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.
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...
ISLAMORADA RESORT CHANGES HANDS FROM ONE FAMILY TO ANOTHER
Take a stroll through the lushly landscaped grounds of Pines and Palms Resort in Islamorada and prepare to be taken back in time. The 4-acre oceanfront resort has a relaxing Old Florida feel. Small, colorful cottages dot the meticulously raked beach overlooking Alligator Reef. Here, stress just melts away.
This...
MOSQUITO MADNESS: TROPICAL WEATHER IN JUNE CREATED A PERFECT BREEDING GROUND
Every day, mosquito control field inspector Ryan Rodriguez literally invites mosquitoes to settle down on him so he can conduct what is called a landing rate count. Rodriguez does this at six different locations in the Upper Keys, starting at 7 every morning.
"You have to shake up the bushes,...
CORAL SHORES GRADUATE TAKES PASSION & TALENT FOR DANCING TO NYC
Dancer and choreographer Jake Craig is going places. For the women who know him best, his mother and his coach, his success is not surprising.
"He's just super naturally talented and then he has the work ethic to pick up the training," said Stephanie Zlockie, Jake's dance instructor and the...
RED BULL WAKEBOARDERS UNFAZED BY TROPICAL STORM IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
As Tropical Storm Alex churned in the Gulf of Mexico, five athletes from the elite Red Bull wakeboarding team ironed out final details for their Keys waterways adventure. Unfazed by the first storm of the 2022 hurricane season, the group arrived in Key Largo for what was sure to...
LOCAL AUTHOR’S LOVE LETTER TO THE KEYS MAKES A SPLASH WITH STUDENTS
Plantation Key School fourth graders were all ears and overflowing with questions during a recent visit by author S.A. (Salli Anne) Rodriguez. "What kind of dive certified are you?" asked one student. "Our teacher's a divemaster," added another.
Rodriguez was invited into the PKS media center to read a few...
FORMER OLYMPIC SKATER SAYS IT’S ALL ABOUT WORKING WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
It's often said that in this quirky, sun-baked, fabulous island chain, you never know who could be sitting right next to you. If you happen to take a chair yoga class at Founders Park, you just might find yourself seated next to an Olympian.
"1964 was my Olympic year with...
