Neighborhood Plan - Palm Island Estates

A new project to protect our Islands begins!

Some of you may have heard about the Neighborhood Plan that is presently in the works via our Don Pedro/Knight Islands Street & Drainage MSTU Advisory Board (most commonly referred to as our Roads & Bridges Advisory Committee).

You may remember from the way back (2004) that the Islands created a “Community Plan” for our future preservation, which was presented to our County Commissioners but was never formally adopted.

But all this may be new to some of you.

So, what is the Neighborhood Plan?

Many of the issues that Islanders face as a community may be proactively avoided in the future by coming together to produce a neighborhood plan. Here’s how the County defines a Neighborhood Plan.

“Neighborhood Plans. A community-based planning process that is designed to address the community character issues of a specific neighborhood and is focused on the establishment of community goals, the identification of neighborhood issues of concern, and development of specific strategies to resolve the issues and achieve the goals.”

What it can do and what it can’t do.

While a Neighborhood Plan does not provide self-governance, it is a vehicle by which the County will formally recognize, support and reinforce the uniqueness of the Island community.

Why is it important?

This adoption of the neighborhood plan will provide a foundation to maintain the characteristics of the Island that we all value.

How did this begin?

The Neighborhood Plan was first discussed on April 6, 2023 at “Info Central with Commissioner Bill Truex”, hosted by PIE. Subsequent to that meeting, the County identified our Island Roads & Bridges MSTU as a funding source for the project. Three professional engineering firms have responded to the county’s bid request to supervise the project. Once the consultant is selected, the public meetings can begin to update the prior Plan.

Who gets to participate?

All Island residents and property owners will be welcome to participate in the planning process.

What’s the difference between the Neighborhood Plan and the previous Community Plan?

Community Plans were originally created to amend the County’s Comprehensive Plan to address the specific needs of the community. The County no longer does this. The process now called “Neighborhood Planning” does not promote the mandatory writing of code and ordinances to implement solutions for local issues. However, the neighborhood plan provides detailed guidelines for the future actions of the County. Essentially, we will be updating the original Community Plan but referring to it as a Neighborhood Plan.

Why now?

The recent victory at the PSC has established that we are not just another development sharing needs and goals with the mainland communities. We believe the County needs specific guidance to provide the protections that the Island needs and desires.

Why Join PIE?

While membership is not mandatory, your support directly contributes to the programs and initiatives that help preserve and improve island life.

For Our Environment
PIE supports local conservation efforts, coordinates annual beach access clean-ups, and ensures our island gardens and private beach easements are well-maintained.

For Island Fun
Our PIE Social committee organizes beloved island events, such as the New Year’s Day Golf Cart Parade, Palm Palooza, Sand Castle Content—and we’re always looking for new ways to bring people together!

For Our Community
We keep residents informed with news updates, manage the Island Action Fund to address civic issues, and administrate the Island Kids Scholarship Fund, providing educational support to local students.

Support Your Community – Join PIE!

PIE exists to support you and your island lifestyle, and we rely on your support in return. For just $50 per year, your household membership helps fund essential programs, events, and advocacy efforts.

Join PIE