I was in the Keys about 2 years ago and noticed all of these crab pot floats in little coves near the shore line. I forgot what hurricane came thru before I arrived, but there were boats and debris all over the place. I wanted these floats, they were decorated to be seen by their original owner with all different colors and numbers. I thought they looked cool and had seen several bars and bait shops with them, so I ask my family " hey lets grab some of those!" We pulled over somewhere near Bahia Honda( my favorite) and I had on my Teva sandals and walked up to the shore line and what looked to be about three feet out was the first float. I took my first step and sank almost knee deep in a mass of dead sea life. What I thought was just some shallow debris, like mashed up seaweed was in fact dead and rotting sponges and gorgonians. I guess the hurricane ripped these guys out. I smelled horrible , but I got my floats and they hang from a tree in my front yard. I know it is way illegal to mess with crab traps, but these guys had no traps and the floats were just left to float forever. Reminds me of a Seinfield episode...I think that was Kramer and lobster traps.
I hope everyone is safe that lives out that way, having family from Florida I know all to well what these storms can do.
