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#keysstrong

Hurricane Irma made her impact felt throughout the entire Florida Keys, including the Upper Keys. No community was hurt more than residences located in Oceanside trailer parks, including Sea Breeze RV Park and Driftwood Trailer Park. GABRIEL SANCHEZ/ Keys Weekly

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

WHAT’S NEXT? Thoughts on Irma, 10 days after

F

rom the third floor of my ringside seat for Irma, the palm tree outside the balcony swayed like a boxer who had gone limp, its head hunched over with two limbs that resembled arms, swaying with the 130-mph gusts.

To succumb to the wind seemed to be a natural survival tactic as the tree bent from east to west.

And the storm acted as power saw, unpredictably BRITT pushing roofs and trees from side to side with stubborn thrusts.

MYERS For those inside the Key West hotel with me, traded in a life of the arrival of Irma, a Category 4 hurricane with monetary success, an unprecedented potential for destruction, the a chiseled body strength of the eyewall fury was damningly weland intellectual comed. The anticipation of the storm had offered enlightenment for a piece of the an array of exhausting emotions, ranging from pie of the Keys imminent doom to hope. Over four days, the Weekly newspaexperts predicted direct hits ranging from Miami pers. He is also to the Middle Keys, but it wasn’t until the final 24 the proud parent hours that Irma somehow drifted west, leaving the of an incredible six-year-old and a ominous inevitability of a direct hit somewhere sucker for Michael between Marathon and Key West.

Mann movies and Many have asked me if I would stay again and convenience store what my greatest fear was during the storm. First, hot dogs.

I will tell you I am not brave. I simply rode out a storm with many others and watched as heroes sprang to action immediately following on Sunday. What went through my mind was exactly what was going through everyone else’s minds who lived here, whether they evacuated or not. It was the question we faced during the storm and it’s the question we must answer now: “What is next?” How do our businesses survive? And will everything ever be the same?

My business partner Jason Koler and I face the challenge that so many other local businesses face. First and foremost, how do we make sure our employees are cared for and paid during the next few weeks?

And from there, how do we adapt to a Florida Keys that is primarily focused on rebuilding, rather than tourism?

Perhaps the best answer came from Jack Niles just after the storm. In a radio interview, Jack said we basically have two choices after something like this. We can duck our heads down in a corner for 30 days and hope it all goes away. Or we can get to work and rebuild.

And with that, the attitude of the Florida Keys is defined. #FloridaKeysStrong. That’s what you will hear for months to come. Texas and New York deserve their tough, persevering identities. But I’m willing to throw the people and the spirit of the Florida Keys into that mix anytime, anywhere.

We will rebuild and we will flourish. As for our small business, here at the Keys Weekly you have our commitment to getting back to work with you — starting with this edition. And while pictures and memories of the devastation are important reminders, so too will be the images of hope, the heroes who rose to the occasion and the months ahead as we define resilience from the 18 Mile Stretch to the Southernmost Point.

DARE I SAY IT

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MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Managing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com Hollie Will hollie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Kristen Livengood kristen@keysweekly.com Hays Blinckmann hays@keysweekly.com Gabriel Sanchez gabriel@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

BURN BAN A burn ban is in effect for all of Monroe County until further notice. Burning of any storm debris, trash and vegetation is prohibited.

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Office Manager

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

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Classifieds

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Se habla español

Keys Weekly Newspapers (ISSN 1944-0812) are a community newspaper group published every Friday by Keys Weekly Newspapers, 9709 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050.

Subscription rates are $100.00 per year outside of Monroe County. Please call for all other subscription rates including overseas mail.

Periodicals postage pending at Marathon, FL and additional mailing offices. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to Keys Weekly Newspapers 9709 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050.

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

NAVIGATION RULES As part of the Hurricane Irma recovery effort, the U.S. Coast Guard has designated all waters within one nautical mile of land in the Florida Keys as a regulated navigation area.

Any vessel traveling through the navigation area must proceed at a slow speed (fully off plane, completely settled in the water and not creating excessive wake).

In addition, the Coast Guard has established the following safety zones inside the navigation area: • All waters within 25 yards of law enforcement or salvage vessels.

• All waters with 25 yards of visible wreckage.

Entry into, anchoring, loitering or movement within the Safety Zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Key West or his designee.

Rules for the regulated navigation area will be in place until Oct. 1.

For more information, call the Emergency Operations Center Public Information Line at 800955-5504.

GAS STATIONS Many of the gas stations have not re-opened post-Hurricane Irma. In Marathon, only Tom Thumb at the corner of Sombrero Beach Boulevard is pumping gas. Apparently, gas stations that emptied the tanks must be re-inspected by the state Department of Transportation before they can begin pumping again. A charitable organization brought tankers to Big Pine Key and allowed locals to fill cars, and gas cans — for free.

MEDICAL CARE Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon is closed; a mobile hospital is operating in the parking lot at Marathon City Hall. Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West is fully operational. Mariners Hospital in Tavernier has the emergency room open and is offering outpatient services.

DONATIONS Cash donations preferred to support hurricane relief effort. While residents of the Florida Keys are grateful for the outpouring of donations of clothing, food and other items from across the U.S., the hurricane relief response team is having to dedicate scarce resources to processing and storing these goods. At this time, they are requesting that those wanting to assist with the relief effort make cash donations to established relief organizations.

These donations will help agencies purchase precisely what the community needs. Cash donations also reduce the logistical requirements that come with storing donated goods.

BEACH/SWIM ADVISORIES The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County has issued a precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches due to potential effects on water quality related to Hurricane Irma. Swimming is not recommended in areas that have not been tested since the storm.

The department has deployed four teams to test the water quality at these locations and anticipates all results will be complete in seven days. As results are available, updates will be posted at keysrecovery.org and on Monroe County social media sites. Until results are available, you should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for immune-compromised individuals.

MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

BOIL, CONSERVE WATER Due to flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Irma, the Florida Department of Health is advising residents under a boil water notice to take precautions against unclean water, mainly those with flooded private wells and all residents and visitors to Florida Keys. (Boil water before use, holding it at a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes). In addition, it is prohibited to use Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority-provided water for washing cars, boats, the exterior of house and especially filling swimming pools. Those in violation will be guilty of a 2nd-degree misdemeanor, punishable by 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

We continue to support our local community.

KEY WEST STRONG past, present and future.

NOW OPEN ENTRY & CURFEW The checkpoint at Florida City has been removed. However, many neighborhood checkpoints have been set up in the Middle and Lower Keys; residents must show ID with a local address to enter.

In addition, all of Monroe County remains under a curfew for safety and security reasons. In the City of Key West, curfew is from midnight until dawn. From Stock Island to MM 47, curfew is still dusk until dawn. From MM 47 to the county line, curfew is 10 p.m. until dawn.

AIRPORTS Both Key West and Marathon airports re-opened to general aviation Sept. 18, meaning that private planes carrying emergency supplies can begin delivering the cargo to the Florida Keys. The Key West airport was to resume commercial service on Sept. 20 (today).

SCHOOLS The Monroe County School District is staggering the reopening schedule for Keys schools. The Upper Keys schools open on Monday, Sept. 25. Marathon and Key West schools open on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Officials plan to reopen Sugarloaf School and Big Pine Academy on Monday, Oct. 2.

LANDFILLS Three Monroe County landfills are now open to Keys residents. They are located at Long Key (MM 68), Key Largo (CR 905) and Cudjoe Key (MM 21.5). Hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Residents must show a photo ID to use the landfill, for which there is no charge. (Businesses and contractors will be charged the normal dumping fee.) Residents can dispose of the following: household garbage, vegetation, recyclables, yard waste, appliances, furniture and certain hazardous materials, including paint, fuel and batteries. (No sludge will be accepted.) Flares, ammunition and prescription drugs can be taken to any Sheriff’s Office substation for disposal.

STRAY OR ABANDONED PETS The Florida Keys SPCA is accepting stray and abandoned animals at the shelter located behind the Marathon airport, at 10550 Aviation Boulevard. That shelter serves the areas from MM 16 to MM 70. Staff will hold the animals for a minimum of two weeks and exhaust every option to reunite the animal to the rightful owner.

It has pet food and supplies for those animals, as well as those of local pet owners. The supplies are free to anyone who needs them.

Residents with an animal control emergency should call 305-3947806. There will be an officer on call 24/7.

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UPPER KEYS

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

COMMODITIES STATUS

WATER

The boil water notice has been lifted from Jewfish Creek to Adams Cut in Key Largo, The rest of the Keys remains under a boil water notice.

HELP

85%

COMMS

POWER

Cell service in Islamorada is up, though Lower Matecumbe is still experiencing some issues, according to Incident Commander Terry Abel.

FKEC has restored power to 98 percent of its customers.

Estimates are that by the end

SEWER

Islamorada’s sewer system remained operational through the storm and continues to be functional. Of the 300 pumps located throughout the village, 230 have been checked; some residents still might experience problems.

THE HEROES AMONG US

Citizens Property Insurance Corporations has established a Catastrophe Response Center at Key Largo’s Murray Nelson Government Center, and will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Village of Islamorada will announce the location of its FEMA Disaster Recovery Center via its official website. In the meantime, FEMA encourages affected residents to register at www.disasterassistance.gov and to download the FEMA app, as well.

UPPER GARBAGE KEYS Village garbage disposal services have resumed normal operating hours. However, there is no recycling services as of Sept. 18.

HOSPITAL Mariners is operational, call ahead to verify outpatient services.

EMERGENCY 911 dispatching system are up and operating with only minor issues with alert tones at stations.

CALE SMITH

O

nce the storm had passed, the time to clean up began. While most residents’ first thoughts are to clean their own properties, Cale Smith knew there were others out there in dire need of help. So he gathered his wife, Margie, and their kids, and began helping his neighbors. It wasn’t long before other friends and families joined the Smiths in cleaning up. After five days of laboring from dusk to dawn, Cale had orchestrated the cleanup of more than 30 homes and businesses from Key Largo to Lower Matecumbe. Nine days after Irma devastated the Keys, the family finally made a little time to tidy their own yard – with a little neighborly help, of course.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE ISLAMORADA SWITCHES TO RECOVERY MODE GABRIEL SANCHEZ

T

gabriel@keysweekly.com

he Village of Islamorada is now in its restoration phase after Irma, said Fire Chief and acting Incident Commander Terry Abel.

“The plan is to try to get Islamorada back to normalcy as quick as possible,” he said. “Support your neighbors, support each other. To-

gether we’ll rebound and be stronger than we were before the storm. As soon as we can get the businesses open and people working, the better off the community as a whole will be.”

The village’s Incident Management Team and first responders prepared for catastrophic situations like this, and the training paid off, said Abel. But they were not alone.

“Palm Beach County Fire Rescue came in to help. Our local staff had worked for days non-stop. They came in and shadowed the incident management team, and assisted through area command to get additional resources,” said Abel. “Services that weren’t yet contracted, or in motion, they started. Palm Beach was an

invaluable asset, as well as the strike teams from all over Florida that came in and assisted in one way or another – damage assessment, debris, checking in on our special needs patients, and making contact with as many residents as they could.”

The village’s plan now centers on recovery efforts and help to those who need it the most.

“We are expediting our repair and replace permits, and are not currently taking any new building applications,” said Village Manager Seth Lawless.

Debris removal for Islamorada properties started on Sept. 17. The village is asking residents to separate debris into three piles: vegetative debris, construction and demolition

UPPER KEYS

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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PARKING DEBRIS Founders Park will be used as a staging ground for debris. Islamorada estimates about 300,000 cubic yards of debris to be collected at a cost of $10 to $15 million GABRIEL SANCHEZ/Keys Weekly

IT TAKES A VILLAGE debris, and lastly, household appliances.

“Move the debris out to the edge of the road and crews will start to pick it up. They are going to make multiple passes, so don’t feel like you need to have it all cleaned up right away; they are going to go by homes many times,” said Lawless.

Lawless said code enforcement is looking out for contractors operating without Florida licenses. Residents should check beforehand to protect themselves, he said.

All assets and resources arriving from outside of Monroe County to aide with recovery are required to check in at the village’s roadside checkpoint located at MM 80 Oceanside.

The village staff will continue to provide information online and through an information desk set up at the first floor lobby through next week.

“I cannot be more proud of our team in Islamorada as well as the other municipalities and the County EOC. I also can’t say enough about how neighbors have helped each other with the daunting task of cleaning up yards. The response from neighboring areas has also been remarkable. The power crews from FKEC along with the responders have been beyond good. FKAA has done a wonderful job of finding and turning off water given that most lines on the Oceanside were or are under feet of sand and debris. And last but not least, the help that the state and federal government has given has been incredible.

Let’s all keep our heads held high and get our communities back up and running. Be safe and stay positive.

— Jim Mooney, Village Mayor

FORCED VACATION VISTING PARENTS Stephenie Matejcik lives in what’s left of the Sea Breeze RV Park at MM 87.5 on the Oceanside. She’s been in the Keys for six years and says this is the first time she’s evacuated for a storm.

“I went to Orlando to stay with my parents, only to have a tornado come through the neighborhood there. So we were without power for the storm,”

she said. When she came back, she found the entire park completely in rubbish and rubble. With nearly all the trailers in the park destroyed, Matejcik’s trailer is one of the few that is still standing – with no damage. She said The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office have dropped off food and water for Matejcik and her husband to hand out to neighbors who returned to salvage what they can.

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

“Marathon took a punch in the mouth. But we dusted ourselves off and we’re up and we’re rebuilding every day. We are going to be better than ever.”

— Doc Dan Zieg, Marathon Mayor

GIVING FOR GOOD A small U-Haul truck from Miami made three trips on Sept. 17 to deliver supplies to the residents of Trailerama. The goods are dispensed along with Cuban coffee at La Niña bodega. SARA MATTHIS/ Keys Weekly

STATE OF MARATHON FEMA help, shelter needs, donation requests

“T

his is going to be a longterm restoration process,” said Gov. Rick Scott when he visited Marathon City Hall on Sept. 18, eight days after Hurricane Irma struck the Keys. “Clearly, progress has been made, but everything is not ‘fine.’”

Officials from the City of Marathon presented him a list of urgent needs.

They asked for assistance with a long-term housing plan, staff to help with the process, and extensions on all of the state grants such as road or park improvements. The most important, however, is for the state to make a plea to the federal government’s FEMA, allowing some latitude with normal rules in face of the disaster wrought by Hurricane Irma.

The specific language of the letter reads: “allow both state and local

governments in declared counties to procure contracts for goods and services that ensure life, safety and the provision of basic needs for Floridians coping with this catastrophic disaster.”

To strengthen the claim, the city attached a similar request generated

by Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. If approved, it will allow local and state authorities to move quickly with “sole sourcing” rather than the time-consuming process of bidding contracts.

“I’m asking them to allow solesource contracting for services such as debris hauling and life safety measures,” said Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey. “I also want to set cost limits so price-gouging does not occur.”

The city also asked the governor’s help in securing mobile housing units. Although Marathon High School temporarily serves as a shelter, school begins on Sept. 25. FEMA has a stop-gap measure for short hotel stays that may still be out of reach of low-income residents. There is no other facility large enough

Gov. Rick Scott meets members of Marathon’s incident management team including Adriana Marchino, left, and Brian Shea. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

to house the hundreds — yes, hundreds — the City of Marathon thinks may have lost their homes. The City of Marathon is quantifying how much temporary shelter it may need.

The city is also developing a plan for donation distribution. Right now, donations are being accepted at the almost-complete utility building at 104th Street and those goods are be-

ing farmed out to local distribution centers like those at the high school and Marathon Community Park. The issue is that the city, like the rest of the county, is struggling to find space to store the goods, as many buildings were damaged and those that were not are being used to shelter the staff and equipment of first responders. Water and food seems to be in plentiful supply in Marathon. Building supplies and tools are certainly needed.

“The simplest solution might be cash,” said Lindsey. “It would be amazing if those who want to donate get a stack of $25 gift cards. It allows victims to procure exactly what they need and also serves to get the community back on its feet as quickly as possible by supporting local grocery stores and hardware stores.”

Lindsey also said he needs the help of local organizations to serve as distribution points around Marathon, as well as volunteers to staff the centers. For more information about donations or staff, please call the City of Marathon’s hotline number at 305-289-5020.

MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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COMMODITIES STATUS

WATER

Adequate pressure exists to provide water in this area. Due to line breaks, water may not be available in some sections.

98%

POWER

All but six streets and one rv park, Silver Shores, have power in Marathon.

TRASH

Storm debris should be separated into three piles — vegetation, building material, appliances.

Do not pile debris where it will block utilities.

SEWER

All the plants are operating at 75 percent, and all the vacuum pits with power are working. Call 305-517-6764 for emergencies.

MANY BOATS GONE FROM HARBOR

MIDDLE KEYS

Rob Swergel motors past the mooring ball where his boat was anchored before Hurricane Irma. He found it blocks west, in the mangroves.

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

A

s Hurricane Irma approached, Rob Swergel made his floating home as ready as possible. The Anticipation is a 53-foot steel hull cutter rig he spent eight years building himself. He fled to Kissimmee.

“As soon as the NOAA pictures came up, I pored over the photos until I found my boat,” he said Sunday in Boot Key Harbor as he motored around the formerly packed anchorage. It ended up blocks west in the mangrove, above water, a little worse for wear. (The NOAA satellite coverage of the Florida Keys was many residents’ only lifeline on sanity; the new standard for well-being quickly became, “Well, I have a roof …” or “I found my boat.”)

“The paint’s all scratched up, but I think she’s sound,” he said. In the next breath, he wondered how he was going to be able to get it out of its temporary and unintended berth. “I think it’s going to take a barge and a crane. I think there’s going to be a lot of waiting around until then.”

Marathon City Marina had about 220 boats on the mooring balls before Hurricane Irma, including Anticipation. After, there were only 56.

Some have vanished, likely submerged or perhaps swept out to sea. Others are in the mangroves. The dinghy docks located at the rear of the city marina were crushed by boats that piled into the canal. The dinghy docks at the front of the property, by the big tiki hut, are gone. Gone. More boats were stashed in Whiskey Creek and other “hurricane holes.”

“The first order of business will be to get our dinghys out of storage where we kept them safe,” said Ports Director Sean Cannon on Monday.

“We need to get people out there to find their boats.”

The next step will be marine salvage operations. When that will take place, or how it will be accomplished, is not known at this time.

OUR HEROES SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

C

onch strength and generosity are legendary. And yet, the efforts of Capt. Jason Long and Bobby McMahon, a retired New York City firefighter, are larger than life. The duo had a third “silent partner” — Sergei Proudnik of Key Colony Inn restaurant.

Long and McMahon started cooking on Tuesday morning and they haven’t stopped since.

“It started out just forty or fifty people on Key Colony Beach,” said Long. “Sergei called us and told us to take whatever we needed — thousands of pounds of food from the restaurant.”

Word got out, and by Wednesday the two were cooking for 200 people.

Soon after, the two also set up a grill outside Marathon City Hall and were providing for those folks. Now that

Publix is open, the food is being procured at the grocery store.

“The city employees are working 15 to 17 hours a day. It’s good to have a hot meal in there somewhere,” said McMahon. Of the effort, he said, “It just worked out.”

Both men are accomplished cooks for large affairs. McMahon presumably earned his stripes at the firehouse.

Long, a charter captain by trade, often entertains on a large scale.

“But it was really Sergei that got the ball rolling,” Long said.

All this happened despite the fact that both men sustained personal losses from Hurricane Irma. Long, who stayed, lost some vehicles. McMahon, who evacuated, reports water in his house.

That strength in the face of community and personal loss is what makes Conchs so proud of the place they live and the people they call friends.

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MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

MIDDLE KEYS TAKE A WALLOP

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

1. Crews of linemen are parking their rigs at the west end of Marathon airport.

2. The front of a home on 85th Street facing the ocean was completely blown out. The house across the canal on 86th Street lost its roof.

3. The sand buried the picnic tables at Sombrero Beach.

4. Sailboats are stacked up along the Boot Key Bridge in the Middle Keys.

5. Rose, left, and “Shorty� are with the International Red Cross. On Sept.

17 they were staffing a medical truck parked outside the Marathon High School.

1

7. Jessica and Jody Westbrooks clean out the contents of their home on Ocean Terrace. The home flooded.

8. The owner of this green home on 85th Street said the sheets that were on his mattress ended up under the house, but the stack of t-shirts placed on top of the same bed stayed put.

9. The boats were tossed like toys at Driftwood Marina near the Coco Plum neighborhood of Marathon.

10. The dinghy dock closest to land is crushed by loose boats at Marathon City Marina. The dinghy docks in front of the Marathon City Marina are gone.

6. An Oceanside canal near 96th street is choked with debris. It smells.

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MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Dear Member, Keys Federal Credit Union is proud to be part of the incredible, tight-knit Keys community. Hurricane Irma proved that people make the difference between disaster and hope. Although this has been a dif cult week, we believe that together we will recover, rebuild, and grow even stronger.

Rest assured that your accounts are safe and secure. We are managing our systems and servicing your accounts remotely while First Responders work diligently to restore power and essential services to our hometown. We will begin serving you in our Branches and Phone Center as soon as it is safe to return and do so. We appreciate your patience as many of our employees heeded the warning and evacuated as well.

Here’s how we are currently helping: We are waiving or refunding select fees through September 2017: • Late fees for Consumer Loans, Credit Cards, Mortgages, HELOCS and Real Estate Loans.

• Overdraft and ATM fees** on Checking, Money Market and Saving Accounts.

• Processing fees for all new Consumer Loan Applications.

We are providing Skip Payments on Consumer Loans: • Skip your September or October Consumer Loan Payment at no charge.^ We are offering individualized solutions to members with substantial nancial needs: • Create a custom nancial recovery plan with our Credit Services Department for Consumer Loans, Credit Cards and Real Estate Loans.

• Waiver of early withdrawal penalties of any Share Certi cate for early redemption.

We are offering a limited-time Hurricane Recovery Loan: • Obtain a Keys Personal Loan up to $5,000 for 36 months at 5.00%APR* to help cover unplanned expenses. Apply online at www.KeysFCU.org.

We have increased your purchasing power: • We temporarily increased most Visa Credit Card limits by $500.

• We increased Keys Debit MasterCard purchasing and cash access limits to help you purchase supplies and shelter.

Additional Resources: • Access cash at over 1,000 Presto! ATMs for FREE (no surcharges) at all Publix Supermarkets.

• Contact our 24/7 Member Service Center for assistance with your Keys Debit and Credit Cards. To report a lost or stolen Keys Debit MasterCard, please call 1-866-820-8771. To report a lost or stolen Keys Visa Credit Card, please call 1-800-449-7728.

• Call 1-866-820-7227 for questions, balance inquiries and payment information on your Keys Visa Credit Card.

• Use Online and Mobile Banking with Mobile Check Deposit at www.KeysFCU.org. Download our Mobile App from your App Store or Google Play Store.

We love the Keys community and are here to serve you. Thank you for your patience during this dif cult situation. We will work together to help rebuild our community! Please check our website at www.KeysFCU.org or our Facebook page for updates.

Sincerely, Scott Duszynski President & CEO Keys Federal Credit Union

For more information call 305-294-6622, visit any branch or go to KeysFCU.org *Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. Annual percentage rate. ^Finance charges may still apply. **We will not charge a fee for using a non-Keys FCU ATM. However, the financial institution servicing that ATM may charge a fee. NCUA insured. Equal Housing Lender.

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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IRMA’S PATH

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

This is preliminary data from the National Weather Service in Key West. Currently, it is compiling data from operational sensors. Officials hope to have more information in the coming weeks by recovering data from sensors (if possible) and on-the-ground surveys.

WIND DATA

Upper Keys: Official sensor died with power outage; too early to speculate, but offshore sensors indicated wind gusts of 90 mph.

Marathon: Official sensor died with power outage; too early to speculate Big Coppitt to west end of Seven Mile Bridge: Estimated wind gusts up to 120 mph * Key West: Sustained winds of 70 to 75 mph Wind gusts of 94 mph recorded at National Weather Station in Key West Estimated wind gusts of up to 110 mph Offshore: Estimated 96 mph gust at Smith Shoal Light Estimated 87 mph gust at Carysfort Reef Light Estimated 81 mph gust at Alligator Reef Light Estimated 74 mph gusts at Pulaski Light Shoal WHAT’S COMING: The National Weather Service will try to recover data and use formulas to determine wind speeds in the Lower Keys. FEMA will hire licensed contractors to do ground-based surveys to determine storm surge. The contractors will be able to match information about water lines with the elevation of the building. The National Weather Service is also using information from the state Department of Transportation about roadway elevation along with recorded waterline on the road to determine surge.

“It was a pretty good forecast. A couple of days before the storm hit, we were focusing on any of the areas between Marathon, Big Pine Key and Cudjoe Key. In the grand scheme of things, it was a very accurate forecast because it affected all of the Keys.”

— Matt Moreland, Meteorologist in Charge

*(A weather station operated by the Department of Forestry on Big Pine Key measured wind speeds of 120 mph. That station is only 20 feet off the ground and might not have measured the highest speeds)

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

IRMA’S PATH

HURRICANE IRMA STORM SCIENCE

“It is human nature to try to apply their experience with one storm with the last storm, for example what they experienced in Wilma to what they experienced in Irma. But it is different things to different people. It affects different structures. And the storms are different sizes,” said Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jon Rizzo for the National Weather Service in Key West. “What will stand out about Hurricane Irma is the leadership and cooperation among the Emergency Operation Center command and all the workers. Many of these folks have routine law enforcement, fire rescue and administrative jobs right here in the Keys, but they all pull together to solve problems. They are all human beings leaving their homes to help the community, and at no time did I ever hear this was a ‘game over’ or ‘no-win situation.’ It's a serious situation, but one our local emergency leadership plans for, drills for, and puts 100 percent to work.”

ESTIMATED/UNOFFICIAL OCEANSIDE STORM SURGE: 12 feet on Big Pine Key 11 feet in Marathon near the high school GULFSIDE STORM SURGE: “Some Middle Keys homeowners reported the water getting into the yards, particularly in the neighborhood behind the airport,” said Rizzo.

HISTORICAL Hurricane Irma is the first Category 4 storm to hit the Florida Keys since Hurricane Donna in 1960. Both storms had a similar track, plowing up the state of Florida from south to north; however, Irma was a much larger storm. The last time the Lower Keys was affected by a Category 4 storm was in 1919. Hurricane Irma got strong and stayed strong. It spent about the same time as a Category 5 storm as Hurricane Allen did in 1980.

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LOWER KEYS

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

COMMODITIES STATUS

WATER

24/7 water service has been restored to Baypoint and Blue Water Key; Crane Boulevard and adjacent neighborhoods; Sugarloaf Boulevard to Cayman Drive; and Big Pine Key.

POWER

Keys Energy Service has restored power to 76 percent of its customers. About 7,000 customers remain without power, mostly in areas around Cudjoe Key and Big Pine Key.

GARBAGE Storm debris should be separated into three piles — vegetation, building, appliances.

Do not pile debris where it will block utilities.

AQUEDUCT OPENS STORAGE TANKS KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

Until water service was restored in Big Pine Key, Vicki Hawthorne and Rudy Rivas of Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority were busy filling up containers for people in the Lower Keys for everything from drinking to washing dishes and showering. Hawthorne stayed for the hurricane in Big Pine Key and had been giving water out since Thursday.

Rivas just returned from evacuating out of state. “We will be here every day until water is restored,” said Hawthorne.

The station on Drinka Road is a little hard to find on Big Pine Key. It is located on Key Deer Boulevard across from Winn Dixie down the dirt road across the street between the two entrances to Winn Dixie before the Methodist Church. “I didn’t even know this place existed and I have lived here my whole life,” said Willy Dominicak, who was filling up his water jugs Thursday and stayed for the storm.

Residents brought gallon jugs or other refillable containers. “It’s drinkable water as long as the container isn’t contaminated,” said Rivas.

In addition to Big Pine Key, the FKAA opened the storage tanks on Summerland Key at MM 25 across from Dion’s and on Big Coppitt at MM 10.5 on U.S.1. The stations were open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Consumers should bring their own containers, and the water is intended for sanitary purposes. This area is still under a boil water order.

GASSED UP HEROES

FUEL RELIEF FUND KRISTEN LIVENGOOD

H

kristen@keysweekly.com

eroes come in all shapes and all sizes. In the Lower Keys, those who can operate big machinery — or keep it running with fuel — definitely matter. Over the course of the next several weeks, we will continue to highlight our local heroes and their feats before, during and after Hur-

SEWER Details not available.

ricane Irma. To begin, here are a few we would like to recognize.

The Fuel Relief Fund arrived on Big Pine Key last week and stayed for five days, filling up five-gallon gasoline jugs and cars FOR FREE. Dennis came in from Southern California to volunteer for the organization, which is donation-based. With the gas stations in Big Pine Key and Summerland Key taking on some serious structural damage, hundreds of people waited in line for the gas in lieu of driving to Key West or Marathon. “We are heading to the next disaster area,” said Dennis on their last day while filling up the line.

The people of the Lower Keys were in agreement: thank you so much to this organization.

Another hero: Wednesday after Hurricane Irma passed, Big Pine Key resident Jimmy Jensen was clearing the streets of Port Pine Heights. “I just want people to be able to get to their houses when they return,” he said, while bulldozing trees and seaweed out of the way. “It’s one less thing someone else has to worry about.”

Top: A charitable organization brought free gas to the Lower Keys.

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly Bottom: Jimmy Jensen volunteered his time and skills to clear the streets.

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly

LOWER KEYS

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

19

DESTRUCTION A little girl examines the widespread destruction on Big Pine Key. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly

LAST-MINUTE LEAVERS KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

Parts of Big Pine Key were hit exceptionally hard by Irma.

KARUNA EBERL/Contributed

In the wee hours of the morning and at the last minute, Andrea Leal, head of Monroe County Mosquito Control, and Luis Leal of Marathon High School packed their two boys up, grabbed a few things and hit the road mere hours before Hurricane Irma made landfall.

“We decided to leave last minute when we saw the five o’clock advisory with a Category 5 heading right for us,” said Luis. “We don’t regret the decision because our house had waist-deep flooding; it would have been miserable for the kids to have been sitting on the kitchen table for who knows how long.”

Luis added that he had peace of mind that he would be able to reenter, as his wife is a member of the emergency response team.

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LOWER KEYS

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

1

2

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AREA LOOKS LIKE A ‘BLAST ZONE’ 5 6

KARUNA EBERL/Keys Weekly 1. Downed utility poles are a common sight post-Irma. The hundreds of poles pose a time-consuming problem for workers trying to restore electricity and safety to Big Pine and the rest of the Lower Keys.

2. Water and what food could be found graced the donation table in front of Summerland Ace Hardware.

3. Electric workers strive to repair downed lines on Summerland Key. 4. Hundreds of power company employees work to restore electricity to the Keys.

5. This home is located in a neighborhood on Big Pine Key hit particularly hard by Irma. Water stripped most houses along the street of the north-facing walls.

6. Some of the most extensive damage is seen on Ramrod Key.

7. Clothing is snagged in the porch rails of this Ramrod Key home.

8. A bulldozer crosses the bridge to Summerland. Crews from around the country have converged on the Keys to help with the cleanup and rebuild process.

9. Many swimming pools are filled with debris.

10. The roof collapsed on this Ramrod Key house.

11. The canal behind Summerland Key businesses looked bleak, but some of these boats may be okay.

12. Capt. Eddie of the Conch Republic Navy gives the employees of Summerland Ace Hardware a conch-blow salute for the free food and water being distributed. Summerland Ace opened on Sept. 12, following the storm.

13. There’s a very good reason not to loot this house.

LOWER KEYS

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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KEY WEST

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

COMMODITIES STATUS

WATER

The boil water notice has been lifted for Stock Island and Key Haven.

MARRIOTT BEACHSIDE RESORT AND TAVERN N’ TOWN RESTAURANT STAFF. Marriott Beachside Resort served as a fortified bunker for many local residents, first responders and its employees (and their families) during and after Irma. Not only did the Spottswood family house their Beachside employees, they also took in dozens of their employees and their families throughout the Keys.

As one prominent employee put it during the storm, “This is why people don’t leave the Spottswood family when we get offered a few more bucks here and there.

We are family and they take care of family.”

Even as the power and communications faded, the resort’s generators remained on throughout the coming days. Moreover, the staff members, who were juggling their professional and private lives with little sleep, masterfully cared for guests facing the unknown following the storm.

US1 RADIO AND 104.1 FM By early Sunday morning in the Keys, all power, internet and cell phone service had been lost.

However, one voice remained steady through the course of the storm and the weeks to follow.

From their studio on Sugarloaf Key, one of the hardest hit areas, Bill Becker continued to broadcast on US1 radio’s 104.1 FM using backup generators fueled by General Manager Rick Lopez’s actions during high winds.

In the days to follow, Becker was joined by Ron Saunders and Steve Miller in the hot studio, with little breaks and no showers as they updated the Florida Keys with vital information. The station became the central hub for guests with information, such as Sheriff Rick Ramsay and city leaders throughout the Keys. The station also provided essential information on who was distributing food and ice, advice on water and

POWER

COMS

Keys Energy Services reports that about half of its customers have service. Ninety percent of customers in Key West up to Key Haven have power.

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Key West residents and AT&T customers began to receive random cell service and WiFi. In the following days minimal service increased, particularly around the Publix shopping centers.

TRASH

Storm debris should be separated into three piles — vegetation, furniture and clothes, appliances. Do not pile debris where it will block utilities.

sewage issues, and survivor stories.

Perhaps most notably, Steve Miller broadcast hours of positive messages, all the while knowing he had lost his home during the storm.

KEY WEST

Beachside General Manager Clif Taylor and his staff juggled long hours and little sleep, while taking care of hundreds of guests throughout Hurricane Irma. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

THE HEROES AMONG US

From left, US1 radio personalities Steve Miller, Bill Becker and Ron Saunders, take a break from broadcasting Tuesday morning at the Florida Keys Media Group’s studio on Sugarloaf Key. ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ/Contributed

BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

C

ities are not defined during the best of times. Rather, what we say and preach is often graded during our darkest hours. In those moments, actions speak louder than words, while superficial motives and fluffy rhetoric are quickly checked at the door. In one of Key West’s darkest hours, a community defined by “One Human Family” rose up — once again confirming the heart and pride of town forged in brother- and sisterhood without blinders.

There are too many stories to retell. Immediately following the storm, as tropical storm force winds still howled, a city hellbent on rebuilding sprang to life. Service trucks, local emergency management and our first responders went out onto saltwatercovered roads, clearing trees and assisting those in need.

Among the many incredible Samaritans, several agencies and individuals come to mind. Over the course of the next several weeks, we will continue to highlight our local heroes.

To begin, here a few we would like to recognize.

BASCOM AND JUSTIN GROOMS: THE BIKE SHOP Ask anyone who stayed and they will tell you that one of the greatest emotional challenges was no communication with family and loved ones in the outside world. However, just a few short days after the storm, several businesses in Key West discovered they had working phone lines. Using 104.1 FM as an outreach platform, several of these businesses opened their doors for residents to make calls free of charge. Greg Barnes of Barnes Alarm, for example, set his phone outside his office for anyone to use.

And Justin and Bascom Grooms, whose family has owned the Bike Shop on Truman for decades, invited guests in to make calls from their shop. At one time more than 250 consistently filed around the parking lot, waiting to make a 30-second call.

“It was tough telling people they only had 30 seconds,” said Bascom. “But it was amazing to see the connection and bond we have as loved ones. I saw the biggest of guys, who had been holding back emotion for days, become overwhelmed with emotion once they heard the voice on the other end of the line.”

MELISSA COOPER AND MILLICENT WEECH Sometimes it’s the small things that make the difference. When FEMA announced it would arrive in Key West with supplies at noon on Tuesday following Irma, hundreds began lining up at the Publix in Searstown. However, by 2 p.m., more than 300 residents, many with small children, were left waiting and disorganized. That’s when local ladies Melissa Cooper and Millicent Weech sprang to action. Using scrap paper, the ladies handed out numbers to hundreds of people in line, creating order in the midst of chaos – and avoiding a potentially violent scramble for supplies upon arrival.

KEY WEST

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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As long lines and limited supplies developed on Sept. 12 at three official FEMA relief stations in Key West, the KWPD, KWFD and other aid workers stepped up to the plate, distributing food and water to those who stayed during the storm. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

THE ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST, CLAUDE GARDNER, BB&T, PUBLIX AND MORE… So many have stepped up during Irma and we will continue to cover our local heroes. We would also like to mention the Rotary Club of Key West for their amazing efforts with tons of relief supplies. Claude Gardner donated commercial space to SOS Missions once their roof was blown off and Publix (which opened just days after the storm) provided free WiFi for residents outside its building. And BB&T bank organized several truckloads of supplies that arrived this past weekend.

And Jordan Smith of Broadwave, along with AERObridge, a group of pilots throughout the country, coordinated departure flights for people with medical needs, while bringing in supplies (more on AERObridge to come).

Dozens of restaurants served up free, hot meals and drinks days after the storm, including Pepe’s, Mason de Pepe, the Salty Angler, Big John’s La Trattoria Oceanside and Two Friends Patio. In fact, the Two Friends staff donated all of their food proceeds to SOS Missions.

“I want to thank everybody involved in our recovery from Hurricane Irma. The city employees, Public Works, Keys Energy and workers at FKAA all did an incredible job getting our city safe enough and providing the minimal services for our citizens to return. On the first day the sheriff allowed residents to return, more than 12,000 of our citizens returned to their homes. I’m proud to see Key West come back to life and we are hoping we can open back up to tourists at the beginning of October. I’m so very proud of our community and thankful for every helping hand that has contributed to this great city.”

—Key West Mayor Craig Cates

LAST MINUTE DITCH FLEEING THE NIGHT BEFORE THE STORM HAYS BLINCKMANN

R

hays@keysweekly.com

ealtor and Conch Raymond Vasquez and partner, Matthew Nooner vowed to stay in Key West until they saw the 5 a.m. report Saturday morning before the storm. “I remember exactly what she said: ‘If you are in Key West, you are in the path of destruction’,” said Vasquez of the turning point. He and Nooner looked at each other at 5:01 a.m. and instantly agreed to head north with two dogs, no supplies, half a tank of gas and no plan. What drove them away? “It was the idea of the storm surge, I couldn’t imagine my dogs swimming around in my house.”

They waited at Snapper Creek for gas behind the buses evacuating prisoners from the Key West jail to no avail. Desperate, they used the Gas Buddy app and found an open station on Route 1 in South Miami. They rolled in on fumes to a deserted Miami and

kept heading for Orlando. Through bands of wind and rain, they eventually found one hotel room but little food. “We only had Doritos and I was thinking of the week’s worth of food we left behind.” They kept getting ousted from hotels, Orlando was experiencing power outages. At the last hotel, the floor was sopping wet and smelled of mildew but it was all they could find.

Their evacuation route took them from Orlando to Miccosukee to Doral, always low on gas and food, over the course of four days. Finally, Vasquez’s father was called back to work in Key West. It was a long shot to get clearance so it was the same stress getting in, as out, of the Keys, but they made it.

“I’ll never leave again,” said Vasquez, who left behind a running generator, a dry, clean house, food, supplies and the comfort of his lifelong home, Key West. “Also, I will never watch the Weather Channel again.”

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KEY WEST

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

FLORIDA KEYS STRONG

Together we stand Key West offices open 9/29/17 Marathon offices open soon!

SAND, STRANDINGS AND SUPPLIES

1. Rotary Club of Key West unloads a plane full of supplies to distribute in Key West on Sept 18. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly 2. A boat lies stranded along Key West’s beach road near Smathers Beach on Sept.

14. KARUNA EBERL/Contributed

3. The Southernmost Beach expanded northward with flooding from Hurricane Irma. By Sept. 14 crews were already working to put the sand back where it belongs.

KARUNA EBERL/Contributed

Most Major Insurance Companies Accepted

IRMA’S AFTERMATH

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

LIC# CCC1329991

AERIAL IMAGERY: If you are not in the Keys and you haven’t had a chance to assess the damage at your property, here is the best place to start. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration produced high-resolution, zoomable aerial imagery of all the Keys (and other parts of Florida that were hit by Irma). Start here: storms.ngs.noaa.gov/ storms/irma/index.html

HELP DESKS: • Citizens are encouraged to start FEMA registration process by downloading the smartphone app available at both the Android and iOs stores.

For those who do not have cellphone service, visit Marathon High School or Marathon City Hall to fill out the application online. Otherwise, log on to visit DisasterAssistance.gov. A physical help desk has been set up at the fire station at 616 Simonton St., Key West.

Residents must provide ONE Social Security Number per household, address of the damaged home/apartment, description of the damage, information about insurance coverage, phone number, mailing address, bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds • CITIZEN’S WIND INSURANCE has two physical locations in the Keys: at Murray Nelson Center in the Upper Keys, and in the parking lot at Marathon City Marina. Other locations will be established. The phone number is 866-411-2742.

LODGING ASSISTANCE Florida Keys residents with homes damaged by Hurricane Irma, and hotels able to accommodate them, are eligible for assistance through FEMA’s Emergency Lodging Assistance program, provides temporary shelter and lodging reimbursement for pre-qualified individuals. Program administrator CLC Lodging provides rule-based payments for qualified applicants at participating hotels.

Participating hotels must create an account. Go to ela.corplodging. com or email femahousing@clclodging.com or call (866) 545-9865. Properties do not need an existing contract with CLC, a paying agent on behalf of FEMA, to participate.

Residents seeking assistance must be registered with FEMA. Guests must provide a copy of an official photo ID at time of check-in for a lodging supplier to keep for two years. Guests are assigned authorized start and end dates for lodging and applicable taxes. Guests are responsible for any room charges exceeding a maximum lodging rate, established and governed by FEMA. Lodging can be extended or ended early on a case-by-case basis.

Guests are not required to make reservations, although FEMA may make reservations. The agency does not pay for no-shows.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION State Rep. Holly Raschein announced Tuesday that she has created a Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness, to be chaired

by Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nuñez. The committee will gather information, solicit ideas for improvement, and make recommendations to the governor for actions to address hurricane recovery, as well as recommendations for broader proposals that can be considered during the 2018 legislative session. Among the topics the committee will consider are protection of elderly, disabled and other vulnerable persons; efficient evacuation and re-entry; and mitigation of future storm damage.

The Keys Weekly will publish more information about how to apply for help or file an insurance claim, as it becomes available.

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TALL TALES

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

An important message from

Florida Keys Contractors Association

Peace of Mind is important during Hurricane Season.

Be sure to hire a licensed and insured contractor to get your home and business ready during storm season.

After the storm: Be sure to hire licensed contractors to repair storm damaged structure.

Ask your contractor • Do you have a Monroe County License?

• Do you have general liability and workman's comp insurance?

• Are you familiar with Monroe County Building Regulations?

• Will you pull a permit if my work requires it?

• Have you done this type of work before?

• Are you self performing the entire project?

• Will you supply releases of liens for your subcontractors and suppliers?

Work that requires a licensed and insured contractor Aluminum • Landscaping • Masonry • Roofing • Shutters • Windows & Doors • Seawalls & Docks and more...please call for more information.

Florida Keys Contractors Association

Florida Keys Contractors Association (305) 743-5984 floridakeyscontractorsassociation.com

AND THE WINNER IS… The best and worst Irma rumors HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

E

ven before Hurricane Irma was 200 miles offshore, it started. Sharknado was going to hit the Florida Keys.

What? Wait, WHAT? Yes supposedly Irma’s spinning metropolis was filled with sharks that were somehow going to pistol whip us to death. Not only would we deal with wind and rain but sharks swirling above our tin roofs? And then the 30-foot tsunami that would take place washing us away like guppies, oh puh-lease. Rumors, rumors … so here are some laughable goodies after the fact…

1. WORST: Hundreds of dogs were left to die. The FSPCA did a great job of finding foster homes for every pet. Personal pets that were lost found active caretakers, so not true!

2. WORST: Hundreds of Keys residents died. Well, that is just ridiculous. Our livers may have taken a hit, but our hearts: strong as ever.

3. IMPLAUSIBLE: Homeland Security would evacuate the 10,000 residents who stayed for Hurricane Irma. Nope.

We are open and so are you.

Let us know what we can do to help.

Locally owned and operated since 2003.

Florida Keys Strong www.keysweekly.com Call Jason or Britt 305-731-0087

4. PLAUSIBLE BUT HYSTERICAL: Snake Creek Bridge went down. Settle down, Henny Penny.

5. WISHFUL THINKING: Jason Koler, owner and publisher of The Keys Weekly, was moving out of the Keys and enrolled his kids in school in Ohio. Actually, he’s here to stay, as evidenced by the paper in your hands.

6. GROSS: An aircraft carrier arrived carrying 4,000 body bags to help remove the bodies from the Keys. Well, they can use those for the contents of our refrigerators, especially for those who keep bait in the fridge!

7. FALSE: Navy will confiscate boats that washed up on the property.

The Navy is trying to locate any owners of boats of its property and give them back. The Navy has its own boats, big expensive cool boats, so thank you, but they don’t need ours.

8. HOPEFULLY NOT TRUE: We won’t have Comcast for two months.

It’s coming back in the Upper Keys; hang tight, lower Keys! “Game of Thrones” is coming.

9. FALSE: Trump came to the Keys.

He may have flown over, but it’s a wet foot-dry foot situation, you have to be on land to claim you have been here (and buy a mojito).

10. TOTALLY FALSE: Keys city officials disappointed. No, they were fearless, efficient, tireless individuals who took on an impossible job with grace and unmatched fortitude. They had our backs and made us #keysstrong.

KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

SHELTERS

The Red Cross is operating temporary shelters 24/7 in the following locations and providing food, a secure and safe place, and cots.

Residents should bring water, bedding, immediate toiletry supplies and medications.

• Island Community Church, 83400 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, FL 33036 (One Sept. 19, the shelter housed 5.)

• Marathon High School, 350 Sombrero Beach Rd., Marathon, FL 33050 (On Sept. 19, the shelter housed 42.)

• Sugarloaf High School, 255 Crane Blvd., Summerland Key, FL 33042 (On Sept. 19, the shelter housed 16)

HELP IS HERE

DISASTER DISTRIBUTION OFFICIAL SITES: Marathon High School Marathon Community Park (skate park entrance) Key Deer Refuge on U.S.1 (next to Coconuts), MM31 Sugarloaf School, MM 17 Searstown Plaza, Key West 4th Street parking lot, Bahama Village In addition to the formal disaster distribution sites, many organizations have also opened their doors and are handing out supplies as long as they last.

• Marathon: American Legion, Kirk of the Keys, FKSPCA, La Nina, Hyatt, parking lot of Beall’s, DAV. • Big Pine Key: Big Pine Key Flea Market, Winn-Dixie Plaza, CocaCola warehouse.

• Key West: Several groups are dispensing goods in the Kmart plaza in Key West.

IRMA AFTERMATH

HOTLINES: MONROE COUNTY: 800-955-5504 www.keysrecovery.org FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY: 305-296-2454 Leaks can also be reported on the Facebook page @FKAAwater www.fkaa.com FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE: 305-852-2431 fkec.com KEYS ENERGY SERVICES: 305-295-1010 keysenergy.com

DONATE The outpouring of support from the state and country has been outstanding. Right now, officials are struggling to establish locations where donations can be dropped off to be distributed to the community. (Many areas are being used to house first responders and their equipment, or were destroyed by the storm.)

In the meantime, the official policy can be summed up with, “cash is king.” Send monetary donations to a trusted source.

More details coming soon.

DirecTV (AT&T): 800-531-5000 www.att.com FEMA: 800-621-3362 DisasterAssistance.gov CITIZEN’S INSURANCE: 866-411-2742 www.citizensfla.com ISLAMORADA: www.islamorada.fl.us LAYTON: www.cityoflayton.com KEY COLONY BEACH: keycolonybeach.net MARATHON: ci.marathon.fl.us KEY WEST: www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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Together, we will overcome.

Call us for any post-Irma construction needs.

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KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

The cure for seeking care after the storm Care On Demand As the Florida Keys begin their road to recovery, we encourage Monroe residents with minor illnesses or injuries to seek treatment through the Baptist Health Care On Demand app, which allows you to see a physician via a PC or mobile app, 24/7.

Download the PineApp or visit BaptistHealth.net/CareOnDemand to see a doctor now for FREE.

Enter zip code for FREE visit

CARE ON DEMAND

1. Sign up and enter your Monroe County zip code for a FREE visit 2. Select from a list of physicians and get virtual access to a doctor 3. Receive treatment and start feeling better Expires October 31, 2017

Carevenience

The cure for inconvenient care.

A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence. For giving opportunities, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation