IN PICTURES: ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET KICKSTARTS THE NEW YEAR IN ISLAMORADA

By
Jim McCarthy
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Local pastors stood on the bridge at Whale Harbor Channel in Islamorada as a fleet of boats approached for a blessing on a brisk and picturesque New Year’s morning. Vessels lined up at 8 a.m. for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association’s annual Blessing of the Fleet. The procession was led by the Gonefishin. On land, spectators found a spot near shore to view the parade of boats.Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Sue Boyle of Islamorada takes in the sights of the Annual Blessing of the Fleet at Whale Harbor Bridge New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
Marlin Simon, and fellow pastors, begin the first of many blessings during the annual Blessing of the Fleet at Whale Harbor Bridge New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet takes places on Whale Harbor Bridge and Whale Harbor Channel New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024. Photo by Doug Finger
Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy
https://twitter.com/keysweekly?lang=en
Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.
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