Guests packed Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, the sportfishing capital of the world, for a gala and sea-to-table dinner to commemorate 200 years of fishing and dining from the sea in Monroe County on June 10. With fine cuisine came Keys artists like Pasta Pantaleo, who conducted a live painting, and a display of historic photos. The gala also welcomed an Ernest Hemingway impersonator and a tour through Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral nursery. Guests got a surprise as they glanced at the water for a mock drug run. Local captains hosted tables and demonstrated fishing techniques. The banquet saluted the 200th anniversary of the Florida Territorial Legislature’s founding of Monroe County, which contains the entire Florida Keys, on July 3, 1823.
Dr. Harold Dalton, dressed at Ernest Hemingway, has his picture taken during the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Local aritist Roberto “Pasta” Pantaleo does a live painting presentation during the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Local aritist Roberto “Pasta” Pantaleo does a live painting presentation during the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
State Representative Jim Mooney attends the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
A plane makes a mock drug bail drop to an awaiting boat during the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
A plane makes a mock drug bail drop to an awaiting boat during the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Scenes from the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger 
Capt. Craig Brewer demonstrates fly fishing during the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s 200th Anniversary gala celebrating the Florida Keys and Key West at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photo by Doug Finger
