A year ago, Islamorada lost a very special resident…. Van Cadenhead.

Van, a disabled Veteran who cared deeply about our community and the folks here, packed his scant belongings and headed north after being evicted from the Plantation Key spot he had called home for 10 years.

Ten days ago, Van Cadenhead died.  See his obituary later in the newsletter.

For decades Van was outspoken about the issues that impact the Florida Keys and Islamorada, having lived here since he was 7 years old.  The story of Van’s life is on our website. Click here.   

For decades Van attended County Commission meetings and then Village Council meetings following the incorporation of Islamorada…. always ready to stand at the microphone as perhaps the smartest one in the meeting hall.

His resolve was always the same: protect the environment and the dying reef, save every possible tree, protect and enhance quality of life, do something about affordable housing, remember our history, listen to the residents who understand and care, control the budget so that those who care the most can afford a life in the Florida Keys.

His message is even more critical now.  His life, and his death, have become an important lesson to all of us.  His often single-handed efforts to bring reason to local government decisions often fell on deaf ears. 

He was often right.

For decades, he warned of the urgent need for workforce housing, more trees, and better control of growth and traffic. Yet no one on the County Commission or Village Council seemed to listen.

The last time we heard his voice at a council meeting he said: “The time has come for the bamboozled citizens of Islamorada to wake up, sit up and pay attention.”

We agree.

Rest in Peace Van.  The world will miss you. A larger than life hero with an important message is now gone.

Tom