SPEARFISHERMAN REPORTEDLY BITTEN BY A BULL SHARK OFF ISLAMORADA

BIGTIME BONEFISH SPAWNING DISCOVERY

Acrocodile making normal appearances at one Islamorada canal found its way to dry land at the Venetian Shores community on May 5. Law enforcement and nearby residents helped return the crocodile, known as “Old Gruesome,” back to its home in the water.

Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation were aided by some good Samaritans to free the crocodile trapped between the road along Venetian Boulevard and a fence line.

According to the sheriff’s office, the call came in around 7:10 a.m. of a crocodile that was trying to gain entry to a canal. Deputies and FWC officers feared the animal would run into traffic while it tried to find the water. The un- injured crocodile was released into nearby waters without incident or damage to property.

— Keys Weekly staff report

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Ayoung man spearfishing off the shores of Islamorada was reportedly bitten in the foot and ankle by a shark on May 5, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report by the sheriff’s office, the man was spearfishing near Davis Reef off Islamorada, roughly 4 nautical miles southeast of Plantation Key, when he was bitten around 11:30 a.m.

The 22-year-old man, identified in a Miami Herald report as Ethan Wilder, was transported via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center for treatment. He’s been released from the hospital. Wilder told the Keys Weekly he’s doing good. He said he saw the shark for roughly a second, which was enough for him to see its head.

“When I turned around and it had that oval bull shark head, so I’m like 98% sure it was a bull shark,” he told the Keys Weekly.

U.S. Coast Guard members responded to the incident on the water, transporting him ashore to the Coast Guard’s Islamorada station. From there, he was transported by Islamorada Fire Rescue ambulance to Founders Park where he was airlifted.

Road construction creating Islamorada traffic delays

Motorists traversing through Islamorada near Sea Oats Beach, MM 75, will see delays as construction workers continue to raise the road and shoulders between MM 73.8 and MM 76. Contractors working with the Florida Department of Transportation are alternating traffic near Sea Oats Beach, as two lanes of traffic will merge into one lane with flaggers directing motorists from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m Monday through Friday. This traffic pattern is expected to last several months, according to FDOT.

Crews have been working in that area overnight, but they switched to daytime shifts to accommodate turtle nesting season. The $18.1-million road project began April 25, 2022. It’s expected to be completed by fall 2023.

AAA applauds Florida’s ‘Move Over’ legislation

AAA – The Auto Club Group applauds Florida lawmakers for passing House Bill 425, which strengthens the state’s Move Over law. For years, Florida drivers have been lawfully required to slow down and move over for first responders on the roadside. With the expanded law, Florida becomes the 15th state requiring motorists also to move over for a broken-down vehicle on the roadside.

If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, HB 425 would go into effect July 1, 2023. According to the bill, drivers would be required to move over for a disabled vehicle displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signs. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158.

“AAA began advocating for a stronger law late last year with our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign,” said Mark Jenkins, public relations manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We are extremely grateful that Florida lawmakers took this necessary action to enhance protection for all motorists, in addition to the first responders who come to their aid.”

Free compost available at transfer stations

Monroe County and Monroe County’s yard waste contractor will offer free compost (nutrient-rich black dirt) to unincorporated Monroe County residents and cities of Marathon, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada and Layton residents at the county’s three transfer stations on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until it is gone. Residents can fill one 32-gallon trash can or six 5-gallon buckets with compost. Proof of residency is required in the form of a driver’s license, utility bill, tax bill, etc. Residents are limited to one pickup per household. You must bring your own shovel and be able to load the containers on your own or bring someone to help you. Monroe County’s transfer station locations: MM 21.5, Blimp Road, Cudjoe Key; MM 68, Long Key; and 1100 County Road 905, Key Largo.