Editor’s note: The coronavirus pandemic brought some of the first cases to the Florida Keys in March and changed our island life in ways no one could have imagined. A checkpoint kept visitors away and the virus at bay, but also affected jobs, business, income and mental health. Policies were changed to address the increasing spread. Meetings and fundraisers were moved online, and we all became experts at Zoom, Google Meet and using our webcams as mirrors before “joining” a virtual event. The Keys reopened to visitors in June and workers returned to jobs in hotels, bars, restaurants and retail stores, and aboard dive, snorkel and fishing boats.
Each week, in our Hindsight 2020 feature, the Key West Weekly will highlight locals’ reflections on a year of unprecedented changes and challenges.
Capt. Don Hiller
The commander-in-chief of the Monroe County Sheriff’s substation in Marathon is living the pandemic alongside the rest of us; he, though, in a challenging profession made more so by coronavirus.
Describe your 2020 in 3 words: Total Something Show.
What canceled activity or event did you miss the most? Working 24-hour road block at the county line (*sarcasm*).
What Netflix or other TV/movie programming did you discover or rediscover during the pandemic? “Yellowstone” (starring Kevin Costner) and “Billions” (starring Paul Giamatti). Both are really good.
Do you have/did have COVID? (In Trump’s voice) No, I’m immmmuuuune. Or at least they say I am. Or I could be.
What’s your pandemic pet peeve? Mask covering chins only.
What’s one good thing that came out of this period for you? Yeah … still thinking.
Describe your hopes for 2021 in 3 words: Bye bye, COVID.
Sherry Alana & Trae Holmes
The Keys Weekly loves these homegrown natives, raising a family in the Middle Keys.
Describe your 2020 in 3 words:
Sherry: Cry for help.
Trae: Frustrating and unpredictable.
What canceled activity or event did you miss the most?
Sherry: Our cruise wedding originally scheduled for Oct. 10, 2020.
Trae: My wedding cruise.
What Netflix or other TV/movie programming did you discover or rediscover during the pandemic?
Sherry: I rewatched “Twilight” like three times.
Trae: Investigation Discovery Channel.
Did you have COVID?
Sherry: I did.
Trae: Nope.
What’s your pandemic pet peeve?
Sherry: When people throw a fit when they are asked to put their mask on at a business and they go crazy. Just put the darn thing on and go about your business.
Trae: People not recognizing the severity of the virus.
What’s one good thing that came out of this period for you?
Sherry: I was able to discover some amazing chocolates that I get to share with my friends and family.
Trae: More time with the family.
Describe your hopes for 2021 in 3 words:
Sherry: To get married!
Trae: Health and prosperity.
Rita Irwin
This Middle Keys lady is a dynamo — the chairwoman of the Tourist Development Council for 13 years and also president and CEO of the one of the Keys’ most loved institutions — the Dolphin Research Center.
Describe your 2020 in 3 words: Adapt, adapt, adapt.
What canceled activity or event did you miss the most? The entire spring season of tourism.
What Netflix or other TV/movie programming did you discover or rediscover during the pandemic? “Episodes” — because what’s more fun than Matt LeBlanc making fun of himself and sitcoms in general?
Did you have COVID? No.
What’s your pandemic pet peeve? Masks worn as chin guards.
What’s one good thing that came out of this period for you? Weekly Zoom visits with friends and family around the country.
Describe your hopes for 2021 in 3 words: Kindness, vaccine, teamwork.
