It’s arguably the largest event in the Keys with some 300 vendors, thousands of shoppers and nearly a quarter-million dollars raised at Islamorada’s Founders Park. 

But for the first time in 26 years, Upper Keys Rotary Club’s Gigantic Nautical Flea Market cannot be held in person due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Last November, Islamorada Village Council members heeded the advice of Bob Eadie, Monroe County’s top health officer, in not allowing large-scale events to take place until the pandemic is under control. The dais was unanimous in suspending special event permits in the village until April 1. 

Now, Rotarians are reaching out to the community for support. The need remains to raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors, current college students and those pursuing career technical education.

“Without the 2021 event, which annually provides more than $200,000 in scholarships to students in the Upper Keys, we had to find another avenue to raise these much-needed funds,” said Rotarian Frank Derfler, who is active with Coral Shores High School’s Interact Club and Rotary’s Scholarship Fund. “High school and college students rely on us and we need to rely on our community to help.”

Those wishing to donate can visit www.keysrotary.us or send a check payable to Upper Keys Rotary Foundation to P.O. Box 1514, Tavernier, FL 33070.

In addition, go to the Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market’s Facebook page or Instagram (upperkeysrotarynauticalfleamarket) where viewers can watch video appeals from current and past scholars, as well as graduating seniors and others.

“By using video and written messages posted on social media platforms, we hope to appeal for donations,” said Jill Miranda Baker, Upper Keys Rotary Club president. “Please share our social media posts with your friends and contacts. Be sure to join the Facebook group, Upper Keys Rotary Nautical Flea Market.”

Donations can be made by texting 786-244-2468 with the word “scholarships.” A link will be provided that takes users to the donation platform.

The goal is to raise $100,000. Any amount donated helps, Miranda Baker said. Funds from the flea market have gone to support local high school grads in mechanical engineering and applied physiology and kinesiology fields, to name a few. The money also has helped those entering trades. 

“Please consider supporting our continued mission of providing these much-needed scholarships that high school seniors and current college students have come to rely on for their continuing education. Click. Contribute. Educate,” Baker said.

The Upper Keys Rotary Club, established in 1967, meets weekly at noon at Capt. Craig’s Restaurant. More information is at KeysRotary.com, on Facebook or from Miranda Baker at 305-304-0052.

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.