Islamorada Firefighters Host Free Barbecue at Founders Park This Saturday

The Islamorada Benevolent Firefighters Association brought pork, hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, and cole slaw to Founders Park Beach on Saturday as part of its annual "Givin' It Back Barbecue," serving Islamorada residents free of charge from 11 a.m. until the food ran out at 3 p.m.

The event, organized by Islamorada Fire Rescue, offered meals at no cost to Islamorada residents, while non-residents were charged $15. Wristbands were distributed in advance through Islamorada FD. The village's municipal announcement encouraged families to bring children out to meet their local firefighters, reflecting a broader tradition of community outreach that Keys fire departments have cultivated through events like Monroe County Fire Rescue's summertime Beat the Heat series.

Three local businesses backed the barbecue: Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Sophie's Restaurant, and The Trading Post Grocery Store. The village announcement described the event as "supported by local businesses including" those three establishments, leaving open the possibility that additional sponsors contributed.

The barbecue was first announced in Keys Weekly on March 20, the day before the event. Islamorada's municipal website posted its own news flash promoting the gathering at Founders Park Beach, which has been a focal point of village activity in recent weeks following new park policies and fee changes that took effect March 1.