Village Weekly Update


September 15, 2026

Message from the Manager

The Village Council met twice last week- a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday and a budget hearing on Thursday.

Tuesday’s meeting had presentations on Everglades restoration and an update by FKAA on the water line project. Our Finance Director presented a resolution approving a second budget amendment making fund adjustments for the current fiscal year and a resolution approving renewal of various insurance policies. 

Our Human Resources Director presented a resolution approving revisions to the Village’s Personnel Policy Manual. 

Other resolutions considered included approval of a one-year extension for our state lobbying contract, approval of a state funding agreement with DOT for the design and permitting of a living shoreline/breakwater at Sea Oats Beach, and approval of a flat monthly fee retainer for Village Attorney services. All those items were approved by Council.

Thursday’s meeting was the first of two budget hearings to discuss and approve a tentative millage rate and a proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, which begins on October 1. The Council unanimously approved a tentative millage rate of 2.2731 by a 5-0 vote and the proposed budget on a 3-2 vote.

A second Council budget hearing will be held on Monday, September 21, to have a final vote on the millage rate and budget. The budget hearing will begin at 5:30 pm at the Founders Park Community Center.

Videos of Tuesday’s Council meeting and Thursday’s budget hearing can be found on the Village’s website.

News You Can Use

The Village's consultant, Able City East, has released the latest draft of our revised Comprehensive Plan, "Blueprint for Balance."

Your voice matters! Scan the QR code below to review the draft, and join the Village and Able City for a Public Workshop on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Community Center at Founder's Park.

Come see the presentation and share your feedback. For questions, contact Planning Director Jennifer DeBoisbriand at jennifer.deboisbriand@islamorada.fl.us or (305) 664-6440.

On the 25th anniversary, Islamorada Fire Rescue held a remembrance ceremony at Station 20 to honor the first responders who bravely worked to rescue victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

This recent fire rescue training session focused on sharpening skills, building teamwork, and staying prepared for whatever the call brings.  

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

Sunday, September 13, through Saturday, September 19, 2026

State Road (SR) 5/U.S. 1/Overseas Highway from MM 108.426 to MM 112.593 Landscaping

The planting phase of this project is now complete. The speed limit reduction within the project limits has been lifted.

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. 

• 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)

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.

Your new drinking water pipeline is now fully connected and flowing! Crews have completed connecting the 34,362 feet of new drinking water pipe from Snake Creek Bridge to Julep Road in Plantation Key, including all SIX connection points linking the new pipeline to the existing system.

The crews are progressing through the final restoration work. Due to weather delays, paving will now begin Sunday evening, September 13, 2026.

As a reminder, crews will be paving overnight roughly 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays along Overseas Highway/U.S. 1 from Snake Creek Bridge to Julep Road.

Paving and restoration is expected to be completed in October 2026.

Here's what to expect during the overnight paving operation:

• A rolling lane shift will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. along U.S. 1 from Snake Creek Bridge to Julep Road as restoration and paving progress.

• From Snake Creek Bridge to Woods Avenue, one northbound lane and one southbound lane will remain open.

• From Woods Ave to Julep Road, one northbound lane and two southbound lanes will remain open.

• Access to homes and businesses will remain open. However, entrances and exits may be temporarily impacted in some areas during the overnight work to allow for proper asphalt curing.

• Drivers should use caution, follow posted signs, and allow extra travel time while crews are working.

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

Recreation & Events

Local Planning Agency

September 14 | 5:30 p.m

Canceled: Code Compliance Hearing

September 15 | 10:00 a.m.

Historic Preservation Commission

September 16 | 10:00 a.m.

Bid Opening RFP 26-10 Develop & Operate Adult Swimming Program

September 18 | 3:00 p.m.

RESCHEDULED Budget Hearing #2

September 21 | 5:30 p.m.

Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop

September 30 | 5:30 p.m.

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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