KEY LARGO - Divers submerged in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during the weekend for an unusual pumpkin-carving contest.
The wacky brainchild of personnel at the Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo, the Saturday event attracted more than 30 people, some who worked individually and others in teams to carve pumpkins creating a variety of designs amid some feeding yellowtail snapper and even a curious grouper.
Richard Patino of Miami won for his detailed carving that produced a traditional jack o' lantern.
The team of Marvin Mayo, Jeremy Crumbley and Ray McCormick, from Atlanta were second; John Calle of Jacksonville was third.
Judges looked for design originality, steadiness of hand while carving and scuba skills. The event occurred about 25 feet below the water's surface at Elbow Reef, about 8 miles off Key Largo.
