Rains Put Kibosh on Expo

By Kevin Wadlow, Florida Keys Keynoter, Marathon

May 17–Rains somewhat doused high spirits at Hospitality Expo in Islamorada on Tuesday.

That did not upset law-enforcement officers patrolling the Whale Harbor area on land and at sea.

“We think it’s great,” Capt. Joe Leiter of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said of the inclement weather. “Overall, it’s probably been the least troublesome expo we’ve had in at four or five years.”

Formerly known as Bartenders Week, Hospitality Week at Holiday Isle Resort welcomes staff of South Florida’s motel and restaurant industry to celebrate the end of the winter tourist season with a party of their own.

Many beverage companies sponsor giveaways and contests at Hospitality Expo to curry favor with the restaurant and lounge professionals.

Of most concern to law enforcement is the unsanctioned party at the Sandbar, a popular anchoring spot about a mile offshore.

Previous gatherings at the Sandbar turned raucous. Law-enforcement, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Sheriff’s Office, responded with a fleet of nearly 20 patrol boats.

Monday, an estimated 1,000 boats dropped anchor to party at the Sandbar for the event’s first day.

“We expected more,” Leiter said. “That was less than normal for the expo.”

By mid-afternoon Tuesday, about a dozen people had been arrested in the Whale Harbor vicinity on a variety of charges.

Daniel Costa, 33, of Homestead was charged with escape after he fled from officers trying to make a drug arrest. Another man was charged with battery on a police officer when he tried to interfere.

Three suspects were arrested on counts of boating under the influence.

About nine other people were treated for severe intoxication but not arrested, Leiter said.

—–

Copyright (c) 2006, Florida Keys Keynoter, Marathon

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.