Profiles

Kristie Killam: Steward of the Keys’ National Wildlife Refuges

Kristie Killam’s love of nature is an underlying theme in her life and career. As park ranger for the Florida Keys’ four national wildlife refuges, Kristie oversees the refuges’ Nature Center, opened last fall, and the nonprofit Florida Keys Wildlife Society “friends” group of volunteers and partners. She’s also a skilled nature photographer.

By |2021-09-07T19:01:27-04:00July 1, 2020|

Rachel Bowman: Steward of the Keys’ Native Fish

Rachel Bowman, the Florida Keys’ only female commercial lionfish harvester, is passionate about protecting native species by controlling the population of invasive lionfish. A licensed boat captain, she moved to the Keys nearly two decades ago. Now she captures thousands of pounds of lionfish annually, contributing significantly to the “conservation through consumption” movement.

By |2021-09-07T19:02:46-04:00June 10, 2020|

Lisa Mongelia: Steward of the Sea

Lisa Mongelia, the executive director of Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum, is a passionate diver. A member of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s advisory council, she’s extremely active in protecting the oceans to benefit future generations. Her goals for the museum include increasing educational outreach and, through diving, leading Keys environmental initiatives.

By |2021-09-07T18:58:34-04:00April 29, 2020|

Sewing With Love: “Sushi” Stitches to Keep People Safe

Gary Marion, who stars as "Sushi" in Key West’s popular New Year’s Eve “drag queen drop” while perched in a giant red high-heel shoe, is sewing colorful cloth masks to protect people during the global coronavirus crisis. Assisted by members of his drag troupe, he has already made more than 2,500 masks.

By |2020-04-15T20:09:56-04:00April 15, 2020|

Clinton Curry: Steward of Key West’s Heritage

Clinton Curry is a seventh-generation Key West resident or “Conch” whose ancestors arrived some 180 years ago from the Bahamas’ Green Turtle Cay. The fifth generation of his family to be born in Key West, he’s passionate about preserving the history and culture of his hometown — through means including masterful conch shell musicianship.

By |2021-09-07T18:58:00-04:00February 26, 2020|

Spotlight: Billy Record, Master Mixologist and Karaoke Jockey

One of the most popular spots at Key West's Equator Resort is Billy Record's bar. Not only is Billy a talented bartender, but he also manages karaoke shows at two LGBTQ venues, where he blends hilarious commentary and outlandish costumes. Recently Billy offered some insights into Key West and Equator’s enduring appeal.

By |2021-05-13T15:53:55-04:00February 19, 2020|

Artists are Stewards of the Keys’ Natural World

Among the “stewards” who safeguard the Keys’ natural world are scores of local artists working in oils, watercolors, photography, mixed media, sculpture and other disciplines. By using their talent to depict and call attention to the Keys’ unique ecosystems, habitats, flora and fauna, they subtly inspire viewers to become passionate about protecting them.

By |2021-09-07T18:46:39-04:00January 29, 2020|

Patrick Garvey: Steward of the Keys’ ‘Fruitful’ Future

Patrick Garvey owns and operates Big Pine Key’s 2-acre fruit farm Grimal Grove, billed as the first breadfruit grove in the continental U.S. His passion is to grow food sustainably and educate others — and he plans to reopen Grimal Grove Jan. 11 as a Florida Keys breadfruit research site, agritourism attraction and educational park.

By |2021-09-07T18:45:22-04:00December 26, 2019|

Matt Sexton: Steward of the Middle Keys

Matt Sexton, a former professional kiteboarder, owns and operates the Middle Keys' sustainable Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club that opened last spring. He also worked with co-owners Mike and Shana Walsh to build oTHErside Adventure Park & Keys Cable -- and he's focused on making a difference through positive ethical, moral and environmental actions.

By |2021-09-07T19:02:07-04:00November 27, 2019|

Alli Candelmo: Steward of the Keys’ Marine Environment

Marine ecologist Alli Candelmo of Key Largo's Reef Environmental Education Foundation has forged a career that positively impacts the environment of the Florida Keys in big ways. Passionate about protecting the natural world since she was a child, she regards enjoying and protecting marine ecosystems as her primary personal and professional goal.

By |2021-09-07T19:00:02-04:00October 30, 2019|
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