MCSO SHOWCASES BRAND NEW PATROL BOAT

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is freshly equipped to protect the waters of Marathon, courtesy of a brand new patrol boat. The 26-foot, $137,000 Yellowfin vessel features a hybrid bay and deep vee hull for operation in both shallow inshore and rougher reef waters. Powered by twin Mercury Verado 250 hp outboards, it is capable of speeds well over 60 mph and is outfitted from bow to stern with state-of-the-art electronics – even a personal air conditioner for its most frequent captain, Marine Deputy Willie Guerra. “We were trying to find the perfect boat that can do most of the missions we need,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “Yellowfin gave us an excellent deal with a law enforcement discount at well below market value, and they moved us to the front of the line to get the boat out the door.” Pictured, from left, are MCSO Capt. Don Hiller, Guerra, and Ramsay on one of the boat’s inaugural patrols.

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.