Land that once housed a pair of mobile home communities along the Islamorada shores is breathing new life as an RV and vacation home destination with resort-style amenities.
March marked the beginning of business for Sun Outdoors Islamorada — an array of RVs filed into some 82 full hook-up sites by May. Located along the Old Highway, the newly-developed site also brings 48 modular vacation homes — 30 are still available for purchase — as well as 47 boat slips in three marinas and amenities such as a heated pool and cabanas.
“We are thrilled to officially open our newest location, Sun Outdoors Islamorada, in the beautiful, sunny Florida Keys,” said Nick DiBella, senior vice president of operations and sales. “As we continue to offer our guests fun and transformative outdoors experiences, the Islamorada resort is an exciting addition to our portfolio, meeting the continued demand for premium amenities alongside Sun Outdoors’ award-winning quality of service.”
In 2017, Hurricane Irma ravaged San Pedro and Sea Breeze trailer parks, located just a quarter mile apart on the Old Highway near MM 87.4. Many residents weren’t able to pick up the pieces and rebuild, leaving them packing what they had for a new beginning somewhere else. But some waited until the new Sun Outdoors Islamorada resort’s stilted homes were complete. Sun Outdoors stuck to its word, giving residents who wished to come back the opportunity to purchase a home at cost.
Land is cleared to make way for Sun Outdoors’ RV lots and homes in September 2021. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly 
Stilts are placed for vacation homes at Sun Outdoors Islamorada grounds. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly 
An aerial from September 2022. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly 
RV lots are complete while new modular homes are placed in January 2023. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly 
Trailers and RVs take their sports at Sun Outdoors Islamorada in April 2023. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly
According to Sun Outdoors officials, five residents are returning after buying homes in the gated, residential section of the property. All homes are 1,230 square feet and come in two different layouts — all offering picturesque ocean views. Homeowners are able to rent out their homes for a minimum of 28 days, so long as they follow rules and guidelines laid out by the village code.
Sun Outdoors Islamorada is also participating in the village’s affordable housing program in coordination with the village’s planning and development department. Five income-based homes, all one-bedroom and one-bathroom, are available for lease. Those wishing to submit an application must visit the resort sales office in person by Friday, July 14.
Those vacationing and living at Sun Outdoors Islamorada are able to take advantage of amenities that include an ocean view lounge, watersport rentals, onsite food and drinks, a clubhouse, laundry room and dog walk.
Sun Outdoors operates several RV and vacation home sites throughout the island chain, including Key Largo, Marathon and Sugarloaf Key. Sun Outdoors Islamorada is slated to hold a grand opening Tuesday, July 18.
