Archive for December, 2009

2009 Notable Florida Keys Passings – RIP

By LARRY KAHN
lkahn@keynoter.com

As we get ready to greet the new year, we look back at notables who left us in 2009, from the very young to the very old.

Tavernier resident David Cohn, well known in the Keys arts community, died in January from a heart attack at age 75. Cohn was a 30-year resident of the Upper Keys. Cohn was a Mariners Hospital “Founder,” meaning he donated more than $50,000 to the Tavernier medical center.

Deo Fisher, the widow of the late famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher, died in January in Key West. She was the rock behind Mel Fisher, who discovered the 1600s Spanish wreck the Atocha in 1985 and fought the federal government — and won — over rights to its booty. The find is worth an estimated $400 million. He died in 1998.

Artist Thomas Fundora died in December. The Cuba native owned the Fundora Gallery in Key Largo and had displayed his paintings worldwide. He studied at Escuela de Arte in San Alejandro and Escuela de Arte in Bologna, Italy.

Mardie Ingersoll, long-time Key Largo resident and director of the Humane Society of the Upper Keys, died in December at age 84.

Henry Vincent Haskins Sr., 73, a former Monroe County sheriff, died at his Key West home in August. He was a longtime member of the Utility Board of Key West and the Key West Housing Authority.

Scottie Kingsley, perhaps the best-known female captain in the history of Islamorada offshore fishing, died in late September at her retirement home in Texas. She was 74. Kingsley ran her boat, Swashbuckler, from Holiday Isle Marina for decades.

Banker Edward Vincent Lett III, 63, of Naples and formerly of Marathon, died in August. In 1994, he became chief executive officer and president of TIB Bank of the Keys, leading its expansion to the mainland.

One of Marathon’s greatest fishing ambassadors, Dave Navarro, died in July at age 51 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He owned the World Class Angler bait and tackle shop, wrote fishing columns for several publications, including the Keynoter, and was a frequent guest on local radio shows.

Marathon pioneer Marge Pierce, 88, died in September. She and late husband Charles “Chuck” Pierce, who died in 2006, moved to the Middle Keys from Youngstown, Ohio in 1950 and founded the Hurricane Resort in 1951, which still exists today as the Hurricane Bar & Grille and Blackfin Resort.

The Keys lost a respected environmental defender when Mick Putney, a vice president of Last Stand who built his solar-powered home on No Name Key, died in November at age 80. With wife Alicia, he led tours of the home to show their low-impact lifestyle. Putney also served as president of the Key Deer Protection Alliance for a decade.

Mary Key Reich, 76, a Monroe County commissioner from 1992 until 2000 and a county planning commissioner before that, died in November. Reich was active with the Florida Keys Association of Realtors, the Monroe County Veterans Council and the Alliance for Aging, among other groups.

One of Marathon’s earliest developers and greatest philanthropists, Alan Schmitt, died in November at his Marathon home. He was 84. In 1957, he opened a real estate office that survives today as Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. There, he represented yet another Marathon pioneer, Stanley Switlik, in developing the Sombrero Beach portion of Marathon.

Dick Schultz, 76, of Marathon died in October. He was an artist and the president of the group that led the incorporation of Marathon. Following Hurricane Georges in 1998, he gave out “open for business” signs that are still visible in town today.

Steven Shea, 58, a former Monroe County Circuit Court judge from Islamorada, died in October.

New Florida Boat Licensing Laws Start 1/1/10

Among the handful of new laws that will begin to be enforced on New Year’s Day, will be a handful that specifically impacts boaters across the state. The new laws will apply not only to boaters, but also to those of you who enjoy a nice ride on a personal water craft.

One new law that will impact everyone will be new licensing requirements to operate a sea craft. Anyone who wants to operate a boat or personal water craft has to be older than 22 years old. To get a permit, a person must take a course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Association or take a “How to Boat Smart” correspondence course.

Once a class has been completed, you must submit a letter with your name, date of birth, return address, phone number, and proof of completion of the course to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Out of state visitors who don’t have a card issued by their home state will be allowed to take a temporary certificate test.

In addition, the penalty for boating under the influence has been enhanced to match the penalty for driving under the influence. The blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level was also lowered from 0.20 to 0.15.

Click here for more information on the new licensing requirements from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Grouper Ban Has Florida Keys’ Fishermen Reeling

Florida Keys fisherman who barely survived the awful 2009 season won’t be getting any relief for the first few months of the new year.

On January 1st , a new four-month ban on grouper fishing goes into effect to protect the species during its primary spawning season. Fishery managers and ocean conservancy groups say several types of grouper have been overfished for decades and need protection.

The ban, which will run through April 30 prohibits commercial and recreational fishermen from keeping shallow-water grouper; including gag, black, red and yellowfin that is caught in federal and state Atlantic waters from North Carolina to Key West. The ban also extends into state waters on the Gulf of Mexico side of Monroe County.

“It’s a bitter choice between sustaining the fishery or sustaining someone’s livelihood,” said Andy McDonald, the wholesale manager at the Islamorada Fish Co. “But if you don’t sustain the fishery, there will be no livelihood.”

Commercial and charter boat captains are crying foul over the ban which comes during the island chain’s peak tourist season.

“This couldn’t come at a worse time,” said Andy Griffiths, who owns a three-boat charter operation near Key West. “My business already is off 80 percent because of the economy.”

Charter boat captain Bill Kelly agrees. He said he’s been in business 30 years and 2009 was his worst season.

The ban couldn’t come at a worse time for Keys’ commercial fishermen who are struggling to survive after prices and demand for their two big ticket items, spiny lobster and stone crabs, took sharp downturns in the last couple of years. Many commercial boats had been supplementing their dwindling incomes by catching grouper to stay afloat.

But fishermen won’t be the only ones affected. The price of grouper, already $17.99 per pound at several grocery chain stores in the Keys, could go higher when the supply goes down.

Twelve Days of Christmas — Florida Keys Style

The Twelve days of a Keys Christmas

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Lobster Tails
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight Pairs of Flip Flops
Seven Lobster Tails
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine Wild Iguanas
Eight Pairs of Flip Flops
Seven Lobster Tails
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Key Deer
Nine Wild Iguanas
Eight Pairs of Flip Flops
Seven Lobster Tails
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Hurricane Shutters
Ten Key Deer
Nine Wild Iguanas
Eight Pairs of Flip Flops
Seven Lobster Tails
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Twelve Sewer Hook Ups
Eleven Hurricane Shutters
Ten Key Deer
Nine Wild Iguanas
Eight Pairs of Flip Flops
Seven Lobster Tails
Six Legal Grouper
Five Atocha Coins
Four Weather Radios
Three Fishing Rods
Two Key Lime Pies
and a Parrot in a Palm Tree

Sea Camp Kids Learn Nature’s Lessons

Stanley Switlik Elementary School fifth graders recently spent the day at Sea Camp on Big Pine Key learning about nature and man's impact on the environment.

Students dug through algae to find brittle stars, worms, sea cucumbers, crabs and even shrimp. Staff assisted as students practiced snorkeling in the swim area before going out on the boats in the afternoon.

An afternoon snorkeling close to the mangroves gave the fifth graders a closeup look at lobster, moon jellyfish, different types of coral and sponges, snapper, and sea grasses.

Students learned how pollution causes harm to the near shore environment, and why certain sponges cause rashes. They even got a chance to practice some science, learning about the structure of sponges.

Sea Camp donated the trip for 88 Switlik students, teachers, and chaperons.

Seacamp is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that operates on the cooperative effort of parents, scientists, businessmen, camp leaders and others dedicated to the education of youth in marine science.

Located at Newfound Harbor on Big Pine Key, Sea Camp includes a science lab, recreation hall, dining hall, arts and crafts building, four dormitories and staff housing, along with other services including an infirmary.

Anyone interested in Sea Camp's mission, or working as a volunteer is invited to join the Seacamp Association, located at 1300 Big Pine Ave., Big Pine Key. For more information, call 872-2331.

via Sea Camp kids learn nature’s lessons.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center Back on Track

By STEVE GIBBS Free Press Staff

KEY LARGO — A resurgent Florida Keys Wild Bird Center has hired a hospital coordinator to care for injured and sick birds and found a new location for its medical facility.

“It’s clear sailing from here,” said Bob Gintel, the new chairman of the center’s board of directors.

The turnaround comes just two months after the near closure of the facility due to funding shortfalls. But local media publicity, an infusion of donations and a reorganization of the board has kept the center afloat.

“People on the board stepped up to the plate and we are using the money we collected,” Gintel said. “There was an outpouring of money and we were able to pay off all of the vendors.”

The Ocean Reef Foundation and two other Ocean Reef Club members donated $22,000, an anonymous Islamorada resident donated $25,000 and Gintel himself ponied up $10,000 to get the non-profit rescue center back on an even keel.

In response to licensing and federal flood-plain concerns, the center has signed a one-year lease to use a vacant veterinary clinic at mile marker 94 as the center’s hospital and office. The new facility opened Monday.

However, the gift shop, wild bird educational exhibit and the daily 3:30 p.m. feeding will remain at mile marker 93.6, bayside.

Virginia Bowen, formerly of the now-defunct Folke Peterson Wildlife Center in Broward County, has been hired as the wildlife care manager. Vered Nosrad, past director of that same Broward facility, is the new director of the hospital.

“They bring a licence with them and they are highly regarded by the regulators,” Gintel said. “We’re not going to have all the flaunting of the laws as they did in the past.” [Interesting]

Hospital assistant Staci Dillis will continue to help with surgeries and rehabilitation.

sgibbs@keysnews.com

Everglades Backcountry chickees now open

Everglades National Park has opened two new backcountry campsites.

The remote, open-air chickees are accessible via open water to boaters, canoers and kayakers.

The Shark Point site is 7.5 miles east of Flamingo and the Johnson Key site is 6.25 miles south of Flamingo.

Camping is limited to one night and two parties with six or fewer people in each.

Required backcountry permits are available at Flamingo Visitor Center or the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City no more than one day in advance of a trip’s departure. The basic permit fee is $10, plus $2 per person per night.

For more information, go to http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

5 Great Florida Keys Hotels You Don’t Want to Miss

By Gail Nettles

Florida Keys hotels rank among the worlds finest when it comes to style, design, value for money. The quality customer service welcomes you and attends to your every need during your stay. There is something for everyone here, whether you are after glitz and glamor or just quality at affordable prices.

So, where to stay in this tropical paradise? Here is a hand-picked selection of what is available for you to enjoy.

Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
This resort sits in the middle of 60 acres of mangrove forest and it has some lovely nature trails in the grounds, which appeal to both children and adults. It has its own small private beach, perfect if you want to keep a close on the little ones. The suites are of a high standard and generous size.

The Mariner’s Resort Villas & Marina, Key Largo
The Mariner’s has an oceanfront position and offers gated security. It is close to some of the award winning restaurants on the island, but you can also cook up your own tasty barbecue on one of the many grills that are located around the resort for you to use. The lagoon style swimming pool here is the largest in the Florida Keys.

Banana Bay Resort & Marina, Marathon
The Banana Bay hotel is located on the sunset gulf side of Marathon. It is situated amid beautifully maintained tropical gardens, which are home to a great variety of birds. You can see and hear these colourful birds singing during the day. They offer a delicious complimentary breakfast, every morning by the pool.

The Southernmost in Key West
The Southernmost is a lovely small quite hotel, but is located slap bang in the middle of Key West old town on Duval Street. You could not be more immersed in Key West life. The hotel is a great base to explore the old town. Even though it is centre town, the hotel does have two small pools. If you really want to get down with locals then staying here will give you a genuine Key experience.

Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, Key West
The Casa Marina is one of the original Florida Keys hotels and one of the greats. It is listed on the Register for Historic Places and offers something special and different. There isn’t anything that this hotel does not have. A fine grand dining room, bars overlooking the ocean and the rooms are simply stunning.

You Know Where to Stay — Here’s What to Do! Now that you know some places you can stay in the Florida Keys, what about finding things to do? There are beaches, parks, attractions and diving, to name just a few. Did you know that scuba diving Key Largo is totally awesome? And what about those Key West beaches! And shopping! And more!

There lots and lots to do in the Florida Keys, and here’s some free information (not to mention neat photos) to get you started on your Florida Keys vacation. Come on down! We’d love to have you visit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Nettles

Click Here for More Florida Keys Resorts