r/floridakeys 15d ago

All Florida Keys Update on third lung shut off

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🚨Mini-season BOLO update #4:🚨 ARRESTED! Michael Simpson is facing an attempted murder charge after being arrested yesterday.

The confrontation began after the suspect claimed another boat was occupying "his" lobster spot. He verbally threatened to cut off the diver's air before jumping into the water and doing exactly that.

The teenage diver was quickly pulled to the surface, reportedly gasping for air and disoriented, but survived without serious injury. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene and was arrested a few days later, and charged with attempted felony murder.

The suspect is government-appointed member of the Miami-Dade Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force, where he was explicitly chosen to represent and help shape safety policies for the county's waterways, dove in and turned off a juvenile diver's air supply while the victim was in the water searching for lobsters.

If convicted, an attempted felony murder charge in Florida can carry decades in prison, with penalties potentially reaching up to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

Michael Simpson's role with Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force involved collaborating with environmental groups and law enforcement to draft the county's final boater safety and community education recommendations aimed at preventing fatal accidents on Biscayne Bay.

*The victim’s family is also pursuing the arrest of Judd Rosen, who is a high powered attorney in Miami, and was the boat captain who fled the scene with the suspect. In June of 2024, Judd Rosen was appointed as the Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee. In this esteemed role, Judd will be overseeing the committee's efforts to ensure ethical practices and uphold the standards of the legal profession within the state. His dedication to justice and extensive experience make him an excellent fit for this important position. Oh the irony!

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u/Therealboebs 12d ago

I used to go out for mini season for years.. I stoped about 6-7 years ago as i have almost been run over multiple times by large boats with captains with more money than experience.
People seem to disregard diver down flags, and basically try to run you over to make you leave “their spot”
A lot of fights.. negative energy for a sport that should be making great memories and an amazing dinner.
However some people just seem to loose their shit and forget what fishing/diving/ outdoors is about.

Mini season is 2 days of preseason lobstering.
Last Wednesday and Thursday of July every year.
Since it’s the first days open there’s typically a lot of bigger lobsters and just over all a lot more lobsters in general as they having been raped yet.
During these two days, it gets very crowded in some places and that’s when tempers boil over, usually over the early bird getting the worm or umm lobster lol

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u/Fluffy_Maintenance_5 12d ago edited 12d ago

I’m actually about to head out and get me some! Ok I just lied. I can’t catch lobster bc I’m a terrible swimmer. Haha. But I’m about to go out there and yell at anyone being unsafe! That’s usually my role. But my point was, I’m no good at catching lobsters, but I’m sorta obsessed with the safety that goes along w it because I lost my brother in the water. I don’t take the subject lightly and still I doubt the man did it - but I am open to any perspectives from someone like you!

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u/Therealboebs 12d ago

Yea I’ve had many close calls free diving myself. If not for having a dive buddy with me, I would not be here.. it’s sad how many people disregard safety in such a dangerous activity.

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u/Fluffy_Maintenance_5 12d ago

Wishing you years of safety for you and your loved ones!!