‘FISH FOR JOSE’ REMEMBERS A CONSUMMATE PRO

Anglers and supporters from across the Florida Keys converged on “Jose’s Backyard” on the evening of March 4 as they remembered a fishing legend with the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation (JWMF)’s annual “Fish for Jose” backyard dinner.

Established after the angler’s passing in 2012, the foundation honors Wejebe’s legacy by partnering with organizations like Make A Wish, the Outdoor Dream Foundation, the VA Hospital of Miami and Wesley House to provide fishing trips to those who need it most at critical points in their lives.

With online, silent and live auctions as well as raffles and individual donations, the evening raised more than $80,000 in support of this mission. Sponsors and the foundation’s most staunch supporters shared their memories of Wejebe and the ways in which his philosophy and the foundation’s work have shaped their mentalities and touched their families’ lives.

“I’m grateful that 10 years after his passing, we are still gaining momentum,” said Krissy Wejebe, Jose’s daughter and the foundation’s executive director. “Hearing that when an individual leaves reality at the dock and has the opportunity to live in the moment can save a life and reset the whole family is a gift that I’m grateful to be a small part of.”

Widely revered as a conscientious waterman with a burning desire to learn everything he possibly could about the water and the fish he targeted, Jose Wejebe escaped a politically tumultuous climate in Cuba with his family, found asylum in the United States and eventually became one of the nation’s most recognizable anglers with his explosively popular “Spanish Fly” TV show on ESPN.

To learn more or refer an individual with a life-impacting challenge, visit josewejebefoundation.org. To watch episodes of “Spanish Fly,” visit spanishflytv.com.

Keys Weekly

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

The Scoreboard

This Week In Keys Sports

Ailee

Shannon And Ailee Briggs

Senior/Freshman Key West Wrestling

It isn’t too often that two athletes from the same team bring home runnerup medals from the state finals in an individual sport such as wrestling. But when those athletes have the last name Briggs, the odds become significantly greater. Teammates and sisters Shannon and Ailee Briggs did just that last week, taking their rightful place on their respective podiums and making Conch history with their FHSAA 1A second place medals, capping off a stellar inaugural season for Lady Conchs wrestling.

“As a coach I couldn’t be any prouder of both of them,” coach Chaz Jimenez said of the sisters.

For their dedication, leadership, and amazing accomplishments, Shannon and Ailee Briggs are this week’s Keys Weekly Athletes of the Week.

“Ailee is determined to be great, and is extremely dedicated to her craft. She is a talented wrestler, but it is her heart and work ethic that sets her apart. Shannon is a great leader and has become the glue that binds our program together. She never quits and has a true heart of a champion.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald