The Big Pine key Civic Association was organized in May 1957, and was incorporated in 1958, by a mere handful of civic minded citizens who were concerned, even then, with the quality of life on Big Pine Key for themselves and their families.  Since then, it has grown to be an organization with considerable impact, but which is still primarily interested in civic service to the community as a whole.

Let’s go back a few years to see how these few “visionaries” came to be.  In 1946 there were only seven permanent residents on Big Pine Key.  In the 1950s a development boom began as a result of a number of events,... the end of World War II, removal of tolls from the overseas highway, phone, electric, and water service brought to Big Pine Key, the establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key in 1957 and plans for 22 new subdivisions. 

In 1960 Hurricane Donna damaged much of the development on Big Pine Key.  Developers returned to launch a population growth rate which was the highest in Monroe County.  While, in ensuing years, life became more pleasant, there were still hardships to be endured.

 The electric service was grossly unreliable, the water pressure was so low, that, in a stilt house, the water at times would come in drops rather than in streams, and mosquitoes were still quite a problem.

 The need for a social life brought the new residents together.  A common topic of discussion centered on “What kind of community do we want?”  Such discussions eventually had a great deal of influence on our island as we see it today.

 In 1980 we formed a planning committee to plan the future development of Big Pine Key.  The committee consisted of a banker, a planner, a teacher, an administrator, an engineer, and others.  We enlisted the help of the county to get started in our planning efforts.  After many meetings involving the entire community, and with guidance of county personnel, over the next two years a plan was formulated.

 Our plan encouraged the county to suggest that each area of the Keys develop a plan for its own future.  The county set up neighborhood meetings.  The input from these meetings started the process of community input in development of the 1986 Comprehensive Land Plan.

 Our association was influential in shaping the look of our island as we see it today.  Had it not been for our efforts,...

·         a big power plant would now be sitting in the middle of a residential area.

·         a 220 unit, four story condominium would now be located on Big Pine Key.

·         a huge concrete batching plant would greet us as we enter our island.

·         commercial activities would have invaded residential subdivisions

·         habitat for endangered species would be greatly reduced.

·         our cost of electricity would be higher than that of users in Key West.

·         etc.

 Who are the members of the Association?  Well, we have had doctors, lawyers, realtors, fishermen, educators, architects, engineers, financiers, entrepreneurs, supervisors, firemen, law enforcement people, and media personnel amongst other occupations as members throughout the years.  All in all we have an impressive group of people who day after day and year after year dedicate and volunteer their time and services to serve our community.

 Monroe County has tapped into our membership to fill various positions in the county government.  They are:

Curt Blair,.....................      County Commissioner

Bob Devitt,...................      Zoning Board member

Grace Mannillo,...........      Planning Commissioner

Jim Miller,.....................      Planning Commissioner

Harold Nugent,............      Planning Commissioner

Vern Pokorski,.............      Port Advisory Committee member

Alicia Putney,..............      Waste Water Task Force Committee member & Planning Commissioner

Marie Shinkevich,........      Code Enforcement Board member

Then, of course, there are the unsung heroes who do so much volunteer work, always saying, “YES” when called on to donate their talents and time for the many events and projects that constantly come up.  Some volunteers such as Don and Noreen Meng have even received national recognition for their efforts in volunteer work.  Thank you; thank you all!

 FORTY-SIX YEARS and still going strong!  Proud, we are, to belong to this great organization.

Last modified: May 02, 2007

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