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Village Weekly Update
July 27, 2026
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The Village Council is holding a special call tonight (Monday, July 27) at 5:30pm 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.
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The Council and the Monroe County School Board met in a joint public meeting last Tuesday and tentatively agreed to the new negotiated proposal. The School Board will meet on Tuesday to vote on the agreement.
To view the agenda, proposed agreement, and preliminary baseball field plans, go to https://islamoradafl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1201/files/agenda/2585
If the Council and School Board approve the agreement, the new improvements are expected to be completed before the next baseball season begins in January.
| | 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.
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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
| | Public Ramp Closures for Lobster Mini-Season | | |
The public boat ramps at East Ridge Road and Blackwood Drive are closed for lobster mini-season to reduce congestion and minimize impact on the nearby residential areas.
The closures run from 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 to 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 31.
| | Fire Prevention Annual Restaurant Inspections | | July 2026: Mid-Summer Hurricane Readiness 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 | | 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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| 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.
| | Roadway and bridge work is suspended Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, during the Lobster Mini-Season. | |
ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, August 1, 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
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 Sunday, July 26, through Tuesday, July 28, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
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- 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 26, through Tuesday, July 28, from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
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- Temporary traffic signals will be used to control alternating one-way traffic through the work zone.
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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)
Installation of pavement marking is ongoing. Work continues under the bridge.
Lane Closure/Detours:
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Nighttime single-lane closures are scheduled Monday, July 27, through Tuesday, July 28, 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 | | Celebrating National Park & Recreation Month | | |
July is National Parks & Recreation Month, a time to recognize the vital role that parks, recreation programs, and community spaces play in enhancing our quality of life.
Our parks provide places to connect with nature, stay active, build lasting friendships, and create cherished memories with family, friends, and neighbors.
This month, we proudly recognize the dedicated professionals, volunteers, and community partners whose hard work and commitment make our parks safe, beautiful, and welcoming for all.
We extend a special acknowledgment to the exceptional employees at Founders Park—the crown jewel of our parks!
Their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and passion ensure that residents and visitors alike enjoy a first-class experience every day.
Whether maintaining our beautiful grounds, supporting recreational programs, assisting guests, or working behind the scenes, the Founders Park team exemplifies excellence in public service and community stewardship.
As we celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month, we encourage everyone to explore our local parks, participate in recreation programs, attend community events, and experience all that our parks have to offer. Feel free to stop by and express your appreciation to the team!
| | New Bicycle Repair Station At Founders Park | | |
With special acknowledgement to Mallory Hughes, Coral Shores High School incoming Senior and Scout with Troop 914G, for her remarkable Eagle Scout project, Founders Park now has a new amenity.
Mallory coordinated, fundraised, and led the installation of a bicycle repair station located at the entrance of Founders Park.
The station includes a tethered tool stand, wheel chock, and manual air pump with an air gauge, providing cyclists with essential repair and maintenance equipment.
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Her leadership and dedication have created a valuable community asset that will serve residents and visitors for years to come.
We congratulate Mallory on this outstanding achievement and thank her for her contribution to Founders Park and the Upper Keys community.
| | Join us for National Night Out 2026 | | |
Special Call Village Council Meeting regarding Baseball Field License Agreement
July 27 | 5:30 p.m.
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting RFP 26-09 Professional Service Repairs & Exterior Painting of Fire Station 20
July 29 | 10:00 a.m.
Workforce/Affordable Housing Committee Meeting
August 3 | 5:00 p.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.
| | Call to Artists Due July 30 | | |
The Village of Islamorada is looking to commission an artist for a work-for-hire project to design and install an outdoor, wall-based History and Records Wall artwork for the Ron Levy Aquatic Center.
Applications are Due July 30. Of the applicants, up to three artists may be selected and paid $400 each to develop detailed proposals.
For more information, and to apply, review the full Call to Artists here: https://www.islamorada.fl.us/bids.aspx?bidID=57
This artwork must include static informational text celebrating the pool’s history as well as a changeable record board to highlight achievements of pool users.
The visual theme for this project should focus on the current and historic uses of the Ron Levy Aquatic Center, such as springboard diving, free diving, artistic swimming, and swimming.
Inspiration can also be drawn from the unique natural environment of Islamorada.
The artist(s) must consider functionality and availability of materials for future changeable information in the record board.
Artists are encouraged to consider multiple related pieces or sections for the different elements of the project.
| | 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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