
Action Items
City commission to provide direction to city attorney and city manager on cruise ship ordinances
Assigned to City Commission · Due End of meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The City of Key West held a special commission workshop on July 12, 2021, to discuss cruise ship regulations following state legislation that preempted local voter-approved restrictions. The meeting focused entirely on public comment, with dozens of residents and business owners speaking for and against cruise ship limits. The commission heard extensive testimony on three main issues that had been approved by voters in November 2020: prohibiting ships carrying more than 1,300 people, limiting daily disembarkations to 1,500 people, and giving priority to ships with better environmental records. Speakers were deeply divided, with environmental advocates and many residents supporting the voter-approved restrictions, citing concerns about water quality, coral reef protection, and quality of life. Business owners dependent on cruise tourism opposed the limits, arguing they would cause significant economic harm and job losses. Several speakers emphasized that this was fundamentally about respecting the democratic process and the will of the voters, while others focused on the practical economic impacts. The meeting was structured as a workshop with no votes taken, with the commission to provide direction to staff at the conclusion.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 2 agenda items: Approval of Agenda; Public Comment on Cruise Ship Regulations.
How many motions were voted on?
1 motion were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
1 action item were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
7 members were recorded as present: Mayor Johnston, Commissioner Hoover, Commissioner Kaufman, Commissioner Lopez, Commissioner Wardlow, Commissioner Weekley, City Clerk Carrie.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Key West in?
Key West is located in Monroe County, Florida. Browse other Monroe County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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