It does not take long to figure out that in Islamorada there are two clearly defined entities. These two sides are on a collision course:

1. The people who prioritize protecting our environment and work to resist the prevailing propensity for over development and lack of budget discipline

2. The business community that appears to be more interested in unfettered tourism and development.

The polarization here between the two schools of thought is so stark that many residents have unfriendly social interactions, criticized for even being seen and speaking with people from opposing camps.

This is juvenile. This polarization has undermined our democratic process by making discussion, negotiation, and compromise difficult, if not impossible. Even the best ideas are ignored when coming from the wrong person or affiliation.

The Islamorada Community Alliance has become a focal point for those who seek to demonize opposing views. Again, juvenile and, I submit, not what residents voted for.

I pledge to continue to oppose programs and actions we deem detrimental to our residents and environment. We will not be deterred; speak to me at your own peril.

The unique environment of the Keys has long been the reason for our growth and financial success. Maybe the business community should thank the environmentalists for preserving their most important asset.

When someone expresses a view on a controversial issue and then encounters vigorous criticism, the result is often “self-censorship.”  People remain silent to avoid the vitriol and economic consequences they may suffer by speaking up.

At a recent council meeting there were only two members of the public in attendance for important public hearings - one was the attorney for a petitioner.

Islamorada is in the process of reviewing our Village Charter. This is our “Constitution” and is a critical undertaking. The committee, selected by the council, has now met twice. Once there was just one member of the public in attendance; four at the next meeting.

It took over 14 months to get this council to initiate the process, but now we are told there is no time to waste. Didn’t all the councilpersons run on this issue?

We asked the Village Manager, Ron Saunders: How can we get the public more engaged in the local government issues?

Saunders said, with his extensive legislative experience, that people typically get involved when they are angry.  When they are satisfied with what the elected officials are doing, they don’t need to participate.

He hopes that is the case in Islamorada currently - satisfaction with the government.

I think that is delusional, incorrect and poor reasoning.

Residents have been intimidated. The fear of reprisal hangs over our small village. Or perhaps it is the knowledge that the council isn’t going to listen anyway.

We have another theory.  The population of Islamorada has changed since the early days when there was standing room only for council meetings.  

We have 7000 residents. Many more part-time residents who do not get involved in Village politics to the degree those who live here year-round.

The cost of living in Islamorada has been going higher and higher. Unfortunately, it has never been quite like it is now. “Now the billionaires are replacing the millionaires.”

Maybe money does buy happiness. Remember when most homes here were 2 bedrooms, or less. A 3-bedroom home was a mansion.  Now the wealthy are building homes big enough to house the extended family and all of their friends without the need to share a bathroom.

A couple examples…

Consider the huge “resort” homes, permitted as single family, used as a vacation rental, with many bedroom suites, rented for a day, weekend, or week, as if a mini hotel… popular as a corporate retreat, wedding venue or family reunion destination.

Some rent at over $5,000 per night. Up the ante if a private chef is included. Many seem to ignore the Village rules... may not even bother with a vacation rental license. If they are caught, the fine is a small portion of the thousands that the rentals produce.

Toothless enforcement if, in fact, there is any meaningful enforcement at all.

One property owner had no trouble with a landscape mitigation fee to bulldoze a couple acres of high-quality hammock. Built a house, now listed for sale at over $20,000,000. The $100,000 in bulldozer mitigation was a small price to pay!

Challenging the government is only possible if you have deep pockets - very, very deep pockets. And that’s who is moving in.

My friend, these are some of the facts that discourage residents from participating:

• Fear of retribution or loss of friendships

• Happy with, or oblivious to, local government

• Government decisions don’t matter - pay the fee, when and if caught.

• I’m going fishing – or to the brewery where at least the bartender listens.

I applaud those who want to make a difference and continue to weigh in on our important quality of life issues. Keep at it.

Elections have consequences.

Tom Raffanello