POLICE FISHING CHALLENGE RAISES $25K FOR AUTISM SOCIETY OF THE KEYS

a group of people standing around a giant check
The fourth annual PBA dolphin tournament raises $25,000 for the Autism Society of the Keys. CONTRIBUTED

Police officers Frank Betz and Mike Pettee organized the fourth annual Police Benevolent Association’s charity dolphin fishing tournament off Key West to benefit the Autism Society of the Keys (ASK).

Drawing competitive anglers from 25 boats, and headquartered at Oceans Edge Marina on Stock Island, the tournament raised $25,000 for ASK, topping last year’s total by more than $5,000 and awarding more than $15,000 in cash and prizes.

Winning first place and $7,500 was the Off the Rock team with a 34.30-pound dolphin.

Second place went to Triple J with a 33.28-pound dolphin. No Doubt took third place with a 24.58-pound dolphin.

three people holding a large fish under a tent
Winning first place and $7,500 in the PBA charity dolphin tournament was the Off the Rock team with a 34.30-pound dolphin. CONTRIBUTED
a man holding a large fish in his hands
Top junior angler award goes to Corbin, fishing aboard Touche, with a 13.4-pound dolphin. CONTRIBUTED
a group of men holding a fish under a blue tent
A team of anglers from the Police Benevolent Association show off an 18.64-pound dolphin. CONTRIBUTED
Mandy Miles
Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.