URGENT RESPONSE: FEB. 16 FUNDRAISER AT THE ISLANDER SUPPORTS FIREBOAT TRAINING

February 14, 2025

a man standing on a boat in the water — An Islamorada fire rescue boat takes to Whale Harbor for the annual Blessing of the Fleet on Jan. 1. The vessel, named after a young girl who died on the water in 2017, was secured by the Islamorada Firefighters Benevolent Association last year. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Islamorada Mayor Sharon Mahoney is looking to raise tens of thousands of dollars on Sunday, Feb. 16 for a program to improve emergency response off the Florida Keys waters.

Healthy corals and fish populations may be lacking, but even more so are emergency response boats when accident strikes. Just ask June Smith, mother of young Harlie. The family was out on the water in August 2017 when her daughter was accidentally struck by a boat propeller off Cudjoe Key.

Smith called 911 and begged for swift help, but it never came until they reached shore. The 13-year-old was eventually transported to a hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Since her daughter’s tragic death, Smith has advocated for medical fire response boats for Monroe County.

“I can’t quite understand how here in a boating community, if something goes wrong you’re your own doctor, you’re your own advocate and you’re your own way back to shore,” Smith told Islamorada council members during a meeting last December.

Last year, Village Mayor Sharon Mahoney organized a fundraiser for injured Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia, who was hit by a suspected drunk driver in April 2024. He lost his leg as a result of the incident. Mahoney, upon learning of the story, organized a fundraiser at the Islander Resort. With help from area businesses and community members, a little more than $60,500 was raised for Garcia.

Mahoney said she’s developed a friendship with Smith ever since hearing about the family’s heartbreaking and horrifying incident in 2017. Mahoney organized a fundraiser for Sunday, Feb. 16 from noon to 6 p.m. at Islander Resort in Islamorada. Activities include a Key lime pie baking contest, which is open to home bakers and hobbyists, as well as raffles, auctions, food, games and more.

Proceeds will support fireboat training not only in Islamorada but also throughout Monroe County.

“I want to raise a lot of money because this is a wonderful woman (Smith) and I’m very pleased we got to be friends,” Mahoney said.

a woman in yellow is holding a fish — Harlie Smith died after she was struck by a boat propeller in 2017 off the waters on Cudjoe Key. Mother June Smith, who begged for help on the water, has since advocated for a marine emergency response program on the Florida Keys waters. CONTRIBUTED

An island chain boasting fishing, diving and sandbars sees no shortage of boats on the waters. Per the latest data, nearly 30,000 vessels are registered in the Keys, and that’s not counting the thousands more visiting from other parts of the state and country during the year.

Thanks to state funding, several fireboats were approved for Marathon, Key Largo and Monroe County fire rescues. Islamorada was in line to receive similar funding from the Florida Legislature for a new boat. The request was vetoed by the governor, however, shocking many Keys officials.

State Rep. Lauren Melo, out of Naples, put forth the funding request having known the Smith family. She told council members the funding was “vetoed at the local level.” Melo said she’s running another funding request this legislative session with hopes funds will again be allocated, approved and signed by the governor.

While funds weren’t secured for a new vessel, a fire rescue boat is roaming the waters off Islamorada. Last year, the Islamorada Firefighters Benevolent Association acquired a 36-foot Twin Vee fire boat, called “Harlie 1,” from the North Collier Fire District for $45,000. A fireboat program was approved by village council members last May. Fire Chief Terry Abel said all staff are trained for the village’s marine emergency response team, with 14 rescuers having completed marine training through the U.S. Coast Guard. Rescuers can now respond to emergencies in the nearshore waters and waterways of Islamorada and incidents needing additional resources.

“We will have lots more training ahead of us, but we’re getting there,” Abel said. “The training isn’t just for Islamorada. This is a countywide effort, so all training will be offered up and down the Florida Keys.”

Smith said she knows how others feel every time she hears of a tragedy on the water.

“It seems odd that there’s nothing on the water to help anybody, if it’s a heart attack or a broken arm. Anything. You’re not getting help until you touch land,” she said.