SAN CARLOS ISLAND, Fla. — Sending prayers to fishers before they head out to sea.
Blessings of the Shrimp Fleet is a 50-year-old tradition for the past few years, was put on hold. On Sunday, local shrimpers and fish providers gathered to start back up the annual tradition on San Carlos Island.
“There was a couple of years it died out, so we’re bringing it back to life,” said Anna Erickson, manager of Erickson & Jensen. “It gives the shrimpers a sense that we are family and we love them, and we have a special day just for them.”
Dockmaster for Erickson & Jensen Jesse Clapham says he hopes this will bring some attention to local fisherman and businesses in the area.
“This last year has been pretty bad... you know with the red tide and all that. We haven’t caught too much shrimp. We’re struggling, but we always make it through,” Clapham said.
Sonya Rodriguez, co-owner of J&R Stay Fresh Seafood, remembers these blessings as a kid. She says the date occurs at a perfect time when off-season is about to start.
“Yeah, it helps business. As you know, season is getting ready to wrap up,” Rodriguez said. “It’ll start to slow down after Easter. The northerners will go back home, and things will slow down.”
