A longtime Islamorada resident and current village mayor is seeking another term on the council.
Don Horton came to the Florida Keys from Texas almost 50 years ago. A former building services director for Monroe County and building official for Islamorada, Horton secured seat 4 in the 2024 election, winning 60.9% of the vote to beat Tom Raffanello. It’s his first time serving as a council member. Like the other members, Horton is in the second and final year of his current term.
On Jan. 29, Horton was the first to file for one of the five open seats in the upcoming November election. He’ll vie for seat 4.
“I filed early last election cycle. I just figured I’d file early again this year to let my constituents and the citizens of Islamorada know I would like the privilege to serve another two years,” Horton told Keys Weekly.
Horton was one of five members who supported the selection of Ron Saunders for village manager last April. He said the council found somebody who understands the local issues. Horton also said he’s happy with the progress being made on various fronts, from the ballfield at Founders Park to the fiscally-conservative moves made last budget cycle.
“There’s an observation to me that some people complain about people not showing up, that we’re having small attendance at council meetings. To me, that’s an indication that the citizens are very happy with the things going on,” Horton said. “Take for instance when there was discussion or rumor loathing that we were getting rid of Freebee, that room was full. When people were concerned about peacocks, that room was full.
“As we conduct normal business, we may have four to five people attending those meetings in person. I think that’s an indication we’re doing a good job for the citizens,” Horton continued.
Horton is particularly pleased with the weekly newsletter, which he worked with Saunders to bring to the public, updates every Friday by the village’s lobbyists on the latest developments with legislative session in Tallahassee and the restored relationship with the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District.
Overall, Horton said the current council has brought a level of professionalism that’s been missing.
“I don’t feel like I stand up alone,” he said. “If we can have a professional council that can work together and get things done. … The council isn’t just one person, it’s a team working for the betterment of the village.”
But Horton acknowledges there is still much work ahead in the village. Specifically, Horton believes the council can do more to help local businesses. He also wants to improve the business districts on the village of islands.
“I believe we should concentrate on finding some niche parking places, or certain parking areas that will take some of the strain off our businesses,” he said. “We also need to continue towards paid parking as a revenue source for the village rather than the town constantly looking at having to raise taxes.”
As he hits his 50th year living on Plantation Key, Horton is hoping the voters select him for another term in office.
“We’re on track to getting some good things done and I’m looking forward to having another opportunity to serve,” he said.
