The north end of Key Largo, consisting of Ocean Reef and The Angler's Club, is generally thought of as a relatively new community. However, John Whalton had a farm along the Atlantic coast on north Key Largo, while manning the lightships Caesar [1826-30] and Florida [1830-37]. This was before the construction of the Carysfort Lighthouse in 1852.
Whalton owned a house in Key West, but on occasion would bring his family to Key Largo. He had a garden and a building on the north Key Largo Atlantic shore, but it appears that he and his family stayed aboard-ship. The location of the lightship is thought to be in the area of Turtle Harbor. When Captain Whalton was coming ashore in June 1837, Indians killed him. His surviving family was taken to Indian Key and returned to Key West. Various news releases provide this information as it received considerable attention during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).
From the wrecking court records of the ship Quebec dated 26 June 1848, we have a hint that there were people living on Key Largo at that time. Thomas Bennett of the wrecking sloop Empire testified, ". . . he sent off by George Richards, carpenter of the sloop, 17 small (not readable) rocking chairs and two paintings (all that he had) on shore to be stored in a house on Key Largo which is unoccupied. . ."
Passersby in ships made mention of a settlement on Key Largo in the mid-1800s, however no specifics. There are a few references to a late 1800s settlement at High Mangrove Point, which is a point of land on the ocean side just south of present-day Ocean Reef. There are no specific facts concerning this settlement, as there are about Basin Hills, which was a little farther south. Basin Hills existed in the same period as did Newport, Planter and Matecumbe. Its religious needs were served by the same itinerant Methodist ministers who served these communities on a weekly basis.
There is postal data of a settlement named Aiken that may have existed on North Key Largo around 1895. I wish to hear from any reader who could collaborate this early settlement. Throughout the Keys, there were scattered settlements even before the principal population movement that occurred when Florida became a U.S. Territory in 1821. Throughout the 1800s there was plenty of Florida land seemingly un-owned. With the official surveying of the Keys in 1872, land could then be confidently identified, purchased and resold. For example, Indian Key was bought and resold many times in the early 1800s, but was never legally owned by any of the buyers and sellers until 1910.
One of these first North Key Largo land buyers was Thomas Lowe Sr. from the Bahamas, who purchased about $400 worth of land near High Mangrove Hammock. We have never found a recorded deed for his land; however, it is said to have bordered 36.5 acres recorded as Lot 5 of Section 32 of TS59S, R41E, which were purchased in 1886 by James Roberts. The story is that Lowe gave Pumpkin Key its name because he could grow pumpkins there, since there were no rodents to eat his crops.
Tom Lowe and his son, Matt, made their living by catching fish and turtles, harvesting sponges and farming extensively pumpkins, melons and raising bees. It was not long before others moved in and settled. Flagler brought the railroad to Miami in 1896 and this brought new settlers and speculators to the Miami area. Soon Tom and Matt Lowe, and James Roberts were surrounded by privately owned land.
C. E. Chillingsworth, an attorney, purchased the 40 acres that are the site of the today's Angler's Club. The land was resold in 1912 to a Mr. W. A. Scott from Fargo, North Dakota. Mr. Scott was serious about his fishing and constructed a first class two-story coral rock house.
Life was much the same on North Key Largo as on the rest of the Upper Keys, except that they could boat more easily to Cutler, Coconut Grove and Miami. Goods could be purchased, sold or traded without involving a major voyage. Fresh water was caught and stored in cisterns and replenished from these communities during water shortages, using 50-gallon wooden whiskey barrels. Services from the mainland were also provided by passing sailboats traveling up and down Hawk Channel. A homemade boat named Dispatch would row out to meet the passing ships. In 1817 an American Merchantman named Despatch (sic) sank on Carysfort Reef while en route to Charleston. The use of the name Dispatch is prevalent in the area. There were no schools, stores, post offices, or doctors on North Key Largo at that time.
The railroad changed people's lives in the Keys, as well as everywhere else in east Florida. Miami grew fast and by 1908 routine rail service was completed as far as Marathon. Monroe County funded a meager road on Key Largo in 1917 with a $100,000 bond issue and by 1927 had built the Card Sound Road with a wooden swing bridge to allow boat traffic to pass. By the following year, State Road 4A was officially completed and one could drive to Key West by auto by using the road and two ferries. The original road bumped across a series of wooden bridges from the east side of Card Sound and to the south about where the old missile site is located.
Later, large amounts of explosives were required to build roads, canals and landfills in South Florida. Regular ships routinely ran aground, sunk, or otherwise blocked the narrow channel into the Port of Miami. To prevent a dynamite laden ship from blocking the Miami harbor, a pier was built out into the Atlantic just below present-day Ocean Reef for unloading this type of cargo. Explosives were also exported from this pier until an agreement was made with the DuPont Corporation to use its licensed dock near Port St. Lucie. The Key Largo pier became known as "Dynamite Docks" and later became the site of drug and alien-smuggling operations. Today, it is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The old pier has been torn out and the natural water circulation restored.
By the time of World War I, most of the land was deeded, but there was no significant building. Early North Key Largo property owners were Lowes, Roberts, Chillingsworths, Scotts, Porters, Grahams, Speers, Palmers, Hannahs, Pierces and others. Still, much of the land had been deeded to the Jacksonville, Tampa, Key West Railway Company and the Blue Springs, Orange City and Atlantic Railroad Company by the Swamplands Act of 1850. This land was given to the two companies to entice them to build railroads in north Florida. Rather luxurious cottages and facilities were built and Dave Curtis was employed as the manager /overseer.
The Key Largo Angler's Club was slowly materializing long before the Ocean Reef Club. At about 1932, the Scott house (circa 1912) ended up in the Roney Investment Company which owned other Florida inns, including the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. A car pulling a semi-trailer type of bus, known as the Aerocar, was used to transport guests from its Miami enterprises to the Angler's Club.
Another unusual mode of transportation, unique to Ocean Reef was the Auto gyro. This airship was apparently an early half-breed between an airplane and a helicopter. Unlike the Aerocar, only the wealthiest guests were delivered from Miami and other destinations. These guests were either pressed for time or enjoyed the status of arrival on the "high-tech" vessel of the day. Either way, the arrival of the Auto gyro was the most talked about event of the era.
Soon things were attractive enough for President Hoover to vacation there for fishing trips. President Hoover also fished at other Keys locations. The late Calvin Albury of Rock Harbor was a frequent fishing guide for the President. President Hoover is quoted as saying, "The Assyrian tablet of 2000 B.C. says 'The Gods do not subtract from the allotted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing.'"
Floride (Flo) Robinson provided first-hand knowledge of the property, later to become known as Ocean Reef. Flo, with her husband Seymour and children Diane, David and Carol, were caretakers of the Despatch Creek fishing camp in 1942. The house had four cabins and some docks, all of which were accessible by a rough, rutted and muddy road from the Angler's Club. The Robinsons were well acquainted with Dave and Ron Miller of the Angler's Club. They frequently purchased vegetables from Mr. Lowe's road-side stand just south of the Angler's Club. Fresh water that ran off the roof was caught in barrels. Cooking and light was provided by kerosene. They bathed in Dispatch Creek, except during their family visits and shopping trips to Miami.
The Robinson's moved away when Diane was old enough for school, the closest school being about 30 miles away in Tavernier. It is believed their house was improved, with a water tower added, and the home eventually became the fish camp owned by Morris Baker. Today, this is the Ocean Reef Club, one of the wealthiest property developments in America.
Meanwhile, the ownership of the Angler's Club was transferred to George Johnstone in 1936 and to Henry Doherty in 1941. Finally, the club was purchased by the Camray Corporation, whose company representative, Clint Campbell and wife Kay, occupied the east club cottage in 1946. Renewed interest revived the club and a breakwater with a dock was constructed. Under Clint, a complete face-lift was done that included a new clubhouse and swimming pool.
With regard to Ocean Reef, Morris Baker and family of Minneapolis, Minnesota wanted to buy the Angler's Club. It was not for sale at the time, so they purchased sight unseen much of the property to its east. According to a letter written by Mrs. Alice Baker, Morris Baker's wife, the fishing camp was still much as described by Flo Robinson when Mr. Baker made his first visit in 1946. The Bakers, as is apparent today, had vision. Channels were dredged, docks built, land filled, roads made and finally an inn, with coffee shop, gas station and water tower were added. The airport, with a landing strip of 2,000 feet was dedicated on May 18-20, 1956. Ocean Reef was now accessible by land, sea and air.
Morris Baker passed away in 1959 and progress continued, with the construction of many recreational facilities, villas, golf courses, country clubs and homes under sons, William and Roger Baker. The Miami Herald announced 300 home sites offered for sale in October 1959. A model home by Edward Rempe of Coral Gables was near completion at a sale price of $25,000. The Monroe County Commission approved another Ocean Reef plat in July 1963. Ownership was transferred to Harper Sibley in 1969, and later to Carl Linder in 1981. The individual property owners have recently acquired ownership from Mr. Linder for $58 million.
Along with Ocean Reef, the Angler's Club prospered under the adept management of Clint Campbell and was aided by the continued visits of Ex-president Hoover and other world renowned people. The sea and air facilities in addition to the rapid expansion of Ocean Reef also benefited the Angler's Club.
North Key Largo has been a part of many dreams. In 1929, it was to be the southern terminus of a causeway linking the islands to the north to Miami Beach. The principal island is Elliott Key, however, there are others such as Old Rhodes Key, Sands Key, Boca Chita, Ragged Keys and Soldier Key. All of these linking islands were called "Islandia" under a Dade County charter.
- City of North Key Largo Beach -
Monroe County had until recently only three incorporated cities, Key West, Key Colony Beach and Layton. However, it once had the fourth city before Islamorada. In 1955, the City of North Key Largo Beach was incorporated with 1,500 acres south of the Angler's Club by its city clerk, A. N. Spense. The land had been purchased in 1940 when prices were quite low.
In 1944 the wooden Card Sound bridge burned and was not replaced. Nothing was ever built but when the Islandia project went defunct,the city was successful in arranging for a $2.6 million bond issue to build a new Card Sound toll bridge. In 1969, the new Card Sound bridge opened providing easy access to the mainland cutting 12-miles off the travel from the mainland to Ocean Reef and the Angler's Club.
Building was booming in the keys, but nothing much happened on North Key Largo. With the new bridge opened and Ocean Reef booming, the Key Largo Beach city fathers predicted in 1969 the town would grow to 5000 by 1974 and 100,000 by 1990. In 1973 a couple of Miami developers with $2.5 billion city of the future. The plan was for a three large marinas, four hotels and 10 health spas with single family homes for 35,000 people. To support the operation would be a heliport (back to the autogryo days), a hydrofoil base, a golf course, airport and monorail.
The mayor was Newton (Tubby) Field, who had bought and sold everything from mountain tops to cows. The thinking was that as a municipality, the City of North Key Largo Beach could set its own rules.
The following year (1975) the Florida Keys were declared an Area of Critical State Concern and the state seized control of growth management. Compared with the fragile environment of the Keys, growth was out of control and this was the reins to rein it in.
Threatened by the state legislature, the city developed a land-use plan with zoning for single unit houses and low density multi-family buildings - no high rises. The big dreams of a huge city had pretty much evaporated by 1982. The city remained officially on the books until 2003 when it was abolished.
- Cuban Missle Crisis -
There were a series of events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Late in the event on October 14, 1962 a U-2 spy plane showed Soviet missles in Cuba. On October 18 Russia said the missles were "defensive." the next day the photos revealed larger missiles. On October 22, President announces the "quarantine." Within three days portable HAWK missiles were in Key West and a week later the Nike Hercules formed a defense perimeter from Miami southward. October 27 was "Black Saturday" and the next day Premier Khruschev accepted the offer to withdraw the missiles.
The two-week crisis was over but the temporary military base remained south of the road to dynamite docks. The nation decided it needed continued protection and the site was upgraded with the HM-40 Nike Hercules Missile in 1965.
At the site there were 120 men on 24-hour alert with 12 missiles, three of them with nuclear warheads on duty 24 hours a day. The actual missiles were across the road in hardened storage bunkers now part of the Crocodile Refuge. The north Key Largo site was one of three local sites, the other two being in Key West and the Everglades near Florida City. All were interconnected and ready to launch simultaneously.
Even with the new bridge, the 269-acre home of B Battery, 2nd Misslle Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade was closed in 1979. As with most abandoned military sites, many different uses have been proposed for the abandoned site. Still seen are the radar towers. The radar site portion east of CR-905 is under the control of Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State Park. The missile launch site on the west side is in the federal Crocodile Lake Wildlife Preserve of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Area of Critical State Concern -
In 1975, the Florida Keys became an Area of Critical State Concern. This was supposed to control growth to prevent the Keys from becoming a concrete and asphalt jungle. It was not very effective as by 1984 at least 51 new major developments had been approved. By 1982, there were 15 condominium projects just along CR-905 in the planning stages. There could have been a larger population from MM 106.5 to Ocean Reef than from Tavernier Creek to MM 106.5 - an estimated 20,000 by the year 2000. Some thought the Monroe County carrying capacity could easily handle a population of 130,000. CR-905 was to be four-laned and an Upper Keys airport was to be built. Few noticed the $1.7 million 1979 12-inch pipeline from MM 106 to Ocean Reef - a pipeline that Ocean Reef did not even want. The developers need the water line or it would now happen.
Most projects are now forgotten, but one of the larger projects of the mid-1970s was the North Key Largo Yacht Club, also known as Solarelle. Solarelle had property on both sides of highway 905 just north of the dividing point of US 1 and CR 905 on Key Largo - 406 acres. In 1980, Fritz Sharenberg took over the project and renamed it Port Bougainville - the name we associate with today. Under Sharenberg, 2806 units were to be constructed. The development order was issued in 1982.
Environmental groups swung into action in an all out attempt to save Key Largo and the reef. It was nip and tuck but the problem was solved by the lender bank. In July 1984, the Continental Illinois and Trust called in the $54 million construction loan in default and basically construction ground to a halt. It was originally a $180 million line of credit. Sharenberg filed a counter suit for $300 million and the project was placed in receivership to control day to day functions. All the environmental groups quietly celebrated, but small construction projects continued until January 1985. Port Bougainville is now history and slowly returning to its natural habitat.
At present, much of North Key Largo is being purchased as conservation areas by the government. The west side of highway 905 is being purchased by the federal government and the east side (Atlantic) is being purchased by the State of Florida. Basin Hills and High Mangrove Hammock are only names on some maps. The approach to Dynamite Docks has been removed to allow better circulation of the ocean water.
Today, the Ocean Reef Club and the Anglers Club remains exclusive, isolated and private gated communities on the north tip of Key Largo. Both are easily accessible by land, air and sea. To their south, Florida Crocodiles sunbathe in the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
1945 Minneapolis developer Morris Baker purchased a fishing camp on the ocean at the mouth of Dispatch Creek.
1946 The original Inn, dining room and service buildings were constructed.
1948 Baker opened his fishing camp-resort to guests during the winter.
1951 Baker re-opened his resort to fishing and yachting enthusiasts. By invitation only to friends and associates.
1952 Using fill, Baker developed his "beach" (Buccaneer Island today) and the swim lagoon replaced the tidal swimming pool for guest use.
1954 Alice & Morris Baker moved into their rambling home on Card Sound Point, which later became the clubhouse for the Ocean Reef Golf & Country Club.
1955 The original 9 holes of golf were opened. The original first hole today is played as Dolphin # 14. Paul Kaiser orders golf cart for use getting around the club, the idea catches on.
1959 Morris Baker passed away on September 22. Sons William and Roger Baker took over the management of Seaboard Properties, the Baker Properties, Inc. subsidiary developing Ocean Reef.
1960 Bob Toski was named director of golf. The Madera Dining Room opened. A July 3rd golf tournament marked the opening of the new quarters of Ocean Reef Golf & Country Club in the former Baker residence on Card Sound Point. Damage by Hurricane Donna was relatively light.
1961 The second 9 holes of golf - planned by golf architect Mark Mahannah - were completed. Mrs. Grover Robbins was presented with the very first "Golfer of the Week" award on January 28. Mrs. Robbins had scored a par only three weeks after up the game. Her award was presented by Gene Sarazen, international golfing great. Capt. Tommy Gifford, assisted by his pal - bonefish guide Capt. Farmer Hollenbeck - hosted a group of Miami press aboard his "Stormy Petrel" to demonstrate his kite-flying fishing technique. Hooking up with Gifford's invention, sportsman-columnist Morris McLemore caught a sailfish and near-record kingfish. Homesite prices ranged from $4500 and up, with golf course lots starting at $8000 and waterfront sites at $11,000. Buccaneer Island was a popular place to enjoy lunch or a cocktail and The Island House offered outside facilities for moonlight parties and dances.
1962 The Reef Room cocktail lounge, with its historical shipwreck mural, pirate-coin tables and nautical motif, provided refreshment and conviviality. The Ocean Reef Yacht Club was founded.
1963 Construction and sales of the Villa Colony villas began. The Ocean Reef Volunteer Fire Department was formed. Fire Chief Walter Banfield's unit had 16 volunteer members, including Jerry, the Cook.
1964 The original inn building, relocated the previous summer (to present site of Marina Inn) for use as staff housing, is destroyed by fire. Ocean Reef's first marriage ceremony was held. Miss Constance Pierce Hughes, daughter of Mr. & Mrs.Herbert Leslie Hughes of Dubuque, Iowa, wed Mr. Kenneth Allen Montgomery, son of Mrs. Keith Austin Montgomery, also of Dubuque. Ocean Reef was represented on the LPGA Tour by Judy Torluemke, formerly a member of Bob Toski's golf staff.
1965 The original water tower and Airport Terminal were lost to Hurricane Betsy. The first pair of performing dolphins - Angel and Caesar - arrived on Christmas Eve. Hurricane Betsy struck Ocean Reef on Labor Day, packing winds of 170 m.p.h. Working18 hours a day, the staff completed repairs and re-opened the resort 34 days later.
1966 The Ocean Reef Yacht Club building opened. Today, it is the front part of Carysfort Grille. Land development in Grayvik Subdivision was completed; homesite sales were underway on Card Sound Road and Pumpkin Key Lane. The Dry Dockage Marina of Perdue Dean opened, with racks to accommodate boats up to 23 feet in length. Bob Toski's Junior Golf School kicked off its first session that summer with 19 student-golfers. Golf staffer Lesley Holbert earned her Player Card and joined Judy Torleumke on the LPGA Tour.
1967 The First Annual Ocean Reef Invitational Skeet Shoot was held on the just-completed skeet range (present site of The Sanctuary). Newly-inaugurated Florida Governor Claude Kirk vacationed at The Reef in January, then returned a few weeks later with the new Mrs. Erika Kirk to honeymoon. Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon also was in residence that same weekend.
Card Sound Sailing Club was organized. Dr. Juan Weiss, a five-time national singles and doubles champion in his native Cuba, was named teaching pro in residence. Twenty new rooms were added to the inn, and ten new rooms onto the North Wing. Twenty-one homes on Channel Cay were completed.
1968 The number of members had increased from 192 to 222 since last season. No membership fees or dues, invitation only is still the protocol. The new Airport Terminal was completed. Mel Fisher and his Treasure Salvors, Inc., who would later discover the treasure-laden Nuestra Senora de La Antocha off Key West - investigated a wreck off Ocean Reef.
Ralph Hughes, Ted Ellis, & Charlie Kehoe were the building contractors serving the members of the Ocean Reef Club at that time.
1969 The Baker family sold its Ocean Reef Club interests to an investor group headed by financier Harper Sibley, Jr. and Miami developer Morris Burk. The transaction of $8 million was the largest single real estate transaction to date in Monroe County. The inn and amenities were closed on June 1 to facilitate work on improvements. On July 1, Card Sound Bridge opened. Work began on Angelfish Cay. The present marina basin was created, first phase of The Fishing Village completed and construction started to create 27 holes of golf. On December 1, Ocean Reef re-opened as Ocean Reef Club. The Christmas Caroling Boat made its inaugural musical voyage. Sonny Vasquez first seen at Reef.
1970 The Pavilion Restaurant and Ocean Reef Service Station were among the Club's new offerings. The Cluster Cottages of Fairway Lakes were offered for sale. The Christmas Golf Cart Parade made its debut. Russel post arrives as a bellhop working at hotel. Bob Ecuyer in charge of tennis facility. Club discontinued gratis memberships and began selling memberships.
1971 The Ocean Reef (John Rife Memorial) Chapel opened for services. The first Property Owner-Guest Golf Tournament (forerunner of the Member-Guest) was held. A new desalinization plant started operations, with a daily production capability of 350,000 gallons of potable water for golf course irrigation.
1972 Inaugural Member-Guest Tennis Tournament held. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 13-04 formed.
1973 The Snapper Course (Airport 9) was torn up to become part of the new 18-hole Barracuda Course. A member group - Card Sound Golf Club, Inc. - approached the Club about purchasing the Dolphin Course. Later that year, it altered its offer to a golf course-for-land swap, trading its land south of the front gate (on which the Club built the present Harbor Course) for what would have been the Club's Barracuda Course.
1974 The Barracuda Course was turned over to Card Sound Golf Club.
1976 The Ocean Room replaced the fire-damaged Madera Room. The Ocean Reef Art League was organized.
1977 A new bridge to the lodge area was completed beside the new Marina Inn. A dock was added to the marina.
1978 Marina Village opens. Monthly publication of The Ocean Reef News (TORN) resumed. Jinx joined the Dolphin Lagoon.
1979 New real estate offerings included Harbour House II, Marina Village, Creek House and Fisherman's Cove. Ocean Reef Airways offered 20 daily flights between Ocean Reef and Miami International Airport. The Harbor Course Waterway opened, as did the Gumbo Limbo Gun Club.
1980 Construction began on The Plaza Building. The Ocean Reef Health Club was opened, now The Health and Tennis Club.
1981 Sunrise Cay was rezoned from 625 condominiums to 88 single-family homesites. Lady and Molly joined the Dolphin Lagoon.
1982 Harbour Green condominiums and Card Sound Point homesites were offered for sale. Construction began on the Harbor Course Clubhouse early in the year and the Harbor Course Club, a private dining restaurant, opened in November. A pair of green parrots were first observed nesting just south of Golf Village.
1983 Mike's Burgee Bar was constructed atop the dive pool in The Fishing Village and The Breakaway Raw Bar was relocated to the seawall by the charter fleet. The Ocean Reef Library was organized. Fire destroyed the West Wing of the Inn.
1984 Harper Sibley announced that no more new residential projects were planned, as that phase of The Reef's development had been completed. Nearly all developable land had been sold at that point. The responsibility for local government and services was assumed by the Ocean Reef Improvement Association. The Pompano and Key Largo Buildings were completed.
1985 The Ocean Reef Improvement Association assumed responsibility for local municipal-type services. The four-way stop at Anchor and Ocean Reef Drives was installed.
1986 The Ocean Reef Art League moved into its new building. The Reef Cup Invitational Sailfish Tournament debuted with 25 boats participating.
1988 Bogie and Bacall arrived, joining Lady and Molly in the Dolphin Lagoon.
1989 The Ocean Reef Club membership observed its 20th anniversary as an incorporated private club. The residences of Golf(Village) Manor were introduced for sale.
1990 Grass croquet courts were added to Club's recreational offerings.
1992 Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida, causing substantial damage at Ocean Reef. Carl H. Linder, whose American Financial Corporation had become the Club's principal lender, agrees to sell the Club to the members.
1993 The sale of the Club to its members was closed on March 1. The purchase price of $58 million was raised through the sale of Patron and Charter Equities, priced at $100,000 and $30,000, respectively. Royal and peon membership classifications established. Jim Burke first observed sleeping in pickup next to Chases chow hall.
ORCA Directors
1994 A 29-year tradition ended with the transfer of performing dolphins Molly, Bogie and Bacall to the Sugarloaf (Key) Dolphin Sanctuary, situation mismanaged by Alan Goldstein & board. The Gathering! Party debuted on Thanksgiving Weekend. The Antique & Classic Yacht Rendezvous - forerunner of Vintage Weekend - was held. Unnecessary community manager is hired by board.(David Ritz) Paul Barcinas(security) started stealing as the board initiated charges to do business at the reef. ORCA initiates a policy to charge for construction work inside gates.(building permits)
ORCA Directors
1995 The new Club acquired the Harbor Course Club. The driving range was opened.
ORCA Directors- Robt. Kilby. Pres, Robt. Morgan Exec. VP, Tom Davidson Treas. Howard Howard Sec. Gene Di Sabitino, Lois McClure, William Nesbitt, Alan Goldstein, Jack Harad ORC Inc. Pres.
1996 The Golf Clubhouse opened. Membership renewals reached 92%. Businesses first charged fees to operate inside O.R.C. Against the wishes of all contractors.
ORCA Directors Robt. Morgan Pres, Howard Howard Exec. VP Tom Davidson Treas. Lois McClure Secty., Melvin Bricker, Gene Di Sabitino, William Nesbitt, Alan Goldstein, Robt. Berrey ORC Inc. Pres
1997 The last Charter Equity from the original acquisition offering was issued at a price of $46,000, increasing to $100,000 by year-end. Patron prices would end the year priced at $260,000. The Club acquired the Perdue Dean marine operations and The Allied Marine Group was selected to manage the Club's marine operations. In a major capital expansion program, the Club invested some $10 million in new facilities and improvements. Those included expanding The Fishing Village retail space, refurbishment of Inn rooms, constructing Dolphin Course cart paths, sharing - with Ocean Reef Community Association and Card Sound Golf Club- the expense of increasing the fresh-water production capability of the reverse osmosis plant and making several improvements on Buccaneer Island.
ORCA Directors Howard Howard Pres., Gene Di Sabitino Exec. VP, Tom Davidson Treas. Lois McClure Secty., Melvin Bricker, Ruth Dawson, William Nesbitt, Robt. Berrey ORC Inc. Pres, Richard Skelley ORC Inc. Vice chairman
1998 The Fitness Center was opened in the former Harbor Course Club building, The Wine Cellar in Carysfort Grille and The19th Hole were opened. Additional capital projects included renovation of the Airport Terminal and new parking in The Fishing Village. Contracts for construction let on a No Bid Cost Plus basis.
ORCA Directors Gene Di Sabitino Pres., Tom Davidson Exec. VP, Peter Shields Treas., Ruth Dawson, Secty., Melvin Bricker, Howard Howard, Anne Talbot, Robt. Berrey ORC Inc. Pres, Richard Skelley ORC Inc. chairman
1999 Ground was broken and construction started on the Ocean Reef Cultural Center. Reef Cup 99 set a new tournament record of 339 sailfish caught and released. The price of Patron memberships was increased to $300,000 and Charters to $117,000. Card Sound Golf Club was renovated. A new Commissary-Warehouse-Banquet Kitchen facility was completed in Service Village next to sewer plant. No celebration of the 30Th anniversary of the Incorporated Club.
ORCA Directors Tom Davidson Pres., Peter Shields Exec. VP, Robert McClements Treas., Ruth Dawson, Secty., Gene Di Sabitino, Robt. Morgan, Anne Talbot, Thomas Savage, Scott Siler ORC Inc. Pres,
Renovations in The Fishing Village included new quarters for Gardner's Market (Tiffany's), widening and paving of the central street, a new dock area for the Charter Fleet, and replacement of the rack system in the Dry Boat Storage barns. Renovations to the docks in the Marina were completed along with improvements to the shore side area. The Club acquired Chase's Restaurant and opened its new Salon and Spa Treatment Services. Motown legends - The Temptations - performed at The Concert On The Green, the first major event of the Millennium Week Celebration.
2000 head of security steals excess of $100,000.00 and is not prosecuted, club attorney sets up family trusts. Homeowners file lawsuit against club Directors for violating the articles of incorporation, invalid assessments, etc. club trys to settle out of court. David Ritz gets double salary to stay on as community manager? Tom Belton assumes club operations over club president Paul Astbury. Millennium fireworks show is total dissapointment.
ORCA Directors Peter Shields Pres.,, Robert McClements., Ruth Dawson, Gene Di Sabitino, Richard Miller, Robt. Morgan, Anne Talbot, Thomas Savage, Bob Berrey ORC Inc. Pres, Tom Davidson
2001 Lake dug in middle of orig. 14TH hole fairway (old first hole), native rock sold for residence facings. World Trade Center attack. Golf courses, Dolphin & Harbor, renovated as grass was improper. Bomb scare at Medical Center. New quarters for The ORC & ORCA boards opened next to plaza building.. Board revokes club membership of member for children's behaviour, no charges filed. New office building completed next to renovated Plaza Building.
ORCA Directors Peter Shields Pres.,, Robert McClements., Ruth Dawson, Gene Di Sabitino, Richard Miller, Anne Talbot, Thomas Savage, E. Roe Stamps, Paul Astbury ORC Inc. Pres,
2002 New sewer and water lines installed in the Grayvick area of Ocean Reef. ORCA Director tries to withold Federal monies from sewer participants, Board forced to refund $3700.00 to each of the 255 sewer participants. With a depleted treasury, Board members of the Club decide that they can assess members 5% of the value of membership on annual basis, some members resign. Entire staff of the O.R.fitness center is arrested and ejected from property for stealing, Health & Tennis Club loses second manager in two years. Club tries to build a residence for the Club President to live in. For first time in the history of Ocean Reef, A waiting list of 30 members to resign from the club. Tom Belton fired from Club. David Ritz in court again over wrongful death of firefighter, David Ritz ordered firefighter to clean up directors residence, resulting in his death during the removal of a tree.
ORCA Directors
2003 D.Ritz (quasi community manager) distancing himself from the infrastructure of the Reef. Members of the various Boards still slandering others that do not agree with the assessment system. Members showing up that do not speak English, The feeling of the Reef as it used to be is rapidly diminishing as the "Club" becomes a mixing pot and financially pressed to fund from any source available rather than cutting staff and unnecessary costs, assessing members who were promised there would NEVER be assessments at their level. Waiting list for resignation grows dispite efforts to recruit new members. Distraught members turn to the Anglers Club for the "Feeling" they are looking for. Anglers Club equity membership cost increases 110% in one year, waiting list to enter Anglers grows.
ORCA Directors Richard Miller Chairmn., Edward Alf, Linda Falk, Bruce Gilbert, Rick Howard, Joe Murphy, Peter Shields, Michael Smith, David Ritz, Paul Astbury Pres. ORC Inc
2004 Board of directors issues notice that all will own memberships if they own property, club to invade rental proceeds of members to pay for these forced memberships. Goughing of business tennants increasing, many seeking other locations. President of the board of directors resigns at voting meeting stating irregular business practices cannot be addressed. List of equity members who want to resign grows to over 40 due to fear of ORCA & Club assessments. Club is spared the raveges of hurricanes Charlie, Ivan, Frances. & Jeanne. ORCA directors again raise the cost for workers to work on the Reef, many go elsewhere for work. Club claims loss of over two million dollars due to the month of hurricanes & lost business. 1 Million grant from Monroe County helps re-build fire station, again no bid contract awarded. Work started on a new "community center"( hotel addition for meetings) no bid contract awarded again. Board will assess if there is any overrun of costs, scaring many members.
ORCA Directors Rick Howard Chairmn., Edward Alf, Linda Falk, Bruce Gilbert, Albert Monk, Joe Murphy, Nelson Sims, Michael Smith, David Ritz, Paul Astbury ORC Pres.
2005 ORCA again raises the Dues, and attaches a capital assessment to repave roads in the Harbor Course area, violating an earlier precedent of assessing only those in the areas of improvement. The community center is renamed the town hall (marina pavillion). Much of the space in the Ocean reef office building remains empty as the ORCA charges to do business at the reef are much to high. David Ritz takes more time off to be a member of the Fl. Keys Aqueduct Board. Another member group formed in attempt to align the self appointed directors "THE OCEAN REEF MONITOR" Same as the Ocean Reef Property Owners Association was.