HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPOINTS FRY AS ADMINISTRATOR AND HEALTH OFFICER

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) has announced the appointment of Dr. Carla Fry as its new administrator and health officer.

Fry joined DOH-Monroe in December 2021 as nursing director. She was promoted to assistant county health department director in October 2022 when Mary Vanden Brook retired from the department.

Attracted by Florida Keys sunshine, athletic challenges and fun in the sun, hundreds of avid runners and walkers from around the United States are gearing up to head to the Middle Keys for the annual Sombrero Beach Run weekend. The 2023 event is scheduled Friday through Sunday, Feb. 24-26.

The outdoor run and walk encourages families to reconnect and participate in the healthful weekend together while contributing to a worthwhile cause. Proceeds benefit Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), a Marathon-based nonprofit organization that provides a food pantry, housing assistance, and emergency and relocation support among a host of other services.

Participants can register now and save. Registration for the combined 15K is $35 per adult age 18 and over. Students 17 and under can enter for $15. For each of the 10K and 5K events, registration is $30 per adult age 18 and up and $10 per student. The first 500 pre-registered participants are to receive a custom logo T-shirt and other goodies.

A traditional kickoff party is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, with food, drinks, music and entertainment at Sombrero Beach, located at the end of Sombrero Beach Road at MM 50. Runners and walkers can pick up registration packets at that time.

Walkers and runners also can register on-site at 7 a.m. Saturday. The 15K challenge and 10K start at 8 a.m. and the 5K run and walk begins at 9:15 a.m. A free fun run for kids is planned for 10:30 a.m.

Race day attractions include music, beachside fun, refreshments and door prizes. At the event’s silent auction, bidders can vie for artwork, exclusive memberships and admissions to Keys attractions and area eateries. Also up for bid is a coveted single entry into the exclusive Seven Mile Bridge Run scheduled for April.

An awards ceremony on the beach follows the races with food, drinks and music. Overall male and female winners of the 10K, 5K run and 5K walk will be recognized, as well as finishers in multiple age categories. Those completing the 15K challenge will receive a special gift. Awards typically include resort stays, cash and Florida Keys eco-attractions and watersports experiences.

Sunday afternoon rounds out the family fun weekend with sporty activities such as kayaking and beach games as well as a barbecue, food and beverages.

Event information and registration is at sombrerobeachrun.org

“We are so pleased that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted today at its regular meeting to approve a resolution supporting the appointment of Carla Fry as the administrator of the Monroe County Health Department by the Surgeon General of the State of Florida,” said current Health Officer Bob Eadie.

“Carla is very passionate about public health, and especially public health here in the Florida Keys,” Eadie said. “She is absolutely the perfect choice to lead DOH-Monroe into the future. The staff and clients of DOH-Monroe will benefit greatly from her experience and leadership skills.”

In a letter to Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates, Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo wrote: “Dr. Fry has an excellent and diverse background in all aspects of public health and has demonstrated her ability as a skilled leader. I believe Dr. Fry will be an asset to the Florida Department of Health and Monroe County as their new health department director.”

Prior to joining DOH-Monroe, Fry was the director of nursing and health sciences at the College of the Florida Keys. She served as director of nursing in academic settings for 12 years with 20 years of supervisory experience in her career. Fry is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army for six years as a medic and LPN. She received her doctorate in nursing with a minor in public health from the University of Florida in 2012 and her master’s degree in nursing and education in 2008 from Jacksonville University.

Fry’s first day in her new role will be in late February 2023.

Eadie will be retiring from DOH-Monroe in March 2023 following 16 years of service in the role of administrator and health officer.

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

The Scoreboard

Team Sport Opponent Date Result

Key West Boys Basketball Sagemont 1/17 L, 89-43

Key West Girls Soccer Palmer 1/17 L, 5-0

Marathon Girls Soccer South Homestead 1/17 L, 5-1

Marathon Boys Soccer South Homestead 1/17 W, 8-3

Marathon Boys Basketball Everglades Prep 1/17 L, 57-32

Coral Shores Boys Soccer Key West 1/17 T, 2-2

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Mater Bay 1/17 W, 75-28

Coral Shores Girls Basketball Mater Bay 1/17 W, 44-14

Key West Boys Soccer Florida Christian 1/18 W, 3-1

Coral Shores Boys Basketball Mast Academy 1/18 W, 71-31

Coral Shores Girls Soccer LaSalle 1/19 L, 4-1

Marathon Girls Soccer SLAM 1/19 L, 3-2

Marathon Boys Soccer Booker T 1/19 W, 6-3

Marathon Boys Basketball Key West 1/20 L, 59-33

Key West Boys Soccer Coral Shores 1/20 W, 6-1

Marathon Girls Basketball Key West 1/20 L, 53-20

Key West Girls Basketball Carrollton 1/23 L, 76-12

Marathon Girls Basketball NSU Univ. School 1/23 W, 53-43

AILEE BRIGGS

Ailee Briggs on the winner’s podium at the Lady Waves wrestling tournament. CONTRIBUTED

— Key West wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez.

Freshman, Key West Wrestling

Ailee Briggs has only been a member of the Conchs wrestling team for a few weeks, yet she is already turning heads all across Florida. The freshman grappler recently went 3-0 at the Lady Waves Tournament hosted by Fort Myers High School on Jan. 21, winning the 142-pound title. She also claimed top honors in her division at the Rumble at the Ridge hosted by Seminole Ridge High School earlier this month. Briggs leads by example, putting in the work and paying attention to details, earning her the praise of her head coach.