Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM yesterday morning to talk about what’s going on in the county.
With Labor Day weekend coming up there will be increased traffic on roadways and waterways.
Ramsay said the sheriff’s office will have additional resources deployed throughout the holiday weekend, including traffic enforcement officers, patrol boats and other personnel.
“Labor Day weekend, we do see a lot more vehicle traffic on the highway, a lot more vessel traffic on the waterways,” Ramsay said. “For the sheriff’s office, Michael, like normal, this is the all hands on deck type weekend.”
Many visitors travel to the Keys from Miami-Dade County, and weather conditions could affect the volume of traffic over the weekend. Deputies will work with state, local, federal and military partners to help keep the holiday weekend safe.
The sheriff also cautioned boaters to monitor the weather, particularly for rapidly developing squalls and lightning.
“Have a plan. Monitor the weather,” Ramsay said. “If you’re boating, be careful out there for squalls to come up quickly. Obviously, lightning.”
Ramsay recommended that motorists plan ahead, expect delays and avoid unnecessary driving.
“If you don’t have to drive, don’t drive,” he said. “If you do drive, have a plan. Leave a little bit early. Expect some slight delays. Be patient, and make your decision based off of logic, not emotion.”
Two major cleanups were held simultaneously last Friday. One involved sheriff’s office personnel and the City of Islamorada Public Works around the Whale Harbor area, including both sides of the Whale Harbor Bridge.
Ramsay said more than 20 people participated in that cleanup.
Another cleanup was conducted in the Upper Keys with the Monroe County Land Authority and county public works personnel. Ramsay said crews worked to clean up Land Authority properties that had become heavily impacted by homeless encampments and accumulated debris.
“We all want clean, safe communities, and safe communities — there’s a direct correlation to clean communities,” Ramsay said.
Ramsay also provided an update on a body found last week in Boot Key Harbor near the Boot Key Bridge in Marathon.
He said the Major Crimes Unit investigated the death and, at this time, detectives do not suspect foul play. The man has been identified, and the Medical Examiner’s Office is assisting with determining the cause of death.
Ramsay said investigators believe the death was an accidental drowning involving someone who lived aboard a vessel in the harbor.
The sheriff also discussed a recent arrest stemming from an altercation involving alcohol and a dispute over a ride to a bar.
A man became angry when another person would not give him a ride to the Brass Monkey. The argument escalated, and the man allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband and threatened the other person.
Deputies responded, separated those involved and recovered the firearm. The man was arrested on charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery.
Ramsay said the incident demonstrates how alcohol and emotional decision-making can quickly turn a relatively minor disagreement into a serious criminal matter.
“If you can’t control your alcohol, don’t drink or limit your alcohol,” Ramsay said. “There’s things that can be done to make yourself a better person during these times, and not get yourself in either criminal trouble or looking like an ass in front of your friends.”
Ramsay also discussed a serious domestic violence case involving a 51-year-old Marathon man who was arrested after allegedly threatening a woman with a knife.
The suspect faces charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, multiple counts of battery, false imprisonment and witness tampering.
Ramsay said the woman contacted the sheriff’s office several days after the alleged incident and provided deputies with video recorded at the residence. The video allegedly showed the suspect holding a knife against the woman’s face and neck, slapping her and threatening to kill her if she contacted law enforcement.
Ramsay said the suspect also allegedly prevented the woman from calling 911 and locked a door to prevent her from leaving.
The sheriff said delayed reporting is common in domestic violence cases because victims may fear retaliation or attempt to justify or minimize their abuser’s behavior.
“This was a woman who was in fear for her life and safety,” Ramsay said. “I’m glad she finally called us because this could turn into some point in time her losing her life.”
Ramsay said domestic violence situations can escalate over time and encouraged victims to seek help from law enforcement.
“We just can’t drop down to that because your situation would never get better. It’ll only get worse, and you could lose your life,” he said.
The sheriff also discussed a sexual battery investigation involving a Jacksonville man who was arrested in Marathon.
Ramsay said the man and woman had met for a date, gone to dinner and consumed alcohol before returning to a residence. Ramsay said consensual sexual activity initially occurred but the woman later told the man to stop and said she had not consented to sexual penetration.
Major Crimes detectives investigated the allegation, and Ramsay said the man later returned to the residence and attempted to apologize to the woman.
Ramsay said the case serves as another reminder that consent must be present throughout a sexual encounter and that alcohol can contribute to poor decisions.
Meanwhile, Monroe County marine deputies continue to enforce Florida’s lobster regulations during the current lobster season.
Ramsay said Marine Deputy Willie Guerra recently cited several people for possessing undersized spiny lobster.
In one incident near Layton, two women were found with six and five undersized lobster, respectively. Because they cooperated with deputies, they were issued notices to appear in court rather than being physically arrested.
In another incident near Tom’s Harbor Cut around Duck Key, a 55-year-old man from Palm Harbor was found with four undersized lobster and also received a notice to appear.
Ramsay said deputies will continue patrolling throughout the Keys to protect local fisheries and ensure lobster and other marine species have an opportunity to mature and reproduce.
“We are continued to north, central, south, try to enforce our fishery laws, protect our resources, help aid and assist our friends in FWC to manage our fishery populations,” Ramsay said.
With Labor Day weekend approaching, Ramsay encouraged residents and visitors to enjoy the holiday while taking precautions.
“Enjoy the holiday weekend,” Ramsay said. “Have a plan. Monitor the weather.”
He also reminded motorists to watch for school buses and observe school-zone restrictions as students return to school.
“Be safe out there,” Ramsay said.