MOONEY’S FIANCÉE INVOLVED IN SERIOUS CRASH IN ISLAMORADA

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

State Rep. Jim Mooney’s fiancée, Charity Rebl, is on a long path to recovery after she was involved in a serious crash in Islamorada last week.

Rebl, a local real estate agent, remains hospitalized at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. She’s being treated for a number of broken bones after a tractor-trailer collided with her vehicle in Islamorada.

Mooney, who was in Tallahassee for legislative session, left the capital in order to be by his fiancée’s side. Rebl was being treated in the intensive care unit since arriving at the hospital. Mooney said she left the ICU on April 17.

Despite being away, Mooney continues to manage several bills he’s sponsoring, including legislation related to fees in lieu of security deposits that’s supposed to be heard before the House on April 20 (today). Mooney said his colleague, state Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, of Miami-Dade County, is helping to take on some of his bills appearing before legislators this week.

“We cover each other when things

BRIEFLY

Celebration of life for ‘Krazy’ Karen come up,” Mooney said regarding the camaraderie among his fellow representatives in the House.

“Krazy” Karen Russell was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and passed away at her home in Ocala on March 10. A longtime resident of Tavernier, she was an accomplished business woman who was well known for owning Tint the Keys. She was a licensed nurse who was admired for her honesty, intelligence and hard work ethic. A celebration of life for Russell is set for Saturday, April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Tavernier.

Lee Young, Mooney’s legislative aide, said the hours, the stress and the time Mooney puts in to ensure his family and constituents “are both getting 100% from him is amazing.”

Mooney’s departure from the state capital came as the House was considering Senate Bill 300 on a 6-week abortion ban. Legislation passed through the chamber by a 70-40 vote and was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis the next day. Mooney, who couldn’t vote as he was away, said he wasn’t in favor of such a move.

“I struggled to get to 15 weeks. I did so much research,” Mooney said, adding that the state legislature has important issues, such as property insurance, to consider before the session concludes next month.

Community Concert Band celebrates Earth Day

Tunes by the Florida Keys Community Concert Band return to Founders Park in Islamorada on Saturday, April 22 at 4 p.m. with the performance of “What A Wonderful World.” Celebrate Earth Day with a family-friendly concert of international music and audience participation. Come early to play in the drum circle before the show. Also, playalong instruments will be loaned out to the audience toward the end, and there will be a raffle. Pack a picnic basket and a blanket or chairs, load up the family and fur babies for this hour-long spring treat.