MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A morning patrol in the Upper Keys ended with two Miami Lakes men facing mandatory court dates after they were found with illegal fish on Sunday.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on April 12, 2026, near Mile Marker 78.5 in Islamorada. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Jason Farr was patrolling the area when he encountered 36-year-old Dezzy Sao and 32-year-old Mario David Diaz.
During the inspection, Deputy Farr discovered the men were in possession of mutton snapper that did not meet the state’s minimum size requirements. Under Florida law, mutton snapper must be at least 18 inches in total length to be legally harvested.
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Both Sao and Diaz were issued mandatory notices to appear in court for the possession of the undersized fish. Authorities frequently remind the public that specific fishing regulations, including size and bag limits for various species, are strictly enforced to protect local marine populations.
For more information on current fishing regulations and harvest limits, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office directs the public to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at www.myfwc.com.
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