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Village Weekly Update
July 6, 2026
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The Village Council will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7th, for its monthly regular meeting beginning at 5:30pm at the Founders Park Community Center.
The Village Council will get updates on a stormwater master plan and on what is happening with the FKAA waterline project.
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There will be a discussion about the preparation and consideration of the Village’s budget for the next fiscal year that starts on October 1, with consideration of a resolution determining the proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2026-2027 and the dates and times for budget hearings.
The Council will take up a resolution approving an amendment to the Village’s agreement with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for police services for the next fiscal year.
A resolution will also be considered for approval of a staff committee’s rankings for a contractor to perform the work on the NPK wastewater booster pump station upgrade.
The Council will take up the latest version of a proposed baseball field license agreement with the Monroe County School Board for the Founders Park ball field. The Council several months ago unanimously passed a proposed license agreement. But because the School Board approved changes to it, the School Board’s version must now be acted upon.
Four proposals approved by the Charter Review Committee regarding changes in the terms and salaries of Village Council members, the method of filling Council vacancies, and requirements for supermajority votes, will be considered by the Council. If approved, the Charter amendment recommendations will be placed on the November 3rd general election ballot for approval by Islamorada voters.
On Thursday, the Village Council will hold its monthly Land Use meeting, which will also begin at 5:30 pm at the Founders Park Community Center. A request for a long dock variance for 18 Avacado Street is the only item on the meeting agenda.
Agendas and files for the meetings can be found on the Village website 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.
| | July 2026: Mid-Summer Hurricane Readiness
New Month, New Hurricane Quiz! | | |
Before diving into July's Hurricane Quiz, let's review last month’s Hurricane Quiz answers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
| | Keys Weekly's Islamorada 2026 Hurricane Guide | | Florida Special Needs Hurricane 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.
| | 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.
Early Voting begins August 3 and will now take place at the Plantation Key Community Center (Old Courthouse) at 88820 Overseas Highway.
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| Primary Election Political Signs Permitted as of July 3 | | |
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.
Islamorada Council candidate signs are not yet allowed because those offices are not on the August 18 ballot.
Signs must comply with Code and FDOT's regulations. 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.
As a reminder, political signage applications have gone paperless - candidates now apply in CityView. Check out our political signage permitting page for step-by-step instructions.
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ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Sunday, July 5, through Saturday, July 11, 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 Channel 5 Bridge (near MM 71)
Work continues under the Channel 5 Bridge. Nighttime lane closures are scheduled.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled to begin Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
- Flaggers will periodically stop traffic in one direction to allow vehicles from the opposite direction to pass safely.
- Motorists should be prepared to stop and proceed only when directed by the construction team.
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, July 5, through Thursday, July 9, 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)
Work continues under the Seven Mile Bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9, 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 | | |
Founders Park Inclusive Playground Now Open! | |
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.
| | Lifeguarding Course at the Ron Levy Aquatic Center | |
Summer Swim Lessons
Space Available, Register Today!
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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.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
July 15 | 10:00 a.m.
Ron Levy Aquatic Center History & Records Wall Task Force Meeting
July 15 | 2:30 p.m.
| | 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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Please let us know your feedback on the newsletter. Ideas for new features will be discussed and may be incorporated into future editions.
To ensure it doesn't get missed, be sure to title your email - Newsletter Feedback
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