Village Weekly Update


June 29, 2026

Message from the Manager

The Village held a public workshop last Wednesday, June 24 to receive input on a proposed new on demand ride share contract with the current provider, Freebee.

The current contract with Freebee expires on June 30.

               

Mayor Don Horton, Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, and Council members Deb Gillis and Anna Richards attended the workshop.

Also attending were members of a citizens' Transit Task Force that I appointed: Jamie Engel, Jonathon Lindback, Sue Miller, Kelly Reid, Rob Stober, and Joe Wischmeier.

Many good ideas and suggestions were discussed.

The workshop video can be viewed from our Agendas & Meetings Portal.

News You Can Use

We currently have vacancies in several committees. Apply by August 10!

Historic Preservation Commission

Parks and Recreation Committee

Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee

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.

Before diving into July's Hurricane Quiz, let's review last month’s Hurricane Quiz answers.

• Evacuation orders are about life safety. Do not assume your home is safe to stay in simply because it is new or built to current building code. Evacuation orders are issued based on expected storm conditions and risks to human life. If local officials order an evacuation, leave as soon as possible.

• Stay informed, not alarmed. Monitor trusted weather sources, review your hurricane plan, and ensure emergency supplies are stocked before a storm threatens.

• Use generators safely. Portable generators must always be operated outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and enclosed areas. Do not operate a generator in a flooded area or in any enclosed space.

• Know where to shelter. If sheltering at home, move to an interior room away from windows. Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.

• X flood zones can still flood! Heavy rainfall, king tides, storm surge, and drainage issues can cause flooding even in areas designated as X flood zones.

• VE flood zones face the greatest flood risk. These areas are subject to coastal flooding with breaking waves of 3 feet or more during major storm events.



• Never drive, swim or walk through floodwater. Floodwater may conceal debris, contamination, wildlife, damaged roads, or electrical hazards. Even shallow moving water can be dangerous.

Test Your Hurricane Knowledge

Take Mid-Summer July Hurricane Readiness Quiz: Do you know all the hurricane terms?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/953FGSP

We'll review July's quiz answers in next month's newsletter!

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.

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.

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.

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.

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

Sunday, June 28, through Saturday, July 4, 2026

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:

• No lane closures or detours are scheduled; however, the roadway shoulder will be closed during regular working hours

View the project webpage here

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

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 28, through Thursday, July 2, 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

State Road (SR) 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway Seven Mile Bridge over Moser Channel Rehabilitation (MM 40 - MM 47)

Work continues under the Seven Mile Bridge.

Lane Closure/Detours:

• Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, June 28, through Thursday, July 2, 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

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.

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

Recreation & Events

Watch the live stream of our Synchro Sirens Artistic Swim Club at the Junior Olympics!

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.

Check out the team's Instagram page at flkeyssynchrosirens for the most up-to-date information.

The new Inclusive Playground at Founders Park is officially open! Families are invited to enjoy the exciting new playground, its new location, and the expanded beachfront amenities, including shaded tiki umbrellas and a new beach volleyball court.

The playground reopening celebration was a wonderful success, and we were thrilled to share this special milestone with our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Village of Islamorada, Playmore Recreational Products and Services, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, and our community for their support and partnership in making this project a reality.

We look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoy this enhanced recreational space for years to come.

Village Offices Closed for Independence Day Holiday

July 3 | Regular Business Hours resume Monday, July 6

Bid Opening RFP 26-06 Canal 145 Organic Removal & Backfill Restoration Project

July 7 | 3:00 p.m.

Regular Village Council Meeting

July 7 | 5:30 p.m.

Bid Opening RFP 26-07 Council Chamber Audio/Visual Refresh

July 8 | 3:00 p.m.

Land Use Village Council Meeting

July 9 | 5:30 p.m.

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.

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

Please let us know your feedback on the newsletter. Ideas for new features will be discussed and may be incorporated into future editions.

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