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OPEN FOR BUSINESS New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, left, Key West Mayor Craig Cates and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine met at Two Friends Patio this past weekend to promote the official opening of Key West on Oct. 1.

Landrieu (president) and Levine (president elect) are part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and were joined by Colombia, South Carolina Mayor Stephen Benjamin and Mayor Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills, Michigan.

WE ARE OPEN KEY WEST STRONG www.twofriendskeywest.com

2

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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Thank you to the community for voting for us & thank you to all our staff that make this award possible.

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LOCAL CHATTER

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

Keys folk are stoic. Hardy and hearty. We can take a good lickin’ and then stand up and brush ourselves off again. And while this is a mindset, there comes a moment before or during or after the hurricane when one discovers a chink in the armor, so to speak. Things unravel, or one has what is politely referred to in the Keys Weekly offices as “a moment.” Laughing at ourselves or at the oddities of life during a massive hurricane is surprisingly normal and therapeutic. We asked our own staff …

— Weekly Staff

When did you laugh?

“Life is so weird with electricity,” staff writer Kristen Livengood said, quoting her daughter after 14 days living off the grid. “Starting with this picture being used on my official press pass, to finding salamander keeping cool in Rachel Bowman’s refrigerator, to finding my missing mailbox two seconds before installing the new one, this adventure will be one I never forget.”

“It was day four or five after the storm, no electricity and what food we had would have been declared hazardous waste by the EPA,” said staff writer Hays Blinckmann. “My German husband found some sausages for the grill and looked at me and said with glee, ‘Good thing Americans use so many preservatives!’ and for once, I won our 12-year marital conflict over which country is better.”

Middle Keys office manager Char Hruska and her partner Johnny Maddox were the shepherds of 22 people sheltering in the Disabled American Veterans clubhouse in Marathon.

She said the winds sounded like jet engines roaring over the rooftop. At one point she started praying aloud in the dark. When Johnny asked if she was okay, she replied: “I haven’t started singing hymns yet!”

“While examining some of the debris with elected officials, I stumbled across a plastic alcohol shot tube designed to resemble a reproductive ‘swimmer.’ The tube was still sealed and contained a vanilla liqueur shot. After a painful fit of laughter, we agreed Irma had truly taken everything,” said staff writer Gabriel Sanchez.

Weekly editor Sara Matthis was enjoying dinner “al fresco” with her family on Grassy Key on Thursday after the storm, before electricity was restored to the neighborhood. Her husband remarked on the nice, cool breeze and lack of bugs. She said: “That’s what makes people want to live here!” It’s possible that in laughing at her own joke, the emotion tilted away from hilarity towards hysteria.

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

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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 Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Hollie Will hollie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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

Office Manager

Char Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Luis Bouzon 305.743.0844 luis@keysweekly.com

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.

MONROE COUNTY

DEBRIS DETAILS H

urricane debris removal is an intricate process. Local governments sign contracts well ahead of hurricane season to ensure someone is available to help with cleanup. (Those contractual promises are especially important after Hurricane Irma that impacted most of the state of Florida.) AshBritt Environmental is in charge in the Upper and Lower Keys, while Grubbs is handling the Middle Keys. The companies work with local contractors and waste haulers to remove the debris. They are working hard, but the process is slow.

Please, give them an encouraging nod and be patient.

Residents are advised to separate the debris into three piles – vegetative, building materials and appliances.

Regular collection schedules for recycling and garbage have resumed in unincorporated Monroe County. This includes all areas that are accessible by collection trucks. (Don’t contaminate the recycling bin with hurricane debris.)

Regular yard waste collection in unincorporated Monroe County has not resumed because hurricane debris yard waste is still being collected by contracted haulers as part of the emergency response.

No hazardous waste/electronic waste items should be put outside if possible.

These items should be taken to any of the County’s three transfer stations. At this time, hazardous waste collection is accepted during all transfer station hours, which are Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

— Weekly Staff report

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

ISLAMORADA

25 69,167 51,810 16,290 1,067 Removal Crews

How many cubic yards collected as of Oct. 2

Cubic yards of vegetative

Staging areas are at Founders Park, MM 80.5 bayside, MM 84 bayside across street from theater of the sea, and MM 88 oceanside. No burning on site.

Cubic yards of construction & debris

Appliance Units

MARATHON

16 85,780 39,898 45,882 1,649 Removal Crews

The staging area at 47th Street is closed. Open staging areas are at the Florida Keys Country Club golf course, Marathon Manor and at JoJo’s on Grassy Key.

How many cubic yards collected as of Oct. 3

Cubic yards of vegetative

Cubic yards of construction & debris

Appliance Units

KEY WEST

13 74,080 64,215 6,818 3,047 Removal Crews

How many cubic yards collected as of Oct.4

Cubic yards of vegetative

Cubic yards of construction & debris

Cubic yards of mixed debris (appliances N/A)

The staging area is on Rockland Key.

5

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

IRMA REVIEW

watery U.S. NAVY TO THE RESCUE

HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

“I

t wasn’t all that different from working combat missions,” said Captain Bobby Baker, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Key West. “It was everything from air to ground in an emergency situation but without the fighting.” The Navy’s immediate action in the hours and days following the storm, now in comparison to Texas and Puerto Rico, shows its true impact on the Keys.

Before the storm, Baker sent military families to secure areas and flew military jets and pilots as far away as Nevada, where they still remain. His biggest pre-storm scare was the predicted 10- to 12-foot storm surge and keeping people safe. “We have 622 out of 733 houses at ground level; they would have been destroyed.” Only 36 trained officers remained for Irma along with just two F-5 jets and one helicopter left on base. The NAS does not have Category 5 buildings so the officers hunkered down at the Marriot Beachside, which generously gave them rooms for a command center.

“Everyone was concerned with one or more of the 42 bridges being lost,” said Baker. He put in a “Request for Forces” before the wind even stopped and the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Iwo Jima, and USS New York were already on their way. When Baker was able to return to Boca Chica, he found the airstrip flooded by 3 feet of water and whitecaps (not the rumored fishing boat). The base suffered more than $86 million in damage. The airfield tower’s top blew partially away, the radar went down, trees were lost and many buildings lost siding and roofing – including seven of eight metal airplane hangars mangled beyond recognition, perhaps due to a tornado. At the moment, the base is only “partially mission capable.”

Post-storm, the NAS quickly filled up with admirals and commanders sleeping in the offices and orchestrating relief to the Keys round the clock. The amphibious detail moved a sailboat blocking the boat ramp at Truman Waterfront and began unloading supplies and equipment from the carriers. Rear Adm. Sam Paparo worried that Key West would seem a militarized zone with the heavy helicopter and fleet presence, but the troops got working with the community, helping with the prison, the senior center and many other facilities. And just like all residents, the NAS had water issues and Baker was never so happy to see a truckload of portable toilets arrive on base.

“When I got the call about one of our buoys in Palm Beach and

Trice Denny, public affairs officer, and Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker of the Naval Air Station give a first-hand account of the Naval response to Hurricane Irma. HAYS BLINCKMANN/Keys Weekly

TROOPS TO THANK: Captain Bobby Baker worked with Rear Adm. Kent Whalen with the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Iwo Jima and USS New York and units supporting the mission under Carrier Strike Group 10, Rear Adm. Sam Paparo, included Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 4; the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56); Explosive Ordinance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2; Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22; Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8; 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461; Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 28; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28; Fleet Survey Team; Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2; Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2; Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 2; Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2; and Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 det. Jacksonville.

one of our sailboats in Fort Lauderdale,” said Trice Denny, public relations officer, “that’s when you really imagine the scope of the storm.”

The NAS harbor lost a total of 17 boats. But now the Navy is concerned with the 77 boats that landed on Trumbo’s beaches. The Navy is actively trying to reconnect people with their boats but it may fall on the civilians to foot the removal bill.

“We have never been able to see U.S. 1 before,” said Denny, regarding the massive loss of trees and mangroves on base, proving that when it comes to a storm, residents and the Navy are all in the same boat.

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EDITORIAL • “It’s all about psychology, and 2005 is vastly different than 2017.”

Hurricane Wilma, in late October, which flooded much of the Keys island chain without the benefit of hurricane strength winds, was the equivalent of the straw that broke the camel’s back. Islanders had just withstood two of the most difficult hurricane seasons on record. In 2004 more than half of the 16 formed tropical cyclones brushed or struck the U.S. In the Keys, eyes were glued to the tracks of Charley, Frances and Ivan; each came close.

The hurricane season of 2005 goes down as the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history. About 4,000 people died and the damage was estimated near $159.2 billion. Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina and Rita generated concern in the Keys. But Hurricane Wilma was the final blow. The accumulated stress led many Keys residents to put their homes on the market.

Schmitt said the Wilma trend foretold what would happen with the sub-prime crisis nationwide in 2007.

“But the trend of more properties for sale in the Keys began before Wilma in 2005.

Within 90 days after Hurricane Wilma, we went from 2,500 listings to 4,500 listings!”

Schmitt said. “People were worn out by hurricanes. The psychology today is completely different. There is an immutable law between buyers and sellers in the Florida Keys: the more sellers, the fewer buyers. Sellers drive this market.”

Schmitt said he hasn’t seen the same rush to market in the three weeks post-Irma as happened post-Wilma. Pre-Wilma the market prices of Keys homes were rising at 3 percent per MONTH. Schmitt said the market in 2017 has stabilized to 5 percent per YEAR. “As long as sellers don’t panic, we will be okay,” he said.

• “The destruction of mobile homes doesn’t automatically signal a huge increase in Keys development of more resorts.”

There are two types of mobile home designations — permanent and recreational vehicle (or truly mobile) units. The recreational vehicle (RV) units can be converted by developers into future building rights for hotel rooms, but permanent mobile homes cannot.

Each property, or mobile home park, usually has a mix of the two.

So, a mass conversion of existing stock of affordable housing (mobile homes) translating to high-end resorts is unlikely. The big challenge for substantially destroyed mobile homes and mobile home parks will be the 50 percent rule.

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

STATE OF THE KEYS STORM EFFECT ON REAL ESTATE MARKET, AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND MORE

No one has a crystal ball, but real estate broker Brian Schmitt has plenty of statistics and history to draw upon.

His family weathered 1960’s Hurricane Donna’s and 2017’s Hurricane Irma — in some instances, in the same structures. He’s lived, and worked, through Georges and Wilma — all along, paying attention not only to the markets, but also how the Keys have developed.

Here are his thoughts:

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

• “The 50 percent rule is incredibly important, and will likely be administered differently in different areas of the Keys.”

The 50 percent rule determines whether a house can be repaired, or must be rebuilt to new standards. A rebuild must happen if the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s adjusted market value before the disaster occurred, regardless of the cause of damage. (“Market value” means the county property appraiser’s value of the structure plus 20 percent; land value is excluded from the determination. A homeowner who disagrees with the property appraiser’s value may hire a private appraiser and submit that valuation.)

In theory, Schmitt said, the 50 percent rule is good. It tackles substandard housing by addressing elevation and construction methods. The next time a hurricane strikes, that home and the community as a whole are less vulnerable. “But, in practice, it’s going to be painful,” he said. In some cases it may be unaffordable as well — the gap between what the National Flood Insurance Program will pay and the cost of the rebuild may be more than some can afford. (And construction costs will rise as Texas, Puerto Rico and Florida all compete for the same supplies.) Schmitt said he wishes the federal government could be more flexible about remediation repairs that are effective in the Keys — cement board instead of drywall and flood shutters and flood proofing to keep out the water. The lower cost of remediation repairs could save some homes from being bulldozed.

• “Affordable housing in the Keys is going to cost more, not less, after Irma.”

There is deed-restricted affordable housing, and then there is “de-facto” affordable housing. Deed-restricted affordable housing is designated at the time of development.

De-facto affordable housing — mostly aging ground-level homes and aged mobile homes — refers to existing homes with inexpensive rents.

In the case of new affordable housing allocations, it doesn’t make financial sense for a developer to squander an affordable building right on a one-bedroom or efficiency that rents for about $1,000 a month; the return is better on a two- or three-bedroom unit that can rent for more than $2,000 a month. The more bedrooms, the less affordable the housing.

In the case of replacing de-facto affordable housing wiped out by Irma, the same holds true. “In today’s construction market, you can’t build something to code that can be rented cheaply,” said Schmitt.

• “The silver lining of Hurricane Irma may be the political will to address housing and regulations in the Florida Keys.”

Schmitt hopes that private nonprofits and FEMA will help homeowners bridge the gap between what insurance will pay, and the actual cost of rebuilding to current standards.

“After Hurricane Andrew, FEMA helped homeowners with that problem in South Miami and Homestead,” he said.

In the meantime, his Coldwell Banker agency has reached out to all of the vacation rental owners on the roster. Namely, to rent for one month what they normally charge for a week during high season. He said that more than two dozen have risen to the challenge.

It helps, he said, that Monroe County has waived the tax on vacation rentals and he said he hopes the state will do the same.

He also has had discussions with state officials about the formal “build out” deadline for the Florida Keys — 2023. “We need more allocations to build affordable housing beyond what has been already approved for Monroe County,” he said. The state’s concern is hurricane evacuation timelines — if there are more people, will there be time enough to evacuate all before the storm strikes? “Again, there’s ways to deal with that. Early and mandatory evacuations can be built into the agreement for that specific affordable housing; homeowners or renters would be required to evacuate early.”

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

SAVE THE DATE Ongoing: • Free pickup kickball games for kids age 4 to 10 from 7-8 p.m. at Marathon Community Park.

Thursday, Oct. 5 • Orchid talk at 1:30 p.m. at Key West Garden Club, Fort West Martello.

• Comedy Key West presents Rob Steen at 8:30 p.m. at Bottle Cap Lounge, Key West.

Friday, Oct. 6 • First Friday art stroll from 6 to 8 p.m. along Upper Duval Street, Key West.

• Free movie: “Flash Gordon” at 7 p.m. at Key West Theater.

BLUE ROOF PROGRAM Operation Blue Roof is a program for homeowners who have damage to their roofs. The program sends licensed contractors out to homes to cover the damage with tarps until homeowners can arrange repairs. This is a free service to homeowners with homes that are primary residences or permanently occupied rental properties that have less than 50 percent structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible. Not all roof types qualify. For details, visit www.saj.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof.

To apply in person, visit the center in front of NAPA on Big Pine Key from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

FREE MUSCLE The Florida Army National Guard, in partnership with Monroe County Emergency Management, has implemented a free, shortterm “demucking” program in which guard members will remove interior storm damage from residents’ homes, including damaged and moldy flooring, carpeting, doors, fixtures, destroyed appliances and other unsalvageable contents and take them curbside.

To find the form, visit keysrecovery.org.

TRANSPORTATION Key West Transit continues regular service. The Lower Keys Shuttle continues its regular service between Marathon and Key West.

For bus schedules, and to track service in real time, go to www.kwtransit.com. Miami-Dade Transit is operating its normal schedule into the Keys. It runs from Marathon to the mainland. For information, go to www.miami-dade.gov/transit.

‘HURRICANE DAYS’ ADDED TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE Monroe County School Officials have begun recapturing days lost in the classroom during Hurricane Irma. Superintendent Mark Porter has announced Monday, Oct. 16 as the first reinstated full day.

Porter has also suspended all early release days in traditional schools until further notice.

FREE SUPPLIES Habitat for Humanity is offering free supplies to assist with Hurricane recovery to those in need in the Lower Florida Keys. It has a temporary distribution center set up at the Big Pine Moose Lodge, 3681 Wilder Road on Big Pine Key. The supplies range from work gloves to rubber boots with steel toes to tarps, dust masks, safety glasses and more.

Recipients must provide proof of residency or ownership of property in Monroe County. Supplies are plentiful, but volunteers are needed to keep the center open next week. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 7. For information, contact Susan at volunteer@ habitatlowerkeys.org or 305294-9006 Ext 3.

Saturday, Oct. 7 • Unofficial strides walk beginning at 8 a.m. from Marathon Fire Station to Subway. No registration, just a “break from hurricane stuff.”

• Hurricane Relief Legal Clinic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hyatt Place, Marathon.

• Marathon’s Unsinkable Pig Roast from 1 to 4 p.m. at Overseas Pub, Marathon.

• Coco Plum Beach cleanup at 4 p.m. in Marathon.

• Southernmost Oktoberfest from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Basilica School, Key West.

• First Saturday Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at Key Largo Civic Club.

Sunday, Oct. 8 • Sheriff’s Animal Farm open from 1 to 3 p.m. at Stock Island detention center.

• Hurricane Irma Benefit Concert at 7 p.m. at the Seminole Theatre, Homestead.

$1 MILLION IN EMERGENCY CAPITAL FUNDING The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has $1 million in emergency capital funding available for municipalities and non-profit organizations to help rebuild tourism facilities affected by Hurricane Irma.

The funding is available on a first-come, first-reimbursed basis.

To request an application form, call 305-296-1552 and ask to speak with Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan, or email officemgr@fla-keys.com or adminasst@fla-keys.com.

Monday, Oct. 9 • Monroe County free local’s day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

• Mad Hatter Orchid Auction benefiting AIDS Help at 6 p.m. at Curry Mansion, Key West.

Tuesday, Oct. 10 • Free paddle boarding with Paddle!

The Florida Keys at 6 p.m. at Casa Mar Village, MM 90.7. Bring donations for local food bank.

Thursday, Oct. 12 • Yoga at from 7 to 8 p.m. at Aquarium Encounters, Marathon. $15 admission.

Saturday, Oct. 14 • Bash on the Bay Fundraiser at 6 p.m. at Snooks Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, Key Largo.

Sunday, Oct. 15 • Stone crab season opens.

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

Keys AHEC BACK TO SCHOOL

Health Centers

Sites: Horace O’Bryant School-1105 Leon St.-Key West

Immuniza�ons No Cost Vaccines Available

Schools now require all students to have all of their immuniza�ons current.

Monday to Thursday: 8:00-4:00 Not only are they necessary, but they help Key West High School-2100 Flagler Ave-Key West prevent the spread of disease.

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 7:00-3:00 Parents of Kindergarten and 7th Graders are encouraged to review their child’s records.

Gerald Adams School-5855 Jr. College Rd, Key West The following vaccines are required for Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 7:30-3:30 children entering school: DTAP, MMR, Polio, Varicella and Hepa��s B. Sugarloaf School-255 Crane Blvd-Sugarloaf The HPV Vaccine is Now Available Wednesday & Friday: 7:30-3:30 Marathon HS-350 Sombrero Bch-Marathon Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00-3:00 Stanley Switlik -3400 OS Hwy-Marathon Wednesday 8:00 to 4:00 Coral Shores HS-89901 OS Hwy-Tavernier Wednesday & Friday: 7:00-3:00 Key Largo School-104801 OS Hwy-Key Largo Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00-4:00

Services:

School Health & Sports Vision/Hearing Tests Physicals Pregnancy Tes�ng Sick & Well Child Visits Referral for Full Labs, Oral Health Assessments Specialty Services & Immuniza�ons & Sealants Educa�on & Preven�on Chronic Disease Mgt. Services (Asthma & Diabetes) Nutri�on & Weight Prescrip�ons Management Counseling Treatment of Minor Consulta�on with School Injuries Health & Psychology Services Strep, Urine Dips�ck & Smoking Cessa�on Glucose Tes�ng

For More Informa�on Call:

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for all Monroe County Students!

For more information call 305 293 7500 or on the web at

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Cirrhosis Kills:

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Don’t Deliver Your Liver!

• Alcohol induced liver disease is caused by heavy use of alcohol. The liver breaks down alcohol. If you drink more that it can process, it can seriously damaged.

• As many as 35% of heavy drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis and of these 55% already have cirrhosis.

• Cirrhosis is the most advanced type of alcohol-related liver disease and the damage is irreversible.

• To manage cirrhosis and avoid complications, patients should stop drinking alcohol, and eat a low-sodium diet.

• If you currently suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, contact the Health Department to discuss a hepatitis vaccine and controlling risk factors.

For more information call 305 293 7500 or www.Monroe.floridahealth.gov Be Kind to Your Liver, You Can’t Live Without It

14

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 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.

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

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15

FARO BLANCO HOUSES THE NEEDY

Ninety percent of guests are displaced locals KRISTEN LIVENGOOD

I

kristen@keysweekly.com

t’s a good thing 79-year-old Carl Redfern didn’t stay in his Galway Bay trailer in Marathon like he had planned. After Hurricane Irma, he found his home ripped in half and nothing left inside.

Redfern didn’t have a pet carrier and couldn’t take his cat, “Smooch,” to a shelter. And, he wasn’t going to leave his best friend behind. But, just hours before the storm, the nighttime security guard at Faro Blanco, Steve Brodeur, who also lived at the park, invited Redfern and Smooch to ride the storm out at the hotel.

“I’m living on borrowed time over here,” he said from room 113 on Monday. The only things he has left are a few bags of clothes and some personal hygiene products in the bathroom, and a kitty litter box on the floor. The rest of his meager belongings are on the front seat of his white Ford Ranger parked in the hotel lot.

Redfern said he’s spent four days at FEMA in Marathon and one at the FEMA “headquarters” on Big

Carl Redfern and his cat Smooch have been living at Faro Blanco since riding the storm out at the hotel. He lost his house and all his possessions in the storm. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly

“I have patience, and thank goodness Faro Blanco does, too. Or I’d be living in the mangroves right now.”

– Carl Redfern, who lost his home to Irma.

Pine Key. “They finally sent an inspector who confirmed the trailer was unlivable,” but Redfern’s housing assistance is still pending.

“We have kind of adopted Carl,” said Faro Blanco’s General Manager Karen Thurman. “Long story short — his trailer was destroyed and he can’t figure out FEMA.” If his pending status is denied, Thurman said, the hotel would eat the costs along with the others who have made the resort “home” after losing their houses. Right now, hotel guests are about 90 percent FEMA refugees.

That assistance is slated to run out on Saturday, Oct. 7, although many are desperately hoping it will be extended.

Among those also displaced is Faro Blanco’s sales manager April Ross, a single mom of two with a dog, who also lost her trailer. “We went over to help her salvage what she could and another trailer was sitting on top of hers. We couldn’t even find the door,” said Thurman.

Before evacuees returned, Thurman said, truckloads of donated supplies were dropped at the hotel. “My staff didn’t want to take anything, but at some point, we realized some of our

staff are the victims people wanted to help,” she said.

“They have been a godsend,” Redfern said, referring to Faro Blanco and manager Karen Thurman. “But, I know they are running a business, too.”

Scott Crews from the National Guard of Gainesville set up a Go Fund Me page up for Redfern after seeing him sitting alone in the hotel lobby.

When he asked how Redfern weathered the storm, “He perked up and said how lucky he was to be alive, and then told me how his home was cut in half and didn’t know what to do or where to go.” As of Wednesday, donations total $890.

Redfern says he is at the mercy of FEMA. “It’s a process beyond my understanding,” he said. “I just hope they don’t pack me up and ship me to Alaska, because I don’t like the cold.”

gofundme.org /7sktg5-carlneeds-help

16

IRMA REVIEW

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

From Key Largo to Key West, local officials made preparations for Hurricane Irma and, after the storm, started working on recovery. Here, the Weekly talks with Key West’s city manager, the city manager of Marathon and Islamorada’s fire chief, as they look back at the storm and ahead to the return of normal.

‘TWO CUPS AND A STRING’

KEY WEST CITY MANAGER LOOKS BACK HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

K

ey West City Manager Jim Scholl bunked at City Hall during Hurricane Irma, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Contingencies and plans were in place but the post-storm threats to the city were as unpredictable as Irma itself. Scholl, a former Navy pilot, Boy Scout, and Commanding Officer of the Navy base, took the situation in stride. “I’m an operational guy; planning is fine but in the end, it’s about thinking and adapting to the circumstances.” And he did; within days, the recovery effort was felt across the city, a remarkable feat given the situation.

Day one, where did you start?

Our first priority was preliminary damage assessment, checking buildings and the people in shelters. The water surprised everyone and the extensive impact to the aqueduct, but we were lucky because we never stopped pumping to wastewater, we just had to deal with the flow of water in.

Immediately, it was about getting access everywhere for emergency vehicles. There are a lot of wood buildings with propane tanks, so the fire danger was significant, especially with the water problem. We wanted to make sure the trucks that could hold water could get to a fire and if we needed to access a pool or any water resource.

David Clay at the hospital did a fantastic job. The hospital wasn’t admitting patients but it was functional enough to provide medical care for first responders. It really reconstituted quickly, and that was important in case the responders were injured.

The biggest challenge?

The impact on communication was huge. We had to coordinate times to talk, we had satellite phones but someone had to be on the other end. We jerry-rigged a wire from the elevator and connected a princess phone that was

our only external communication for a week. It was the Air Force reserves that first got us two longdistance phone lines. Basically it was the Pony Express of people coming and going with information and reliance on police radios.

Unfortunately social media put out a lot of bad information that confused people and made them skeptical. Hey, in City Hall we couldn’t even look at social media at the time; we were two cups and a string, so we were doing the best we could to get the right information out there. Twice I was on live with Anderson Cooper off CNN and he was telling me we were 90 percent destroyed, which wasn’t true. Just because someone wrote it and someone else read it, doesn’t make it true.

Commissioners and city officials got a lot of criticism for evacuating; would they have been vital to the recovery?

Reality is no one should have stayed. There was too much uncertainty. It was prudent for everyone to leave. If a Category 5 or 4 was coming straight for Key West, we all would have left — police, firefighters, and me— and then come back when we could. There is no bravery standing in the path of something deadly. And the reality is we only had Category 1 sustained winds, maybe gusts up to 110? But the island of Key West did not survive a Category 4 storm, so we were in better shape than the rest of the Keys.

Read the whole story at keysweekly.com

RECOVERING BEFORE THE WIND DIED

‘MARATHON WILL BE BETTER THAN EVER’ SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

O

n Saturday night, as Hurricane Irma approached the shores of the Florida Keys, Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey and the city’s emergency management team — Deputy City Manager George Garrett, Mayor Dan Zieg, Attorney David Migut, Councilman Steve Cook, Utilities Director Mark Bombard, Public Works Director Carlos Solis, Fire Chief John Johnson and the city’s entire fire department — evacuated alongside the county’s team to Ocean Reef. They had long, dark, noisy hours to consider the city’s future post-Irma.

Lindsey, a former Command Master Chief of 24 years with the U.S. Coast Guard, took a disciplined approach to restoring order to the wind- and water-swept city. It began immediately, before the winds had died down.

Day one, where did you start?

Marathon’s storm preparation started well before the storm. Upon being hired, working closely with Johnson, we identified shortfalls in the city’s preparation and understanding of the National Incident Management System, the federal structure for dealing with damaging disaster. We instituted mandatory training and certification for key employees and began a review of our Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. During the storm, we all collaboratively brainstormed as many possible negative outcomes and identified potential solutions before they happened.

We quickly realized that following home searches, house fires would be one of the biggest dangers. After Hurricane Wilma, more than-twenty five homes burned after electricity was restored. As soon as our Incident Management Team (IMT) was stood up at City Hall, one of the first people through the door was engineer Steve Hurley of DDAI. We tasked him with rounding up all the

electricians he could find and organizing a houseby-house check for visual damage prior to power being energized.

This resulted in no home fires once power was turned on. Our next concern was after the fact water damage and infrastructure integrity. Our utility workers were already going street-by-street to check the vacuum pits of our wastewater collections system. They turned off water at the meter to as many homes as they could reach.

We knew that maintaining water pressure for the aqueduct’s entire line was vital and tried to protect property from further damage.

The biggest challenge?

Debris removal, and long-term recovery. The main reason debris removal is slowing down is because it’s not separated into the three categories — vegetative, building and appliances. Everyone’s help would be greatly appreciated to help make the process more efficient. The other challenge we face is keeping everyone optimistic during this difficult time. We need everyone to be patient, kind, and to help our neighbors. Together we can do anything, together we got this!

What about the decision for officials to evacuate? Did it delay recovery?

Absolutely not. We made the decision to evacuate together — that included, county officials, fire departments and the EOC staff.

With the information we had at the time, it was absolutely the right decision. A Category 5 was scheduled to make landfall with over 12 hours of hurricane force winds. We needed our responders to be safe and minimally effected to be able to respond as quickly and effectively as possible.

Read the whole story at keysweekly.com

IRMA REVIEW

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

FOCUS ON HOUSING, WORK ISLAMORADA’S ABEL REFLECTS GABRIEL SANCHEZ

I

gabriel@keysweekly.com

slamorada Fire Rescue Chief Terry Abel reflects on Hurricane Irma and its aftermath.

Day one, where did you start? Clearing U.S. 1 was first priority. All county assets had evacuated north and needed to get back south to their respective zones and we had to open the road. Once U.S.1 was open for single path of travel we opened it up to both lanes of travel to make it safer for responders to traverse the area.

Then side streets and damage assessment began.

The biggest challenge during the storm? Communications is always the biggest issue with any large-scale incident. Everything went down, plan A failed, plan B failed shortly thereafter, then Plan C and plan D, then finally Plan D part Duo worked!

How did you make the decision to let people back in? Letting folks back in was based on infrastructure that was restored or not, safety of citizens once back in. Keep in mind with exception to a very few, no power, no water and limited sewer was an issue for a few days poststorm. Letting people come directly back was not allowed for health and safety reasons.

How was the crime in Islamorada? Looting? There was some but you can’t stop all of it in the best of times. The sheriff’s office did a fantastic job of addressing our concerns by increasing patrols and number of units on the road. Also increasing their visibility; they are there all the time and we don’t notice them patrolling our neighborhoods but when they turn on their blinking lights it gets noticed.

There were some people that

took advantage of the situation but for the most part it was people picking through debris piles and people calling it in saying they were looting.

Actually they were picking out stuff to recycle from the piles to make a living and reducing the amount of junk we have to pay to haul away.

Biggest problem now? Longterm housing for those that lost their homes. Unfortunately most that lost everything lived in lower-lying homes or the mobile home parks in our area. Most live paycheck to paycheck and are completely reliant on tourism dollars to keep their families fed. Resorts not being able to open up, marinas not taking their charter boats back is really hurting the recovery efforts and that snowballs back on the employees that, if they have to leave, we will not see again. I’ve been saying this from day one — let’s get back to normalcy as quickly as possible and get people working, businesses open. The piles of debris are short-term; the housing issue and getting folks back to work is the bigger problem.

In the future, would you change how the city handled it?

No sir, we pulled contracts early, made requests for resources early. We did not get it as bad as others for sure but all in all I think we did good. Was it perfect?

Nope. Can it be better? Almost always. But in the grand scheme of things, it went well. We will fix any issues between now and the next storm.

17

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HEROES

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS, AND THE BIG THINGS WOMAN RAISES THOUSANDS FOR IRMA SUPPLIES

Danielle Frost borrows her dad’s company truck to deliver items like trashcans to those who needed them after the storm.

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

M

ore than 50 bottles of bleach, gloves, masks, and cases of garbage bags, 32 garbage cans, 10 tarps, shovels, extension cords, six fans, five chainsaws and wheelbarrows, four mailboxes, two machetes, one bar of chocolate (yes, this says chocolate), and the list goes on …

More than 50 people received goods from a media campaign started by 2003 Marathon High School graduate Danielle Frost to help those affected by Hurricane Irma in the Keys.

“The first donation came in minutes,” Frost said, after driving 30 miles from Marathon to get cell service in the Upper Keys on Sept. 13. Her quick phone call was to let her friends in Tampa know to start a You Caring page for rebuilding the Keys, a fee-free Go Fund Me-like account. “One lady sent $1,000 and said ‘Colorado Cares, God Bless.’” And, more donations started pouring in.

She started by relaying information to friends and family about the well-being of their homes, and that’s when she realized there was going to be a dire need for help.

As an owner of a condo on Sombrero, she held off checking the inside of her house thinking it was OK, while sleeping on a hammock on the porch of her dad’s Marathon house. “I thought he had bigger issues going on at his house,” she said.

Frost filmed her entrance into her condo a few days later in disbelief that the surge had broken out her sliding glass doors

“The real recognition is to all the people who donated their hardearned money so that I could help others – to families they didn’t even know.”

— Danielle Frost

with the shutters still attached.

The mess waited while she spent the majority of her time at Marathon Lumber and The Home Depot, buying everything from storage bins to air mattresses and delivering them to people from Islamorada to Cudjoe Key who replied to her public Facebook posts.

Teri Childress, who works at Bayshore Clothing, and whose husband works at Marathon High School, needed new trash cans. “We found ours beat up and broken down the street,” she said of her 75th Street Oceanside house that

took on water.

Frost passed yard clearing items off to Neil Cataldo to help him clear his neighbors’ yards, cleaning products to Christina Alo, and various other items to scores more. She was even able to help get two donated generators and air conditioning units to two families who were still without power.

One odd request came through, for “chocolate.” Frost texted back to verify. “If they really needed chocolate, I was going to make sure they got it. But it turns out talk-totext didn’t recognize ‘chalk line,’” she said, laughing.

Mostly, people, even strangers, just posted “Do you have…” and her reply was simply, “address?” and it would show up. While in line on one of her 20-something trips to Marathon Lumber or The Home Depot, she also picked up the tab for people buying for others.

youcaring.com/rebuildingthefloridakeys-948421

“On top of it” is inspired by Big Pine’s Sid Langley and his chainsaw skills.

ART AID FOR

18

Artist painting Keys scenes and donating proceeds to sufferers GABRIEL SANCHEZ

W

gabriel@keysweekly.com

hen artist Kathleen Denis returned home to the Keys it was dark and she couldn’t initially see the damage the hurricane had brought, until the next day – when she decided to go for a ride.

The first damaged house the Upper Keys artist came across gave her a big jolt.

“He’s a charter boat captain who may be out of work for a while because the charter fishing industry in the Keys has been decimated,” she said. “I knew I had to paint it, along with other disaster scenes, and give 100 percent back to the victims.”

So Denis auctioned the painting, titled “Upside Down and Inside Out,” on her Facebook page and donated the proceeds to him. Her next work, “Shredded But Not Destroyed,” sparked even more interest.

“On Top of It,” is the fifth of 10 paintings in Denis’ Restoring Paradise art series. This depicts a former home of a Big Pine Key man in great need and how many are helping the others in this community.

Find and bid on Denis’ work at www.facebook.com/kathleen.r.denis.

With every sale, Denis also gifts a Bible Promise Book to help guide those affected in these tough times.

19

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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20

SCIENCE

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

‘IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE’

TOP METEOROLOGISTS WEIGH IN AFTER IRMA SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

W

illie Drye spent Hurricane Irma live blogging on the National Geographic website. Drye is the author of the definitive book about Keys hurricanes — “Storm of the Century: The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.”

His coverage of the more recent storm started on Sept. 9 and includes snippets of information provided by dozens of friends and colleagues who check in from the Keys and other parts.

He spoke to Key West’s Carol Tedesco and Adele Williams, Jeff Pinkus in Marathon, and Jerry Wilkerson, Brad Bertelli and Mary Barley in Islamorada. His contacts extended up the state of Florida and beyond.

“I am fortunate to have been plugged into a group of professionals that are very knowledgeable about hurricanes. I trust their opinions and observations,” Drye said.

Drye reiterated the opinions of the meteorologists here, and added: “It’s hard to tell people who are looking at their wrecked homes that they are lucky, and I get that, but it could have been worse. It didn’t have the tremendous power of the Labor Day storm. It didn’t have the one-two punch, it just had one punch.”

To read his whole storm coverage, visit voices.nationalgeographic. org/2017/09/09/live-blogging-hurricane-irma, or visit his personal blog at wdryegoods.blogspot.com.

Hurricane Irma was “one of the nastiest hurricanes we’ve seen,” and the length of time the storm maintained its fierce intensity was “really remarkable.” Still, the storm could’ve been worse. The infusion of dry air at the last minute and its track across Cuba that weakened it before it turned toward the Florida Keys, kept it from being much worse. Hurricane Irma “got chopped off in its backside,” and that affected the storm’s punch as it arrived in Florida.

— Phil Klotzbach, Colorado State University

“Irma could have been much worse. Due to a slight slowing in the forward motion of the storm, dry air in the Gulf intersected with Irma south of the Keys, instead of north of Naples/Ft. Myers. As a result, Irma’s back end, the bottom of the donut of the eyewall, dried out, and that meant that Irma was only half a storm when it hit the Keys and Southwest Florida. The big effect of that was that there were no strong west winds, which would have caused the feared deadly and damaging storm surge on the southwest coast, not to mention a double dose of damaging wind taking down trees and power lines, instead of just the front side of the donut. People should review their actions and imagine what would have happened if Irma’s eyewall had been intact so strong winds had come from both directions.”

—Brian Norcross, The Weather Channel

21

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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SOCIAL MEDIA

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

WE NEVER KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

The Weekly keeps the mainland in Social media was key before, duri

While US1 Radio was keeping those who hunkered down and stayed during Hurricane Irma informed, there were still thousands who evacuated that remained cut off from home ties and vital information in the islands.

Sept. 10, 9 p.m. FEMA’s Declaration of Disaster – Sunset Day Zero. 557 shares, 31,000 reached.

FLORIDA KEYS

HURRICANE GUIDE 2017

A visual reminder to

HOPE FOR THE BEST, PREPARE FOR THE WORST H5

H4

H3

H2

H1

TS

Sept. 4, The Weekly’s yearly Hurricane Preparedness Guide is shared digitally along with re-entry information.

Sept. 5, noon.

Monroe County issues mandatory evacuation for visitors and residents. 40,000 reached, 229 shares.

Sept. 7, midnight.

Scenes around Key West are shared, including boardedup Sloppy Joes and a quiet Duval Street as the community prepares for Irma.

18,500 reached, 60 shares.

Sept. 8, 5:30 a.m. “Speedway gas station in Key Largo and Racetrack in Florida City are pumping gas.

Traffic is light and steady leaving the Keys.”

Sept. 9, 4 p.m. Live Cam information is passed out at various Keys locales. Many watched before power was cut off.

Home videos are shared from social media accounts up and down the Keys.

Sept. 10, 2 p.m. Reports from officials in Emergency Management come regarding Snake Creek Bridge being out. A retraction is run after Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel and Islamorada Councilman Mike Forrester dispel the rumor.

Sept. 10, 9:52 a.m. The Weekly reports Irma making landfall on Cudjoe Key.

Sept. 11, 1 “The Keys a Closed to t General Pu is shared. 3 reached, 18 comments 498 shares

TIMELINE INFO WEEKLY FACEBOOK STATS

4.6

7,149

SOCIAL MEDIA

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

R STOPPED…

nformed after communication is cut in the Keys ing and after the storm.

From day one, the Weekly (who kept several boots on the ground and evacuated others) blasted 185 hurricane-related posts on our Facebook page and other social media, helping to keep evacuees in the know before, during and after the storm. Here are some of the highlights.

10 a.m. are the ublic” 33,300 8 s and s.

Sept. 12, 11 a.m.

Middle and Lower Keys “Do Not Attempt Reentry” information is shared about the reentry process.

33,000 reached, 19 comments, and 306 shares.

7,416 FOLLOWERS

Sept 13, 10 a.m.

Evacuated staff make contact with Weekly Publisher Britt Myers, who stayed during the hurricane. He was able to send some of the first photos and details of Irma’s damage by standing on his roof with a cell phone in Key West. 33,000 reached, 45 comments, 152 shares.

Sept 15, noon, City of Marathon live Facebook feed regarding reentry, 31,000 reached.

Sept. 14, 8 p.m. picture of Southernmost Point damage (a symbol of resilience) with American flag, 51,000 reached, 642 likes, 420 shares.

Sept 15, The Weekly posts a live video driving down Duval Street, taken one day after Irma.

Over 101,600 people reached with 704 shares.

Sept. 21, 8 p.m. Key West Mallory Square Reclamation video 84,500 reached, 452 likes, 26 comments, and 532 shares.

Sept. 29, Shared article “8 things to do before the tourists come back,” Reached 50,000. 191 likes, 17 comments, and 112 shares.

25

26

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

We’ve been through this together before.

We will get through this together again.

From the Florida Keys Board of Realtors®: A Message to the Community When Hurricane Irma struck Cudjoe Key on Sept. 10, 2017, it left a wake of destruction and debris throughout the Florida Keys and across the state. The impact has been devastating and, even more tragically, lives were lost because of the hurricane. But, in the aftermath, the resilience, determination and compassion of the people who live and work in the Keys have been evident across our communities. Neighbors are helping neighbors rebuild their homes, their businesses and their lives, with the help of fellow Floridians and many others.

As Realtors®, we have the privilege of knowing our Keys communities intimately – we know the people here and we know how much we all love this slice of paradise that we call home. We all need to take care of ourselves and our communities – to clean up, replace, repair and rebuild. It will take time and hard work, but we will recover.

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As rebuilding efforts continue, we know that, just like our communities, our housing market will recover. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, you may be getting unexpected offers to buy your home or land. Or maybe, it’s a handyman or contractor making a “sounds too good to be true” bid to provide you with roofing services or construction.

Before making any hasty decision – please – take time for thoughtful consideration and to find reputable local resources who can help you select respected professionals to repair your home or business.

And, when it comes to understanding local real estate conditions, you can turn to members of the Florida Keys Board of Realtors as the trusted source to help you make informed decisions about the value of your home and property. Your Florida Keys Realtors are here to guide you through the uncertainties of the current market – we live and work here, too.

Though battered by the impact of Hurricane Irma, as Keys’ residents, our spirits remain strong and hopeful. We are thankful to be working together to rebuild our communities and restore our lives.

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has made available one million dollars in EMERGENCY Capital funding to assist governmental entities and non-profit organizations who have incurred damage due to Hurricane Irma.

The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories: Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility This funding reimbursement is on a first come, first reimbursed basis. We urge you to call as soon as possible.

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

29

On Sept. 30, the sun shone and smiles were everywhere at the Keys Strong Dolphin party at Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key. More than 1,000 people turned out to watch and some were lucky enough to get down on the dock to greet the dolphins with back rubs and high-fives and even get into the water for a free Dolphin Encounter dolphin swim. The DRC had help from Centennial Bank, Wounded Warrior Project, Publix as well as entertainment provided by DJs Chance Ruder and Sarah Meng as well as the Stone Crabs Dolphin Research Center organized the party specifically to provide some stress relief. And, yes, they are open to the public now. CONTRIBUTED

BAT TOWER DOWN BUT CAN IT BE SAVED?

DOLPHIN LOVE

There is nothing like a quirky landmark to wheedle it’s way into our hearts. Who knew there could be affection for a Bat Tower — and one that was pretty useless to boot? Now laying as if taking its last breath on Sugarloaf, the “Perky Bat Tower” is no more and well, gosh darn it, we’re sad. In an act of resilience, the Bat Tower refused to blow away with Irma’s winds but lay itself down for one last goodbye, perhaps to us or perhaps to its unfulfilled destiny. Built in 1929 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, it was a heck of an idea by a man named Richter Clyde Perky who commissioned the tower for a hefty sum of $10,000. It was supposed to be the original mosquito control, build the tower to attract the bats to eat the mosquitos. But unfortunately this wasn’t a movie and building it didn’t make the bats come. In fact, they never came. For 88 years the Bat Tower stood perhaps as a lesson not all good ideas work or maybe, it’s hard to blow a good tower down. Can it be salvaged, can a superhero save it, who knows? Check in at the same Bat time on the same Bat Channel to see if this story perhaps has plot twist the end. HAYS BLINCKMANN/Keys Weekly

VISUAL HUMOR Marathon local Ben Daniels snapped this photo earlier in the week. He said, “I walked by this today and had to laugh. Though, when I got close enough to smell it, I wasn’t convinced.” BEN DANIELS/Contributed

THE SHIRT OFF THEIR RACK LOST & FOUND To get locals back on their feet, the staff from Lion’s Lair Lingerie and Swimwear Boutique, Center State Bank, and Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys have put together a pop-up thrift store for affected Keys residents. Mondays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., locals can stop by the Clothes for Conchs tent located on the adjoining lot between Lions Lair and Coastal Realty. The thrift store will be open to Monroe County residents until Oct. 14. After the storm, Lion’s Lair owner Kim Berger asked vendors for merchandise to donate to locals who lost clothes and garments. Berger also reached out to previous customers to see if they would consider buying $25 gift certificates to support affected Upper Keys locals. Men, women and children are permitted 5 new and free garments AND 5 new and free undergarments from the thrift store and boutique. Shoppers must show Monroe County identification. For more information or to donate clothing or cash, call 305-664-9922 or email Help@LionsLairDesigns. com. GABRIEL SANCHEZ/ Keys Weekly

They even make these anymore? A hotel Key lies amidst rubble a few doors down from where it started out at the Bonefish Resort on Grassy Key. KARUNA EBERL/Keys Weekly

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

Patch Opens Sunday, October 8th 9am until 6:30pm Until All Pumpkins & Gourds Are Gone!!

1401 Seminary, Street 305-296-9556 All large selection of Colorful Pumpkins and Gourds Also new: Orchids, Bromeliads, Palms, Fountains, Bushes, Flowering Shrubs EVERYTHING YOU NEED to reestablish your yard!

- We take special orders -

www.marchouse.org Follow us on Facebook!

Sheriff Rick Ramsay and the Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office would like to thank everyone who helped our agency before, during and after Hurricane Irma hit our county.

Members of our agency worked long, hard hours protecting our streets and neighborhoods. We could not have done it, however, without the support of our community and the support of the many people, businesses and government agencies from around the county, the state of Florida and from around the country.

Many members of our agency lost homes and possessions.

But due to the critical nature of our law enforcement mission, even those who lost everything had to keep working to keep the citizens of our county safe. The dedication of these Sheriff ’s Office members was truly impressive and we thank them for their service.

It is the nature of the Florida Keys and its people to help one another. This spirit came through loud and clear when it comes to recovery efforts after the storm. Many in the community came through for us and helped our employees with food, water, supplies, home repairs and words of support and encouragement.

Thanks to all of you who contributed and helped our agency and this community recover. We realize the recovery is not over. The hardest hit areas of the Keys were truly devastated and still remain so weeks after the storm.

It is in these difficult times, however, that we all come together to help each other. It is times like these when we are most proud of our agency and this community. This is when the values of the Sheriff ’s Office truly mean something:

• Honesty • Professionalism • Commitment to Community

www.keysso.net

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

MARATHON OPEN & CLOSED

CRANE POINT MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER With 64 acres of major cleanup, Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn says they’re about a third done. “We have all of the trails cleared as of now and are looking forward to the Fall Festival taking place on Oct. 29,” she said. This year, they are waiving the $5 fee and making the event free, but donations will still be accepted.

As long as everything goes as planned, the nature center will re-open to the public the following day, Oct. 30. “If we can open earlier, we will let the public know,” she said.

None of the buildings sustained major structural damage, but the gate house, which will eventually house the Marathon Wild Bird Center offices, flooded three feet.

“We are fortunate we didn’t have more damage than we did,” said Quinn.

She said, most importantly, that they are trying to save as many trees on the property as they can. “As you can imagine, with 64 acres of hardwood hammock, many trees are up, down, and re-budding again.”

Quinn just keeps repeating, “We will rebuild,” and “everything is going to be all right.” She is also pleased to announce that the train is still coming this month.

AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS “Everything in the tanks lived,” said Aquarium Encounter’s Ben Daughtry. He and some of the staff members rode the storm out on Stirrup Key to ensure the safety of the aquarium’s animals. “We were back as soon as the winds let us to make sure the generators were running and the oxygen levels were right.”

The staff at the aquarium are working hard to make repairs to the property that sustained structural and vegetation issues.

“It just looks like a construction zone; holes in the tiki roofs, washouts along the shore lines, pavers need to be fixed,” he said.

The projected re-opening date is Nov. 1, but that could change.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER Last Saturday, the Dolphin Research Center invited the community and first responders to its Keys Strong party, and opened its doors to the public the following day.

“The staff, dolphins, sea lions and birds all came through the storm,” said the center’s Mary Stella.

Dolphin Research Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and extended the “Afternoon Delight” offer, which will take 15 percent off an afternoon dolphin encounter swim.

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UPPER KEYS OPEN & CLOSED

MUSEUMS The History of Diving Museum is open, but the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center is closed. Plans are still in place for the lecture series beginning on Thursday, Oct. 26 with Haunted History featuring Robert the Doll. Doors open at 5 p.m.; presentation begins at 6 p.m. Reservations are suggested and can be made at info@keysdiscovery. com or call 305-922-2237.

PIGEON KEY “Pigeon Key took a pretty hard hit; we may lose two of our smaller buildings, one being from the Flagler era,” said Pigeon Key Director Kelly McKinnon. “But, every day we are in a much better direction than we were before.”

Although he said it’s too hard to speculate right now, the island is looking to be up and running in about a month.

As for damage, the Honeymoon Cottage was pushed off its foundation, said McKinnon, but somehow the dock’s tiki hut and the ring toss game on the tiki still stands.

“We are looking at every option,” he said. “Eventually Pigeon Key will look better than it did before the storm.”

There is a Go Fund Me set up for the restoration of historic buildings and damages from the storm by searching “Pigeon Key Hurricane Relief Fund.” So far, $3,500 of the $25,000 goal has been raised.

And, as planned, the Old 7 Mile Bridge project is still moving forward. Bridge repair trucks have been seen working on the structural issues of Old 7 this week.

MARATHON BEACHES With most of the beach on the other side of Sombrero Beach Road, remediation is moving along, but it will still be weeks before Sombrero will be able to open again to the public.

“We are working on it, but there is no date available at this time,” said Marathon Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Schmidt.

The sand moved (a lot), the bathroom’s water isn’t working, playgrounds are buried, and at the moment, they aren’t sure if the pavilions are structurally sound. “When that is all done we then have to make sure it’s safe for all the citizens,” he said.

As for beaches, Coco Plum Beach should be up and running sooner than later. There is a public cleanup being held on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. to rid the mangroves of trash and sweep the beach for discarded sea urchin shells. Coco Plum beach is tentatively set to re-open to the public by early next week.

MARINE LIFE AND WILDLIFE The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is open and suffered only minimal damage. The Wild Bird Sanctuary, located at MM 93.6 bayside, is open from dawn to dusk.

The Mission Wild Bird hospital and education center at MM 92 bayside is taking emergency calls on its 24-hour hotline and accepting injured birds. Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dolphins Plus Bayside MM 102 / Dolphins Plus Oceanside MM 99.5 are both open and taking reservations. Gift shops hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead at 1-866860-7946 for program scheduling and bookings, or visit www.Dolphinsplus.com.

Theater of the Sea – Starting Oct. 15, visitors will be able once again to swim with the Dolphins. However, shows are postponed until about mid-November. Staff are rebuilding the habitats, said Curator Beverley Osborne.

ARTS AND CULTURE The Morada Way Art and Cultural District is open. That includes the following galleries: Old Road Gallery, Blue Mangrove, BJ Royster, Pasta, Key Largo Art Gallery, Portside Gallery, Redbone Gallery, Elena Madden, Rain Barrel Artisan Village, and Roberto Russell Galleries.

LODGING Some Upper Keys resorts suffered damage and are closed while repairs are being made. The Islander suffered flooding on the property, which affected the majority of rooms. The resort is anticipating 6 to 12 months to rebuild.

The Postcard Inn is closed and expecting to reopen Jan. 1.

Amara Cay is closed and is expecting to reopen Nov. 1. La Siesta Resort & Marina is closed, expected to reopen Jan. 1.

BEACHES AND PARKS Anne’s Beach is closed and Harry Harris Park is open.

Founders Park will reopen on a limited basis — Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Only the aquatic center, fitness park, tennis courts, and basketball courts will be open those hours. Jacob’s Aquatic Center is closed.

Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina is open to local Islamorada fishing guide captains. The boat ramp will be accessible to local fishing guide captains from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. No ramp fees will be charged. Captains must be Islamorada residents and provide marina staff with United State Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential, Monroe County Occupational License, State of Florida FWC fishing license, and insurance policy declaration stating property and liability coverages with “Islamorada, Village of Islands” listed as an additional insured party on policy.

Paddle the Florida Keys is open. Kayak and paddleboard eco tours are available. For tour registration visit www.paddlethefloridakeys.com.

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KIDS & THE STORM

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

DE-STRESSING WITH DOGS Service animals comfort MHS students SARA MATTHIS

N

sara@keysweekly.com

Victoria, left, John, Ansley, and Gabriella show off their newsworthy Hurricane Irma stories. GABRIEL SANCHEZ/ Keys Weekly

WHAT THE CHILDREN SAY Montessori students share thoughts

Students of Treasure Village Montessori were tasked with writing down their thoughts and reactions before, during and after Hurricane Irma hit the Keys.

From Victoria’s journal: “We have been in our hotel in Tampa for three days. The reason we are in here is because of hurricane Irma. She is heading straight to the Florida Keys! We have been getting canned food and some bottles of water to prepare for the hurricane. I am a little afraid because I don’t want our house to become ruined. I am glad we took my cat Lila and some valuables so they wouldn’t get lost.

••• Today the hurricane is hitting the Keys. My friend Ryann is staying, so I hope she stays safe. Also my friend’s dad Lance stayed, I hope they both stay safe from Irma. My parents and I have been watching videos of the Keys and how flooded it is already. Hurricane Irma is hitting Tampa today as well, I wish that our building will stay up through the storm.

••• This is our last day here at our hotel. Last night was not that bad. The power only went out for five minutes and that’s it! We packed up everything and are ready to leave tomorrow morning. I am excited and a little nervous to see what the Keys are like after Irma.

••• It was a long, boring, seven hour car ride before we finally got to the Keys. We stopped at my friend’s house to make sure everyone was fine. She was alive and so were her parents. I am so happy that she is okay! We went to our complex to drop off our bags and see our home. Trees were fallen and blocked our way to the house. We had to park our car far away and drag the heavy bags all the way home. Once I got into the house I was relieved and happy to be back. We let my cat back on the porch and brought all the bags back.

The lower and middle Keys were torn up and ruined. Trees fell down and houses were destroyed. I’m so happy the Upper Keys didn’t get it as bad. My house doesn’t have power so I’m staying at my friend Iona’s house. I helped Iona’s mom with the yard and pool, I’m glad I could help her. After three days at her house, our house has power. I can finally go home. The road to my house was cleared up and we parked in our usual spot. The air conditioning was nice and everything was back to normal.

••• In conclusion, Hurricane Irma hit the Keys pretty hard, but you can’t sink a Conch. I’m glad all of my friends and family are okay. I am going to volunteer at a local animal shelter to see if they need any help with taking care of the animals. I’m glad the hurricane is gone!”

othing heals like the love of a good dog. And on Oct. 2, students at Marathon Middle and High Schools flocked to the library to share smooches. The effort was arranged by media specialist Kathy Lancaster.

“We bring them in every year for a literacy event — where kids read to the dogs — but I’ve been compiling a list of these dogs and their owners for a time like this,” she said.

Among those interacting with Marathon Fire Marshal Adam Geaneas’ two dogs — Flint and Spanner — was Isabella Gonzalez, 13. Like the majority of other Keys students, she evacuated for Hurricane Irma with her mom, Christina (who is also the dean of students at Stanley Switlik Elementary), her dad Juan and her brother Alaric, 9.

On the return, the family discovered that their home had indeed incurred damage. Felicity took it in stride — “I brought a lot of my stuff with me when I evacuated,” she confessed.

“I feel that the kids are resilient,” said Christina, referring to her own children and the students of the Keys.

“I think it was so important to get them back in school and bring back the sports as soon as possible.”

Isabella has already played a volleyball game. Her brother, Alaric, just started tennis at Marathon Community Park.

The staff at Keys schools are doing their best to unite kids with supplies and the constancy of normal life, with a couple of goodies too.

“Telemundo, the television station, brought boxes and boxes of toys — Barbies and race cars — and backpacks to Stanley Switlik for the children who have been displaced,” she said.

Schools are also working on needs assessments for kids who lost property and homes. School breakfast and lunch are free for every Keys student through Oct. 20. Principals are managing the overwhelming support they’ve received from around the state and country and the promises of even more donations.

“This community is so united,” Christina said.

Isabella, left, Karen and Felicity spend some time with Flint, pupper of Marathon Fire Marshal Adam Geaneas. Marathon High School’s Kathy Lancaster brought in 10 service dogs on Oct. 2 to help kids cope with hurricane stress. SARA MATTHIS/ Keys Weekly

KIDS & THE STORM

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

HELPING KIDS COPE WITH IRMA Validation helps children recover

CRISTINA MICHELE PINA www.keysweekly.com

T

he aftermath of a hurricane is usually worse than the hurricane itself, and it can last much longer than the actual storm.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve or cope after experiencing something traumatic. We can’t Google, “How long will it take for me to start feeling better after a hurricane?” There is no quick fix. But there is a solution.

The most important thing to feel after experiencing something traumatic is validation. You’re not going crazy. You just went through a hurricane. A natural disaster. You lost your home. You have no power or water, you are overwhelmed, short-tempered. Everything you are feeling is normal.

Unfortunately, children do not have our ability to rationalize and intellectualize things. Expect to see changes in behavior during times of stress, or if a child has been through something traumatic. They may become angry and aggressive. Don’t punish them; embrace them. An angry child is not very different from a child who is crying or throwing a temper tantrum – in the end, that child wants and needs to be embraced. A child’s brain is not fully developed in comparison to ours. Your child is not “acting out.” Your child’s frontal lobe just isn’t fully cooked.

They do not have the intellectual capacity or cognitive functioning, to make sense of what they are feeling, which in most cases is fear.

More the reason not to reprimand them, but to embrace them, and validate their emotions – to validate their experience, which is as real to them as it was and is for you, their parent or caregiver.

Another important factor to consider is that children spend so much time at school. There may be an increase of bullying in schools during this time. Even children who were never bullies may be showing signs of anger or frustration. I encourage schools to hold groups for all children, according to their ages — the more intimate the group setting the better — and have them share and talk about their experiences. I encourage the teachers or guidance counselors to remember that bullies are more sensitive than non-bullies. Ironic, but true. This is why they show their emotions more, even if those emotions involve anger or rage. This would be a great time to ask the bully, “What advice would you give to someone who just lost their home?” “What would you tell someone to do, if they found themselves in a situation where they had no power, or water?” You would be surprised as to what they would have to say. Allow them to share it with the group or an individual.

By doing so, you are allowing the child who is rejected and shunned by classmates and teachers to feel valued and appreciated. To become the shining star can make them feel as if they can make a difference, which will increase their self-esteem and, more important, give them a sense of unity.

For children in general, feeling that sense of validation and unity is imperative at this time. Adults should be able to empathize with the children in their community – community being the key word. The more united you are as a community, the easier your healing process will be.

— Cristina Michele Pina is a national certified counselor practicing in Miami.

She can be reached at 305-742-4236 or by email at CristinaM0307@gmail.com.

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City of Marathon City Council Agenda

Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, October 10, 2017 5:30 P.M. (* Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval Of Agenda) Public Comments taken on all items and at 6:30pm time certain for items not on the agenda or as soon as possible thereafter or after the last agenda item; whichever comes first.

City Council Items *A. Approval of Minutes B. FPL/FKAA Update (Councilmember Senmartin) Kurt Zuelch, FKAA C. Airport Update TJ Henderson, Assistant Dir. Of Airports (Mayor Zieg) D. Red Ribbon Proclamation (Mayor Zieg) E. Request for Second Day (2/18/18) Coral Head Music Festival (Councilmember Bartus) F. Affordable Housing/BPAS (Councilmember Bartus) G. Community Announcements City Manager Report A. 104th Street Property Discussion B. Monroe County Sheriff Office, Marathon Substation Report C. Building Department Update D. Long Term Recovery Committee Discussion Final Budget Public Hearing A. Resolution 2017-83, Adopting The Final Millage Rate And Levy Of Ad Valorem Taxes For The City Of Marathon, Florida For Fiscal Year 2017-18; And Providing For An Effective Date.

B.

Resolution 2017-84, Adopting The Final Budget For Fiscal Year 2017-18; Authorizing The Expenditure Of Funds Established By The Budget; And Providing For An Effective Date.

Resolutions for Adoption A. Resolution 2017-85, Approving A Contract Extension For Dewatering Operations And Maintenance Services To Synagro South, LLC. In An Amount Not To Exceed Of $456,000 Per Year; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement And Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing An Effective Date *B. Resolution 2017-86, Approving An Second Amendment To The Contract With Slazar Construction And Plumbing, Inc., For Sludge Removal Services in The Amount of $218,000.00; Extending The Term Of The Contract For One Year; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Amendment And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date .

The public hearings will commence at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as business permits, at the Monroe County Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion; or, written comments may be sent to the City of Marathon, c/o City Clerk, 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings & may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon at (305) 289-5020 at least two days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

THE SECOND DEBRIS PICKUP PASS IS ANTICIPATED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MONDAY, OCTOBER 9TH ON THE OCEANSIDE OF MARATHON WITH MULTIPLE CREWS ASSISTING. DEBRIS REMOVAL SHALL BE LIMITED TO DEBRIS RELATED TO HURRICANE IRMA. DEBRIS MATERIALS MUST BE SEPARATED AS FOLLOWS AT THE CURBSIDE (RIGHT OF WAY): • Vegetative Debris • Building Materials • White Material (appliances, etc.) White material items will have their own pickup.

If household garbage is mixed in with debris it will not be collected and removal will be the responsibility of the home owner. DO NOT leave debris near your candy cane, sewer vent, over water meters, or wastewater cleanouts. Also keep debris away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, other utilities and overhead powerlinesz as much as possible, while not blocking access to dumpsters. The City will notice again before the third (final) debris pass.

The City contractors and staff are putting forth their best efforts to recover as quickly as possible and make our City beautiful again while containing costs. If you should notice illegal dumping, please call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 305-289-2430 or 305-289-2351.

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

KEY WEST OPEN & CLOSED

THE OLDEST HOUSE: Open regular hours and scheduled Oct. 28 Parade Viewing Party (details and ticket sales also on web) is still available.

THE KEY WEST BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY: Open regular hours.

Free admission to all Monroe County residents on Monday, Oct. 9. Coupons available for all other days.

KEY WEST ART AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The Customs House Museum, The Light House Museum, East Martello Fort: Open with limited hours. Regular 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. hours will resume at all three museum sites starting Sunday, Oct. 8. Offering free admission to all Monroe County residents through the end of October.

THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST: Exhibitions are on hold until tentative opening on Oct. 19 for Fantasy Fest. Preseason guides to events, classes and concerts are now online for viewing and signup. Books and Books bookstore is now open.

THE ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME & MUSEUM: Open (7 days a week) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wedding business will resume with Oct. 7’s evening wedding. Book store open daily.

THE AUDUBON HOUSE: Open regular hours. Free admissions to locals, with a local ID, for the month of October. Local specials include 10 percent off gift shop, gallery purchases (not including antique Haveil’s or previously discounted items) and garden rentals

THE DRY TORTUGAS: Open. Yankee Special with $99 rate through Nov. 19.

THE KEY WEST AQUARIUM: Open regular hours. Now through Oct. 31, all locals (Monroe County residents) and first responders are free with proper ID. THE LITTLE WHITE HOUSE: Open regular hours, Now through Oct. 31 all locals (Monroe County residents) and first responders are free with proper ID. KEY WEST GOLF CLUB: Open: Offering $32 residents-only special.

CONCH TRAIN TOUR: Open regular hours. Now through Oct. 31 all locals (Monroe County residents) and first responders are free with proper ID.

KEY WEST THEATER: Open with concert Oct. 14: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Special membership 1/2 off October only.

WEST MARTELLO FORT. Closed until Oct. 20.

HIGGS BEACH: Open.

THE KEY WEST TROPICAL FOREST AND BOTANICAL GARDEN: Open to volunteers to help remove debris and clean up extensive damage.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $38,000 Funds aimed at immediate Irma relief

T

he Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) has provided $38,000 from the Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund for immediate relief to individuals throughout the Keys with urgent needs in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Four nonprofits received the first grants from the fund to assist individuals immediately with critical needs in housing, rent and other areas on Oct. 1, during a concert at St. Paul’s Church benefitting Sister Season: - Sister Season Fund, $5,000 to provide rent and other financial assistance to locals employed in tourism-related industries. Applications at sisterseason.com or call Julie Hanson at 305-304-9828 or Ginger King at 305-849-0991.

- Samuel’s House, on behalf of the Hurricane Disaster Community Relief Fund, $11,000 to help address housing needs in Key West and the Lower Keys. Call 305-296-0240 for more information.

- St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon, $11,000 to work with city officials and nonprofits to alleviate the Middle Keys housing issues.

Call 305-743-6412 for assistance.

- Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, $11,000 to address urgent and immediate housing and other emergencies in the Upper Keys. Call 305-916-5454 for assistance.

“Our tourist service employees are the backbone of the Key West economy,” said CFFK Chair Susanne Woods. “Sister Season is the nonprofit that gives people who work in the tourism industry the most immediate help. This is truly one of our vital nonprofits.”

Applications for construction industry workers and artists and other resources for people in need can be found at cffk.org.

Additional grants from the Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund at CFFK will be distributed to Keys-wide nonprofit organizations through an application process.

Applications for funding from the relief fund and from other agencies are available at cffk.org. Keys nonprofits and businesses have been invited to complete a short community assessment to help determine where help is most needed.

Donations to the Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund can be made at cffk.org or by calling 305292-1502. The Community Foundation is distributing 100 percent of funds raised through nonprofit and faith-based partners throughout the Keys to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

—Contributed

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

PROCEEDS BENEFIT MARATHON STORM RELIEF

BACK FROM THE DARK SIDE PARTY $3 BACARDI DRINKS | $5 MARGARITAS | $2 WHITE TEA SHOTS $5 ROSEMARY LAVENDER EG VODKA MULES | $2 CHEF’S SIGNATURE SLIDERS GLOW STICKS & BODY PAINT | DANCING FEATURING DJ GYVER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, STARTING AT 8PM

MM 48, 1996 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON 305-434-9039

Your Local Waste Management Team Stands With The Communities We Serve Rising Together — Florida Keys Strong (305)

296-8297

36

AFTER IRMA

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

FLORIDA KEYS STRONG

Together we stand Key West offices open 9/29/17 Marathon offices open 10/6/17

GABRIEL SANCHEZ

gabriel@keysweekly.com

FIXING THE ‘BLACK LAGOON’ 5 tips to save the pool

D

id Hurricane Irma drop a huge cannonball in your pool? Fear not: Eduardo Acosta of Marathon-based EcoPools gave the Weekly a few tips to help get locals back to their natural environment – poolside with a piña colada.

TIP 1: Turn off all electrical components and circuit breakers to pool equipment to prevent accidents.

TIP 2: If there is no way to drain the pool, put chlorine in to prevent further contamination and algae growth.

Most Major Insurance Companies Accepted

TIP 3: If draining is possible, remove all debris out of pool and wash inside thoroughly with pressure washer. Be aware that pools made with fiberglass may damage under pressurized water streams. Concrete pools have no issue. More than anything, clean thoroughly.

TIP 4: Before returning pool to working order, make sure to check pumping equipment and working components for damages or electrical shorts.

TIP 5: Treat standing water with insecticide products, like mosquito dunks, to prevent waterbug and mosquitos breeding. Limit contamination, or if need be, call the professionals.

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

Monroe County Promotes awareness of Public Assistance Availability through FEMA and State of Florida FEMA and the State of Florida are accepting applications for disaster assistance under the Federal Public Assistance (PA) program for damages that occurred as a result of Hurricane Irma. FEMA provides federal aid under the Public Assistance (PA) program to applicants that meet the program criteria. Eligible applicants are defined as State and Territorial Governments, Indian Tribal Governments, Local Municipalities, and certain eligible private not for profit organizations. In order to be considered for assistance, eligible applicants must submit a “Request for Public Assistance� to the State of Florida prior to October 10, 2017.

Entities that believe they may be an eligible applicant under this program should contact: JT Maddox Florida Division of Emergency Management OPS Public Information Specialist (850) 693-3590 jeromy.maddox@em.myflorida.com

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017 Look for the Mermaid at MM 82 Bayside!

10.24 TOAD THE WET SPROCKET

10.30 SAMANTHA FISH

You’re here….so are we!

Open for business and looking forward to seeing you.

- The Lorelei staff Breakfast Menu 7 am – 10:45 am 7 Days a Week Lunch & Dinner 11 am – 10 pm 305-664-2692 • www.loreleicabanabar.com

11.08 OTTMAR LIEBERT

% 0 2

t irs s f r r fo nde F o OF esp r

11.13+14 CITIZEN COPE

8919 Overseas Hwy in the southwind plaza

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WILDLIFE

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

THE POOR BUNNIES!

Refuge assesses population after storm

It wasn’t all that easy even before the storm. Though the rabbits were once common throughout the Lower Keys, decades of habitat loss from real estate development plus high mortality from cats and cars helped land them on the endangered species list in 1990. And, unfortunately, the hefneri don’t … well … breed like rabbits. According to a 2008 study, they produce only three or four litters a year, each with one to three kits, which is 50 percent to 75 percent fewer offspring than rabbit species produce on the mainland.

Watts and her colleagues are assessing rabbit populations, but it will take time to understand the situation fully.

In the meantime, it is temporarily legal to put out fresh water for the bunnies, Key deer and other wildlife. Try to keep the source low to the ground, and shallow, so they can hop up and over, and still get back out. Watts also urges everyone to drive slowly on the side roads (important for the Key deer, too), and keep cats indoors. If you see a rabbit, please report it to the refuge at keydeer@fws. gov or 305-872-2239 ext. 227.

Of course, Watts and her colleagues are also busy assessing the Key deer population, for which they will release a population estimate within the next few weeks.

KARUNA EBERL

I

keberl@allaboutfloridakeys.com

t’s been a rough few weeks for bunnies. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, biologists are worried about how many of the Lower Keys marsh rabbits might have gone the way of their namesake, the late Hugh Hefner, because of the storm surge, a lack of fresh water and freshly altered habitat.

After Hurricane Wilma, scientists estimated 70 percent of the population died, and Irma is a whole different story, possibly for the worse, said Kate Watts, biologist for the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

“We’ve only seen a couple of rabbits,” she says. “We are concerned (how many) even made it through the storm, as well as if they have what they need to carry on.”

The endangered, endemic and adorable little fur-balls, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri, were named in honor of the Playboy icon, who donated to their study and conservation efforts. Their habitat spans from Big Pine to Boca Chica, and while they are comfortable in both fresh- and salt-water marshes, the salty inundation across their habitats likely killed many of the plants they eat and lessened their water options.

“Rabbits are really important,” said Watts. “They need fresh water to survive, and that’s where we run into problems.”

Irma’s storm surge, a lack of fresh water and freshly altered habitat spell danger for the Lower Keys marsh rabbits. CHAD ANDERSON/Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit Guide

RESCUED MANATEE RETURNS TO SEA

Rebellion, a 2- to 3-year-old manatee, is released back into the waters of Key Largo by the Dolphin Research Center and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. RACHAEL KIMBROUGH/Dolphin Research Center.

Animal recovers from boat strike

R

ebellion the manatee is back out in the water on his own, after treatment and release by the Dolphin Research Center.

The 2- to 3-year-old male manatee was returned to the waters of Key Largo on Sept. 28, about five months after being hit by a boat.

Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued the

animal in mid-April after he suffered a broken rib and other internal injuries from the boat strike. After rescue, he was transported to Miami Seaquarium for treatment.

Now weighing 440 pounds and measuring seven and a half feet in length, Rebellion is old enough to forage and survive independently, the research center said. At the release point at Calusa Campground, mm 101.5 Bayside, Key Largo, caregivers carefully carried him down a boat ramp into the water so he could swim away.

Rebellion had other ideas at first. After briefly interacting with other manatees in the area, he returned to the boat ramp where people were observing him and lingered there for several minutes. Eventually, he swam over to mangroves and began to eat. Shortly after, he continued his progress away from shore.

—Contributed

39

40

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

KEY WEST KIA A Wellings Automotive Company 2826 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, FL (305) 295-8646 www.KeyWestKia.com

WELLINGS AUTOMOTIVE 9200 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL (305) 509-7499 www.KeyWestKia.com

Call us and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE 2016 Chevy Impala Fully loaded full power $14,990.

2013 Nissan Juke SI Fully loaded only 35000 miles $14,990.

2011 Toyota Avalon limited 38000 miles $15,490.

2014 KIA Cadenza Beauty!!! $16,490.

2017 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 12000 miles fully equipped $27,990.

2016 Jeep Renegade Limited Fully loaded low miles $17,590.

2016 Toyota Tacoma 4dr pickup 34000 miles $23,890.

2014 Chevy 1500 Silverado 1500LT 29000 miles $27,990.

2017 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 SLT Fully loaded pickup 18000 miles $34,990.

All with low miles and ready for quick delivery!

Tax, tag and DOC fee not included in sale price.

KEY WEST KIA A Wellings Automotive Company 2826 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, FL (305) 295-8646 www.KeyWestKia.com

WELLINGS AUTOMOTIVE 9200 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL (305) 509-7499 www.KeyWestKia.com

Call us and

SAVE SAVE SAVE

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL NOTICES

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

record owners of the unit week(s) as showing, all located in Monroe County, Florida comprised of Unit Weeks as more particularly defined in and governed by that certain:

– Marathon Only if you have a proven record as a positive, extremely reliable, self-starter capable of interacting with and supporting a wide range of individuals and diverse job requirements. Strong computer knowledge and competency required. Full Time Position.

Please email resume to keyshumanresources61@gmail. com Triton SeafoodMarathon,Immediate Openings:Servers, Line Cook, Dishwasher (786) 970-2610

DRIVERS, RIDERS & LABORERS NEEDED, Southe r n mos t Furniture – Stop in at 905 U.S. 1, Big Coppitt, MM 10.5 from 9:30 – 5:30 No Phone Calls Please Do You Enjoy Working Outdoors? Are You Self-Motivated? Must have vehicle. Pays Well, will Train. Call 305-304-7995

CLEAN-UP HELP Dwayne HardgeMarathon, (305) 7120392 MARATHON. Maintenance, Lawn Work, Drywall removal ease.

Jose NunezM A R A T H O N , maintenance, has pressure washer and transportation (305) 930-9775 HOUSING AVAILABLE

Blackfin Resort in Marathon is offering FEMA financed temp housing. Call for details (305) 747-8094

HOUSING NEEDED Temporary Housing needed for couple will pay. MarathonGrassy Key Area.

FEMA registered.

Monica Schneider (305) 900-9681

LAND FOR SALE

Declaration of Condominium for Florida Bay Club of Key Largo, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq. Public Records, Monroe County, Florida.

You are hereby given Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose on behalf of THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. a Florida not-for-profit corporation. You may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the Association’s lien on your unit week(s) as showing below in cash or certified funds to Timeshare Trustee at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale.

Unit/ Week Owner Name Co-Owner Name Address Year of Default Amount Due Per Diem B06-29 Dianna Bush 405 S Third St., Pacific, MO 63069 2016 $3,082.09 $1.52 A03-35 Robert A. Craig Mary Craig 4410 SW 39th St., Hollywood, FL 33023 2016 $4,861.78 $2.40 A10-49 Jasmin T. Espy Melody A. Espy 2400 Spring Rain Dr., Apt 813, Spring, TX 77379 2016 $2,179.96 $1.08 B04-06 Oskar Finnsson 30 B 08850 Ganamar, Barcelona, Spain 2016 $3,140.43 $1.55

Secluded High and Dry 15 Acres. Perfect for horse ranch or investment. Pasco County Fl. $250,000. Call Hank (727) 271-7543

A10-43 Oskar Finnsson 30 B 08850 Ganamar, Barcelona, Spain 2016 $2,787.27 $1.37

TRAILER FOR SALE

A08-06 Kenneth Fusco Patricia McCourt 28 Glenwood Rd., Harrison, NY 10528 2016 $2,197.96 $1.08

Just $2,000. affordable Keys Living. Galway Bay +55 Community.

RV on Lot K-Canal.

40' dock with very large attached Florida Room. RV needs to be rebuilt. Annual rent paid in advance is $13,400.00 to Galway Park.

Rebuild and future resell for profit.

(305) 606-2964.

LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose To: All persons listed below, their guardians, heirs and assigns,

B06-39 Stephanie M. Godwin Michael K. Godwin 102 Larkspur Lane, Martinsburg, WV 25403 2016 $2,179.96 $1.08 B02-14 Thomas I. Johnson 1013 Centre Rd., Wilmington, DE 19805 2016 $2,179.96

LEGAL NOTICES $1.08 A01-12 Gerald D. Kuryk Glenda L. Kuryk 16-87 Donker Dr., St. Thomas, ON N5P4L2, CA 2016 $3,004.71 $1.48 A10-23 Larry W. McNeal Mary H. McNeal L 528 Washington St., Tamaqua, PA 18252 2016 $5,911.85 $2.92 B01-35 Pedro A. Baquet Esther Pina 18461 SW 83rd Ave., Miami, FL 33157 2016 $4,757.39 $2.35 A01-47 Frank Ponziano Yvonne Ponziano 12021 W. 95th Pl, Saint John, IN 46373 2016 $4,861.78 $2.40 B01-01 Lawrence C. Rice Carolyn E. Rice 17343 SW 19th St., Hollywood, FL 33029 2016 $4,861.78 $2.40 B05-19 Augusto J. Rodriguez Juana R. Rodriguez 11057 SW 25th St., Miami, FL 33165 2016 $4,861.78 $2.40 B06-36 Charles Turino Ana Turino 3240 29th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120 2016 $2,179.96 $1.08 A08-17 Johnny Valdes Lourdes Valdes 10450 SW 26th St., Miami, FL 33165 2016 $3,045.56 $1.50 A01-32 Lawrence W. Winebrenner Joyce E. Winebrenner 5431 NW 167 St., Opa Locka, FL 33055 2016 $4,385.44 $2.16 A01-41 Michael A. Wood Theresa A. Wood 1815 NW 102 Place, Gainesville, FL 32609 2016 $3,973.63 $1.96 If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in section 721.855, Florida Statutes.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AS A MATTER OF LAW TO SEND TO THE TRUSTEE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT YOU OBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE. UPON THE TRUSTEE’S RECEIPT OF

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

YOUR OBJECTION, THE FORECLOSURE OF THE LIEN WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE ONLY. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest by the TRUSTEE are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

TO: ANDREW BURTSCHIN JAMES A. DOUGLAS, JR. ROBERT DAVID DOBSON, JR.

and HELEN L. GREENE, KEVIN HADDEN and LISA HADDEN, Husband and Wife, RICHARD P. VAUGHAN, JR., as Personal Representative of the Estate of RICHARD VAUGHAN, LISA SCHAFER, SEANN R. BROWN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of TERRY D. BROWN and SEANN R. BROWN, jointly and severely, SEANN R. BROWN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of TERRY BROWN, ANDREW BURTSCHIN, TERRY KRAIG BURTSCHIN, JAMES A. DOUGLAS, JR., RUSSO CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC., f/k/a RICTOLA ENTERPRISES, INC., and BALLESTAS, ACHILLES, CATHY DOWNEY, as Personal Representative of the Estate of HARVEY PERRY and JUANITA PERRY, DENNIS A. FELIPE, WALTER DARBIN, JR., and PAUL T. ROBIDEAU,

STAACK & SIMMS, P.A., d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE 900 DREW STREET SUITE 1 CLEARWATER, FL 33755 PHONE: (727) 441-2635 FAX: (727) 461-4836 Website:staacklaw.com Published: September 28 and October 5, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No: 2017 CC 0081 P ANCHORAGE RESORT & YACHT CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION,INC., PLAINTIFF, vs.

ROBERT DAVID DOBSON, JR., LAWRENCE GREENE, as Personal Representative of the Estate of WILLARD M. GREENE and HELEN L. GREENE, KEVIN HADDEN and LISA HADDEN, Husband and Wife, RICHARD P. VAUGHAN,JR., as Personal Representative of the Estate of RICHARD VAUGHAN, LISA SCHAFER, SEANN R. BROWN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of TERRY D. BROWN and SEANN R. BROWN, jointly and severely, SEANN R. BROWN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of TERRY BROWN, ANDREW BURTSCHIN, TERRY KRAIG BURTSCHIN, JAMES A. DOUGLAS, JR., RUSSO CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC., f/k/a RICTOLA ENTERPRISES, INC., and BALLESTAS, ACHILLES, CATHY DOWNEY, as Personal Representative of the Estate of HARVEY PERRY and JUANITA PERRY, DENNIS A. FELIPE, WALTER DARBIN, JR., and PAUL T. ROBIDEAU, DEFENDANTS. NOTICE OF ACTION

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a lien on the following property in Monroe County, Florida: Unit Week 35 in Condominium Unit Number 503 of Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club Condominium Association, Inc., a Resort Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 860, Page 1546 1567, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.Unit Week 16 in Condominium Unit Number 506 of Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club Condominium Association, Inc., a Resort Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 860, Page 1546-1567, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

Unit Week 52 in Condominium Unit Number 205 of Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club Condominium Association, Inc., a Resort Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 860, Page 1546-1567, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Tom Woods, Esquire, the Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036, on or before NOVEMBER 6, 2017 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on the Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a Default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or Petition.

Dated: October 2, 2017 KEVIN MADOK, CPA As Clerk of the Court By: Robin E. Readmond Deputy Clerk Publish: October 5 and October 13, 2017 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No: 2017 CC 0081 P ANCHORAGE RESORT & YACHT CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., PLAINTIFF, vs.

ROBERT DAVID DOBSON, JR., LAWRENCE GREENE, as Personal Representative of the Estate of WILLARD M. GREENE

DEFENDANTS. NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Default Judgment of Foreclosure entered on 29 September 2017 in Case No. 2017 CC 0081 PK of the County Court in and for Monroe County, Florida, in which Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club, Inc., is the Plaintiff and TERRY KRAIG BURTSCHIN, PAUL T. ROBIDEAU, RICHARD P. VAUGHAN, JR., as Personal Representative of the Estate of RICHARD VAUGHAN, RUSSO CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC., f/k/a RICTOLA ENTERPRISES, and BALLESTAS, ACHILLES, SEANN R. BROWN, as Personal Representative of the Estate of TERRY D. BROWN, CATHY DOWNEY as Personal Representative of the Estate of HARVEY PERRY and JUANITA PERRY, LAWRENCE GREENE, as Personal Representative of the Estate of WILLARD GREENE and HELEN GREENE, and WALTER DARBIN, JR., are the Defendants, I, KEVIN MADOK, will sell at public sale the following described real property: Unit Week 35 in Unit Number 401, Unit Week 24 in Unit Number 506 , Unit Week 21in Unit Number 406, Unit Week 28 in Unit Number 304 , Unit Week 45 in Unit Number 301, Unit Week 20 in Unit Number 102 , Unit Week 33 in Unit Number 206, Unit Week 34 in Unit Number 206, Unit Week 41 in Unit Number 403, Unit Week 44 in Unit Number 305 of ANCHORAGE RESORT & YACHT CLUB, A CONDOMINIUM, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official

41

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Records Book 860, Pages 1546-1567, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all amendments thereto.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 17-CP-181-K Lower Keys

decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

THE SALE WILL BE HELD ON 3 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 11:00 A.M. to the highest and best bidder for cash on the front steps of the courthouse in Monroe County, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes.

IN RE: ESTATE OF HENRY ALLEN FERNSTROM, Deceased.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

DATED ON OCTOBER 2, 2017 KEVIN MADOK, CPA CLERK OF THE COURT By: Robin E. Readmond As Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Tom Woods, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone: 305.664.2200 / Fax: 2205 Primary Email: tom@ tomwoodslaw.com Secondary Email: eserve@ tomwoodslaw.com ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF Publish: October 5 and October 13, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers

AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Henry Allen Fernstrom, deceased, whose date of death was July 25, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: October 5, 2017.

Marathon Shores

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Responsible for opening accounts, teller transactions, balancing cash and handling foreign currency. Must enjoy working with people and have strong customer service skills. One year cash handling experience preferred.

for the following positions:

Please visit our career center at www.iberiabank.com

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

EEO/M/F/D/V

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Diesel Mechanics

Personal Representative: Anne-Margaret Sardinia 197 S. Lake Street Hamburg, New York 14075 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway Marathon, FLORIDA 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: October 5 and October 13, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers

JOB OPENINGS MAINTENANCE ENGINEER SECURITY GUARD ROOM ATTENDANTS BANQUET CHEF AYS AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V Scan for Job

FULL-TIME TELLER

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician Upper & Middle Keys.

Great Pay • Paid Holidays • Sick Pay • Medical Insurance • Paid Vacation

Sales Consultant • Service Consultant • Finance & Insurance Parts Consultant • Receptionist/Cashier • Billing/Accounting Clerk Automotive Technician • Office Manager Apply online at: careers.warrenhenryauto.com We offer health, dental, vision, life, disability & 401K contribution!

Put your career in gear!

EOE/ADA 1618 N. Roosevelt Blvd • Key West, FL 33040 • 305-294-5126

Appliance Service Technician Competitive wages & benefits 100% medical • Matching 401K Vacation • Paid Holidays

Drug Free

Apply in person 171 Hood Ave • MM 91.5 • Tavernier p 305-852-2960 • f 305-852-0656

Apply at:

2735 Overseas Highway Marathon 305-289-1748

Rewarding stable jobs with excellent benefits!!!

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc, a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IN MARATHON

• Direct Care Worker/BHT • Behavioral Health Tech (PT/FT) • Peer Support Specialist (PT) • CSU/Detox Program Coordinator • Driver (CDL required) • Fiscal Assistant • Registered Nurse (PT/FT)

IN KEY WEST

Keys Auto Center is now part of the Warren Henry Auto Group “Automotive News’ Best Dealership to Work For” for four years in a row!

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Air Conditioning Service Technician / Installer

• Clinical Director • Research Assistant • Driver (CDL required) • Psychiatrist (PT, Contract) • Child Behavior Therapist • Client Advocate • Front Office Specialist • Substance Abuse Counselor Visit http://careers.westcare.com to apply.

HERON HOUSE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

• House Monitor (Night) Free private room & stipend in exchange For 10pm-8am coverage. 5 days on/5 off.

Contact 305-743-4129 for details. www.guidancecarecenter.org EEOC/DFWP, Bilingual a plus; Drug & background screening required.

$1000

42

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS • 305.743.0844 Full-time Drivers and Helpers Needed For Leading Ground Delivery Company

(Key West)

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

ERGI, Inc. is adding full-time drivers and helpers to provide transportation services to FedEx Ground. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with an industry leader.

Is seeking a full-time Educational Program Guide/Gift Shop Sales.

Public speaking & retail sales experience and marine turtle knowledge helpful. Send resume to: turtlehosp@aol.com

Qualifications: - 21 years or older

- Motor Vehicle Record* Screening - Drug screen, background checks, physical required

2008 Glendale Titanium 40' 5th Wheel THEME: STATE CAPITALS ACROSS 1. Hindu sage or a tea brand 6. Plant production 9. Big first for a baby 13. *#2 Down native 14. Mutt 15. Doggy 16. Newbery Medal, e.g.

17. Back then 18. Alternative spelling of although 19. *The Great Lake State capital 21. *Capital named after 4th president 23. Color quality 24. Type of soda pop 25. British news broadcaster 28. MaÓtre d’s list 30. Occupied oneself 35. Pearl Harbor island 37. Popular movie candy 39. Little one 40. Bodily disorders 41. *No witches in this state’s capital 43. Capital on the Dnieper 44. Dipping tobacco brand 46. Love-____ relationship 47. Main Web page 48. Attractive to look at 50. Your majesty 52. Sea to a Spaniard 53. Duds 55. Filling station filler 57. *Capital named for Sir Walter 61. *State with the smallest capital by population 65. 007, e.g.

66. Keats’ poem 68. Metric unit of capacity 69. Set in motion 70. Break a commandment 71. Ann B. Davis on “The Brady Bunch” 72. Sound warning 73. “Ideas worth spreading” online talk 74. Bothersome

DOWN 1. Unit of money in Iran 2. *Des Moines state 3. Ugly Duckling, eventually 4. Like Siberian winters 5. In on periodic table 6. Slang for heroin 7. Leo mo.

8. Movie trailer, e.g.

9. More than one solo 10. Tater pieces 11. Audio bounce-back 12. Sound unit 15. Exotic furniture wood 20. Must-haves 22. Priestly garb 24. Oldsmobile model 25. *The Gem State capital 26. Uncooperative, like a mule 27. Actress Sevigny 29. Biblical captain 31. Punjabi believer 32. “Kick the bucket,” e.g.

33. a.k.a. dropsy 34. *Founded by William Penn 36. Sky defender 38. Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, acr.

42. Get together, like AOL and Time Warner 45. Lute player 49. Yule treat 51. Same as earflap 54. White-sheeted apparition 56. Upside down frown 57. Poison ivy symptom 58. Type of sax 59. Pinocchio, e.g.

60. Garner wages 61. Offer ware 62. Elevator inventor 63. Adam’s apple spot 64. 3-point shot 67. *Motto heard in Concord: “Live Free or ____”

- Customer Service Skills

- No equipment necessary

- One year commercial driving experience strongly preferred - CDL is not required

3 Slides, 2 AC Units,

* May include DOT roadside inspection history

hitch accessories included.

$17,500.

Call after 5 for viewing (772) 359-1389 (Homestead).

NEED EMPLOYEES? HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your classified ad here for only $55/week in 30,000 copies from Key Largo to Key West. Call (305) 743-0844 Today!

Forward all inquiries to: ERGI, Inc. Fax: 305-743-5152 Email: goosekw@me.com

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

for the following positions:

Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Diesel Mechanics Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Maintenance Grounds Keeper Immediate Opening Call for Interview and Details (305) 743-0173

Sea Isle Condos Key Colony Beach

The Hyatt Place

at the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon Is Hiring

Engineer • Banquet Servers Bartenders • Room Attendants Front Desk Host Excellent benefit package Apply on line at

Spottswood.com/careers

EOE m/f/d/v

43

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

• Carpet/Tile/Laminate/Wood/Vinyl • Tens of thousands of feet of flooring ready for immediate installation • Area’s largest stocking flooring superstore • Now featuring vanities!

• Kitchen cabinet designs available UNBELIEVABLE DEALS YOU WONT FIND ANYWHERE ELSE!

MM 102

101961 Overseas Highway • Key largo 305-451-0585 • JustADollarFloor.com Open Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm

99¢ Why Pay More?

44

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

1716 N Roosevelt Blvd • bascomgrooms.com • 305-295-7511

We are open and proudly supporting our neighbors throughout the Florida Keys.

From all of us at Bascom Grooms Real Estate, we stand and rebuild with you.

#FloridaKeysStrong

#FLORIDA KEYS STRONG! We can handle storm related issues: contracts, insurance claims/disputes, construction matters, employment issues, maritime, claims against the government and family law.

Proudly serving our clients & the Keys since 1971.

608 Whitehead Street • Key West, Florida 33040 (305) 294-4585 • www.hwhkeywest.com

NEW CLASSES BEGIN OCTOBER 25 TO LEARN MORE VISIT FKCC.EDU 305.296.9081

45

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

Now Open!

Lynn's Hash House (At My New Joint Upstairs from Square Grouper)

Breakfast & Lunch 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Happy Hour 4:20 - 6:30 My New Joint Open 4:20 - Midnight

Lynn's Hash House by Day, My New Joint by Night!

Local’s Appreciation October OCT 1 – 31 40% off Food 30% off Beverage

MM 22.5 Oceanside Cudjoe Key 305-745-8880

WITH LOCAL ID

Open 7am – 930pm every day 1405 Duval Street, Key West // 305.295.6550

southernmostbeachcafe.com

#Florida Keys Strong

We Stand Keys Strong!

Mon to Fri 6am to 5pm Sat & Sun 6am to 4pm

2302 Roosevelt Blvd 305.296.2878 Delivery Available Kimskubankeywest.com

MARATHON • MM 47.3 (725 11th Street, Ocean) 305-289-0839 www.lazydayssouth.com

WE ARE OPEN! Enjoy Relaxing Oceanfront Dining While Feasting On Exquisite Seafood Dishes Prepared By Prepared by Our Culinary Team

Amazing Sunset Views

The character and resilience of Florida Keys’ business community is symbolic of a county that is not only rebuilding—but ready to flourish. As our locals return home, here is a list of some of your favorite spots that are open for business and getting back to work with you and the community we love.

So be sure to support one another, dine out a few extra times this week —and leave a few extra dollars of love on the tables. Because together, we are FLORIDA KEYS

We are here to help in this time of need.

Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service • Installation

Family Owned and Operated

Serving Key West and the Florida Keys for all your appliance needs.

Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30, Sat & Sun by appointment 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 2, Key West, Fl 33040 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

We Are Back!

Serving Lunch & Dinner 11 a.m - 10 p.m.

Happy Hour 3-6 Breakfast Coming Soon

Lunch Begins at 11 am Dinner Begins at 4 pm Happy Hour ~ 4-6 Daily (Bar Only)

7 Knights Key Boulevard • MM 47 • 305-296-7235 (At the Foot of the 7 Mile Bridge, Ocean)

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

The Coastal Home Experts

Architecture • Construction • Landscapes Interior Design • Furniture

Rebuilding the Keys

We are open

Monday - Saturday 8a-4p (hours may vary)

SALE EVENT!

Special promotions & discounts for everything you may need for your home—Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets, Counter Tops, Flooring, Furniture, and Window Treatments.

Ask our team for full details!

Drywall, Dock and Deck Lumber, Tapcons, Bolts, Simpson Connectors Products, Peel and Seal. Doors and much more, come visit us.

FURNITURE UP TO 45% OFF

We have been through this with you before and are here for you now.

15% OFF COUNTERTOPS

Our phones and internet are at 70% at best. If you call, keep trying. We are taking credit cards (when our lines are working).

Delivery now available in most areas. Hours subject to change.

35% OFF OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Locally owned and operated and serving our community since 1977.

CABINETS UP TO 50% OFF All Materbrand Cabinets—Omega, Dynasty, Woodmode, & Pinnacle. Variety of styles and finishes in store.

CRLaine, Stanley Furniture, Universal Furniture + more!

All One Quartz products by Daltile.

by Lloyd Flanders.

TRAVERTINE TILE

Container pricing on first grade, select quality, chiseled & brushed, 18”x18” travertine tile - $3.95/ft. Installation available.

+

Visit our retail showroom for additional markdowns!

11401 1st Ave. Gulf | 305.743-3688

behind Town Square Mall • www.marathonlumber.com

11500 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 | MM 53 305-743-7130 | DAsignSource.com

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 2017

Know how it feels to know more.

At BB&T, we’ve spent more than 140 years sharing our knowledge. Offering the sound advice and personal attention to help you manage your day-to-day finances and reach your long-term financial goals. When you’re better informed, you move in a brighter financial direction.

Talk to us about where your money can take you, and experience the BB&T difference today. BBT.com

Marathon Financial Center Lupe Marzoa 305-743-4105 6090 Overseas Hwy. Marathon FL 33050

Key West Financial Center Brian Barroso 305-292-3800 1010 Kennedy Drive Key West FL 33040

LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

WE WILL RISE TOGETHER LOCALLY OWNED AND KEY WEST STRONG

VOTED

“BEST CONTRACTOR” by the people of Key West 4 YEARS IN A ROW!

MIKE GARCIA

305-304-4188 B A N K I N G

.

I N S U R A N C E

.

I N V E S T M E N T S

Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. © 2016, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 5, 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