in our Jan 12, 2026 newsletter, we suggested the Village needs to do a better job of managing the 128 Village owned real estate parcels.   There is no specific plan for the use of many of them. We highlighted a few … maybe someone at the Village was listening. There is “progress” to report.  Yes, but without public participation! MM88.6 or more commonly called the Machado Property: A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued last Friday, Jan 23, suggesting the Village will provide a 99-year lease to a contractor willing to build and manage 16 deed restricted units on the property.   We are disappointed that specific details of the plan were not publicly discussed with the community and the neighbors first.  With current zoning 4 affordable homes can be built on each of the 4 lots.   Our recommendation: If it is determined that 16 units are acceptable and they don’t create an even worse traffic nightmare getting onto U.S. One, limit them all to 1 bedroom or efficiency units, probably the size most needed.  Re-zone lots we’ve marked 1 and 2 (on aerial below) to allow 15 affordable units/acre: 16 small units on the 2 lots would be allowed. Lots marked 3 & 4 can be left undeveloped, saving and improving the tropical hardwood hammock by removing the exotic vegetation and restoring native trees. Based on the Comprehensive Plan policies, Islamorada maintains a program to remove invasive exotic vegetation from Village owned lands and then plants native vegetation.  At the January Council meeting, a work authorization was approved with Conch Tree for invasive plant management. These two lots could be added to the work authorization to be restored to assure an improved hammock. Lot shown as 3 is waterfront with a seawall. A small portion that is scarified could possibly be used as a neighborhood park with some dockage.

Church Property, purchased 8/12/24 for $3,995,000 with no particular plan for its use by the Village.  Shouldn’t we have a public meeting to discuss what to do with this major taxpayer asset?   What would it cost for repairs for a future use? If the cost is not reasonable and selling is the best option - market it openly. Problem is - we hear so many rumors! Are there already interested buyers and perhaps even a deal negotiated behind closed doors, awaiting a public vote for a decision already made.  We really hope this is just a rumor, not fact. A $4 million investment of taxpayers’ money necessitates serious public involvement not just a few phone calls and a thumbs up.

Is there a buyer? Is it CVS - we could trade? Is it Publix? A liquor store? Don’t make us guess.   We want Government in the Sunshine Let’s schedule a public meeting!

What a special event was put together for the dedication of the Mangrove Mike’s Memorial Dog Park at Founders Park! Sharon Mahoney, with the help of Mike’s longtime friends, shown in the ribbon cutting ceremony, made it a day to remember with stories of the man who made such a difference in Islamorada.

Or is there a looming fresh water supply shortage — something that once seemed impossible for Florida.

And who really cares about conservation? We found one young 10-year-old who understands and cares…Juniper Wood, a born and raised Keys Kid. Juniper won an award from the Florida Keys Aqueduct for her artwork, "Water is Life."  Way to go Juniper!

Remember Bess Myerson? (July 16, 1924 – December 14, 2014) She was Miss America in 1945. Later an American politician, model, and television actress, Myerson made frequent television appearances during the 1950s and 1960s. She was a commissioner in the New York City government, served on presidential commissions from the 1960s through the 1980s, and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate.

Earlier this month, the Village Council passed a resolution to establish a Charter Review Committee. They’ll recommend changes to our 25-year-old Village Charter. 

This review was a campaign promise of Don Horton’s and others, during the campaign in 2024. Now 14 months later, after the important village work was completed, i.e. dealing with several million dollars worth of property purchased with no exit plan; naming streets and parks, we are ready to go.

In addition to the committee itself, the council voted to have the manager provide a meeting facilitator (unnamed) for the review committee and someone at the League of Cities will be used to “tweak” the charter changes.

So now 14 months into the current term the charter review becomes a predicament with a short deadline. The hastily put together committee of seven residents must figure out what is best for the long-term benefit of our community. 

The deadline for submission of recommended changes is May 31st. In this village, it is going to have to move at the speed of sound. A rapid review process follows with readings by council at multiple public meetings. It is then submitted to the Supervisor of Elections, post haste, to get satisfactory recommendations on the November ballot.

This is warp speed for any municipality. Most communities take well over a year to do a thorough charter review.

The importance of the charter, strategic plan and comp plan has been ignored.

None of these critical documents has been energetically pursued.

Two days after the council resolution the council appointed seven residents to serve on the committee:  Ty Harris, Richard Black, Roger Young, Lori LaLonde, Susan Raffanello, Craig McBay, Joe Roth. (Heavy participation by Chamber members)

In my experience, it is always preferred to get the background on those applying for important, potentially game changing decisions. We hope they all are prepared to put in serious effort, not just interested in adding a new entry on their resume.

We find it confusing that the Village has a rather detailed application process for other citizen committees (Boards & Committees Applications | Islamorada, FL).

Astonishingly, for this critical committee, interested residents simply had to send their name to the clerk for consideration – no qualifications needed.  Do “good ol’ boy/girl” politics prevail in our village?

The first Village Charter Review Committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, Jan 26, 2026 at 5:30 P.M.  A second meeting is scheduled for two days later, Jan 28, same time and place.

During Council discussion, there were numerous comments suggesting that the Council wants to consider amendments the public wants enacted.  The importance of public participation was frequently reiterated.

We urge the public to get fully engaged in the process.

There were 10 residents who submitted their names, but were not selected: John Cioffi, Mark Cockerham, Greg Dully, Elizabeth Jolin, Bernie LaPira, Sue Miller, Jerry O’Cathey, Lesley Rhyne, Marilyn Smith, John Lentini.

We strongly suggest that those who expressed interest and submitted their names should absolutely become involved in the process and contribute their ideas to the committee.

A Charter is often a rather humdrum document with standard language- legal description of the municipality, number of seats on council, terms, and qualifications of the council, their responsibilities, form of government (in our case council-manager.) and then “General Provisions” that can be more village specific.  

Why is this Charter so important? The charter is the town bible and can only be changed by the voters – not staff, and not by the council. The Charter is where we should put the important guidance.Provisions to protect the environment, citizens and their wallets and quality of life go here!

Prior amendments submitted for voter approval:

Height Restriction: Back in 2007 the 35’ height restriction was added to the charter after months and months of campaigning to assure voters understood this amendment would prevent a Miami Beach look along the shores of Islamorada. 

Council pay: The council cannot increase their own pay - their compensation is part of our Charter.  Voters here have rejected pay increases for Council more than once.

Issues expected to be considered by the newly appointed review committee:

• Instead of candidates running for a specific seat, the charter could be amended to declare the top five voter getters the winners

• The two-year terms should not be changed. (it has been rejected by voters previously)

• Elections could be staggered so either 2 or 3 council positions would be decided in an annual election instead of all 5 so we’d never have a council that is all new like what happened in 2020.

• Candidates could run for mayor and emphasize their qualifications. Voters should decide this position.

 

We hope the Charter Review Committee is conscientious, creative and spends time looking at other city charters around South Florida.  We did. We found some interesting provisions that could be considered in Islamorada. 

Here’s a couple:

Key West land acquisition: “Acquisition of real property for public parks, recreation, affordable housing, or civic buildings may be by a vote of a supermajority of the City Commission. Annexation, or acquisition of real property for any other purpose, may only be by a vote of the electors of the City.”

Key Colony Beach Clerk (and many other municipalities): TheClerk is a charter officer along with attorney and manager – “There shall be a City Clerk who shall be appointed by the City Commission. The City Clerk shall perform such duties as are assigned by the City Commission.”

Cutler Bay (Incorporated in 2005) Citizens Bill of Rights: “This government has been created to protect the governed, not the governing. In order to provide the public with full and accurate information, to promote efficient administration management, to make government more accountable, and to ensure to all persons fair and equitable treatment, the following rights are guaranteed.”  (14 rights of citizens spelled out )

Cutler Bay Council vacancy: “If six months or more remain in the unexpired term, a special election to fill that vacancy shall be held no later than 90 days following the occurrence of the vacancy.”

Cutler Bay Disclosure of Campaign contributions by vendors: “Any vendor who directly or through a member of the person's immediate family or through a political action committee or through any other person makes a campaign contribution to a candidate who is elected mayor, vice-mayor or council member, shall be required to disclose said contribution and if said Vendor fails to disclose he/she/it shall be barred from selling any product or service to the town for a period of two years following the swearing in of the subject.”

  

We encourage the committee members to do the hard work and remember their obligation to the residents and environment.

We will re-visit this process as it goes forward.

Participate!!

Tom Raffanello

Click here to read the Charter.

Click here Good luck Buddy - now mayor of Marineland - the tiniest municipality in the state of Florida - 9 residents.

The regular session runs 60 days from Jan 13 till Mar 13.   Affordability seems to be the critical issue that faces the 2026 Legislature, based on headlines in newspapers all around the state of Florida.

Property Tax Reduction: One of the key topics will be Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to cut or eliminate homestead property taxes. House Joint Resolution 203 passed the State Affairs Committee Jan 15, with a vote of 16-6, just two days into the session. The bill, if passed, aims to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November asking Florida voters to approve increasing homestead exemptions by $100,000 annually for ten years, excluding the taxes for schools. A 60% approval by voters is needed to amend the Florida Constitution.   In Islamorada property tax revenue in the current budget is estimated to bring in $18,264,500, almost 76% of the total general fund revenue.  However, only a relatively small portion of that $18.26 million comes from homesteaded properties.   Based on the current millage rate, an increased deduction of $100,000/year would result in a reduction of $787 in taxes each year for a homesteaded property owner until by the end of 10 years most all homesteaded properties will pay no property taxes except for schools. The gradual implementation over 10 years is intended to give local government time to find ways to reduce costs to compensate for the reduction in revenue.   Village Lobbyists: GrayRobinson has joined up with Kate DeLoach of Southern Group to provide Islamorada with a local lobbyist.  Every Friday afternoon at 4 PM during the Legislative Session, the Village will have a zoom update with our lobbyists.  You can listen in on Friday.  Click here   Summary list of County Legislative Priorities: Click Here Florida League of Cities 2026 Legislative Platform: Click Here No list of 2026 legislative priorities was located on the Village website.

According to the results of its latest poll, Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economic Polling Initiative, just under 50% of Floridians are "seriously considering" moving due to the rising cost of living. Housing affordability is the major concernwith 80% of respondents.

And there is probably no place in Florida worse than the Florida Keys for housing for working families and people on fixed income, as we transition from a great place to raise kids to a great place for wealthy homeowners looking for luxury vacation homes, and for vacationing families to rent homes once occupied by full time residents.

Have we become a tax shelter for the wealthy? According to the Property Appraiser’s website, 55 properties in Islamorada have been sold in the last 12 months for $2 million or more; 30 over $3 million.

While many longtime residents may be moving from the Keys, Islamorada continues to gain new residents and wealth at a remarkable pace.

Will we always have available workers? Is this a sustainable trend?

Last Stand is an organization that promotes quality of life in the Keys by opposing overdevelopment that stresses the environment, impacts residents’ daily lives, and strains the critical infrastructure upon which we all rely.

Our own Councilman, Steve Friedman, will be a featured speaker at their annual meeting Feb 3. A great Keys wide organization - Click here to join.

Freebee service came to Islamorada via the 2018-2019 budget approval of $80,000, with no competitive bidding.. and the service has continually expanded along with the cost and the grant funding without competitive bidding.

The Council voted this month to approve the 3rd (and final) round of funding for the current FDOT grant. This grant has been paying 50% ($276,700) of the $553,400 annual Freebee cost, while Islamorada taxpayers foot the rest of the bill. The service is available to riders free of charge. In November 2024, the council decided to “implement a charge to riders in the near term.” A minimal $2 charge per ride as proposed has not happened.  

Several years ago, an RFP was issued. A selection committee ranked Circuit Transit Inc ahead of Freebee.  However, Interim Manager, Kimberly Matthews, on loan from  Monroe County, declared the selection process fatally flawed, without explanation, minutes before the Council meeting at which the selection of Circuit was expected. She promised the RFP would be reissued immediately.  It never was.

 

And still 8 years since the initial Freebee approval in 2018, Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney has once more asked when the rideshare service will be put out for competitive bid. Nothing yet. Eight years and several million dollars in payments to Freebee with no competitive bidding. No rider fee. An important rideshare service for  those who use it… with many questions left unanswered.