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COMMUNITY NEWS

Free backhoe rides on Halloween!

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¢

IRMA CAN’T STOP HALLOWEEN! Iberia Bank is collecting bags of candy to distribute in the neighborhood behind the airport in Marathon. Drop off donations at either branch. The town is rallying to make Halloween fun and “normal”! See story, page 16.

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

LOCAL CHATTER

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017 HAYS BLINCKMANN

3

M – Sun 11 AM – 2AM

hays@keysweekly.com

BOO! Sorry, but it is almost always funny to scare someone, especially around Halloween. Popping out from behind doors, putting eyeballs in the ice cream, even the go-to fake-blood-lost-a-finger-bit never ceases to crack people up. Or have you been the unwilling recipient? Did a friend send you a scary clown delivering donuts (check out Hurts donuts video, hilarious) or slip a spider in your coffee? Or worst —has anything ever just happened? No explanation but scared the bejeezus out of you?

What scares you/ others on Halloween?

“I like to sing the Friday the 13th theme song behind all four of my children,” said Brooke Christian of Key West, “all the time. Been doing it their whole lives.”

“I was scared to death when I was about 4 while trick or treating” said Tom Greenwood of Key West. “I saw a girl struggling to get into her black leotard, it was dark, and she was kicking her legs. I swear, I thought it was a monster.”

Tower of Pizza’s Michelle Leon said, “It was Halloween Horror Night. I go every year. The last time I went, I walked into an alley where they had “It” locked in a cage suspended above me. I was looking up at it, when I hear breathing over my shoulder. When I turned around, a creepy little girl was there. I screamed and ran away. I ran about 50 yards turning around to make sure she didn’t follow. When I finally didn’t see her, I turned to leave and she was right there in front of me.” Yikes.

“Me and my friend went back to Port Bougainville in the middle of the night around 3 in the morning. We were on top of the main building and thought we heard something beneath us, so we went downstairs to check it out. We found two guys just standing there in the pitch black room. I don’t think I’ve ever run faster in my life,” said Oliver Jacobsen of Key Largo. “We booked it out of there to the car and I swear … they were following us.”

Another Universal Studios Halloween Horror Night story: Ariel Coll of Marathon was walking around the Jurassic Park area of the wonderland, minding his own business, when he saw what he thought was a dinosaur statue partially hidden in the bushes. “Then this velociraptor jumped out at us. It freaked us all out!”

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4

MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

RECOVERY CENTER The Disaster Recovery Center in Marathon is now fully operational at its new site: 6805 Overseas Highway.

As is the case with the three other Disaster Recovery Centers in Monroe County, the Marathon facility is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is the former location of Caribbean Glass next to the dry cleaners on Overseas Highway.

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

FINAL SWEEP

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Sales & Marketing

Jason Koler jason@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

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Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

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Se habla español

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

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

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

POSTMASTER:

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

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

M

onroe County’s Hurricane Irma debris removal contractor Ashbritt Environmental has completed first passes on more than 90 percent of the county roads in its county service area and will begin the final sweep on Oct. 29.

This service area includes all county roads from Mile Marker 91 in Tavernier to the county line in Key Largo, and from MM 5 on Stock Island to MM 15 on Baypoint.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s hurricane debris removal contractors, who are assisting Monroe County, will finish passes in Layton, Conch Key and Duck Key by the end of the week. A final sweep of those areas also will begin on Oct. 29.

To guarantee free pickup, residents must bring all their hurricane debris to the county right of way (curbside) by the evening of Oct. 28.

After the final sweep is completed, residents in these service areas will need to make individual arrangements for the removal of all materials not collected as part of the hurricane debris collection.

Hurricane debris should not be put in plastic garbage bags. Any items in garbage bags must be separated from the hurricane debris and put in regular garbage bins for collection.

Piles that contain any garbage bags will not be picked up.

There has been no deadline set yet for debris collection from MM 40 to MM 16. This was the area hardest hit

by Hurricane Irma and debris collection will take longer.

PRIVATE ROADS The Federal Emergency Management Agency does not allow Monroe County or FDOT contractors to remove hurricane debris from private roads, unless a private community requests debris removal and signs a right of entry, hold harmless and indemnification form.

Only one person with signing authority from each private community should make the request. To receive the form – and information about the process – contact Trish Eables at 305-292-3470 or at eables-patricia@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

Residents who live on private roads – but are not in private communities – do not need to request hurricane debris removal. Monroe County Public Works crews will collect the debris and move it to the closest public right of way for pickup there.

Residents on these private roads who feel they have been missed may contact Breanne Erickson at 305-2924427 or email Erickson-breanne@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

LEGISLATORS HERE State Sen. Anitere Flores (R-39) & State Rep. Holly Raschein (R-120) will host a Monroe County Legislative Delegation meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Marathon City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. Flores and Raschein will consider local bills, legislative priorities and community hurricane recovery in advance of the 2018 Legislative Session.

The public is encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Kate DeLoach at (305) 453-1202 or kate.deloach@myfloridahouse.gov.

CFFK DEADLINE Applications from Keys nonprofits seeking assistance from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys for Hurricane Irma recovery efforts are due by Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.

RED CROSS Residents seeking assistance from the American Red Cross should check social media, or call the local chapter for assistance. Currently, pop-up centers are being relocated almost every day. (For example, the center was set up at Stanley Switlik Elementary on Oct. 17.) More information is at www. redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/local-chapters

MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

ENSURING THE INSURED GABRIEL SANCHEZ

F

gabriel@keysweekly.com

ive days after Irma passed, insurance lawyer and Key Largo resident Patrick Russell and public adjuster Matt Heringer traveled down to Marathon with water, ice, gloves, tools, cleaning supplies – whatever they could think of to help fellow Conchs. The duo has been helping residents throughout the Middle and Lower Keys since.

Insurance lawyers and public adjusters work together to represent an individual’s rights and interests when processing claims with insurance companies and their adjusters.

“One of the things I’ve been preaching is that consumers need to give a real strong thought to hiring a representative to serve their interest, and that’s what a public adjuster is – an advocate to take independent adjusters to task and make sure he does his job correctly,” said Russell.

More than 10 years after Hurricane Andrew, Russell was still litigating cases through supplemental claims because they were not handled correctly at the outset, he says.

“Consumers, homeowners relied upon the insurance company’s adjusters to tell them what was correct, what needed to be fixed, what the damages were. And then lo and behold, they found out that was not right,” said Russell.

What exactly was incorrect?

“Things like the scope of damage; they missed certain elements of damages. Completely ignored it or said it wasn’t covered. And it was.

People relied upon that, and then we found out as lawyers that that was not correct after we hired a public adjuster to look at the claim and said, ‘whoa, we’re missing something here.’”

Keys Insurance Services agent Grimi Betancourt says a quick call can have those issues addressed.

“Damages found later that were previously not reported, or included in the original inspection, should be immediately reported to the desk adjuster. Many times supplemental claim reports are required on the same claim due to findings after the fact,” said Betancourt.

Post-Andrew, there were also issues with the amounts paid out.

“In terms of damage repair, the necessary assessed material or labor charges were undervalued big-time. People could not get the repairs done properly for the amount they were given,” said Russell. “Insurance companies have an obligation of good faith to make sure that’s done correctly. And it wasn’t.”

One way to avoid issues with repair estimates is to obtain your own estimate for comparison by a licensed contractor, said Betancourt.

“Be sure to point out all damages known to the field adjuster at the time of inspection and continue communication with the claims department/desk adjuster until you’re satisfied,” she said.

Russell said that in his experience, relying on what the insurance company tells you may not always be right. “An insurance contract is just that; it’s a bare minimum. You pay your premiums and you’re supposed to get paid your coverage. So you hold them to that,” he said.

“What it’s come down to over the years is that insurance companies were viewed as utilities for a very long time. About the 1980s or mid’90s, they decided to go the way of the shareholder. So when it went to the way of the shareholder it now is no longer the insured first, it’s the shareholder. Now it’s about maximizing profit versus indemnifying the insured. At that point they actually made a term for it – claim mitigation,” said Heringer.

Heringer said the Keys are a great example of an area where the pricing for everything is going to be significantly different than a neighboring area, like Miami. It’s his job to recognize that, present his estimates, argue for it, and make sure a reasonable amount is paid, said Heringer.

“We come in and we assess what the damage is and document it. Then we write an estimate to that effect of what we believe all the damages and necessary means to repair would be. We present that to the insurance company and argue that, so typically we go back and forth with the insurance adjuster to agree on some sort of scope and move forward from there.”

Though she agrees in part, Betancourt believes there are other ways to maximize the bottom line amount.

“While I agree with many indicators [Heringer] has mentioned in relation to costs being higher in our area, items that are sometimes overlooked by the field adjuster and the process of mitigating the claim by the insurance company, there are ways the insured can accomplish the same outcome without giving up 10 percent or 15 percent of their claim settlement,” she said.

Public adjusters may not charge more than “ten percent of the amount of insurance claim payments made by the insurer for claims based on events that are the subject of a declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor” per Florida statue. This applies to any claim made after Governor Scott declared a state of emergency pre-Irma.

In non-emergency situations, adjusters can charge up to 20 percent of the total claim.

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MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT & UPSTAIRS BAR (HOME OF THE $2 STONE CRAB CLAW) IS OPEN!!

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TOP THINGS THAT ARE NORMAL IN OCTOBER 305-753-4353 • 3502 GULFVIEW AVE, MARATHON, FL 33050

Face it, we don’t live here just because the sun shines all the time. Get real. And thanks to the most creative and forgiving holiday of all time, Halloween, October seems to be our signature month to let our ‘whatever’ fly. Add Fantasy Fest to the mix and we take the word Bacchanalian to new heights. Being a local isn’t just a zip code but an attitude so here are some things that oddly seem rather normal, well at least to us.

1. Everyone can freely talk about boobies. (Breast Cancer Awareness Month, folks, eyes up here.)

2. Your postal worker is wearing a tutu.

3. Employees can leave work early to be body painted.

4. It’s okay to tell a cop “hold my beer.”

5. Trying to remember names of snowbirds who are your “closest friends” (i.e., customers).

6. Everyone using a EBT card at Publix and Winn-Dixie

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10/9/17 2:55 PM

7. You’re not the only one with a hangover, wa wa wa.

8. Daily selfies in costume become cliché.

9. Your house looks like Bob Mackey showed up with Lady Gaga’s stylist, drunk.

10. Somehow naked stops being sexy OR attractive.

11. It looks like Tammy Faye slept in your bed.

12. You discover husbands love cross dressing.

MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

BRIDGE THE GAP

tax returns and the last two years of personal tax returns for all applicants. Applicants must hold 51 percent or more equity in the business to apply. Applicants must also file employee tax documentation.

Though the application requests two years of tax returns, Penwell says she’s seen businessKelly Penwell during a recent sit-down es that have been open only a year be approved. with the Keys Weekly.

“As long as you have some type of history and The loans can be put toward a some type of projections,” said Penwell. number of things such as payroll, marUltimately, potential applicants need to keting, and restocking products that consider their ability to pay back the short-term were lost to the storm. Penwell said loan, said Penwell. Secondary loans, from a lothe first thing for business owners to cal bank for example, can be used to repay the do is make a plan and strategize. emergency bridge loan, for “The bridge business owners who want loan is a sixto consolidate debt. month loan, and DEADLINES TO APPLY: Penwell lauds the ef• Nov. 9: SBA Disaster Home Loan I think that this • Nov. 9: SBA Business Disaster Physical Loan forts of Florida Keys Comis a product that • Nov. 30: SDBC Emergency Bridge Loan munity College President will vault you into • June 11: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Dr. Jonathan Gueverra the longer-term for his efforts in putting a product. It’s not small business developa long-term solument center on campus and bringing it to the attion by any means,” she said. “After tention of residents. The program has operated that, the best suggestion I can offer is in the Keys for roughly three months. to start with their local lenders, find “When he learned about the program it was out the interest rates.” She said local something he wanted to see manifest in the rates might be lower than loans from community,” said Penwell. “The development the SBA. center is run by the community college, so he The bridge loan application can be absolutely deserves credit.” started online. The necessary docuTo reach the SBDC at Florida Keys Commumentation includes the signed applinity College Key West, call 305-809-3232. cation, the last two years of business

Emergency loans an option for businesses GABRIEL SANCHEZ

S

gabriel@keysweekly.com

mall businesses in the Keys trying to overcome the economic consequences of Irma have another tool to get back up and running. Florida Keys Community College’s Small Business Development Center program is offering no-cost consulting for business owners to see if they qualify for the state’s emergency “bridge” loans.

The loans are interest-free for six months and are designed to “bridge” the gap owners face while securing long-term funding from a local lender or the Small Business Association loan program.

But which types of businesses are good candidates for the loan?

“Anybody that has a fiscally healthy business that had capital coming in before, and has the reasonable expectation that’s going to come in again, and has some savings,” said SDBC Regional Director

KEYS STRONG WITH KEYS CLAIMS CONSULTANTS, INC. If you have been affected by Hurricane Irma, it’s Vitally important that you obtain professional representation to ensure proper payment from your insurance company.

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MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

BY THE NUMBERS SARA MATTHIS

which is part of the final Keyswide study called the Substantial Damage Assessment. Some Keys municipalities have already inspected flooded homes and included them in this count, while unincorporated Monroe County says those numbers are currently being compiled. These inspections are required by floodplain regulations as a condition of eligibility for county residents to participate in the federally subsidized National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Substantial Damage Assessment is the most important inspection because it will determine, in most cases, whether a home must be rebuilt to current code.

Marathon officials have visited every property, but the numbers in the graph here are prelim-

sara@keysweekly.com

he best way to describe these numbers of Hurricane Irma damage in the Keys is … preliminary. (Really, it’s called the Preliminary Damage Inspection.) Essentially, county and municipal officials, assisted

by FEMA workers, went door-to-door visually inspecting buildings and sorting them into categories — affected, not affected, minor damage, major damage, and destroyed.

Expect the numbers to shift, slightly, for a variety of reasons. For unincorporated Monroe County, they do not include data from safety inspections, which means a house could move from the “major damage” to “destroyed” category once inspected more thoroughly. Also, it may not include structures that were majorly damaged or destroyed by storm surge (flood)

BIG PINE KEY Destroyed: 445 Major damage: 275 Total units: 2,936

CUDJOE KEY Destroyed: 81 Major: 51 Total: 1,774 KEY WEST Destroyed: 5 Major damage: 20 Total units: 14,500

SUGARLOAF Destroyed: 19 Major: 103 Total: 1,351

inary, as the city is re-inspecting every property.

Key West’s numbers are incomplete. According to officials, the data was lost in a digital malfunction and cannot be recovered and so is being reconstructed from paper records.

In this set of data, major damage is described as roof truss failure of a conventional home, or a manufactured home displaced from its foundation, or more than 18 inches of water in a conventional home. Destroyed indicates when more than one structural system has failed on a conventional home or a trailer with a twisted or bent frame or collapsed structural ribbing.

Finally, some trailer parks were not counted, because it was impossible to tell what were trailers among the debris. Those will be counted at a later date, with addresses checked against the rubble. So numbers will go up in subsequent assessments.

MARATHON Destroyed: 198 Major damage: 580 Total units: 4,712 7

6 8 9 15

15

4 5

10 11 13

RAMROD KEY Destroyed: 19 Major damage: 12 12 Total units: 575

LITTLE TORCH KEY Destroyed: 37 Major damage: 21 Total units: 675

MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017 KEY 1 LONG Destroyed: 1 Major: 0 Total: 405

KEY 2 CONCH Destroyed: 10

KEY LARGO Destroyed: 23 Major damage: 71 Total units: 5,594

Major: 4 Total: 105

KEY 3 DUCK Destroyed: 0 Major: 7 Total: 743

HONDA 4 BAHIA Destroyed: 0 Major: 0 Total: 21

KEY 5 SCOUT Destroyed: 6 Major: 1 Total: 11

TORCH KEY 6 MIDDLE Destroyed: 0 Major: 0 Total: 15

TORCH KEY 7 BIG Destroyed: 0 Major: 1 Total: 53

KEY 8 SUMMERLAND Destroyed: 1

BIG COPPITT KEY Destroyed: 6 Major: 6 Total: 738

ISLAMORADA Destroyed: 34 Major damage: 47 Total units: 4,500

GEIGER KEY Destroyed: 17 Major: 7 Total: 278 ROCKLAND Destroyed: 5 Major: 0 Total: 97

Major: 10 Total: 738

SUGARLOAF KEY 9 LOWER Destroyed: 0

KEY HAVEN Destroyed: 0 Major: 0 Total: 458

Major: 0 Total: 277

KEY 10 SHARK Destroyed: 0

STOCK ISLAND Destroyed: 10 Major: 14 Total: 921

Major: 0 Total: 39

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2

1

KEY COLONY BEACH Destroyed: 1* Major damage: 206 Total units: 1,557

LAYTON Destroyed: 0 Major damage: 15 Total units: 179

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 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 November 5, 2017.

Be advised of this clarification regarding the deadline extension for submitting Requests for Public Assistance (RPAs). November 10, 2017, is the deadline for FDEM to submit the applicant’s RPAs to FEMA. In order to ensure proper documentation has been provided for eligible applicants, FDEM asks that all RPAs be submitted in FloridaPA.org by November 5, 2017. Submitting RPA’s by November 5th will allow FDEM staff the time to review the applicants’ requests for errors and proper documentation. If the requests have errors or require more documentation the new deadline will give FDEM staff time to reach out to applicants and address these issues. RPAs submitted after November 5th may not be reviewed by FDEM and subject to the one-time review by FEMA for approval/denial.

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

14

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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Text KEYS to 90407 for our Catalog

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RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Celebrate RE-OPENING

of Key Colony Inn after hurricane disaster with Octoberfest and our Special Guests!

IGOR & RED ELVISES at 7:30PM Show prices $10 at the door all door monies go directly to the band

Octoberfest Dinner Specials $17.95 Along with our full menu until 9:00 pm

Schnitzel with Sour Kraut Beef Stroganoff Knockwurst with Sour Kraut Each Octoberfest Dinner Special served with Soup or Salad, Mashed Potatoes and Bread & Butter

Octoberfest $2 Draft Specials 305-743-0100 • 700 W. OCEAN DR • KEY COLONY BEACH

es.c w w w. R e d E l v i s

om

MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

THE BILL’S DUE Customers have rate questions

B

esides the unpleasant reality of a Category 4 storm, now residents of the Keys are facing the unpleasant realities of the resumption of bill-paying. Fortunately, there’s good news. Both the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, which serves the entire Keys, and the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, which serves from the 7 Mile Bridge north, are offering customers a small break.

Due to service interruptions from Hurricane Irma, the FKAA will be estimating customer bills for September based on the prior year’s consumption.

Customers will also receive a 50 percent discount for September consumption. This discount will be posted on the customer’s September or October bill or a combination of each bill depending on the billing cycle. And, late fees are being forgiven until Nov. 1.

This estimation and discount provides negates any excess water use due to leaks and extra cleaning during this time. It also only charges for the period potable water was available.

“Our board of directors recognizes what a trying time this has been for our customers,” said Kirk Zuelch, FKAA’s executive director. “We believe that this provides a fair and equitable billing process for all.”

Florida Keys Electric Co-op is giving all residential and general service account members a $15 credit on their October electric bill.

“As a proud community partner of the Upper and Middle Keys, we want to offer our members a bit of relief while everyone continues to clean, repair and recover from Irma’s impact,” said Scott Newberry, FKEC’s Chief Executive Officer. “To do this our board of directors has approved a $15 bill credit, not only as an acknowledgement that our members were without power for a short period of time, but also as a way to thank them for their patience and support during our restoration process.”

This one-time bill credit will appear as a line item on FKEC October electric bills. FKEC is a not-for-profit electric utility owned by the members.

To reach the electric company, call 305-852-2431. To reach the water company, call 305-296-2454.

— Contributed

SAVE THE DATE Ongoing: • Free after school programs running through Oct. 20 at Marathon Community Park.

• All Monroe County students can receive free breakfast and lunch at school through Nov. 30 regardless of income.

• Free pickup kickball games for kids aged 4 to 12 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Marathon Community Park. No registration needed.

• Open court basketball from 5 to 8 p.m. at Marathon Community Park.

• Historic Tours of America offers free admission for Monroe County residents every weekend through October. Attractions include trolley and train tours, Ghosts and Gravestones, Shipwreck Historium, Key West Aquarium, and Little White House.

• ReMARCable Pumpkin Patch open daily through October at 1401 Seminary St., Key West.

• $5 off general admission at Dolphin Research Center in Marathon through Oct. 31.

• New Life Church, in Marathon is temporarily holding services at 8 and 10 a.m. on Sundays at Marathon Garden Cub due to extensive hurricane damage.

Friday, Oct. 20 • Coastal Plants and Landscaping meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Marathon Garden Club.

• Fantasy Fest Royal Coronation Ball at 6 p.m. at Casa Marina, Key West.

• Halloween Treat Fest starting at 7 p.m. at Marathon Community Park.

Also, at 7:30 p.m., “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown. Bring a chair, costumes are optional.

Saturday, Oct. 21 • Discovery Saturday for kindergarten through fifth graders from 10 to 11 a.m. at Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Key West.

• Rebuilding the Keys tree giveaway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at D’Asign Source, Marathon.

• MS Support Group meeting at 10:40 a.m. at Lower Keys Medical Center, Stock Island.

• Post Irma-geddon Party from noon to 6 p.m. at Marathon Community Park. Bring chairs and coolers, live music. Followed by “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Sunday, Oct. 22 • Free ice cream social from 4 to 6 p.m. at Marathon Community Park.

• Zombie Bike Ride at 6 p.m. from Fort East Martello through Duval Street, Key West. Zombieland opens at 2 p.m. Family friendly event, no nudity allowed.

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16

HALLOWEEN

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

‘BTA’

HALLOWEEN

Area behind the airport prepped for Oct. 31

IS ON!

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

Katia plays in the bubbles created by a machine BTA in 2016. Weekly file photo.

side from the Marathon Seafood Festival, Halloween is the most anticipated community event in the Middle Keys. Don’t worry, there’s a plan to salvage it from Hurricane Irma’s destruction.

City and law enforcement officials are designing a modified Halloween party for the Marathon neighborhood, “Behind The Airport” (BTA). On Tuesday, Oct. 31, the traffic will be directed in a one-way loop on the edges of the neighborhood for safety reasons and some streets will be closed to vehicular traffic after 6 p.m. Merrymakers can enter on Harbor Drive, circle around to Gulfstream Boulevard and exit on Dolphin Drive. The streets of Marlin, Tuna, Shark, Porpoise and Bonito will be closed to vehicular traffic.

As opposed to years past, there will be no parking at the Marathon airport, as that is still a staging area for recovery vehicles. Parking rules will be relaxed for Aviation Boulevard, but the majority of trick-or-treating families will be directed to the empty lot between Mango and Grouper streets along Aviation Boulevard.

“This is not a perfect plan, but we are working with what we have,” said Lt. Derek Paul of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. “We are doing our best to accommodate this important holiday tradition in Marathon to make it a happy event for the kids that really need something fun after Hurricane Irma.”

City officials are prioritizing trash pickups BTA as Halloween approaches to make the neighborhood neat and safe. It is recommended that parents bring flashlights, as some streetlights are out.

Trick or treat!

CANDY DRIVE: In 2017, donations are urgently sought for the homeowners in the neighborhood BTA (Behind The Airport) in Marathon.

Locally, Iberia Bank will be collecting candy at both branches in Marathon.

The candy will be passed out before Oct. 31 to ease the holiday cost for residents still feeling the pinch/punch of Irma.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: The Stanley Switlik Elementary Halloween Carnival is set for Sunday, Oct. 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the school. Organized by the PTO, the event will raise spirits for kids looking forward to the annual event that features carnival games and treats for the kids.

FUN IN THE PARK: The City of Marathon is also hosting a Halloween festival on Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Community Park. Snacks will be served at 7 p.m. before “Hotel Transylvania” begins at 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or low lawn chair.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the city will host a concert from noon to 6 p.m. featuring John Bartus, Ty Thurman, Freddie Bye, Adrienne Z, Glenn Faast and other musicians, and then an adult movie night with a showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at dusk.

On Sunday, Oct. 22 there will be an ice cream social from 4 to 6 p.m.

Costumes for older kids are still needed — large or extra large kid sizes or small adult sizes for boys and girls.

HALLOWEEN

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

17

FALL FESTIVAL FUN Upper Keys festivities planned

Krystal Langley is collecting costumes in her garage on the mainland to be distributed to Marathon kids. CONTRIBUTED.

MM50 RELIEF PROJECT GATHERS COSTUMES OUTFITS FOR BIGGER KIDS STILL NEEDED After Hurricane Irma hit the Keys, homegrown islander Krystal Langley was formulating a plan that has since turned into a mission.

It was a sleepless night, she said, worrying about tornadoes in Coconut Creek where she lives now, but mostly about her hometown of Marathon.

“I had all these hurricane supplies in my garage that I wasn’t going to need, and I knew all my friends up here had them as well,” she said.

So that’s how MM50 Relief started — a handful of friends donating supplies that were collected and brought down. Since those early days, Langley’s two-car garage has been emptied and refilled.

“First we collected camping gear type stuff like flashlights, then cleaning products, then things like toilet paper and paper towels. Now we are focusing on Halloween costumes for the kids at Stanley Switlik Elementary School,” Langley said.

Tracy Garcia, a paraprofessional at the school, is the point person at ground zero — 64th Street. When Hurricane Irma washed out the bottom of her stilt home, she made the best of it by turning it into MM50’s distribution center. Garcia is coordinating with the elementary school’s PTO president, Ashley Keeney, to gather the costumes.

“We have almost 300 costumes with the generous help of the community. And I have to give a huge shout out to Kim Arencibia of Key West,” Garcia said. “She collected the majority of what we have from generous businesses in Key West including the Imagination Station.”

Costumes for older kids are still needed — large or extra large kid sizes or small adult sizes for boys and girls.

Also assisting the effort are MM50 Relief team members and Marathon High School graduates Phillip Augustine, Stephanie Fenton, Vivi Mira-Culmer and Johnny Moses. But the helping hands extend to a school in Illinois whose students created an Amazon wish list candy drive — they have collected more than 1,000 pounds of candy and trinkets for the elementary school Halloween Carnival. (Remainders will be passed out BTA.) And Flamingo Elementary in Davie, Florida, has already sent two shipments of costumes and candy. Langley is expected to arrive sometime this weekend with more costumes.

The costumes were handed out Wednesday by PTO members in the school cafeteria. They are planning another giveaway at the carnival (see center sidebar, left). Again, more costumes are needed for the older elementary school children — third through fifth grade. They can be dropped off or mailed to 591 64th Street, Marathon, FL 33050.

For Langley, this is a labor of love. “My grandparents had Mike Mount Smokehouse in Marathon. My family from the Keys has all passed away, but this costume and candy drive is for the small community. The kids have been through so much and they really need some sense of normalcy,” she said.

Money raised from Burton Memorial United Methodist Church’s pumpkin sales benefits its community festivals at and the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry in New Mexico, where the pumpkins are grown. FACEBOOK/Contributed

GABRIEL SANCHEZ

B

gabriel@keysweekly.com

urton Memorial United Methodist Church is the place to be on Sunday, Oct. 29 for this year’s Fall Festival. The church has organized activities starting at 2 and continuing until 7 p.m.

The day’s schedule is crammed with fun contests and entertainment for adults and children that include a dunk tank, inflatable games, pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, petting zoo, and a magic show by Upper Keys illusionist Michael Trixx. One of Trixx’s signature illusions is his endless egg bit, in which a never-ending supply of eggs seems to emerge from his mouth. It’s yet to be determined if Trixx can pull off the same trick with pumpkins (our guess is maybe).

Food and drink will be available for purchase, though there will be tables and booths giving out free stuff.

Money raised from the church’s pumpkin sales benefits the community festivals at Burton Memorial and the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry in New Mexico, where the pumpkins were grown. Guests who bring a physical copy of the festival flyer will receive a free “spooky” pumpkin.

Burton Memorial United Methodist Church is located at MM 93 on the Oceanside in Tavernier. For information about the festival call 305-852-2581 or visit www.bmumc.net.

Schedule of events: 2 p.m. – Unlimited inflatable game rides for $5 3 p.m. – Petting zoo opens 4 p.m. – Pumpkin carving contest 5 p.m. – Costume contest (free entry) 6 p.m. – Michael Trixx magic show

FOR THE KIDS

Children’s Day is Oct. 29 at Bayview Park in Key West The annual Children’s Day will be taking place at Bayview Park on Sunday, Oct. 29, from noon to 6 p.m.

Every year, kids of all ages can celebrate the fun of Halloween and community by heading to the park with friends and family. There will be rides, games, food, raffles and plenty of chances to donate to local causes.

Costumes are encouraged whether entering the costume contest or not. Children’s Day has always entertained the kids and been a great chance to support the many organizations that help the Key West community.

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

NOW PLAYING

6th annual Key West Film Festival has must-see movies

T

uesday night at Mangoes Restaurant, Key West Film Festival organizers Brooke Christian, Michael Tuckman and Quincy Perkins announced an incredible line up of films being showcased at this year’s film fest starting Nov. 15-19.

Thanks to the “critic”-centric festival, Key West has become a top location for Oscar-worthy films. Kenneth Touran of the LA Times and Joshua Rothkopf of Time Out New York will be doing Q & A’s highlighting some major films such as “The Shape of Water” and “Last Flag Flying.” Also, there will be a free screening of “The Leisure Seeker,” filmed in Key West last year, and best of all, a showing of “I, Tonya” – yes, the Tonya Harding story for reality drama superfans. Check out www.kwfilmfest. com for details and special membership privileges.

—Weekly Staff report

1

2 3

HAYS BLINCKMANN/Keys Weekly 1. Organizer of the Key West Film Festival and local filmmaker Quincy Perkins, left, is with the biggest movie lover in town, George Fernandez of The Key West Butterfly Conservatory.

2. Michael Tuckman announces an amazing lineup of films, including a major Oscar contender for best movie and best actress, “The Shape of Water,” playing Nov. 15.

3. The Studios of Key West will be hosting events for the festival, supported by studio board members Lynn Kaufelt, left, Jeff Ware, Rosi Ware and Jed Dodds, director.

4. Never too young to fall in love with the movies, Gretchen Mills’ daughter, Molly Ryan, 6, learns about the festival.

5. Caroline Lacy and Johnny White, photographer extraordinaire, are happy to see the arts still thriving and ready to go to the movies.

4

5

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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FANTASY FEST

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

PARTY FOR A CAUSE Organizations use annual party to raise funds for local charities

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

FRIDAY, OCT. 20 • Royal Coronation of Fantasy Fest King and Queen The King and Queen of Fantasy Fest will be crowned at Casa Marina this year with the show starting at 6 p.m. The four candidates spent the past eight weeks raising money for AIDS Help, and this year, also Hurricane Irma relief programs. Last year, $330,867 was raised in the event and although this year’s candidates faced hurdles in their fundraising, every penny raised is needed to help community members in trying times. For more information on the event, visit ahmonroe.org.

There is always an excuse to drink, but during Fantasy Fest week, there are plenty of places and things to do that help out some of the local charities around town. Party with a purpose at some of these events:

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, OCT. 21-22 • The annual Goombay festival in Bahama Village supports various groups throughout the community.

Look for local vendors and raffles supporting local arts, culture, and children’s groups, like one of our favorites, The Bahama Village Music Program.

MONDAY, OCT. 23 • Theme Runs constantly supports local nonprofits with runs throughout the year, but the Heroes and Villains 5K supports Key West High School track and cross country team, the Explorers, and Southernmost Coconut Castaways. Superwoman Beth Moyes said the family-friendly event will have costume prizes and awards for all ages. Themeruns.com, $30 preregister, or $35 day of event.

TUESDAY, OCT. 24 • Florida Keys Council of the Arts Culture Crawl at 2 p.m. at The Oldest House.

• Poster Signing at WineO, at 5 p.m. at 430 Duval St. • Last year’s fundraiser for Florida Keys SPCA brought out some creative animal suits for the humans to enjoy.

Called the Cocktails for Animal Tails party, people dress up as their favorite animals, with last year’s top prize going to an adorable snail (it wasn’t just his costume, but his demeanor that won the judges over). Everything from plush costumes to intricate body paint were showcased. The event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at Rick’s Complex, 202 Duval St. $25 admission.

FANTASY FEST

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25 • The grounds of Casa Marina have been cleaned up post-Irma and will once again be the perfect setting for the annual Pet Masquerade, which supports Lower Keys Friends of Animals. The registration fees, $25, are donated to the charity, and entrants can start signing up at 4 p.m. The animals and their owners will start the judging at 5:30 p.m. The event is free to watch, but there is a $25 VIP area to watch from right by the stage for a closer up look at the adorable pets. The Casa Marina is located at 1500 Reynolds St. • Key West Art and Historical Society presents The History of Sex from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. • The Blue Party taking place at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s bar supports local ocean-related nonprofit Reef Relief. The $5 admission will be donated to the club to help restore and promote local waters.

Lucy’s is located at 320 Grinnell St. • The Flying Monkey and Fogarty’s complex will be donating drink proceeds from Tito’s cocktails to May Sands Montessori School and Florida Keys SPCA. The Red Party starts at 9 p.m. and as an added bonus, we heard they were waiving the $5 cover charge for locals this year. They are located at 227 Duval St. THURSDAY, OCT. 26 • The 3rd Annual Smallest Parade in the Universe supports The MARC House. The Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens provides dignified care for adult clients with developmental disabilities. This year’s grand marshal of the Smallest Parade is longtime MARC supporter Rebecca Balcer. Also, all bead recycling is being donated to MARC House, so don’t forget to drop those beads in the specialty marked containers after the parade! The Smallest Parade takes place at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. with doors opening at 5 p.m. and parade starting at 6.

• Key West Business Guild supports and promotes gay and lesbian tourism all over the world with its premier event — the 35th Annual Headdress Ball. Peter Arnow, who has been a part of the event for the past 24 years, said he is honored that this is the first event at the newly built Key West Amphitheater at Truman Annex. “It fits right in with our one human family motto and is a longstanding and successful Fantasy Fest fundraising event,” he said. And a major plus: there are five bars to keep the attendees hydrated. The program starts at 8 p.m.

• The 34th annual Sloppy Joe’s Toga Party has raised money for AIDS Help over the years. The door cover goes to the organization, and don’t worry if you can’t find a sheet to wear, we hear they are selling togas for $10 in the Sloppy Joe’s retail store.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28 • Many of the food and drink vendors around the streets support local groups, from the police and fire departments to kid’s soccer on Fantasy Fest Parade night. Keep your eyes open for the ones where tips go to the supporting cause and the volunteers manning the booths.

SUNDAY, OCT. 29 • Various children’s organizations benefit from booths at Children’s Day at Bayview Park. The event is from noon to 5 p.m.

21

NOTICE

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

ocal engineer Steve Hurley is a partner with DDAI (David Douglas and Associates). In his regular job he handles the day-to-day operations of the company and is recognized for his front-end management — due diligence, master planning and rezoning. Additionally, he provides engineering design, permitting and construction administration services It was a lucky day for Marathon when he strolled through the front doors of Marathon City Hall, just hours after the Hurricane Irma winds died down.

He was immediately put to work — tasked with rounding up as many electricians as he could, dividing the city into zones and sending them out. The goal was to visually identify houses with damaged electrical components and disconnect the power to keep the structures from erupting into flames once the grid was restored. The early identifications allowed the utility company to reconnect the neighborhoods quickly, and with confidence.

With his signature visor, a handy clipboard and some forms he created himself to track the work, Hurley snagged a seat in Marathon City Hall’s emergency operations center. He answered calls, made calls and constantly jumped out of his seat to personally visit the affected homes. He spent 12 days at full-tilt until the task was complete.

Hurley is also a family man — with two grown sons (Vance — in the Navy nuclear field in Charleston, and Coleman, a senior at UNF in Jacksonville). His wife of 31 years, Christine, is Monroe County’s assistant county administrator. He also has a hobby that he is incredibly passionate about — fishing. In his spare time (no, we don’t know when he finds it) he runs the Rum Gypsy Fishing charter boat, specializing in reef and offshore fishing.

Locals will say that every storm teaches us a different lesson.

In Irma, the residents of Marathon learned they needed Hurley to speed the recovery.

HURLEY KNOW HOW

1. What is your full name? L. Steven Hurley. Can’t tell you what the “L” is for. I go by Steve.

2. Nickname? Don’t really have one. Some friends call me Gypsy cause they never know where I am, hence “Rum Gypsy.”

3. Is your line of work more or less challenging in the Keys than on the mainland? Preparing, planning and engineering designs is somewhat more difficult in the Keys, due to the sensitive lands and waters. However, most state agency rules (FDEP, SFWMD, etc.) are similar whether on the mainland or here.

4. What lesson did Hurricane Irma teach you? Be prepared at the beginning of the season. I went to the grocery store last minute to get Vienna sausage and saltines; the shelves were completely empty.

5. What was the most startling piece of damage caused by Hurricane Irma? I would have to say it’s seeing all of the marine damage.

6. In your opinion, what part of the Keys’ infrastructure held up better than expected? Probably the sewer systems and potable water system since both are underground. However, without electric,

the pump stations for the sewer do not work. So, working with Florida Keys Electric was important to make sure we could restore essential utilities. Having the sewer meters on poles above the grinder pits and out of the flood plain made it easier to restore service, too.

7. During the inspection process, at any time was your life in danger? Only when we shut Jason Koler’s power OFF! Seriously, most residents were very anxious to get the power restored and were very helpful in aiding us during the inspection process.

8. Do have a particular pet peeve about incorrect construction practices? Not following the design plans and being asked to certify the work as complete. I’m not always the most liked when it comes to the final inspections and certifications.

9. What superhero, TV or movie character is your alter ego? Bond, James Bond!

10. How does the ocean rescue of Monroe County Commissioner George Neugent compare to some of your other exploits? It is probably the highlight of my adventures.

Just being there to help these fishermen when their boat sank. But it was special that George was there in the water helping also. It was a tag team event. (To be clear and fair, it wasn’t George’s boat that sank. He was also a first responder and got in the water to help.)

11. Your best fish story? Fishing a redfish tournament in Fort Myers. I was in the process of catching a nice redfish and literally walked off the boat I was fishing on. When I fell in the water, I didn’t even get my rod wet.

However the rules were that no one can touch your rod while catching a fish and it was very interesting getting off the flat, and back in the boat.

12. Your favorite guilty pleasure?

Rum!

Finish these sentences …

When I go, I will go … knowing I have had a great life with a wonderful family and friends.

My autobiography will be titled …

“Rum Gypsy, Where is he now?”

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26

KEYS EATS

ome restaurants are more an experience than just a place to eat and Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, located in The Perry Hotel, surpasses any culinary expectation.

When entering the hotel – open since May – diners feel the transformation of Stock Island culture into an architectural work of art. Situated right on the harbor, the entire property plays off Key West’s naval history, in honor of famed Commodore Matthew Perry, who claimed Key West as a U.S. territory in 1822. Owner and developer Brad Weiser, along with brother Warren Weiser and his daughter, interior designer Blaire Weiser, made sure to incorporate the essence of marine and island life, using reclaimed teak, steel and local art throughout the buildings, complete with sweeping views of the harbor. It’s a modern, dressed up version of Stock Island, not a cookie cutter resort. And Architectural Digest took notice, naming the Perry Hotel one of “The 12 Best-Designed Hotels Opening This Year” last June.

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

The Commodore Tower is a seafood lover’s extravaganza.

HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

New Stock Island Charm The atmosphere sets the bar high for the food, which does not fail to deliver. Seafood is the star, and abundant throughout the courses, as Matt’s menu creates “American Coastal Comfort Food.” Start with the Commodore Tower and be pleasantly satiated with heaps of shrimp, lobster, oysters, ceviche and tuna tartare. The food is coyly served in an ice-filled tool box adorned with homemade sauces – the must-try is the “Icy Hot” sauce with bean curd. Another knockout specialty is the Crab Beignets, an absolutely genius combination of lightly frying a delicate crab cake. Or the fresh Crudo, worthy of fine dining with its attention

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar

to detail. The fresh Crudo changes daily, but this night it is fresh salmon, fried leek, capers, red bell peppers and radish gastrique in a sweet chili glaze.

Not in the mood for seafood? Matt’s offers down-home Southern-style food like fried chicken with bacon salt fries, BBQ ribs and the always pleasing dry aged sirloin or cowboy steak. Matt’s excels with attention to detail: every dish comes with a variety of homemade sauces or sides, like an out-ofthis-world cornbread mash. It also has a monster breakfast menu for the full brunch experience.

The entire property has a great vibe, feeling contemporary yet true

“The vision was to bring in the industrial, commercial nature of Stock Island. People are here for the casualness of Key West, but also its uniqueness.”

—Brad Weiser, of The Perry Hotel.

to the artistic nature of the community.

Through his personal love of Key West, Weiser added his own touch to the hotel by incorporating local artists throughout, such as Alan Maltz, Koz, Susan Sugar and Leo Gullick, and will feature local art for sale in the gift shop. And look for the collection of antique propellers that will grow over time.

“We want to be known for great seafood and great comfort food,” said Weiser, who, along with chefs Josh Mitchell and Shane Wilkerson, works to enhance the menu and keep it fresh. It should also be noted the restaurant is very family-friendly, the perfect getaway experience even for locals.

27

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

PERRY HOTEL HOSTS CHAMBER MEMBERS

K

ey West Chamber of Commerce members took an inside peek at the newest 100-room boutique hotel on Stock Island, while tasting their ways through dishes from onsite restaurants Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Salty Oyster Dockside Bar and Grill. To read more about Matt’s Stock Island Grill, check out keysweekly.com.

— Weekly Staff report

2

3 1

1. The Perry Hotel owner Brad Weiser and some of the key team members for The Perry Hotel welcome guests to the event that showcases one of the newest hotels on Stock Island.

2. Key West Chamber Vice President Billy Spottswood with Jessica and Joseph of Key West Insurance spend time at the event.

3. Some of the grub from Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Salty Oyster Dockside Bar and Grill is passed around the party.

Reading can melt away stress.

Locally-owned and operated. keysweekly.com | 305.743.0844

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

29

UGLY JACKETS, PRETTY PEOPLE

I

n the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and in the spirit of feeling good again, the Key West Mystic Krewe held their as-planned annual Ugly Jacket party last weekend — crowning the 2018 Queen Donna Harvey and King David “DJ” Johnson. The event raised $10,000 to be given to Key West High School Band and the Sister Season Fund, which helps local service industry employees when hardships arise. Next up for the Krewe: Fantasy Fest. Their float “Boners and Stoners” will be making waves down Duval this month. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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THE ARTS

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

CAN’T ESCAPE FROM MARGARITAVILLE

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“7 days without Pilates makes one weak.”

New Buffett musical on way to Broadway HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

A

dmittedly I am off by a generation at getting the appeal of a Buffett song. Perhaps it’s because his corny ditties don’t speak to me personally or because I live in the epicenter of Parrotville where the Buffett lifestyle has been overly magnified for my taste. But I am not such a musical puritan that if I hear the word “hushpuppy,” I won’t sing along. There is something genius about writing hushpuppies into a song and garnering millions of fans and, yes, “Come Monday” is catchy.

So when I heard there was a musical going to Broadway titled “Escape to Margaritaville” I almost detached my retinas rolling my eyes. How does Buffett get blood from a stone? A dated old stone at that. This kind of hokey sing-along will most likely be hailed as a rompin’ good time by People magazine but I wonder, will it appeal to a more youthful generation? Buffett admits in Vanity Fair (November 2017) that a lot of the songs were written in the Keys almost 50 year ago. Now he has created a musical comedy set on an island paradise, in a bar, with some locals, and everyone sings a catchy Buffett song. Sounds like a cloroxed and choreographed version of a night on Duval.

But Buffett has upped the ante and is testing my skepticism. “Escape to Margaritaville” may not be just the regurgitation of his greatest hits. What is unexpected is the people behind the story. Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, two of Hollywood’s most edgy comedic writers, wrote the book. Garcia was the brilliant creator and writer behind “Yes Dear,” “My Name Is Earl,” and “Raising Hope.” He also has written for “Family Matters” and “Family Guy.” These are shows that come with an acerbic bite and unveil American culture for its

ineptitude and humor. O’Malley, actor and writer, starred in “Yes Dear,” “My Name Is Earl,” “My Own Worst Enemy,” “Justified,” and was Emmy-nominated for his role on “Glee.” He also was a consulting producer on the most immoral show ever created, “Shameless.”

Who knows how they ended up revitalizing cheeseburgers in paradise, but it certainly sounds like a good start. Let alone the host of Tony award-winning crew working on the musical as well.

Maybe they have carved an old stone into a new work of art?

“ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE” New Orleans, Oct. 20-28 Houston, Oct. 31-Nov. 5 Chicago, Nov. 9 - Dec. 9 Broadway, begins Feb. 16 The musical has already had a run at the La Jolla Theater in California, when Los Angeles Time critic Charles McNulty wrote, “It’s the jukebox musical equivalent to ‘Mamma Mia.’ True to its title, ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ is pure escapism. These things are difficult to quantify, but I’d imagine the theatergoing experience is equivalent to watching four or five ‘Two and a Half Men’ reruns back to back.” McNulty admits he had a good time. In the age of cerebral musicals like “Hamilton,” that’s a pretty good thumbs-up. While Buffett’s first play “Don’t Stop the Carnival,” written with Herman Wouk in the ’90s, never made it to Broadway, it seems like he finally found his musical paradise . Go to www.escapetomargaritavillemusical.com for more information.

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MONROE COUNTY

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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SHELTER KIDS AND STAFF TAKE A ROAD TRIP

Evacuation takes them to Orlando for 9 days The kids enjoyed Orlando attractions including go-karts. —CONTRIBUTED

A

s locals look to rebuild stronger post-Irma, some kids served by the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter will have lifelong memories of their own “KeysStrong” experience.

Four children from the Tavernier shelter, which serves ages 10 to 17, and two babies from the Key West group home all evacuated to the Orlando area for nine days.

The older children stayed at Boys Town Central Florida’s Demetree Campus in Oviedo and got to enjoy the nearby Orlando attractions together just like a traditional family, including riding go-karts and visiting a waterpark.

“I really enjoyed my time with the kids and getting to know them even better. We watched movies and met new people at the host shelter. They let us cook in their kitchen and joined us together for meals,” said Marilyn Kirby, one of eight Florida Keys Children’s Shelter employees on the trip.

“Everyone had fun and played as a team. We got to meet new people at the other facility. Their kids showed our kids positive behaviors, and their staff gave pointers,” said Rose Spratt, who has worked at the Tavernier shelter for nearly 12 years.

Spratt said that because the shelter is required to evacuate for approaching hurricanes of any strength, including Category 1, many of its staff members have evacuated multiple times. Over recent years, staff from the Tavernier facility have relocated with the children to places as close as Key West and as far as Tallahassee.

Supervision is required 24 hours a day, so the Keys staff worked eighthour shifts at the host shelter. They were able to rest in hotel rooms with the exception of the two nights when the storm was active. All staff took turns sleeping on the floor at Boys Town, which has a generator so the children were never without power.

“The Boys Town staff were great hosts. They let us operate as if we were in our own facility. During the day we participated in local activities selected by the children, their requests ranging from amusement parks to outlet malls. One of the girls had an interest in someday applying to the University of Central Florida so we all took a driving tour of the campus together so she could see it,” said Children’s Shelter resident coordinator Mark Olshansky.

He said the favorite part of the trip for most was dining out together. “The children have had little opportunity to eat in restaurants and especially not the many different places that we tried in Orlando.”

“The staff kept positive attitudes in what for them was a stressful situation. They were away from their own families and didn’t have the ability to know exactly what was going on with their homes in the Keys,” Olshansky said. “The kids had no issues at all. For them it was a fun vacation.”

Serving Monroe County for almost 30 years, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter touched more than 500 lives last year through its no-cost programs — emergency shelter, group homes, community-based counseling, respite services and drop-in center for homeless and run-away youth. More information on services or how to get involved is available at www.fkcs.org or 305-852-4246.

— CONTRIBUTED

“One of the girls had an interest in someday applying to the University of Central Florida so we all took a driving tour of the campus together so she could see it.”

— Mark Olshansky, Children’s Shelter resident coordinator

MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

COMING THROUGH FOR KIDS ECMC fulfilling wish lists

Christina Belotti, standing center, unpacks brand new uniform polo shirts for Marathon Middle School students with the help of some National Junior Honor Society students. — CONTRIBUTED

SARA MATTHIS

N

sara@keysweekly.com

ormally, this is a job the Educational Coalition for Monroe County does at Christmas time — making sure students in special circumstances have something under the tree. Hurricane Irma moved up the giving.

The group’s education director, Christina Belotti, is spearheading the effort at Marathon High School, where she also teaches. Lists and needs were determined by talking to teachers and the kids themselves.

“Some of these kids lost everything. We are asking them, ‘What do you need to replace?’”

When the tally of the need is complete, Belotti said she expects to have about 100 kids on the list.

“There is senior at the high school that lost almost all his personal belongings,” said Belotti.

“Last weekend, a mattress was delivered. This weekend he will get the rest of the bedroom set.”

Other needs include things like school uniforms, sports uniforms, sports equipment and shoes – items purchased new at the start of the school year just a few short months ago, before the entire Keys landscape changed.

But how is this happening?

Who is donating? Belotti said it was a lucky break meeting the generous souls who sheltered at the Faro Blanco Hyatt alongside her own family that includes her mother and her brother. She said these are people who “give for the sake of giving, not to get their names out there.”

She has one major donor handling the wish lists and another one working on the school uniforms and duffel bags. Plus, she’s had help from places as random and distant as bed and breakfast inns in New Hampshire.

“We have enough school supplies. We have enough book bags,” she said. Now it’s a matter of supplying those specific items and working to fill in the gaps. “For example, one student was being helped with new clothes. What he needed was food. So we got the student some Publix gift cards.”

ECMC will be having a school uniform give away for middle school students on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Hyatt.

In the normal course of events, ECMC serves students in special circumstances, whether those be economic or a challenging family dynamic. Hurricane Irma certainly qualifies as special.

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

Our Community

The Food

Best Place to People Watch: Sombrero Beach, Brass Monkey, Sunset Grille Best Key Lime Pie: Sweet Savannah’s, Sparky’s Landing, Burdines Best Place to take the Kids: Aquarium Encounters, Sombrero Beach, Turtle Hospital Best Fish Sandwich: Fish Tales, King Seafood, Keys Fisheries Best Event: Marathon Seafood Festival, July 4th, 7 Mile Bridge Run Best Fine Dining: Barracuda, Plaza Grill, Fla Keys Steak & Lobster Best Park: Community Park, Rotary Park, Sombrero Beach Best Ethnic Food: Frank’s Grill, Takara, La Nina Best Sunset: Sunset Grille, Sunset Park, Keys Fisheries, Faro Blanco (tie) Best Lunch: Key Colony Inn, Brutus, Burdines Best Place to Have a Wedding: Hawks Cay, Hyatt/Faro Blanco, Sombrero Beach Best Breakfast: Wooden Spoon, Stuffed Pig, Stouts Best Elected Official: John Bartus, Steve Cook, Mark Senmartin Best Cup of Coffee: Curley’s, Leigh Ann’s, Art Studio/Coffee Loft Best Tourist Attraction: Aquarium Encounters, Turtle Hospital, DRC Best Bar: Overseas Lounge, Brass Monkey, Sparky’s Landing Best Local Celebrity: John Bartus, Freddie Bye, Mike Puto Best Bartender: Holly (Sparky’s Landing), Billy (Key Colony Inn), Cheddar (Faro Blanco) Best Non-Profit Organization/Foundation: KAIR, Habitat, DRC Best Happy Hour: Sparky’s Landing, Lazy Days South, Marathon Grill & Ale House Best Place to Take a Date: Frank’s Grill, Butterfly Café, Hideaway Best Waterfront Dining: Lazy Days South, Havana Jack’s, Castaway Best Band: Stone Crabs, Storm Watch, Fiddle Rock Best Live Music Venue: Hurricane, Overseas Lounge, Sparky’s Landing Best Neighborhood: Behind the Airport, Sombrero Beach, Key Colony Beach Best Pizza: Hurricane, Upper Crust, Tarpon Creek

The Businesses

Best Margarita: Hyatt/Faro Blanco, Havana Jack’s, Island Fish Co. Best Late Night Spot: Overseas Lounge, Brass Monkey, Marathon Grill & Ale House Best Overall Restaurant: Steak & Lobster, Key Colony Inn, Castaway

Best Resort/Hotel: Hawks Cay, Glunz Ocean Beach Club, Hyatt/Faro Blanco Best Accounting Firm: Bishop & Rosasco, Cruz-Morato, Sue Corbin Best Law Firm: Campbell & Malafy, Tom Wright, David Manz Best Gift Shop: Uniques by Kennedy, Marooned in Marathon, Bayshore Clothing Best Fishing Guide: Jack Carlson, James Simcic, Johnny Maddox Best Dive Shop: Capt Hooks, Tilden’s, A Deep Blue Dive Best Bait & Tackle Shop: Big Time Bait & Tackle, Capt. Hooks, Tackle Box Best Customer Service: Publix, West Marine, First State Bank Best New Business: Marathon Bagel, Bliss Massage, Triton Seafood Best Doctor: Dr. Ron Samess, Dr. John O’Connor, Dr. Steve Smith Best Landscape Company: Gonzalez Landscaping, Alex Landscaping, Dot Palm Best Auto Repair: Freeman Automotive, Surfside Auto, Marathon Tire & Lube Best Photographer: Maggie Sayer, Barry Gaukel, Keys Shot Best Marina: Marathon Marina, Faro Blanco, Marathon Boat Yard Best Vet: Dr. Doug Mader (Marathon Vet Hospital), Dr. Mike Dunn (Keys Animal Hospital), Dr. Aundria del Pino (Marathon Vet Hospital) Best Realtor: Sam Williams, Terri Hiller, Kathryn Rummery Best Real Estate Office: American Caribbean, Coldwell Banker, Remax/AllKeys Best Bank: Keys Federal Credit Union, First State Bank, Centennial Bank Best Place to Work Out: Keys Strength & Conditioning, Keys Fitness (Ralph’s), Nick’s Gym Best Salon: Salon Blanco, Tricia’s Island Girl, Gioia’s Best Contractor: D’Asign Source, Keys Contracting, Royal Crest/Design Center Best Jewelry Store: Midas Touch, Alo Jewelry, Cash Flow Jewelry Best Clothing Store/Boutique: Anthony’s, DK’s Style Hut, Bayshore Clothing Best Pool: Sunset Grille, Hyatt/Faro Blanco, Cabana Club Best Family Owned Business: D’Asign Source, Marathon Bagel, Royal Furniture Best Business: D’Asign Source, Royal Furniture, First State Bank

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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UNDERWATER

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

Scuba, anyone?

HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

DIVE SITES OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Post Irma, the Vandenberg’s Port side dish collapsed. CONTRIBUTED

D

iving is one of the Keys’ greatest passions and pastimes, and an integral part of the tourism industry. Losing dive sites could wreak more economic damage after Irma but the reports from the waters are looking good.

Most dive boat captains are happy to be back in business and the unique Keys sites fared pretty well. Irma could never take away diving in the Keys – the waters will forever be a playground – but keeping the wrecks and reefs feels like a stroke of good fortune.

One of the more popular sites, the USS Vandenberg, has the most visible change. Irma managed to push all of the Vandy’s 17,000 tons 30 degrees in the water.

“The bow was 90 degrees and now is 120 degrees; it’s sitting due east now,” said dive instructor Mike Pendleton with Captain’s Corner Dive Center.

“I can’t fathom that big of a force to move that much. It’s just amazing.”

The two anchor lines that used to pull either side of the bow now actually sit on one side of the wreck. “The

depth of the deck is now a little deeper, which can shorten a dive, and there is silt all over everything., “ said Pendleton. He describes the damage to the rest of the ship as minimal. The biggest change was the radar dish on the port side that collapsed. Lightweight metal around the wheelhouse has collapsed as well. Cables have snapped or are no longer attached, but is the wreck dangerous to dive? “We should always be cautious; areas maybe we took for granted have shifted,” continued Pendleton. “And divers should be careful of their buoyancy with the shifting silt as it kicks up a lot of sand.” As for the wildlife, Pendleton reports the goliath groupers still abound and lionfish which were scarce before now are plentiful. The only major debris seems to be lost lobster traps.

Divemaster Ben Edmonds with Southpoint Divers has been to the Cayman wreck and finds it moved but unscathed. “It’s maybe moved about 200 feet but that depends on a boat’s GPS system; it may not register that for some. Silt has been pushed up against

Pre Irma, the Vandenberg’s Port side dish still intact.

it making it about a 95-foot depth on the north side and 85-foot depth on the south side.” As for the reef, Edmonds said “Conditions may range now about 30 feet but everywhere looks very divable.” Both captains had no reports on the Joe’s Tug site.

Wendy Hall with Tilden’s Scuba Center reports, “Sombrero Reef sanctuary is looking very good, a bit dusty but good visibility and great activity.” The water is looking good folks, so dive in.

37

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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MAKING NEW STRIDES

ince Hurricane Irma canceled the Strides breast-cancer awareness and fundraising walk that was supposed to take place last Saturday from Higgs Beach, some of the committee members for the walk decided to spend the morning volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse. After clearing the room, spraying for mold and relocating belongings, the committee members were amazed when they found out the homeowner, Adele Hull, is a breast cancer survivor. “We got to wear our pink superhero shirts and really be one for the day,” said chairwoman Cathy Crane. Pictured are Bob Smith, from Connecticut, Crane, committee member Heather, and American Cancer Society’s Amanda Scherner with homeowner and breast cancer survivor Adele Hull. — CONTRIBUTED

OBITUARY

Catherine Simone-McKoy 1958-2017

C

atherine Simone-McKoy of Marathon fought a courageous years-long battle with bone cancer with her husband at her side. She passed away on Oct. 12, 2017.

She was born on May 6, 1958 in Center Moriches, New York. She trained as a cosmetologist while still in high school and spent the next 40 years as a much sought-after beauty professional. She moved to the Keys in 2003 and worked at Little Palm Island Resort, Hawks Cay Resort and Salon Blanco. In addition, she was a director for Pampered Chef kitchen parties.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Elizabeth and Michael Rutigliano of Center Moriches, New York. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Jim McKoy of Marathon. Her children are Michael Anthony Simone of Vero Beach, Florida, Rachel Higginbothom of Jacksonville, Florida, and Joseph James Simone of Orlando, Florida; and her three grandchildren, Kylee Simone, Elliott Higginbothom and Dominic Simone. She is also survived by her step-children, Elena Raffo of Selden, New York, and James McKoy of Port Jefferson, New York. She is also

survived by three brothers, Pascquale, Michael and Andrew Rutigliano, all of Long Island. She is also survived by her two “fur babies” — Molly and Mr. Magoo.

Cathy was an enthusiastic and loving grandmother.

And she was a devout Catholic — she served as a Eucharistic minister at San Pablo and was also a member of the church’s women’s club. She was a very active member of the Marathon chapter of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She was a mentor for Take Stock in Children and enjoyed travel, specifically dive trips with her husband, as she was a dive master.

Cathy was an active member of the Marathon community, constantly participating in local events. Her can-do attitude was infectious, even in illness, and prompted Tilden’s Scuba Center to donate proceeds of its annual miniseason tournament for the past three years to her healthcare costs.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at San Pablo Catholic Church with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

MARATHON

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Amazing Marathon As a full-time resident and relatively new member of the community of Marathon, I feel compelled to share my extraordinary experiences during the past five weeks.

Coming home after Irma was difficult and scary. All of us who evacuated were scouring news sources and searching NOAA aerial images for any information on the state of our friends who stayed behind, conditions of our homes, neighborhoods and the homes of people we know and love.

I was lucky enough to get some idea of how my home fared but the aerial images did not prepare me for the actual feeling of driving down the Keys and seeing the mountains of debris and devastation on the ground. Irma hit us hard. This is where the experience transcends from devastation to extraordinary.

I arrived at my shuttered and beat up home and did not know what to do first. The shutter protecting my entry door was sticky and tight with saltwater residue. I could not get it down. I walked out to my street and saw a City of Marathon vehicle with flashing lights. I managed to make my way to them and met two city workers, Lazaro Hernandez and Eric Gasparig. They were professional, compassionate and helpful. They took the shutter down, opened my door, walked through my house, turned off my main electrical breaker and guided me through a difficult moment.

That is where it started.

People going above and beyond the line of duty even though they are suffering losses too. The list of people I encountered who helped in huge and meaningful ways is long. Here are some I especially want to give a big and personal THANK YOU to.

Lazaro Hernandez, City of Marathon; Eric Gasparig, City of Marathon; Martie and Stanley Jobe; Dave Rodriguez and staff, Superior Electric; Steve Meacham, Meacham Electric; Jeff and Leslie Ryder, Ryder Construction; Francisco Arce and staff, Best Landscaping; Jon Murphy and staff (especially Bubba), Florida Keys Air Conditioning; Julie and Chris Tong; Virginia Lee; Ed Anderson, Coldwell Banker Schmitt; Brian Schmitt, Coldwell Banker Schmitt; Brian, Angela and Alex Thorn; and Ron Murdock, Tree Trimmer Extraordinaire.

The hardest times have produced the most generous actions. We can get through anything with a little help from friends, old and new. The community of Marathon is AMAZING. I am so grateful and proud to be a part of it. We are strong. We are rebuilding.

My prediction is we will be even stronger and better than before.

With love and gratitude, Kim Portner Marathon

Driftwood Marina recovering I have noticed that there is a void in the coverage that has been given to the incredible efforts and recovery in progress at Driftwood Marina in Marathon/Coco Plum. In the heart of the Keys, these hardworking people have been working diligently to preserve the integrity of the boats, both personal and commercial, in a neighborhood where fishing and boating is a way of life. Their care and diligence to un-pile and upright boats after what appears to have been a tornado strike on the facility has been heroic. The twisted

steel on the buildings tells a story that has yet to be reported. We saw Shelly and John working with their loyal crew yesterday. They have an amazing attitude, true resilient Keys mentality.

When there were thefts and break-ins last year the news was quick to be reported. Now is a time to report on the remarkable efforts underway at Driftwood.

Paul & Kim Plascjak Key Colony Beach

Landfill has to go This is our new reality. All day long you see piles of garbage. Our children’s schools have been transformed into toxic transfer stations from Irma’s debris. The sight is nothing compared to the stench and burning eyes that accompany such a view. Yet someone decided the Monroe County School District Marathon High School grounds are an appropriate site for this new landfill. If you look real hard you can see the once future home of the Marathon High School soon to be built field and track. How long before the toxins released into the ground make this field a dream of the past? How long before the students and faculty come down with an illness related to daily exposure to this disgrace?

Please, everyone, reach out to the powers that be and get this toxic dump removed once and for all!

While we would all like to focus on the beauty that still surrounds us, and we thank all that have played a major role in getting the Keys up and running, especially the first

responders both local and out of state, we must not sacrifice our children for the bottom line. Who is making money at the risk of our children’s health? Follow the money. Fingers are pointed in every direction and no one is accepting responsibility. The fact is it is district property and no one could place anything there without their approval. Now is the time to get it removed. Stop accepting new shipments of debris immediately and correct the dangerous conditions already there.

May God continue to bless us and all who live and work in the Keys.

Kyle Farrell Marathon Editor’s Note: Marathon City Councilwoman Michele Coldiron said the landfill will start to be removed beginning Friday, Oct. 20 and will continue steadily until it is gone. She said it was the last place in Marathon to be used for fill, and will also be the first to be removed.

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KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

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Great Pay • Paid Holidays • Sick Pay • Medical Insurance • Paid Vacation THEME: SCIENCE 101 ACROSS 1. Glass piece 6. *It can be measured via carbon decay 9. Sandwich alternative 13. Free-for-all 14. Madame Tussauds’ medium 15. State of dishonor 16. Kidney, e.g.

17. Cleopatra’s killer 18. Arthur Hailey bestseller 19. *Force pulling two objects together 21. *One on Mendeleev’s table 23. Organ of balance 24. Criticism 25. British mom 28. Tibetan priest 30. Gluten-free dieter’s disease 35. Relating to #23 Across 37. Deficiency 39. Goes with onions?

40. “In ____ veritas” 41. Daisylike bloom 43. Apple leftover 44. Choose Trump, e.g.

46. Feed storage 47. Actor Kristofferson 48. Gibraltar or Bering 50. Moonfish 52. Hitherto 53. Jockey’s leash 55. Give a nickname to 57. *”A Brief History of Time” author 61. “One of Us” singer Joan 65. *Most of Earth’s hydrosphere 66. Fall behind 68. American Akita, e.g.

69. Circular gasket 70. Nocturnal flyer 71. Verb derived from “laser” 72. Chipper 73. Smallest whole number 74. “_____! Read all about it!”

DOWN 1. Urban haze 2. Drosselmeyer’s title 3. *Pond organism 4. Ransack or plunder 5. Coping mechanism 6. “And ____ we go!”

7. *Low density state of matter 8. Kick out of school 9. “For ____ the Bell Tolls” 10. *60 miles/hour, e.g.

11. So be it 12. Trapper’s bounty 15. Israeli money 20. “____-____-la” refrain 22. Lake in Provence 24. Dissenting clique 25. *Galilei: “And yet it ____” 26. At less then 90 degrees 27. Forty-niner, e.g.

29. *m in F = ma 31. Way to seal an envelope 32. Poacher’s ware 33. Bird of prey nest 34. *Highest point in a wave 36. Source of cocaine 38. Kind of seaweed 42. Two diverged, one not taken and other taken 45. Causing one to need rest 49. X 51. *He had a telescope named after him 54. Inuit shelter 56. *a.k.a. sodium borate 57. LeBron’s goal 58. 43,560 square feet 59. Dam-like structure 60. Immanuel ____, German philosopher 61. Eye up and down 62. None of this for the weary 63. ____-do-well 64. Cocoyam 67. Grass bristle

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

Air Conditioning Service Technician / Installer 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) • LPN

IN KEY WEST

• Clinical Director • Research Assistant • Driver (CDL required) • Psychiatrist (PT, Contract) • Child Behavior Therapist • Client Advocate • Front Office Specialist • Substance Abuse Counselor • Child Case Manager 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

41

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

TELLERS

Full-time in MARATHON Part-time in ISLAMORADA We are looking for experienced, friendly, outgoing applicants with excellent customer service skills to assist customers in handling transactions. Must be flexible and able to work Saturdays. Teller experience and/or excellent customer service skills required. To apply, please go to www.my100bank.com, then click Careers.

For assistance contact HR@my100bank.com.

EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disabled

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Emergency Communications’ Radio System Technician Marathon

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

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is seeking an applicant that can perform daily operations of the Communications Shop.

Responding to tasks, scheduling work, ordering parts and supplies, perform repairs and maintenance on radios and 800 MHz radio systems. Vocational or Technical School preferred or 3-5 years of experience in the RF repair field. FCC General Radio phone License and Amateur Radio License is preferred. Starting Salary is 43,242.00.

Applicants must fill out preliminary application at www.keysso.net

SANDAL FACTORY Hiring EXPERIENCED team members with good work references.

Equipment Operator and Spotter, Shipwrights, Fiberglass Techs, General Laborers Excellent benefits and compensation package. DFW EOE Apply in Person Sherry C. Popham • 305.743.6341 Email Resume: Sherry@marathonboatyard.com

Is Now Hiring

Part Time / Full Time Retail Associates

at our Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West locations.

Benefits include Health, Vacation & Profit Sharing

Please Fax Your Resume To: (305) 453-9604 or Call (305) 453-9194 Sandal Factory/T-Shirt City

MM102 • MM82 • MM50&48 • MM4.5 • Duval Street

Please email resumes to cslebodnick@keysso.net or fax resumes to (305) 292-7159 Charles Slebodnick May be contacted at (305) 292-7044 EOE/AAP

0

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning...Caring

Dolphin Research Center has a FT opening for a Staff Accountant:

Responsible for daily, weekly & monthly

accounting processes. Must be a responsible, organized and motivated individual who demonstrates excellent “team player” skills. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation and paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org.

E-mail your resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

Sales Associates Full & Part Time / Set Schedules Starting Wage $12.00 per hour Great Benefits!

Fun work environment Apply: www.ronjonsurfshop.com EOE/DFWP

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Part time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours. Please stop by and fill out application or Fax resume to 305-852-9639.

The Hyatt Place

at the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon Is Hiring

Engineer • Banquet Servers Bartenders • Room Attendants Front Desk Host Excellent benefit package

Townsquare Mall Marathon

Apply on line at

Spottswood.com/careers

EOE m/f/d/v

42

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

Public Auction

2171 N Dixie Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

CLASS A CDL DRIVER

Contents of Upscale Restaurants

Must have Current Medical Card

Tues. Oct. 24th @ 11AM

6’ Curved Glass Deli Case, Asst. Coolers, Fryers, Asst.

Prep Tables, Asst. S/S Tables, Keg Cooler, U/C Dishwasher 4B Range, Combi Oven, Hobart Buffalo Chopper, Hobart Slicer, Display Case, True T-49F, Small Wares, 6B w/ Raised Griddle, Freezers, & MORE.

Toby Neverett Auctioneers 561-706-7218 • au872 ab628

Attn: Florida Keys Restaurant Owners

Public Auction

Plantation Key Nursing Center

located in Tavernier, is seeking

C.N.A.

4-Month-Old Restaurant, CLOSING ITS DOORS

www.neverettauctions.com

We offer a competitive wage and benefits program.

To apply for position, Please submit your Resume to

127 SR 7, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414 All Equipment purchased BRAND NEW 4ft Deli Case, (20) Outdoor Tables, (60) Outdoor Chairs, (2) iPad POS Systems, Imperial Dbl Stack Convection Oven, Scotsman Ice Machine, Noritz Gas Tankless Water Heater, 36" Range w/ Salamander, CMA Dishwasher, Slicer, Lg Quantity of Small Wares, PLUS MUCH MORE...

Toby Neverett Auctioneers

BOL@PLANTATIONKEYNC.COM

561-706-7218 • au872 ab628

Detention Deputy Trainee: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is accepting Preliminary Applications for a Detention Deputy Trainee Academy starting December 2017/January 2018. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will pay for your new career (tuition, books and salary).

Preliminary Applications must be completed and received by November 1, 2017. Applicants may apply on line at www.keysso.net or contact Charles Slebodnick at cslebodnick@keysso.net or 305 292-7044. EEO/AAP.

Mid Keys Sand and Rock Inc. Marathon

12 HR Shifts-Nights $500.00 sign on bonus for all new applicants

Mon., Oct. 30th @ 11AM

(305) 394-5530

Receiving/ Inventory clerk Full Time/ Set Schedules Starting Wage $13.00 per hour Great Benefits!

Fun work environment Apply: www.ronjonsurfshop.com EOE/DFWP

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

We Buy Gold Locally!

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Townsquare Mall Marathon

TOBACCO CESSATION COUNSELOR / PATIENT NAVIGATOR

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC

NEED EMPLOYEES?

Salary Range: $46,286. - $70,874.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

Key AHEC is seeking a Tobacco Cessation Counselor to assist individuals quit tobacco use as well as to assist individuals enroll in Health Insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. Candidate must be comfortable with public speaking, counseling patients and delivering health education programs in a community setting.

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

Qualified candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree, be computer literate, highly organized and have some counseling experience, bi-lingual a plus. Please e-mail resumes to mcunningham@fkahec.org. Position will be Upper Keys based. EOE

Location: Middle – Lower Keys The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic to perform specialized maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, equipment, valves, diesel engines, pumps, treatment units, chemical feed systems, and collection systems at our expanding wastewater treatment facilities. MUST HAVE: high school diploma or GED; AND college level course work or Vo. Tech. training in pipefitting, mechanical, pumps and electrical. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Must complete on-line application found at: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm EEO, VPE, ADA

43

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

REALTOR AND GENERAL CONTRACTOR

BUYING OR SELLING?

LET MY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE AFTERMATH OF THE STORM. BRENDA SYMONDS PA • 305-394-7882 RE/MAX ALL KEYS REAL ESTATE • (LIC CGC-1511458 AND SL-3242833)

New hours: Mon - Fri, 7a - 4p (hours may vary)

Drywall, Dock and Deck Lumber, Tapcons, Bolts, Simpson Connectors Products, Peel and Seal, Vinyl Soffit, Vinyl Facia & Siding, Hardiboard Siding, Doors & much more, come visit us.

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

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.

FEMA reps on site to answer questions. *They cannot provide registration assistance.

Locally owned and operated and serving our community since 1977.

11401 1st Ave. Gulf | 305.743-3688

behind Town Square Mall • www.marathonlumber.com

44

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. 305-332-0483

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

BOAT RENTAL WANTED WANT TO RENT 18'-20' Flats/Bay Boat. Key Largo area till mid-January. Would keep boat at Kawana Yacht Club Marina. If available call Brian 912-253-9669

EMPLOYMENT KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT-Marathon.

Hiring for all Positions.

Apply Within. EEO & Drug Free. 3390 Gulfview Ave. Made 2 Order is looking for Dishwasher and Line Cook. Apply in Person after 3PM MM90 Tavernier.

BREEZY PALMS RESORT Now hiring a F/T Maintenance Person. Must work weekends. Apply in person at MM 80 O/S in Islamorada. (305) 664-2361 P/T Receptionist, Marathon Office.

Must be able to travel once a week. (305) 853-5151 for more info.

Florida Ankle & Foot Institute.

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

HOMES FOR RENT DUCK KEY STILT HOME 3BR/2BA on dry lot.

Long term. Approx. $220 0.0 0/month.

3 0 5 - 4 81 - 1316

HOMES FOR SALE DUCK KEY - BRAND NEW 3BR, 2BA on dry lot. Consider owner finance, offers and/or trades. 305-481-1316 HOUSING AVAILABLE

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

TRAILER FOR SALE 2010 Jayco Eagle Travel Trailer. Fully equipped 32', 2 slides,rear livingroom, two recliners and fold out sofa. True Queen bed, double closets and chest of drawers, Lots of storage. 32" and 15" flat screen TVs, 2 ten speed bikes, bike rack

TRAILER FOR SALE plus much more. Asking 14,500 or best offer. Need to sell for health reasons. eMail phayduska@hotmail.com or call (402) 491-4088. Stored in Marathon.

LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 17-DR644-K Division: Family IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: JULIA LIMAS GONZALEZ, Petitioner, and FELIX GONZALEZ ESCOBAR, Respondent, AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: FELIX GONZALEZ ESCOBAR Respondent’s last known address AVE CANARIAS #127, STA LUCIA DE TIRAJANA, LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIAS YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JULIA LIMAS GONZALEZ, whose address is 6517 5 TH STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before November 16, 2017, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

LEGAL NOTICES You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 3 rd day of October, 2017 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 13, October 20, October 27, and November 3, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 17-DR000614-K Division: Family IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: VALERIYA ABBEY, Petitioner, and MICHAEL ABBEY, Respondent, AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: MICHAEL ABBEY Respondent’s last known address 108E SOUTH ROOSEVELT BLVD, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action

LEGAL NOTICES for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on VALERIYA ABBEY, whose address is 114D PEARY COURT, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before November 16, 2017, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 3 rd day of October, 2017 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 13, October 20, October 27, and November 3, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT

LEGAL NOTICES COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 17-DR676-K Division: Family IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: STHERRIN LEE BURKEGRABOWSKI, Petitioner, and CARL GRABOWSKI, Respondent, AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: CARL ANTHONY GRABOWSKI Respondent’s last known address LIVING ON A BOAT OFF SHORE ANCHORED OFF KEY WEST, FL OR MAY BE RENTING A MOORING AT : CITY MARINA AT GARRISON BIGHT, 1801 N. ROOSEVELT BLVD., KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on STHERRIN LEE BURKE-GRABOWSKI, at address 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before November 16, 2017, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation

LEGAL NOTICES of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 3 rd day of October, 2017 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: October 13, October 20, October 27, and November 3, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 17-DR712-K Division: Family IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: MARCEL DARAS, Petitioner, and KEVIN BRYAN, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: KEVIN BRYAN Respondent’s last known address 720 DUVAL STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on MARCEL DARAS, whose address is

45

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

5507 B 5 AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before NOVEMBER 20, 2017, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

the estate of ROGER LEE ANDRULOT, deceased, whose date of death was March 9, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Upper Keys Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

Publish: October 20 & October 27, 2017

Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, MiamiDade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

the public hearing and/or submit written comments to the Board. Written comments should be received by the District on or before November 13, 2017.

Any persons desiring to present oral comments should appear at the public hearing. In the event any person decides to appeal any decision by the Board with respect to any matter relating to the consideration of the resolution at the referenced public hearing, a record of the proceeding may be needed and in such an event, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the public hearing is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.

TH

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.)

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated this 17th day of October, 2017 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Kathi L. Graham Deputy Clerk Publish: October 20, October 27, November 3, and November 10, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 17-CP-109P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROGER LEE ANDRULOT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of

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 decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. 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 20, 2017.

Personal Representative: Sherene Gregor 240 Handel Road East Hartford, CT 06118

The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS The District Board (“Board”) of the Green Corridor Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) District (“District”), hereby provides notice, pursuant to Sections 163.08(4) and 197.3632(3)(a), Florida Statutes, of its intent to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments for more than one year to be levied within all 67 counties in Florida for the financing of the cost of providing energy conservation and efficiency improvements, renewable energy improvements and wind resistance improvements in accordance with Section 163.08, Florida Statutes (collectively, “Qualifying Improvements”).

The non-ad valorem assessments contemplated by this notice are voluntary and are only imposed by the District with the prior written consent of affected property owners who wish to obtain financing for Qualifying Improvements from the District.

This notice pertains to the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the following 67 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier,

The Board will consider the adoption of a resolution electing to use the uniform method of collecting such assessments as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, at a public hearing to be held on November 17, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Ygrene Energy Fund Florida, located at 3390 Mary Street, Suite 124, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. The resolution will state the need for the levy and will contain a legal description of the boundaries of the real property that may be subject to the levy. Copies of the proposed form of resolution are on file at Governmental Management Services – South Florida, LLC, Third Party Administrator for the District, 5385 N. Nob Hill Road, Sunrise, Florida 33351.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in such public hearing should contact the Executive Director, Paul Winkeljohn, at 954-721-8681 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the public hearing.

Publish: October 20, October 27, November 3, and November 10, 2017 The Weekly Newspapers

All interested persons are invited to present oral comments at

Attorney for Personal Representative: Nelson C. Keshen, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0142694 9155 S. Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1718 Miami, FL 33156 Telephone: (305) 6707010 Fax: (305) 670-6203 E-Mail: Service@keshenlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: Nelson@keshenlaw.com

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: 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

WANTED Dirty Houses!

LYDIA’S KEYS

CLEANING KEY WEST TO KEY LARGO

305.902.7622

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring a Part Time Position.

Office Clerical 2-3 days a week, Customer Service and Computer Skills required. Office located in Marathon, at Town Square Mall.

Contact Gary at (305) 394-4522

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Assistant Branch Manager Human Resources Representative Tellers Customer Service Representative Administrative Assistant Loan Processor Part Time Payment Processor Offering 401K, 401A, Profit Sharing Health/Dental Plans Educational Reimbursements Short/Long Term Disability Life Insurance, Paid Time Off And Holidays for Full Time Employees Apply on Line Visit www.keysbank.com/careers Or Scan to Apply

Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender EOE-M/F/V/D

46

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

let’s do business - (305) 743-0844

MARCH HARE MARINE SERVICES CERTIFIED MARINE SURVEYS MASTER MARINE SURVEYOR SERVING ALL THE KEYS

Angel Lewis

VACATION RENTALS

305-390-2315 WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM

office: cell: e-mail:

305-743-3368 305-240-4487 mhms@juno.com CAPTAIN DAVID A. FOLEY

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service Phone: (305) 743-5288

Barbara Sanchez Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service “We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

Fax: (305) 743-6887

LOCAL AERIAL DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY

305-304-7891

Excellent References Upon Request

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

FAA Part 107 Licensed

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

Lic#SP-3562

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon (Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

47

48

KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 20, 2017

COME AND SEE US ABOUT THE IRMA RELIEF PROGRAM

2018 Soul $16,100

2017 Forte LX $18,200

2018 Optima LX $22,500

2018 Sportage SX $23,500

2018 Sorento LX $27,100

2017 Candenza $31,900

Winners Three Years in a Row!

New & Used Car Sales & Service WELLINGS AUTOMOTIVE

9200 Overseas Hwy (across from airport) Marathon

305-509-7499

KEY WEST KIA

2826 North Roosevelt Blvd.

305-295-8646

www.KeyWestKia.com

A Wellings Automotive Company