Village Weekly Update


August 17, 2026

Message from the Manager


The Regular Village Council meeting will be held on Thursday August 20th beginning at 5:30pm at the Founders Park Community Center. The regular meeting usually held on Tuesday was canceled due to the Community Center being used as a voting precinct for tomorrow’s primary election.


At Thursday’s meeting, there will be 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 up for approval include authorization of a use and occupancy agreement with the Florida DOT for the Red Caboose property on Upper Matecumbe Key, approval of 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 will also be three quasi-judicial land use hearings for properties on Upper Matecumbe Key and Plantation Key.


The agenda and accompanying information for Thursday's meeting can be found on the meeting portal.

News You Can Use

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.

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


Hurricane Preparedness

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.

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.

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.


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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.


ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

 

Sunday, August 16, through Saturday, August 22, 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


View the project webpage here





State Road (SR) 5/Overseas Highway Channel 5 Bridge (near MM 71)

Work continues under the Channel 5 Bridge.


  • 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, August 16, through Thursday, August 20,

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 bridge.


Lane Closure/Detours:

  • Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, August 17, through Thursday, August 20, 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.

Plantation Key Transmission Main Replacement Project Traffic and Access Update

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

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.


Upcoming Meetings

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.


Founders Park Boat Ramp Conceptual Design Stakeholder Meeting #2

August 26 | 3:00 p.m.


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.


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


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