Officials Consider Charter School For Virginia Key

By Samantha Joseph
Educators and public officials are considering opening a charter school on Virginia Key, a 1,000-acre islet 2 miles east of downtown Miami.

A booming residential sector in downtown Miami and Coral Gables is driving a need for schools to serve children of families who move into new homes near Biscayne Bay.

Officials said Tuesday it was too soon to discuss details.

"It’s all been conceptual talk at this point," said Frank Balzebre, chief of staff to Johnny Winton, the Miami-Dade County commissioner who represents Virginia Key.

Environmentalists say they will watch any development on the key that is home to a wildlife conservation area and features a tropical hardwood hammock and several ponds.

The island has gained the attention of city officials, who plan to redevelop about 70 acres and have moved to map out the area’s future.

A charter school "is one of the commissioner’s major initiatives," said Mr. Balzebre. "He is driving staff to get it done, or at least to research and see what can be done."