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COMMUNITY NEWS

16 days to Marathon Seafood Festival

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Desirée Ruhstrat is the violinist with the Fandango! ensemble. The group plays Monday, Feb. 26, at Marathon High School. See story, page 36. CONTRIBUTED

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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MONROE COUNTY

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Editor

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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

CANAL CLEANUP BEGINS Marine debris removal starts in Keys canals

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Office Manager

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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.

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

“W

hat we’re doing here is cherry-picking.

We’re going after the biggest and most obvious first,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi on Feb. 15.

More than 150 days after Hurricane Irma swept the Keys, work finally began on cleaning up the canals choked with hurricane debris on Avenue I on Big Pine Key. “It’s good to see,” said resident Tim Caraftis, who lives on Avenue D. He was leaning up against the side of a gray pickup truck, watching the crew work as they hauled out planter boxes, lattice and pieces of dock. Two barges had been fitted together to support the knuckle boom loader and the debris it was hauling out of the water.

Marathon Cinema STARTING FRIDAY

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

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (R)

POSTMASTER:

MON-FRI 7 & 9:30PM SAT-SUN 2, 7 & 9:30PM

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

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

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“I’ve already done quite a bit of cleanup on my canal myself, but there’s still big stuff in there to get out — a boat hoist, an engine, trees and tree stumps.”

On Feb. 7, Monroe County officials inked a $6 million deal to begin the cleanup in unincorporated Monroe County. The work under this contract is expected to take up to six months and Gastesi said he believes two crews will work seven days a week, although more may be added. Monitors are assigned to make sure wildlife, such as manatees, are not harmed during the process. There is no particular order assigned to the work yet.

An additional $2 million each is coming to the Village of Islamorada and the City of Marathon. Items from boats to refrigerators are submerged, or partially submerged, in about 250 canals in Monroe County. For Islamorada, the most heavily affected

area is on Lower Matecumbe Key. In Marathon, it’s the Key By the Sea trailer park where many mobile homes were swept into the canal. Both municipalities have yet to sign MOU’s — memos of understanding — with state officials so work can begin.

The state Department of Environmental Project is the lead agency, and has hired the DRC Emergency Services contractor to work with local coordination. The county and cities are expected to reimburse the state within two years, and the county is in charge of seeking reimbursement from FEMA. In total, Marathon has 17 canals classified with high or medium impact.

Debris retrieved from the water will be moved to two land-based sites in Marathon. The county has identified the site of the former Big Pine Key prison to handle debris once it’s removed from the water.

Officials are looking for canalside lots, however, where the debris can be loaded into trucks headed toward the main debris collection sites. Officials will need approval from the property owners.

“It would be a lot easier and faster to move the debris out of the canal to a lot right there, rather than barging it around,” said Marathon Deputy City Manager George Garrett. The county and Islamorada have said they will also seek similar arrangements.

Officials report that in the months since the hurricane, most of the persistent debris has floated on the tide to the mouth of the canals.

For the full story, visit keysweekly.com

LOCAL CHATTER

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018 KRISTEN LIVENGOOD kristen@keysweekly.com

O

n Valentine’s Day, a shooter killed 17 students and teachers at a Florida school in Broward County. Three days later, a Keys man threatened to do the same at Marathon High School but was apprehended by law enforcement the same day. We asked officials of Monroe County School District …

What, if anything, is the lesson that the Monroe County School District can learn from these events?

“The tragic incident that took place last week in Broward County is a reminder to everyone in Monroe County regarding the importance of ‘See Something, Say Something’ as we work together to prevent such a tragedy from taking place in our schools,” said Superintendent Mark Porter. “It is a reminder to school and law enforcement personnel as to the importance of proper implementation of all safety and security measures, as well as a reminder to parents to be vigilant in monitoring the online behavior of their children.”

“While we have been addressing the issue of safety and security for many years, we must continue to collaborate with law enforcement, local officials, citizens, staff and families and approach the issue from a multitude of avenues, not just one, to keep our schools safe,” said school board member Mindy Conn. “Safety and security should always be a top priority.”

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Michelle Coldiron, Republican candidate for Monroe County Commission, District 2.

“While I do pray for the families involved, I also hope and pray that our lawmakers will actually do something to help prevent these senseless tragedies,” said school board member John Dick.

“Never let your guard down,” said school board member Ron Martin. “Practice active shooter drills so everyone knows exactly what to do.”

“Our community cannot depend on outside agencies to warn us of a pending attack,” said school board member Andy Griffiths. “The events on Saturday prove we as a community are vigilant, and we must maintain our vigilance while we lobby our elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington to address all the true causes of school/mass shootings.”

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Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said, “The need to communicate, cooperate and partner, before, during and after any such event is critical for public safety.”

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Thank You! 2018 Florida Keys Day sponsors

Special Thanks to Audra Hill Wallace, Erin Muir, Bob Stoky, Kate DeLoach, Mike Forster & John Bartus.

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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WAS YOUR PROPERTY DAMAGED IN THE HURRICANE? IS YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TREATING YOU FAIRLY?

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Free pottery class

‘Cars 3’ in the park

Ms. Patricia, who is both an artist and the youth services coordinator at Key West Public Library, will be teaching a one-day pottery workshop for 10to 18-year-olds at Marathon Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. She will guide the kids through basics such as wheel throwing and pinch pots, then give them the freedom to let creativity flow. Materials will be provided.

The City of Marathon will be showing “Cars 3” at the Marathon Community Park amphitheater on Saturday, Feb. 24 at dusk. The movie is free for everyone and guests are encouraged to bring a low-profile chair, blanket and cooler. The movie is rated PG.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Feb. 22 – May 22 • FDOT roadway construction from MM 115 TO MM 116 along SR 5/US 1.

For public information Office, call 305470-5349.

Thursday, Feb. 22 • Free tax preparation help from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Marathon library.

• Take Stock in Children mentor appreciation event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Overseas Pub, Marathon.

Friday, Feb. 23 • Free “Facts About Heart Disease in Women” lecture at noon at Marathon Yacht Club.

Feb. 24-Feb. 25 • 23rd annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Founders Park, MM 87.

Saturday, Feb. 24 • Annual membership meeting at 1 p.m. at Crane Point Museum’s courtyard, Marathon.

• Free pottery workshop for 10- to 18-year-olds from 1 to 3 p.m. at Marathon library.

• Free movie “Cars 3” at dusk at Marathon Community Park.

• Carolina Shag dance lessons and party at 6:30 p.m. at Florida Keys Country Club, Marathon.

Sunday, Feb. 25 • Nature walks narrated by Neil starting at 12:30 p.m. at Crane Point Museum, Marathon.

• Bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Elks Club, Marathon.

Monday, Feb. 26 • Tacos, jazz, and art from 5 to 8 p.m. at Marathon High School’s Dolphin Bistro.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 • Blue Tarp Fashion Show at 6:30 p.m. at Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn, Key West. $75 Thursday, March 1 • A Mosaic of the Keys Connection Project opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Royal Furniture, Marathon.

Saturday, March 3 • Sombrero Beach 5K and 10K at 8 a.m. in Marathon.

• Conch shell blowing contest at noon at The Oldest House, Key West.

Sunday, March 4 • Key Colony Beach Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Key Colony Beach park.

Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, 11 • The Original Marathon Seafood Festival at Marathon Community Park.

Saturday, March 10 • Third annual Key West Food Truck Festival from noon to 8 p.m., Fort East Martello parade grounds.

Sunday, March 11 • Story Slam “Adventures in Travel” at 7 p.m. at Marathon Community Theatre.

March 16-July 15 • “From a Woman’s Hand,” Keys artists exhibit in the Custom House Museum, Key West.

Friday, March 16 • A Mosaic of the Keys Connection Project opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Artists in Paradise Gallery, Big Pine Key. To see Keyswide events, sign up for The Weekly’s Friday e-mail blast at keysweekly.com.

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BIRTH

Candidate withdraws from county race I filed for the Monroe County Commission seat that represents the Lower Keys because I have been involved with county government and Lower Keys community issues for years. Since filing, I’ve realized the time required to serve in office the way we want our commissioners to serve will keep me from fulfilling some of the other goals I have in life. I have decided to withdraw as a candidate early in this campaign season to leave room for other candidates to succeed. I thank my supporters for their confidence and I encourage the successful candidate to represent the needs and desires of Lower Keys residents.

Bill Hunter Sugarloaf KeyÂ

Sea You at the

Upper Keys Rotary Club

23rd Annual Gigantic

NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET presented by

Baby Madison Mollie and Daren Crews of Marathon welcomed their first child, baby girl Madison, on Feb. 14, 2018 at 7:59 p.m.

She was born at Lower Keys Medical Center and weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long. Madison is the granddaughter of Bob and Cathy Grostefon.

FEBRUARY 24 & 25 2018

Saturday 8am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 3pm Founders Park • US 1 • MM 87 Bayside • Islamorada

OBITUARY

Maureen Porzillo Maureen Porzillo, 74, a resident of Marathon, died on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 in LaPlata, Md. Maureen was born on Nov. 17, 1943 in New York, N.Y. to the late Kathleen Patricia Mulvey Litter and Henry Litter and graduated from Walton High School in The Bronx, N.Y. She married Patrick O. Porzillo shortly thereafter and they began their family in New York. When Pat’s career brought them to Maryland, Maureen and Pat settled in Crofton where they raised their sons and ran their business MTS Erectors together until mov-

ing to Annapolis in 1985.

Maureen was always ready to help those in need, especially children, as demonstrated by the years she served on the Anne Arundel County Foster Care Review Board. In 2010, Maureen became a full-time resident of her favorite vacation location - the Florida Keys. While in the Keys, Maureen enjoyed time with her friends at the Marathon Senior Center playing cards, exercising and sharing meals together.

In addition to her parents, Maureen was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick O. Porzillo and her sister, Shirley Litter Farrell. She is survived by her son Patrick H. Porzillo and wife Tami of Newburg, Md.; son Anthony J. Porzillo and wife Becky of Annapolis, Md.; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

CORAL HEAD MUSIC FEST ROCKS PARK

Event helps ‘rebuild the Keys’

T

he American Legion Riders Post 154 in Marathon presented its second Coral Head Music Fest last weekend at Marathon Community Park.

The event raised $70,000 for hurricane relief in the area and brought in big name acts like Great White, Slaughter, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rick Derringer, Confederate Railroad and more.

—Weekly Staff report

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KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly

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1. Local singer Jen rocks her Janis Joplin with 4SUS at the event. “She came by our rehearsal and we were blown away by her vocals,” said the band.

2. Mark “The Mann” Mann, Kyan Bravo, rocker Joey Bravo and Lenny Brooks hang in the VIP tent.

3. Fish and Tim Hayes, volunteers from the American Legion, watch the door.

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4. The littlest rocker, Mark Belile, enjoys an afternoon at Marathon Community Park.

5. Peggy and Paul Bielik feel right at home at the concert.

6. The park creates a perfect place for a February rock concert.

7. Local rocker Freddie Bye hangs with volunteer Cindy Stiglitz.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET IS THIS WEEKEND Popular Upper Keys event raises scholarship funds

T

he signature fundraiser of the Upper Keys Rotary Club is the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market held at Founders Park in Islamorada, set for this weekend — Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25. It runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Festival organizers say there will be more than 300 vendors set up at the park located at MM 87.

“There is a basic nautical theme, but you can find so much more than that,” said Rotary member Bette Brown, listing everything from art to apparel to home goods. “There is a lot to see, so wear comfortable shoes!”

The festival also features plenty of food and drink at affordable prices — from Bloody Marys to burgers and everything in between.

The food booths are near the park’s beach so guests can nibble and sip with toes in the sand.

The purpose of the event, though, is not shopping — it’s education. The Key Largo Rotary Club and the Upper Keys Rotary Club donated about $150,000 a year to college students from Coral Shores High School and Island Christian School. Some sophomores, juniors and seniors at higher learning institutions reapply for the scholarships to support them throughout their schooling. From 2012 to 2018, the event has raised $500,000 in direct scholarship aid for local students pursuing professional or technical degrees. The two clubs also donate $60,000 a year to the Take Stock in Children scholarships — a countywide program that provides free college tuition for highperforming students from low-income situations.

“The Rotary Club Scholarship awards result from the effort of hundreds of people in the community who work the annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market,” said Rotarian Frank Derfler.

This event has grown in popularity to the point it causes traffic delays in the Upper Keys. To alleviate the problem, organizers offer plentiful parking at the nearby Coral Shores High School located at MM 89. A shuttle bus starts at 8 a.m. with scholarship student “docents” acting as tour guides.

The event is pet-friendly and the site has restrooms, ATMs and free Wi-Fi. Festival-goers can also access an interactive app on a smartphone that reveals the exact location of specific vendors. A suggested donation of $5 will be collected at the main gate on the southwest corner of the property, nearest the fire station.

—­Weekly Staff report

MONROE COUNTY

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MONROE COUNTY

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Rick Marks, left, Robby Majeska, Deb Willis, Chris Sante, Michelle Coldiron, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Roget Bryan, Peter Rosasco, Fred Hicks, and Seth Lawless make up a delegation from the Keys to Washington, D.C. (Marks is lobbyist for Marathon and Hicks represents Islamorada.) City Manager Chuck Lindsey said the delegation had a successful trip to Washington this past week. Every year, the Keys group — consisting of elected representatives and top municipal officials — petitions for its share of the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Project, overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers.

“I think our funding is secure for the 2018 budget, and 2019 looks hopeful as well,” Lindsey said. In 2003, $100 million was put aside and about half has been awarded since then. The Keys will use its $2 million granted this year for wastewater, stormwater and nearshore water quality projects. CONTRIBUTED

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“So it’s you versus Spring Breakers? Let me know how that works out.”

SIGNS THAT SPRING BREAK IS HERE Key West is the consummate Spring Break host. And like it or not, we serve up Jell-O shots and 80-degree rays of sunshine better than anyone else.

But it sneaks up on us, between work, kids’ games, parades and fundraisers; somehow the young ones slip in and snatch up our happy-hour seats.

Here are your top indicators that Spring Break is upon us.

HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

1. There are bikini-clad girls walking through Publix and they don’t work for Corona.

2. There’s a guy named Ted who apparently sees rainbows and unicorns and is trying to ride the iguana in your backyard.

3. It sounds like the entire town is playing with squeaky toys; nope, that’s just incessant scooter honking.

4. Five Guys looks like a chapter of Beta Alpha Chi.

5. Every sentence starts with “When I went on Spring Break, we never …”

6. We are visually assaulted by neon, crochet and fringe.

7. You realize your mother never said, “Find a guy in a trucker hat, that’s a keeper.”

8. You realize you too once had 3-percent body fat. And then depression sets in.

9. Local servers have to be restrained after an average tip rate of 4 percent.

10. Your front porch is accessorized with a pile of vomit and a sleeping UCF sophomore named Trevor.

BUSINESS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

Workshop focuses on economic recovery

A

daylong workshop on economic recovery after Hurricane Irma is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 8: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

The hosts include the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), in partnership with the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC), Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Florida Small Business Development Corporation (Florida SBDC).

The workshop is free but registration is necessary at www.eventbrite. com/e/resiliency-economic-recoveryworkshop-for-community-leaderstickets-42579917680.

Participants will learn about tips and tools for business continuity and the resources that are available to assist business owners from the Florida SBDC. This will be followed by discussions on economic recovery and resiliency efforts, federal and state partner panel discussions, lunch networking opportunities, as well as information on state and EDA resources, as well as creative financing and long term revitalization strategies.

The presentations will focus specifically on Monroe County with special attention to aquaculture, business, workforce, affordable housing, and tourism recovery.

“As we work to rebuild our community, we welcome our federal partners and the South Florida Regional Planning Council, and their continued assistance,” said Monroe County Commissioner and SFRPC Councilmember George Neugent.

“Our panelists have experience going into locations post-disaster and helping communities put together economic action plans and objectives that will help us get back on track at an expedited rate,” said Daniel Samess, CEO of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce.

—Contributed

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GARDEN TOUR THIS WEEKEND The Key West Garden Club is presenting a unique guided tour and plant sale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For those who want to renew their own gardens, the plant sale features orchids from Soroa Orchids, herbs, native and exotic plants, garden club merchandise and orchid fertilizer balls that facilitate care of the lovely perennials.

Horticulture buffs can discover the restored Fort West Martello Gardens with volunteers who will provide insights and information about specific areas of the lushly landscaped site, including those renewed and restored by club members after last September’s Hurricane Irma. Tour participants can learn about the plants in butterfly and fragrant gardens and an intriguing prehistoric garden among others.

Admission and parking for the plant sale are free. Tickets for the guided tour, which includes light refreshments, are available for a $5 donation per person.

For more information, visit keywestgardenclub.com or contact Mary Brady at 305-998-4882 or mwb.chalmers@gmail.com.

— Contributed

Travis W. Bennett, DMD

102965 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

305-451-2616

Sandy M. Brito, DMD

90290 Overseas Hwy, Suite 108, Tavernier, FL 33070

305-852-5099 www.EveryoneLovesaGentleDentist.com

To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Ginger Henderson - Represented the Buyers of 114 S. Indies Drive, Duck Key FL 33050

TROLLEY TOUR SET FOR SATURDAY The next Matecumbe Historical Trust “29 Points of Interest” Historical Trolley Tours on the islands of Islamorada will be on Saturday, Feb. 24, starting at the Islamorada Moose Lodge, 81573 Old Highway.

One of the best features of the trip is the monitor located at the front of the trolley. During the ride it shows pictures of how the islands used to look as compared to the view outside the window today.

The first tour begins at 10 a.m.

Additional tours will be added to accommodate demand. Tours will take approximately one hour. Reservations are recommended. Tickets may be purchased on site: adults are $15 per person, children six and under are free.

A tent staffed by Matecumbe Historical Trust volunteers will provide information and sell tickets. In addition, guests may purchase books, T-shirts, historic photographs and memorabilia for sale.

For more information or reservations contact Barbara at 305-393-0940.

— Contributed

To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Kim Rabito-Show & Alicia Lund

Represented the Buyers of 314 23rd Street, Marathon FL 33050

16

MONROE COUNTY

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Local officials support “carve out” exemption to proposed vacation rental law

By Sara Matthis & Gabriel Sanchez

An issue brewing in Tallahassee could affect just about every corner of the Florida Keys. It’s about the character of Keys neighborhoods and property value and property rights and taxes. But for short, it’s referred to as “home rule.”

State vs. Local power: Home rule is the ability of local governments — think the City of Key West or Monroe County — to tailor laws to fit their unique environment and constituents; that’s above and beyond what state law stipulates. It is a part of the state constitution, added in 1968 — Article VIII, Section 2(b). The opposite of home rule is called preemption — the legislature overturning home rule because it conflicts with state law, or is inconsistent with the majority of laws.

Companion Senate and House bills that, if passed, would gut the concept of home rule are making their way through committee. Senate Bill 1400, authored by Sen. Greg Steube of Sarasota, and House Bill 773, authored by Rep. Mike La Rosa of Osceola County, would effectively strip local governments of the right to dictate how vacation rentals are allowed. Currently, both bills have a provision that would allow local governments to keep their “grandfathered” rules in place, but that could change at the next committee stop. Current Keys laws state there shall be no rentals of less than seven days in Islamorada and Marathon, or 28 days in unincorporated Monroe County. In effect, the bills would pave the way for nightly rentals not only in the Keys, but throughout Florida.

According to the Sun Sentinel, Sen. Steube sought to change state rule on vacation rentals after he bought a home on Florida’s east coast that he cannot rent due to local rules.

“I have always believed in the premise that it’s my property and I will do what I want with it,” said Marathon Councilman Mark Senmartin. “That

said, I also see myself as a responsible and courteous neighbor. The very thought of giving control to people in Tallahassee that have no idea about our community makes me angry. We are big boys and girls and are capable of managing our issues without their ‘help.’”

The House bill is set to be reviewed by the Government Accountability Committee on Feb. 22. The 23 committee members include Rep. Holly Raschein who represents the Florida Keys.

“While the issue of regulating vacation rentals is a concern to many local governments around the state, in the Florida Keys the challenges we face are even more pronounced,” Raschein said. “We are the only area in the state that operates under a ROGO system with a finite number of building permits remaining. We recognize the important role that tourism plays in our economy; however, it is critical that we find a way to balance these vacation rentals with the need to provide long-term housing for our workforce, especially in the wake of Hurricane Irma.”

The House bill is set to move to the Commerce Committee next before it can be heard on the floor and voted upon. The Senate bill has passed the Regulated Industries Committee and is set to move to the Appropriations Committee next.

Many in the Keys oppose the idea of the state setting vacation rental law.

To that end, Monroe County, Village of Islamorada and the City of Marathon have co-authored an amendment to the bills, or a “carve-out.” It would exempt state Areas of Critical Concern, which include the Keys. (There are four Areas of Critical Concern in Florida, but

only Monroe County has a substantial population.)

The amendment sets out not only an exemption to the bill, but also the right to change its existing, grandfathered law. Since 2011, state law dictates that no municipality may change its vacation rental law — at all — without losing its grandfathered status and reverting to state law.

Besides the Keys, organizations within Palm Beach and Longboat Key have expressed dismay. And Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger said regardless of whatever bill may or may not pass, this is simply a zoning issue, one that Monroe County is monitoring closely.

“Zoning laws have been in place since the 1920s,” he said. “This essentially is allowing a commercial enterprise in a residential district. It’s the equivalent of putting a hotel in a residential district.”

Value and taxes: The implications of a preemption by the state to govern local vacation rental goes beyond the fear that a Keys homeowner may be subject to nightly, rowdy parties at the vacation rental next door. This is also about a home’s value and taxes.

Real estate professionals agree that a vacation rental home is easier to rent by the week than by the month.

That means real estate investors would choose a home in Marathon over one, say, on Big Pine Key, and possibly pay a premium to do so. The other side of the coin is also true but less common — that someone buying a second home who doesn’t intend to rent it out may wish to own in a neighborhood with a minimum of transitional neighbors.

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Some think the state’s preemptive strike against vacation rental law is too radical to come to fruition. But consider that last year, the state did the very same thing when it came to transportation network companies Lyft and Uber.

MONROE COUNTY

In Monroe County, vacation rentals pay a so-called “bed tax” — 12.5 percent of the value of the rental. For example, a $1,400 per week three-bedroom, two-bath home rental on a canal would generate $175 in taxes. In December 2017, the Monroe County Tax Collector collected almost $3.5 million in bed tax. Of that, $1,036,000 was generated by vacation rentals, not hotel rooms. The county sends 7.5 percent of that to the state, and 5 percent stays local. The local money goes into the Tourist Development Council fund that advertises the Keys as a destination, and also pays for brick and mortar projects of a touristy nature.

Airbnb, an online service for people to lease or rent short-term lodging, is a proponent of the state exemption of vacation rental law. Airbnb reported that in 2017, some 40,000 Florida hosts earned a combined $450 million by renting out lodging to an estimated 2.7 million guests. However, the company has a checkered past in Monroe County when it comes to paying bed tax. Back in 2016, it offered an undisclosed monthly amount for bed tax, but refused to allow the county to verify the rentals by homeowner name and address. Monroe County declined and yet Airbnb still has a smattering of listings in the Keys. According to the tax collector, Airbnb tells owners they are paying the bed tax, but the county has received no money. The tax collector administrators report that similar companies, such as VRBO, are more compliant.

Of course, every homeowner is subject to property taxes and insurance costs. Those high costs, said real estate broker Brian Schmitt, compel some homeowners to rent their homes to tourists. He said that in his neighborhood, four long-time owners of second homes started renting after the recession of 2008.

“Even if you don’t have a mortgage, that’s a cost of $1,000 to $2,000 a month for the lawn service, pool service, running the a/c and paying taxes and insurance,” Schmitt said. “If they didn’t short sell, they had to change the way they thought about their houses or else sell into a depressed market and take a hit. They are renting today because it was the best option. And, remember, these people don’t enjoy the homestead tax exemption and have no ability to vote.”

Schmitt continued, “But at the end of the day for me, being in the real estate business, I have to respect property owners’ bundle of rights and I expect that they would respect, hopefully, me too — the people who are living here. And, by and large, that has been my personal experience.”

Some think the state’s preemptive strike against vacation rental law is too radical to come to fruition. But consider that last year, the state did the very same thing when it came to transportation network companies — Lyft and Uber. It struck down local governments’ laws regarding the regulation and number of taxis to allow Lyft and Uber to operate in every city. There are other bills challenging home rule afloat this session, as well. For example, House bill 521 would void local tree regulations.

The Senate and House bills are expected to be heard in at least two committees each before reaching the floor for a vote. There are only 16 days left in the legislative session.

Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey takes a philosophical view about the proposed changes to vacation rental law and quotes the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge.

“It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones.”

17

18

KEYS KIDS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

BUSINESS MINDED Fair will award $2,000 to young entrepreneurs GABRIEL SANCHEZ

gabriel@keysweekly.com

L

ocal education company The Brainery is giving away $2,000 in scholarship prizes to budding entrepreneurs in its first ever Keys Kids Business Faire. More than 25 students have already shown interest.

Set for Saturday, March 24, the competition will allow kids, ages 7 to 17, to showcase a product, service or business model to the public. Island Christian School has partnered with the Brainery to host the event in its gymnasium. Registration is $75, of which $25 will go back to the child in the form of a new college savings plan. The first place prize is valued at $1,500 in scholarship money; second is $1,000, and third place is $500.

“We want to encourage parents and students to begin thinking about their future and planning financially,” said Brainery co-founder Lizz Smoak.

With Nancy Hull, Smoak started the educational company to provide enrichment courses to students. Its summer STEM camps allowed local kids to experience careers they normally wouldn’t get a chance to learn about until later in life. The weeklong classes introduced kids to digital arts, theater, culinary, veterinarian sciences and engineering.

“We received a lot of feedback from schools and parents to do more of those types of events throughout the year,” she said. “We both have a passion for entrepreneurship, and our kids are demonstrating that as well, so we wanted to bring the idea of a kid’s business fair to the Keys.”

The business fair has attracted the attention of surrounding schools and teachers, like Stanley Switlik Elementary teacher Merlou Robinson.

Robinson’s third-, fourth- and fifth-grade enrichment classes have begun a similar entrepreneurship project to design and create a first business. Students’ products or services will be showcased at the marketplace event planned in conjunction with the project.

Students will track their profits and losses in the school’s student currency, Dolphin Dollars. With the project’s completion planned before the fair, Robinson is encouraging students to participate.

“We’ve been working on it a few days so far and are going to have our own business fair at Stanley Switlik. Hopefully some of the groups will go on to the (Brainery’s) fair,” said Robinson. “We are trying to brainstorm ideas with a range of startup costs.”

Among the ideas so far are framed inspirational quotes, beaded bracelets, a root beer float startup, stress balls, and at least one upcycling project.

The next workshop is on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Islamorada public library and will discuss packaging and pricing. A branding and marketing workshop is in the planning stages. Robinson and the Brainery are also looking into holding a workshop at Stanley Switlik. The Weekly will continue to follow the young entrepreneurs on their path to the fair. For questions and sponsorship information call 305-394-5950 or email info@brainerykids.com.

Top: Rylee Seligson, left, and Ella Dunn of Stanley Switlik Elementary work on their business project: Beads and Brownies. Bottom: Benito Lopez is working on the prototype of his business card. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

“We want to encourage parents and students to begin thinking about their future and planning financially.”

—Brainery co-founder Lizz Smoak.

19

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Karen Raspe

305-393-9010 • karen@acresales.com

When Excellence & Service Matter, Give Me A Call!

OPEN SUNDAY 1 - 3 PM

1140 Bulevar De Palmas - Marathon Elegantly updated & open water views of Sister's Creek. Perfect for the boater, diver and fisherman, only 3 mins to ocean! Designer kitchen: granite countered breakfast bar & desk. Bright & open concept design of dining & living rms, plus beautiful open water views. Permitted sleeping, living, kitchenette & full bath on lower level. Plenty of rm for your toys on 130+ ft concrete dock and 24k lb boat lift. Covered porch for dining or watching the sunset.

2/3 • 2,423 SF • $1,795,000 • MLS# 578337

98 Calle Ensueno Sombrero Isle - Marathon Custom built on exclusive Sombrero Isle, this large residence is within walking distance to Sombrero Beach. With a signature timeless look, featuring a dramatic 2-story living room, formal dining room and gourmet kitchen, all leading to the expanded pool balcony with lovely canal views. The private master suite is huge and encompasses the entire 2nd floor. The lower level has a bonus room which would be a great home office or workout / yoga room.

Plenty of covered parking for all of your toys or outdoor living areas, your options are endless. This could be your island retreat here in Paradise!

3/2 • 3,430 SF • $1,536,000

821 W. Ocean Dr #6, Turtle Cays, Key Colony Beach Simply gorgeous, end unit, town home with elegant furnishings & designer touches throughout. Soaring, coffered ceilings , custom kitchen and baths, open floor plan on main level with lg balcony with ocean views. Large master suite with private balcony & ocean views. 3 bedrooms plus another office or sleeping area on the 2nd floor. All impact windows & doors, concrete construction & metal roof. Big garage with high ceiling & plenty of room for storing your bikes, kayaks, jet skis, fishing and dive gear...whatever is needed to make this your weekend getaway, retirement or vacation home.

3/2.5 • 2,304 SF • $1,099,000 • MLS# 578783

OPEN SATURDAY 12 - 2 PM

58589 Morton St - Grassy Key/Marathon Do you want your own sandy beach in a private, tropical setting? Here it is, with open gulf views! Lovely three bedroom, 2 full baths with updated kitchen of stainless appliances & new floors throughout. Gorgeous open water views from 2 bedrooms & all living areas. Lots of parking for RV, boat or jet skis & great dockage. Screened porch, covered patio, pool & huge storage rm. Currently an active vacation rental. You can enjoy your beach life here in Paradise.

3/2 • 1,144 SF • $990,000 • MLS# 577994

200 5th St - Key Colony Beach MAKE AN OFFER on this re-designed & tastefully updated living, dining, kitchen, tiled & euro baths, impact windows & designer ceilings. Great canal views from living, dining, kitchen & lg composite deck. Rm for a pool & to park all of your toys. A/C'd & game rm plus 3rd full bath on lower level. East facing w/60 ft dock, fish clng station, 10k boat lift & davits. A perfect retirement hm or vacation rental 5 mins to ocean & 10 to Gulf..Ahh...Home in Paradise!

3/3 • 2,400 SF • $855,000 • MLS# 577908

95 Coco Plum #4C - Bonefish Yacht Club MOTIVATED SELLERS! Gorgeous, townhome/condo w/designer upgrades & improvements ready for you to move right in & enjoy this tropical treasure. Stunning, open water views of Bonefish. 3 en-suite bedrooms, w/HUGE master suite with a private balcony. All impact windows & doors, storage galore plus covered parking, tennis, pool, tiki & room to park your flats boat. Perfect 7 day vacation rental, weekly getaway or retirement hm in the Fabulous Florida Keys!

3/3 • 1,857 SF • $649,900 • MLS# 577997

OPEN SATURDAY 12 - 2 PM

799 West Ocean Dr, #205 – Key Colony Beach Seller Says: MAKE AN OFFER! Condo was untouched by Irma & sellers have pd all assessments. Blue ocean views, plus updated tiled bathrooms & granite kitchen are just 2 things making this a wonderful condo! Bright & airy, larger open kitchen & views of the ocean from almost every rm. 2 lg ocean front balconies, 1 off the master suite & other off living rm. Storage rm, covered parking, pool and spa. Your slice of paradise in wonderful Key Colony Bch, come on home!

2/2 • 1,350 SF • $649,000 • MLS# 577101

117 Coco Plum #12 - The Shores LETS MAKE A DEAL! All we need is you to complete this spacious, open 3 bedroom condo that has been superbly updated with new designer kitchen & baths as well as new wood style tile throughout. Plus now with ocean views, thanks to Irma. Bring your boat too..there is a deeded & protected boat slip on wide deep canal with no bridges to the open ocean. Enjoy the sandy beach, gorgeous pool and tennis courts. You CAN have it all, here on the ocean in Paradise!!

3/2.5 • 1,620 SF • $549,000 • MLS# 576030

300 4th St – Key Colony Beach Wonderfully updated & spacious 1/2 duplex, east facing w/designer touches throughout. You will love the custom kitchen, with all new appliances, tiled baths, travertine floors, impact windows, new mini split a/c's, paved driveway & patio, landscape lighting, custom built fence, 30 ft concrete dock w/wood step down, bait freezer, fish cleaning station and storage room. Yes, this is it, your retirement home, 2nd home or vacation rental in Key Colony Beach where the boater & fisherman are delighted to be only 5 minutes to the open ocean.

2/2 • 1,025 SF • $535,000 • MLS# 576632

OPEN SUNDAY 1 - 3 PM

610 11th Street, Key Colony Beach

3 7th Street - Key Colony Beach

Renovations are almost complete! Designer kitchen with breakfast bar and stainless appliances, soaring Dade pine ceilings, updated & tiled bathrooms plus an extra room for added living room or possible 3rd bedroom. The fisherman, boaters & divers will love the 37.5 ft dock on a wide, clear & deep canal just 5 minutes to the ocean or gulf. Carport & plenty of room for your RV or toys! This east facing, updated gem is perfectly located in Key Colony, the gem of the Florida Keys!

2/2 • 1,184 SF • $525,000

JUST LISTED & BEING TOTALLY RENOVATED! Unique garage home with large dock for up to a 50 ft boat. Two private bedrooms and 2 full baths plus new kitchen with open views of this 200 ft wide, deep and clear canal. Boaters & Fisherman love this east facing location, where you are 5 minutes to the open ocean and gulf. Walk across the street for golf, bocce ball, horse shoes, pickle ball, play grounds & tennis. You will love it here in Key Colony Beach!

2/2 • 846 SF • $490,000

200 Wrenn St 205 - Plantation Key NO HURRICANE DAMAGE & REDUCED TO SELL and SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE!! Great 2 bedroom/2 bath condo, ocean view from screened balcony in beautiful Islamorada. Beach front building w/ocean views, pool, club house, tennis court, storage room, gym, ocean front grilling, covered parking & more. Walking distance to shops & restaurants. Great for your vacation or retirement home in Paradise. Only 1 hour to Miami airport. Your Island Home is waiting for you here.

2/2 • 1,179 SF • $333,950

20

MUSIC

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

THOMAS FILE

www.keysweekly.com

Icon brings storied career to Sunset Green

MCDONALD PLAYS KEY WEST

W

e all know that voice. It might be from his early career making hits with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, or from his charttopping solo career turning out iconic tracks like “What A Fool Believes.” Or perhaps you’ve grooved along to his Motown albums, or celebrated the holidays with his reimagined Christmas standards.

More recently, you might even know him from collaborations with indie-rock cool kids “Grizzly Bear” or “Thundercat.”

No matter how you know him, on Feb. 28, Key West music lovers of any age will have the special opportunity to catch Michael McDonald live at the Sunset Green Event Lawn.

What made this the right time to release your first original material in 17 years? It was something I felt increasing pressure to do after the Motown Records, which for me were not even work, but were a pure labor of love. But during that time, I was always putting ideas down in my studio when I was home off the road.

In recent years, one of McDonald’s frequent collaborators

(who is also, not coincidentally, a world-class drummer) built and tuned a new studio largely off those recordings. He goes, “You have to start a new record here. I think the demos we did of those songs are probably some of the best performances you’re going to have.”

Has it been particularly challenging or rewarding taking the new songs on the road? It’s been both, honestly. Ultimately, if we had our druthers, we would just play the whole new album. But that doesn’t fly with the audience, and rightfully so. They want to hear the songs that they know you by. And we enjoy playing those for them. It is a challenge to figure out how many of the new songs can you get away with, but so far, the audiences have been great.

Obviously Key West is a unique part of the country with its own local music tradition.

Does that make it exciting to come down here? That’s how I came up, playing in a small town in Missouri, playing in local clubs.

Those are some of the fondest memories I have. There’s part of me

that still fantasizes, “God, could I live up in some place like Muscle Shoals, and play music locally at night and work at a studio where there’s good records being made?” That’s really the dream of a musician. Have a little lake house, play in a great club at night, and have a local studio where people are making some noise.

Your career started off with some amazing collaborations, and more recently, you’ve kept up that trend with much younger groups. I feel extremely fortunate to have been asked by certain artists, whether it’s Grizzly Bear or Thundercat, to collaborate. Kenny (Loggins) really engineered those. I don’t know what to make of why I’ve been so fortunate. I don’t question it too much. I just look forward to the opportunities.

Later, McDonald returns to this theme of collaboration and his early days as a session player.

I always tell my son, “Playing those top-40 gigs taught me everything I ever needed to know about songwriting.” In a way, playing top 40 music is the ultimate experience of the working musician.

Was it especially rewarding to

TIMOTHY WHITE / Contributed

write a song (“Half Truth”) on the new record with your son Dylan?

Absolutely. We don’t get the chance to write together as much as I would like. That one came about when he was showing me a chord progression. It was kind of a guitar lesson he was giving me. For me, I thought it turned out to be one of the better tunes on the record.

You obviously have a good sense of humor. What’s it like when you see yourself parodied on “Family Guy,” or to do a bit with on Jimmy Fallon? I personally love the “Yacht Rock” webisodes.

(Laughs) Oh, it’s great fun. In its own way it’s also flattering, the fact that anybody even remembers any of us from the ‘70s is mind boggling to me. I’ve told my son from time to time, when he’s laughing at the “Family Guy” thing and kind of ribbing me, “Hey, someday when your music becomes less relevant to your listeners, your comic value might be your real value.”

Final question. How many yachts do you have? None actually.

I had a motorboat for a while, but I got rid of it just before it became my worst nightmare.

UPSCALE LOCALS JOINT

3574 OVERSEAS HWY, GULF • 305-743-2727

NATURE

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

21

ENDANGERED DARLINGS Key deer a highlight of Outdoor Fest

K

ey deer may be tiny in size, but this endangered species is big on the list of well-loved wildlife. If the diminutive deer exclusive to the Florida Keys has somehow eluded you, it’s time to make your way to the third annual Outdoor Fest, set for Saturday, March 10 through Saturday, March 17 and hosted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex and their Friends group, Florida Keys Wildlife Society. With a Wildlife Fair at their new Big Pine Key Nature Center and a Run with Deer 5k just some of their many offerings, you’re sure to sight this miniature but magnificent creature.

The smallest cousins of whitetailed deer, Key deer migrated from the mainland during the latest Ice Age when sea levels were much lower, their size shrinking over time as they adapted to the limited resources and warmer temperatures on these small island habitats. Near-extinction from habitat destruction and poaching in the 1950s led to a federal recovery effort which was soon backed by the 1957 establishment of National Key Deer Refuge, helping secure their survival. Since then, the early herd of 25 deer has rebounded to upwards of 800 to 1,200 animals, spread throughout much of the Lower Keys.

Still, natural and human impacts like parasites, hurricanes, car collisions, poachers, climate change, rising sea levels, disease, dogs, and proximity to homes and roads are threats. The last two years have been especially challenging, with the New World screwworm outbreak and the direct hit of Hurricane Irma within the refuge. Considering this, the Key deer population has proven surprisingly resilient. Deer habitat continues to recover as well, and the refuge will continue to monitor the population of deer and the health of the habitat into the future.

However, habituation to humans continues to be a challenge.

“The reason they’ve lost their natural wariness around people is because they have been fed,” said Refuge Ranger and Outreach Coordinator Kristie Killam. “Any deer that approaches you is likely looking for a free handout.”

Killam is part of a small team of refuge managers, biologists, law enforcement officers, maintenance staff, volunteers, and the refuge friends group Florida Keys Wildlife Society that welcome more than 100,000 visitors to the four Florida Keys National Wildlife

“Tender Moment” by Mike Vaughn is a winner of the third annual photography contest from last year’s Outdoor Fest. MIKE VAUGHN/Contributed

Children quietly watch Key deer as they graze at the Blue Hole in the National Key Deer Refuge. CONTRIBUTED

Refuges annually, doing everything they can to help protect and conserve the creatures and habitats found there.

“Education and awareness is key,” said Killam, “as is stewardship.

Planting native plants, responsible pet ownership, not feeding wildlife, ethical wildlife viewing, driving the speed limit, and leaving no trace — these are just a few of the ways people can do their part.”

When it comes to Key deer, there are some simple but strict rules to follow: • No matter how cute they are or how close they may get, forget about petting them. You are not a deer whisperer and they are (federally protected) wild animals. Touching, harassing, or possessing one is a federal offense.

• Slow down while driving between Sugarloaf Key and Bahia Honda, with extra caution in Big Pine Key. • Resist the urge to offer them whatever it is you happen to be eating when you see them, and know the only “feeding” that’s legal is to leave them be and landscape with the ecosystem’s native plants to create a natural habitat. Berries, leaves and flowers from more than 150 native plants and trees — including palms, gumbo limbo, strangler figs, blackbead, blolly, black torch, sea grape, and pigeon plum – make up the Key deer diet.

Remember that a fed deer can lead to a dead deer. “From a health perspective, feeding them human foods or foods they aren’t used to eating can make them sick,” said Killam. “In the case of cracked corn or dog food, it can kill them.

Feeding them also habituates them to people, making them less wary around vehicles, dogs, trash, and even makes them susceptible to poaching.”

With more than 9,200 acres of habitat within the Key deer range, “Key deer wander all the habitats in the National Key Deer Refuge, including pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, fresh and saltwater wetlands, mangroves, and sometimes along beaches,” said Killam.

To learn more about Key deer and their natural habitat, check out the upcoming Outdoor Fest: visit floridakeyswildlifesociety.org, contact Killam at 305-304-9625, or email Nancy or Jan at flkeysoutdoorfest@gmail.com.

—Contributed

22

MARATHON

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

T

PAWS IN THE PARK Event on Saturday raises shelter funds

he second annual dog walk is set for Saturday, Feb. 24 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Key Colony Beach Golf Course. The event is a fundraiser for the Marathon campus of the Florida Keys SPCA. Registration donations of $10 for well-behaved pets on a leash will help the animal shelter raise money to support adoption and spay/neuter programs. A $40 donation comes with a T-shirt.

“In our first year, we had about 50 people come out. This year we are hoping for double the amount of people and to double the amount of funds raised!” said Tara Vickrey, shelter director in Marathon.

She said the walk starts at the gazebo on 7th Street in Key Colony Beach and meanders around the golf course.

“It’s just a fun way to get our selves and pets out and about while raising money for the shelter,” she said.

Every registrant is entered into a raffle for some prizes at the end of the walk. For more information, call 305-743-4800.

— Weekly Staff report

The Florida Keys Watercolor Society presents their 36th Annual Judged Exhibition in Main Gallery of Marathon Community Theater. MM 49.5 Ocean Opening Reception is Sunday, March 4th 5-7 PM

Music by Richard Foley

An Evening of ART ~ MUSIC HORS D’OEUVRES AWARD CEREMONY RAFFLE ~ CASH BAR

Judge is Kim Minichiello: Former Disney Imagineer

www.fkwcs.com

Where the Locals eat!

Join us for Lunch or Happy Hour!

"PIGEON KEY COTTAGE" by Artist Charles Passarelli

"DOWN UNDER" by Artist Lian Quan Zhen

Two Original Watercolor Paintings for Raffle.

Donated by two nationally known Watercolor Artists.

Viewing of Exhibit begins Thursday, March 8th thru Saturday March 24th 11-4 each Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Viewing is also on Friday and Saturday evening before the curtain and during intermission of the MCT's Fundraiser Performance "ONE WEEKEND ONLY".

www.marathontheater.org

ART WORK For Sale with 20% going to MCT as a gesture o "Artists Helping the Arts"

Open Monday - Saturday 11 - 5 (305) 743-9181

6950 O/S Hwy, Marathon MM 51 Bayside

Serv in Beer g & Win e

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Starting at $25 Per Foot

COMPANIES

CGC1521939

New Constructions Remodels/Additions Kitchens/Bath Impact Windows

TALK TO US ABOUT METAL ROOFING EC 13005589

Residential & Commercial

Locally owned and operated 305-735-4042 • 6677 Overseas Hwy

24

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

SUNDAY FUNDAY

#400 LUAU PARTY

COME CELEBRATE THE LONGEST RUNNING POOL & BEACH PARTY IN THE FLORIDA KEYS A TIKI-RRIFIC 400TH SUNDAY FUNDAY CELEBRATION!!!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2018

DRESS AS A TACKY TOURIST CONTEST WITH PRIZES AT 3 PM!

THE PINA COLADAS ARE FROZEN, THE THEME IS SET, WE’RE HAVING A LUAU YOU’LL NEVER FORGET! FREE JELLO SHOT TO EVERYONE IN A HAWAIIAN SHIRT!

$4.00 TROPICAL DRINK

SPECIALS

LIVE RADIO remote on 104.1 US-1 Radio from 2 to 4 pm with prizes, giveaways, and contests! Come meet the Cruzan Girls for Special Treats!

Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Rum Punch, Blue Hawaiian

DJ Luis Jams poolside from 1 pm and Bahama Boyz perform from 6-9 pm Grilled on the Pool Deck • World Famous Cheeseburgers • Grilled Pineapple Guacamole Swiss Burger • BBQ Baby Back Ribs • Bacon Wrapped Lobster • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops • Chili Cheese Dogs Drink Specials • 2 for $4 Coors Light Drafts • 2 for $4 Jello Shots • $4 Fireball Shots • $4 Jager Bombs

305-396-7235 - 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT

OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

LUCKY LOGGERHEAD The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Marathon partnered with the Turtle Hospital on Feb. 17 to rescue a large loggerhead sea turtle north of Grassy Key Marina. Jay Branson, a boater, observed the sea turtle floating at the surface, its neck and front flipper entangled in trap line, and called the Turtle Hospital. Olivia Carlisle, rehabilitation specialist at the Turtle Hospital, responded to the call and recruited the Coast Guard to help with the rescue. The Coast Guard crew transported Carlisle to the injured turtle while Branson stayed with the animal at sea until help arrived. Together they were able to catch the 250-pound animal and disentangle her from the trap line. The turtle was rescued in time and no damage was done to her neck or flippers. After a physical exam on the Coast Guard vessel, the team was able to return the turtle back to the ocean. CONTRIBUTED

Huge Discounts on Pre-Irma Inventory from Boat Accessories to Motor Parts.

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Our Wings Have Carried Us To Our NEW Waterfront Location.

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER: Friday – Sunday 11am-10pm

OPEN FOR DINNER:

Monday-Thursday 3:30pm-10pm

NIGHTLY SPECIALS

Wood-Fired Pizzas Fried Green Tomato B.L.T.

Open 11:30 a.m – 10 p.m. • 305-743-5516 3660 O/S Highway,Marathon (directly across from Marathon City Park, MM 49)

Fresh Seafood Daily Certified Angus Beef Stone Grill Dining Available Sushi Full Bar & Happy Hour Everyday 11:30 – 6pm Food & Drink Specials at the Bar

Early Bird Specials Every Day from 3:30 to 5:30 (excluding Holidays)

Exceptional Dinners with Salad and Dessert starting at $11.95

www.sparkyslanding.com MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Holiday Inn Express

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MHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018 The Marathon Weekly is proud to partner with Marathon High School faculty and students in choosing “The Student of the Week.”

Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and MHS for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Fin Pride.”

What organizations and activities are you involved with at MHS and why are they important to you? Soccer is a great opportunity because it’s a sport popular in my country. And I enjoy it.

Open a new or used Keys Auto Loan with great rates and fast local service for an automatic chance to win FREE LOAN PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS!* Apply today!

Call 305-293-6000 Go to KeysFCU.org Visit any branch in Key West, Big Pine or Marathon *Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. Open a Keys Auto, Boat, RV or Motorcycle loan from 1/1/18 to 04/30/18 and Keys FCU will make 12 months of principal and interest payments beginning with June 2018 for one randomly selected borrower. Chance of being selected depends on the number of qualifying loans. Contact us for details.

Save the Date Tuesday Speaker Series (FREE!) 5:30 pm

Tues. 2/27:

Is it Disease or Deficiency?

Ill health is connected to foods we eat AND don't eat.

Shane Hennessy explores superfood nutrition and CBD Hemp Oil's game changing effects.

Reservations Are Required!

305-743-3297

JOHNIEL MITCHELL FRESHMAN

Which class or teacher has best prepared you for life after high school and why? Ms. Buhyoff has encouraged me to stay focused for the future.

What advice would you give underclassmen? Be prepared for any challenging obstacles and get ready to face your fears.

What do you hope to be remembered for at MHS? A respectful child from MHS that tries her best to achieve her goals.

What are your plans after high school? Since I’m so familiar with the colleges, my goal is to work hard and attend one.

If you had to build a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what would you place inside? Memories from MHS about how fun the Keys are and pictures of all the people who made me feel welcome here.

What three things would you like to accomplish before your 10-year reunion? Diploma, degree (any), a certificate to be certified at schools.

Do you think you will make the Keys your permanent home?

Why or why not? I’m not sure. It’s possible I will move.

Finish this sentence: Living in the Keys has taught me … a lot about the lifestyle that includes fishing, celebrating and being helpful.

27

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

FRANK J. PLA

305-922-2165

AFFORDABLE MODULAR HOMES

Hurricane Rated Homes • Build On Your Lot New Homes Starting at $139,000

WE ARE OPEN!

(If you have flood insurance you may be eligible for $30,000 in increased cost of compliance funding.)

MOVE IN READY $214,900 plus permit

Now Serving Liquor -

Try our great MOJITOS

The Real Keys

Waterfront Dining Experience

Best in FL Keys

Open Daily

7 AM - 11 AM (Breakfast) 11 AM - 10 PM (Lunch/Dinner)

10% Local

Homemade BBQ and Fresh Local Seafood

METAL ROOF • IMPACT WINDOWS CONCRETE SIDING WIND ZONE COMPLIANT RAISED ON STILTS FOR FEMA COMPLIANCE

Discount

BBQ Smoked Daily on premises

Live Entertainment Nightly 6-9 PM Daily Specials Locals Discount!

Pet Friendly

Happy Hour 3-6 PM Daily

Homemade Desserts

Beer/Wine/Well Drinks/Mojitos Rum Punch and Happytizers

PorkysBaysideBBQ.com

Facebook.com/PorkysBaysideBBQFLKeys MM 47.5 Bayside in Marathon • 305-289-2065

MOVE IN READY $139,000 plus permit

28

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

A GIFT IN MEMORY

Gwendolyn Lawliss, as part of her estate planning and in memory of her daughter, Janet, a local artist and friend of the Heron House, has provided funds to the Heron House. Clare Condra, guidance care/center administrator, accepts a check from Robert Miller, attorney and Dennis Bishop, CPA and trustee. CONTRIBUTED

At St. Columba, we can keep moving forward because Jesus has changed us from the inside out...

Love God, Love People.

All are welcome every Sunday!

9am Traditional Service with Sunday School 11am Contemporary Service featuring our "Contemporary Band"

To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Karen Raspe - Represented the Buyers of

12400 Overseas Highway 1, Marathon FL 33050 INVESTORS/DEVELOPERS:

Heart of Florida Keys - Marathon.

Existing 86,000 SF MU Marina Land, Front US 1 gated secluded location, 156,000 SF Marina Bay Bottom of 670 Ft Shore Line, 150 Ft Dock on Deeded Parcel Ocean. $3,200,000

WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl 305 743-6412 • www.stcolumbamarathon.org

Monika Rydzak, Realtor Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate 305-923-1143 monika@cbschmitt.com

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Here Today, Here Tomorrow.

Your Local Roofer!

We are here to help our friends & neighbors.

For All Your Roofing Needs.

Call us when you are ready & we will be there for you.

305-743-4400 MASTER INSTALLER FOR FIRESTONE ROOFING PRODUCTS Metal • TPO • Shingle • Flat Commercial & Residential Repairs • Maintenance Program

N D O I I V T I S C I U O R N T S N CO Tear Outs • Mold Remediation • Drywall Repair/Replace • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Remodeling and Updating General Contractor GC #1519258

30

SEEN AROUND TOWN

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

HABITAT TALKS RECOVERY

1 2

3

4

Before Hurricane Irma struck, Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys had a plan to fix up two local Habitat homes.

And then Sept. 10 happened, and funding from the international organization gave them the means to help 200 repairs, as well as, if land is found, build 20 homes for the local workforce.

“We expanded to fit what this community needs,” said Meghan Richardson of Habitat, also noting that the repairs can be for anyone with certain income requirements, not just Habitat families.

In other words, a family of four would have a cutoff of making under $98,000 a year to qualify for funding.

Richardson introduced her team at the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Feb. 14, and reiterated the need for volunteers, building materials, gift cards for volunteers, and a construction foreman.

For more information on the program, visit habitatmiddlekeys.org, or stop by the Marathon office at 8055 Overseas Hwy.

—Weekly Staff report

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Keys Weekly 1. Meghan Richardson of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys speaks about the critical repair program and volunteer opportunities post Hurricane Irma.

5

2. Marathon Airport Director TJ Henderson, wife Sofia, and Kris Later of Marathon Jet Center listen in on the Habitat speech at the luncheon.

3. Bud Lacy of Habitat International chats with Marathon City Councilman Mark Senmartin after the chamber luncheon.

4. Marathon Chamber of Commerce staffers Jeanine Christiansen and Erika Goodman let members know that the Habitat information is located at the visitor’s center if needed.

6

5. Habitat’s Jess D’Ascanio, Meghan Richardson, Jill Bell and Mike Puto pose for a picture after the event.

6. Sally Mishmash celebrated her birthday at the luncheon and speaks with Habitat’s Disaster Recovery Coordinator Neil Tweardy.

7

7. Claire Murray of Barrett Printing with Shirley Wilson and Karissa Hamilton of Two Oceans Digital enjoy the chamber luncheon.

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

31

32

KEYS BOOKS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

REVELATIONS IN KEY WEST HISTORY ‘The Jews of Key West’ Launches HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com

“F

ascinating” describes local author Arlo Haskell’s new book, “The Jews of Key West: Smugglers, Cigar Makers and Revolutionaries (1823-1969).” It’s impossible to understand the full scope of Key West history without reading this book. Shining a light on the Jewish community, Haskell, a Florida native and head of the Key West Literary Seminar, describes how Jews were a vital and integral part of the economic and cultural growth of Key West.

He’s set to talk about it on Thursdasy, Feb. 22 as part of the Marathon Friends of the Library speaker series. It starts at 1:30 p.m. in the parish hall of St. Columba Episcopal Church. Admission is free.

Even the remotest history buff can easily read this in-depth, exceedingly wellresearched account of how the Jewish community included important leaders and developers of the Southernmost City.

“It’s about how much of this history is so exciting, but also so unknown,” said Haskell, originally commissioned by Susan Savitch, who had the idea for the book six years ago. Once Haskell started, it became an epic journey of research that spanned

states and countries. He relied on online research through our local library, the College of Charleston and Harvard Library. Also, Haskell weeded through Cuban memoirs in Spanish, using only names to guide him.

The result is a detailed account of how Jewish men such as Joseph Seidenberg, Pinkus Pohalski and others owned and powered the cigar industry, synonymous with making the industry international and Key West wealthy. Also, little has been written about how Jose Marti, the Cuban revolutionary, collaborated with local Jews for his cause. Marti was even a Jewish scholar, relating to Jews because both Cubans and

“Through deep research and enormous forensic effort … this book fills a gap in the literature of the American Jewish experience.”

—Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, an expert on American Jewish history

Jews were persecuted by Spaniards. Lastly, learn how the Jews became smugglers in the 1920s, hiding Jewish aliens exiled to Cuba against immigration quotas. The whole book is dotted with familiar names, like the history of the Wolkowsky family and buildings that are still on Duval Street today.

“The book isn’t about living memories but about a time that hasn’t really been investigated or left out for a more tourist history,” said Haskell. Haskell himself is not Jewish but garnered the support from Congregation B’nai Zion for research and will be doing a reading later this year at the synagogue.

The book is beautifully laid out, with more than 100 full-color images, and delightfully easy to read. Published by Sand Paper Press, the book is available from local booksellers including Books & Books, Key West Island Books, and the Custom House Museum. The retail price is $24. More information is at www.jewsofkeywest.com

An outing of the Key West, Florida, Young Men’s Hebrew Association in 1908. (Black & white photonegative, 4 x 5 in. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.)

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

• TAX TALK • TAG TALK •

MARCH

To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Brenda Torrella & Teresa Yeider -

• March is the month when property taxes are due before a penalty is applied on April 1, 2018. For taxpayers who may be on the installment plan, your final tax bill for 2017 was mailed out February 28th. Local Business Tax reminders were also mailed out.

Represented the Sellers of 543 29th Street Ocean, Marathon FL 33050

• Real estate tax payments POSTMARKED after March 31st. must be in certified funds and include 3% interest on the March amount. Reminder bills mail out on February 28th totaled 7,699 real estate tax and 478 Tangible tax unpaid bills.

• Reminder Mobile Homes expired on December 31st, 2017, come renew your 2018 decal is Orange.

• The Tax Collector’s offices will be closed on March 30th, 2018 in observance of Good Friday.

Dennis Casey Electric Electrical Contractor

Lounge & Liquor

The Tradition Continues!

Lunch Specials

Monday-Friday 11am-2pm Friday & Saturday

What Happens At the monkey stays at the monkey

Rich Storm

Happy Hour

Mondays

7 Days 4pm-8pm

Freddie Bye

Package Store

Tuesday & Thursday

Open 7 Days

Freddie, Scott & Rich

L O U N G E O P E N 7 D AY S 1 0 a m - 4 a m 3 0 5 - 7 4 3 - 4 0 2 8 L I Q U O R S T O R E 3 0 5 - 74 3 - 5 7 3 7 2 3 4 5 5 t h S t . K - M A R T P L A Z A M M 5 0

Dennis Casey, President of Dennis Casey Electric, formerly Fort Lauderdale Electric, moved to Marathon full-time in the summer of 2016 with his wife Margie. As a Florida State Licensed Electrical Contractor since 1980, his focus in the Middle Florida Keys is trouble shooting, minor service work and consulting services. No job is too small (and he shows up quickly). His company won Angie’s List Super Service Awards from 2011 to 2015 and was honored as a Five Star Angie’s List Contractor.

Casey is proudly a United States Marine Corps Veteran and served as past president of the Florida Association of Electrical Contractors in the late 1990s. He and his wife are actively involved in the Marathon community including feeding the homeless, assisting non-profit organizations and promoting the Middle Keys community.

Location: Onsite services at your home or business Phone: 305-731-5475 (call or text) Email: dennismcasey@icloud.com

34

MUSIC

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

FANDANGO!

Ensemble plays next week in the Keys SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

F

or those who enjoy a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan and classical sounds, Fandango! is the ticket next week. The group plays on Monday in Marathon and Tuesday in Islamorada as part of the Florida Keys Concert Association series.

The ensemble was founded by four multi-award-winning, globe-trotting virtuosi hailing from Spain, the U.S, former Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom.

“We’ve been performing together for four years now,” said David Cunliffe, the group’s cellist.

Chicago guitarist Goran Ivanovic is sitting in for Denis Azabagic and is well known to the others in the music group. (Azabagic is recovering from surgery.)

Flutist Eugenia Moliner, a native of Spain, and wife of Denis Azabagic, has been acclaimed as “brilliant” by the British Flute Society. She has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic and more.

Desiree’ Ruhstrat, violinist, and Cunliffe, cellist, are also married and were nominated for a Grammy award in 2017. Cunliffe has served as principal cello in performances with the BBC Philharmonic, BBC Scottish and Royal Scottish symphonies. Ruhstrat has captivated audiences throughout Europe and the Americas.

She is on faculty at Northwestern University outside Chicago.

Katona Twins give Impromptu Concert performance at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Hungarian guitar duo Katona Twins will appear in Key West for an Impromptu Concert performance at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St. The concert will be the fourth of the 2018 Impromptu Concert season, which is celebrating the centennial of the late composer Leonard Bernstein, a frequent visitor to Key West.

This music act, comprised of Péter and Zoltán Katona, has been described as “the classical world’s best-known

The musicians arrive with a set program featuring the likes of M. deFalla’s “Danse Espagnole,” and Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise.”

The group also plays some pieces by Astor Piazzolla, widely considered to be the king of modern tango music.

All of the music features original arrangements to fit the eclectic instruments.

“We play a wide range of music from Bach to traditional songs from the Balkans,” he said.

Yes, but … why Fandango? Why that band name?

“It comes from a piece of music written by a Baroque composer, Luigi Boccherini,” Cunliffe said. “He wrote this crazy piece, originally intended for five string instruments, and there is one movement called ‘Fandango.’ But it has a surprise element in it.

It’s a really fun movement and we will play it on our visit to the Keys.”

Concerts are Monday, Feb. 26, at Marathon High School and Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Island Community Church, Islamorada.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.floridakeysconcerts.com or at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Visiting musicians David Cunliffe, left, Desiree Ruhstrat, Denis Azabagic, and Eugenia Moliner hail from Chicago. (Chicago guitarist Goran Ivanovic is sitting in for Azabagic.) CONTRIBUTED

guitar duo.” These identical twins were born in Budapest, Hungary, where they began their music education at the age of 10. Their teacher had noticed that the boys had a talent for clapping-back complicated rhythms, and so their mother requested they change to a special school where, besides general subjects, they also received daily music instruction.

During communist times in Eastern Europe, politically influential composer and pedagogue Zoltán

Kodály convinced the Hungarian government that learning music was important and beneficial for the development and education of children - and ultimately for the betterment of the country.

Since only classical guitar education was available, the Katonas quickly learned to love the warm sound and challenging repertoire of this instrument.

For more information visit www.keywestimpromptu.org

35

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

FURNITURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

AFTER HURRICANE IRMA

We are donating a portion of all sales to local charities, and offering FREE DELIVERY anywhere in the Keys.

So far, we have written donation checks to these Keys organizations:

featuring

specializing in

FLOORING

WINDOW TREATMENTS

by Mohawk:

by Hunter Douglas

Carpet

Call 305-481-1790 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.

Or stop by any of our three stores:

KEY LARGO 305-451-5700

MM 99 Median

MARATHON 305-743-4397

MM 50 Oceanside

Now Located at 8919 O/s HWY mm 51.8

MIDDLE KEYS COMMUNITY LAND TRUST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

Wood & Laminate

KEY WEST

FLORIDA KEYS WILD BIRD REHABILITATION CENTER

305-295-6400

Searstown by Publix

RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

KEY WEST SOLDIER RIDE KEY WEST BOTANICAL GARDEN SAMUELS HOUSE AMERICAN LEGION POST 154 DOMESTIC ABUSE CENTER WESLEY HOUSE MARC HOUSE FKSPCA • KAIR MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE GRACE JONES CENTER MARRVELOUS PET RESCUE KEY WEST SUNRISE ROTARY THE BASILICA SCHOOL ST MARY’S SOUP KITCHEN UPPER KEYS HUMANE SOCIETY FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN'S SHELTER SISTER SEASON FUND MARATHON REC CENTER

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Ke

y

KEYS VINEYARD COMMUNITY CHURCH

Open Vo Lim 11am-9pm t e eP d Daily BE ie ST in Ma ra th o n!

Gift Shop Toys Books Candy!

Custom Cakes Weddings Showers Birthdays!

sweetsavannahs.com

305-743-3131

36

ON THE STAGE Jeremy Zoma, Cody Borah, Michael Castellano, Jessica Miano Kruel and Nicole Nurenberg are in the cast of “Hand to God,” through March 10 at the Waterfront Playhouse in Key West. In the play, a widowed mother creates a puppet ministry in a local church to help young people learn about the Bible and the rewards of doing good deeds, but the foul-mouthed and destructive puppet is at the center of what becomes a world of hilarity and horror. LARRY BLACKBURN/Contributed

Ministry gone bad ‘Hand to God’ brings chaos, terror

Interior Design & Posh Home Decor for Your Island Home

5190 O/S HWY • MARATHON • 305.922.2033

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

37

BIG PINE PARK REOPENS Hours limited to daylight for now

Sounds of kids playing, tennis balls hitting the court and skateboards gliding along the skatepark can be heard again at the Big Pine Key Community Park.

Monroe County has completed phase 1 of the Hurricane Irma repairs and cleanup at the park at 31009 Atlantis Road.

The kids’ playground, skatepark, tennis courts and restrooms reopened on Feb. 16.

The park’s hours will be from sunrise to sunset until further notice, due to damage to the lights.

During phase 1, public works crews added sand and installed new swings at the playground. They repaired fencing

and power-washed the courts and skatepark. They removed tons of hurricane debris, replaced landscaping and made many electrical and grounds repairs to make the park safe.

Crews now are working on phase 2, which includes repairing a half-mile of the walking trail. Bids have gone out for a contractor to repair the five bocce lanes, which had just been completed weeks before Hurricane Irma struck. This work should be completed soon.

Phase 3, to restore the rest of the park, including the community center, will take longer.

—Contributed

Full Bar | Happy Hour 4:20-6:30 | Raw Bar Live Music | Grilled Oysters 16 Taps – 150 Bottled & Canned Beers Open 4:20 – Midnight Mon – Sat

Sharing knowledge with satisfied homeowners.

420 Lounge

Square Grouper and My New Joint will be open on Mondays thru April!

At BB&T, our local lenders keep us close to our clients. And our commitment to outstanding service helps make buying a home a little easier. So when you’re looking to buy, build, renovate or refinance a home, look first to BB&T. Our door is always open to share more than 145 years of financial knowledge – helping thousands of clients open doors of their own. Let’s get started today. BBT.com/Mortgage

D

SMOKED, BAKED & FRIE My Favorite Joint

...because two joints are

Lauren Mullar Mortgage Loan Officer Direct: 813-842-3745 Office: 305-289-2045 Lauren.Mullar@BBandT.com BBT.com/Lauren.Mullar NMLS# 1131654

B A N K I N G

.

I N S U R A N C E

.

I N V E S T M E N T S

Branch Banking and Trust Company is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Loans are subject to credit approval. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. © 2018, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

Ranked #1 Restaurant in the Florida Keys on

better than one

Only a quick Uber or Lyft ride from Key West to My New Joint! See you soon!

Voted Best Seafood Three Years In A Row and Best Lunch in the People’s Choice Awards of the Lower Keys and Key West!

$10 Blue Plate Special Lunch | Cocktails Fresh Local Seafood | Daily Specials

305-745-8880 | MM 22.5 Oceanside, Cudjoe Key Lunch 11-2:30 • Dinner 5-10

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST 7am – 2pm EVERY DAY SUSHI BAR, LUNCH & DINNER FROM 11am

Happy Hour 2PM – 6 PM • Daily Specials $7 Spectacular Happy Hour Eats $3 twelve-ounce well drinks ½ price drafts from 3PM – 5 PM

Seafood Sushi Lionfish

Prime Rib

Sushi

52 Beers on Tap Over 40 Craft Beers Full Liquor Bar JonesN4Sushi.com Open 7 Day a Week

Reservations Recommended

305-743-6247

Open House on Saturday from 11am - 2pm 360 E Seaview Dr Duck Key Priced Right! Large 4 bedroom 4 bath home on Beautiful Duck Key, with Ocean views from this canal front home. Large pool and deck area. Architecturally interesting with custom original railings, wood cabinets and Corian top in the kitchen, White tile with black accents.

Very Well Maintained home, Fantastic Floor Plan with large and spacious rooms. Legal lower level living, 2 car garage and workshop.

4/4 ● 2,168 sqft ● $985,0000 Kristen Brenner ● 305-664-1453 ● duckkeyfl7@gmail.com

1/1 renovated trailer on canal with 29’ Dock $199,000 MLS#578673

Vacant dry lot with building right and open water views zoned MU Commercial $199,900 MLS#577261

18 Unit Apartment Complex and Commercial Space on US1 $1,750,000 MLS#578383

Double Vacant Lot zoned MU Commercial with Transient Building Rights $590,000 MLS#575240

Mallory Morton

RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate mallorym@remax.net (813)846-6759

MLKAR

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

39

- KEYS

Karen

TO THE KEY REAL ESTATE (SINCE 1990)

Bill

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS !!

KEY COLONY BEACH Re-develop or remodel this open-water 4br/2ba duplex built on a 15,000 sq ft lot. Concrete, deep water seawall and dock.

Located in an area of fine homes REDUCED $1,590,000 ML 572660

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

David Grego, left, president of the Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors; Frank Griffiths, second from right, of RE/MAX All Keys; and Ryan Elwell, right, of Royal Furniture, present a check for $828.89 to Julie Botteri of the Florida Keys SPCA, MLKAR’s charity of the month. CONTRIBUTED

CENTRAL MARATHON 3bd/3ba stilt duplex on large lot. Out building for storage or workshop. Room for pool. Walk to restaurants, bank, shopping and park. $385,000

LOTS Key Colony Beach

15,000 Sq. Ft. Open Water $1,590,000

Marathon

WALK TO BEACH 4bd/4ba on a 21,435 sq ft lot in an area of fine homes.

New roof, impact windows, wood grain tile floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances. Swimming pool. Great open water lake views. Fully furnished. Fenced and gated. Garage and loads of parking. 111 ft dock and davit. Deep water. 5 minutes to ocean. $1,900,000 ML578872

Non-waterfront lot $65,000

Grassy Key

ROGO Lot $23,900

(305) 743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS: • The Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors will award $500 and $250 to two graduating high school seniors. The essay contest is open to students who live between Layton and Saddlebunch Key regardless of whether they attend public or private school or are home schooled.

The topic of the essay is “How do you perceive Realtors as being an asset to the economy and to our community?” All essays must be accompanied by the official essay cover form, and must be submitted to the Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors office, located at 5800 #15 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050, located in Gulfside Village, no later than May 4.

• The Marathon Garden Club is offering a scholarship to a graduating Marathon High School student. To be eligible, a student must have an interest in the sciences with special emphasis in a field such as environmental studies, conservation, horticulture, ecology, botany, floral or landscape design.

To obtain an application, go to the school counseling office and see Kathy Grostefon or call her at 305-289-2480, Ext. 53310. You may also access the application online through the high school website. The deadline to submit an application is April 30.

40

KEYS DISEASE

WE ARE

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 10 YEARS UPPER KEYS

DISTRIBUTED KEYSWIDE

TROPICAL LIVING MAGAZINES (over 30 magazines annually)

Third Annual

Best of Marathon PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

THE BEST OF MARATHON THE BUBBAS - Key West People’s Choice

PREFERRED PROGRAM PARTNER OF: MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / KEYSTOCK OCEANFEST / KEY WEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and many more…

A HOMETOWN PAPER YOU CAN BE PROUD TO CALL YOUR OWN Key West 5450 MacDonald Ave, Suite 5 305.453.6928

Marathon 9709 Overseas Highway 305.743.0844

Tavernier 91831 Overseas Highway 305.743.0844

www.keysweekly.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

WHAT TEACHERS REALLY NEED… How about some school supplies and a raise?

T

his isn’t exactly the column I was going to write. I had planned to quote liberally from a Facebook friend who was a longtime teacher and who raised some very valid points in response to the Valentine’s Day tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As I was going back to find the original post, it wasn’t there any more. It was deleted, perhaps for a good reason, I don’t know. But because the points he raised were so valid, I am going to share them unattributed, with thanks to all our teachers who put themselves out there every day.

Teachers in our schools should not have to be security personnel.

It’s bad enough that we refuse to pay them what they’re worth. It’s bad enough that we don’t give them all the supplies they need to teach their classes (and almost eliminated the $250 deduction for supplies they bought on their income taxes).

It’s bad enough that not all schools throughout Florida have their own SRO — School Resource Officer.

With all the local school property tax dollars collected, with all the “Florida Education” Lottery money raked in, it really is a damn shame that we can’t ensure a safe atmosphere for students and teachers. In addition to the massacre in Parkland, a local school counselor was assaulted by a 12-year-old who slammed the counselor’s head into a wall. And there was the “copycat” incident in which a 19-year-old Marathon High School alumnus was arrested for making violent threats to current students attending a school event.

Some have gone so far as to suggest that we should arm our teachers.

And that is the most incredibly asinine idea I may have ever heard.

How do we figure out how to train all our teachers in the proper use of a firearm as well as selfdefense instruction and how to take down a shooter, give them all concealed-carry classes and permits, and ensure that all teachers are okay with this extra bit of responsibility? If we can’t even afford to give our teachers the school supplies they need, how do we afford to outfit each of them with a Glock?

My Facebook friend was a teacher for decades in Florida, and because of his imposing size, was tapped by his administration to work as a security monitor as well. He made JOHN some very adamant BARTUS points about how is a City Council teachers are not member and Vice being paid nearly Mayor of the City of Marathon. John enough to take on is also a musician law-enforcement who performs and first-responder around town at duties in addition various establishto their classroom ments. jobs. He also rightfully voiced his concerns about teachers who may not wish to be armed.

The students who went through the massacre in Parkland, as well as their families and teachers, are organizing to see that something is done by officials in Washington and Tallahassee besides the usual and habitual offering of “thoughts and prayers.” I wish them all sorts of success in their efforts to keep the issue alive.

Regardless of the 2nd Amendment issues to be debated, there are some things I believe everyone can agree on: 1) at least one full time SRO on duty in each school; 2) better security and controlled ingress/egress points to prevent unauthorized entry; 3) no more “Cheap Charlie” approach to school funding in order to keep taxes low — pay teachers what they’re worth, give them the materials they need to do their jobs, and provide a safe environment for both students and teachers.

And don’t ask teachers to become security guards.

••••• LOST & FOUND: In this case, lost.

If you have seen or know the whereabouts of the long black stage backdrop curtains that disappeared from the Marathon Community Park Amphitheater dressing room, please contact the city’s Parks & Rec Department. We would really like them back, especially in time for the Seafood Festival! Thank you!

— John Bartus performs live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Fridays and alternate Sundays at the Lighthouse Grill at Hyatt Place Faro Blanco, Saturdays at the Key Colony Inn, and Mondays at the Sunset Grille & Raw Bar. www.johnbartus.com

41

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

The Hammocks at Marathon™

FULL TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Electrical Technician Installation of low-voltage and high-voltage electrical experience required. Must have excellent computer and organization skills.

$250 Sign-on Bonus!

• Maintenance Supervisor • Maintenance Shift Technician • Activities Supervisor • Common Area-Carpet Shampoo Attendant • Room Attendant

401(k) with Company Match & much more

TO APPLY:

In Person >

The Hammocks at Marathon 1688 Overseas Highway-Gulf Side Mile Marker 48-Marathon

Or Call >

Carlos at 305.743.9009 We are an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace.

Construction Foreman

EOE•M/F/V/D

GREAT BENEFITS:

jobs.bluegreenvacations.com Install, maintain, test and repair electrical/electronic systems and components in the field—including irrigation systems & pool equipment.

Member FDIC

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Online >

Field Technician

Outside Sales Representative

Seeking self-motivated, dynamic individual for the position of Treasury Management Sales Representative II. Responsibilities include sales and servicing of Credit Card Processing, Remote Deposit, ACH, Online Banking and additional Business Banking products. Sales experience a must. Reliable transportation required. Apply online at KeysBank.com/careers

©2017 Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. All rights reserved.

HELP WANTED:

Carpenters Foreman Construction Superintendent

*Must have tools and own transportation*

Call to schedule an appointment for interview 305-451-9216 101631 Overseas Hwy Key Largo

Experience in high-end residential—including finish carpentry, drywall, windows/doors, understanding of building systems and construction techniques.

Kitchen & Bath Designer / Sales Person Must possess a strong sales background and knowledge of kitchen/bath cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, materials, finishes, and detailing. Working knowledge of AutoCAD and 20/20 a plus.

CoCo’s General Store

NOW HIRING:

Part-time Deli and/or Retail Sales.

Must be available on weekends.

Apply in person at 50 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon 305-743-7743

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Keys Auto Center is now part of the Warren Henry Auto Group. "Automotive News: Best Dealership to work for" for five years in a row!

Plantation Key Nursing Center

located in Tavernier, is seeking

C.N.A.

12 HR Shifts-Nights

We are now hiring for the following positions:

• AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN • SALES CONSULTANT • SERVICE CONSULTANT • SERVICE & PARTS CASHIER • ACCOUNTING/BILLING CLERK (PT OR FT) Apply online at: careers.warrenhenryauto.com We offer health, dental, vision, life, disability & 401K contribution!

PUT YOUR CAREER IN GEAR! 1618 N. Roosevelt Blvd • Key West, FL 33040 • 305-294-5126 EOE/ADA

$500 Sign On Bonus to All New CNA Applicants

F/T & P/T LPN and RN

$1500 Sign On Bonus to All New LPN & RN Applicants

ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT

CPR & CNA License required

We offer a competitive wage and benefits program.

To apply for position, Please submit your Resume to BOL@PLANTATIONKEYNC.COM

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Marathon area Companion Position P/T M-F with travel Background screening and references needed.

Call Corinne at (305) 432-8384

42

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

Season has hit, both full or part time positions available at Hyatt Place at Faro Blanco Resort.

Line Cook, Servers, Dishwashers, Host, Maintenance, Landscaper, Public Area Attendant, Night Auditor, Dock Hand and Bussers.

Marathon, Big Pine, Key West and Stock Island Locations

Excellent Benefit Package Apply in person at 1996 Overseas Highway or online at www.spottswood.com EOE/m/f/d/v

EOE m/f/d/v

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

NOW HIRING

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is accepting Preliminary Applications for a Deputy Sheriff Trainee Academy starting May 2018. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will pay for your new career (tuition, books and salary). Preliminary applications must be completed and received by March 1, 2018. Applicants may apply online at www.keysso.net or contact Suzanne Alexander at salexander@keysso.net or 292-7044.

EEO/AAP.

ASSISTANT MANAGERS $12-$16 per hour

 Â? Â? Â?  Â?   Â

­ €‚€­ƒ ­„ �

MANAGER TRAINEES $30-50K per year, based on experience

Immediate Openings available at all locations.

FT Employees are eligible to participate in our health, dental, vision, Life Insurance. PTO and Profit Sharing is available to every member of our team (conditions apply).

HOW TO APPLY: Go to mytomthumb.com or call Cleveland (786) 295-5307.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

for the following positions:

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

Drug Free

Apply at:

2735 Overseas Highway Marathon 305-289-1748

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Diesel Mechanics

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Apply in person

JOB OPENINGS FOR

DETENTION DEPUTY TRAINEE: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is accepting Preliminary Applications for a Detention Deputy Trainee Academy starting May 2018. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will pay for your new career (tuition, books and salary). Preliminary Applications must be completed and received by March 1, 2018. Applicants may apply on line at www.keysso.net or contact Charles Slebodnick at cslebodnick@keysso.net or 305 292-7044. EEO/AAP.

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

Available Shifts: Full Time 12:30pm-9:30pm with two consecutive days off or Part Time 6:00pm-9:30pm (Minimum 3 days a week)

Great Benefits!

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

PAINTERS AND LABORERS CARPENTER-CARPENTER'S HELPER FOREMAN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT PAY BASED ON EXPERIENCE PLEASE SEND RESUME OR WORK HISTORY TO JAIME@CORNERSTONECONSTRUCTION.NET 88701 O/S HWY, TAVERNIER (305) 852-4185

43

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

WE’VE MOVED!

The Visitor’s Center…not Pigeon Key to Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club 2010 Overseas Highway Call for tour information (305) 743-5999

Let’s go Fishing!

MARATHON LADY DOCKS U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53 Marathon, FL

305.743.5580

Only $12 Includes: Guided Tour Museum Ferry Boat Ride

Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat www.pigeonkey.net • (305) 743-5999

Want to Attract more Business?

You can have this spot for only $95!

Call Lesley at 305-395-9895

www.MARATHONLADY.net

Feed Sharks!

We also have Tarpon, Turtles, Alligators, Sting Rays, Touch Tanks, Fish, and other fun stuff to see!

305-407-3262 • 11710 O/S Hwy • MM 53 • www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com

44

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

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

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

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

Call us and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE 2012 KIA Sorento $12,990 2016 Hyundai Sonata $13,990 2016 Nissan Frontier $16,990 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Loaded $16,990

Service Department

NOW OPEN 2016 Dodge Ram Quad Cab $22,990 2017 Ford F150 Eco Boost $26,990 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab $28,990

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

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used.

Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. 3 0 5 - 3 3 2 - 0 4 8 3

Get Well Paid and Trained.

Looking for Self Motivated-Reliable Person to Work Outdoors, Must Have Vehicle. Call (305) 304-7995

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY TILE & CARPET CLEANING EQUIPMENT - NEW - Only $3,995.00 Videos & Training Available. Call Ron at 713-829-2974 www. namcomfg.com

EMPLOYMENT TELLER - Big Pine Key. Full time (Mon thru Fri) and Part time (MonWed-Fri) positions available.

Cash handling experience and excellent customer service skills required. Good credit and HS diploma or equivalent required.

Excellent pay & benefits. Visit www. keysfcu.org EOE

We are looking for an enthusiastic, supportive, compassionate person who has experience caring for children ages 6-13 with a genuine interest in working with children, a positive, friendly, fun attitude and the ability to clean, cook and drive if needed.

After School hours are 2:30-5:30, and camp when school is out is 9a3p. We are committed to providing nutritious meals, top quality care and homework help for students in our program.

Our goal is to enhance the lives of every child that attends our facility.

If you are a patient, caring professional with a background in child care, we hope you will contact us about this position. Drug Free & Background Check required. Please call 305743-6412 to apply.

Open Job Positions: Restaurant Manager, Wait Staff, Bartenders, Kitchen Staff, Apply in person or call for details: Key Colony Inn Marathon (305) 743-0100 Now Hiring: SWEET SAVANNAH’S is now hiring for Afternoon and Evening shifts. Please apply in person 8919 Overseas Hwy. Marathon Experienced Help Only needed for all positions.

Apply in person MonFri 10-11am at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, Knights Key Blvd. Marathon

Ernest Rhodes Plumbing now hiring experienced plumbers & helpers. Must be reliable and have a great work ethic.

Valid driver’s license required. Apply in person at 10700 5th Ave. Gulf, Marathon or email resume to: eerp@bellsouth.net

HIRED

Looking to Hire: Reliable, Meticulous Cleaning Lady for a home in Marathon.

Please call (410) 6299232 HIRED

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive watches and Pilot watches. Old model Military clocks & watches.

Call 305-743-4578

HOMES FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE By Owner. On canal Dolphin Dr, Marathon 2BR/2BA $550,000 Call for appointment.

3 0 5 - 9 2 3 - 6 8 7 4 FOR SALE: 12’x68’ Mobile Home, 2BR/2BA, Furnished or Unfurnished, W/D, New Roof with lifetime warranty.

Asking $33,000.

Lot Rent $1300.00 Summerland Key. Call 802-379-0112 DUCK KEY - BRAND NEW 3BR, 2BA home on dry lot. Consider owner finance, offers and/or trades. 305481-1316

MARINAS WANTED Simply Marinas. We Sell Marinas: Over 70 marinas transactions and 12,000 marina investors; low competitive rates. Visit our website: www. simplymarinas.com.

Let’s discuss your marina.

Call me today: Michelle Ash, Broker, 305-439-9581

YARD SALES SAT & SUN FEB 24-25 from 7am-2pm. Tools, household goods, misc. items. 225 Upper Matecumbe Road, Key Largo

YARD SALES Cudjoe Gardens (MM21) COMMUNITY YARD SALE - Drost, Sawyer & Colson Drives. Saturday, March 3rd from 8am-2pm

LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of SOUTH OF HEAVEN TATTOO, located at 103400 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, SUTE 104, KEY LARGO, FL 33037, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: LEIGHTON A. BENNETT IV Published: February 23, 2018 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2017-CP259-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DONALD FRANK SCHULZ AKA DONALD F. SCHULZ Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DONALD FRANK SCHULZ aka DONALD F. SCHULZ, deceased, whose date of death was July 24, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, Florida 33040. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OF 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.

LEGAL NOTICES All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claim 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 DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication is February 23, 2018.

Personal Representative: JENNIFER L. HOLM 1590 Nunnelly Lane, Apt. 201 Ft. Mill, South Carolina 29708 Attorney for Personal Representative: JASON M. DEPAOLA Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0180040 PORGES HAMLIN KNOWLES & HAWK PA 1205 Manatee Avenue West BRADENTON, FL 34205 Telephone: (941) 748-3770 Fax: (941) 746-4160 E-Mail: jmd@phkhlaw.com Publish: February 23 and March 2, 2018 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2017-CP266-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SERENA SORENSEN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SERENA SORENSEN, deceased, whose date of death was November 26, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida,

LEGAL NOTICES Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, Florida 33040. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OF 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 claim 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 DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication is February 23, 2018.

Personal Representative: David M. Beckerman Esq. 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33433 Attorney for Personal Representative: David M. Beckerman Esq. Florida Bar No. 324477 David M. Beckerman P.A. 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33433 Tel No. (561) 391-6000 Fax No. (561) 3916044 Email: dianemeller@ gmail.com Publish: February 23 and March 2, 2018 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND PROPOSED FORFEITURE TAKE NOTICE: Case No.: SE1800163 On January 13, 2018, at or near Stock Island, Florida, duly authorized officers seized approximately 6,173 pounds of shrimp from the F/V RONALD E for violation of federal law, including the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The seized property, being perishable, was sold for $6,173.40, the proceeds of which are subject to forfeiture to the United States under 16 U.S.C. § 1860(a), and are being held

by NOAA. Notice is hereby given that NOAA is commencing forfeiture proceedings against the above-described property.

Any person claiming an interest in the above described property must file a claim within 30 days after the date of final publication of this notice. Said claim must be filed with the Office of General Counsel, Enforcement Section, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Such claim must be received by the above office on or before April 2, 2018, (30 days following the date the final Notice is published in accordance with 15 C.F.R. 904.504).

Said claim must: 1) identify the specific property being claimed; 2) state the claimant’s interest in such property (and provide documentary evidence of such interest if available) and state that the claim is not frivolous; and 3) be made under oath, subject to penalty of perjury.

If a proper claim is not received by that date, the property will be declared forfeited to the United States and disposed of according to law.

If the claim is timely filed, the matter will be referred to the U.S. Attorney to institute forfeiture proceedings in a U.S.

45

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES District Court.

Loren Remsberg NOAA Office of General Counsel Enforcement Section Publish: February 16, February 23 and March 2, 2018 The Weekly Newspapers In the District Court of Utah Third Judicial District Salt Lake County Court Address 450 S State St Salt Lake City Utah 84114 Finding of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order On Motion for Alternative Service Case No. 164904784 Judge Robert Faust Commisioner Michelle Blomquist

LEGAL NOTICES The Court Concludes that Alternative Service of the document would most likely give notice to the person to be served. The Court Orders that the Motion for Alternative Service is granted.

Petitioner shall cause the document to be served on the person to be served by E-mailing the document to abbeyjones222@ gmail.com., and publishing the document once a week for 4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation where Marathon, Florida is located and filing proof of service.

The Petitioner shall effect service.

Signed and dated: November 13, 2017

Brandon S. Atkinson, Petitioner

Robert Faust Honorable Judge

V

Publish: February 2, February 9, February 16 and February 23, 2018

Abigail M. Atkinson, Respondent The matter before the court is Petitioner’s Ex Parte Motion for Alternative Service of Verified Petition to Modify Decree of Divorce on Abigail M. Atkinson.

This matter is being resolved by the pleadings and other papers of the Petitioner.

Having considered the documents filed with the court, the evidence and the arguments, and now being fully informed, the Court Finds that the Petitioner has used reasonable diligence to locate and serve the person to be served, and there is good cause to believe that the person to be served is avoiding personal service or that their whereabouts are unknown.

The Weekly Newspapers The Weekly Newspapers are in full compliance with Chapter 50 of the Florida State Statutes on Legal and Official Advertisements. The Weekly Newspapers are distributed from Key Largo to Key West. Call (305) 743-0844, Fax (305) 743-0866 or E-mail: anneke@ keysweekly.com.

Want to make $60,000+ your first year?

Bi-lingual Sales Person needed for fast growing dealership.

No experience necessary –just a willingness to work hard and create a career!

Stop by WELLINGS AUTOMOTIVE Across from the airport in Marathon.

The Turtle Hospital in 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 THEME: THE OSCARS

Sparky’s Landing NOW HIRING

Wait Staff, Food Runners, Hosts, and Back of House Positions. Great opportunity to work year round!

Please apply in person daily at 3pm.

MM 53.5 Overseas Hwy-Adjacent to Holiday Inn Express

Now Hiring for Breakfast Accepting applications for all shifts Apply in person at

LINE SERVICE PERSONNEL FULL TIME

Greet and fuel aircraft.

Prior aviation experience preferred.

Clean driving record required.

Competitive wages, excellent benefits and a fun work environment.

Castaway Waterfront Restaurant 1406 Oceanview Ave, Marathon

Contact Kris Later kris.later@marathonaviation.com (305) 743-3717 EOE/Drug-free workplace

ACROSS 1. Can’t stomach 6. Styling goo 9. Hightailed it 13. Ten million, in India 14. “____ takers?”

15. Like a girl 16. Spanish small plates 17. School of thought suffix 18. Pay hike 19. *Oscar nominated meet-theparents thriller 21. *He played Getty 23. Right-angle building extension 24. Splints site 25. Mammoth site, e.g.

28. Write on a tombstone 30. Self-centeredness 35. Land measure 37. Crucifix 39. “Sesame Street” regular 40. *In 1992 De Niro was nominated for “Cape ____” 41. *Best category 43. Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex” 44. Desert mirage 46. S-shaped molding 47. Dionysus’ party 48. “____ the unexpected” 50. Celestial bear 52. Rolodex abbr.

53. Purple precipitation 55. Before, old English 57. *Evacuation location 61. *Olympic hopeful’s story 64. Deprive of weapons 65. *Sarandon was nominated for “Lorenzo’s ____” in 1993 67. Unfit 69. Like anchor aweigh 70. Zilch 71. *Cathy Bates’ or Louise Fletcher’s role 72. Google ____ 73. Bro’s sibling 74. Had supper

DOWN 1. *Do this and hope for an Oscar?

2. Toot one’s horn 3. *18-time Oscar host 4. Speak from a podium 5. Fix a shoe 6. Manner of walk 7. Ensign, for short 8. Bodily fluid 9. Thailand, once 10. “____ and proper” 11. Additional 12. Indigo user 15. Nirvana genre 20. Extremist 22. Bald-faced ____ 24. “I call passenger seat!”

25. *”The Florida Project” nominee 26. Mountaineer’s tool 27. Comprehend 29. *Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song nominee 31. Guesstimate phrase 32. Apathetic 33. Lay ____ to a castle 34. *21-time nominee 36. Albany-Buffalo canal 38. Opposite of talker?

42. Button on electrical outlet 45. Economize 49. Feather glue 51. Ray Charles’ “Mess ____” 54. Paintings in an Orthodox church 56. Boredom 57. Two of the same 58. “Do ____ others...”

59. Narcotics agent 60. “Me and Bobby McGee” singer-songwriter 61. Ailments 62. Spinner’s product 63. Altar location 66. *J. Paul Getty’s grandson 68. Ideas worth spreading, acr.

46

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

let’s do business - (305) 743-0844

SignBoss

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

305-453-6970

2315 OVERSEAS HWY MARATHON, FL MARATHONSIGNBOSS.COM @MARATHONSIGNBOSS

BUDDY@MARATHONSIGNBOSS.COM

We Service and Sell Marine A/C, Refrigeration, Watermakers, Batteries, Solar Systems, Anything Electrical!

• Serving Ocean Reef to Key West since 1976

305-289-1150

www.saltservice.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Showroom MM 48.5 SALT SERVICE, INC.

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

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.

NEED DRYWALL?

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

CALL TODAY! (305) 684-7848

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service

I.D.B. CUSTOM BUILDERS CGC 1513656 DRYWALL & PAINTING • DOORS & TRIM

Phone: (305) 743-5288

To order call 908.797.9430

Delivering groceries, beer, wine & spirits and other provisions to you in the Florida Keys from Marathon to Key West.

Corporate accounts welcome, call (908) 797-9430 Ravi.Vaithinathan@tendbar.us - www.tendbar.us Please remember, you must be 21 to purchase alcohol.

Only $35 Puts Your Business Card Here

Business Cards Published In 10,000 Copies Weekly

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

Lic#SP-3562

Fax: (305) 743-6887

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

47

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

let’s do business - (305) 743-0844 VACATION RENTALS

Angel Lewis

305-390-2315 WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM

NEW & REPAIR

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

COMPANIES

General Contractors & Engineers

EC 13005589

SPALLING REPAIRS

CGC 1521939

CONCRETE RESTORATION

CGC 1515665 • CFC 1428730

New Construction • Remodels • Additions & More!

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

Excellent References Upon Request

LICENSED CFC1427241

10700 5TH AVENUE GULF P. O. BOX 500995 MARATHON, FLORIDA KEYS 33050

Sportfishing Adventures

Dolphin-Tuna-Wahoo-Billfish-Snapper-Grouper-Shark Deep Sea –Off Shore-Reef-Wrecks-Gulf

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

CERTIFIED MARINE SURVEYS MASTER MARINE SURVEYOR SERVING ALL THE KEYS

e-mail:

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

MARCH HARE MARINE SERVICES

cell:

Nails by Ivis

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

Keys Fisheries Market & Marina Mile Marker 48.5, Marathon End of 35th Street Bayside

office:

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

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

Specializing in Color and Highlights Haircuts Keratin Treatments 5177 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 (Between Office Depot and Main Post Office)

305-289-1631

Joel & Bonnie Cadbury Licensed & Insured Lic # CAC056987

Call the Experts!

305-289-1748

2735 OVERSEAS HWY MARATHON, FL 33050

305.505.9869 SKILLED LABOR RORY HUNT

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

PROPERTY INSURANCE CLAIMS

“SHUT YOUR WINDOWS, SHUT YOUR DOORS, YOU AIN’T GONNA BE HOT NO MORE”

Great Prices, Good Service, Good People

MAINTENANCE MAN

Let our 40+ years of experience go to work for you!

Maximize Your Claims & Restore Your Property

For professional, competitive travel planning Call Debbie or Lani at 305 743 7575

CG CO 33954

Business hours: MON-TUE-THU-FRI 9am to 4pm Appointments by request.

THE CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT

954-471-7725

48

MARATHON WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Marathon: 305-743-7636 Ramrod Key: 305-735-4962 www.ACREsales.com

WET SIP AT BOAT HOUSE MARINA This Boat House Marina slip offers in/out haul out service as well as use of the resort’s pool & bath house. Onsite dock master with fuel facility for both gas & diesel. Includes fresh water hook up and 50AMP service.

BEAUTIFUL SEAWATCH CONDO This condo is situated in a gated 17 acre community of 48 units featuring a lake, gardens and manicured grounds.

Amenity package includes fully equipped gym, club house, resort sized pool with spa, cabana, tennis and more!

CHARMING KEYS COTTAGE Located on the direct Gulf of Mexico, this home is all about the location.

Minor repairs in progress and should be completed in March. Featuring extra high stilts offering covered parking for a trailered boat or RV.

This centrally located ground level home has all of the features you've been looking for! Complete with screened pool, galley like kitchen, spacious bedrooms, plantation shutters, screened patio, covered carport and more!

12399 Overseas Hwy Slip 31, Marathon 40 Ft. Wet Slip • $75,000 • MLS#578674 LYNN LUCAS • 305-393-0559

6202 Gulf of Mexico Blvd, Marathon 3/2 • 1,602 SF • $299,000 • MLS#578483 GINGER HENDERSON • 305-731-5751

132 Brian Rd, Marathon 3/2 • 1,200 SF • $625,000 • MLS#578640 GINGER HENDERSON • 305-731-5751

951 51st Street Gulf, Marathon 3/3 • 1,731 SF • $449,000 • MLS#575986 TERESA YEIDER • 305-879-5474

KEY COLONY CORNER LOT Build your custom home now! This large corner lot is offered with plans for a duplex development and comes with 75' of deeded concrete seawall. Corner positioning allows for long views down the canal & is within walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks & more!

BAYSIDE HALF DUPLEX Cute half duplex on the gulf side, located near Aquarium Encounters. This 2 bedroom, 1 bath offers a fenced back yard for privacy or pets, and lots of off street parking for all of your toys. Call today for showings or more information!

GREAT FLOOR PLAN This lovely waterfront home is located on one of the best streets in Key Colony Beach. Fabulous floor plan with oversized master, large open kitchen, dining and living room with vaulted ceilings and screened porch overlooking the 70’ step-down dock and in-ground pool.

BOUGAINVILLEA VILLAS Enjoy beautiful roof top views from this single family home located in the gated community of Bougainvillea Villas. This 3 story home comes complete with elevator, dockage, entertainment area, & extra parking. Would make a great rental property or personal residence.

Lot 11 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony 10,007 SF • $375,000 • MLS#578182 JODY OWEN • 305-923-1902 KIM RABITO-SHOW • 305-304-8591

211B 120th Street Gulf, Marathon 2/1 • 728 SF • $235,000 • MLS#578713 KATHRYN RUMMERY • 305-731-9579

261 12th Street, Key Colony 3/3 • 2,980 SF • $1.195M • MLS#577485 JODY OWEN • 305-923-1902 KIM RABITO-SHOW • 305-304-8591

12400 Overseas Hwy 2, Marathon 3/3 • 1,493 SF • $640,000 • MLS#578716 KATHRYN RUMMERY • 305-731-9579

CORNER CANAL FRONTAGE Well maintained waterfront 2 bedroom 1 bath half duplex offers expanded dockage and large private back yard. No water intrusion in the home during Irma. A few missing shingles and screened porch. New fence installed and new landscaping going in. This would be a great place to call home.

220A 50th Street, Marathon 2/1 • 840 SF • $412,000 • MLS#578725 LYNN LUCAS • 305-393-0559

TROPICALLY LANDSCAPED POOL HOME

FULL DUPLEX WITH RENTALS This ground level duplex offers 2 bedrooms and one bath on each side. Currently rented at $1,500 per side. The roof was replaced 3 years ago. Adjacent duplex, vacant lot and commercial warehouse also available.

GREAT INVESTMENT OR EMPLOYEE HOUSING This 10 unit apartment/condo complex consists of 2 separate buildings of 5 units each. Five of the ten one bedroom units are completely redone. All new metal roof, impact windows, doors, interior sewer lines and plumbing & stainless steel appliances including dishwashers and double door refrigerators, granite countertops and tile bedrooms. Full condo docs have been completed.

10875 6th Avenue Gulf, Marathon 4/2 • 1,912 SF • $377,856 • MLS#572283 GINGER HENDERSON • 305-731-5751 JODY OWEN • 305-923-1902

600 51st Street #1-10, Marathon 10/10 • 6,222 SF • $1.475M • MLS#576742 JODY OWEN • 305-923-1902 LYNN LUCAS • 305-393-0559