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Village Weekly Update
August 24, 2026
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The Village Council met on Thursday, August 20, 2026. There was a report on an ongoing wastewater rate study, a discussion on a coastal resilience pilot project at Sea Oats Beach, and an update on the FKAA water main transmission project.
| | Resolutions which were approved included authorization of a use and occupancy agreement with the Florida DOT for the Red Caboose property on Upper Matecumbe Key, a distribution agreement for Florida Keys Stewardship funds from the state among local governments, and approval of proposed wastewater and stormwater non-ad valorem assessments. There were also three quasi-judicial land use hearings for properties on Upper Matecumbe Key and Plantation Key. | | A video of Thursday's meeting can be found on the Village's website by going to meeting portal. | | Gold Certificate of Excellence | | |
Mayor Don Horton recently received the Gold Certificate of Excellence from the Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials hosted by the Florida League of Cities (FLC).
The certificate achievement program rewards municipal officials for their commitment and dedication to training and continuing education. The program offers three certificate levels:
• Level One: Bronze Certificate of Merit
• Level Two: Silver Certificate of Leadership
• Level Three: Gold Certificate of Excellence
Mayor Don Horton completed the certificate program in its inaugural year, which ran for one year from August 2025 to July 2026. Officials earned points for participating in training events offered by FLC, including monthly webinars, online orientation, the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO I and II), the State-Mandated Continuing Education in Ethics, and the League’s Annual Conference and legislative events.
| | 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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| General Election Signs Permitted September 19 | | 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.
| | Free Online Mental Wellness Resources | | |
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) is proud to announce the launch of KeysHealthyMind.org, a free online mental wellness resource available 24/7 to Florida Keys residents.
Whether it’s 2 a.m. and you can’t sleep, you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you simply want to improve your well-being, KeysHealthyMind.org offers support whenever you need it, from any device. Insurance and sign-up are not required.
The website is 100% confidential and available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
The site offers:
- Free self-assessments for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, burnout, resilience, and more.
- Personalized resources based on assessment results.
- Helpful articles, videos, podcasts, and tools from trusted sources.
- Tips for everyday challenges like stress, grief, parenting, relationships, and substance use.
- A local resource directory connecting residents to Monroe County services, including behavioral health providers, crisis support, and community organizations.
Popular assessments include:
- Mental Health Profile
- Anxiety and Depression Screenings
- Sleep Quality Assessment
- Job Stress or Burnout Assessment
- Caregiver Burden Assessment
- Resilience Assessment
- Mindfulness Check-In
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ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Sunday, August 23, through Saturday, August 29, 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.
Lane Closure/Detours:
- No lane closures or detours are scheduled.
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State Road (SR) 5/Overseas Highway Long Key Bridge (near MM 64)
Work continues under the Long Key Bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
• No lane closures or detours.
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State Road (SR) 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway Seven Mile Bridge over Moser Channel Rehabilitation (MM 40 - MM 47)
Work continues under the bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, August 24, through Thursday, August 27, 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 | | |
Our new drinking water pipeline is now fully connected and flowing. All 34,362 feet of new drinking water pipe from Snake Creek Bridge (MM 85.9) to Julep Road (MM 92.4).
Curbing restoration is in progress. Paving is expected to start Tuesday, August 25, 2026, and expected completion by end of September 2026. Work will be paused for inclement weather and Labor Day – September 3 - 7, 2026.
| | Sign up for Islamorada Emergency Alert Emails | | Special Olympics SUP Event | | |
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
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: Founders Park Boat Ramp Conceptual Design Stakeholder Meeting #2
August 26 | 3:00 p.m.
Canceled: Ron Levy Aquatic Center History and Records Wall Task Force
August 26 | 6:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
August 27 | 5:00 p.m.
Workforce/Affordable Housing Citizens Advisory Meeting
August 31 | 5:30 p.m.
Village Offices Closed-Labor Day
September 7 | All Day
Regular Village Council Meeting
September 8 | 5:30 p.m.
Budget Hearing #1
September 10 | 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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