Village Weekly Update

March 2, 2026

Message from the Manager

I addressed the Monroe County School Board at its February 24^th meeting at Coral Shores High School regarding the progress of negotiations to reach an agreement on a new Baseball Field License Agreement for the continued use of the ball field at Founders Park by the Coral Shores baseball team. I stressed the point that since the Village owns the field, we will require input and review of what the School District is proposing in making improvements to the field and constructing a new building on our property.

Following the meeting, Schools Superintendent Ed Tierney reached out and scheduled a call with me this past Friday. We each had our legal counsel on the call and discussed in depth the License Agreement approved by the Village Counsel by a 5-0 vote on January 8^th and the proposed changes to the Agreement suggested by the School Board.

After a detailed review of each provision in the proposed Agreement, I believe a consensus was reached. My plan is to place an amended Interlocal Agreement and an amended Baseball License Agreement on the March 10^th Village Council agenda for discussion and possible approval.

The Islamorada Charter Review Committee will meet this Wednesday, March 4th, at 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

Contact the Village Manager

Continuous Education in Ethics Training Update

Mayor Don Horton and Council Member Anna Richards have completed the annual four-hour (4-hour) continuing education in ethics required in Chapter 112, of the Florida Statutes.

Florida League of Cities recently hosted a virtual training event for elected officials.

This virtual training satisfied the State required four hours that must be comprised of:

Two hours of Chapter 112, F.S. – The Florida Ethics Law – Held during this training from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

One hour of Chapter 119, F.S. – The Open Records Law – Held during this training from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

One hour of Chapter 286, F.S. – The Public Meetings Law – Held during this training from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Instructor: Randy D. Mora, Esq., B.C.S – Trask Daigneault, LLP

Congratulations to Mayor Horton and Council Member Richards for fulfilling their Continuing Education in Ethics Training for the 2026 calendar year.

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

Recognition for a Famous Islamorada Tree

Did you know that Islamorada is home to the largest gumbo limbo tree in the country?

Well, it officially is and the champion tree resides in the Village owned Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve on Upper Matecumbe.

The tree is nestled within a beautiful canopy of other native trees at the entrance to the preserve.

If you haven’t been there, it is worth a look.

The tree was recently recognized in an article published in the Atrium Magazine, linked here https://atriummag.org/the-crown-fit-for-a-champion/

The article documents the stories of a few of the ‘Champion Trees’ found throughout Florida.

The Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940 to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States.

Islamorada’s champion gumbo received its designation in 2022 when tree measurements revealed that it was larger than the former champion located near Bradenton, FL.

A plaque was recently placed at the base of the tree in dedication to Jim and Janice Duquesnel for their dedication to preserving the natural environments of the Florida Keys.

Jim and Janice are recently retired longtime biologists, naturalists, and residents of the Keys.

Line of Communication with FloridaCommerce

An official line of communication has been established for all questions, comments, concerns, and requests regarding FloridaCommerce’s review of proposed Area of Critical State Concern- related development orders.

This line of communication is intended to enhance direct communication between members of the Village of Islamorada public specifically regarding matters of Area of Critical State Concern- related development orders and ordinances.

For all inquiries from members of the public, please email or call:

Email: ACSCPermits@commerce.fl.gov

Phone: 1(850)-717-8536

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.

Welcome to RecTrac

📢 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.

An Inside Look at the Public Works Department

Maintenance Responsibilities

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and improving 67.6 miles of Village roadways and 34 miles of paved bike lanes, including the multi-purpose Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Maintaining 138 miles of Village, State, and Federal rights-of-way. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, mowing, tree trimming, weeding and litter removal, street sign improvements, pothole repair and roadway improvements.
Maintaining and improving Village owned buildings, public parks (Anne’s Beach, Key Tree Cactus Preserve, Green Turtle Hammock, Hurricane Monument, Library Beach Park, Southwinds Park, Plantation Hammock Preserve, and Plantation Tropical Preserve), 85+ conservation lands, street signage and stormwater drainage structures.
Stormwater and Pavement management plans
Project Management for Capital Improvement projects (not related to wastewater).
Liaison for solid waste services with Island Disposal.
Liaison for FDOT, FDEP, FKEC, FKAA & MCSD projects within Village limits.
Permit reviews for right-of-way applications.
Fleet management for all Village vehicles and equipment (except Fire Rescue).

Staff

(1) Director of Public Works. (Director of department)
(1) Assistant Director of Public Works. (Operations of department)
(1) Public Works Coordinator. (Administration and Project Management)
(3) Roadway Crews. Each with one Crew Chief and two Roadway team members. (ROW maintenance, and parks within zones)
(1) Building Maintenance member. (Maintenance of all buildings at all Village Facilities)
(1) Anne’s Beach Attendant. (Anne’s Beach operations)
(2) Litter Removal team members. (ROW litter removal within Village limits)

Projects

Current/Recent Projects
Stormwater Management Plan – Expected to be completed in Early Summer of 2026
Village Asphalt Management Plan – Complete asphalt management plan for future project budgeting and maintenance of existing roadway.

Future Projects
Asphalt Micro Seal – Preventative maintenance for asphalt roads to extend the life.
Repaving of section of FKOHT/shared use path in Lower Matecumbe – Expected to start Summer of 2026.
Addition of Public Restroom at Village Hall. Expected to start FY26.
Future location of Public Works Maintenance Shop.

2026 Community 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

CANCELLED: Workforce/Affordable Housing Citizens Advisory Committee

March 2 | 5:00 p.m.

Charter Review Committee Meeting

March 4 | 5:30 p.m.

Weekly Legislative Update - Zoom

March 6| 4:00 p.m.

Regular Village Council Meeting

March 10 | 5:30 p.m.

Land Use Village Council Meeting

March 12 | 5:30 p.m.

Weekly Legislative Update - Zoom

March 13| 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 March 2 - 8

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

Art Receptions and Exhibitions

Opening Reception: Art Guild of the Purple Isles Wildlife of the Keys Art Show

Date: 3/7/2026

Time: 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: Our Place in Paradise

Classes and Workshops

Painting the Keys: Paint a Coconut Class

Date: 3/3/2026

Time: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: Robbie's of Islamorada

Cost: $35 per person or $100 for a group of four, all supplies are included

Open Studio: Painting Workshop with Robin

Date: 3/4/2026

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 4)

Date: 3/4/2026

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Location: Founders Park Beach

Cost: $150 per series (4 lessons)

Mosaic Class at the Brewery

Date: 3/4/2026

Time: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

Location: Islamorada Brewing Co

Cost: from $40 - $80.

Beginner mosaic class in Islamorada! Projects are great for ages 8+. All materials are included. www.beachlifemosaics.com/projects

Abstract Workshop with Monica Bankowski

Date: 3/5/2026

Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Location: Our Place in Paradise

Cost: $85 per student

Open Studio: Painting Workshop with Robin

Date: 3/5/2026

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.

Watercolors and Waves Advanced Class (Series 2, Class 4)

Date: 3/5/2026

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!

Lecture & Museums

Nature Walk! Nature Walk and Talk with Susan Kolterman, Florida Keys Naturalist

Date: 3/7/2026

Time: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM

Location: Windley Key State Park at MM 84

The Village of Islamorada invites you to increase your knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Florida Keys and Everglades. Walks involve a brief discussion on the history of the Upper Keys as well as plant, butterfly, and bird traits. Sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and binoculars are recommended. All ages and families welcome. Pre-registration is required. Register at the Founders Park office (305) 853-1695.