It was a pretty active year for the village of Islamorada. On the dais, council considered and acted on various quality-of-life issues facing residents. Here are some of the 2019 highlights.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In April, Islamorada council said “yes” to the second reading of an ordinance adding language to its comprehensive plan and land development regulations to allow for the allocation of up to 300 new, affordable housing units. At the time, the village had 36 affordable housing allocations available until 2023. If the village gets the 300 units from the state, planning director Ty Harris said the 36 allocations could become “extremely valuable” for use for deed-restricted affordable housing.
A VISIT TO THE CAPITOL
Islamorada officials paid a visit to the nation’s capital on May 9 to speak with senators, representatives and the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss water quality, lighthouses and FEMA reimbursement. Last year, the Keys received $4 million from the Corps for water quality improvement, which supports Keys municipalities like Islamorada. Officials were seeking another $1 million. The visit also enlightened representatives in Washington regarding the state of lighthouses in the Keys, as well as FEMA reimbursement.
CALMING THE SITUATION
Pressure put on by the village, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and residents over the Fills drew action from the Department of Transportation just before the July 4 holiday. With overcrowding and trashing issues percolating, FDOT immediately allowed the village to control the amount of parking and areas of access on state-owned property at the Fills. Along with parking restrictions, village staff was on hand to control parking during weekends and busy holidays. The speed limit was also changed to 45 mph thanks to Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
RIDE SERVICE EXPANDING
Expansion of Freebee’s ride-sharing service to all of Islamorada is on its way. The electric vehicle ridesharing service has been running on Upper Matecumbe Key since November 2018. With expansion of the program, vans will provide service 70 hours a week beginning in the New Year.
CANOPY GETS INSTALLED
A project to install a new canopy at Founders Park amphitheater started June 24 and was complete June 28. It was the final Hurricane Irma recovery project at the park. And it was finished just in time for the 4th of July celebration. The project, which cost $118,806, was done by Tensile Structure Systems Inc., a Baltimore company specializing in tensile structures. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
ANNE’S BACK!
Joined by community members and village officials, then-mayor Deb Gillis cut the ribbon to mark the official reopening of Anne’s Beach, located at MM 73.5, Oceanside on Aug. 23. With 1,300 feet of new boardwalk, six pavilions, new parking lots and a restroom facility on the north end, the project came in at $1.6 million. Island Villa Construction and Teak Esslinger were the ones that put the facility back together in a more resilient state. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
FERTILIZER STANDARDS
Islamorada Village council members were unanimous in their decision to approve an ordinance to amend land development regulations related to fertilizer application standards during the Sept. 19 meeting. The ordinance restricts the application of fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus during the summer/rainy months of June to September annually. Fertilizer can’t be applied within 15 feet of any canal, shoreline or wetland. Application is also prohibited during major storms and floods. In addition, grass clippings and vegetation debris can’t be washed, swept or blown into storm drains, ditches, roads or canals. Any material accidentally deposited would need to be removed immediately to the maximum extent practicable.
