|
Village Weekly Update
August 3, 2026
| | |
| |
The Village Council held a special call last Monday, July 27, at the Founders Park Community Center to consider a proposed new license agreement for the baseball field used by Coral Shores High School at Founders Park.
The Village owns the property, and the School Board, as the tenant, has budgeted $3.8 million for improvements including a new turf field, fences, dugouts and batting cages.
| | |
After receiving public input, the Council approved the license agreement on a 5-0 vote.
The School Board met the following day on Tuesday and approved the proposed agreement, also on a 5-0 vote.
The agreement and preliminary baseball field plans are available on our website.
The new improvements are expected to be completed before the next baseball season begins in January.
| | |
The Village Council is holding three budget workshops this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2026.
All workshops will be held at the Community Center at Founders Park from 3 to 6pm.
The workshop agendas and initial proposed budget information can be found on the Village’s website in the meeting portal.
| | 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
| | |
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.
Early Voting begins August 3 and will now take place at the Plantation Key Community Center (Old Courthouse) at 88820 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.
| | 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 as of 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, advertising vehicles are prohibited. This includes trucks with election signage in the bed of the vehicle.
| | Village Council Candidate Qualifying - August 4 - 11 | | |
Are you planning to run for Village Council?
The Candidate Qualifying Period begins at noon on Tuesday, August 4, and ends at noon on Tuesday, August 11.
The Village Clerk serves as the Qualifying Officer. Please note that candidates are required to pay a qualifying fee equal to 3% of the annual Council salary, plus a 1% election assessment fee. These fees must be paid using campaign funds.
If you have not yet filed your Designation of Campaign Treasurer form, please keep in mind that banks may not be able to issue Campaign Account checks immediately.
To avoid any delays during the Qualifying Period, you may wish to complete your initial campaign paperwork before Qualifying begins.
| | |
ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Sunday, August 2, through Saturday, August 8, 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. Nighttime lane closures are scheduled.
Lane Closure/Detours:
-
Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled to begin Sunday, August 2, through Thursday, August 6, 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
| | |
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 2, through Thursday, August 6,
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)
Installation of pavement marking is ongoing. Work continues under the bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
-
Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, August 3, through Thursday, August 6, 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 | | Sign up for Islamorada Emergency Alert Emails | | Join us for National Night Out 2026 | | |
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to feature a special aircraft at this year’s National Night Out.
Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, bring the whole family to Founders Park to see our Trauma Star display, check out the gear up close, snap a photo with the pilots, meet the amazing crew, and connect with your local first responders!
| | |
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.
|
August Lifeguard of the Month - Larkin Dunn | |
The Ron Levy Aquatics Center Lifeguard of the Month for August is Larkin Dunn!
Larkin has been a member of the aquatic center safety team since 2023. While she has always been reliable, friendly, and professional, she has really grown throughout the Summer 2026 season. She has shown initiative and leadership on deck.
This month she really put her skills into action when she quickly initiated the facility's Emergency Action Plan after witnessing a patron experiencing an in-water seizure. Larkin's fellow guards describe her as "kind, compassionate, considerate, and hard-working."
Larkin will be leaving the aquatic center safety team this month to start her freshman year of college, but we hope to see her back next Summer!
|
| |
Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee Meeting
August 3 | 5:00 p.m.
Land Acquisition Committee Meeting
August 4 | 9:30 a.m.
Budget Workshop #1
August 4 | 3:00 p.m.
Land Acquisition Committee Meeting
August 4 | 9:30 a.m.
Budget Workshop #2
August 5 | 3:00 p.m.
Budget Workshop #3
August 6 | 3:00 p.m.
CANCELED - Local Planning Agency Meeting
August 10 | 5:30 p.m.
Bid Opening - RFP 26-09 Professional Surface Repairs & Exterior Painting of Fire Station 20
August 14 | 3:00 p.m.
| | 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
| | |
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
| | | | |
