1985:
- Bass were excluded from the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby (continued for seven years).
- Cable TV came to the Vineyard.

1986
- Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission was created.

1987
- Wampanoag Tribe gained federal recognition.

1988
- Tisbury didn’t renew moped rental licenses for businesses in Vineyard Haven; Oak Bluffs renewed theirs without public discussion.