Village Weekly Update


August 31, 2026

Message from the Manager



Progress is continuing on the installation of a new baseball field at Founders Park.


The Village Council and the Monroe County School Board last month reached an agreement on a new baseball field license agreement in which the School District agreed to pay for the installation of a

new baseball field, fences, and dugouts for use by the Coral Shores High School baseball team at Founders Park, which the team has been using for over 20 years.


The Village has issued a permit to the School District’s contractor, Keystar, to begin the removal of the existing field and fencing. The Village’s Building Department is coordinating with Keystar on design plans for site work preparation for field drainage and new dugouts.   


The new field, fencing, and dugouts are expected to be ready for use before the start of the team’s baseball season.  

Council Member Steve Friedman Receives 
Silver Certificate of Leadership

Council Member Steve Friedman recently received the Silver Certificate of Leadership from the Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials hosted by the Florida League of Cities (FLC).


The certificate achievement program rewards municipal officials for their commitment and dedication to training and continuing education. The program offers three certificate levels:

• Level One: Bronze Certificate of Merit

• Level Two: Silver Certificate of Leadership

• Level Three: Gold Certificate of Excellence


The Silver Certificate of Leadership recognizes officials who have demonstrated a strong commitment to training and leadership development through the League’s resources. It is part of FLC’s mission to support local self-government and help city leaders make informed, community-focused decisions.

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 another month 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.

General Election Signs Permitted September 19

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.


silver-keyboard2.jpg


ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

 

Sunday, August 30, through Saturday, September 5, 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.


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.


Lane Closure/Detours:

• No lane closures or detours. 


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:

  • No lane closures or detours are scheduled.


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

Our new drinking water pipeline is now fully connected and flowing. All 34,362 feet of new drinking water pipe from Snake Creek Bridge (MM 85.9) to Julep Road (MM 92.4).

Curbing restoration is in progress. Paving is expected to start Tuesday, August 25, 2026, and expected completion by end of September 2026. Work will be paused for inclement weather and Labor Day – September 3 - 7, 2026.

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

Islamorada Youth Council Now Accepting Applications!

Special Olympics Paddleboard Competition 
a Success at Founders Park

Founders Park proudly hosted the Special Olympics Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Competition on Saturday, August 22, 2026.


The statewide event welcomed approximately 80 paddlers representing 11 counties from across Florida, bringing together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters for a memorable day of competition and camaraderie.

The Florida Keys were represented by a team of seven paddlers from Key West, who competed alongside athletes from around the state and showcased outstanding sportsmanship and determination throughout the event. Their dedication and enthusiasm continue to inspire our community and create meaningful opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, and supporters whose dedication and hard work made this statewide event an outstanding success.

The success of this competition highlights the growing interest in paddleboarding as a Special Olympics sport and the opportunity to expand participation here in the Upper Keys.


Individuals interested in volunteering, coaching, or learning more about Special Olympics Swim or SUP programs are encouraged to contact Ruth Coleman for additional information and opportunities to get involved.


Ruth Coleman

Special Olympics Florida, Manager, Sports Training and Competition, Monroe

P 305-923-0288

www.SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org

Community Information Dashboard


MCSO District 6 Whale Harbor Bridge Clean Up

Upcoming Meetings

Village Offices Closed-Labor Day

September 7 | All Day


CANCELED - Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee

September 7 | 5:00 p.m.


Regular Village Council Meeting

September 8 | 5:30 p.m.


Budget Hearing #1

September 10 | 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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