FIREFIGHTERS IGNITE THE GRILLS

Islamorada Responders Give Back With A Barbecue

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

With sirens blaring and lights flashing, Islamorada’s fire trucks and ambulances rush up and down U.S.1 to emergencies day and night. The first responders in those vehicles arrive swiftly, administering critical care to an accident victim or an individual experiencing a medical emergency.

On Saturday, April 22, Islamorada’s finest fire rescuers will be tending to the smokey grills and residents’ appetites for finger-licking pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and other grub.

The scent of barbecue will fill Founders Park during the wee hours of the morning as Fire Chief Terry Abel and helpers ignite the grills around

4 a.m. By 11 a.m., the Islamorada Benevolent Firefighters Association’s Givin’ It Back Barbecue will welcome hungry residents. Residents and workers of Islamorada get to eat for free — a way for local first responders to show their gratitude to the community they serve.

“We’re giving it back here,” said Larry Zettwoch. “The people have been so good to us.”

Those outside the community are also invited to enjoy the barbecue by the Founders Park beach for $15. Barbecue goers can enjoy some pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as baked beans, corn, coleslaw and potato salad.

MAYDA R. MALONEY

Mayda R. Maloney passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 at her home in Tavernier, Florida. She is survived by her husband and friend of 46 years, James (Jim) Maloney. She is also survived by her sister, Ana Garcia; her niece, Sylvia Reyes; her sons, Erik (Patsy) Maloney and Kurt Martyniuk; her daughters, Sheila Matthews, Patricia (Curtis) Maloney-Brown and daughter-in-law Rita Maloney; her grandchildren,

Kandace (Andor), Timothy, Genevieve (Eric), Suzan (Jen), Chaplain, Kourtney (Casey), Adrian, Rachael (Anthony) and Cody; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Evangalina Reyes; her brother-in-law, Leo Garcia; her son, James Maloney; and her nephew, Maxamilion Garcia.

She was born in Cuba in 1944, migrated to Miami, Florida in 1959 via Rochester, New York and settled in Tavernier in 1983. She lived here for 40 years, including 11 years at Harry Harris Park with her husband Jim, who was the resident park attendant. She retired as a judicial assistant and court interpreter for the Florida state courts in Monroe County. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, loyal friend and loved making arts and crafts, especially jewelry, in her spare time. She was a parishioner at San Pedro Catholic Church in Tavernier. She traveled internationally, went on many cruises including to Alaska and the Caribbean and traveled all over the United States. She will be sadly missed by those who knew her and loved her.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. at Harry Harris Park.