Islamorada Council names seven-member Charter Review Committee; report due May 31, 2026

The Islamorada Village Council moved this month to begin a formal review of its charter, passing a resolution on Jan. 13 that establishes a seven-member Charter Review Committee to consider possible amendments to the village governing document. Council followed up on Jan. 15 by appointing the committee’s members, and set a deadline of May 31, 2026, for a final report to advise the council on any proposed changes.

Each council member named one appointee, and two at-large members were selected by majority vote of the council. Mayor Don Horton appointed Ty Harris, Vice Mayor Mahoney appointed Richard Black, Council Member Anna Richard appointed Roger Young, Deb Gillis appointed Lori LaLonde, and Steve Friedman appointed Susan Raffanello. The two at-large members chosen by the council are Craig McBay and Joe Roth. The committee is expected to meet at least once a month, and all meetings will be open to the public.

Charter reviews are the mechanism by which a municipality evaluates foundational rules on how it operates, from elected-office structures and terms to administrative powers and procedural safeguards. For Islamorada residents, the committee’s work could shape how local decisions are made and how responsive village government is to changing needs in the Upper Keys. The openness of the process - with regular public meetings - gives residents a direct means to observe, ask questions, and offer input before any recommended amendments move to the council for consideration.

The timeline gives the committee roughly four and a half months to gather public feedback, study the charter, and draft recommendations. Regular monthly meetings will create recurring opportunities for community participation while allowing the committee to move methodically through sections of the charter. After the committee approves its final report, the Village Council will receive the recommendations and decide whether to pursue amendments, which could include public hearings or referendums depending on the nature of proposed changes.

The review arrives as Islamorada continues managing growth, environmental stewardship, and service delivery across the village. Local governance choices affect everything from permitting and shoreline management to how the village coordinates with county, state, and federal partners. Community members who want to follow the process should monitor village meeting notices and attend committee sessions to make their views part of the record.

With a clear deadline and a mix of appointees from across the council, the committee’s work will be central to any near-term changes in how Islamorada is governed. Residents can expect a steady schedule of public meetings through May and a formal council decision-making phase once the committee’s report is delivered.