Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Key West has broken ground on the new John Jones Navigation Center on Stock Island.
Keystar Construction is building the new 150-bed homeless shelter named for the late Assistant Manager John Jones who, in the early 2000s, responded to a growing issue of homeless individuals camping on private and public property. Working with local agencies, he created the Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter, KOTS.
The new facility will include updated infrastructure including staff offices, a food preparation area, fire-safety sprinkler system, lighting, site security fencing, climate control, improved plumbing, energy-efficient operations, and accessibility.
The new building footprint will cover approximately 10,422 sq. ft..