Village Weekly Update


April 20, 2026

Message from the Manager

The Islamorada Charter Review Committee met for its final meeting last Wednesday.                    

A video recording of that meeting and past committee meetings can be found on the Village’s website by going to www.islamorada.fl.us, and clicking on the Agendas and Meetings tab. .

The committee’s recommendations for changes to the Charter will now be considered by the Village Council. Approved recommendations will then be placed on the ballot for approval by Islamorada voters.

The Village issued on March 12th a Request for Proposals (RFP 26-03) for on-demand electric vehicle ridesharing services. The agreement with the current service provider, Freebee, will expire June 30^th, 2026. Two sealed bids were opened on April 13^th.                           

The proposals were received- Beefree LLC (d/b/a Freebee) and Circuit Transit Inc. A staff committee will evaluate the proposals at a public meeting next Monday, April 27.

The Tourist Development Council has allocated $750,000 to the Village of Islamorada for the Founders Park Marina to help local boaters and visitors with water access and to improve facilities. Vice-Mayor Sharon Mahoney led the efforts to obtain the TDC funding.   

News You Can Use

The application period for Islamorada’s Village Committees is still open.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Administration, Article 2-V (Village Boards, Committees, and Commissions), the Village Council will make committee appointments at its May 12 Council Meeting.

Following the implementation of staggered two-year terms last year, 24 committee seats are set to expire. Applications are now being accepted for all committees.

Serving on a committee is a great way to get involved and contribute to our community.

Visit the Boards & Committees page to learn more and apply.

Application deadline: May 1.

Our online “Fix-It” Request Form allows residents to quickly submit issues directly to our Public Works team, including roadway, drainage, and wastewater-related concerns. This streamlined process helps staff respond more efficiently and address community needs in a timely manner.

Residents can access the form through the Village website and provide a brief description of the issue, along with its location. Photos may also be uploaded to assist staff in evaluating and resolving the request.

👉 Submit a request here: https://www.islamorada.fl.us/FormCenter/General-Forms-4/Fix-It-Form-52

When submitting a request, please:

• Provide the exact location (address or nearest landmark)
• Include a clear and detailed description
• Upload photos, if available

We encourage all residents to take advantage of this new tool. Your input plays an important role in helping us maintain and improve our community.

Click here to register for the meeting.

View project webpage here

View the project webpage here

View project webpage here

View the project webpage here

View project webpage here

View project webpage here

The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 

For more information on District Six FDOT projects, please visit our website:

SouthFLRoads.com

You may also contact Community Outreach Specialist, Julie Brown, 

at 305-927-1479 or Julie.Brown@dot.state.fl.us

For real-time traffic and lane closure information, drivers are encouraged to log onto www.FL511.com, or download the FL511 app.

Maps of the project, timelines and progress reports are updated regularly and available from the FKAA at: FKAA Plantation Key Transmission eplacement 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

Recreation & Events

The 5th Annual Swim Across America–Florida Keys Open Water Swim was held at Founders Park Beach in Islamorada on Saturday, April 18.

More than 60 swimmers of all ages and skill levels participated in 0.5-mile, 1-mile, and 2-mile courses to raise funds in support of the fight against cancer.

Proceeds benefit the local community through the Miami Cancer Institute.

Founders Park Lifeguards Anne Onsgard, Noah Levine, and Liz Kyle ensured safety at the event. 

Florida Keys Swim Club Members: Larkin and Parks Dunn, Layne Smith, and Stella Hodder completed the 2-mile distance swim. 

Check out Swim Across America's Facebook page for event footage.

The new Founders Park Inclusive Playground is coming soon!

The existing playground will be demolished as early as next week to make way for the new inclusive play elements. Construction of the playground and adjacent volleyball court areas is expected to take approximately three weeks.

Here are the renderings of the new playground system.

Code Compliance Hearing

April 21 | 10:00 a.m.

Near Shore Water Regulations Citizens' Advisory Committee

April 21 | 5:15 p.m.

CDBG Citizen Advisory Task Force

April 23 | 9:30 a.m.

CDBG Public Hearing #1

April 23 | 11:00 a.m.

Evaluation Committee RFP-26-03 On-Demand Electric Vehicle Ridesharing Services

April 27 | 1:00 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Commitee

April 27 | 4:00 p.m.

Comprehensive Plan Update Public Workshop

April 29 | 5:30 p.m.

CDBG Public Hearing #2

April 30 | 2:00 p.m.

Islamorada Cultural Arts Coordinator Emily Rother recently spoke to a cohort of community leaders participating in the Leadership Monroe County (LMC) program.

Emily was invited to join the panel by Florida Keys Council of the Arts Executive Director Liz Young as part of a growing collaboration between the Village and the county-wide arts council. Village Councilperson Anna Richards, a member of the current LMC class, shared photos of the panel hosted at The Studios of Key West. 

The panel of speakers, including Islamorada's Emily Rother, emphasized the importance of art in building and strengthening communities.

According to Americans for the Arts, the American arts and culture sector generates significant value for communities in dollars and in wellbeing.

Emily encouraged participants to engage artists in their own local communities, creating economic and social opportunities throughout the Keys.  

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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