No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Key Largo’s Ann Helmers. She is the president of Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock state parks, a volunteer organization formed in 2019 to support conservation and stewardship as well as to enhance environmental, educational and recreational experiences for visitors and locals. She also serves on the board of the League of Women Voters of the Upper Keys and is the membership chair. She lives in Key Largo with her husband Terry.
How long have you lived in the Keys? Originally from Georgia, I moved to South Florida when I was 18 and visited the Keys regularly. In 2017, my husband Terry and I bought our home in Key Largo and became full-time residents when we retired in 2019.
What drew you to the Keys? My husband and I are divers and enjoy the parks. It’s just so beautiful here. I love being on the water every day.
What led you to join the Friends organization? I was a student life adviser at the University of Miami for 30 years. Go Canes! After Terry attended a meeting about forming a friends group for Pennekamp, he told me about it and I’ve been involved since. It bridges the work I did in my career and what I wanted to be involved with during retirement. I love raising awareness about our marine resources and educating the community.
What do you enjoy most about your work? The people. I am fascinated by Pennekamp because it is this special place that is world-famous. When I volunteer there, I see people wide-eyed with surprise about all the unique things that are here and underwater. I enjoy seeing people learning. This place is so deeply special to the people who live here too. It’s a hometown favorite.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Dagny Johnson, the woman who gave her name to our sister park. Dagny was ahead of her time, such a force for decades. She protected the special environment, fighting and winning against overdevelopment.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? I’d love to wave my wand and make the ocean liveable again for our coral.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? Keys people are a breed unto themselves, in the best way possible. No other place have I been where, generally, nobody is trying to be anything other than who they are. Everyone here, no matter who they are, where they live, what they do nor how they lean politically, has a love for the environment. It’s the one constant I see.
Favorite Food? Key lime pie. Years ago, the Miami Herald printed a recipe for the pie from Mangrove Mama’s on Cudjoe. I’ve been making it ever since. The recipe I cut out is frayed and stained.
Favorite movie? Since I just watched the Academy Awards, I agree that “Sinners” was in the best movie category. It was a brilliant movie.
What are your hobbies? Diving and spending time with family. Our 4-year-old grandchild lives in the Redlands and spends many weekends here. She’s at a great age to help clean up trash from the water and learn about the importance of protecting the environment.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? Sometimes I wish I had more of the skill to listen more than I talk. You learn so much more when you take the time to listen.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? I hope I have educated people and helped them become a better version of themself, both in my career and in my volunteer work.
Do you have any regrets? Only that I wish we moved to the Keys sooner! It is such an amazing place.What is the biggest daily challenge you face? I find I sometimes get very frustrated as I’d like to see things move faster. I have to remind myself there are processes and steps.
