FILLS SURVEY SEES MORE THAN 950 RESPONSES SO FAR

COUNCIL EYEING MID - MAY MEETING TO DISCUSS DIRECTION

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Hundreds of residents are voicing their say on the future of the Fills, a series of small islands connecting Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys that once saw cars, chaos and loads of trash.

A survey released in early April with a series of questions about the property saw more than 950 responses as of April 13.

Village officials are trying to figure out a direction on the land, which is owned by the state but managed by the village since 2019. Years of discussions and a lack of decisive action prompted Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney to lead the charge on a survey with questions drafted by local residents Sue Miller, Alina Davis and Sandy Moret.

Preliminary figures from the survey presented to the council during a special meeting last week found that 83% were against the idea of developing the Fills into a park, with amenities that would include parking, launch ramp, picnic tables and trash collection services for the general public.

Residents were split on the idea of three parking areas with 15-minute limits on the northbound and southbound sides of the road to give visitors the chance to take pictures of a scenic view. Preliminary survey results showed roughly 51% saying “no.”

Around 86% said “no” to the use of taxpayer dollars to fund development and maintenance costs at the Fills.

WIth 950-plus completed surveys, roughly 10% of the village’s voting population voiced their input.

Islamorada residents have until April 30 to fill out the Fills survey. People can only fill out the survey once by visiting islamoradasocialsurveys. org or by mailing the survey found in the Upper Keys Weekly newspaper to Mahoney at P.O. Box 650, Islamorada, FL, 33036.

Village officials are targeting a May 16 special meeting to discuss the results and a direction for the Fills.

Opened in March 2022, Sandbar Books is the only bookstore in the Upper Keys and employs five locals. Shoppers will find the latest bestsellers, books written by local authors, books featuring the Keys as the setting, as well as thousands of titles in a variety of genres. An extensive children's section includes books, games and toys for the youngest of book lovers. Gift cards are also available. Shoppers can expect personal service and care to ensure they obtain their next great book or perfect gift.

“When you step through our doors, we strive to delight all of your senses. Smell the unique scent of newly printed books, touch the pages, stand back and browse while relaxing music plays in the background,” said Owner Becky Washam. “Grab a cup of complimentary coffee or tea. Get a suggestion from a friendly bookseller. Walk out with something fantastic!”

Sandbar Books hosts several book clubs, book signings and other fun events.

“We offer high-quality goods unique to our area,” Washam said. “No need to wait a week for your next read. No need to give yet another gift card at the next birthday party your child attends. We are here to take care of all of that for you with immediate gratification.”

91272 Overseas Highway, Tavernier Towne (between post office and theater) 786-640-1401 info@Sandbarbookstore.com