FWC Officers Assist at Lower Keys Kids Fishing Tournament in Monroe County

Capt. Rafael Almagro joined Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Monroe County Sheriff's Office personnel at the Old Wooden Bridge on Big Pine Key to assist the Lower Keys Rotary Kids Fishing Tournament, providing gear, bait and on-the-water tips to young anglers and their families. Officials noted the partnership on site and said they look forward to next year.

A Visit Florida Keys event listing identified the tournament for Feb. 22 in Big Pine Key and described the Lower Keys Rotary Kids Fishing Tournament as open to kids age 5 to 12, with free rods, bait, snacks and fishing help provided by community volunteers. Organizers staged the event at the Old Wooden Bridge and positioned it as a free, family-friendly introduction to fishing for elementary-age children.

FWC communications said the day went ahead despite rain. "Despite some rainy weather, spirits stayed high as participants cast their lines alongside officers, vying for bragging rights in two categories: the biggest catch and the most fish landed," the agency reported. Young anglers landed species listed by FWC including peacock bass, largemouth bass, Florida gar and bluegill as they competed in the tournament categories.

The FWC provided hands-on staffing and outreach: officers in attendance named by the agency included Capt. Rafael Almagro; Lt. Anthony Padilla; Lt. Billy Thompson; Lt. Lindsay McDonald (not pictured in the group photo); Ofc. Ron Washington; Ofc. Raul Perez; Ofc. Jordan Griffin; Ofc. Daniel Carvajal; Ofc. Ryan Phipps; and Ofc. Carson Walcott. The FWC Officers Association also supported the event materially — "The FWC Officers Association made the day even more special by providing a delicious lunch and gifting every child their own fishing rod to take home as a keepsake to encourage future fishing adventures," the agency said.

Separately, FWC communications described enforcement and community service actions on and around Big Pine Key the same operational period. Officers Allen and Williams stopped three individuals on the ocean side of Big Pine Key and found one undersized lobster and one whole stone crab; James Hong Guan (DOB 06/08/1985), Tam-Thao Thi Pham (DOB 07/15/1973) and Thomas Duc Pham (DOB 05/17/1985) were issued notices to appear. The agency also highlighted non-enforcement outreach: "Lt. Sapp, along with Officers Tim McGarey and Jaime Cassanova, quickly responded with compassion and action. The officers delivered groceries and provided meaningful support to help the family through this challenging time," FWC communications said.

The outreach in the Lower Keys aligns with the FWC’s stated mission of "Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people." Agency background material notes the FWC comprises 1,947 full-time-equivalent employees, including more than 700 sworn law enforcement officers, framing the tournament participation as part of a broader community-engagement role.