Survey Shows Islamorada Homeowners Opposed to Fills Development

The Fills are a local popular hotspot with both residents and tourists. These three small, undeveloped islands in Islamorada connect Upper Matecumbe Key to Lower Matecumbe Key and have become a place for boaters and waders to hang out and enjoy the beautiful water. Over the years it has become a point of contention for the village, as the small area can become overrun with weekenders. Officials have been seeking solutions to problems like illegal parking, littering, and overcrowding that can come as a result.

As of now, the Fills are completely undeveloped, but city officials have been considering plans for a variety of improvements to the land. Included amongst popular plans are nature trail enhancements, the inclusion of limited parking, addition of restrooms, inclusion of boat and kayak access, and overlooks for water viewing. Located between Mile Marker 77.7 and 79.6, city officials believe that development could help to control the usage of the small area.

In preparation for a town council meeting to discuss the issue, Islamorada issued a survey to residents to understand their preferences for the area. Nearly 400 residents of Islamorada answered the survey, and the results showed that a majority are against development of the Fills. Nearly 60% of survey respondents reported opposition to bringing active recreation opportunities, such as boat ramps or kayak launches to the Fills. Around the same percentage also opposed more passive development like biking or walking trails. 61% of respondents were against adding parking to the Fills, however 77% responded that if parking is added it should be paid parking. 52% of residents responding to the survey oppose putting restroom facilities at the Fills as well. It is pretty clear, then, that the majority of residents of Islamorada real estate believe that the Fills should remain undeveloped. 

Another interesting result identified by the survey is that a large percentage of the population is actually in favor of imposing a ban on swimming at the Fills and a no wake zone for boaters around the Fills. It seems that many homeowners in the area are in favor of limiting access for tourists crowding the area.

Council members will take all this into account, as well as the plans submitted by CPH, Inc. - a land planning company that the village has been working with on the project. They will meet again next month to determine the best way to move forward with the Fills. Residents have clearly spoken out in favor of leaving the Fills in its natural state, but the final decision is expected to come in March.

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