I look back at the honor it was to join an enthusiastic group of community members sharing a common passion that included preservation of natural areas, preservation of history, education, and maintaining and expanding our local state parks.  Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks, a citizens’ support organization, incorporated in 1987. 

I enjoy sharing my passion and enthusiasm regarding the importance of conservation and preservation of both history and environment, and as development impacts much of the area, the state parks provide examples of the diversity and uniqueness of our area.

I currently volunteer as a master gardener, serve on the Monroe County Extension Horticulture Advisory Committee, native plant society, and Daughters of the American Revolution Coral Gables chapter officer.  I am a former volunteer EMT/Firefighter and have served on various boards and committees.  My hobbies have included SCUBA diving, sailboat racing, and tennis.  I have run my environmental consulting business since 1989. 

I have called Plantation Key my home since 1968. 

Sharon Sherman grew up exploring the woods and creeks of rural Appleton, Wisconsin, where she developed a lifelong fascination with the natural world. That early love of the outdoors has shaped her life and inspired her commitment to environmental stewardship, including regular volunteering for mangrove cleanups in the Florida Keys.

After relocating to Florida to pursue her degree in education from Florida Atlantic University, Sharon began a long and rewarding career teaching mathematics to middle and high school students. She moved to the Keys in 2017, taught for two years at Marathon High School, and has been on the math faculty at Coral Shores High School since 2019.

It was during a mangrove cleanup that Sharon met a board member of the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks. When she mentioned her enthusiasm for math and community service, she was invited to join the board as treasurer.

Sharon recently purchased an F-150 so she can finally tow her 22-foot Airstream—something she hopes to do soon. She also enjoys fishing, kayaking, and visiting Founders Park Dog Park with her two dogs, Princess and Loki.

 As a 40-year resident of the Florida Keys and now retired from running a construction company with her husband, Jill remains active in community and environmental projects.    

 Jill’s eyes opened in the mid-1980s when the Florida Keys faced losing the last remaining large stand of Tropical Hardwood Hammock.  Hundreds of acres on North Key Largo were slated for major development to support an estimated population of 50,000.   She realized that once land is cleared it is gone forever and with it the habitat that supports wildlife.  The island would become a city and lose the small island feel.  

 It became evident that balancing environmental needs with the human desire to develop would be a constant challenge, especially during building booms.  Inspired by visionary, grassroots community leaders, who worked without compensation and understood the need to protect our natural resources, she joined efforts to give endangered species a voice. 

 Jill continues to support initiatives that provide blue, green, and open space which offers us an opportunity to connect with nature and educate ourselves about the value of preserving habitat for future generations of humans and wildlife.  She believes our collective well-being depends on it.