We continue to make rational suggestions. Is anyone in Village Hall listening?
In America we have a Representative Democracy. I assume that applies to the Village of Islamorada.
Voters elect members of Congress and Village Council to make decisions on our behalf based on our input.
Any decision by a representative to ignore their pledge to represent the will of voters, is a risk. Some are anesthetized by their perceived power and fail to express the will of the people.
A few years ago a Councilman insisted the voters had elected him to make decisions, sometimes disregarding their input. He was not reelected.
Founders Park, Baseball Field, Artificial turf: The council has an important decision to make impacting our much-loved community park.
The Founders Park purchase in 1998 has often been referred to as the smartest thing the Village has done (I concur), creating a much-loved centerpiece for the community owned 100% by Islamorada and its residents.
We elect 5 members of Council – and they have the final say in what happens at the community park.
Will they be strong representatives of the voters who care deeply about the park?
The baseball field is used by the Coral Shores High School baseball team, January through May via an agreement with the School Board. The School Board wants to upgrade the baseball field at taxpayer expense. Islamorada property owners all pay school taxes as well as Islamorada taxes. Ergo, it is our money.
Artificial or Real
The School Board’s planned design for the Village Park includes artificial turf. There is also a tremendous case to be made for “God’s green grass.”
Last week a Baseball Task Force met, made up of 5 local residents, formed to help the council with decisions related to the baseball field at the park.
Choosing between artificial turf and real grass involves many factors:
Costs, maintenance, aesthetics, durability, playability, environmental impact are all important factors
The task force heard from a scientist favoring real grass with scientific reasons and a salesman who sells artificial turf. Do we listen to the dynamic salesman? Or do we want the scientific facts? It seems like there is more research to do.
Will there be a survey of residents?
The task force recommended that a survey be conducted to find out whether the property owners/taxpayers want real grass or artificial turf at the park.
Will our council want to hear from the voters?
Will our elected representatives choose to ignore their campaign promises to represent us, safe in the knowledge that their position is secure until the next election and perhaps forgotten by then.
Many residents have long memories and will vote accordingly.
The baseball coaches think the decision needs to be made immediately so there will be artificial turf installed by the 2027 season.
The real grass will be what they play on in 2026 (and what Coral Shore players have played baseball on for generations).
If we don’t have all the answers, we should continue to gather the facts.
There is sufficient time to hear from the Islamorada residents. The residents own the park and their will should be the litmus test.
Waiting another year will only reflect a better decision… and the continued improvement of the artificial turf product.
We have artificial turf at the dog park. And we are getting artificial turf at the new playground at Founders Park.
I say - Ignore self-imposed deadlines and make good decisions.
The council owes the residents the ability to weigh in. We urge our Council to commission a survey of the residents of Islamorada. Let’s make the right decision.
Another topic: WE HAVE A WASTEWATER EMERGENCY!
While we thankRon Saunders for making wastewater a high priority, proper wastewater decisions are at a critical stage. What does it take to convene the council to explain our problem to residents and lay out the solutions and taxpayer costs?
It is undoubtedly the NUMBER ONE health and safety issue we have. Raw sewage is known to contain harmful disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If we continue to slow walk, we can destroy the environment that makes us special.
Anybody listening?
A maintenance plan and review of the 7 water crossings that contain buried sewer pipes should be regularly assessed for functionality and longevity. Foresight and prevention will prevent another wastewater calamity.
We urge a special public meeting to be conducted outlining problems, solutions and costs. It is what local governments are required to do for their constituents.
Elections have consequences.
Tom Raffanello
