Mayor’s Annual Fish Fry Honors Hometown Heroes

Over 100 participants gathered for food and a good time at the Mayor’s Annual Fish Fry on May 2nd. Plenty of ‘hometown heroes’ also partook in the festivities and even got to slice through an American flag cake.

“We love to show some love for our first responders, veterans, and active military,” said Mayor Howie Grimm. “It’s a way for us to give back and show them how much we appreciate their service.”

For around 20 years and counting, the Mayor of Everglades City has thrown a food soiree in honor of officers, veterans, EMS, and firefighters. This year, they served up freshly fried grouper—a pleasing surprise—with hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, and cake.

Pastor Gary Haug led a short prayer of appreciation for the community and heroes. After food was served, the cake was cut by local Fire Rescue crews, and the community steadily ate their way through the red, white, and blue. A donation jar was generously filled for the Everglades City fireworks fund throughout the event.

“We're going to have fireworks this year, especially since it’s the 250th anniversary,” said Mayor Grimm. “We order them on an off day so we get a better price, and earlier too, so people can go to Naples as well.”

Although many first responders attended, a few were preoccupied with a fire in Big Cypress. Fires have been raging from Big Cypress to the Florida Bay as of late, partly caused by the excessive drought. South Florida’s habitats are estimated to be one foot below the necessary minimum for water levels, especially compared to previous years.

“We appreciate all of our first responders and our military as well, and all that they do for us.”