Debbie Carpe is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having lived there since she was a child. She has a vivid memory of a significant event that occurred when she was around twelve years old, a phenomenon known as the red tide, which turned the sea red and caused a massive die-off of marine life. Carpe's recollection of the event is detailed, describing how the water looked and the impact on the fish, many of which were gasping for air at the surface. She took it upon herself to collect the struggling fish and bring them to a holding place at Coco Plum. Carpe also observed that the fish did not return in the same numbers to the affected area after the event. Despite the passage of time, her memories of the event are clear and detailed, indicating a deep connection to her environment and the natural world.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Debbie Carpe and Denny Layne provides a rich and detailed account of life in the Florida Keys, with a particular focus on the changes in the environment and the local community over time. Carpe's recollection of the red tide event provides a stark illustration of the impact of environmental changes on marine life. Layne, on the other hand, discusses the challenges of living and working in the Keys, including the high cost of living and the difficulty of finding reliable labor. He also touches on the changing character of the Keys, lamenting the loss of heritage and the transformation of the area over the past forty years. The interview also includes anecdotes about local personalities and businesses, providing a colorful snapshot of life in the Keys. Overall, the interview offers valuable insights into the environmental, economic, and social changes in the Florida Keys over several decades.