Five Islamorada council members raised their right hand as Monroe County Judge Sharon Hamilton swore them in to their seats to kick off the Dec. 6 meeting. A dwindling build permit supply, a lack of affordable housing, transportation and the future of the Fills are among the many issues the new dais will face heading into a busy 2023 in the village.
Incumbents Buddy Pinder, Henry Rosenthal and Mark Gregg return to the dais for a second term on the council following their victories on Election Night. Sharon Mahoney, a longtime resident and business owner, and Elizabeth Jolin, local fishing guide and former village Achievable Housing Advisory Committee member, join the dais for the first time following election wins against their opponents.
Following the swearing-in, the council went to work by selecting Buddy Pinder as mayor and Sharon Mahoney as vice mayor for the year. While the decision for mayor was unanimous, it didn’t go without some discussion. Councilman Mark Gregg issued his support for Pinder, who received the most votes of any candidate running for council.
“I can tell you I’ve seen no one do a better job. He loves the job and is enthusiastic about it,” Gregg said.
Rosenthal, who served the previous year as vice mayor, responded by nominating himself. In his remarks, Rosenthal said he’s qualified and would benefit from the title to bring progress on some village matters.
New councilwoman Sharon Mahoney is sworn in. 
First-time councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin is sworn in. 
Buddy Pinder is sworn in by County Judge Sharon Hamilton. JIM MCCARTHY/Keys Weekly 
Henry Rosenthal is sworn in following a close election victory. 
Councilman Mark Gregg returns to the dais for a second-consecutive term.
“I have a great deal on my plate right now in order for me to be successful; this title is very important,” he said. “There’s nobody that can get it done quicker or better. This is my service not only to Islamorada but to the county as well.”
Council members voted 5-0 to bring Pinder back to the mayor’s seat and 5-0 to name Mahoney as vice mayor.
Village Manager Ted Yates opened comments by welcoming the new council.
“Elections are very, very difficult. They drain you physically, financially and emotionally,” he said. ”I congratulate you for enduring the storm and really looking forward to the next two years. I look forward to the opportunity and I know we’ll do a lot of great things.”
