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Village Weekly Update
June 22, 2026
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The Village is holding a workshop this Wednesday, June 24 at 5:30 pm at the Founders Park Community Center to receive public input on a new on-demand ride share contract with the current provider, Freebee.
The contract with Freebee expires at the end of this month.
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The Village in March issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified providers for ride share services. Responses were received from Beefree LLC d/b/a Freebee and Circuit Transit Inc. which were evaluated and ranked by a staff committee.
A public workshop was held on May 28 to ask questions of the providers, review the proposals, and receive public input.
The Village Council at its June 11 meeting approved the staff recommendation and authorized the Village Manager to execute a new agreement with Freebee.
Several residents expressed an interest in offering input on the new contract, leading to this week's workshop.
The public notice and Zoom link for viewing the meeting can be found the in the Agendas & Meetings Portal.
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Draft Comprehensive Plan Public Comment
Period To Remain Open
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After feedback received from the community the Village has decided to extend the public comment period for the Draft Comprehensive Plan.
Missed the workshop we held on April 29th? You can watch the full presentation on the Village’s YouTube page: https://youtu.be/H59JRkdRpSw
We want to hear from you. The public comment period is now open through July 13, 2026. Please submit your written comments to Planning Director Jennifer DeBoisbriand at Jennifer.deboisbriand@islamorada.fl.us by Monday, July 13, 2026.
After the comment period closes and all feedback is reviewed, the next public meeting date will be announced.
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Hurricane Season Is Here!
Are You Hurricane Savvy?
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Did you take Islamorada's May Hurricane Quiz? Here's a quick review of what we covered. Be sure to check out the new quiz link below for Islamorada's June Hurricane Quiz!
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. While storms can develop at any point during the season, September is historically the busiest month for tropical activity and hurricane landfalls. During this time, it is important to stay informed and monitor tropical systems as they develop. Use trusted sources such as NOAA for forecasts and sign up for Alert!Monroe to receive local emergency notifications, evacuation notices, and storm updates.
Understanding the fundamentals of hurricane hazards can help you make informed decisions before and during a storm.
Not all tropical systems are the same. A tropical storm produces strong winds and heavy rain, while a hurricane has stronger sustained winds and the potential for more significant impacts. Hurricane categories are based solely on sustained wind speed, NOT rainfall, storm size, or storm surge. A hurricane is considered "major" when it reaches Category 3 or higher. However, even lower category storms can produce dangerous conditions depending on local impacts.
Storm surge is one of the greatest threats to life and property during a hurricane, especially in coastal communities. Storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by a storm's winds pushing water toward the shore, which can result in significant coastal flooding. Other hurricane hazards include heavy rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, strong winds, and flying debris.
Test Your Hurricane Knowledge
Take June's Hurricane Preparedness Quiz and see how well you weather hurricane season: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TWRYVCM
We'll review June’s quiz answers in next month's newsletter!
| | Keys Weekly's Islamorada 2026 Hurricane Guide | | Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry | | |
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) urges residents who have a disability or special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, to register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry prior to the peak of hurricane season (mid-August through mid-October).
Registration does not guarantee acceptance in the special needs shelter.
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In an emergency, such as an evacuation for a hurricane, you may need to go to a special needs shelter. If you know or care for an individual with a disability or a special need, it is important that you register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry as soon as possible. You will need to log in with an existing account or create a new account.
Registering allows local emergency management officials to provide important information and quickly assist you during an emergency. For more information, contact Monroe County’s emergency management office.
If you are eligible for a special needs shelter, your kit should include:
• List of medications and dosage
• A 30-day supply of medications
• Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent
• Backup energy sources for essential medical equipment
• Any special dietary needs or food
• Personal information including photo ID, insurance card, list of emergency contacts, and your primary care provider’s contact information
After completing the Florida Special Needs Registry, additional information will be provided to you by your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation and sheltering options available.
For more information on your local shelter status, please visit FloridaDisaster.org.
| | Council Candidate Orientation - Saturday, June 27 | | |
Are you considering a run for Village Council this year? The Village Clerk is holding a Candidate Orientation Session on Saturday, June 27 from 10 am - noon at the Founders Park Community Center.
Topics covered include:
- Getting started
- Statutory deadlines
- Options for Qualifying
- Petition requirements
- Campaign finance reporting
- Political signage
- Resources
All are welcome to attend, whether you've already filed to run, are thinking about it, or just curious about the process.
Contact the Village Clerk for more information.
| | | Political Signage Updates | | |
Political signage applications have gone paperless - candidates now apply in CityView. Check out our political signage permitting page for step-by-step instructions.
In other political signage news, we've received clarification that 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 starting July 3.
As a reminder, signs must comply with Code and FDOT's regulations. Signs not in compliance with Village Code will be removed and may be picked up near the staircase at the rear of Village Hall.
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.
| | Introducing the Easy Campaign Finance portal | | |
Check out our new Campaign Finance Reporting portal.
We have implemented Easy Campaign Finance software to make it easier for candidates to file their campaign reports and easier for the public to access them.
With the reporting wizard candidates fill out their reports directly in the software. Once submitted, a filing goes to the Clerk's Office for review and approval. Filings should be visible in the portal by that day's close of business. Past filings have been uploaded and are already available in the software.
Just click on the arrow next to a candidate's name to expand their filings and view their campaign finance reports.
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ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Sunday, June 21, through Saturday, June 27, 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; however, the roadway shoulder will be closed during regular working hours
View the project webpage here
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State Road (SR) 5/Overseas Highway from MM 75.02 to MM 81.44 Landscaping
Roadside planting work is complete.
Lane Closure/Detours:
- 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)
Bridge jacking operations under the Channel 5 Bridge are paused.
Lane Closure/Detours:
- No lane closures or detours are scheduled.
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, June 21, through Thursday, June 25, from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
• Temporary traffic signals will be used to control alternating one-way traffic through the work zone.
• 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)
Pedestrian pathway development under the Seven Mile Bridge and pavement marking installations continue. Concrete repairs begin Monday, June 22. Nighttime lane closures are scheduled.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, June 22, through Thursday, June 25, 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 | | |
Pool Reopening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting | Over 100 attendees enjoyed an evening at the newly renovated pool and had the opportunity to view a demonstration by the Synchro Sirens artistic swimming Junior Olympic Squad! Mayor Horton did a wonderful job as Master of Ceremonies. |
Join Us for the Founders Park Inclusive Playground and Beach Improvements Ribbon Cutting | |
Summer Swim Lessons
Space Available, Register Today!
| | Synchro Sirens to Compete in US Junior Olympics | | |
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This marks the third year that the Synchro Sirens have been eligible to compete at the national level - and for the third consecutive year, they have qualified!
This year, three routines will represent the Synchro Sirens at the US Junior Olympics in Ypsilanti, MI.
On July 1, CSHS senior Riley Cone will compete in the 15-17 Technical Solo event. On July 3, Isabella Cedergren and Emma Dangel will compete in the 15-17 Technical Duet event. Later that day, the Synchro Sirens will perform their country line dance-themed routine in the 15-17 Technical Team competition.
The team’s imaginative choreography brings the spirit of line dancing to the water, featuring synchronized movements that create the illusion of dancers performing both above the surface and when upside down.
The competition will take place from June 27 through July 4 and will be livestreamed. A viewing link will be shared soon.
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RFP 26-05 NPK Booster Pump Station Upgrade Project Evaluation Committee - First Meeting
June 22 | 3:00 p.m.
June 24 | 1:00 p.m.
Rideshare Contract Public Workshop
June 24 | 5:30 p.m.
Village Council Candidate Orientation
June 27 | 10:00 a.m.
Village Offices Closed for Independence Day Holiday
July 3 | Regular Business Hours resume Monday, July 6
| | Submit Your Local Nature Photos for
Islamorada’s Environmental Resource Center | | |
The Village of Islamorada is looking for digital images of our natural environment to feature in the new Islamorada Environmental Resource Center.
We are looking for photographs taken in Islamorada of our local flora, fauna, and landscapes. If you would like to have your work featured, send up to three high resolution photos to us through this form.
Make sure to include a short description, such as where the photo was taken.
If selected for use, images may be used by the Village in print or digital format and may be cropped to fit displays. The artist’s name will be attributed to the image.
| | 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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