History in Key West

More than two years ago, a Miami-Dade County family suffered the unimaginable loss of their daughter in a boat crash, now the parents of Luciana Fernandez are fighting for legislative change.

It was Labor Day 2022 when then 17-year-old Luciana and over a dozen others were on a boat that crashed into a channel marker and were ejected from the vessel into Biscayne Bay. The crash killed Luciana, daughter to Melissa and Andy Fernandez, and severely disabled one other girl, Katerina Puig.

This week, Luciana’s parents published an OP-ED announcing their “mission to prevent others from suffering such a tragic loss.” Their solution? New legislation filed by State Reps. Vicki Lopes (R-Miami) and Vanessa Oliver (R-Punta Gorda) that will increase penalties for reckless boating, boating under the influence and accidents that result in death on the water. In addition to stricter penalties for violators of boating laws, House Bill 289, also known as “Lucy’s Law,” will also expand on boating safety and education requirements.

American Cruise Lines, the largest river and small cruise ship line in the U.S., announced its newest ship was christened in Key West.

The ceremony, which was held last week in Key West, was held to honor the company’s newest ship, the American Legend. This ship is part of the cruise line’s Project Blue series, a new fleet of 12 identical sister ships that the company claims will more than double the nation’s current capacity for domestic coastal cruises.

Following its christening, the ship will continue sailing the Florida Gulf Coast and Keys cruises before heading to Chesapeake Bay in March. By the summer, the American Legend will operate coastal New England voyages stretching along the east coast including locations like New York and Boston.

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