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 School Resource Officer Annette Simo, with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Simo has been with MCSO for nearly 11 years, previously on court security and road patrol. This is her first year as an SRO and she is based at Treasure Village Montessori, a public charter school in Islamorada. She lives in Key Largo and spent many weekends and summers in the Keys with her family as a child.
How long have you lived in the Keys? On and off, since 2010. I was a weekender from Miami. In the summers, we would leave our camper at what was then American Outdoors RV Park, now Playa Largo, and come down every weekend.
What drew you to the Keys? My family.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? It started with my school resource officer at my school in Miami. He is now the chief of police for the Miami-Dade School District. He was a very kind and compassionate officer. As a little kid, you want to get the bad guys and help people. He showed me that.
What do you enjoy most about your work? Any chance I get to make a difference in someone’s life and let them know there is compassion in law enforcement. As a SRO, I like being able to be a safe space for the kids, giving them trust in law enforcement rather than running away when they see us.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? I’ve had a few. Now, can they be shared? There was one gentleman when I was on road patrol in Marathon who was intoxicated and disruptive. He claimed he was a black belt in karate and kept making the moves. He stumbled and fell down more than once. As we were trying to handcuff him, he fought us.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Jesus Christ because he did what no one else could ever do for us. I would ask him what God’s plan is for me.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? Unlimited strength. I’d want to be super strong.
Favorite Food? White rice and eggs. Fried, sunny side up or over easy.
Favorite movie? “Finding Nemo.”
Favorite book? In recent years, I’ve only read a lot of textbooks, but growing up I loved the “Harry Potter “series of books.
What are your hobbies? Anything related to music. I play the drums.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? Pushing through life and not giving up.
Do you have any regrets? No. Every mistake is a learning lesson to do better. Without those, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Getting out of bed in the morning. I am not a morning person. Once I am out the door, I know it was worth it.
