From his arrival April 21, new Islamorada Supervisor Ron Saunders went to work addressing a number of the bigger points throughout the village.
Unanimously chosen by the village council on April 10, the previous Florida state consultant isn’t any stranger to Islamorada — his legislative workplace was situated on Plantation Key.
Because the choice, Saunders secured housing throughout the village, visited with a number of organizations and members of the general public whereas conserving residents knowledgeable on all the newest happenings by way of a village e-newsletter. He’s additionally conserving a number of the main matters on the forefront, as witnessed throughout a village council assembly earlier within the month when he offered updates on the Fills, the ballfield at Founders Park and the standing of village-owned properties.
Saunders introduced village public works director A.J. Engelmeyer to the rostrum for a short replace on the newest surrounding the Fills, the three small islands connecting Higher and Decrease Matecumbe that had been as soon as the scene of chaos and immense trashing by guests. Points surrounding the Fills aren’t new to locals; the state, which owns the property; or the village, which for a few years has leased the property to realize higher management over the once-popular hangout spot for daytrippers.
Since 2020, public works staff have been stationed alongside Tea Desk Key, Indian Key Fill and Lignumvitae Key Fill to make sure compliance with the accessible parking spots. The village has budgeted additional time for workers to observe the Fills for 5 years. Orange cones have additionally been stationed to higher delineate the place automobiles can park.
A survey in 2023 revealed members of the general public needed the Fills to preserve its pure state as nothing greater than a highway with no extra facilities. An amazing majority said they didn’t need taxpayer {dollars} supporting any extra enhancements or upkeep.
Quick ahead to Could 6. Engelmeyer advised council members the village eliminated asphalt from the parking areas alongside the Fills. With sodding across the bike path and striping the following steps, Engelmeyer mentioned, the mission ought to be executed by the top of the month. However public works workers will proceed to observe the Fills by way of the summer season till the Florida Division of Transportation begins a landscaping mission spanning the size of the Fills to a relaxation cease at MM 81 later this fall.
In accordance with FDOT’s web site, a landscaping mission from MM 75 to MM 81 in Islamorada consists of the set up of native timber and palms to enhance the highway aesthetics, the addition of a landscaping buffer alongside the roadways and the removing and alternative of diseased and broken timber. The $1.2 million mission is predicted to start this August. Set up is predicted to take six months.
“The cones and obstacles will stay in till DOT’s mission is completed,” Engelmeyer added.
Parking spots will stay in two areas the place the Florida Division of Environmental Safety is working to deliver kayak launches with a purpose to entry Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key state parks.
As for any ballfield upgrades, Saunders mentioned no actions shall be taken by the college board with out the village’s enter. Saunders mentioned he spoke to the 5 faculty board members individually, in addition to Pat Lefere, faculty district director of operations. Saunders relayed that the village doesn’t need to see any timber come down on the park. Joint use of the ability was additionally among the many dialogue.
“We personal the property. We wish joint use,” Saunders mentioned. “That’ll be within the written settlement so there will not be going to be any misunderstandings. We’re going to know precisely how a lot the college board needs and the way a lot we (the village) need. They will’t preserve us off our personal discipline.”
Situated on the entrance of the park, the sector was constructed underneath an settlement between the 2 governments in 2001. In March 2024, faculty district officers met with village residents to debate their wishes to spend $5 million for upgrades to the ballfield at Founders Park — the house of Coral Shores baseball. The varsity board voted 4-1 in November 2023 to award a request for qualification for the design construct contract to Chris-Tel Building.
Saunders advised council members he plans to remain concerned from the start and never within the center or finish because it has been the case lately.
“No discussions, no agreements and no proposal will come out with out us having enter at first,” he mentioned.
Saunders additionally introduced the council with a listing of village-owned properties, every little thing from vacant land to the previous Island Neighborhood Church and former Island Silver & Spice properties. Saunders steered the village maintain a city assembly to point out residents the listing of properties and provide you with concepts for potential use. Saunders famous recommendations associated to high-profile properties, just like the church and Island Silver & Spice, are restricted per village code. As well as, the agency tasked with updating the excellent plan, In a position Metropolis East, shall be incorporating the high-profile properties.
Saunders mentioned he’ll preserve the council and public up to date on what the village is doing with the properties.