Alumni: Class XIX Summary & Project
Alumni: Class XIX & Project
Summary of Class XIX Leadership Monroe County
Leadership / Tourism and Economy
Oct. 1 & 2 in Key West
The first session began with welcoming remarks from LMC coordinators and a series of classroom-based ice breaker exercises. Morning sessions focused on the county budget and how local taxes are used within the community. Additional sessions introduced the class to the Tourist Development Council and the unique challenges of marketing the Florida Keys experience. The afternoon concluded with a Conch Train tour of Old Town Key West followed by an alumni reception at the hotel.
On Day Two, the students were introduced to Peter Hammerschmidt, who spoke on Leadership and Conflict Dynamics. This session helped the class understand the various social interactions of co-workers and employees in the business arena. The afternoon was reserved for a scavenger hunt exercise which was a great way to further familiarize the class with Key West, but also to strengthen new relationships.
Environment
Nov. 6, 7, 8 in the Everglades/Upper Keys
The day began with a visit to the MarineLab Educational Center where the class had a lecture on marine ecology coupled with a back country boat ride into the mangrove habitat. After lunch and a bus ride to Florida City, the class visited the FKAA Treatment Plant to learn about purification and transportation of fresh water to the Keys. Following a quick stop at Robert’s Fruit Stand, the class ventured on to the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City.
Day Two started with a visit to the Everglades Museum and walking tour of the surrounding community. The afternoon began with an exhilarating Everglades airboat ride, followed by a tour of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The class ended the day with an evening of Florida-based trivia and dinner at the Seafood Depot.
Day Three included a lecture on the restoration of the Everglades with Dan Kimball, Everglades National Park Superintendent, and a trolley tour of Shark Valley. Class members returned to Key Largo early Sunday afternoon for a tour of Ocean Reef.
Government/Education and Real Estate
Dec. 3 in Marathon
Class members met at the Marathon High School Media Center, and were provided with an overview of the key educational institutions of the county that included a panel discussion. Lunch was provided by the high school culinary students followed by a tour of Marathon High School. Afternoon sessions included real estate trends, military, state agencies and a governmental overview from our county administrator. The session ended with a sunset gathering at a local establishment.
Law and Military
January 7 in Key West
The class met in the new courthouse with a panel that represented judges, the public defender's office, and the state attorney's office. This was followed by a tour of the Monroe County detention facility and a talk with County Sheriff Bob Peryam, a LMC alum. The afternoon was spent at Boca Chica learning about the role of the Navy, the Coast Guard, and Homeland Security.
Health and Human Services
February 4 in Tavernier
Mariners Hospital hosted a day that provided insights to the challenges facing local hospitals and medical professionals. Issues such as Medicare, private insurance and hospital reimbursement were reviewed by a panel of local experts. In addition, Rick Freeburg, CEO of Mariners Hospital, gave a tour of the facilities, including the intensive care unit and hyperbaric chamber. The session ended with a discussion on the future of health care lead by LMC Director Dr. Strib Ellison followed by an afterhours dinner and social in Islamorada.
Emergency Management
March 11 in Marathon
The class met at the Marathon Fire Station and was given an overview of emergency services provided in Monroe County. Class members participated in the decision making process regarding the aftermath of a hurricane and explored how it would affect the Keys mentally, physically and economically. The class participated in a simulation of an auto accident rescue, learning more about the medical transportation of a critical trauma patient in "Trauma Star". The session ended with a campfire social complete with homemade barbeque.
Florida Keys Day (Optional)
March 29 in Tallahassee
Rep. Ron Saunders (Class XVI) and Holly Merrill Raschein (Class XVII) hosted Florida Keys Day in Tallahassee during the legislative session. The event involves a series of meetings between a contingent of Keys business and community leaders with State officials including the Governor, Cabinet Members, legislators and agency heads. The purpose is to convey our communities’ needs and priorities to those officials.
This session is an optional but an important component of the Leadership Monroe experience. It allows you to participate in a community wide lobbying effort and put the knowledge you’ve gained in your LMC classes to work. Participation also provides you access to dozens of Keys elected and appointed officials in one location.
Media/Arts/Leadership/Graduation
April 15 & 16 in Key West
Day One started out at the Tropic Cinema in Key West where the class was given an overview of community film and a tour of the refurbished theatre. Lunch and afternoon sessions were held at Studios of Key West and included an overview of the arts and a panel discussion with local media professionals.
Day Two opened with an interactive workshop which focused on personality-based exercises and scenarios. In addition, time was allowed for group discussion and personal reflection on the leadership experience. The remainder of the afternoon was spent finalizing the group presentation and preparing for the graduation dinner. Following the awards ceremony, the celebration expanded and continued until the wee hours of the Key West night.
Summary of Class XVI Leadership Monroe County
Being accepted into Leadership Monroe County is a privilege and all of us in Class XIX feel fortunate to have participated in such an incredible experience. Leadership Monroe County provides a great opportunity to meet and learn from others with a wide range of skills and experiences. Leadership classes also provide a unique forum for creating friendships and forming bonds between members of our diverse community.
Over the course of seven months, members of Class XIX learned a great deal about the composition of our community and the infrastructure that supports our way of life. In addition to learning about tourism, government, education, law, health and social services, Class XIX had more fun than any sanctioned medical provider or licensed attorney would recommend. From surviving the mean streets of Key West to discovering the wilds of Everglades City, we had some great laughs and some unforgettable moments.
Each new leadership class is given the task of selecting a specific project to benefit the community. Class XIX chose to organize a spring-time food drive in order to replenish all three regional food banks which are often depleted after the holiday season. The project was successful in restoring food banks to sufficient levels, but it also created awareness in the community about the men, women and children who need support year round.
As recruitment begins for the incoming class, it will be difficult to match the tremendous enthusiasm, astonishing aptitude and stunning exhilaration of Class XIX. Good luck to CLASS XX !
Keith Harris, LMC Director and Member of Class XIX