Who We Are
Safer, Cleaner Ships is a grassroots movement of everyday citizens. Our organizing committee is led by Evan Haskell (President), Capt. Will Benson (Vice President), Arlo Haskell (Treasurer), David Dunn (Secretary), and Jolly Benson (member at large). The Haskells and the Bensons are brothers who were born and raised in the lower Keys and are raising their families here today.
We answer to a committee of 2,500 citizen petitioners who care deeply about the future health, economic well-being, and environmental stewardship of Key West. These citizens led the petition drive that gave everyone in Key West a voice on cruise ships.
Our supporters include leaders in the business community and many prominent individuals. To add your name or your business’ name to our growing list of supporters, please contact us.
Testimonials
“Large cruise ships degrade Key West in at least three ways: 1. By making it uncomfortably crowded. 2. By attracting merchants that have the same shops in every port, taking away from the uniqueness of Key West. 3. By stirring up the water and making it muddy. Before big cruise ships the water here was crystal clear. Now since Covid-19 has stopped all cruise ships temporarily, the water is much clearer.”
—Shirley Freeman, former Mayor of Monroe County
"We support the measures to limit large cruise ships because the facts presented thus far demonstrate that the environmental and public health risks associated with large cruise ships in our port are far greater than the economic benefits derived from them by our community in general. We cannot continue to support activities that are destroying our reefs and introducing health risks to our people."
—Maria and Rob Sharpe
“Passing the referenda is the first step toward moving into a future with a sustainable tourism model that protects the environment, encourages long stay visitors and creates an economy based on locally owned businesses paying employees a living wage. Building a livable and secure home for residents and a vibrant destination for visitors.”
—John Martini, Terminal Art Works
“Safer Cleaner Ships worked diligently and studiously to come up with a compromise. I share their sentiment and believe we can welcome smaller, safer, and environmentally friendly ships. Quality of life has to be the number one priority for all of our residents.”
—Tony Yaniz, former Commissioner of the City of Key West, District IV
“As owner/operator of multiple Key West businesses, we feel the health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. Limiting mass cruise ship tourism will reduce the risks our island is impacted with and allow more conscious travelers a safe and positive experience.”
—Tommy Quartararo and Kristen Onderdonk; restaurant owners: Antonia's, Thirsty Mermaid, and Little Pearl:
“I endorse the efforts of Safer Cleaner Ships. The referenda will help build a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and better community for people to plant roots and make Key West home.”
— Mark Gambuzza, business owner: Uva Wine Shoppe
"The health of our lodging industry depends on public health and a healthy marine ecosystem. I support the referenda for Safer, Cleaner, Smaller ships and think it will help us build a stronger economy."
—Kate Miano, business owner: The Gardens Hotel; former Queen of Fantasy Fest
“We strongly believe in protecting our environment and the beautiful waters and wild life that surround our island.”
—Lynn Kaufelt and Jackson Kaufelt, Realtors: Team Kaufelt
“We must act now to do everything we can to put the environment first and hold big business accountable for their impact. It’s pretty simple: If we do nothing now there will be nothing left for future generations.”
—Rob Oliverio, business owner: Mellow Ventures and Mellow Cafe.
“I kayak regularly and while I am out there I pick up floating debris. Since the ships have stopped, the amount of debris is down at least 90%.”
—Hugh Johnson, Indoor Air Quality Assessor, Inspect Key West Inc.
Endorsements
Group of 14 Endorsement
Retired senior officers from the Key West Police Department, Key West Fire Department, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard have joined together with former public servants including a County Mayor, City Commissioners, Schools Superintendent, School Board member, and Postal Workers Union President to endorse a "yes" vote on all three referenda.
Mehgan Heaney-Grier
The champion freediver, marine educator, conservationist, and Florida Keys native explains why she supports Safer, Cleaner Ships.
Surfrider Foundation, Florida Keys Chapter
Surfrider seeks to foster a sense of stewardship for the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Florida Keys. They endorse the referenda.
Endorsement from Lower Keys Guides Association
Endorsement from Last Stand
“Key West Travel Guide supports all three of the referenda. Why? It is abundantly clear that the reef, nearshore waters, and our beloved island have been overstressed by way too many and too-large cruise ships. We call this scorched-reef tourism, and it needs to stop if we want the reef to have a chance of survival. Additionally, an over-crowded downtown spoils the experience for every visitor, especially our valuable hotel occupants, and attracts businesses catering to mass tourism (think scam cosmetic shops and pushy t-shirt shops), pricing out the very businesses we would all like to see along Duval Street. We applaud the efforts of Safer Cleaner Ships.”
