05/13/2026
Mark Smith, a friend from Picayune, reached out to me a few months ago with a request that resonated deeply. As someone who views life's challenges as opportunities, Mark's perspective is inspiring. His photography is a testament to his attention to detail, capturing moments and scenes that often go unnoticed. Alongside his wife, Rhonda, Mark has explored numerous exciting destinations, embodying their shared spirit of adventure.
The purpose of Mark's call was soon clear - he and a group of volunteers were restoring a memorial in the Florida Everglades. This memorial, erected 30 years ago to honor the 105 passengers and 5 crew members of ValuJet Flight 592, had deteriorated over time. Mark's profession as an airplane mechanic for Delta perhaps deepened his connection to this cause, and upon seeing the memorial's condition, he gathered a team to restore it to honor those who perished in the crash that occurred mere minutes after takeoff.
Over the years, I have done flowers for the rich and famous, I've traveled hundreds of miles to do weddings, I've made trbutes for the very old and sadly, for the very young. Mark's request for a memorial wreath to place at a memorial honoring those lost in a place crash in the Everglades was a first. I am so deeply honored to have been asked.
Check out this video, "valujet crash in the everglades memorial revitalization project"
MIAMI, Fla. (WINK)—Families, first responders and volunteers gathered at a memorial site in the Everglades to honor the 110 lives lost in the deadliest plane crash in Florida history 30 years ago.