REBA

Sam: I was born in Milwaukee, but my family moved to Miami when I was a year old, which is where I lived until I left for college. My family has always had ties to the Keys. My parents lived in Tavernier for a few years in the 1980s, and ever since my two sisters and I were kids, my dad would drive his boat from Miami to Islamorada every summer for a week for a family trip. While I was attending Florida State University, I met my wife, Lauren, who is a sixth-generation Conch. I still have no idea what they were doing here six generations ago, so I can only assume they were pirates. Lauren introduced me to Key West, and I fell in love with it. We told each other that one day we would get married and start a family here. Fast forward 15 years, we achieved that goal and have been blessed with three beautiful, healthy, saltwater Conchs; Carter, 5, Audrey 3, and Jax, 10 months.

Reef: Since you’re a numbers guy, would it shock you if I told you that according to the 2017 economic census that Florida was No. 8 in the country for fur sales? Were you aware that the industrial farming (killing) of animals for their fur was still happening (legally) in the U.S. and do you think that that practice needs to stop?

Sam: I find that very shocking and I do not support the killing of any animal for their fur. I did not even realize fur coats were still a “thing.” It’s an even bigger surprise to me that this has not been banned in Florida, let alone the U.S. I have always found it difficult to trust someone who does not like animals, and killing them solely for the use of wearing their fur is cruel and evil.

Visit keysweekly.com for the full interview with Steele. Until next time, Reef over and out.

Reba is a 5-year-old calico that’s spayed and up to date on vaccines. She was found abandoned by MM 106 in the neighborhood of Buzzards Roost. No one has come to claim her. If you would like to make Reba a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

Save The Date

June 1-3

• The Key Players’ “Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” production at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org for more information and tickets.

Thursday, June 1

• Yappy Hour at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada.

Saturday, June 3

• I.CARE dive and coral transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Islamorada Dive Center. Visit icareaboutcoral.org to learn more and sign up.

• Florida Keys Quilters gathering at 9:30 a.m. at Key Largo library.

Sunday, June 4

• Benefit for Florida Keys Children’s Shelter from noon to 5 p.m. at Alabama Jack’s, 58000 Card Sound Road, Key Largo.

Tuesday, June 6

• Mote Marine Laboratory tour through Islamorada nursery at 2 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, MM 79.8, oceanside, Islamorada. Visit mote.org/tours to sign up.

• Leash-cutting ceremony of the revamped dog park at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Wednesday, June 7

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

June 8-11

• The Key Players’ “Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” production at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org for more information and tickets.

Thursday, June 8

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

June 9-10

• Residential hazardous household materials collection for Islamorada residents from 9 a.m. to noon at the south park entrance of Founders Park, the Administrative Center parking lot.

Saturday, June 10

• Sea to Table, a gala to commemorate 200 years of fishing and dining from the sea, at 6 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada. Purchase a ticket by calling 305-6644503.