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Workforce Training Center on Big Pine Key

Workforce Training Center on Big Pine Key

The College of the Florida Keys is pursuing the expansion of educational and training opportunities in the Lower Keys with the creation of a workforce training center in Big Pine Key. Plans are still in development and are dependent on the results of the Endangered Species Act Section 7 compliant Biological Assessment and funding sources. This webpage is designed to provide information and key points about the site.

CFK’s Commitment 

CFK is committed to developing a workforce training center on Big Pine Key in a manner which:

  • supports the needs of the local workforce by training residents for in-demand careers in the Keys
  • contributes to the Keys’ long-term success
  • prioritizes safety
  • respects the environment and neighborhood
  • aligns with the College’s mission
  • is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations

The Site

  • The 10-acre property is located at 450 Key Deer Blvd on Big Pine Key, the site of the former Big Pine Key Road Prison.
  • The site is not located within the boundary of any refuge, including the National Key Deer Refuge.
  • The site is zoned as Suburban Commercial (to view, click on link, type property address, 450 Key Deer Blvd, select a result, then select "Land Use Districts" or "Future Land Use" from the GIS Map Layer drop down on the right).
  • CFK will preserve the West Indian mahogany tree, known as the “Sentinel of the Keys” and designated as a “Florida Challenger” by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Security & Safety

  • Since the prison closed in 2017, the buildings and structures have deteriorated significantly, creating safety hazards that include partially collapsed buildings, sunken roofs, broken glass, exposed rebar, dangling wires, collapsed metal fencing, and barbed wire concealed by vegetation. 
  • The College is responsible for securing the site to prevent humans from encountering the dangers on the property.
  • CFK repaired a portion of the perimeter fence to secure the property.
  • The gate and lock were vandalized twice, and the back fence and side fence were damaged in July. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) are investigating the cases.
  • The College has repaired the gate and fences, replaced the lock, installed security cameras, and reinforced the fence line with rock.

Timeline for Development

  • The state-owned property was listed as surplus land in 2020. CFK entered a long-term lease with the state in 2021 to develop the property to expand educational and workforce opportunities.
  • Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Grant:
    • In 2023, the College was awarded a $2 million community project funding federal grant from HUD.
    • Funds may be used for site clean-up and construction of facilities and infrastructure to support workforce training.
    • Prior to accessing the funds, a Responsible Entity must complete an environmental review.
    • The College continues to work with the appropriate entities to complete the required subsequent steps of HUD’s process. The next step in the process is an Endangered Species Act Section 7 compliant Biological Assessment.
  • Currently, there is no timeline for the development of the workforce training center on Big Pine Key as development is contingent on the results of the Endangered Species Act Section 7 compliant Biological Assessment and funding.
  • On July 28, the CFK Board of Trustees unanimously approved a motion to, “appoint Robert Broton to work with Dr. Brittany Snyder and whoever else she deems appropriate to do a deep dive on how best to proceed with that property and report back to the Board.”
  • On July 30, Interim President, Dr. Brittany Snyder, contacted the President of Save Our Key Deer asking for suggestions regarding the future of the College’s Big Pine Key property. 
  • The College of the Florida Keys Board of Trustees agenda for September 29, 2026 included Big Pine Key Property – Site Use Proposal for discussion.

Community Engagement

  • Community Feedback Form – Big Pine Key: The purpose of this form is to gather community suggestions to help inform the College’s planning. The form will remain open until 11:59pm on August 19, 2026. 
  • CFK remains active in communication and collaboration with Monroe County, FWC, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be responsible, respectful, and adhere to laws and regulations.
  • After the Endangered Species Act Section 7 compliant Biological Assessment results are available, the College intends to host a community workshop. Stay tuned for additional information!
  • In the meantime, questions may be sent to president@cfk.edu.

Key Deer on the Property

  • On July 8, CFK employees were onsite to install a new back gate. Shortly after installation, one deer exited the property.
  • On July 10, USFWS-led teams, supported by trained volunteers assembled by the partnering agencies, traversed the College’s property to guide the deer through a newly installed back gate into surrounding habitat. Click here for additional information. 
  • July 20, The CFK Board of Trustees unanimously passed a motion to, “appoint the Board Chair as the facilitator to try to find some common ground with Valerie and Dr. Snyder to work out something that’s mutually satisfactory.”
  • On July 23, one deer exited the property while CFK employees were on site installing two cameras to monitor the two fresh water sources on site as requested by Save Our Key Deer. 
  • On July 24, in response to the Board of Trustees' motion, CFK employees coordinated with a local Key deer advocacy organization to facilitate a safe exit of the Key deer from the property. The organization was also provided the gate access code to continue those efforts through 8:00 a.m. on July 27.
  • On August 4, USFWS led an effort to safely remove Key deer from the property. The deer—believed to be the last remaining on the property—were relocated to a nearby open habitat without incident. The deer were evaluated by a veterinarian and determined to be in excellent health. The College and USFWS will continue to monitor the property to ensure that no other deer remain. Click here for additional information. 

Latest Developments

The College of the Florida Keys Board of Trustees agenda for September 29, 2026 included Big Pine Key Property – Site Use Proposal for discussion.