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The Monroe County Commission this morning approved a proposal that could affect the long-term future of commercial fishing and working waterfronts in the Florida Keys.

The commission decided to move forward with a $7.5 million state-grant proposal that could help commercial fishermen buy much-needed dock space and trap storage areas on Stock Island.

The grant would be used to buy the old Gulf Seafood Co. on Stock Island.

In other business, the commission agreed to start the process of setting up a new property tax to fund the sheriff's Trauma Star helicopter, and to appeal Judge David Audlin's decision to overturn a code enforcement action against Big Pine Key homeowner Sandra Carter.

The county had found Carter in violation of a county law that prohibits living space below flood elevation in homes built in flood zones.