Islamorada council approves long‑dock variance at 18 Avocado Street

The Village of Islamorada council approved a long‑dock variance for property at 18 Avocado Street after staff recommended the pier met local criteria and had already received approvals from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Planning staff presented the application by Glenn Bowe Associates on behalf of property owner David VanSant, describing a pier‑type dock with a 4‑by‑145‑foot access walk and an 8‑by‑20 terminal platform (roughly 740 square feet). Staff said the design raises the dock 5 feet above mean high water to reduce shading of seagrass, requires relocation or mitigation for any impacted corals under Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules, and does not create navigational hazards compared with nearby docks. "The proposed dock meets the required criteria for granting a long dock variance," staff told the council.

Ty Harris, speaking for the applicant, urged approval and explained the long‑dock criteria differ from general variance standards and are intended to align local review with DEP and Army Corps considerations. "Before you even see this project, it already has approval from both DEP and Army Corps just to get to the village," Harris said, asking the council to grant the variance.

Neighbors opposed the extension. Resident Matt Smazinski, who said he moved to Islamorada about six months ago, told the council the proposal would complicate navigation for his 25‑foot fishing boat, harm views and potentially affect horseshoe crab nesting in the basin. "It's gonna ruin the most beautiful sunsets in the United States, are right out our back door," Smazinski said.

Council members questioned whether recent clear‑cutting on the adjacent lot had been permitted; staff replied the lot had been cleared prior to permit issuance, a stop‑work order and mitigation requirements were imposed and there was no open code case. The council discussed, separately, potential code changes to discourage premature clearing.

After debate, a council member moved to approve the variance "as presented." The motion was seconded and the clerk called the roll; the council voted 5‑0 to approve the long‑dock variance for 18 Avocado Street.

The council also asked staff to consider stronger penalties for unauthorized clearing so the village can deter contractors from removing vegetation before permits and mitigation are completed. The applicant and staff indicated any required mitigation for corals or seagrass would follow federal and state guidelines and be part of the record.

What happens next: the resolution authorizing the variance will be transmitted to appropriate state entities as required in the staff report; staff said there are no direct budget or staff impacts from the council action.