News Blip:
Islamorada Key Struggles To Regain Affordable Housing
Keys News Reports On The Affordable Housing Issue Crippling Islamorada In The Florida Keys As A Result Of Hurricane Irma And Numerous Businesses Unable To Generate Sufficient Income.
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved through Keys News' website via Google.
Florida hurricanes remain a nuisance no one really enjoys but it's something the residents have to deal with and accept. In the Florida Keys, Islamorada suffered from Hurricane Irma on two major fronts. First, a sizable portion of affordable housing was lost when some Islamorada RV parks, like San Pedro and Sea Breeze RV and Trailer Parks, were destroyed. Next, the majority of resorts and hotels, which are major drivers of the local economy, remain closed. Gov. Rick Scott has budgeted $20 million in affordable housing funding that will be directed to the Keys if the Florida Legislature approves it during this year’s session, which is expected. Keys News speculates on what these events mean for the town's 2018 tourism season? While the recovery process in Islamorada was successful in the minds of many villagers in terms of debris cleanup, longtime residents are fully aware that much of this year’s tourist season will be a struggle as potential business is lost to Key Largo and Key West, whose hotels are at 75 and 90 percent availability, respectively.
Chuck Wickenhofer, Free Press Staff, relates in his article: "Newly elected Vice Mayor Deb Gillis, who also owns and operates a handful of small hotels in the Keys, anticipates that it is almost certain to be a disappointing year tourist-wise. “I think the financial situation of most of our businesses will take a least a year to cycle,” Gillis said. “I would anticipate, at least with my business, it not being as robust as past years, so that cycle will take a little time to clear itself.” Business owners are expected to get a bit of a break early next year, as the 63-room Pelican Cove is scheduled to open Jan. 12, while La Siesta Resort, with 54 rooms, should be back open March 1. In relations to Florida housing, John McLaren, COO of Sun Communities, told residents during a meeting nine days after the storm that the corporation plans to give displaced residents priority when new homes are installed “at cost,” adding in an email to the Free Press that “Sun has been committed to affordable housing for over 40 years and would expect that post redevelopment, rent increases would fall in line with market (rates).” Gillis is realistic about the affordable housing crisis and expects it to be an ongoing headache. Gov. Rick Scott has budgeted $20 million in affordable housing funding that will be directed to the Keys if the Florida Legislature approves it during this year’s session, which is expected. How that money will be divided and ultimately spent is anyone’s guess now, but the familiar issues involving the provision of affordable housing remain.
Read the full article right here at Keys News.
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