Village Weekly Update


March 30, 2026

Message from the Manager

The Islamorada Charter Review Committee is meeting today, March 30th, at the Founders Park Community Center. 


The meeting will start at 5:30 and is open to the public. A copy of the meeting agenda as well as video recordings of past committee meetings can be found on the Village’s website at www.islamorada.fl.us, and clicking on the Agendas and Meetings tab.  

On January 26th, the Village issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ 26-01) seeking proposals from qualified and experienced developers of affordable/workforce housing to construct and operate an affordable housing development with units for rent on the land owned by the Village known as the Machado property.


The proposed project site includes 4 vacant lots of approximately 2.42 acres combined at 88500 Overseas Highway. The units would be deed-restricted in perpetuity for affordable housing.


A publicly announced submittal opening was held at the Village Administrative Center’s 3rd Floor Conference Room last Wednesday. The two proposals which were submitted will be evaluated this week by a staff committee.

The Village issued on March 12th a Request for Proposals (RFP 26-03) for on-demand electric vehicle ridesharing services. The agreement with the current service provider, Freebee, will expire June 30th, 2026. Proposals will be due by April 13th.

News You Can Use

Village Submits a Nomination for a

Florida League of Cities Award

Last week the Village submitted a nomination for a Florida League of Cities Municipal Achievement Award for the Lower Matecumbe Canals Culvert Restoration Project.


Awards are given by the League each year in four categories, and the project was nominated in the ‘Environmental Stewardship’ category.


The award focuses on a city program that improves and protects environmental conditions, promotes environmental sustainability, or provides environmental education and outreach programs.


The canal restoration project has already proven highly successful in restoring water quality and thus contributing to increased abundance of submerged vegetation, fish, and other marine wildlife.


Winners will be announced in May 2026. 

Givin' It Back BBQ

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the recent Givin' It Back BBQ at Founder's Park, hosted the by Islamorada Firefighters Benevolent Association.

PKS Ocean Guardian Club


Islamorada Fire Rescue Station 20 staff assisted PKS with a beautification project at the school Friday by helping to plant multiple plants, ground cover, landscape edging and mulch to help make the new plants feel comfy in their new home.


Also helping were Chris Trentine from CBT Construction, Jason Richards from Rich Roots, a couple of moms, and lots supervision from the faculty and staff.

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Safety Training Day

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative held its annual Safety Training Day on March 26, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to employee and public safety. In addition to essential lineman instruction—such as pole-top rescue, bucket bailout, and other job-specific safety procedures—this year’s program included a collaborative emergency response exercise with Islamorada Fire Department and Monroe County Fire Rescue.


The joint exercise simulated an on-the-job injury, with FKEC lineworkers practicing emergency response protocols, including calling 911, administering CPR, and providing first aid until fire rescue crews arrived on scene with lights and sirens and assumed care.


Following the exercise, firefighters participated in a live electrical safety demonstration led by FKEC, offering a firsthand look at the hazards of working around energized equipment and the importance of maintaining safe distances from power lines.


“Safety is our top priority—for our employees and the members we serve,” said Jason Richards, FKEC’s Director of Safety and Job Training. “Exercises like this strengthen coordination with our local first responders and ensure we are all prepared to respond quickly and effectively when it matters most.”


Participants from both FKEC and the local fire departments expressed the value of the hands-on, scenario-based drill. 


FKEC looks forward to continuing to work with local fire and rescue agencies to enhance preparedness across its Upper and Middle Keys service territory.

State Road 5/US-1 at Jewfish Bridge FDOT Traffic Control Plan

View project webpage here

View the project webpage here

View project webpage here

View project webpage here

View project webpage here

The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 

 

For more information on District Six FDOT projects, please visit our website:

SouthFLRoads.com


You may also contact Community Outreach Specialist, Julie Brown, 

at 305-927-1479 or Julie.Brown@dot.state.fl.us


For real-time traffic and lane closure information, drivers are encouraged to log onto www.FL511.com, or download the FL511 app.

FKAA Project Update: Crews Begin Working near PKS

Beginning Tuesday, 3/31 at 6 p.m., the crew will work just south of PKS for approximately 5 to 7 days to install a valve for the new drinking water pipe.

 

Please note the following:


·      One southbound and one northbound lane will remain open, with northbound traffic shifting to the center lane


·        The 700-foot work zone will end before the school’s bus exit/entrance

 

Minor traffic impacts are anticipated.


Maps of the project, timelines and progress reports are updated regularly and available from the FKAA at: FKAA Plantation Key Transmission Replacement Project



Questions? Email community@fkaa.com. After-hours support is available at (305) 296-2454.


·        Click here to follow the FKAA on Facebook

·        Click here to follow the FKAA on X

·        Click here to sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications from the FKAA

Sign up for Islamorada Emergency Alert Emails

Recreation & Events




Great news! Our NEW Founders Park app is now available in your mobile app store!



Download the app today and make registering and paying for park programs a breeze!




https://get.myfitapp.de/a/34G1?p=6

Upcoming Meetings

Charter Review Committee

March 30 | 5:30 p.m.


Islamorada Youth Council

April 1 | 4:00 p.m.


Evaluation Committee Meeting RFQ 26-01 Affordable/Workforce Housing Development Services

April 2 | 9:00 a.m.


CANCELLED: Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee

April 6 | 5:00 p.m.


CANCELLED: CDBG Citizens Advisory Task Force

April 7 | 4:00 p.m.


Executive Session Regarding Yates Case No. 2024-CA-479-P

April 7 | 4:00 p.m.


CANCELLED: CDBG Citizens Advisory Task Force 1st Public Hearing

April 7 5:30 p.m.


Regular Village Council Meeting

April 7 | 5:30 p.m.


Parks and Recreation Committee

April 8 | 5:00 p.m.


CANCELLED: Land Use Village Council Meeting

April 9 | 5:30 p.m.

Arts and Culture

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


Staff Spotlight

Administrative Assistant Kasandra Benavides

Kasandra Benavides was born in Canada and raised in Miami.


She graduated and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida International University. She is married with two children and runs a small business on the side, keeping her busy both professionally and creatively.


Kasandra began working for the Village of Islamorada in April 2019 as the Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Director.


During that time, she gained valuable knowledge of public works operations and wastewater systems and greatly enjoyed working with AJ and Gunther while building lasting relationships with the Public Works team.

After three years, in April of 2022 she transitioned into her current role as Administrative Assistant to the Police Captain, a position that closely aligns with her educational background.


In her current role, Kasandra helps guide community members to the appropriate departments for assistance and supports the day-to-day needs of the Sheriff’s office.


She ensures rosters, schedules, and fleet lists are kept up to date, completes tasks efficiently, and provides backup support to both the Lieutenant and the Captain. She has had the pleasure of working with multiple Lieutenants and Captains, allowing her to adapt her approach to meet the individual needs and preferences of each, something she considers one of her strongest qualities.


Kasandra also works closely with the Details Coordinator and the Captain to assist with approving permits for temporary use. She serves as a primary organizer for the annual National Night Out event hosted by MCSO each August and enjoys participating in Village event committees whenever possible.


She takes pride in being actively involved and in supporting both residents and officers in meaningful ways.

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