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Village Weekly Update
August 10, 2026
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The Village Council held two budget workshops last week on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2026.
After reviewing the proposed budget with staff, the Council gave tentative approval to a millage rate of 2.7231 mills, a reduction from the previously approved 2.8 mills.
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The Council will hold public budget hearings on September 10 and September 17 to review and give final approval of the proposed budget.
Both hearings will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center.
The proposed budget information from last week's workshops can be found on the Village’s meeting portal.
Staff is working on revising the proposed budget based on the tentative 2.7231 millage rate and will share it on the website when available.
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The Village Council regular meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday August 18 has been canceled due to the Founders Park Community Center being used as a precinct location for the primary election held that day.
The regular Council meeting will be held on Thursday August 20.
The workshop agendas and initial proposed budget information can be found on the Village’s website in the meeting portal.
| | Freebee $2 Rider Fare Started Monday, July 20 | | | |
At the July 9 meeting, Village Council directed staff to implement a $2 Freebee rider fare which started on July 20.
Freebee has shared their Communication Plan showing how they will let riders know about the new fare.
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Islamorada Rider Fare Communication Plan
To ensure a smooth transition to the new rider fare, Freebee will implement a comprehensive, multi-channel communication strategy designed to notify existing riders well in advance of implementation while educating new users on the updated fare structure.
1. In-App Pop-Up Notification
All users opening the Freebee app within the Islamorada service area will receive a full-screen pop-up notification announcing the new fare.
The notification will include:
- Effective date of the new fare
- Fare amount
- Accepted payment methods
This ensures every active rider receives the information before booking a trip.
2. Push Notifications
Freebee will send multiple push notifications to all registered Islamorada riders who have enabled notifications.
3. Email Campaign
Freebee will distribute an email campaign to all registered Islamorada users within our rider database.
The email will include:
- Effective date
- How to pay
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Customer Support contact information
4. Driver & Community Ambassador Outreach
Our Village Ambassadors interact with hundreds of riders each week and will play an important role in communicating the change.
Drivers will:
- Notify riders of the new fare during trips
- Answer basic rider questions
5. Customer Support
Freebee's customer support team will be fully briefed on the new fare structure and prepared to assist riders with:
- Payment setup
- Prepaid payment options
- General fare questions
- Technical assistance
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As we head into the peak months of hurricane season, we urge you to remain alert and be ready for storms to develop with little notice.
Visit the Hurricane Preparedness page of the Village website for resources and emergency information to help you before, during, and after a storm.
Make your disaster plan before you need it - our page offers not only resources but many practical tips on how to get ready for evacuation and re-entry to the Keys after a storm.
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| Important Notice of Polling Location Changes | | |
Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies has notified the Village that the Precinct 24 polling location, which was housed at the Islamorada Library, has moved to the Founders Park Community Center at 87000 Overseas Highway.
Early Voting begins August 3 and will now take place at the Plantation Key Community Center (Old Courthouse) at 88820 Overseas Highway.
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| Political Signage Permitting Now Done in CityView | | |
Political signage applications are now handled exclusively through CityView.
Step-by-step instructions are available on our website.
You will need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
CityView Customer Support is available at 305-664-6429.
Susan can help walk you through the process if you need assistance.
| | Primary Election Political Signs Permitted as of July 3 | | |
Political signs may be erected no earlier than 30 days before the start of early voting. Early voting for the August 18 Primary Election begins August 3, therefore permitted political signs can be displayed as of July 3.
Islamorada Council candidate signs are not yet allowed because those offices are not on the August 18 ballot.
Signs must comply with Code and FDOT's regulations. Election sign ordinance:
- All election signs shall be erected no earlier than 30 days prior to an election and shall be removed within seven days following the election to which the sign pertains. Note: We've received clarification that political signs may be erected no earlier than 30 days before the start of early voting, rather than election day.
- Election signs shall not exceed six square feet per face and four feet in height and are limited to one sign per candidate or issue, per each road frontage of the individual property.
- Election signs shall not be located within five feet of any side property yard.
- The candidate or campaign shall receive approval of the property owner prior to erecting any sign on private property.
- As a reminder, advertising vehicles are prohibited. This includes trucks with election signage in the bed of the vehicle.
| | Lobster Season 2026 Is Open | | |
Every year, thousands of locals and visitors dive into spiny lobster season, a favorite Florida Keys tradition.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages everyone, from first-timers to seasoned boaters, to enjoy the season safely and responsibly.
Catch lobsters with care, protect the fragile marine ecosystem, and always follow safe boating and diving practices to keep this unique Keys experience thriving for years to come.
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ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15, 2026
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State Road (SR) 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway from MM 108.426 to MM 112.593 Landscaping
Contractor to continue roadside work.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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No lane closures or detours are scheduled
View the project webpage here
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State Road (SR) 5/Overseas Highway Channel 5 Bridge (near MM 71)
Work continues under the Channel 5 Bridge. Nighttime lane closures are scheduled.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled to begin Sunday, August 9, through Thursday, August 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
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- Flaggers will periodically stop traffic in one direction to allow vehicles from the opposite direction to pass safely.
- Motorists should be prepared to stop and proceed only when directed by the construction team.
View the project webpage here
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State Road (SR) 5/Overseas Highway Long Key Bridge (near MM 64)
Work continues under the Long Key Bridge. Nighttime lane closures are scheduled.
Lane Closure/Detours:
• Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled to begin Sunday, August 9, through Thursday, August 15,
from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
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- Temporary traffic signals will be used to control alternating one-way traffic through the work zone.
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Motorists should be prepared to stop and proceed only when directed by the traffic signal.
View the project webpage here
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State Road (SR) 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway Seven Mile Bridge over Moser Channel Rehabilitation (MM 40 - MM 47)
Installation of pavement marking is ongoing. Work continues under the bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, August 10, through Thursday, August 13, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Flaggers will periodically stop traffic in one direction to allow vehicles from the opposite direction to pass safely.
View the project webpage here
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State Road (SR) 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway on Bahia Honda Bridge (near MM 36)
Work continues under the Bahia Honda Bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
- No lane closures or detours are scheduled.
View the project webpage here
| | | For real-time traffic and lane closure information, drivers are encouraged to log onto www.FL511.com, or download the FL511 app. |
| Plantation Key Transmission Main Replacement Project Traffic and Access Update | | Sign up for Islamorada Emergency Alert Emails | | | | |
National Night Out provided the opportunity for the Islamorada community to come together with our first responders, connect with neighbors, build trust, and celebrate the partnerships that help keep our Village safe.
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Temporary Changes to Pool Hours | |
Due to ongoing lifeguard staffing shortages, temporary adjustments to pool operating hours will take effect beginning August 10. The revised schedule is as follows:
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Please note that the Pool will be closed Monday, August 17 through Wednesday, August 19 for the completion of final elements of the pool improvement project, including installation of the new scoreboard, lane lines, and facility deck painting.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work diligently to recruit and train additional lifeguards.
For information about lifeguard employment opportunities or upcoming lifeguard certification courses, please contact Anna Capps, Aquatic Center Supervisor, at anna.capps@islamorada.fl.us.
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CANCELED - Local Planning Agency Meeting
August 10 | 5:30 p.m.
Bid Opening - RFP 26-09 Professional Surface Repairs & Exterior Painting of Fire Station 20
August 14 | 3:00 p.m.
CANCELLED - Code Compliance Hearing
August 18 | 10:00 a.m.
Primary Election (Founders Park Community Center)
August 18 | 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Regular and Land Use Village Council Meeting
August 20 | 5:30 p.m.
| | Visit the Islamorada Cultural Arts Calendar | | |
Looking for something to do? Check out the Village’s new Arts and Culture Calendar to find out about all of the concerts, theater, art exhibitions, classes, and lectures in Islamorada!
Events are subject to change; always confirm with the event location or host. Want to see your event on the Cultural Arts Calendar? Complete this form
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