The community of Key West has been incredible since Day 1 ~ so many years ago now! Yes, there’s a strong military presence with both the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard here, but the support goes far beyond that. From the very beginning, the people of Key West have welcomed our team of volunteers and the families we serve with open arms.
Over the years, deep relationships have formed and continue to grow. Like so many military communities, Key West has become an extension of family—especially when actual family is often far away. That kind of connection makes a difference, and we feel it every single year.
The week of Dagger Dive is packed with all things diving, but we make sure to build in time for fun, too—for the families, the staff, and the volunteers. The one I tend to look forward to the most is what’s becoming the tradition of the Sunset Cruise with Fury Adventures. It’s a perfect way to relax, get out on the water, and enjoy each other’s company. And of course, everyone keeps their fingers crossed for that magical flash of green just after the sun dips below the horizon. (I know it exists! I’ve seen photos from some of the locals. 😊)
It's moments like these that allow everyone to slow down just a bit. It's often the first time during the week where there's nothing on the agenda but to be—to be together, to feel the wind and the sun, and smell the air. I don’t know what it is about the water, but it can be exactly what is needed and long overdue. You combine this with a group of people that may not know each other but have a common thread, and a little magic starts to happen. And honestly, that’s just as important as any dive skill learned during the week.
You’ll find kids that just met laughing in small groups around the boat, parents catching up, and volunteers mingling like old friends with families they just met the day before. It's that easy sense of belonging that makes the Dagger Dive community so strong.
I love watching the way people connect—whether they’re meeting for the first time or picking up right where they left off from a past Dagger Dive. The live music helps set the tone, creating space for laughter, dancing, and even the occasional impromptu limbo contest. You can’t help but smile when you see someone who was underwater practicing skills that morning suddenly grooving to Jimmy Buffett and laughing with a stranger-turned-friend by sunset.
Behind it all is the generous spirit of the local businesses and individuals in Key West who make this possible year after year. Fury Adventures and others like them understand the heart of this event helping to create memories and moments for healing. …and that’s a gift none of us take for granted.
If you’ve been following along, you know Dagger Dive is about more than just diving—it’s about connection, community, and shared experience. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes moments and stories from the week. You can follow me on Instagram/Facebook and subscribe to the blog to keep up with all the highlights.
There’s still so much more to share.
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5 Comments
Jun 25, 2025, 9:26:11 PM
Laura Schroeder - Already counting the days until next year's! ;-)
Jun 25, 2025, 9:24:53 PM
Laura Schroeder - Well then! It means you need to go! :-)
Jun 25, 2025, 8:51:40 AM
Jenny Schafer - Thanks for having the heart to see people as you capture some of the best memories of their lives. We are lucky to know you and love you.
Jun 24, 2025, 10:47:58 PM
Linda - As always, a joy to read, heartfelt to realize and much love put into your work!
Jun 24, 2025, 10:03:32 PM
Laura R - Such beautiful memories captured in these photos! I didn’t remember key west being the spot and I’ve never heard about the flash of green…so cool! Thank you for sharing your experience and talent🥰