[AuburnAL]

So I was looking around at some maps yesterday, and I noticed Monroe County, FL. Admittedly it looks like only a handful of park rangers are the only ones legally living on the mainland, but still that trip from the top of the Keys to Key West when you need to go to the court house has to be killer. I've driving as far as Key Largo twice, and that was a long trip down a mostly two lane road. I can't imagine going all the way to Key West. Has anyone ever considered dividing the mainland part between the surrounding counties, and then splitting the Keys into a North Key County and South Key County?

[Spring Hillian]

What purpose would that serve? Splitting the Keys that is.

Back in 1980 I faced the same problem. I thought it was a breeze to drive form Miami Beach to Key West and back. We got to Key Largo, decided that was it, enjoyed Pennekamp State Park and a Holiday Inn.

Originally Posted by AuburnAL

So I was looking around at some maps yesterday, and I noticed Monroe County, FL. Admittedly it looks like only a handful of park rangers are the only ones legally living on the mainland, but still that trip from the top of the Keys to Key West when you need to go to the court house has to be killer. I've driving as far as Key Largo twice, and that was a long trip down a mostly two lane road. I can't imagine going all the way to Key West. Has anyone ever considered dividing the mainland part between the surrounding counties, and then splitting the Keys into a North Key County and South Key County?

[kyle19125]

Actually Monroe County has split services so driving to Key West isn't a necessity. Here's an example:

https://gov.propertyinfo.com/FL-Monr...tionHours.html

[Bert177]

Oh, yeah, Al. That's been proposed. There are similarities up and down the Keys, but also differences between the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys (which includes Key West). We do have courthouses and government offices in all 3 areas. I was a County Commissioner (interim, not elected) and we would rotate Commission meetings between the 3 areas. But living in Monroe County is not all about the courts and govt offices. It is about the waters, the climate, fishing, diving, and a somewhat relaxed lifestyle. We have much less crime and traffic than many other areas. However, it's sometimes tough making a living here, and many locals have 2 or 3 jobs. Housing is expensive, jobs pay not so much. I came back here "temporarily" in 1984 and haven't left, if that tells you anything. When we need a culture or shopping fix, it's an hour and a half to Miami from where I live. We're always glad to get back, after "getting off the rock".

[jdoty]

It's about a 2 hour drive from Key Largo to Kew West, not particularly long or difficult. I wouldn't want to do it every day, but it's hardly terrible. Besides, how often does anyone actually go the courthouse? I only go once every 5 years or so for jury duty here in Brevard County.

And you folks who gave up driving in Key Largo - the stretch between Key Largo and Florida City (Miami) is really dull. You guys stopped right when the drive gets interesting!

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by jdoty

It's about a 2 hour drive from Key Largo to Kew West, not particularly long or difficult. I wouldn't want to do it every day, but it's hardly terrible. Besides, how often does anyone actually go the courthouse? I only go once every 5 years or so for jury duty here in Brevard County.

And you folks who gave up driving in Key Largo - the stretch between Key Largo and Florida City (Miami) is really dull. You guys stopped right when the drive gets interesting!

Agreed. I love the drive to key west. Beautiful

[boxus]

Getting from Kendall to Brickell seems much more of a pain.

[Justjack7]

Many of us in the upper keys hope for federal jury duty in Key West. It's like an all expense paid mini vacation to enjoy Key West. It's worth the drive! Now that I think about, I haven't been called for it in quite some time, what's up with that? Call me maybe?

[jwolfer]

At one time the Keys were split between Monroe and Dade County. I think having the Keys in one county makes sense.

As for the mainland portion of Monroe less than a handful of people actually live there, so it really doesnt matter what county it is part of.

[blueherons]

My parents live in Key West part of the year and they love living in Monroe County!