SAMMY’S LAST SHIFT: BELOVED BARTENDER TO TRADE BAR KEY FOR BADGE IN PURSUIT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER

By
Alex Rickert
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three men standing next to each other in front of a bar

Gary Leo, known to his devoted patrons and friends as Sammy, poured his final drink as a Brass Monkey bartender in the early morning hours of Nov. 3. Pictured with fellow local legends Dirk Thomas, left, and Rodney Aultman, right, he’ll trade his bar key for a badge after 23 years as he pursues a career in law enforcement. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Alex Rickert
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.

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