IN PICTURES: KIDS TAKE TO THEIR SAILBOATS FOR ANNUAL REGATTA IN KEY LARGO

a large group of sailboats in the water
Sailboats take to Blackwater Sound in Key Largo for the annual Buccaneer Blast Regatta.

From Key Largo’s Rowell’s Park, nearly 200 kids hopped into their sailboats for the 13th annual Buccaneer Blast Regatta, presented by Red Hospitality & Leisure, on Feb. 4-6. Young sailors from Caribbean countries and various U.S. states took to Blackwater Sound, where sun and light winds greeted them as they showcased their sailing abilities. Rosa Lamela, event organizer, said the proceeds from the regatta support new sailboats for the Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program, which is part of the Upper Keys Sailing Club. Roughly 200 kids participated in the summer program last year. More information is at msysp.org.

Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy is one of the many who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures in Western New York. 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 5-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club. When he's not working, he's busy chasing his son, Lucas, around the house and enjoying time with family.