Honoring Darlene Bennett

Darlene M. Bennett was born & raised in Key West where she attended Douglass and Key West High Schools and furthered her education at Florida Keys Community College. Darlene was always active and found fulfillment in giving back to her community.

The DASH in a person’s lifetime from birth to death tells the story of how they lived. Here is Darlene’s story.  A very active worker within various community organizations she worked with AIDS Help, The Local NAACP, Key West Repertoire Choir, Church Women United and The Leadership Academy of C.F.F.K.  Darlene was still active with The Blessed Community Gospel Choir until her health started failing. Coral City Elks Temple #400, and Key of the Gulf O. E. S. Chapter #5, local A.A.R.P, ACS- Making Strides, and Relay for Life, Dr. M. L. King Scholarship Committee, and The Cannon John Reece Scholarship Committee. She was a staunch supporter of the A. M. E. Zion Church. Darlene held membership at her “beloved Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and was affectionately known as “Ms. Cornish”. She worked in various departments and has held numerous positions.  Her favorite department being the missionary (WH&OMS) where she is known to be a missionary on a mission.  Always serving others.  

Darlene is the oldest of six siblings, the mother of two sons and grandmother of four and one great grand on the way.  

A retired registered certified Pharmacy Tech. Darlene enjoyed singing, traveling, fellowshipping, reading, and attending workshops to learn more and assisting others with her missionary heart. She is also a proud member of the popular Red Hat Society where she played in (2) chapters Klassy Girlfriends and Cultivating Sisters. Her message and saying to others were: “Be Encouraged”, “You have not because you ask not” & “God Loves You and so do I”.

Darlene’s DASH illustrated the importance of a life of fulfillment and one that touched the hearts of many.  Leaving to cherish her memory a host of loved ones, family, friends, church members and many loving friends.  

Honoring Danny Reid Carter

Danny Reid Carter was a tremendously talented performer and songwriter.  The Carter Brothers Band with brother Tim Carter and a series of other  players toured the US, Canada, Ireland, Norway, and were  State

Department Cultural Emissaries to Russia. 

The Carter Brothers were very popular in Key West, playing at Sloppy Joe’s, the Hog’s Breath Saloon, and The Green Parrot Bar.

When Danny became ill he could no longer play.

In a lucid moment shortly before he died, he asked Tim to keep his music alive. As long as we are able to listen to his songs, his music lives in our hearts.

Honoring Rachel E. Ligon

Rachel, a proud Kentuckian by birth, dedicated close to 18 years of her life to capturing the magic of Key West life and Key West weddings through her lens. With a remarkable flair for home restoration, she cherished the notion of breathing new life into aged treasures. Her passion for living and her creative spirit knew no bounds. She was not just a daughter, a sister, and a friend, but a cherished presence that will forever be deeply missed.

Honoring Baxter

Baxter is a special dog who persevered. Being given to us at too young of an age, he became sickly and could not digest puppy food. We spent his early year cooking special food for him until he was able to process regular dog food. From there on out, he was small but mighty, both in activity and in love. Baxter was my side kick and constant companion. He has travelled everywhere with me, and he loved nothing more than being squished up against you, held and snuggled. He loved everyone and just wanted affection from everyone he met. People were always telling us what a special, one-of-a-kind dog he was. Around age 8, Baxters eyes started to get bad. He could still see, but not well, and we started carrying him up and down the stairs at our home. Our vet sent him to an animal eye doctor in Miami. Shortly after, it was discovered that he had a tumor in his brain. Baxter started having seizures, but did not want to give up. He still wanted to play and have fun. Eventually the seizures made it hard for him to walk. Even with this difficulty, he tried and tried to be active and play, and we took him to a pet neurologist in Miami who was able to stave off the seizures. We had several more months with Baxter when suddenly his love of playing stopped, and we knew it was time to say goodbye. Baxter was always with me and at my side, no matter if it was through days of migraines or just to follow me from one room to another, and I was holding him just like he loved when he was put to sleep. He had 10 years of a beautiful life, traveling from Michigan, where he was born, to Summerland Key, where he lived out his final years. There will never be another dog like him, and I can only hope that we successfully returned all the love and devotion that he gave to us.

Honoring Tom Hambright

Tom Hambright
Feb. 23, 1938--Oct. 14, 2023

Thomas Leroy Hambright was born February 23, 1938, in Mooresville, North Carolina, to Robert Lee and Rachel (Sims) Hambright. He graduated from Troutman High School in 1956 and Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, North Carolina, in 1960.

In 2022, Tom told Friends of the Key West Library board member Ellen T. White that he started getting interested in history very early – when he was a toddler and his grandmother took care of him while his parents were working 12-hour days in the cotton mills of his native North Carolina during World War II.

“She was from mountain people and she used to tell me stories about the old days, and it got my interest,” Tom said. “I could have kicked myself later on, because unfortunately I don’t remember one of them. Anyway, that’s where it started, and in high school, I was the best history student.”

He intended to become a history teacher – but wound up in the military, serving in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, including appointments in Key West. He appeared in a September, 1969, Key West Citizen story about bachelor officers, where he was described as “a genial giant of a Southern man (6 foot, 6 inches)” who reportedly “likes the southern easiness of life here.”

In 1981, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander and returned to the island, where he took computer classes at Florida Keys Community College (now the College of the Florida Keys) and went to work for the Key West Art & Historical Society as a curator for three years.

Joining the library

In 1985, he joined the Monroe County Public Library’s Florida History department, which had been started by Betty Bruce with a strong focus on Conch genealogy, as well as collecting photographs and documents from the islands’ past.

Hambright, along with his late wife, Lynda, continued that work, helping many people trace their roots on the island. He helped people learn about local history, whether they were researching their families, their new home, or were just curious. He answered questions from journalists and historians. He and Lynda compiled an index to the Key West Citizen, a unique and essential resource for anyone researching the past in the Keys.

In the early 1990s, Tom oversaw the construction of a new wing on the library with a vault to protect the collection. In 1997, he and Lynda started a newspaper column for the Key West Citizen called “Key West 100 Years Ago Today,” intended to run for a year to mark the centennial of the USS Maine explosion.

The column was so popular that it continued and expanded to Today In Keys History, which still runs in the Citizen and appears on the Florida Keys History Center website and social media accounts. It recounts events from throughout the documented history of the Keys and has included excerpts from the 19th century diary of a Key West attorney and the 1822 logbook from the USS Shark, whose crew first raised the American flag over the island.

Two hundred years later, that logbook was donated and became part of the Florida Keys History Center archives.

“Tom Hambright absolutely loved the history of Key West and the Florida Keys, and he was endlessly fascinated by it. He was always inspired by Paul Harvey’s phrase “The Rest of the Story,” and he loved to uncover the deeper, little-known backstories of the events and players,” said Dr. Corey Malcom, who is now the Florida Keys History Center’s Lead Historian.

“Tom was also big on sharing history, too. For over 30 years, he was the editor of the Key West Maritime Historical Society’s ‘Sea Heritage Journal,’ the de facto Keys historical publication. And he was part of the team that selected the subjects and put together biographies for the Key West Memorial Sculpture Garden; he wrote a history of the USS Maine plot in the Key West Cemetery that determined exactly who was buried there, and he worked with Ed Knight to install the ‘Forgotten Soldier’ monument dedicated Key West’s US Colored Troops now in Bayview Park.”

The Florida Keys History Center itself is Tom’s largest legacy, Malcom said.

“For over 35 years he worked to build an important archive for Monroe County that now houses documents, photographs, and public records from the past,” Malcom said.

Anne Layton Rice, Assistant Library Director for Support Services, oversaw the work of the History Center.

“A great joy of my 23 years working with Tom was him peeking in my office door frequently to announce ‘We’ve got treasure!’ This meant I was to proceed directly to the History Room for Tom to delightedly display and explain a new donation,” Rice said. “Tom didn’t just love history, he loved sharing history. My son, now a KWHS senior, is a history honors student due to Tom’s enthusiasm. Primary sources over interpretations ruled in Tom’s domain.”

Malcom said Tom met with “thousands and thousands of people over those years and helped them find out about their families, their houses, or with research for dissertations, books, or films.”

Kimberly Matthews, Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Director of Libraries, said Tom’s work will have lasting effect. “His years of dedicated service will always leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy the history of the Keys,” she said.

Dr. Cori Convertito, curator and historian at the Key West Art & Historical Society said Tom was “a giant among men. Anyone who spoke with him quickly realized that his reverence and passion for local and maritime history was palpable — it was as though it was part of his genetic code. Serving in the U.S. Navy brought him to Key West, but it was this island and its history that ignited his true calling in life as a historian. His eagerness to read everything he could get his hands on, commit it to his eidetic memory, and share in such a cohesive and absorbing manner set him apart from all others.”

Alex Vega grew up in Key West, hearing stories about the old days from his grandfather. He followed his interest in history to the library when Betty Bruce ran the department and it was located on the side wing, where the Children’s Room is now.

He said many Conchs were skeptical when Tom first took over.

“At first, it was, ‘Who is this guy who was in the Navy who knows about Key West history?'” Vega said. “As the years went by, I would tell them ‘This guy knows more about Key West history than you who were born here.'”

A firefighter, Vega started documenting fires and their impact on the island throughout its history. In the pre-Internet years, he and Tom would go through microfilms of the Jacksonville newspaper, scouring it for mentions of Key West.

Vega eventually wrote a book resulting from that research and led the effort to preserve Fire Station No. 3, now named in his honor as the Alex Vega Firehouse Museum at the Key West Historic Firehouse.

Tom was “a treasure trove of knowledge. That’s what I called him – a walking encyclopaedia,” said Vega, who also credits him with instilling standards for research: “If you’re going to say something about history, about any subject or person, make sure you have the facts to back it up.”

Reaching millions with the image archive

Tom was a popular public speaker and gave countless talks on Keys history, but his widest reach was online, through the Florida Keys History Center’s image archive on Flickr. Tom led a team of volunteers who made high-resolution scans, identified them and uploaded them to the site. More than 23,000 images are online and freely available for viewing and downloading. They have been viewed more than 43 million times.

“When Tom and I first discussed digitization, he was concerned: ‘What if they stop coming in (because everything is online)?’” Rice said. “Quite the contrary: Tom was then overwhelmed with scholars and researchers from all over the world wanting more – especially more Tom.”

Even after his retirement on his 84th birthday in 2022, Tom continued as the Florida Keys History Center’s most devoted volunteer, coming in several times a week to scan more images and share his knowledge about the island with library staff and patrons.

Tom was named Monroe County Employee of the Year in 1999. In 2016, the city of Key West declared January 5th “Tom Hambright Day” in recognition of his service. In 2017, the Key West Art & Historical Society honored him with the prestigious Scotti Merrill Preservation Award. When he retired in 2022, the county bestowed the title of Historian Emeritus.

“Tom Hambright was such an amazing person and blessing to this community,” said Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates. “His knowledge of the Florida Keys history was unparalleled, and he devoted so much of his life to the Keys.”

It seemed like Tom was always on duty behind his desk piled with documents and books, but on his rare vacations, he was delving into even more history.

“Always on the quest for the perfect hot dog while visiting presidential birth homes, Tom traveled in his huge van listening to his favorite music station: Willie’s Roadhouse,” Rice said.

Tom’s wife, Lynda, died in 2021. Tom is survived by a large family of colleagues, friends and admirers in the Keys and beyond.

“While I consider Tom a mentor, I also had the pleasure of his friendship and support as I began my own career in maritime and local history. No phone call went ignored; no question went unanswered, even if that meant hours of digging through primary source materials on microfilm or in Florida History’s vault,” Convertito said. “For years everyone said, ‘Tom is irreplaceable’ and ‘what will we do without Tom?’. We will carry on the good work in his absence, but we will continue repeating those sentences because he was truly one of a kind and it is difficult to imagine him not being on the other end of the phone to assist.”

Malcom said Tom’s legacy continues through the work of the Florida Keys History Center, from people looking at microfilm and documents at the Center in Key West to those viewing online photos from around the world.

“Tom will be missed terribly, and his death leaves a big hole, but he has also left so much for us to appreciate, learn from, and build upon,” Malcom said. “We understand the Florida Keys, and how our island communities came to be, much better because of him. Tom may be gone, but he is unforgettable.”

Honoring Tom Corcoran

Thomas Franklin Corcoran, 79, died and left us for his next great adventure on January 16, 2023. 

Tom grew up in Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights with his two younger sisters who survive him. He also leaves behind 2 sons, 2 granddaughters, a brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and other relatives, as well as many friends and fans around the world.

Tom graduated from Miami University of Ohio, and upon graduation served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Key West for a time, he found his spirit's home and moved here in 1968 following his honorable discharge from the Navy. He ultimately lived in Key West or nearby for the rest of his life, visiting often in person and even more often in his storytelling and writing. Tom’s time in Key West was, like Tom himself, both understated and profound. He had a way of finding himself in the middle of great stories without knowing precisely how he got there. He also had a way of remembering every detail, perhaps due to his unique talent for being truly present, which made everyone he encountered feel like the center of the universe, at least for that moment. 

It was in Key West where, serving tacos off the back of his bicycle and bartending in The Chart Room bar, that he met and developed lifelong friendships with a group of writers and musicians who would become giants in their fields. Stories still abound of their misadventures on the island. Tom is most recently known for his Alex Rutledge mystery series, set in and around Key West, but his talents were many. In addition to co-writing lyrics for the Jimmy Buffett favorites, Fins and Cuban Crime of Passion, and co-writing multiple songs with John Frinzi, he had been a disc jockey; AAA Travel Counselor; professional photographer; screenwriter; leather store owner and leather smith (check out Jimmy Buffett's Buried Treasure Vol. 1 and 2 album covers. Tom made the jacket and hat Jimmy is wearing); and an automotive magazine editor. His photos appeared on seven Jimmy Buffett album covers, and his portraits on numerous book jacket covers including novels by Tom McGuane, Hunter S. Thompson, and Winston Groom’s Forrest Gump.  Over 160 of Tom's photos of the 1970s and 1980s were collected in 2008’s award-winning book, Key West in Black and White. 

Tom, who embodied the term "Renaissance Man'', also wore the hat of a publisher and founded Ketch and Yawl Press, producing and distributing titles such as The Railroad That Died at Sea; Yesterday's Florida Keys; Key West and the Spanish-American War; Yesterday's Key West; Papa Hemingway in Key West; and Jimmy Buffett - the Key West Years. 

And, of course, Tom was the renowned raconteur who would regale and delight rapt audiences with outrageous (but true) stories of adventures with friends the likes of Jimmy Buffett and all those in his early orbit, Hunter S. Thompson, P.J. O’Rourke, Jim Harrison, and Tom McGuane, among others. 

The loss of Tom has been staggering; the gift of him immeasurable. In the 2024 Crooks Annual Second Line Parade we remember and celebrate the life of this brilliant;  outrageously funny; multi-talented writer and photographer; master storyteller; bibliophile; music connoisseur and one-of-a-kind bright light. Sail on, dear friend. You are deeply missed. 



Honoring Joaquin Antonio Barroso

Joaquin Antonio Barroso affectionately known as “Tony”. Peacefully left this world on Christmas Eve Dec 24th, 2023. He was born November 23, 1942 to parents Alfredo and Louisa Barroso. He lived his entire life of 81 years here on the island he so much loved. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Madeleine “Sue” Barroso; and his three children Patrick (Bonnie) Barroso, Blane (Tiffany) Barroso, Brian K. Barroso, Grandchildren; Cheyenne Barroso, Joaquin Barroso, Chance Barroso, Elise Webb, Catelyn Balbuena, Michael Balbuena, Great granddaughter; Naomi Barnett, Neice; Jillian Duclo, Sister; Vita Hope of Jacksonville, FL, and Sister in laws; Sandra Barroso, Rose, Pam, Robin and Carol, Cousins; Roger and Imy Swift. He is predeceased by his parents Alfredo and Louisa Barroso, his brother Barry Barroso Sr. and Sister Gay Lou Torrey. Tony was the youngest of four born and raised in Key West. Tony was a good man and father who loved Key West history, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. His passing has left a huge void in our lives. The legacy he leaves is Family First, the love of animals and the outdoors, and also to be honest and humble. He started and co-owned Key West Plumbing Inc with his brother Barry Sr. and was known at the #1 Plumber in the #2 Business. Our family would like to thank all of those who have visited and showed their love for our father and for the acts of kindness and prayers.

Honoring Irving "Sonny" Rivas

Irving "Sonny" Bruce Rivas was born to Leroy Rivas and Elizabeth Terry Rivas, June 18,1948 on a beautiful radiant day of sunshine. His mother gave him the nickname "Sonny", and he was affectionately known as Uncle Sonny to most in the community. Irving Bruce Rivas gained eternal peace on July 8, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Elizabeth and Leroy Rivas; his siblings: Aretha Brown, Leroy Rivas and Harry Rivas; his Aunts: Willa Mae Burgohy, Doris Lawery and Lucille Terry; Niece: Anitra Brown and Brother-In-Law: Embrey McCoy.

He was christened in Bethel AME Church and was a lifetime member. He attended Douglass High School and graduated from Key West High School in 1966. In 1968, Irving was drafted into the United States Army, 6thBN (HAWK) 65thArty, during the Vietnam War, where he served honorably. His decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Services Medal, Matrious Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, and Expert Badge.

Upon his return home, Irving studied at Florida A&M University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1974. Irving was a very proud "Rattler".

Irving pursued a career in Education with the Monroe County School District for ten years. He continued his career with Department of Children and Families, serving the citizens of Monroe County for eight years. He retired from Comcast Corporation after a career of fifteen years, where he took pleasure in creating a lifetime of memories. His co-workers described him as dedicated, loyal, genuine, loving, outspoken, one of a kind, and supportive.

Growing up in a very close-knit family, Sonny's cousins were raised as his siblings. Sonny had a Love for his family and LIFE that was immeasurable. He poured his heart and soul into his family. He treated everyone with kindness, sharing the fruits of his labor. He had a strong influence and instilled the importance of education, independence and perseverance through life skills and challenges among all those he encountered.

He was a community activist with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, a God-fearing spirit, and a Love for advocacy. As a brother, father figure, and family member he demonstrated LOVE, compassion, humility, and strength with determination.

He was a "bridge over troubled waters" for many, he exemplified grace and was admired. Irving "Sonny'' Rivas was truly a man of unshakable conviction, great integrity, and honor.

Sonny had a passion for cooking, one of his many qualities. He enjoyed preparing his specialty dishes for family gatherings and events. His famous arroz con pollo, tuna pasta salad and baked hams, were all cooked to perfection and beautifully displayed.

He had a Love for sports, particularly, Tennis - watching the Williams Sisters, Venus and Serena, at the US, Australian, French Open, and Wimbledon. Sunday Football was a must and he enjoyed watching his favorite team, The Miami Dolphins. He appreciated his friendship with the fellas at the domino table.

Prior to his health issues, Sonny looked forward to his annual trips to Tallahassee, attending FAMU's Homecoming with all its festivities. Highlights include Marching 100's and visiting old friends.

In retirement, Sonny remained active in the community by volunteering his time helping several organizations and countless individuals. He was truly a humanitarian.

Sonny enjoyed shopping for his family and friends. When driving became somewhat difficult, you could find Sonny along with Kevin, Annette, or Adrian making their weekly trips around the community, then to the Commissary. Sonny was one of God's prophets, an Angel here on earth, feeding the hungry and sheltering anyone in need.

His conversations were early in the A.M., starting with routine callers and then with the Retirees; Kenny, Tense, Cleora, Kevin, Aloma and Veronica when visiting Key West, sitting on the famous Porch, enjoying their Cuban Bread and Cafe con leche, a Key West tradition. Sharing many stories, keeping everyone abreast, enjoying quality time, and reminiscing.

On July 4, 2018, Sonny received his call, 'We have a match, a Kidney awaits in Pennsylvania". Sonny along with his friend Pamela, headed to Pennsylvania to receive his Kidney transplant. Oh, what a blissful day that was! Cheering him on was his family and friends. God, we thank you!

The past five years have not been easy. The road of life became bumpy as he battled many health issues. While reflecting on his life, he quoted "I had a wonderful life and with beautiful friends and I'm grateful."