Village Weekly Update

December 29, 2025

Message from the Manager

The Village Council at its meeting on Tuesday, January 6^th will consider a proposed resolution establishing a Charter Review Committee to provide recommendations to the Council regarding possible changes to the Village Charter.

The resolution would create a seven-member Committee who must be residents and voters in the Village.

Each Council member would appoint a member, and the remaining two members would be selected by a majority vote of the Council. At its first meeting, the Committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The Committee will meet at least once a month, and all meetings will be open to the public.

The Committee will determine which sections of the Village Charter should be considered for amendment. An affirmative vote of the majority of members present will be required to take official action.

The Committee would have a deadline of May 31, 2026, to prepare a final report advising the Village Council of any proposed amendments to the Charter.

Any recommendations approved by the Council would require approval by a majority of Islamorada voters.

Islamorada residents interested in serving on the Charter Review Committee should contact individual Council members or submit an email to the Village Clerk at clerk@islamorada.fl.us.

Contact the Village Manager

News You Can Use

In Memorium

Former Islamorada Councilman Dave Purdo passed away on December 24^th.

Purdo served two terms on the Village Council.

He was a former Detroit police officer and charter fishing captain who moved to the Keys almost 50 years ago.

Village Holiday Closures

📢 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT 📢

Founders Park Pool Resurfacing &

Facility Improvement Project Closure

Founders Park Pool will officially close on February 1, 2026, for resurfacing and major facility improvements.

This project will include new pool interior surfacing, tiling, deck repairs, railings, lighting, etc. as well as upgrades to the pool’s mechanical systems, scoreboard, sports lighting, improved access to the high-dive platform, and renovations to the locker rooms (floors, tile, fixtures, and more).

In addition, a new enclosed Lifeguard First Aid Office and Break Room will be added to enhance staff security and safeguard emergency equipment.

The project is estimated to take approximately four months to complete.

During this time, the public is encouraged to utilize the Jacob’s Aquatic Center Community Pool, located at 320 Laguna Ave, Key Largo, FL 33037.

Some of our Aquatics Programs may also transition to this facility during the closure. Stay tuned for additional announcements!

Membership Information:

Existing annual memberships will be frozen and may resume once the pool reopens.
A new monthly pool membership option will be available for purchase now to January 1^st. Click here for Founders Park Admission Fees and Membership Rates.
Beginning January 1, 2026, only 10-pack pool passes, or daily admission fees will be available for purchase.

We appreciate your patience and support as we work to improve the Founders Park Pool Facility.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Park Office at (305) 853-1685 or ifp@islamorada.fl.us. Project updates will be available at www.islamorada.fl.us.

Plantation Key Transmission Main Project

Holiday Work Schedule

For the holidays, work will pause on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, and resume late Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Stay Updated on this Project

As work continues, we will keep you updated every step of the way.

Click here to learn more about the Plantation Key Transmission Main 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

Vacation Rental License Renewal Period Open

Pursuant to Village Code Chapter 30, Article VI, Division 6, all Vacation Rental Licenses shall be renewed annually.

The Village of Islamorada requires that all renewal requirements, including the annual Life Safety Inspection, be completed by December 31^st.

All renewal forms must be submitted electronically through the CityView Portal https://cvportal.us/cityviewportal.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Anita Muxo, Planning & Zoning Technician at (305)664-6498 or via email at: anita.muxo@islamorada.fl.us

Holiday Light Recycling Program

Home Depot is hosting a holiday light recycling collection bin from America Recycles Day on November 15 to January 15th.

Drop off your old holiday lights at the Marathon and Key West Home Depot locations.

Sign up for Islamorada Emergency Alert Emails

Alert Signup

Recreation & Events

Happy Holidays from Founders Park!

Come see the 2025 Holiday Lights Display! Drive through Founders Park and Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina MM87, the Hurricane Monument MM81, and Southwind's Park MM82! Now through January 1st, 2026!

Nature Walks, Bird Tours, and the Waves & Watercolor Art Series, all starting in January! Registration is open now. Sign up today at the Founders Park Office. For more details visit: https://www.islamorada.fl.us/235/Adult-Programs

Beats on the Bay

Get ready to join us Friday, January 16 for the Baygrass Bluegrass Fest Kickoff!

Nick & Kris will kick off the show before Bluegrass Supergroup Songs From The Road Band takes the stage. They'll raise the rafters with their dynamic blend of Americana, roots, and folk music.

Bring your own seating, grab a bite at a food truck, and settle back for an evening of music in beautiful Founders Park.

Admission is free - $10 for parking

Save the Date - January 18

"Mangrove" Mike Forster Memorial Dog Park Dedication

Upcoming Meetings

No meetings this week

CANCELLED - Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee Meeting

January 5 | 5:00 p.m.

Regular Village Council Meeting

January 6 | 5:30 p.m.

Land Use Village Council Meeting

January 8 | 5:30 p.m.

Check Out Our Calendar

2026 Florida Legislative Session Important Dates

Understanding the State Legislative Process

The Florida Legislature meets every year for a 60-day regular session.

In odd-numbered years, the legislative session begins on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March.

In even-numbered years, the legislative session begins on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in January.

Interim Committee Weeks:

~~Week of November 3~~

~~Week of November 17~~

~~Week of December 1~~

~~Week of December 8~~

◆ November 21

~~House final deadline to file Appropriation Project Request Form~~s

◆ November 21

~~Member Bill Submission Deadline~~

◆ January 7

Member Bill Final Draft Deadline

◆ January 13

Day 1 ~ First Day of the 2026 Regular Session

◆ January 16

House Attestation Forms Due for Appropriations Projects

◆ March 13

Day 60 ~ Last Day of the 2026 Regular Session

Arts and Culture

Arts Events Around Town December 29 - January 4

Events are subject to change. Confirm event details with the location/host.

Art

Ongoing: Art Exhibition - Art in Village Buildings

Dates: November 2025 – March, 2026

Times: During business hours

Location: Village Hall and Founders Park, 87000 and 86800 Overseas Hwy

Classes and Workshops

Painting the Keys: Paint a Coconut Class

Date: 12/30/2025

Time: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: Robbies of Islamorada

Cost: $35 per person or $100 for a group of four, all supplies are included

Join us from 4-7 PM at Robbie's of Islamorada (MM77.5) for our Paint a Coconut with a Local class. Just show up and join in! Choose from a variety of fun designs and create your down island keepsake. Food and drinks from The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant are available for purchase.