Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
A Miami man was arrested after being accused of illegally harvesting a tarpon.
Sheriff Ramsay expressed frustration over the illegal harvesting of a small tarpon at Bahia Honda State Park. A 66-year-old Miami man was arrested after a marine deputy discovered the dead fish in the bed of his truck.
According to Sheriff Ramsay, Marine Deputy Luis Guiardinu encountered the man while patrolling the area. The man initially denied fishing or catching any fish but later acknowledged having something in the truck.
The tarpon was estimated to be approximately 20 to 24 inches long.
“I just hate to see this. This is just killing, just to kill,” Sheriff Ramsay said. “There’s no reason to harvest a tarpon.”
Sheriff Ramsay said the incident is part of a broader pattern of illegal harvesting of marine resources in the Florida Keys. He noted that deputies have investigated cases involving conch, lobster, stone crab, tarpon, black grouper and snapper.
He praised Guiardinu’s work patrolling local waters and pursuing suspected poaching violations, emphasizing the importance of protecting the area’s natural resources for future generations.
In another case, a 57-year-old Key West man faces charges after allegedly becoming combative with a deputy at Big Pine Channel Park.
Sheriff Ramsay said the park is closed after hours and has a gate and signs notifying visitors of the restrictions. A deputy found the man sleeping on a bench and attempted to wake him.
According to Sheriff Ramsay, the man allegedly threw a bottle at the deputy, resisted arrest and punched and kicked the officer during a struggle.
Sheriff Ramsay said a situation that began as alleged trespassing escalated into more serious charges.
“Just because you’re a jerk doesn’t mean we’re going to go away,” Sheriff Ramsay said, adding that county parks are intended for families and visitors to enjoy during normal operating hours, not for overnight stays.
Sheriff Ramsay also discussed a fraud case involving a Key Haven couple who lost $6,500 to a woman accused of running an ankle-monitoring scam.
Investigators say a 37-year-old woman from Roswell, Georgia, contacted the couple and claimed they needed to pay for an ankle-monitoring device following a court matter. The victims sent $6,500 before the woman allegedly requested another $9,000.
The couple became suspicious and stopped responding to the requests for money.
Sheriff Ramsay said the investigation required cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Investigators obtained subpoenas and bank records, reviewed bank surveillance footage and worked with authorities in Georgia to establish probable cause.
The woman was arrested in Georgia and extradited to Monroe County to face the case.
Sheriff Ramsay said such investigations can be challenging, particularly when suspects are located outside Florida.
“We have to try to send a message to people that scams aren’t going to be just written off,” Sheriff Ramsay said. “We are going to try to find you, identify you, hold you accountable, and charge you.”
With Fantasy Fest underway, Sheriff Ramsay also urged residents and visitors to prepare for heavy traffic and increased crowds throughout the Florida Keys.
He said law enforcement agencies are coordinating to help keep the public safe during the busy festival period. Sheriff Ramsay also noted that forecasts were indicating the possibility of rain and strong winds, which officials would continue to monitor.
Those who do not live or work in Key West were encouraged to avoid traveling into the area during the busiest periods if possible.
For those who do attend, Sheriff Ramsay urged caution around traffic, parking congestion and people who may be drinking.
Halloween is another major concern for law enforcement, particularly in neighborhoods that attract thousands of children for trick-or-treating.
Sheriff Ramsay urged drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and watch carefully for children who may suddenly enter the roadway.
“Put your phones down. Pay attention. Look for these kids who come out of nowhere,” Sheriff Ramsay said.
He also encouraged parents to remind children to trick-or-treat in pairs or groups, avoid dark or unlit homes and stay away from properties where dogs may pose a risk.
In Marathon, officials are planning traffic restrictions in the Fishbowl neighborhood behind the airport near Aviation Boulevard. The area draws large numbers of children on Halloween, and access will be limited primarily to residents to help protect trick-or-treaters.
Sheriff Ramsay said law enforcement will maintain a strong presence in the neighborhood, with road restrictions and traffic controls in place.
Another area expected to experience heavy Halloween traffic is Alam Road in Plantation Key Colony, near mile marker 90 across from Coral Shores High School. Officials plan to restrict access and designate certain roads for one-way traffic.
Maps detailing the traffic arrangements are available through the sheriff’s office website at Keysso.net.
Sheriff Ramsay said the goal is to ensure families can enjoy Halloween without injuries or other incidents.
“We just have to make sure that this is a super safe event for our kids,” Sheriff Ramsay said, adding that officials want everyone to return home safely at the end of the night.