December 4, 2024

When we launched our campaign back in August, we vowed to protect our waters and guard against overdevelopment. On Election Day, 2,149 Islamorada voters agreed, propelling us to a 53-47% victory!

Well, we were put to the test at our very first Village Council meeting when some council members attempted to overturn the previous council's decision on building permits by trying to more than double them!

We were successful in delaying the decision until our next council meeting on December 10th at 5:30pm.

We need to speak out at the next council meeting!

Village Council is trying to double building permits!

Here's the chronology of events that led us to the possibility of more than doubling our building permits:

  • The previous Village Council voted 4-to-1 on October 10th to request an additional 104.75 Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS) allocations for Islamorada. This decision would allow the owners of vacant land to seek allocations to potentially build 104 new homes.

  • At the first meeting of the newly elected Council on November 19th, we were surprised by an agenda item calling for both the overturning of the previous council’s decision to request 104.75 BPAS allocations and the subsequent call to more than double the potential homes built to 250.

The proposal to overturn the October decision and adopt a new resolution increasing the BPAS allocations has been continued to the December 10th council meeting. 

One of the reasons we were able to push this decision was the strong turnout from grassroots organizations throughout Monroe County opposing this effort to more than double building permits:

That's why we need to show up again at the Tuesday, December 10th Village Council meeting and be heard!

Ask anyone in Islamorada and they will tell you we are already overdeveloped. 

The Village Council needs to stand by its previous decision for 104.75 building permits and reject efforts to more than double them!

We look forward to seeing you on December 10th! — Councilman Steve Friedman

New Islamorada Council convenes for orientation ahead of first meeting. 

“ We attended the Village Council orientation meeting... got my binder, ready to learn!” — Capt. Steve Friedman

Upper Keys Weekly | November 14, 2024

… “Council members will be sworn in at the start of the Nov. 19 meeting. From there, the council will decide who will be mayor and vice mayor. 

“Workforce housing, what to do with various village-owned properties and the state of the village’s infrastructure are among the key issues facing council members as they take their seats. The council must also decide on improvements to the baseball field at Founders Park. 

“Council members have to decide whether to keep moratoriums in place on new applications for a market rate residential permit and those seeking administrative relief. Those moratoriums expire in early 2025. 

“The village has begun the process for a new comprehensive plan with council’s approval on Oct. 12 to go with the Miami-based firm Able City.” 

Thank you Islamorada!

November 6, 2024

As a backcountry fishing guide, I am incredibly honored and humbled to have earned the support of Islamorada's voters to serve on the Village Council.

My goal will be to listen and learn while protecting our waters and guarding against overdevelopment. I will be counting on your input to help guide us in these decisions moving forward.

Special thanks to my family and the individuals who publicly supported us, including outgoing Councilmembers Elizabeth Jolin and Henry Rosenthal as well as former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

Thank you Islamorada fishing legends Stu Apte, Sandy Moret, Betsy Bullard and the dozens of fishing guides who stood with us! And thanks to groups like VoteWater, the Florida Keys Democratic Party, and the Communication Workers of America Local 3122 for backing us! 

Finally to the incredible 166 individual donors who fueled our campaign, thank you.

We dive right in with an orientation meeting tomorrow night (plus I have fishing clients this week!) and our first Village Council Meeting on November 19th. Much to learn!

We could not have done this without you!

Many thanks,

Steve Friedman

Candidates talk vision for the village.

Upper Keys Weekly | October 30, 2024

… "We must protect our local economy by protecting our water and guarding against overdevelopment.

"It's been a quarter-of-a-century since the Village updated its comprehensive plan. Fortunately the Village has retained a consulting firm to help update the comprehensive plan.

"I’m a big believer in planning your work, then working your plan.

"Our goal is to make our planning process a community conversation. We should encourage more engagement from our local residents in our planning process.

"Finally, my belief is all future development must be fair and equitable; respectful of property rights; responsive to strains on our infrastructure; fiscally responsible; compliant with state and federal statutes that protect our fisheries, migratory and nesting birds, etc.; and most importantly: extremely sensitive to our environment and water quality.

"We want our local government to be efficient and fiscally responsible while providing quality public services and protecting our local waters from pollution and overdevelopment." — Capt. Steve Friedman

Capt. Steve Friedman is one of only four candidates statewide endorsed by VoteWater!

Honored to have earned the support of these legendary Islamorada anglers — Betsy Bullard, Stu Apte and Sandy Moret.

Florida Keys Free Press | October 24, 2024

… Friedman was asked what he would do to increase the inventory of affordable housing. He referenced the work that will soon be underway to draft a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan, saying, “With my master’s degree in community and regional planning, I think that would be a great fit…” He added that he would make sure future development takes workforce housing needs into consideration.

Friedman was also asked what guiding principles he would use in considering additional development in Islamorada. He referenced the new comp plan as a way to codify such principles, adding that he would seek to fair, fiscally responsible, respectful of property rights and protective of local fisheries, migratory nesting birds and water quality…

… Friedman referenced his 25 years of work as a fishing guide and his past service as commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association… He added that his priorities are water quality, quality of life and guarding against overdevelopment…

Council candidates field questions at fourm

VIDEO: Steve answering questions about affordable housing.

Islamorada council candidates talk solutions to long staff meetings & staff retention.

Upper Keys Weekly | October 24, 2024

Capt. Steve Friedman’s answers:

… The Village offers extremely competitive wages in the form of salary and health benefits, but we do face an affordability crisis when it comes to housing. That’s why we need to utilize every available resource and tool to finally make affordable housing a reality for Village employees and other members of our local workforce. Additionally, we hope the arrival of our new Village manager will help provide stability and retention of our employees.

It’s my understanding each Village Council member receives a briefing package prior to each meeting outlining in detail the items on the upcoming agenda. So, I will do my homework beforehand! Also, Florida is governed by the Sunshine Law which prohibits elected officials from discussing, in private, items to be voted on. Therefore each agenda item must be discussed in detail at our Council meetings. This doesn't mean meetings are running inefficiently, but rather our government is working. Finally, we must allow for — and actively encourage — significant time for public input…

Capt. Steve’s ad in this week’s Upper Keys Weekly.

VoteWater endorses Steve Friedman for Islamorada Village Council

October 18, 2024

VoteWater, a South Florida clean-water advocacy group, has endorsed Steve Friedman for Islamorada Village Council.

Friedman is a backcountry fishing guide and the former Commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association. He helped form Florida Bay Forever, served on the Islamorada Near Shore Water Regulation Committee and is a member of Captains for Clean Water.

“Steve Friedman is a long-time friend to the clean-water cause and we’re proud to endorse him,” said Gil Smart, VoteWater Executive Director. “He understands how crucial clean water is to the economy of the Keys, and to Florida itself.”

Said Friedman: “As a fishing guide, our business works every day with other small business owners — gas stations, bait shops, grocers, marinas, hotels, restaurants — that all depend on the health of our local waters. We believe our water is Islamorada’s economy and we will make protecting it the priority.”

VoteWater previously endorsed Friedman during his unsuccessful 2018 run for the Florida House of Representatives.

A father of two, Friedman and his wife, Kristine, have lived in Islamorada for 25 years.

Headquartered in Stuart, VoteWater is a 501(c)(4) organization which works to empower Floridians to demand clean water and political accountability. The organization’s recently published “Dirty Money Project” tracks political giving by Big Sugar and other polluting special interests to south Florida politicians.

Candidates face questions as election day nears.

Upper Keys Weekly | October 17, 2024

Capt. Steve in the news talking affordable housing and guarding against overdevelopment:

“… Friedman was asked how he would increase housing availability for the working class and affordability in Islamorada. Friedman said he believes he could help, having received a master's degree in community and regional planning...

“Being a small business owner myself, every day I’m working with small businesses and interacting with many folks who are qualified for affordable and workforce housing.”

“Friedman was also asked how he would balance development in the village with conservation concerns. Friedman said he would work hard to make the decisions fair, respecting property rights, fiscal responsibility and protecting the fisheries, migratory nesting birds and environment…”

VIDEO: Capt. Steve Friedman answering a question about balancing environmental concerns with future development at last week’s candidate forum.

Plan your work, work your plan!

Islamorada Council Candidates Talk Workforce Struggles & Land Purchases

Keys Weekly | October 10, 2024

“… As a full-time fishing guide, I interact daily with the workers who are the backbone of our economy at gas stations, bait shops, hotels, marinas, etc. When firefighters and teachers cannot afford to live here, it’s because we have failed them. Working-class families deserve a fair shot at affordable housing. The Village must prioritize work-force housing within our new comprehensive plan by thinking outside-the-box and using every tool and funding source available.Workers must be able to commute efficiently. We must continue coordinating transit bus logistics with other municipalities and meet regularly with workers to invite feedback on transportation issues…

“It’s been almost a quarter-of-a-century since the Village updated its comprehensive plan which is intended to serve as a guidepost for Council decisions on all future residential and commercial development, including land acquisitions. Moving forward, we must develop plans for the land we already have as well as plan and budget (not impulse buy) for any future purchases. We should strive to only purchase land for conservation purposes and/or solving our affordable housing crisis.” — Capt. Steve Friedman

Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin endorses Capt. Steve Friedman

October 10, 2024

“As my term on the Islamorada Village Council comes to an end, I wanted to make a case for an outstanding candidate for our next Council: Capt. Steve Friedman.

“I have had the honor of working closely with Steve over the years. He helped us launch Florida Bay Forever a decade ago after our Bay suffered the catastrophic loss of 40,000 acres of seagrass; he served on the Islamorada Near Shore Water Regulation Committee; and is a member of Captains for Clean Water.

“Capt. Steve Friedman embodies the leadership we need. Steve is a 25-year Islamorada resident with two decades experience running a small business as a backcountry fishing guide. Plus, he has a masters degree with an emphasis on regional & community planning — something we will certainly need when the Council finalizes our comprehensive plan next year.

“Capt. Steve's passion for protecting our waters is driven by an unwavering moral compass.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Steve Friedman’s candidacy for Islamorada Village Council, Seat 2 and hope you will join me in voting for him, donating to his campaign, volunteering, and posting a sign in your yard!” — Capt. Elizabeth Jolin, Islamorada Village Council member

Statement for the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, Village Council Candidate Forum

October 1, 2024

… As a fishing guide, our business works every day with other small business owners — gas stations, bait shops, grocers, marinas, hotels, restaurants — that all depend on the health of our local waters. We believe our water is Islamorada’s economy and we will make protecting it the priority.

With my two decades of running a small business in the Keys coupled with a BA from Drake University in Spanish and a Master’s from the University of New Mexico in Latin American Studies (with an emphasis in political science and community and regional planning), I am ready to serve on our Islamorada Village Council…

… Finally, my belief is all future residential and commercial development must be fair and equitable; respectful of property rights; responsive to strains on our infrastructure; fiscally responsible; compliant with state and federal statutes that protect our fisheries, migratory and nesting birds, etc.; and most importantly: extremely sensitive to our environment and water quality.

Our entire economy is intertwined with the health of our region’s water — so we must plan accordingly.

Capt. Steve Friedman earns backing from prominent Islamorada leaders in his bid for Village Council, Seat #2

Councilman Henry Rosenthal and former School Board member Capt. Ed Davidson support Friedman.

September 27, 2024

ISLAMORADA, Fla. — In two independent political advertisements placed in this week’s Upper Keys Weekly, Capt. Steve Friedman earned the backing of three prominent Islamorada leaders in his bid for Village Council, Seat #2: Islamorada Village Councilman Henry Rosenthal, former School Board member Capt. Ed Davidson, and former educator Sandi Bisceglia.

The Davidson/Bisceglia ad hailed Friedman as a “Florida Bay guardian” and urged voters to support him, along with three additional council candidates — Van Cadenhead (seat #1), Mary Barley (#3), and Tom Raffanello (#5) — who are committed to preventing “further overdevelopment.” 

Councilman Henry Rosenthal, who is not seeking re-election, echoed a similar theme urging voters to back Friedman, Cadenhead, Barley, and Raffanello in order to “not destroy what we have” in Islamorada.

“We are truly honored to have earned the backing of these longtime Islamorada leaders,” said Capt. Steve Friedman. “Our Village Council must protect our local waters from pollution and overdevelopment so we can continue to build a vibrant economy and maintain our quality of life in Islamorada.”

Longtime Islamorada resident and fishing guide Capt. Steve Friedman announces campaign for Village Council

August 5, 2024

ISLAMORADA, Fla. — Longtime Islamorada resident and fishing guide Capt. Steve Friedman announced his campaign for Village Council today.

Friedman, who previously served as Commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association and is a founding board member of Florida Bay Forever, has been active in the fight to protect Florida’s waters for two decades.

“Our Village Council’s stated mission includes preserving our community, protecting our natural resources and providing basic services to support our quality of life,” observed Friedman. “As a small business owner and father of two, that’s exactly what we plan to do with this campaign.”

“As a full-time fishing guide, I witnessed the 40,000 acre Florida Bay seagrass die-off in 2015. We call Islamorada home because we love the water — we must protect it to maintain our quality of life,” continued Friedman. “That’s worth fighting for and with your help we can continue to thrive in our village!”

A full-time fishing guide, Capt. Steve Friedman lives in Islamorada with his wife Kristine and two teenage children — Benjamin and Sidney. 

He is the former Commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, member of Captains for Clean Water, founding board member of Florida Bay Forever, and former Advisory Council member of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

With his two decades of running a small business in the Keys coupled with a Bachelor's Degree from Drake University in Spanish and Latin American Studies and a Master’s from the University of New Mexico in Latin American Studies (with an emphasis in political science and community and regional planning), Capt. Steve is ready to take on the responsibilities of serving on our Islamorada Village Council.

How one fisherman is sustaining his livelihood through environmental advocacy

WLRN PBS | January 18, 2023

… A passion for environmental activism was awakened for Friedman when a massive seagrass die-off in 2015 threatened his livelihood. He watched as about 40,000 acres of seagrass, which is the largest meadow of its kind, withered and died under a hyper-saline event…

… The summer of that year, Friedman created Florida Bay Forever, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to demanding more resources be shifted toward Everglades restoration and Keys protection.

“The fishing industry and the charter industry is the backbone of the economy of the Florida Keys, and we’re also the stewards of the sea,” Friedman said…

It's time to stop starving Florida Bay

A lack of fresh water is smothering one of the world's most diverse and iconic fisheries

A magnificent frigatebird (photo: Johnny Carrol Sain).

Hatch Magazine | April 3, 2019

… Captain Steve Friedman is ready for action. He's had a front row seat to Florida's ecology woes for two decades and sees the problem as a series of shifting baselines that have created a sense of apathy… "When I got there and saw how dirty the water was," says Friedman, "someone explained 'it's just a sewage spill. It'll clear up by March.' and I just accepted it. It thought it was some sort of accident where millions of gallons of raw sewage was being spilled out. That was my introduction to the discharges way back then, and even back then people didn't pay it any mind or just thought the powers that be are looking out for us."

But relying on the Florida coastal waters to provide for your family shed new light for Friedman. "Unless you're in it, rely on that water for your livelihood, and unless you have people that help you understand it when you seek the answers, you're never going to know anything about it." Besides the loss of an incomparable natural area we would all suffer if the fisheries of Florida Bay died, there's also a massive economic loss to consider. As a guiding captain, Friedman says he sees it as another possibly debilitating — though avoidable — threat. "When a tar ball washed up on Key West Beach — it had nothing to do with Deepwater Horizon, just happened to happen concurrently with what was going on in the Gulf — tourism went down overnight by 75 percent," says Friedman. "We've been sticking our heads in the sand for way too long…”