This is the annual event that clogs our waterways with people that tend not to use much common sense nor do many of them practice any courtesy toward the people that live down here. As a rule, divers are a very cautious group of people, but during mini season, they park and dive in the middle of marked channels and dive unmarked more than 100 feet from their boats causing a dangerous situation for the rest of the people here in the keys that use these waterways for transportation. This "lobster mania" that happens every year for 2 days is the single most scary time to be on the water during the year. Every year there a people killed and injured through the stupid actions of the boaters and the divers. It is not uncommon to see boats loaded to the gunnels with people more interested in the party than paying attention to what is going on around them.
The good side of the event is that it gives families a chance to get together and go out on the water and play. This is a very good thing here in the waning part of the summer vacation time before school gets back underway. It is this residents hope that this year the "bug chasers" use their heads and they all survive this wonderful little outing here in the Florida Keys.
The one thing that I ask as a resident that spends a considerable amount of time on the water each day is to be aware of your surroundings and follow the boating safety rules, they are their for your protection and mine. Like most of us we don't want to be involved in an unfortunate event and ruin the mini season for every one. ;o)
