State rangers were deputized

to patrol and protect the Federal waters off shore from Pennekamp Park. I was on the boat taking photos of the ceremony when John Pennekamp cosigned the official documents. At that time, corals were still relatively pristine. After the new water pipe, acceleration of mosquito spraying, lack of hurricanes, and the creation of the Sanctuary, the upper Keys suddenly became a magnet for out-of-state divers. They came in droves and they brought money! Dive shops sprang up, as did dive charter boats. The war with line-fishing charter boats was over. Scuba diving became king! Meanwhile business leaders in the lower Keys took note and looked longingly at the activity and money lavished on the upper Keys. After some preliminary studies, NOAA proposed establishment of the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Several long and heated public hearings ensued. Most Obeticholic Acid cost tough-minded Conch Republic residents resisted anything associated with the Federal government.

Signs everywhere said, “Just Say No To NOAA.” Some faded signs still exist. NOAA representatives left, fearful for their safety, later to return but not to the Keys. This time they held the public hearings in Miami to avoid the riotous atmosphere of the lower Keys. I attended one conducted at the UM Rosenstiel School. Interestingly, the majority of those present again testified against establishment of the isocitrate dehydrogenase phosphorylation Looe Key Sanctuary, but outside pressure from environmental foundations, especially the Tropical Audubon Society, turned the tide. The last executive order President Jimmy Carter signed on the night he left office created the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Soon after establishment, the first manager was fired for spear FER fishing in Looe Key Sanctuary. Keys “saltwater Conchs” know the rest of the story. Anti-government sentiment began to change as outsiders from the mainland, known as “freshwater conchs,” moved to the Republic. Population exploded, business flourished, and adult bookstores appeared on every major Key. Sometimes I wonder what the Keys’

attraction really is? On November 16, 1990, a new bill was signed that converted the entire Florida Keys south of Biscayne National Park into a National Marine Sanctuary. The final management plan was completed May 1993. I think it important to note that the Sanctuary is under the Department of Commerce, making it philosophically and politically distinct from nearby Everglades Park and Biscayne National Park, which are both under the Department of Interior. Pennekamp State Park still exists, and there are several other State-owned island areas. In addition, there are Fish and Wildlife-protected areas, including the Marquesas Keys, nestled within the Marine Sanctuary. Fish and Wildlife is responsible for protecting the Key deer in the lower Keys. Key deer protection has long been controversial, and millions have been spent on protection from speeding automobiles.