Kellie Butler Farrell
Kellie Butler Farrell is a journalist who calls Islamorada home. Kellie spent two decades in television news and also taught journalism at Barry University in Miami and Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She loves being outside, whether spending time on the water or zipping down the Old Highway on her electric bike, Kellie is always soaking up the island lifestyle. Kellie and her husband own an electric bike rental company, Keys Ebikes.
UPPER KEYS SCOUTS COLLECT SUPPLIES FOR HURRICANE IAN VICTIMS
Hundreds of 24-packs of water, Gatorade, dozens of boxes of baby diapers and wipes, cans of non-perishables, bleach; that was the show of generosity outside the Tavernier Winn Dixie Saturday afternoon as piles of donated hurricane relief supplies continued to multiply.
"It’s been overwhelming, it’s been amazing," said Jason Swensson,...
KEY LARGO SCHOOL BAND SET TO PERFORM AT NASCAR RACE IN HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA
Key Largo School flutist Valeria Correa has played to live audiences in the past, most recently during the Coral Shores High School homecoming parade. But for this seventh grader and her KLS bandmates, the stakes are higher for an upcoming gig at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"Ms. Bazin tells us that...
NEW STREETLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE ISLAMORADA’S MORADA WAY ARTS & CULTURAL DISTRICT
The future of Islamorada's Morada Way Arts and Cultural District is getting brighter, literally. Between the Old Highway and U.S. 1, from the Green Turtle Inn to the Hurricane Monument, 29 streetlights were recently installed, much to the delight of nearby business owners.
"Our little area has become something and...
THE ART OF MERMAIDING: ISLAMORADA DIVE INSTRUCTOR TEACHES OTHERS
It's green and gold, weighs 35 pounds, and is created from the highest quality silicone.
"That cost me upwards of $4,000. It looks extremely realistic," said Anna Capps of her custom-made, monofin mermaid tail.
Capps is a professional mermaid whose strength and passion lies in underwater performance.
"Who didn't play mermaids when...
MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR ALLIGATOR LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION PROJECT GETS UNDERWAY IN ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA
Climbing to the top of a weathered and rusty 150-year-old lighthouse is not for the faint of heart.
“It was a little sketchy getting up through that spiral staircase because you had to be careful where you stepped," said Capt. Rob Dixon of his first time inside the historic 136-foot-tall...
ISLAMORADA CHARTER BOAT OPERATOR MAKES BOATING ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISABLED
Charter boat Captain Mick Nealey is all too familiar with the daily struggles confronting people living with disabilities. Nealey requires two crutches to get around, the result of contracting polio when he was 2 years old.
"I realized that because of the polio, sooner or later I'm going to wind...
LOCAL FWC OFFICER COMPETES IN ‘AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR’ FINALS
“American Ninja Warrior” champion he is not, but one thing is for certain, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recruiter Ron "Dynamite" Washington is a fierce competitor.
"I'm just explosive when it comes to starting competitions. I don't start off slow and cautious, I just leave it all out there...
XAYVER ARRINGTON GETS OFFERS FROM 5 COLLEGES AHEAD OF SENIOR FOOTBALL SEASON AT CSHS
The first day of August marked the official first day of practice for the Coral Shores High School Hurricanes football season.
On the field, running drills with his teammates, was a 6-foot-1, 280-pound incoming senior who has a lot on his plate this year.
"It's stressful, being a little kid and...
MARINELAB KEY LARGO HOSTS TEACHERS FROM 7 CARIBBEAN NATIONS
The ocean was the classroom and the lessons learned were invaluable.
"Honestly, this has been one of the best experiences I've ever had," said Sherma Prince, a geography teacher from Dominica.
From July 18 to July 22, nine educators from seven Caribbean countries found themselves immersed in workshops at MarineLab Key...
ISLAMORADA’S FLORIDA BAY FOREVER GETS NEW MESSAGING BOARD THANKS TO EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Newly poured concrete anchors the wooden beams supporting an empty, unassuming glass display case. This recently installed message board welcomes guests to the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve in Islamorada.
"I wanted to add something here,” said 17-year-old Simon Gutierrez. “I thought of a bulletin board to spread information."
Gutierrez is...
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WELCOMES BACK ED HOLLY AS HEAD COACH
The sun is setting, but the temperature on the gridiron is still downright sweltering. Off-season conditioning – focusing on running, throwing and weightlifting – is in full gear for Coral Shores High School football players.
But this season brings a significant change to the team roster, and it's at the...
FLORIDA KEYS BREW BENEFITS ICONIC BEACON OFF ISLAMORADA
The Florida Keys Brewing Company offers 150 styles of beer, 20 on draft daily, but one pint really tickles the taste buds of lifelong fishing captain Rob Dixon.
"When I tasted it, I was like wow, this beer is really good," said Capt. Dixon.
Dixon is talking about Lighthouse Lager. It's...
