WILD BIRD CENTER WELCOMES NEW SLITHERING AMBASSADOR

a woman with a snake on her head
Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro with the captive-born corn snake ‘Captain Coconut the Conch Fritter.’ CONTRIBUTED

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Well, how about this heat, huh? Like, where the heck did it come from? I do not remember ordering 110-degree-heat-index temps in May. 

I hope everyone is staying plenty hydrated. The foxes at Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo definitely lay low during the day and come out to play when the sun goes down. We have fans, an air-conditioned den and one room in the house with a stand-up air conditioner in it. Our mom, Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro, is actually trying to raise funds right now via an online 50/50 raffle to purchase a mini-split unit for our fox room. If it is this hot now, imagine what the rest of summer will be like. Unbearable, I’m thinking. 

If you would like to purchase a raffle ticket, you can do so by going to our website at pawsitivebeginnings.org and a link will pop up on the homepage. Tickets are $50 and only 100 are available, so your chances of winning $2,500 are pretty good.

In other news, our friends at the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter are looking for donations, and specifically older teen boy clothing. New or gently used. There are a few teenage boys who could really use some stuff, so if you have anything that you would like to donate, it can be dropped off at the shelter office in Tavernier, 73 High Point Road during business hours. 

Also, our friends at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center welcomed a new ambassador to its hospital welcome center and gift shop. Captain Coconut the Conch Fritter is a captive-born corn snake, or red rat snake, which is a species native to the Florida Keys. He will be used to educate people about our native wildlife. So if you are out and about, stop in and say hi to Mr. Fritter. My mom had the chance to meet him and she said he is super friendly, curious and just cool.

This may seem a little premature, but the Fourth of July will be here before we know it. The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is busy organizing its 48th annual parade. So, embrace the spirit of freedom this Independence Day by joining us. Secure your spot by registering online and be a part of this celebration of our nation’s independence. 

This year’s grand marshal is Key Largo School principal Darren Pais. He will lead the way as we come together to honor our freedom. Limited spots are available, so let’s unite and make this a day to remember.” Register online at keylargochamber.org today to secure your spot.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Reef the Fox
Reef was born on a fur farm on or around March 28, 2021. He was able to be rescued when his mother and siblings started to reject him. Reef is missing toes on his front, right paw and the tip of his tail is missing due to injuries sustained in his short time on the fur farm. Reef arrived at Key Largo on May 6, 2021 by Nicole Navarro, of Pawsitive Beginnings Inc.