Village Weekly Update

January 12, 2026

Message from the Manager

The Village Council met twice last week.

Tuesday was the regular Council meeting and Thursday was the Land Use Council meeting.

Videos of both meetings are posted on the Village’s website at www.islamorada.fl.us.

On Tuesday:

The Council received an update from FKAA on the Plantation Key transmission main replacement project

Unanimously passed a resolution establishing a Charter Review Committee

Unanimously passed a resolution opposing new offshore oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida

Approved amendment of the Village’s park special events policy and fee schedule

Passed a resolution approving renewal of a grant from the Florida DOT providing reimbursement for the funding of the FREEBEE rideshare program

Approved work authorizations for invasive plant management and demolition of a derelict building at the Green Turtle Hammock Preserve.

On Thursday:

The Council approved an ordinance regarding standards and requirements in the Village’s comprehensive plan regarding workforce affordable housing

Approved an ordinance amending the Village Code regarding building permit allocation evaluation criteria and award.

There were two quasi-judicial hearings concerning an appeal by Bonefish Holdings LLC regarding an environmental determination (denied) and a request by Corey Scherber for abandonment of a right of way (approved).

Unanimously passed a resolution to approve a revised baseball field license agreement.

The Council appointed seven members to the Charter Review Committee that was created on Tuesday:

Joe Roth and Craig McBay- appointed by a majority vote of the Council
Ty Harris- appointed by Mayor Don Horton
Richard Black- appointed by Vice-Mayor Sharon Mahoney
Susan Raffanello- appointed by Council Member Steve Friedman
Lorie LaLonde- appointed by Council Member Deb Gillis
Roger Young- appointed by Council Member Anna Richards

I am reaching out to the Charter Review Committee members to set a schedule for initial meetings, all of which will be open to the public.

Contact the Village Manager

News You Can Use

Planning an Event?
Don't Forget Your Temporary Use Permit!

If you’re planning to host an event, community gathering, public assembly, or any other temporary use on your property, please remember that many activities require a Temporary Use Permit under the Village of Islamorada’s Land Development Regulations. '

What does this mean?

Any special event or temporary use, especially those that draw people, involve temporary structures, or affect public spaces—may need a permit.
A Temporary Use Permit is required before you host events that could impact on traffic, public rights-of-way, parking, or community services.

Key Things to Know:

✔ Application timing:

Events in residential areas: apply at least 30 days before the event.

Events in non-residential areas: apply at least 45 days before the event.

Any event that requires temporary closure of rights-of-way: apply at least 60 days before the event.

(These deadlines help staff review and process applications properly.)

✔ Application fee:

There is a $100 application fee for Temporary Use Permits.

✔ Plan ahead:

Large events or those impacting public spaces or streets may require additional documentation (site plans, emergency access plans, insurance, etc.) as part of the permit process.

Why it matters:

Permits help ensure the safety of attendees and residents, protect surrounding properties, and keep events in compliance with local zoning and safety standards.

👉 For full details on the Temporary Use regulations, see the Village Code — Division 30-V-8 – Temporary Uses, Including Public Assemblies.

For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact Planning Coordinator, Angy Rivas at (305)664-6426 or angy.rivas@islamorada.fl.us.

📢 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.

2026 Commercially Supported Agriculture Program

SOS is partnering with Urban Oasis to launch the 2026 CSA program! Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes are filled with fresh, locally sourced produce from small farms in South Florida featuring tropical fruits, leafy greens, herbs, and more.

This CSA cycle will run bi-weekly AND weekly from January 26 through May 18, for a total of 9 or 16 boxes over 16 weeks. Each box costs $40, and Islamorada’s pick-up time/location is the Village Administrative Building lobby on Mondays 12:00 – 5:00 PM.

Click this link to sign up and choose your program and pick up location. For more information—including pick-up instructions, sample box contents, and FAQs—please visit SOS Foundation website: https://www.sosfoundation.org/csakw.

For any questions, contact Erin Rixson, SOS Foundation CSA coordinator, at erixson@sosfoundation.org, or Alyssa Panzer, Village Grants and Environmental Coordinator, at Alyssa.panzer@islamorada.fl.us.

Construction on Culvert Pipes Underneath
White Marlin Boulevard Begins

Last week the construction project to install culvert pipes underneath White Marlin Boulevard on Lower Matecumbe Key began. The intent of the project is to hydrologically connect the White Marlin canal system to the Legacy Lagoon, both of which are dead-end canals.

The culvert pipes will improve water circulation and dissolved oxygen in the canal systems by increasing tidal exchange with the nearshore waters. The specific work being completed is the placement of two side by side 4’ x 4’ box culverts underneath White Marlin Boulevard about 350 feet down from its intersection with US1.

While work is underway, traffic may be reduced to one lane, but traffic flow should always remain open along White Marlin Boulevard. The White Marlin project is one phase of a larger project to connect all the dead-end canals on the southern end of Lower Matecumbe.

The culvert pipe connection under Sandy Cove Avenue was completed last week. Increased water flow and fish abundance are already being observed in that area.

The project continues Islamorada’s restoration efforts for water quality improvement within canals and near shore waters.

United Way Tax Preparation Assistance

Plantation Key Transmission Main Project

Stay Updated on this Project

As work wraps up in Islamorada and begins to move north of Tavernier Creek, 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

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

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

"Mangrove" Mike Forster Memorial Dog Park Dedication Sunday, January 18th

"Mangrove" Mike Forster

10/21/1960 - 09/06/2021

It has been a little over 5 years now since Mangrove Mike died from COVID-19 but the memories of all he did to make the world a better place remain.

How appropriate that the Founders Park Dog Park is being dedicated to Mangrove Mike.

Always a dog lover, he owned numerous dogs over the years, none more documented by Mike than the two dogs he left behind when he died: brother-and-sister duo Henry and Ms. Joy, named after Mike’s very special friends, Capt. Hank and Joy Brown.

Where did this man get all his energy? Mike opened the popular Mangrove Mike’s Café in 1998…. certainly a fulltime effort. What a welcoming spot his café became for locals – customers always being greeted with a smile and hug from owner Mike.

Mike found time for fishing and boating in Florida Bay, the place along with all of Everglades National Park, that he fought tenaciously to preserve.

Mike was never without his Hawaiian fishhook necklace, symbolizing ocean connection, strength, luck, and prosperity.

Mike served as an Islamorada councilman for 12 years, including time as mayor and vice mayor. After being term limited in Islamorada, he moved a few miles north, ran and won a seat on the Monroe County Commission in 2020. As he explained his goal “I care about the whole chain of islands, I want to help unite our communities but still embrace our differences. It is those differences that will make us better together.”

Mike was famous for his generosity and deep love for his community, always wanting to do more to help when there was a need. Mike loved helping hard-working individuals and families when they most needed a little extra support.

Mike served on the board of several not-for-profits, including the United Way of Collier County and the Keys, now partnering on the dedication of the dog park to Mike. They have been huge supporters coining the phase “Be Like Mike” in some of their charitable efforts.

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, Mike opened his café immediately, feeding first responders and those in need for several weeks for free.

One of his most cherished missions involved traveling to Uganda, Africa, to serve hundreds of children living in orphanages, making annual trips from 2016 through 2018. He helped provide cows, food, soccer balls and bikes, as well as Shoes That Grow to several hundred children during the trips.

Every single day Mike posted an inspirational message on Facebook.

In 2020, after many years of giving to organizations and others, Mike established his own foundation, Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike organized efforts to provide food for those in need, first responders and healthcare workers, while also arranging for deliveries, often making those deliveries himself.

After over a year helping those impacted by COVID, Mike died from the deadly disease, leaving quite a legacy of public service.

A man missed immensely by his community, and his dogs, Henry and Ms. Joy.

Upcoming Meetings

LPA Meeting

January 12 | 5:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Village Offices Closed

Monday, January 19

CANCELLED Code Compliance Hearing

January 20 | 10 a.m.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

January 21 | 10:00 a.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 January 12 - 18

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

Morada Way Art Walk

Date: Thursday, 1/15/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Morada Way

The Morada Way Art Walk is MWACD’s landmark, monthly event. On the Third Thursday of each month, Keys-inspired fine artists, vendors, residents, and visitors congregate on Morada Way in Islamorada to celebrate Art & Culture in the stunning Florida Keys. Originating in 2011, this event allows emerging artists, musicians, chefs, and local retailers to showcase their creativity.

FEATURED: The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys 2026 - Pop Up

Date: Wednesday, 1/14/2026

Time: 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: Kona Kai Resort, Key Largo

The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys 2026 spotlights visual and performing artists throughout the County at 10 annual "pop-up" events! Almost 150 unique canvases created by Keys artists will be on display and local musician Leah Sutter will perform. Art lovers may select a canvas of their choice for a donation of $100 and take it home that evening, all proceeds support grants for artists living and working in the Florida Keys. The Connections Project will also pop up at Art Under the Oaks on Saturday.

Art Under the Oaks

Date: Saturday, 01/17/2026

Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Location: San Pedro Catholic Parish

A festival of fine art and original crafts. Free Admission. Onsite parking $5 donation. Additional parking at Plantation Key Elementary School.

Classes and Workshops

Painting the Keys: Paint a Coconut Class

Date: 1/13/2026

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.

Open Studio: Painting Workshop with Robin

Date: 1/14/2026

Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Location: Banyan Tree

Cost: $50 per person includes instruction and materials. Canvas size upgrade available at additional cost.

Beginners welcome! Every student will work on a different project. Choose from Watercolor, Acrylic or Mixed Media. Bring your own drinks/snacks. Please call (305-664-3433) or email (Robin@banyantreeboutique.com) to reserve your space.

Introduction to Watercolors with Monica Bankowski - Clouds over Water: Beginner Basics

Date: 1/15/2026

Time: 9:30 AM-12:30 PM

Location: Our Place in Paradise

Cost: $90 per class includes paper, paint, & brushes to use $70 per class when participant brings their own supplies.

For beginner watercolor painters, learn about paint, paper, and brushes while learning color mixing and techniques. Class work is from reference and direct observation. Minimum 3 Students - Maximum 8 Students.

Open Studio: Painting Workshop with Robin

Date: 1/15/2026

Time: offered twice! 11:00AM – 1:00PM and 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Banyan Tree

Cost: $50 per person includes instruction and materials. Canvas size upgrade available at additional cost.

Intermediate Watercolors with Monica Bankowski - Blue Sky with Palms: Graded Washes and More

Date: 1/15/2026

Time: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Location: Our Place in Paradise

Cost: $90 per class includes paper, paint, & brushes to use $70 per class when participant brings their own supplies.

For painters with watercolor experience, sharpen your painting techniques while you advance your color mixing skills. Class work is from direct observation and reference Minimum 3 Students - Maximum 8 Students

Dance

Square Dance: Baygrass Bluegrass Festival

Date: Saturday, 1/17/2026

Time: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Location: Blue Marlin Courtyard Stage at Morada Way Arts and Cultural District

Lecture & Museums

Greetings from the Past: Vintage Postcards from the Florida Keys with Cori Convertito, PhD

Date: Wednesday, 1/14/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

Cost: Tickets $10, Free for Members.

The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center presents the 2025-2026 Lecture Season, sponsored by Islander Resort. Doors open at 5pm. Cash bar and light appetizers. Registration requested.

Music

Monday 1/12

The Carousers

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

Florida Keys Concert Association 2026 Season Preview Party

Time: 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

Discover the Music, Meet the Community

– Learn about the world-class artists performing in the Keys this winter

– Enjoy video and audio highlights of the music they’ll bring to life.

– Connect with fellow music lovers in a relaxed social setting.

Cost: Free Admission

Drinks: Cash Bar Available

Don’t miss this chance to preview one of the best cultural traditions in the Keys — and to be part of a vibrant community that’s been celebrating great music for over half a century!

Registration requested at link above.

Circus Mutt

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

Ryan Kozel

Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM

Location: Hog Heaven

Tuesday 1/13

Leah Sutter

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

John Ciulla