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KEY WEST

Boat wins environmental award

Yankee Roamer Inc., which operates the Yankee Freedom II ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, last month accepted the First Honorable Mention Award for environmental practices from the International Work Boat Show.

The award recognizes the emerging importance of environmental practices by the marine transportation industry. The 2008 award nominees included such companies as Holland America Lines, Honda Marine and Princess Cruises.

"It was still quite an honor for Yankee Roamer Inc. to even be considered in the company of these global industries," said Chris Belland, CEO of Historic Tours of America and Historic Ships of America. "I am especially proud of the Yankee Roamer team, headed up by Capt. Rick Gauron. The owners of the Yankee Freedom II, Carol Hill and Capt. Jerry Hill, have supported this effort from the very beginning, almost 20 years ago, when they started taking passengers out to the Dry Tortugas."

Pictured here are Capt. Rick Gauron, center, with the Yankee Freedom II EMS team and the award from the International Work Boat Show in New Orleans.

KEY WEST

Aqua events help Wesley House

Aqua night club donated $1,647 from its sixth annual Turnabout event, where the men have to dress as women and vice versa, to Wesley House Family Services. Between hosting two Aqua Idols and Turnabout for the nonprofit, Aqua has helped raise more than $12,000 for the organization this year.

Pictured here, Aqua owner Jill McDonald, left, and General Manager Shaun Carter, right, present a check to Mindy McKenzie, Wesley House's director of development.

MARATHON

Credit union provides uniforms

Keys Federal Credit Union made a $250 donation to the Marathon American Youth Soccer Organization "Alligators" team to provide new uniforms.

Pictured here, Marathon Shores Assistant Branch Manager Carissa Genereux, right, presents the team coaches Cami and Arjen Holdinga with the sponsorship check.