In the spirit of the Holiday Season and ‘good will to men”, I would like to speak to the blessings that we sometimes overlook in our special home and environment, the Village of Islamorada!

We should be proud of the organizations and individuals that ensure that Keys children have a present from Santa to open on Christmas morning.  Heading the list is the wonderful work done by community organizations, such as the Angel Tree donations organized by our schools and churches, the Voices for Florida Keys Children, and Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney (and her helpers from our dedicated Fire Department).  We thank you!

In Islamorada, we see magnificent colorful sunrises and sunsets that enrich, motivate and inspire us. In Islamorada, there is one stunning photo opportunity after another.

We are proud of the many native trees we’ve saved along with some open space for birds to land.

We are thankful for foresight of the previous Village Council member, Bob Johnson, for instituting our 35-foot building height. There is not enough space to speak about Bob Johnson’s legacy to our Village.  We honor his memory.

We are thankful that the Village-wide referendum overwhelmingly voted to keep the term of the Village Council at two years. Referendums are the true voice of the village and should be utilized for all important fiscal and and life-style altering decisions.  These important decisions should not be decided by three Village Council votes.

We have so many churches, large and small, for all to worship as they see fit.

Our rich history – symbolized by the Hurricane Monument in the center of town is now regaled in beautiful Christmas lights, a treat for all. Good decision, Village.  Thanks, Henry.

Founders Park and the early vision of our first council and the continuing effort to keep this our amazing centerpiece. Resist the recommendations to turn it into an amusement park at a cost of $25 million or well more.

Islamorada – the home of four fabulous Florida State Parks, four of our many treasures.

A huge thank you to first responders - firefighters and deputies that keep us safe and healthy.  And we must never forget our nurses, teachers and other vital workers that struggle to afford the high cost of living here to provide critical services.

Islamorada is known as the Sport fishing capital of the World. Fishermen who continue to make Islamorada the Sport fishing Capital of the World should be supported when it makes sense. They should have the ability to access the ramp at Founders Park in the early morning.  This seems logical.  No?  We encourage the Village to make that change.

The Alligator Lighthouse – for its majestic beauty and fabulous fishing/snorkeling opportunities.  Our annual Alligator Lighthouse swim is an Islamorada event that draws entries from near and far.  We are so proud.

A community built around family values.  We should never forget this and make this a priority in our decisions-making. I rarely hear it mentioned at Village meetings.

We have fabulous restaurants for celebrating special occasions. Locals live here, and we support the restaurants and other businesses year-round. Don’t forget us!

We welcome tourists that come here to appreciate our extraordinary environment and help us protect it. We encourage them to treat our special place as if it were their home. To tourists, I say, be considerate, people live here when you leave.

I want to wish all of our friends, supporters and antagonists, a special Holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tom Raffanello