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Commission approves emergency ordinance and film production licenses for conservation-land use
Summary
The board adopted an emergency ordinance allowing temporary licensed uses on county conservation lands (passed 5–0) and approved multiple license agreements for the production 'Bad Monkey' to use county property for parking, staging and filming.
Monroe County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an emergency ordinance allowing temporary uses on lands the county has designated as conservation land, provided the uses are licensed by the Board and the user agrees to restore any damage. County Attorney/administrator staff said the emergency path was needed to accommodate last-minute production scheduling.
"This thing has happened quickly and we're trying to be nimble with it," said county staff who read the ordinance language into the record. Commissioners amended the draft title and language to broaden the ordinance beyond a single production and to tie any use to a license agreement approved by the Board. The ordinance creates an exception to Section 2-4.26 of the Monroe County Code, allowing temporary licensed uses with restoration obligations.
After adopting the emergency ordinance, the board approved license agreements for temporary use, parking and staging on county property at two Big Pine Key sites for the production 'Bad Monkey' (WB Studio Enterprises / Proximity Productions LLC). The motions passed with no opposition; commissioners emphasized that license agreements must include restoration and site-protection conditions and that staff will monitor compliance.
Next steps: staff will finalize license agreements and oversee inspections and restoration obligations during and after filming.
