Village Weekly Update

February 23, 2026

Message from the Manager

The Islamorada Charter Review Committee held its third meeting last, Wednesday, Feb. 18^th, at the Founders Park Community Center.

A video of the meeting is posted on the Village’s website.

The Committee will meet again this Wednesday, February 25, at 5:30pm in the Founders Park Community Center.

A copy of the meeting agenda as well as information on how to participate in the meeting can be found on the Village’s website by going to the Agendas and Meetings tab.

Agenda and Meetings

The Village continues to hold weekly update zoom meetings with our state legislative lobbying team every Friday at 4pm. The meetings are recorded and can be viewed on our website.

Legislative Updates

Founders Park hosted the Upper Keys Rotary Club’s 31^st Annual Gigantic Nautical Market on Saturday and Sunday.

An estimated 20,000 people attended the two-day event which is the signature fundraiser for the Upper Keys Rotary Club, providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors in the Keys to continue their education and technical training through the Take Stock in Children program.

Contact the Village Manager

Another Gigantic Nautical Market is in the Books!

Thank you, Islamorada, for coming out this weekend to the Gigantic Nautical Market!

We appreciate the efforts of the Upper Keys Rotary, our law enforcement team, and community partners for making it another great event.

We look forward to seeing you in 2027!

A Heartwarming Rescue Story

Add one more hat for Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel - squirrel rescuer!

Chief Abel found these two tiny baby squirrels while supervising the tear down of the Nautical Market in Founders Park Monday morning.

It was very cold Sunday night, and he when he found these two little ones, they didn't look good.

Fortunately, Chief was able to warm them up and called a wildlife rehabber to care for them.

These guys will be all grown up and begging for peanuts in the park before we know it!

News You Can Use

The Village is looking to fill a current vacancy on the citizens Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. If you are a resident of Islamorada and would like to learn more about this committee and apply for an appointment to it, you may apply here. If you would like more information on the committee, feel free to reach out to the staff liaison Peter Frezza at peter.frezza@islamorada.fl.us

Canal Restoration Project Completed
in the Plantation Lake Estates Neighborhood

Last week, the Village completed construction of a canal restoration project within the Plantation Lake Estates neighborhood.

The canal/boat basin historically and consistently had poor water quality and lack of flushing due to canal orientation and depth and was a favorable location for the installation of an infiltration well to improve the water quality within the canal and nearshore waters.

Gravity flow infiltration wells were determined to be the most efficient technology to improve water quality in dead end canal systems where there were no options for culvert pipes.

The gravity flow infiltration wells aim to improve Dissolved Oxygen within the canals water column by increasing tidal exchange with the nearshore waters.

The well increases tidal exchange by allowing the incoming tide to move through the canal and infiltrate into the subsurface. The well will function like a flushing culvert and will allow the incoming tide to flush the stagnant portions of the canal.

We are estimating a maximum flow rate of approximately 1,000 gallons per minute, which should dramatically improve conditions within the canal.

Village staff had been in contact with homeowners adjacent to this canal regarding canal restoration since 2013.

Communication continued between Village staff and the Plantation Lake Estates Homeowners Association, and they acknowledged their desire to move forward with this project in 2023 after a funding source had been secured.

The Village staff thanks the residents of the neighborhood for their cooperation during the project.

This canal restoration project continued Islamorada’s restoration project(s) for water quality improvement within canals and near shore waters and was part of Islamorada’s Canal Work Plan.

The canal was ranked #2 on the Village’s canal restoration project list. This $440,000 project was fully funded from an FDEP grant through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act Program.

For more information on the Village’s canal restoration work program, please contact the Environmental Resources Manager, Peter Frezza, at peter.frezza@islamorada.fl.us or 305-664-6427.

Try Our New GIS Web Experience!

Islamorada, Village of Islands, is pleased to introduce a new GIS web experience designed for public use. The GIS home page provides interactive access to a variety of maps and planning resources to help residents, businesses, and visitors better understand the Village.

These GIS maps include:

Zoning and Land Use Maps, featuring accurate and up-to-date parcel information, zoning designations, and future land use data.
Flood Zone Maps, based on FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset.
Habitat Maps, displaying current habitat areas and designated turtle nesting beaches.
Roadway Elevation Maps, based on the roadway vulnerability analysis completed for the Village of Islamorada by HDR and WSP. Elevations are shown in the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), with spot elevations provided every 10 feet when zoomed in and every 200 feet when zoomed out.

These interactive maps allow residents, visitors, and Village employees to search by Address, Owner Name, AK, and/or Parcel number. Tools available for use include interactive layers, distance measurement, an area calculator, and the ability to print/export a custom map.

The GIS experience also includes quick reference links to the Village’s Land Development

Regulations, offering convenient access to planning forms, applications, manuals, guidelines, and information on applicable land development standards and requirements.

You can locate the home page here:

https://www.islamorada.fl.us/423/Geographic-Information-System-GIS

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.

Introducing RecTrac - Our New Recreation Management System, going "live" on March 1

We are excited to announce the launch of RecTrac, our new Recreation Management Software designed to make membership purchases, program registration, and entrance to Founders Park & Pool easier and more convenient than ever.

To purchase memberships or register for programs, all users must create a Household Account.

Creating an account is quick and allows you to manage your memberships, register for programs and pay online, and access new digital features all in one place.

Create your account today!

What’s New:

Online membership purchases
Online facility rentals
Online program registration and payment
Digital and fob membership cards
Self-service account management

Digital membership cards will be available and can be accessed directly from your account starting March 1, 2026.

All members will be required to scan in at the Founders Park Gate entrance and/or Pool for facility access.

Resident Verification

Islamorada Residents must verify residency either in person at the Park Office or online (click here) in order to receive Resident Rates.

Verification is required prior to receiving discounted access.

Apply for Resident Park ID Today!

We encourage everyone to create their account today by scanning the QR code provided or visit our website (webtrac).

If you have any questions, please contact the Park Office at (305) 853-1685 for assistance.

📢 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT 📢

Founders Park Pool Resurfacing & Facility Project Update

The Pool Resurfacing and Facility Improvement Project at Founders Park has officially commenced and is progressing well.

Currently, pool draining and leak detection are underway. Demolition of the locker room tile and flooring has been completed, clearing the way for upcoming renovations. In addition, the concrete pad for the new enclosed Lifeguard First Aid Room has been poured—an important milestone that will enhance safety, security, and emergency response capabilities for our aquatics staff.

We are pleased with the progress to date and appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as these improvements take shape. Additional updates will be shared as the project advances.

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.

New Recreation Management Software Launching

Founders Park Office Closure for Staff Training:

The Founders Park Office will close at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 to allow park staff to participate in training for a new Recreation Management Software system.

This new software will officially go live on March 1 and is designed to enhance the overall experience for staff, residents, and visitors. The upgraded system will offer improved self-service (online) options, including:

Program and activity registration
Online purchasing
Membership management
Facility reservations & schedules
And more!

Additional information regarding the new Recreation Management Software and its features will be provided soon! We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we work to implement this new system, which will provide more convenient and efficient services for our community. For additional information, please contact the Founders Park Office at (305) 853-1685.

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.

Transmission Main Replacement Project

Stay Updated on this Project

Work has wrapped up in Islamorada and moved north of Tavernier Creek, but we will continue keep you updated every step of the way.

Click here to learn more about the 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

View project webpage here

View the 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.

Sign up for Islamorada Emergency Alert Emails

Alert Signup

Recreation & Events

Upcoming Meetings

Local Planning Agency Meeting

February 23 | 5:30 p.m.

Charter Review Committee Meeting

February 25 | 5:30 p.m.

Weekly Legislative Update - Zoom

February 27| 4:00 p.m.

Workforce/Affordable Housing Citizens Advisory Committee

March 2 | 5:00 p.m.

Islamorada Youth Council

March 4 | 4:00 p.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

Join Us Every Friday During the Legislative Session

for the Village's Legislative Update

The Village is hosting a new weekly Legislative Update via Zoom every Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Village Manager and lobbyists will meet via Zoom for the Legislative Weekly Update on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m .The weekly meetings will last at least through the full Regular Legislative Session, which is slated to end on March 13.

We help you stay up to date on the state government issues that ultimately affect all of us.

Watch on Zoom this Friday at 4:00 p.m.

The public is encouraged to view remotely via the Zoom video conferencing application and send public comment to public.comment@islamorada.fl.us by 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Make sure to put “legislative comment” in subject line.

Arts and Culture

Visit New Islamorada Cultural Arts Calendar

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

Arts Events Around Town February 23 - March 1

Events are subject to change. Confirm event details with the location/host.

Art Receptions and Exhibitions

Garden Walk & Botanical Art Show

Date: 2/28/2026

Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Location: Francis Tracy Garden Center, Tavernier

Hosted by the Garden Club of the Upper Keys, with an art show by the Art Guild of the Purple Isles

Classes and Workshops

Painting the Keys: Batik Class

Date: 2/23/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Location: Coconuts Art Studio, 86701 Overseas Hwy, Suite 4 Islamorada

Cost: $50 per painter.

Paint Batik Style with Gloria Avner

Date: 2/24/2026

Time: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Location: Our Place in Paradise

Cost: $90 per workshop

Painting the Keys: Paint a Coconut Class

Date: 2/24/2026

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

Open Studio: Painting Workshop with Robin

Date: 2/25/2026

Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Location: Banyan Tree

Cost: $50 per person includes instruction and materials.

Watercolors and Waves Beginner Class (Series 2, Class 3)

Date: 2/25/2026

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Location: Founders Park Beach

Cost: $150 per series (4 lessons)

Introduction to Watercolors with Monica Bankowski - Coconut Cluster: Creating Depth and Form

Date: 2/26/2026

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.

Open Studio: Painting Workshop with Robin

Date: 2/26/2026

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.

Intermediate Watercolors with Monica Bankowski - Giverny: More Painting Wet on Wet

Date: 2/26/2026

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.

Watercolors and Waves Advanced Class (Series 2, Class 3)

Date: 2/26/2026

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Location: Founders Park Beach

Cost: $150 per series (4 lessons). Cost includes all supplies required, and they are yours to keep!

Paint a Salty Seahorse at Crooked Palm Cabana

Date: 2/26/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Location: Crooked Palm Cabana, 90184 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier

Cost: $35 per painter. All materials included, all skill levels welcome.

KeySeaArt with Susi Trottnow

Date: 2/28/2026

Time: offered twice! 10:30 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Location: Our Place in Paradise

Cost: $80 per person. 8 students max per class.

Festivals and Fundraisers

Florida Keys History and Discovery Center Hoedown

Date: 2/26/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

Dust off your boots and join the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center for a night of line dancing, laughter, and community! 🤠💃🕺

We’re throwing a full-on Hoedown to support the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation, and you’re invited!

Enjoy great music, food trucks, line dancing, western games, and good company..all for a great cause. 🌵🎶

It’s going to be a true hoedown good time, so don’t miss it!

📅 February 26 | ⏰ 6–8 PM

📍 Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

🎟️ $100 per person

Lecture & Museums

Spiny Lobsters: So Much More Than Just a Keys' Fishery with Thomas R. Matthews

Date: 2/25/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

Thomas R. Matthews is the Program Administrator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Doors open at 5pm. Cash bar and light appetizers. Tickets $10, Free for Members.

Music

Monday 2/23

The Carousers

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

Circus Mutt

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

Lindsay Rehmann

Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM

Location: Hog Heaven

Tuesday 2/24

Micah

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

John Ciulla

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

FINAL CONCERT OF THE SEASON!

Florida Keys Concert Association Presents: Hermitage Trio with Violinist Jordan Bak

Time: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM

Location: Coral Shores HS Performing Arts Center

Now entering their second decade, the United States-based Hermitage Piano Trio has solidified its place as one of the world’s leading piano trios, garnering multiple GRAMMY® Award nominations. This Trio brings together three extraordinary musicians: Misha Keylin- violin, Sergey Antonov- cello, and Ilya Kazantsev, piano. Award-winning Jamaican American violist Jordan Bak has achieved international acclaim as a trailblazing artist, praised for his radiant stage presence and fearless power.

Wednesday 2/25

Webb & Davidson

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

Micah

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

Thursday 2/26

Paul Family

Time: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Fish Company

Jimi Dred

Time: 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Fish Company

Webb & Bellamy

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

Caitlin Rushing

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

Lee Hagan

Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM

Location: Hog Heaven

Friday 2/27

Paul Family

Time: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Fish Company

Jorge Carmona

Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Brewing Co

Circus Mutt

Time: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

Beach Bandits

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

Dennis Holmes

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Fish Company

Southern Stampede

Time: 8:00 PM-12:00 AM

Location: Hog Heaven

Saturday 2/28

Paul Family

Time: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM and 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Fish Company

Micah

Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

Kate Englemeyer

Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Brewing Co

Pops in the Park: Musical Menagerie

Time: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Founders Park Amphitheater

Animal-themed music - bring your doggie for special treats and activities

Special Guests: Animal Care Coalition with puppy adoptions

Drop Outs

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

Circus Mutt

Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Florida Keys Brewing Company

South Groove

Time: 8:00 PM-12:00 AM

Location: Hog Heaven

Sunday 3/1

Dennis Holmes

Time: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Islamorada Fish Company

Webb & Davidson

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Lorelei Cabana Bar

John Ciulla

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Location: Hog Heaven

Theater

In The Heights, presented by the Coral Shores Drama Club

Dates: 02/27/2026 and 02/28/2026 at 7:30 PM, and 03/01/2026 at 2:30 PM

Location: Coral Shores HS Performing Arts Center

Coral Shores High School Drama Club proudly presents “In the Heights” — a vibrant, heartfelt musical celebrating community, dreams, and life in Washington Heights. 🎶

Use the link below to purchase tickets now for $10 or pay $15 at the door.

🔗https://keysschools.revtrak.net/csh/csh-music-band-and-drama/cshs-drama-club-gr/

Green Turtle Comedy Club at The Nest

Dates: 2/27/2026 at 8:30 PM and 2/28/2026 at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM

Location: The Nest at Green Turtle Inn, 81219 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

The legendary Green Turtle Inn Restaurant brings you new touring comedians every month. This month we welcome Patrick Garrity, Ricky Reyes, and host Lando Gonzalez.

> This is an adults-only show! (18+ to enter)

> Tickets are $25 online (with online fees) and $30 at the door. Tickets sell out, so buy them early.