Upper Keys Weekly – 5/2/19

Spoiler Alert! Endings for Avengers, Thelma and Louise and GoT revealed inside!

SPRINGBOARD TIME

New instructor excited for opportunity to teach| P. 14

KEYS REPRESENTATION Meads talks new role on water district governing board | P. 32

Adventures await kids this season| P. 16-18

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Mother’s Day Brunch Bottomless Mimosas, Champagne, Poinsettia Cocktails Sliced Fresh Fruit Croissants, Muffins, Danish, Fresh Baked Breads, Butter and Preserves Bagels, Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Bacon and Sausage Pasta Salad, Hearts of Palm Salad, Caesar Salad, Grilled Vegetable Salad Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, Garden Salad Assorted Cheeses and Charcuterie, Grained Mustard, Cornichon and Baguette Smoked Wahoo Pate with Red Onions, Capers, Grained Mustard and Crostini Seared Ahi Tuna with Sweet Soy, Wasabi and Seaweed Salad Chilled Shrimp and Snow Crab Claws Carved to Order Prime Rib and Honey Glazed Ham, Sweet Mustard, Au Jus & Horseradish Cooked To Order Egg and Omelet Station Herb Roasted Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Natural Jus Sautéed Catch with Key Lime Butter Sauce Jumbo Cheese Raviolis with Heirloom Tomato Basil Sauce Mixed Baby Vegetables, White and Wild Rice Pilaf Assorted Pies, Torts, Tarts Cakes Cookies $49.95 per person – 12 and under $12.95 – BuiLD yOuR OWN BLOODy MARy BAR AVAiLABLE FOR PuRCHASE – Sunday, May 12th from 10:30am until 2:00pm Reservations are Recommended – Please Call 305-307-3733

Mile Marker 82.1, Oceanside, 82100 Overseas Highway, islamorada

LOCAL CHATTER

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

The Avengers have assembled following “Infinity War” and are back on the big screen and smashing box office records as the biggest worldwide and domestic openings in history. “Avengers: Endgame” grossed $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend and $350 million in the U.S. And only one weekend in, the movie is the 18th largest box office gross of all time.

After the devastating events of “Avengers: Infinity War,” the universe is in ruins.

With help from remaining allies, the group assembles once more to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe.

WHAT MARVEL SUPERHERO WOULD YOU RECRUIT TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD? Rio Campbell, executive hot mess at Florida Keys Brewing Co., and her dog Ernie are throwing the hammer down and saving the world alongside Thor. “I love his character and witticisms, and he’s always off conquering his own adventure. No matter where he travels, he’s always comfortable,” she said.

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Florida Keys Realtor Chris Engel said he’d fight along Dr. Strange. “That way I can learn the art of warping reality, space and time,” he said.

Micah, who attends KLS, said he’d choose Iron Man and Hulk for the same reasons as his friend Ethan noted. “Hulk is really strong and pretty funny,” he said. “Iron Man is smart and has a sense of humor.”

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Twelve-year-old KLS student Ethan said he’d stand beside Captain America and Iron Man. “Captain America is strong and Iron Man has a sense of humor,” he said.

Jordan Budnik, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehab Center executive director, is kicking butt alongside Doctor Strange. “He can fly, draws immense power from these mythical entities and was a surgeon,” she said.

“Also, he manages to rock a popped collar on a cape. There’s definitely some added sorcery at work there.”

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

ISLAMORADA & KEY WEST www.pruettdermatology.com ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST

82883 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 305.664.8828

1010 KENNEDY DRIVE, SUITE 304 KEY WEST, FL 33040 305.296.3334

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ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of measles cases in the U.S. has grown to 704 in an outbreak that has spread to 22 states. It’s the largest outbreak in 25 years. Earlier this week, two Brooklyn, New York schools were closed to address the spread of the disease to unvaccinated children. Kids who have had all the measles vaccine shots are considered to be 97% protected.

ON HOLD Council tables ordinance on landscaping JIM McCARTHY

I

jim@keysweekly.com

slamorada Village Council tabled an ordinance on proposed landscaping standards and environmental regulations during the April 25 meeting at the Founders Park Community Center.

Council members’ main concerns surrounded the impact to residential yards, and they asked village staff to bring items that first address the environment and landscaping regulations for commercial development.

The proposed ordinance aimed to add and update language to strengthen protection for trees while also safeguarding the environment.

On the landscaping side, the ordinance would add language requiring trees to meet space requirements. It also adds language pertaining to shrubs, plant materials, removal and major pruning.

The ordinance would also require a landscape plan that’s signed and sealed by a Florida registered landscape architect, which would be submitted with a site plan for consideration by the planning department. But the director of planning could waive that.

Planning Director Ty Harris said the genesis for the ordinance came from the unfettered cuttings and clearing after Hurricane Irma.

Harris said the state will conduct an environmental audit in 2023, which could result in the state reviewing all village permits. With those things in mind, Harris acknowledged that creating an ordinance is an effort to demonstrate good faith on the village’s part to upgrade standards. He also said the intent isn’t to take freedom away from residents’ yards.

“One of the things that came out when the (state) came down a few months ago, we talked about the fact that when people made the economic decision that it was cheaper to clear cut their lots and then come back and ask for forgiveness but never permission, that we needed to do something about that.”

Mayor Deb Gillis said certain regulations, like those governing tree-cutting, need to be in place.

But other aspects of the ordinance need more time. Councilwoman Cheryl Meads also said more review is needed.

“A lot of this feels overregulated to me,” she said. “I know we had a storm and I know people are putting their yards in place. I just think that this is too much.”

Councilman Ken Davis said the village received letters from two reputable landscape architects calling foul on an ordinance that requires the hiring of a landscape architect. Davis also said that it should go through the Landscape Advisory Committee.

“We are not Miami. We are islands. We are a village,” he said.

“We (shouldn’t) get a permit and have to worry that we don’t have the right tree in the right place and that for us to do something, we’re going to have re-landscape our house. This is overreaching.”

Councilman Jim Mooney suggested breaking up the issue for commercial and residential landscaping.

“If you made it where it was simplified for residents, I think that pushback we’re getting would probably disappear,” he said.

With the ordinance tabled, village staff will look at splitting the environmental regulations and bring back material for review of the landscape components.

ON THE COVER Campers enjoy their time by the water at Dolphins Plus Summer Camp. Sessions are set to begin in July as kids will explore the local ecosystem and learn about dolphin communication and behavior. CONTRIBUTED

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, May 2 • Dolphin Research Center hosts clean up from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tom’s Harbor Bridge, MM 62.

• Our Place in Paradise visiting artist reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 88711 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.

• Marrvelous Pet Rescues Yappy Hour from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bayside Grill, Key Largo.

• Sustain Yo’Self workshop at 7 p.m. at Divers Direct, Key Largo.

Friday, May 3 • Keysey Kentucky Derby from 6 to 9 p.m. at La Siesta Resort and Marina, Islamorada.

Saturday, May 4 • First Saturday of the Month breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at Key Largo Civic Club, Key Largo.

• REEF Citizen Science — stony coral tissue loss disease training and dive at 9 a.m. at REEF headquarters, Key Largo.

• Inaugural Connect To Protect Gala at 6 p.m. at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo.

Wednesday, May 8 • Lecture series from 5 to 7 p.m. at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada.

• Cruisin Tikis Key Largo grand opening and ribbon cutting from 5 to 8 p.m. at Snooks Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, Key Largo.

Thursday, May 9 • Free bike safety training from noon to 2 p.m. at Key Largo Library conference room.

Wednesday, May 15 • Mothers in Paradise: Mom’s Support Group from 10 to 11 a.m. at Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room, Islamorada.

• Immerse Yourself free presentation series at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

Thursday, May 16 Florida Keys or Bust: A Celebration of Tourism from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Islander Resort Conference Center, Islamorada.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

May 10th ~ 5-6p Registration and 6p Captain’s Meeting @ Key Colony Inn May 11th ~ “FISH for A Cause” & Awards @ 7pm

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Entry fee includes Captain’s Meeting, Awards Banquet, Official Tournament Shirt, & “Goody” bucket. For registration information call 305-743-9828 OR visit

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

BRIEFLY Taste Of History dinner looks at drug smuggling

Dr. Benjamin Strobel. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

‘A PLACE OF RENDEZVOUS’ Upper Keys History

BRAD BERTELLI

www.keysweekly.com

D

uring Dr. Benjamin Strobel’s travels from Charleston to Key West in 1829, the ship stopped at Indian Key. Strobel was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the small wrecking community. He wrote letters describing life on the island.

The following description of Indian Key was published in the Charleston Courier on May 4, 1837: “Indian Key is a place of rendezvous for the wreckers, while engaging in their vocation.

Here they procure their supplies of provisions, stores, etc. They are stationed at various positions along the reef, but Indian Key, possessing a good harbor, and holding our many other inducements, is much resorted to, and may be considered as headquarters. ... This island is not over five or six acres in extent — it is nothing more than a rock in the midst of the ocean. It contains twenty or thirty small houses, and one large building, which is used as a hotel. This establishment has in connection a billiard table, nine pin alley, etc. The wreckers, when ashore amuse themselves in playing these various games.”

Brad Bertelli is curator of the Keys History & Discovery Center.

The Matecumbe Historical Trust Taste of History dining event will present the “Early History of Drug Smuggling in the Florida Keys.”

An open mic session with reformed drug smuggler Jorge Cabrera will be held on Monday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Islamorada Moose Lodge, located at 81573 Old Highway, and is open to the public.

There will be a prime rib dinner and a cash bar provided by the Islamorada Moose Lodge.

Cabrera will recount what it meant to be a smuggler in “the early years” of the ’70s and ’80s in the Keys, and the unique challenges of smuggling within a small community. Hear how his career began, and relive his story detailing everything from where he met with others to plan their “missions” to how he got the merchandise, who worked with him, and how they distributed millions of pounds of product.

His stories are interesting, true and even hilarious. Prepaid reservations are required by calling the historical trust at 305-393-0940.

Sea Base to hold annual tarpon tourney The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is holding the 35th Annual Tarpon Tournament in Islamorada on Tuesday-Friday, May 7-10. Local guides will lend their knowledge to participating anglers in this silver king catch-and-release tournament. For the 35th year, the tournament will help support the programs of The Sea Base, serving more than 15,000 young men and women in ocean adventures that make a lifetime difference.

FWC seeks public input on managing blackfin tuna The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering public input on the future management of blackfin tuna. Blackfin tuna are currently regulated by Florida’s default recreational bag limit of 100 pounds or two fish per day, whichever is greater, in state waters. There are no regulations for blackfin tuna in federal waters. Future changes could mean management and regulations that are more tailored for this species.

The FWC is holding meetings across the state to gather public input on the future management of blackfin tuna, including Wednesday, May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Local concerns about sustainability of the harvest of blackfin tuna prompted the FWC to consider whether stricter regulations are needed in state waters and whether it is advisable to extend regulations into federal waters.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting, ask questions and provide comment.

For those unable to attend, the Islamorada meeting will be streamed live on the village website and televised live locally on the government Comcast channel (within the village only).

Leash law in effect in Monroe County The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners amended the Monroe County Code to require animals in public places to be on a leash.

“Effective voice command” is no longer an acceptable means of control for an animal in a public place, since this method has failed in several situations, resulting in actual or potential injury to the unleashed animal, other animals or people.

The regulation now requires a physically capable person to be in control of an animal by means of a leash; or for the animal to be enclosed by a secure fence or other means of confinement. This does not apply to cats.

The county’s animal control contractors throughout the Keys approved of the changes to the ordinance. The law applies countywide and within municipalities, if there is no conflict with an existing municipality’s ordinance.

Storm chief, experts to offer preparation tips The director of the National Hurricane Center is the planned keynote speaker at an annual hurricane preparedness workshop for the Florida Keys tourism industry.

Ken Graham’s presentation is to begin the workshop at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at the City of Marathon Council Chambers at MM 52.5, oceanside.

Graham will focus on new forecast tools for 2019 as well as other aspects of the center's efforts to monitor and issue watches and warnings when a tropical cyclone threatens a region.

Other scheduled presenters include Kennard "Chip" Kasper, meteorologist-in-charge for the National Weather Service office in Key West; Marty Senterfitt, Monroe County Emergency Management director; Amanda Campen, bureau chief of recovery for the Florida Division of Emergency Management; Dr. Doug Mader, noted Florida Keys veterinarian; and Andy

Newman, media relations director for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

The final session is a panel discussion titled "Rapid Hurricane Intensification," to discuss challenges in emergency management and hurricane planning in the event of scenarios such as last October’s Hurricane Michael.

Movie matinee and glow in the dark party Islamorada Library is drumming up excitement for the summer reading program, “A Universe of Stories,” which starts June 1. A free children’s event with an outer-space theme will be held at the library on Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m. The library will show the classic 1977 film “Star Wars,” with a glowin-the-dark party beforehand. There will be fresh popcorn, beverages and glow-in-the-dark giveaways, all with a black-lit backdrop.

Basket weaving class is back Accomplished artisan Robin Forte is coming back to Islamorada Library to teach basket weaving classes on Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn how to weave beautiful pine needle baskets using the ancient techniques of the Seminoles. A one-time material fee of $20 will cover all basket supplies.

It generally takes two classes to make one basket. Please register at the front desk or by phone, 305-664-4645. The class limit is 12 students.

Acrylic painting class with Pam Gode Local artist Pam Gode will teach students how to make a small acrylic painting at Islamorada Library on Friday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The materials fee is $10. Twelve-student class limit. To make a reservation, stop by the front desk at the library or call 305-664-4645.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

RATE HIKE LIKELY Wind insurance rates to rise unless legislation passes

FOUNDATIONAL FUNDING Children’s shelter gets grant

SARAH THOMAS sthomas@keysweekly.com

M

onroe county homeowners’ insurance rates have increased over 220% in the last 10 years. They’re likely to go up another 10% this year.

The good news? The state Senate just passed SB 1476, sponsored

by Sen. Anitere Flores, a measure that would limit the wind insurance increases by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation — whose wind policies represent those held by two-thirds of homeowners in the county. The company has proposed a 10% annual increase to rates.

Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM) has been at the front line of advocating for years, pushing for a bill allowing only an inflation increase, but settled on the 5% ceiling proposed by Sen. Flores’ bill.

“We are concerned that as a community, the cost of homeownership and rental property will get so out of hand that the nature in the community will change and the quality of life will change, “said Steve Russ, vice president of FIRM. Russ testified on April 23 in Tallahassee before the Florida Senate Rules Committee in support of SB 1476. His testimony, and Sen. Flores, helped push the bill through committee, which would limit Citizens Property Insurance annual rate increases for Monroe County to 5%. The bill addresses the impact of wind insurance on the cost of home ownership and workforce housing.

Russ cites several reasons FIRM believes the rate are unfair and unfounded:

“Current hurricane loss projection models do not incorporate local building codes, and Monroe County’s codes are and have been the strongest in the state,” he said.

Those tight building codes require high standards for structural integrity that aren’t required in other counties and municipalities.

“Our buildings have been built recognizing storms are an inevitability in some sense,” he said, “We build houses that withstand 180 mph, so we pay more to build, and then we pay for the insurance too.”

There are also a variety of hurricane models approved by the state that produce a wide spread of damage projections, but Citizens has traditionally relied on a model that was unfavorable to Monroe County to set local rates.

To be fair, since the 2017 season of Hurricane Irma, Citizens has frozen rates for two years, but did not come close to losing money, or even breaking even, after the Irma payouts. In fact, from 2004 through 2018 — years including Wilma and Irma losses — Monroe County policyholders have paid over $805 million more to Citizens in premiums than they have received in claims.

“That’s $1,000 for every resident in the county,” he said, “Monroe County wind insurance rates are the highest in the state, twice the average.”

Rep. Holly Raschein has sponsored a parallel bill in the house, HB1145, to keep limit Citizens’ rates to a 5% increase, but it’s stuck in committee.

“There’s a faint hope,” said Russ, “but I don’t think we should be optimistic.”

T

he Ocean Reef Community Foundation has granted the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter $48,000 to help fund a recreation coach, life skills coach, and education coach, all three employed full-time at the 19-bed Youth Center in Plantation Key. “Our strategic plan created by our executive council and productivity expert Elisa Levy in 2017 called for employing staff with bachelor’s degrees and specific expertise to provide a more quality experience for the youth ages 11-17 who live here,” said Florida Keys Children’s Shelter CEO Ben Kemmer. “Whether a young person stays with us for just a few nights or for months, the coaches make a difference.”

“We’re thankful for the Ocean Reef dollars that are helping fund the gap between government grants and the salaries needed to attract and retain skilled professionals,” Kemmer said. “Our cost of living is higher than other areas receiving the same funding as we do. And here in the Keys we’re competing with tourism. You can make more money working in a restaurant or retail store than the wage that the state budgets for us to pay youth support staff.”

The Ocean Reef Community Foundation also granted nearly $4,000 for Florida Keys Children’s Shelter residents to participate in educational field trips this summer, organized by Reef Environmental Education Foundation.

The grant to the children’s shelter was among the largest of the more than $1.3 million distributed by Ocean Reef Community Foundation to dozens of nonprofit organizations. Other programs in the Upper Keys receiving the largest grants this year included the Guidance/Care Center, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, Take Stock in Children, Key Largo YMCA, Key Largo School and Florida Keys Community College. A full list is at orfound.org.

— Contributed

Christi Shortes, left, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter residential coordinator; Ocean Reef Community Foundation board member Amy Upjohn; Children’s Shelter board members Jay Rourke, Linda Falk, Brad Copeland, Michele Rodriguez and Nikki Bussard; Children’s Shelter CEO Ben Kemmer; development officer Jennifer McComb; and life skills coach Kirk Steputis; Ocean Reef Community Foundation grants committee chair Janie Sims; and Children’s Shelter education coach Ursula Cervone. CAROL ELLIS/CONTRIBUTED

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MONROE COUNTY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

COMING TO A CLOSE Bills linger as end of session approaches

Legislative session in Tallahassee comes to a close May 3, and bills in the House and Senate are learning their fate. Here are a few notable bills the Weekly has tracked along the way and where they stand.

SB 720 & HB 525 — FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE A bill to rename Florida Keys Community College to The College of the Florida Keys is set for a vote in the Senate before session ends. Legislation in the House, sponsored by state Rep. Holly Raschein, passed unanimously in late March.

Legislation in the Senate, sponsored by state Sen. Anitere Flores, passed unanimously through the Education and Appropriations committees.

HB 1229 — CRAFT DISTILLERIES Legislation to even the playing field for craft distilleries awaits consideration. The bill would allow distilleries to hold multiple vendor licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

They would also be able to obtain permits to conduct tastings and sales of distilled spirits at specified events.

SB 1694 & HB 1019 — TAKINGS CLAIMS Legislation in the House and Senate that would provide for apportionment of awards of damages for takings claims within areas of critical state concern appears dead. Local governments in the Florida Keys, per the bill, would share liability 50-50 when defendants are successful in property rights litigation. Legislation in the Senate, sponsored by Flores, last saw movement April 9 when it passed through the Community Affairs Committee. In the House, the bill sponsored by state Rep. Thad Altman hasn’t seen any forward movement.

SB 1666 & HB 1221 — VESSELS The bill that would direct Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to conduct a study on derelict vessels was postponed on third reading in the House on April 30. Similar legislation in the Senate passed 40-0. Flores and Raschein are bill co-sponsors in the Senate and House.

SB 816 & HB 771 — RECYCLING Legislation passed through both the House and Senate requiring counties and municipalities to address contamination of recyclable material in specified contracts and prohibit them from requiring collection or transport of contaminated recyclable material by collectors. The bill in the House passed via an 87-23 vote while the Senate gave its approval via a 24-15 vote.

SB 824 & HB 987 — VACATION RENTALS Bills that would preempt the regulation of all vacation rentals to the state likely won’t see passage this year. Legislation would have repealed the exemption for a local law, ordinance or regulation adopted before June 1, 2011. The state first passed vacation rental law in 2011, but Keys municipalities were “grandfathered,” or exempt from the new regulation. The 2019 bill would have removed that grandfather status and opened the Keys to vacation rentals with no limits on frequency or duration.

SB 336 & HB 5 — SALES TAX REFERENDA Legislation gained passage in the House on April 11 with a 69-44 vote. A similar bill in the Senate was placed on the calendar for consideration for May 2. Legislation would require any local sales tax referendum question to appear only during major elections, and would require a two-thirds majority to pass. It would also force a county to make the proposed referendum and a specified legal opinion available on its website. Local governments often pass a discretionary sales tax to pay for necessary projects such as neighborhood construction or sewer projects.

LEGISLATURE APPROVES BUDGET On the evening of April 30, the Florida legislature agreed to a budget of more than $90 billion for the new fiscal year starting July 1. Final votes still need to be cast on the spending plan, but that can’t be done until a 72-hour review period. The budget includes an increase of $780 million for public schools, bringing per-student funding to over $240 for the coming school year. There’s also an increase of discretionary funds of around 2 percent for the state’s school districts. As for the environment, the budget shows about $682 million for projects such as Everglades restoration.

The budget also contains funds to rehab the President Harry S. Truman Little White House.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Islamorada, Village of Islands Founders Park

Message from the Sheriff Spring is here and that means many of you are gearing up for another warm season full of fishing, diving and everything in between on the water. I personally can’t wait to get out on the water and do some fishing!

Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when we at the Sheriff’s Office start taking reports involving marine-related thefts.

Thieves depend on the inattention of our residents and visitors to steal just about everything marine-related. That includes boats, boat engines and lower units as well fishing and dive gear.

High-end boat electronics are also ripe targets.

Junior Tennis Camp: June 10-14th, June 17-21st, July 8-12th, July 15-19th, July 29th-Aug 2nd. Monday - Friday, Full day: 9am3pm. Half day: 9am-12pm or 1pm-3pm. Ages 6 and Up. Full Day Camp: $195/week or $40/day, Half Day Camp: $100/week or $25/day. Tennis instruction, SWIMMING, Olympics, pickleball, games and other activities. Free Pizza Fridays! Adult Camps also available. For details contact Pros: Susie Jannach 954-2907502 or Greg Pearson 517-285-5693.

Synchro Splash: Session 1: June 24-28th, Session 2: July 8-12th, Session 3: July 22-26th. Monday - Friday: 9am-1pm. Ages 614. $150 per session or $100 per session if enrolled in half day Recreation Camp. Introductory synchronized swimming techniques and challenging water games. Pre-registration and swimming assessment required: Contact Isla Crawford 856-473-4752 for scheduling and more info.

Help us at the Sheriff’s Office and follow some of these tips to protect yourself from thieves: • Remove the keys from the boat. If it is on a lift, turn the breaker off in the house to disable it.

• Whether on a trailer or in a canal, make sure your boat can be seen by neighbors and Deputies patrolling the neighborhood.

Swim & Dive Combo Camp: July 8-12th. Dive: 8:30am10:30pm, Swim: 10:30am-12:30pm. Ages 6 & Up. Monday Friday, $200 per session or $45 per day. Swim clinic includes: stroke technique, starts, turns, water games, & dry land activities. Dive clinic includes: basic introductory to springboard diving and dry land training. Coaches Jon Olsen 305-393-5855 & Kelly Kater 215-622-6841.

• Install a boat alarm.

• Install motion sensor lights. Make sure the area around your boat is well lit.

• Disconnect the batteries to disable the trim/tilt function.

Keep the engine down, touching the ground so the lower unit can’t be removed.

• Don’t leave fishing and dive equipment unattended.

• If you are gone for an extended period, call your local Sheriff’s Office substation. Our Deputies will keep an eye on your property while you are away.

I live in this community too and I know doing some of these things can be a hassle, but it will save you a lot of grief in the long run.

Thieves look for soft targets, so make things as difficult as you can for them. We all live in this community together and together we can make a difference in curbing these thefts.

Be safe on the water!

Here’s to another great season!

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay

Summer Recreation Camp: June 3rd - July 26th.

Monday - Friday: 8am-5:30pm. Ages 6-12 ONLY. Camp Fees: $95 per week, $75 per sibling & $35 per day. Activities may include: Games, arts & crafts, sports, movies, board games, swimming at pool & beach, etc. Sign up today!

Download the MCSO App Today!

Summer Springboard Dive Camp: July Session to be announced! To include fun drills from the five diving groups twisting, forward, backward, inward, reverse, and from handstands. Contact Coach Kelly Kater at 215-622-6841 for more information.

Summer Swim Camp: June 3-7th, June 10-14th, July 2226th. Monday - Friday: 9am-12pm. Ages 6 & Up. $150 per session. $45 per day. Stroke technique, starts, turns, racing, water games & dry land activities. Pizza party Fridays! Coach Jon Olsen call 305-393-5855 for details.

Learn-to-Swim Lessons: Group Lessons from June 17-27th.

Monday - Thursday: 1-3pm. Pre-Register $80 per two week session. Private lessons available by appointment, $25 per half hour lesson. Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, Colleen Hammon 305-393-2513.

For more information: Call 305-853-1685 or visit www.islamorada.fl.us ifp@islamorada.fl.us These programs are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in these events because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@islamorada.fl.us or 305-664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled event.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

INDUCTEE Local resident enters engineering hall of fame

O

Food drive is on May 11 Cindy Smith holds groceries that go to food pantries in the Keys. The National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 11. In the Upper Keys, non-perishable food donations go directly to local food pantries. According to a United Way ALICE Report, 54% of Monroe County families with children are living below the federal poverty line. Donations can help change this, and participating is easy. On Saturday, May 11, leave non-perishable food donations in your mailbox or in a bag by your mailbox with your flag up. Your letter carriers will do the rest. — Contributed

n April 18, Islamorada resident and seasoned automotive retiree Joseph Ziomek entered the Wayne State University College of Engineering Hall of Fame. A 1959 graduate, Ziomek has been in the automotive electronics business for more than 55 years.

He graduated in 1954 from Cass Tech High School in Detroit and enrolled at Wayne State at the age of 16. After beginning his career in 1959 at the Burroughts Corporation, Ziomek worked for Ford Motor Company from 1961 to 1979 in advanced electronics research and composites control systems on numerous vehicles, and on reducing the weight and increasing the fuel economy of the Ford LTD in the late ‘70s.

In 1979, Ziomek joined TRW and formed the Transportation Electrical Operation in Farmington Hills, Michigan; the firm pioneered electronics application for cars, trucks, buses and agricultural and off-road vehicles in 1987.

He was then named TRW’s director of advanced safety restraint systems, and later

Islamorada resident Joseph Ziomek, right, accepts the award from Dean Farshad Fotouhi of the Wayne State University College of Engineering. CONTRIBUTED

joined Takata in 1989 in a similar role.

Ziomek has gone on to serve as a private consultant in his field. He is a co-founder of the Convergence Education Foundation, now called Square One, a STEM pipeline for more than 20,000 high school students. Ziomek is a lifetime member and elected Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and a lifetime member of IEEE and the Vehicular Technology Society.

Ziomek also serves as an expert witness on automotive and automotive electronics technology incidents, which include vehicle electronics and safety systems like air bags. — Contributed

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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Come join us at mm 77.5

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305-852-8670

Got Summer Plans Yet? Florida Keys Sailing Summer Camp June 10 - August 2nd

ram -day prog lf a h s h c o Con Our Larg ges 5 - 7 for kids a

Our most popular Learn to Sail program for kids ages 8 - 13

The Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program Upper Keys Sailing Club, Key Largo

Our Intr o to C42 0 Sailin for midd g Clinics le & high

school-a ged teen s

Info & Sign Up @ www.msysp.org / info@msysp.org

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SUMMER 2019 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

SPRINGBOARD INTO SUMMER

New instructor excited to teach kids

W

ho’s ready to jump into summer camp season? At Founders Park, new springboard dive master Kelly Kater is.

With 10 years diving competitively and recreationally, Kater has spent much of her time at the pool and coaching dive lessons. She’s now taking her passion to Founders Park, teaching kids the technique. In July, Kater will be heading up the summer springboard dive camp while also teaching the swim and dive combo camp alongside coach Jon Olsen.

Since November, Kater has been working with young swimmers and divers.

“Watching them grow and progress is really rewarding,” said Kater, who grew up outside Philadelphia and came to the Keys three years ago. “When I moved down here, I was able to get involved with the Coral Shores High School program, and that opened up to this opportunity to spread the love to the younger members of the community.”

What will springboard camp participants learn? Kater said they’ll develop basic mechanics such as safely going off the board forward and backward. They’ll also learn to go in head first if they’re not comfortable already doing so.

“As quickly as they progress, hopefully we’ll be getting them to do flips and more of the advanced dives as well,” she said.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019 Max jumps off the dive board at Founders Park. Max started diving two years ago and has been working with Kelly Kater since she came on as springboard dive master in November. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

As for the swim and dive combo camp, kids will learn stroke technique, starts, turns, and basic introduction into springboard diving and dry land training.

Kater said the camps she’s coaching allows kids to enjoy the process and learn new skills while being proud of their improvement.

“It’s for any kids who are willing to take a challenge and have fun and be excited to learn something new,” she said.

Kater is a social studies teacher at Coral Shores High School. She also coaches the diving team and helps out with the swimming team. Kater says she’s excited to work with kids and can’t wait to begin the springboard dive camp.

“I love getting the younger community involved with diving, not with the goal to make Olympians, but getting them interested and teaching them to be safe on the dive board,” she said.

The summer springboard dive camp, for ages 8 and up, runs July 15-19. The swim and dive combo camp, for ages 6 and up, goes from July 8-12 with diving from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and swimming from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kelly Kater at 215-622-6841.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Townson’s Gifts & Shells, an example of early Keys tourism. CONTRIBUTED

FLORIDA KEYS OR BUST Event benefits foundation

T

he Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation has planned a new fundraiser, “Florida Keys or Bust: A Celebration of Tourism,” on Thursday, May 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Islander Resort Conference Center, MM 82.

The event will look back at the community’s tourism roots while featuring food, libations, games and shopping to benefit the foundation, which operates the Keys History & Discovery Center, also on property of the Islander Resort.

The night includes: • Laid-back reception and classic games such as ping-pong, horseshoes and badminton on the Tarpon Terrace and Great Lawn.

• A special presentation, “Florida Keys or Bust: A History of Tourism,” at 6:15 p.m., by Cori Convertito, curator of the Key West Art & Historical Society.

• Pop-up shopping provided by Cheeca Lodge & Spa Signature Store and Theater of the Sea with a portion of sales donated to the Foundation.

• View vintage postcards from local collector Allen Brock, and items reflecting the history of tourism in the Upper Keys from the Keys History & Discovery Center vault that have not previously been on display.

Raffle tickets are on sale now, $5 each or $20 for five, to win a choice of five Keys gift baskets (need not be present to win). Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.keysdiscovery.com/upcoming-events.

Event cost is $50 per person or $40 for Keys History & Discovery Center members.

Register at www.keysdiscovery.com/upcoming-events More information is available by phone at 305-922-2237 or email at info@keysdiscovery.com.

— Contributed

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SUMMER 2019

For a full listing of summer camps in the Keys, please visit keysweekly.com

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

SYNCHRO SPLASH Session 1: June 24-28, session 2: July 8-12, session 3: July 22-26. Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founders Park. Ages 6-14. $150 per session or $100 per session if enrolled in half day Recreation Camp. Introductory synchronized swimming techniques and challenging water games. Pre-registration and swimming assessment required: Contact Isla Crawford 856-473-4752 for scheduling and more info.

SENSATIONAL SUMMER Camps offer a little bit for everyone

With the school year drawing to a close, summer camps are gearing up for another season of education and excitement. From art to sailing and watersports, activities are bountiful from June to August. Here are some places for children to go this summer.

VILLAGE SUMMER RECREATION CAMP June 3-July 26 at Founders Park for ages 6-12 only. $95 per week, $75 per sibling and $35 per day. Activities include games, arts & crafts, sports, movies, board games, swimming at pool & beach.

Group shot with Indian Key in background during Paddle Camp.

PADDLE CAMP June 3-7 for kids ages 8-12 (session 1); June 10-14 for teens age 13 to 18 (session 2); June 17-21 for all ages, 8-18 (session 3). This five-day camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes healthy lunches and snacks for $295. Children will paddle in a different area and park each day.

Campers learn about Keys history and local flora and fauna as they become junior master naturalists. Call 305-451-3018 or stop by the Florida Bay Outfitters shop at MM 104, bayside.

SUMMER SWIM CAMP June 3-7, June 10-14, July 22-26; Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at Founders Park. Ages 6 & up. $150 per session. $45 per day. Stroke technique, starts, turns, racing, water games & dry land activities. Pizza party Fridays! Coach Jon Olsen call 305-393-5855 for details.

JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP: June 10-14, June 17-21, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 29-August 2; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; half day: 9 a.m.to noon or 1 p.m. to 3.p.m.

Ages 6 and up. Full Day Camp: $195/week or $40/day, Half Day Camp: $100/week or $25/day. Tennis instruction, swimming, Olympics, pickleball, games and other activities. Free Pizza Fridays! Adult Camps also available.

For details contact Pros: Susie Jannach 954-290-7502 or Greg Pearson 517-285-5693.

SWIMMING LESSONS Group lessons from June 17-27; Monday to Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at Founders Park. Pre-register $80 per two-week session. Private lessons available by appointment, $25 per half-hour lesson. Red Cross water safety instructor, Colleen Hammon 305-393-2513.

Swimming is just one of the many activities offered at the Jacobs Aquatic Center summer camp, which runs from June 3 to August 2.

JACOBS AQUATIC CENTER June 3 through August 2 (ages 5-12). Camp hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Camp activities include supervised swimming, organized games and activities, daily movies and arts and crafts. Campers should bring towels, a swimsuit, sunscreen, gym shoes, flip-flops, a hat, and a bagged lunch Monday through Friday. Water is available to campers at all times. An afternoon snack will be provided. $115/week or $40/day. Jacobsaquaticcenter. org or 305-453-7946.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

REEF OCEAN EXPLORERS CAMP June 24-28 for children ages 8-13 (This camp session is now full, please email explorers@REEF.org to join the waitlist); July 15-19 (ages 8-13); July 29-Aug. 2 (ages 8-13). Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. REEF Ocean Explorers Camp will immerse children into an ocean of learning and fun. Explorers will be exposed to the underwater world, all of its amazing creatures, and a week filled with creative activities and adventures. Four days of each session are hosted at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and one day is hosted at Island Dolphin Care. Camp tuition is $400 a week. REEF.org/explorers/ camp or 305-852-0030.

SUMMER 2019

will teach sailors boat-handling skills by controlling the trim of the main sail, job, and spinnaker sails together.

Class size limited to eight sailors per session. Session 1 is June 17-29 and session 2 is July 8-19. $575 per child per two-week session.

All campers must bring their own reusable water bottle.

More info, msysp.org, info@msysp.org or call 305-7472600.

Dolphins Plus campers learn about all sorts of subjects, from the local ecosystem ecology. CONTRIBUTED

Dolphins Plus campers learn about all sorts of subjects, from the local ecosystem ecology. CONTRIBUTED

DOLPHINS PLUS SUMMER CAMP July 8-12; July 22-26; and July 29-August 2; for ages 6-10; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campers learn about all sorts of subjects, from the local ecosystem ecology to dolphin communication and behavior. Best of all, dolphin camp makes learning fun through hands-on science activities, marine mammal lessons and shows, behind the scenes tours and coastal exploration. Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, water shoes and mosquito repellent. $300 per student/week. Dolphinsplus.com, 866-860-7946 or email Marylou@dolphinsplus.com.

MARK SORENSEN YOUTH SAILING CAMP June 10-21; June 24-July 5; July 8-July 19; July 22-August 2. Ages 5-16 looking for a fun and nature-filled outdoor summer experience. For kids ages 5-7, the “Largo Conchs” program gets kids comfortable on the water and hooked on sailing. Kids will learn about boating safety, basic seamanship, proper sailing terminology, basic rigging and tying knots while exploring Buttonwood Sound. $300 a session.

For kids 8-13, “Learn to Sail” campers will sail on a variety of sailboat dinghies among other boats. In addition to fun on the water, the focus of the two-week program is on learning the fundamentals of sailing, boating safety, rigging and how to skipper boats upwind and downwind and all around the bay. $450 per child per two-week session for local Florida Keys and Homestead children.

For kids 12-16, “Introduction to C420 Sailing” is the perfect sport to pick up as a teenager. Hop aboard a two-person boat with a friend and fellow camper. No sailing experience, no problem! The two-week course

OTHERSIDE ADVENTURE CAMP June 10 (session 1); June 24 (session 2); July 8 (session 3); July 22 (session 4). Ages 8-12. Five days of adventure. Day 1, kiteboarding and sailing. A quick lesson in wind theory, sailing basics and boating etiquette before teams of three to four. Day 2, Wakeboarding. Our cable park on Grassy Key is the easiest way to learn to wakeboard. Day 3, indoor rock climbing. Climb to new heights in the 14,000-square-foot indoor rock-climbing gym. Day 4, personal craft. Children will work together to navigate a treasure map. Camp runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring reusable water bottle, packed lunch, life jacket, sunscreen, long sleeve rash guard, and hat. $389 per session. More info at othersideboardsports.com/ products/otherside-adventure-camp.

SEACAMP Seacamp is offering Day Camp Monday through Friday for ages 10-13, 18 Day sessions in June and July for ages 12-17 and one-week sessions in August for ages 10-17. Campers work in teams, learning the ecological principles that are pertinent to both the study of marine science and to the future of our natural resources.

Activities include field and laboratory work, SCUBA, snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. Request an application at www.seacamp.org or call us at 305-872-2331.

OUR PLACE ART CAMP June 3-7; June 10-14; June 17-21; July 8-12; July 15-19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Our Place in Paradise Gallery and Studio. Ages 7-10. Space limited to 10 students.

Supplies are included. This program will help develop children’s motor skills, concentration, self esteem and creativity. Instructed by Vernoica Gutierrez, kids will enjoy drawing, painting and mixed media. $180/week per student. For more information, contact Our Place in Paradise at 305-916-5828. "Summer is right around the corner and here is a great summer camp for your little artist to participate, learn, and have fun!” Gutierrez said. “With more than 10 years of experience offering art summer camp in the Upper Keys, I always enjoy to motivate the creativity of the kids and witness their artistic progress.”

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18

MIDDLE KEYS CAMPS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

PIGEON KEY MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP Marine Science Summer Camp; July 8-12 (day camp), July 1519 (day and overnight camp), July 22-26 (overnight camp), and July 29-Aug. 2 (day camp) • Day Camp runs Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., costs $350, and is open to anyone between the ages of 8-16 years old • Overnight camp runs 9 a.m. Monday to 5 p.m. Friday, costs $950, and is open to campers 10-16 years old. • Campers will learn reef fish identification, invertebrate collection, snorkel at Sombrero Reef, compete in underwater obstacle course, dissections, fishing and enjoy their own private island. • Junior counselor positions are available for individuals age 17 and older • More information and registration forms at pigeonkey.net email casey@pigeonkey.net.

The sailing camp has instruction for all levels of experience and culminates in a regatta in late July. CONTRIBUTED

MYCEF SAILING CAMP Six sailing sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced sailors in Marathon. June 10-21, July 15- 26, and July 29-Aug. 9 for beginners and early intermediate sailors. Each session will be split into two groups by age, mornings ages 6-8 (9 -11:30 a.m.) and afternoons ages 9-18 (2-5 p.m.). On Fridays, all students in the session are invited for the full day to explore new opportunities (snorkeling, sailing and science); June 25-29 for intermediate sailors, ages 8-17 in two groups at 9 a.m. to noon or 2 to 5 p.m. Fridays are devoted to racing, and learning rules, weather, etc.; July 8-12 and July 15-19 advanced sailing for ages 8-17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A regatta is scheduled for July 20. • The two-week beginner sessions are $100 per week; and the intermediate and advanced one-week sessions are $100 per week • Multi-week discounts, sibling discounts and financial scholarships available •For more details or to register, email chair@MYCEF.education.

There’s plenty of time for play — like jumping off the dock — in between serious science learning at the Pigeon Key summer camp. CONTRIBUTED

FLORIDA KEYS AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS Diver Certification Summer Camp • All summer for three consecutive days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • NAUI Junior Open Water Certification for ages 10-14 • NAUI Open Water Certification for ages 15-18 • $700 • Includes water skills, lunches, reef fish identification, shark encounter, open water tank dives, and stingray encounters. • Requires 2 participants per camp session, maximum 6 • Call 305-407-3262, ext. 2 or email info@ floridakeysaquariumencounters.com for information and availablility.

Summer campers learn all about clay at The Art Studio camps.

CONTRIBUTED

ART STUDIO CAMPS Weeklong art camps • Art camp is 9 a.m. to noon • July 8-12 for ages 5-7, July 15-19 for ages 8 & up. Campers will explore glass fusing, clay building, papier maché, tie dye, painting, jewelry making & more • Daily snack is provided • $185 per week. Call 305-289-9013.

The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters devotes its summers to certifying kids to dive. CONTRIBUTED

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

19

INTO THE WATER Pastor Charles Rosenbalm of the First Baptist Church of Key Largo baptizes Hudson Wampler, 9, following an Easter Sunrise Service at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo Sunday, April 21. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly

DOLPHIN KIDS CAMP (6-10 YRS) July 8th-12, July 22nd- 26th, July 29th- August 2nd Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

EARLY CARE AND LATE CARE AVAILABLE Fee: $300 per camper/week

Under New Local Family Ownership

MAY 12 IS MOTHER’S DAY!

Dolphin Kids daily themes: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrass Beds | Marine Mammals of the World | Marine Mammal Behavior and Training | Animal Training | Ocean Conservation

JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP! NEW: JUNIOR DOLPHIN EXPLORERS FOR CAMPERS 11-14 YEARS OLD Monday July 15-Friday July 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fee: $300 per camper/week

Daily lessons include: Dolphin Identification | Dolphin Anatomy | Marine Mammal Strandings | Husbandry/Veterinary Care | Mangrove and Sea grass Exploration | Florida Keys Ecology

WHY WOULD YOU NOT ORDER LOCAL?

Not Your Typical Flower Shop When you are looking for that special gift for ALL THE MOM’S IN YOUR LIFE! Call us at 305-451-3702 to order a special arrangement.

Or visit us and pick up that unique gift just for her.

305.451.4060, 101900 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO WWW.DOLPHINSPLUS.COM

Monday - Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 9AM-1PM 99551 Overseas Highway • Key Largo, Fl 33037 www.keylargoflorist.com • 305 451-3702

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WILD LIFE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

LIGHTS OUT

Haley holds a juvenile American alligator.

MARGOT WARSHAW/ Contributed

HOW TO HELP NESTING, HATCHLING SEA TURTLES

M

… how to tell a ‘croc’ from a ‘gator’?

NELE KIRT

www.keysweekly.com

H

aley Townsend from the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters tells us which is which: Many people often mistake crocodiles for alligators and vice versa.

Physical differentiation, such as the alligators’ broad, U-shaped snout with an overbite — therefore only seeing the top row of teeth — and the crocodiles’ narrow, V-shaped snout with a vertical bite, seeing both rows of the teeth, is one way to distinguish which is which.

However, the biggest difference is where you would find them.

Crocodiles live in saltwater habitats. Just like any other saltwater animal, the crocodile must be able to expel the excess salt out of their bodies to maintain homeostasis — the ability to keep internal stability in organism to compensate for environmental changes.

Crocodiles possess salivary glands, allowing them to excrete the salt intake they get from both their diet and osmosis through their skin.

Alligators lack these glands and are unable to excrete that salt on their own. So they have to flush any salt out in freshwater.

Here, in the Florida Keys, we are surrounded by saltwater and see many crocodiles … but that’s not to say we cannot come across the occasional alligator, as they have become very well adapted to venturing into saltwater.

• • • • • My name is Haley Townsend. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelors in biology and minor in chemistry. I have been visiting the Keys for almost two years now and have lived here permanently for almost a year.

Currently I am one of the marine biologists at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters where I am privileged to educate visitors every day about the differences between alligators and crocodiles.

What are you wondering about?

Email nelekirt@yahoo.com.

ay marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season on many of Florida’s sandy beaches. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking beachfront property owners and beach visitors to help nesting turtles and hatchlings by turning off or shielding lights that are visible from the beach at night.

“Making an effort to keep our beaches dark at night is one of the most important things you can do to help sea turtles.” said Robbin Trindell, head of the FWC sea turtle management program.

“Even small artificial lights from a house, a flashlight or a cellphone camera can confuse female sea turtles and their hatchlings and cause them to wander off course.”

Sea turtle nesting is starting on beaches along the Gulf coast, including the Florida Panhandle, as well as the state’s northeast Atlantic coast and from MiamiDade County south to the Keys.

Nesting began earlier in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County.

Florida is a critically important destination for nesting sea turtles. More loggerhead turtles nest here than anywhere else in the continental United States, with 91,451 loggerhead nests counted statewide during the 2018 nesting season. Leatherback and green sea turtles also nest in significant numbers in Florida.

What are the basics of being sea turtle-friendly?

• It’s a sea turtle night, turn off the light: After sundown, turn off any lights not necessary for human safety. Use long wavelength amber LED lamps for lights that must stay lit and shield lights so they are not visible from the beach. Remember to close shades or curtains.

• Sea turtles get lost in the light: On the beach at night, don’t take flash photos or use bright cellphones or flashlights.

• Sea turtles are protected and must be respected: Stay back and give sea turtles space if you see one on the beach at night. Don’t touch a nesting turtle because it may leave the beach without nesting if disturbed. Remember, it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, eggs or hatchlings.

• Clear the way at the end of the day: Beach furniture, canopies, boats and toys left behind on the sand can become obstacles that block nesting and hatchling turtles. Fill in any holes dug in the sand.

• Keep your distance from nests and hatchlings: Do not handle hatchlings crawling toward the water. Any interference or disturbance by people, such as getting too close or taking flash photos, increases the chances the hatchlings will get confused, go in the wrong direction and not reach the ocean quickly. That makes them vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion and predators. As with all wildlife, watching from a distance is best.

Buildings and other structures along the beach that need lights for human safety can be lit with long wavelength amber LED bulbs in a downward-directed, well-shielded fixture that is not visible from the beach. The FWC tests lights submitted by manufacturers to see if they meet our “Keep it long (wavelength), Keep it low (lumens and mounting height) and Keep it shielded” requirement. Approved fixtures are less likely to affect nesting or hatchling sea turtles. The agency maintains a list of these certified wildlife-friendly fixtures so property owners along Florida’s coastlines can easily find options that work for human and sea turtle safety. The list is available at MyFWC.com/Conservation by clicking on “How You Can Conserve,” “Wildlife Lighting” and then “Certified.”

— Contributed

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

21

Ken Gentes, David Dehaas and Mark Gregg check out FDOT’s third option as it relates to replacing Snake Creek bridge during a community input session April 24 at Founders Park Community Center. Four options were put on tables for residents to view and provide input. JIM McCARTHY

BRIDGE TALK Residents give input on Snake Creek span JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

S

tate transportation officials paid a visit to Islamorada on April 24 to showcase to the public possible options to deal with the congestion problem at Snake Creek bridge at MM 85.

At every hour, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., large vessels pass through Snake Creek. In the several minutes it takes for the drawbridge to go up and down, traffic lines up and congestion builds on the single lane of traffic north and south in Islamorada.

During peak season, traffic goes back miles as a result of the drawbridge.

Florida Department of Transportation project managers were on hand inside the Founders Park Community Center to unveil and discuss drawings of a new bridge. Residents had the chance to look at the renderings that were laid out on tables and submit comments to the DOT on the bridge options.

In 2017, Islamorada Village Council members passed a resolution requesting FDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation to consider replacing the Snake Creek bridge with a fixed bridge or tunnel to improve traffic flow. FDOT agreed to conduct a feasibility study.

“We’re at a very early stage of the project. These options, if we move forward, need further study,” said FDOT Project Manager Hong Benitez. “Right now, the purpose is to rule out flaws.”

For example, the tunnel idea has been ruled out as a viable option due to water depth and environmental concerns. Remaining options were all high-level bridge concepts. Some differences between renderings include length of the bridge, clearance and moving the weigh station up north and to the center. Public Works Director A.J. Engelmeyer noted that three of the four options presented have potential for traffic lights. The rendering without the light potential showed a roundabout at Venetian Shores. Engelmeyer, too, said that this project is in the very early stages.

“These (options) aren’t, ‘it’s either this or this,’ it’s just the initial ideas,” he said. “It’s a feasibility study, and ‘what room do we have to work with and what can we actually do.’ There’s always the option to do nothing.”

Mayor Deb Gillis said there will be many more meetings regarding

Mayor Deb Gillis, center, and Hong Benitez, right, FDOT project manager, speaking with residents during the public input session regarding the Snake Creek Bridge feasibility study.

the Snake Creek bridge. She reiterated that the project’s not happening today.

“This is just the beginning of conversations,” she said.

Vice Mayor Mike Forster said there aren’t any takings of businesses with the project, but there are businesses near the right of way that will be affected. Forster said those businesses along U.S. 1 either benefit from leasing that FDOT right of way, or FDOT has “just looked the other way and has allowed them to use it.”

“The minute (FDOT) takes them away, some of the businesses will open their front door and they’d be lucky if a car doesn’t hit that front door when it opens,” he said. “Dayto-day business as we know it is going to be totally impacted.”

Forster went on to say he likes the idea of the weigh station in the center lane, but he’d like to see it go further north, between MM 106-108.

Overall, Forster noted how important it is for the public to get out and get informed.

“I know FDOT spent a lot of money on these drawings, but again, everybody has to be educated. Show up, stand up and get informed.”

Benitez said comments from the public will be taken into account as FDOT works to complete a report by the end of July.

“We want to present to the public because we want to hear what people are saying,” she said.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

HEROIC ACTION

O’Meara recognized for assisting woman

COAST GUARD SAYS THANK YOU Scott Goss, U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer, left, and Jonathan Harrington, of the Southernmost Chief Petty Officers Association and executive petty officer at the Coast Guard Islamorada station, present Cale Smith a thank-you gift for the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s support during the partial federal government shutdown. At right is Rick Freeburg, chamber board president. Goss and Harrington stopped by during the April gathering at the Islander Resort Conference Center to present the gift. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

e

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CAMP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE • MARINE SCIENCE • SCUBA • SNORKELING • WINDSURFING • KAYAKING 305-872-2331 • www.seacamp.org 1300 Big Pine Ave. Big Pine Key, FL 33043 • info@seacamp.org

Angela O’Meara receives the Community Hero Award. Also pictured are Fire Chief Terry Abel, left, and Vice Mayor Mike Forster. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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local resident’s swift action helped save a woman who collapsed while dining at Shrimp Shack recently.

During an Islamorada Village Council meeting on April 25, Angela O’Meara received the Community Hero Award from Fire Chief Terry Abel and Vice Mayor Mike Forster.

A little into her serving shift, O’Meara happened to look over at a table to witness a lady who collapsed and fell to the ground. In an instant, O’Meara bounced out from behind the bar to perform rescue breathing on the lady.

Within a few minutes, first responders arrived to transport the woman to the hospital. Abel says when they got there, O’Meara hopped right back to work. As for the woman, she made a full recovery.

“She did an amazing job,” Abel said. “She helped save a human life.”

Receiving the award, O’Meara acknowledged that she did what anyone else would have done in that situation.

“It’s very much appreciated,” O’Meara said of the recognition.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Mammograms save moms.

cancer. Early detection saved my life.

Jodi Mazer, Breast Cancer Survivor, 8 years

“

Early detection is one of the most “important weapons in the fight against

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Fair, lecture at inaugural Earth day event

GOING GREEN

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Top: Homestead solar energy company Core Power wants to expand to the Keys to help everyone reduce their carbon footprint.

Middle: REEF lead intern Moose Mussey organized the Earth Day event to promote conservation and sustainability. SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly bottom: Key Dives and Island Tropical Foliage donated succulents for the Earth Day event. Courtney Benson, the conservation manager at Key Dives, said it was a reminder of her childhood when she'd get tree saplings on Earth Day.

TIFFANY DUONG

www.keysweekly.com

and exploring; and CMD Yoga and All Keys Cycles, which donated prizes to the raffle. Moose Mussey, REEF lead intern, organized the event as part of her senior project to graduate from the University of Missouri. “We (REEF) didn’t have an event for Earth Day, and I thought we should, and that we should involve others in the community. There are so many people here doing good work.”

Core Energy, one of the newer additions to the local scene, is a residential solar power company based out of Homestead and expanding into the Keys. Amy Murphy, a

“I

’ve been in the business for about 30 years, and I’ve had a good life, but now it’s time to give back,” says Mike Goldberg, owner of Key Dives in Islamorada, at the inaugural REEF Earth Day event in Key Largo. Courtney Benson, his conservation manager, went to school to study environmental conservation and fell in love with diving. She wanted a job where she could do both. “Diving is the easiest way to teach people to care for the environment, to make them fall in love with the planet,” she says.

Goldberg and Benson stand in front of a table covered with old Mason jars, plastic gelato containers, hummus lids, and paints. To their side, neatly-packed succulents of all shapes and colors sit waiting for new homes. Eager locals grab an up-cycled container and paint the scene of their choice before choosing a new plant to bring home. The Key Dives team has worked with their customer, Larry Barr of Island Tropical Foliage, to donate the plants so everyone at the REEF Earth Day Fair can take one home.

Benson was inspired to host the succulents workshop by her childhood. “We used to go to Publix on Earth Day and get tree seedlings, and I always loved that, so I wanted to create that same feeling for people here,” she says.

Key Dives was one of the many conservation partners at REEF’s inaugural Earth Day fair and lecture. Other fair booths included regulars in the Keys conservation community like Randy’s Lionfish Jewelry, the Wild Bird Sanctuary, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It also integrated other community partners like Islamorada Beer Company, which donated beer for anyone with a reusable cup; the Upper Keys Humane Society, which had pictures of adoptable pets; the History of Diving Museum, which promoted diving

sales associate, describes her company’s goal: “We want to reduce the carbon footprint. We live for the sun here in Florida, but we’re not using the sun to power our lives.” Murphy continues, “We’re at the event today not just to support the other green organizations, but to get homeowners who might not be so environmentally green to get there by going money green. They save money going solar, which is good for the Earth. Green is green.”

To cap off the event, REEF hosts Dr. Lucia Speroni, a science advisor for Debris Free Oceans. Speroni speaks about how plastics have invaded our lifestyles, our ecosystems, and our food chain. “Right now, we have more plastic in the ocean than stars in the Milky Way.” To combat this, Speroni encourages each person to practice eco-friendly habits in daily life and to live more sustainably. “Plastic production is predicted to go up. Guess what? It won’t lessen unless we change, unless we do something.”

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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PICKING UP THE TRASH Divers bring 350 pounds out of the ocean

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n April 22, during Earth Day, Rainbow Reef Dive Center hosted its annual Earth Day Dive Against Debris event. The full-day extravaganza included training for the Project Aware Dive Against Debris specialty, a conservation fair featuring many local partners and non-profits, and of course, 2 actual scuba dives looking for trash in the oceans. In the end, two full boats of divers, including 17 brand new Dive Against Debris specialty holders, collected over 350 pounds of trash off the sea floor.

—Weekly staff report

1. Divers eagerly await the buoy toss to reel themselves back to the boat.

The Earth Day dives were all drift dives to cover more ground and find more debris. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. Rainbow Reef’s Hailey Metz holds up a ball of monofilament that was picked up over the course of a dive. SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly 3. Two full boats of divers take to the waters to clean up the ocean floor. SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly 4. The morning portion of the Earth Day event included instruction on Dive Against Debris and proper procedures for picking up various types of trash. 17 new Dive Against Debris Specialty holders pose together after class. SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly 5. Justin Madler, from North Dakota, holds up his finds from the Dive Against Debris conducted just north of French Reef. SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly 6. Rainbow Reef Conservation Coordinator Annie Huebner, one of the organizers of the Earth Day event, hoists an anchor recovered on one of the Dives Against Debris on the edges of French Reef. SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Treasure Village Montessori 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 TVM for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Sea Dragon” pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I have a pet dog. He is mostly an inside dog because when he sees new people he likes to jump on them.

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why?

Ms. Jessica because she is very nice. She always helps us out with stuff.

What is your favorite subject and why?

I like science because it is kind of fun and you get to learn things about it. Like a chemical reaction, we actually get to see it explode.

What organizations and activities are you involved with at TVM? I did the Engineering Club because I like science and I also help out in Aftercare.

What is the best rule at your school? Play fair, no messing around.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? A salad, I like a salad.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? Maybe a vet, because I like animals. My dad said I should be one.

What do you hope to be remembered for at TVM? Helping out people. Making sure everyone is playing fair during a game.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I usually go out to the field with Dad and throw the football around.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home in the future? Why or why not? Yeah … the weather is nice. I like being in the hot because it feels good.

There are a lot of animals down here.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Beware of Phone Scams

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VITA volunteers provide free tax preparation. CONTRIBUTED

TAX HELP Over 200

returns filed

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nited Way of the Florida Keys helped more than 200 persons to more than $140,000 in tax refunds, during the third year of providing free tax help throughout Monroe County. The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is completely volunteerrun and helps qualified taxpayers with completion of their annual tax return.

In addition to the VITA program, local taxpayers had a second option, MyFreeTaxes.com, providing free, online preparation.

VITA volunteer tax preparers are IRS-certified and trained to complete simple tax returns, including identifying available credits for those who earned less than $55,000 in 2018. There is no charge to the taxpayer for this service. UWFK offered the VITA program through partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, as well as grants from Volunteer Florida and Wells Fargo.

Highlights this year include:

• 219 tax returns prepared (193 VITA and 26 MyFreeTaxes. com) • 17 volunteers working 528 hours total • $31,856 in estimated tax preparation fees saved • $145,980 in total refunds generated through VITA • 12 tax preparation sites throughout Monroe County • Clients’ average adjusted gross income: $24,599 “We are grateful to our volunteers; their time and talents made it possible for us to be able to again offer this free service for Keys residents,” said Leah Stockton, president and CEO of United Way of the Florida Keys. “As one of the only local free tax preparation choices, we know how important this program is to help families and individuals save money on their tax preparation and maximize their refunds. Through our program, it enables our lowto moderate-income clients to use their limited funds for other expenses.”

— Contributed

he ongoing plague of phone scams involving gift cards in the Florida Keys continues, as another was reported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office this week.

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate these scams, but the thieves are difficult to catch, as many operate overseas. With that in mind, Sheriff Rick Ramsay continues to spread the word in the hopes that no more Keys resident fall victim.

These cases come on the heels of reports that scammers are posing as legitimate local law enforcement officers and using real police station phone numbers. In those scams, the thieves always falsely tell residents they either missed jury duty or have a warrant for their arrest or some other fake story. In all these scams, residents are told to buy prepaid gift cards and to give the numbers over the phone. They are falsely told that if they pay the scammers using the prepaid gift cards, their made-up legal troubles would be over.

A Key Largo man told Deputy Kyle Page recently that a man claiming to be his son falsely told him he was sick and in jail. The caller said his voice was different due to the illness. The caller told the victim that he must purchase two Best Buy gift cards, each worth $500, in order to get out of jail. The caller told the victim that once he purchased the cards to call a different number and provide the numbers assigned to the gift cards.

The victim said a different man then called him and said if he wanted his son released sooner he’d have to buy another $500 gift card. The victim tried to purchase a third gift card, but his bank declined the transaction. The victim then called a friend who tracked the two previously purchased cards to a Best Buy in Pembroke Pines, where they were used. The victim tried to call the second caller back, but the number was changed to a private number.

The victim then called his son and realized his son had never been in jail. The victim then called the sheriff’s office to report the crime.

In several other cases reported to the sheriff’s office, thieves have posed as Sheriff Ramsay and other real law enforcement officers in the Keys. In at least one case, thieves used the number for the sheriff’s office substation at 50 High Point Road, Tavernier.

• The sheriff’s office reminds all residents never to pay for anything over the phone using prepaid gift cards.

• If you receive such a call: hang up. Contact the organization or person the caller claims to be representing and report the incident to local law enforcement.

Anyone with information about any crime should contact the sheriff's office at 305-292-7000. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866471-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www. floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the @CrimeStoppers305 hashtag.

— Contributed

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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CONCH REPUBLIC MARINE ARMY STRIKES AGAIN

he Battle of Long Key State Park was waged on April 27 and was led by the Conch Republic Marine Army. Pieces of roofing and boats, traps, plastic jugs, buoys, endless rope and more man-made invaders were forced out of Long Key State Park’s shoreline and shallows. Members of Conch Republic Marine Army and volunteers marched, operated kayaks and paddleboards and captained power boats to reach every level of the fight. The haul? Four-thousand-and-fifty pounds. Winn-Dixie and Kiki’s Sandbar and Grille provided free food, refreshments and ice for the troops. Brian Vest, president and founder of Conch Republic Marine Army, said that CRMA is the largest clean-up and habitat restoration group in the Florida Keys. The nonprofit was born shortly after the destruction of Hurricane Irma and as the healing of our islands continues, CRMA shows no signs of stopping.

—Weekly staff report

Volunteers ‘attack’ Long Key State Park

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SYDNEY SCHUHMACHER/Keys Weekly 1. State park rangers, members of the Conch Republic Marine Army, and volunteers gather after a speech from Brian Vest, president and founder of CRMA. 2. Bill Keogh, director of the Conch Republic Marine Army, and Scupper disembark from a CRMA vessel.

3. A pile of the day’s treasure hunting awaits transport.

4. Brian Vest, president and founder of Conch Republic Marine Army, prepares to move another truckload of debris.

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5. Ava Korous and Lisa Nawrozki load up their kayak before heading back to base.

6. Nikki Espinola, one of the founders of CRMA, consolidates and sorts the latest collection.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

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HUMOR

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PUBLIC NOTICE The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is available online at www.fkaa.com or by request at FKAA’s main office at 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West. For information regarding this report call Maghan Barber at (305)295-2231.

TOP 10 SPOILERS FROM “AVENGERS: END GAME” One of the most highly anticipated movies of all time was released last weekend when Avengers: Endgame premiered in nearly 5,000 theaters – smashing box office records with a whopping $357 million opening weekend.

The movie wraps a 10-year run for Marvel comics featuring 22 major films including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and a host of other characters and whose thrilling conclusion has led to fisticuffs and social outrage for those who have “spoiled” the film for other movie goes by revealing the ending.

Since nearly six days have already passed since the film’s release, the Weekly is confidently revealing….

10) After being cornered by authorities, Captain American and Thor drive their convertible off a cliff.

9) Nick Fury takes the Avengers out for breakfast and reveals a wallet that reads, “Bad Motherf$%#er.”

8) Iron Man cuts off Spiderman’s hand and, through a mechanically-altered voice utters, “I am your father.”

7) Captain Marvel comes out of nowhere to stab the Night King in the chest with a Valyrian steel dagger.

6) Batman uses Legos to lure Thanos into the Phantom Zone.

5) Starlord is devoured by an Idomiumus rex, a genetically-engineered dinosaur.

4) After a long exhaustive battle the Avengers assemble one last time to watch the cult-comedy classic, Justice League.

3) The Black Panther gets his ass kicked by Apollo Creed Jr. 2) The Incredible Hulk embarks on a country-western songwriting career, inspires a rising starlet, falls in love with her, can’t control his alcoholism, makes amends with his cowboy brother… something, something, something….and then ends himself. She sings a song about him in the end called “Shalllow.” (see, it’s different because its spelled with 3 L’s).

1) Wolverine dies at the end.

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ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

KEYS REPRESENTATION

Cheryl Meads speaks about the South Florida Water Management District and the various water matters during a recent Islamorada Chamber of Commerce gathering at the Islander Resort Conference Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

MEADS READY FOR WATER DISTRICT ISSUES

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his month, Cheryl Meads will travel to the South Florida Water Management District headquarters in West Palm Beach for the next governing board workshop on water quality management. Appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February, Meads and seven other new board members are set to confront some serious water problems facing the southern end of the state.

An Islamorada councilwoman, Meads submitted her application as DeSantis set out to bring change to the board, which sets policy for the agency, for a fresh start. And DeSantis did just that as new appointed members took oath in March.

“I think, like anyone, I was humbled

by it and happy to have the opportunity to make a difference,” Meads said. “I just believed my background fits well, and we’re in a situation where now we have a governor who has the vision and is putting things in action.”

Meads holds a degree in chemistry with education, training and experience in biology, microbiology, water analysis, development and implementation of quality systems. She previously worked as a contractor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As a global quality assurance manager with GlaxoSmithKline, she discovered defects with GSK medications and brought forward a whistleblower lawsuit. It led to a felony guilty plea in 2010 to distributing adulterated drugs with the intent to mislead and defraud.

During the first couple weeks, Meads says the board has been digesting a tremendous amount of information. During a workshop last month, members heard and discussed the district’s history, how and why canals were made and moving water from one place to another.

“I believe that we are focused on moving water south, but there are some obstacles that we need to work with and talk

through, like reducing phosphorus in the discharge waters from Lake Okeechobee,” Meads said.

In late 2014, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection adopted a 10-year, $750 million plan to combat excessive nutrients entering Lake Okeechobee — and a goal to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lake by 33 percent.

Meads said there are many stakeholders involved, from those who manage the issues to those feeling the result of decisions. The Army Corps of Engineers controls Lake O when it comes to releasing water, but Meads said the water district provides input and opinion.

“We all have to sit at the same table and we all have a seat and we have to work together to come through for a positive result,” she said. “The needs differ county to county. Some worry about having enough water, others about algal blooms and others too much water. It’s a delicate balance.”

Meads says she enjoys working with fellow members. She’s also looking forward to seeing Ron Bergeron, whose term started in April.

“They’re bright and accomplished and they all bring different things to the table,” she said. “We have an Army colonel who’s fantastic, a lawyer, a couple of finance guys.”

See opposite page for full bios.

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

MEET THE MEMBERS DIVERSE BOARD GOVERNS WATER DISTRICT

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he South Florida Water Management District is directed by board members who set policy.

They live in the 16-county region that makes up the district, and they come from diverse backgrounds, from business and the environment to local government and agriculture.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has filled eight of the nine board positions after asking for the resignations of former members. The position is volunteer-based; terms are four years. Meetings are held monthly in West Palm Beach.

Here’s a look at the eight members of the governing board.

CHERYL MEADS An at-large member, Meads represents an area that includes St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Meads is a dedicated water quality advocate who believes protecting this precious resource is key to helping the lives of all who call South Florida home.

CHARLETTE ROMAN An at-large member, Roman represents Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, Highlands, Glades, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola and Polk counties.

Roman is a retired U. S. Army officer with 26 years of military service who enlisted in 1973 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1976.

JACQUI THURLOW-LIPPISCH An at-large member, she represents St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties ThurlowLippisch, a longtime advocate for the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, publishes a blog sharing commentary about the impacts to the health of those waterways.

SCOTT WAGNER Representing Miami-Dade County, Wagner is vice chairman of the board. He’s president of Wagner Legal. As a practicing maritime lawyer, Wagner brings a unique perspective and expertise of Florida’s waterways to the South Florida Water Management District.

CARLOS MARTINEZ Martinez, who represents Miami-Dade County, is president of CEM Investments LLC, an investor in a variety of real estate projects. He’s also a partner in the Grove Bay Group, a food and beverage company that owns and operates restaurants in MiamiDade.

JAY STEINLE Representing Palm Beach County, Steinle has been managing director of Lighthouse Investment Partners since 2005. His interest in water quality and Everglades restoration evolved as a result of his passion for outdoor sports that depend on these resources.

CHAUNCEY GOSS Representing Lee, Collier, Hendry and Charlotte counties, Goss is the board chairman.

He grew up on Sanibel Island and is founder and managing partner of Goss Practical Solutions — a firm that provides federal fiscal policy analysis and budget forecasting. Goss first became involved with water quality issues when he worked as the executive director of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association.

RON BERGERON SR. Representing Broward County, Bergeron served two terms as a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissioner and was the point commissioner over the Florida Everglades. Bergeron has been a tireless champion for the restoration and protection of the Everglades, one of the natural wonders of the world. He also founded the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation with the central focus of saving the environment and educating the public on the importance of preserving Florida’s natural resources.

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ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

Forty attended the Citizen Science program in February. Participants learned how to monitor at-risk archaeological sites during a two-hour training session.

Twenty-eight participants joined a dive trip to photograph and document changes at a nearby artificial reef site. CONTRIBUTED

CITIZEN SCIENCE

Program engages public on conservation

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he next Citizen Science Saturday will take place on May 4, and will provide training to identify stony coral tissue loss disease, followed by a dive trip to conduct coral surveys. The program is organized in partnership with the University of Florida IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant.

REEF’s Citizen Science Saturday is a monthly program that launched in February as a way to engage Keys residents and visitors in hands-on science projects while providing a way to connect with nature.

Each event begins with a presentation from a guest speaker at REEF’s Interpretive Center. Following the presentation, participants can join a hands-on field experience to collect data as citizen scientists.

Upcoming program topics include sea grass monitoring, fish identification surveys, and bird watching. Citizen Science Saturday classroom lessons are free, but registration is requested. The hands-on water and land-based components of the program have varying costs associated with participation. The programs are open to any interested Keys residents and visitors.

The goals of Citizen Science Saturday are to increase environmental awareness and stewardship, protect and study fragile Keys habitats, and foster a sense of community.

Each month, REEF will collaborate with a different nonprofit organization, recreational outfitter, or government agency to offer citizen science projects, either in the water or on land. Participants will have the chance to learn about and assist a variety of organizations in collecting information to assess the health of marine and land habitats of the Keys.

In February, REEF partnered with Florida Public Archaeology Network to offer the first Citizen Science Saturday program, a Submerged Heritage Monitoring Scouts workshop and dive. The program’s 40 attendees learned how to monitor at-risk archaeological sites during a two-hour training session.

Twenty-eight participants then joined a dive trip to photograph and document changes at a nearby artificial reef site.

Organizations interested in partnering with REEF to conduct a Citizen Science Saturday program should contact Brittany Parker, REEF education and operations program manager. For information about Citizen Science Saturday and other upcoming events at REEF, visit www.REEF.org/events.

— Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY CENTER PRESENTS

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Join Erinn as she shares the importance of Florida’s coral reefs, from protecting shorelines to sustaining tourism by attracting more than 16 million visitors a year, as well as providing an economic engine worth $6.3 billion to the state.

During the last 40 years Florida’s corals have declined in many areas with some species losing more than 97 percent of their populations. Restoration of coral reefs in Florida and around the world is essential but must also consider the severe threats to their long-term survival such as increased water temperature, ocean acidification and spreading diseases. Learn about Mote Marine Laboratory’s strategy for coral restoration which focuses on propagating multiple coral species with high genetic diversity that are also resilient to some of the most common and severe threats on the reefs of today and tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 8

Doors open at 5 p.m., Presentation at 6 p.m.

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

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SCOUT’S HONOR

Troop 912 holds award ceremony

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n April 29, Boy Scout Troop 912 held its 2019 spring Court of Honor awards ceremony at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. Seven scouts received their rank and merit badge awards. The evening also had scout-oriented entertainment, including skits and jokes, some food and a campfire for s’mores. Scouts have engaged in many activities throughout the year. Recently, scouts served food as part of the God’s Kitchen service project.

In honor of Earth Day, they also assisted in a shoreline cleanup at Long Key State Park with the Conch Republic Marine Army.

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—Weekly staff report JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

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1. Scouts pose with new camping equipment donated by Bass Pro Shops World Wide Sportsman.

Troop 912 received a tent, cooler, chairs and lanterns among other camping essentials. World Wide Sportsman worked with the local scout troop last September, helping the scouts earn their fishing merit badge. For recognition of their accomplishment, Bass Pro Shops donated camping goods.

Pictured with scouts is Phil Stanley, special events coordinator with World Wide Sportsman.

2. Entertaining their parents, scouts perform a skit called “fire range.”

3. Mike Piekenbrock, South Florida Council Boy Scouts of America district executive, talks to scouts about some of the best things they’ve done this year. Piekenbrock lives at Camp Jack Sawyer where he’s also the ranger.

4. Scouts throw the football around as they arrive at the awards ceremony.

5. The troop gathers around Scoutmaster Ariel Poholek to discuss skits to perform.

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Wed. 5/8 7-9pm

This week’s theme is Stoner Movies.

Groups up to 6 people welcome!

81611 Old Hwy Islamorada MM81.6

DOLPHIN DAY CAMP July 22-26 (Ages 7 - 10) • Monday - Friday - 8:30- 4:30

Spots quickly filling - Enroll today! www.dolphins.org/dolphinday_camp Questions? Email education@dolphins.org.

Sunday-Thursday 11am - 11 pm

Friday & Saturday 11 am - 12 am

Sunday-Thursday 11am - 11 pm Friday Saturday 11 am11am - 12 am- 12am Sunday-Thursday 11am - 11pm Friday& & Saturday

Sunday-Thursday 11am - 11 pm

Friday & Saturday 11 am - 12 am

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EARTH DAY @ OTHERSIDE Perfect weather brings full house

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he weather was perfect for the second annual Earth Day Fest on Grassy Key last weekend. Keys Cable and oTHErside Boardsports hosted a full party house with plenty of entertainment — a wakeboarding demo, Onewheel stunts, a bathing suit fashion show, food, drinks and more. The 50-acre natural tract on Grassy Key at MM 59 is an evolving arts community that, besides cable wakeboarding, includes a sawmill, nature trails and a native garden.

—Weekly Staff report BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly 1. Talented locals and visitors showcase their moves on the water during the wakeboarding demo.

2. About a dozen models strut Volcom fashions, an eco-friendly line of swimwear. Pictured is Melissa Aronsson 3. 3-year-old Tinsley Hammon gets a mermaid sleeve.

4. Festival goers are invited to try their hand at axe-throwing.

5. Miami’s Sol+The Tribu perform on April 28.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/10/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1FTEX15N8RKA99616 1994 FORD 1G1PA5SH3E7371513 2014 CHEVROLET 5NPET46C49H561873 2009 HYUNDAI Publish: April 25 & May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Replacement will be received by the City of Key Colony Beach at the office of the City Clerk (City Hall), 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, until 2:00 p.m. local time on June 4, 2019, at which time the Bids received will be opened and read.

The Project consists of: demolition of the remaining portions of the existing pre-engineered metal building, with existing foundation to remain; furnishing and installing a UV replacement system to be sequentially installed to maintain the water reclamation facility operations; existing electrical demolition, removal, and replacement; sequenced demolition and temporary services to maintain UV disinfection system during construction of improvements; construction of maintenance I-Beam trolley in existing ISAM Control Room; and associated system improvements.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum basis as indicated in the Bid Form.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Mittauer & Associates, Inc., 580-1 Wells Road, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 278-0030. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

Bidding Documents may also be examined at the office of the City Clerk, City of Key Colony Beach, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051, (305) 289-1212, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays).

Bidding Documents are available on compact disc as portable document format (PDF) files and printed Bidding Documents, both for a non-refundable charge of $125.00 per set, payable to “Mittauer & Associates, Inc.” Upon Issuing Office’s receipt of payment, digital and printed Bidding Documents will be sent via UPS Ground. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

The City of Key Colony Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Publish:

NOTICE OF CALLING FOR BIDS Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (FKEC) is currently accepting construction bids for the FKEC Marathon Operations Center Training and Dining Addition. FKEC Bid #19-15.

For Bid Package information visit https:// fkec.com/FormService/ projectbids.cfm Publish: April 4, 11, 18, 25, and May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: EMERGENCY STANDBY SERVICES MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available at the Monroe County Purchasing Office located in the Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213, Key West, Florida.

All responses must be sealed and must be submitted to the Monroe County Purchasing Office.

Publish: May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers REQUEST FOR BIDS WRF IMPROVEMENTS, UV REPLACEMENT CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA Sealed Bids for the construction of the WRF Improvements, UV

LEGAL NOTICES May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FL Public ADA Restrooms The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting competitive proposals from qualified companies to provide built-in-place ADA accessible restrooms for a park facility. The City, at its sole discretion, will decide which proposal is best overall for the City.

This RFP is to obtain sealed proposals from qualified and experienced companies who are interested in building the restroom facility in compliance with all applicable local, State, and Federal laws and regulations.

The City will receive proposals at the location stated below until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at which time they will be opened and read aloud publically. Submittals received after this deadline will not be considered.

The complete submittal must be delivered to City Hall in a sealed package, clearly marked on the outside Public ADA Restroom at Sunset Park and addressed to: City of Key Colony Beach Attn: Chris Moonis P.O. Box 510141, 600 West Ocean Drive Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141 Hand delivered submittals shall be taken to the City Administrator’s office at the above address. Electronic filing of Bid is acceptable by the RFP deadline to cmoonis@keycolonybeach. net To receive a copy of this RFP, including requirements, please visit www.keycolonybeach. net or contact the City Administrator at (305) 849-0273 or cmoonis@ keycolonybeach.net.

The CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH reserves the rights to negotiate with any or all companies submitting proposals.

Small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit qualifications and firms using subcontractors must solicit such firms in the subcontracting process.

The CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, persons with disabilities, or limited English proficiency.

Publish: May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FL Consulting Services for

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Architectural & Engineering (A&E) and / or Local CoEngineering Services RFQ 1.) A&E Services and/ or 2.) Local Co-Engineering Service The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting competitive proposals from qualified consultants to provide 1.) A&E Services associated with damage sustained by Hurricane Irma and/ or; 2.) Co-Engineering Services for the City on a long-term basis. These services shall be performed in accordance with all applicable local, State, Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, and FEMA requirements as may apply.

This RFQ is to obtain sealed proposals from Florida licensed, qualified, and experienced Architects and Engineers who are interested in assisting the City of Key Colony Beach with damage sustained as a result of Hurricane Irma to the City Hall facility.

Additionally, the RFQ is to obtain sealed proposals from Florida licensed, qualified and experienced Engineers who are interested in providing Engineering services to the City on a long-term basis.

The City may retain one or more firms to provide services.

These two services (A&E for City Hall Facility and Co-Engineering) are not mutually inclusive. Firms may respond to one or both parts of the RFQ. The City will receive proposals at the location stated below until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019.

Submittals received after this deadline will not be considered.

The complete submittal consisting of 1 original, 1 copy and 1 color pdf (cd or thumb drive) must be delivered to City Hall in a sealed package, clearly marked on the outside RFQ A&E 2019 and addressed to: City of Key Colony Beach Attn: Chris Moonis, Administrator RFQ A&E 2019 P.O. Box 510141, 600 West Ocean Drive Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0141 Hand delivered submittals shall be taken to the City Administrator’s office at the above address.

Electronic filing of the RFQ is acceptable by the deadline noted above to cmoonis@keycolonybeach. net. To receive a copy of this RFQ, including specific requirements and evaluation criteria, please visit www. keycolonybeach.net , City Administrator at (305) 849-0273, or cmoonis@ keycolonybeach.net.

The City of Key Colony Beach reserves the right to negotiate with any or all firms submitting qualifications. Small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor

surplus area firms are encouraged to submit qualifications and firms using subcontractors must solicit such firms in the subcontracting process.

The City of Key Colony Beach is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, persons with disabilities, or limited English proficiency.

Publish: May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl. igm2 com for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated at Key West, Florida, this 1st day of May, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

COUNTY, FLORIDA; ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED; UNKNOWN TENANT #1; UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To the following Defendant(s): JOHN P. VARONE, JR. 13000 SW 30th Court Davie, FL 33330 And 170 Bonaventure Blvd., Apt. 203 Bonaventure, FL 33326 And 813 Madrid Road Key Largo, FL 33037 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 18, BLOCK 4, BAHIA MAR ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, PAGE 79, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA a/k/a 813 Madrid Road, Key Largo, FL 33037 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, upon Kelley Kronenberg, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 8201 Peters Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 on or before May 30, 2019, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in The Weekly and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

This notice is provided pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2.065.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO PROVISIONS OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR AT PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAQY, TAVERNIER, FL 33070, PHONE NO. WITHIN 2 WORKING DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE OR PLEADING; IF YOU ARE HEARING IMPAIRED, CALL 1-800-955-8771 (TDD); IF YOU ARE VOICE IMPAIRED, CALL 1-800-995-8770 (V) (VIA FLORIDA RELAY SERVICES).

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 18th day of April, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 22, 2019 at 3:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Monroe County, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the adoption of the following County ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AMENDING SECTION 6-110, MONROE COUNTY CODE; EXTENDING THE TIMEFRAME FOR A WAIVER OF AFTER THE FACT DEMOLITION PERMIT FEES AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE IRMA; PROVIDING FOR A REFUND OF AFTER THE FACT BUILDING PERMIT FEES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, he will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Live Closed Captioning is available via

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO. 18-CA-000433-K WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, v.

DAVID L. JANICEK A/K/A DAVID LEE JANICEK, et al Defendant(s) AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: JAN ELIZABETH ROBERTS RESIDENT: Unknown LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 12 DIAMOND DRIVE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property located in MONROE County, Florida: Lot 12, Block 7, Porpoise Point Section Five, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page(s) 119, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy to your written defenses, if any, to this action on Phelan Hallinan Diamond & Jones, PLLC, attorneys for plaintiff, whose address is 2001 NW 64th Street, Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk of the Court, within 30 days after the first publication of this notice, either before or immediately thereafter, June 6, 2019, otherwise a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk of the Court Publish: May 2 and 9, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 19-CA-00047-P BANK OF AMERICA, N.A, Plaintiff, v.

JON P. VARONE, SR.; JOHN P. VARONE, JR.; MONROE COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT; MONROE

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk Publish: May 2 and 9, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2019-CA-82-K FIRST COMMUNITY INSURANCE COMPANY, A Florida Corporation, PLAINTIFF, v.

MICHAEL LEE ANSON AND JOYCE VIRES, DEFENDANTS. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: JOYCE VIRES, address unknown.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for declaratory relief has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff, FIRST COMMUNITY INSURANCE COMPANY, through its counsel, Robert C. Culpepper, Esq., whose address is 10751 Deerwood Park Blvd., Suite 105, Jacksonville, FL 32256, no later than 30 days after the first publication of this Notice, and file with the clerk of this Court, Kevin Madok, whose address is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, before service on Plaintiff, or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the declaratory judgment action. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk’s Office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address.

Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the Clerk’s office.

Dated: April 25, 2019.

Publish: May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2019-DR-361-K Division: Family OCTAVIO JOSE MORALES GOMEZ, Petitioner, and MEDARIS ABIGAIL PENALBA GONZALEZ, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: MEDARIS ABIGAIL PENALBA GONZALEZ Respondent’s last known address: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you

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are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on OCTAVIO JOSE MORALES GOMEZ, whose address is 5100 SUNCREST RD, KEY WEST, FL, 33040, on or before MAY 29, 2019, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 530 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL, 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

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

Dated: April 22, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Lisa M. Pierce Deputy Clerk Publish: April 25, May 2, 9 and 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 2, 2019.

Personal Representative: Nathan Van Meter, Jr. 134 North Lost Lake Lane Casselberry, Florida 32707 Attorney for Personal Representative: Shannon R. Campbell Florida Bar No. 57440 SR CAMPBELL LAW 1420 Gay Road Winter Park, FL 32789 Telephone: (407) 961-7100 E-Mail: Shannon@ lawatpremier.com Secondary E-Mail: service@ lawatpremier.com Publish: May 2 and May 9, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is May 2, 2019.

Personal Representative: Mark Seckinger Law Office of Jack Bridges P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, Florida 33070 (305) 664-9690 Attorney for Personal Representative: Jack Bridges P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, Florida 330701714 (305) 664-9690 Fla. Bar No. 0175950 Publish: May 2 and 9, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is May 2, 2019.

Personal Representative: Mark Seckinger Law Office of Jack Bridges P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, Florida 33070 (305) 664-9690 Attorney for Personal Representative: Jack Bridges P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, Florida 330701714 (305) 664-9690 Fla. Bar No. 0175950 Publish: May 2 and 9, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2018-CP000271-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF NATHAN ZANE VAN METER, SR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of NATHAN ZANE VAN METER, SR., deceased, whose date of death was January 12, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 44-2019-CP10-M JUDGE: HON. RUTH BECKER IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GERALDINE SECKINGER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Geraldine Seckinger, deceased, whose date of death was January 2, 2019 and the last four digits of whose social security number is 4848, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 44-2019-CP11-M JUDGE: HON. RUTH BECKER IN RE: THE ESTATE OF OWEN SECKINGER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Owen Seckinger, deceased, whose date of death was January 9, 2019 and the last four digits of whose social security number is 8541, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP000045-K IN RE: WADE HAMPTON BOWIE, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE OF ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION The ancillary administration of the estate of Wade Hampton Bowie, Jr., deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida, 33040. The estate is: ___Intestate, or XXXX Testate. If the estate is testate, the dates of the decedent’s will and any codicils are October 25, 2012.

The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer – client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representatives and any attorney employed by the personal representatives.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served who challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objection with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that

LEGAL NOTICES person, or those objections are forever barred. The three (3) month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or one (1) year after service of the notice of administration.

A petition for determination of exempt property is required to be filed by or on behalf of any person entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the later of the date that is four (4) months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such person or the date that is forty (40) days after the date of termination of any proceeding involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property, or the right of such person to exempt property is deemed waived.

An election to take an elective share must be filed by or on behalf of the surviving spouse entitled to an elective share under Sections 732.201—732.2155 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, or an attorney in fact or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse, or the date that is two (2) years after the date of the decedent’s death. The time for filing an election to take an elective share may be extended as provided in the Florida Probate Rules.

Personal Representatives: Wade Hampton Bowie, II 34418 Shorewood Chesterfield, MI 48047 James Clemens Bowie 355 Bergen St. Apt. 1 Brooklyn, NY 11217 Attorney for Personal Representatives: S. Scott Critzer, Esq. Florida Bar No. 49697 The Critzer Law Firm, P.A. 12899 US Highway 98W, Suite 110A Miramar Beach, FL 325503241 Office Phone: 850-6220050 Fax: 888-866-6820 Publish:

LEGAL NOTICES April 25 and May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP000045-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WADE HAMPTON BOWIE, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Wade Hampton Bowie, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was March 31, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representatives’ and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 25, 2019.

Personal Representatives: Wade Hampton Bowie, II 34418 Shorewood Chesterfield, MI 48047 James Clemens Bowie 355 Bergen St. Apt. 1 Brooklyn, NY 11217 Attorney for Personal Representatives: S. Scott Critzer, Esq. Florida Bar No. 49697 The Critzer Law Firm, P.A. 12899 US Highway 98W, Suite 110A Miramar Beach, FL 325503241 Office Phone: 850-6220050 Fax: 888-866-6820 Publish: April 25 and May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP-0024-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SALVATORE LAROSA, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SALVATORE LAROSA, deceased, whose date of death was February 3, 2019; File Number 2019-CP-0024-M, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 25, 2019.

Personal Representative: ANTHONY LAROSA 113 Captains Drive W. Babylon, NY 11704 Attorney for Personal Representative: Martin A. Zucker, Esq. Email: mzucker@lexterra. com Florida Bar No. 166170 800 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 502 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 727-9920 Publish: April 25 and May 2, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers AUTOS WANTED

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - Trucks- Running or Not. $ C A S H $ 3 0 5 - 3 3 2 - 0 4 8 3 GOLF CART FOR SALE

GOLF CART FOR SALE

Golf Cart, very good condition, 4 passenger, batteries approx..1 yr old.

Located in Marathon. $2,100.00 JERRY (305) 6641286.

SOLD BOATS FOR SALE

‘95 Intrepid CC 28’ ‘98 Yamahas X225 - low hours. Too many options to list. Appraisal was $72,400 w/trailer. Asking $55,000.

Located in Marathon. Please call after 1pm - (305) 743-6505 2002 Mako 23.2 CC w/225HP Mercury - 750 hours. With trailer. Located in Marathon. $18,500. Call 239-200-0485 NO Text.

SELL YOUR BOAT HERE - Line ads start at $25/ week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 to get your boat SOLD!! SOLD!! SOLD!!

REDUCED 2000 HydraSports 230CC w/225HP Johnson. 470 hours. Many extras. Located in Big Pine Key. $10,000. 734-904-2818 SOLD REDUCED: 2009 J14 Carolina Skiff-Mercury 25HP motor, trailer, custom cover. Located in Marathon. $3,750.

205746-6489 SOLD EMPLOYMENT

MARINA HELP WANTED! Duck Key Marina. Call Courtney (305) 289-0161 2nd Crew Man needed for Lobster Boat in Marathon area. Experience preferred.

Call after 5pm - (305) 289-0792 P a r t - t i m e Groundskeeper, 1520 hours per week, salary range $16-$18 per hour. KCB, please contact our office at 305-743-0173, or e-mail HardingThomasL@aol.com Hiring full-time employee at Crane Point Hammock in Marathon. Prefer carpenter skills. Call 305-743-3900 for details.

IMMEDIATELY HIRING: Hideaway Cafe on Grassy Key: Food Runner, Busser, Dishwasher & Prep.

Call for appointment 3 0 5 - 2 8 9 - 1 5 5 4 .

Cooks, Dishwashers, Food Preps and Cashiers needed. Good pay and benefits. EEO & Drug Free. Apply within at Keys Fisheries Restaurant - 3390 Gulfview Ave, Marathon Experienced Diesel Technician wanted.

Tools and experience is a must. Electronic engine diagnostic experience preferred.

Opportunity for growth and training

EMPLOYMENT available for qualified applicants. Florida Keys Diesel Repair, 531 107th Street, Marathon. 305-2892070 City of Marathon - Job Openings: Building Inspector/Plans Examiner.

EOE FULL BENEFITS Also hiring: Part-time (Temporary) Scanner. w w w.ci.marathon.fl.us FOOD FOR THOUGHT Organic Cafe hiring kitchen staff. Experience preferred, but willing to train. Apply in person. 5800 O/S Hwy. #23 Marathon BIKE REPAIR NEEDED. Regular maintenance for 8 spin bikes in Marathon. $$.

Call 305-775-9909.

The Island Gift Shops (Marooned In Marathon 1 & 2) are looking for happy responsible employees to complement our current staff. PART TIME HOURS in a fun environment (good fit for second job) and retirees are welcome! Apply in person at Marooned In Marathon, 11528 Overseas Highway.

Landscaping company seeking full-time laborers in Marathon.

Call 305-395-8294 Key Colony Inn NOW HIRING AM/PM SERVERS. Apply in person: 700 Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL or call for details: (305) 743-0100 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 NEED EMPLOYEES? Line ads start at $25/ week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 today HIRING IMMEDIATELY Waitress/Server needed for busy Breakfast & Lunch. Full or parttime. Stout’s Restaurant, 8349 Overseas Hwy, Marathon. 305-743-6437 HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! Dolphin Research Center - Gift Shop - Now hiring: FT & PT Sales Associate Apply in Person 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, MM 59 HIRED IN LESS THAN A WEEK! HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive watches and Pilot watches. Old model Military clocks & watches. Call 305-743-4578

41

305.743.0844

HOMES FOR RENT Key Colony Beach Seasonal Rental - 4BR/4BA Fully furnished townhome 1/2 Duplex w/large pool.

2,200 SF, tile & wood floors. On large canal w/ deep dockage. $3,500/ month. Call 305-743-3338 Long-term rental available in Marathon June 1st.

1BR/1BA unfurnished 1/2 Duplex. $1,800/month + utilities.

F/L/S 305-481-6887 3BR/2BA For Rent in Key Largo. Unfurnished, Open plan, W/D, Blinds. Very large lot. $2,625/month + utilities. F/L/S 305-807-5338 1BR/1BA Duplex $1,700/monthly + Utilities.

Centrally located in Islamorada, MM 80, 6 Month Lease, First/Security required.

Call 305-664-5023 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri NEED TENANTS? Line ads start at $25/week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 today to get your property RENTED! Marathon 1 BR/1 BA, Porch, W/D, Incl. utilities/ WIFI, on canal. No smoking.

No Pets. $1,500/month.

F/L/S 715-635-3746 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! Marathon Waterfront rental - 2BR/2BA, Central AC, W/D included. Full furnished. 50’ Dock. No pets/No smoking. $1,500/ month F/L/S. 443-520-9485 RENTED IN LESS THAN A WEEK! Marathon 1/2 Duplex 2BR/1BA. New construction.

Central AC, W/D in unit. $2,000/ month F/L/S. 305-664-1204 RENTED IN LESS THAN A WEEK! RV FOR SALE

NEW 2019 RV Trailer for sale. Premier waterfront lot in well-maintained park in Marathon. Boat dock at your door with FREE 6-month dockage.

Never occupied, sleeps 4, electric fireplace, hardwood flooring, one slide-out, power awning, outside refrig. & stove built-in, LED lighting, and more. $39,900 – lot rent not included. Call (305) 7436020 RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $800/month plus utilities.

3 0 5 - 9 4 2 - 0 7 8 9

THEME: SOUTH OF THE BORDER ACROSS 1. Winter warmer 6. *T˙, north of the border 9. Put six feet under 13. Computer programmer 14. Supermarket circulars, e.g.

15. “He loves me...” flower part 16. *Santa Anna’s 1836 victory locale 17. Pod dweller 18. All worked up 19. *Filling+corn dough+corn husk, pl.

21. Like Dorothy Gale’s dress 23. Selfie, e.g.

24. Cheese on Peloponnese 25. Eye Network 28. *Day of the Dead-inspired Oscar-winner 30. Attempted 35. Hipbones 37. Between Thailand and Vietnam 39. El Dorado-related 40. Lymphatic swelling 41. Archipelago parts 43. Unload on eBay 44. Hue perception 46. Bald eagle’s nest 47. Caffeine-containing nut tree 48. “____ ____! This is the police!”

50. Bank on 52. Aptitude test 53. Like a doily 55. Margaret, for short 57. *Made from agave 61. *Popular huevos accompaniment 65. Driver’s 180 66. Flying saucer acronym 68. Mythological princess of Colchis 69. Repenting 70. Collagen target 71. More capable 72. Tiny sips 73. Skeleton in a lock 74. Must-haves

DOWN 1. Jazz singing 2. Coca follower 3. Comic Sandler 4. Chart anew 5. Lark about 6. Puppy barks 7. Keats’ poem 8. Cell phone bill item 9. Frigid shipping hazard 10. Butch Cassidy’s home state 11. Pro ____ 12. Big Bang’s original matter 15. *Blind man’s target 20. Cause for food recall 22. “____ Now or Never” 24. Tom’s craziness?

25. *____ de Mayo 26. Soft single in baseball 27. Move sideways 29. *”Mi ____ es su...”

31. Biscuit 32. Sandwiches for dessert 33. *Zapata’s collaborator 34. Audienceís approval 36. Long, long time 38. Bone-dry 42. Airy fairy 45. Exercising authority 49. One of peeps 51. Tower of London guard 54. Sealing product 56. Freshwater diving bird 57. ____ of events 58. Red carpet purse 59. Witty remark 60. RIP pots 61. “____ that” on walkie-talkie 62. In neutral 63. Gardener’s purchase 64. Crew propellers 67. “Jack and the Beanstalk” exclamation

42

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn Townsquare Mall Marathon

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Ocean Key Resort & Spa is Hiring for Housekeepers!

The most competitive pay on the island with tons of fun perks and extras!

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Our staff enjoys daily meals, paid time off, sick pay, insurance coverage, 401K, and more!

Apply today!

Salary $15.80- $23.20/hour Key West, Sugarloaf and Upper Keys (3 work locations) • No Experience Required • Benefits • CDL Training Provided work as a Bus Aide while training • Full Time or Flexible

Applications are being accepted at: Zero Duval St. Or online at:

noblehousehotels.com/careers EOE

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

SUDOKU

Monroe County School District

SOLUTION

Part Time Hours 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

Tourist Information / Office Assistant F/T position, MS Word & Excel required. Must be organized and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Duties also include responding to visitors on phone and in person.

Opportunity for dependable, articulate, enthusiastic individual. Apply in person: Key West Chamber of Commerce, 510 Greene Street 1st Floor.

Like working in a fun, fast paced environment?

Starting pay averaging $14.00/hour.

Established retailer now hiring Part-Time & Full-Time Retail Associates to work in our Marathon & Key West locations.

Full-Time Benefits: Commissions, Health Ins., Paid Time Off, 401k Plan, Profit Sharing, Generous Employee Merchandise Discounts.

Part-Time Benefits: Flexible Schedules, Generous Employee Merchandise Discounts.

Please call 305-393-1002

The 16th Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for a Counselor to work 32 to 40 hours a week in both Key West and Marathon. This position is based in Key West with frequent travel to Marathon. This position attends court hearings, develops treatment plans, and participates in both individual and group counseling sessions.

The counselor will work closely with attorneys, judges and other ancillary agencies. The ideal candidate will hold a valid State of Florida LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, CAP, or MCAP, or an equivalent Florida license/credential in a related field.

Master’s Degree preferred. A solid working proficiency with computers is required and fluency in Spanish is a plus. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a background check. Salary is $20.67 an hour with Monroe County benefits. This Please send a resume and a State of Florida application to Personnel, 16th Judicial Circuit, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040 or by e-mail to Personnel@Keyscourts.net. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. Applications and job description can be found at www.Keyscourts.net. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, age or disability. If you need accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify us in advance at (305)295-3652; to call through the Florida Relay Center, you must dial 7-1-1.

NOW HIRING

Full or Part Time Guest Services

Answer phones, take reservations, greet customers with a smile.

Cashier responsibilities, must be able to multi task.

Full or Part Time Dive Instructor

Responsible for safely guiding guests through in-water encounters.

Must enjoy working with people and have a passion for marine life.

Part Time Café Help

Duties include taking orders from customers, handling cash, cooking and serving. Must be 18 yrs. or older.

Part Time Morning Landscaping & Maintenance Please apply in person at Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

NOW HIRING

Front Desk; Doormen/Greeters; Spa & Retail; Activity Coordinators; Housekeepers; House-Person; Public Area Attendant; Laundry Attendant; Host; Bartender; Servers; Bar Backs; Food Runners; Cashier; Line Cook; Pizza Cook; Pantry Cook; Stewarding; Storeroom Attendant, Loss Prevention & more.

Please stop by for application or contact us at careers@islabella.com Isla Bella Beach Resort 1 Knights Key Blvd, (MM 47) • Marathon, FL, 33050

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

43

BAYSIDE BACKDROP

Key Largo Music Fest kicks off this month

Shayne Greco poses with his ceramic sculptures. CONTRIBUTED

CERAMIC ARTIST

Greco to present workshops

O

ur Place in Paradise Gallery will hold a reception for North Carolina ceramic artist Shayne Greco, on Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. As part of the gallery’s Visiting Artist Series, Greco will present workshops (which are filled) on creating ceramic sculptures on May 3, 4 and 5, and his work will be on display during those days.

Greco, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, combines functioning vessels with sculpture.

“My goal is to make elegant, flowing pieces of art,” said Greco. “Whether a seahorse pitcher or an octopus bowl, I try to create art that is beautiful art, functional, and incorporates the distinctive attributes of the ocean and its unique animal life.

“Everyone is invited to the reception for Shayne, and we will provide light bites and libations for attendees,” said Joanne Kolb, co-founder of the gallery. “His work in intricate, useable, and fascinating.”

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is supported by Share All Our Blessings, a non-profit organization that provides art education, spiritual encouragement, and charitable activities. More information is at 305-916-5828 or ourplaceinparadise.com. The gallery is located at 88711 Overseas Highway in Islamorada.

— Contributed

Nashville’s Tana Metz will perform during the Key Largo Original Music Festival. CONTRIBUTED

M

usicians from Tennessee to Texas and along the East Coast will gather in the Florida Keys for the Key Largo Original Music Festival, scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19.

Attendees will hear original country, folk, pop, rock and blues songs by performers from Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, Texas and Florida.

The stages, at five waterfront eateries and watering holes, each offer an individual flavor for listeners, who pay nothing to attend, other than an evening out for some cocktails and/or dinner.

Music continues late into the evenings at each venue: Snook’s Bayside, MM 100, bayside; and Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jack's, and the Caribbean Club, site of the festival finale, all around mile marker 104, bayside.

The lineup kicks off with over 20 singer/songwriters performing from 6 to 10:30 p.m. on May 16. They include several of country music’s up-and-coming artists such as Nashville’s Tana Metz; Austin’s Grace Pettis; and fifth-generation Texan, Hunter Tynan Davis.

A full schedule at each venue is at keylargooriginalmusicfest.com.

Festival newcomers include Chris Ferrara, who introduces his style of country music storytelling with pop hooks and R&B grooves; and youthful Dallas Remington, whose sophomore single, “Never Turned Around,” landed in country radio’s Top 40.

Other acts include the ’70s-style country and rock of Saints & Angels, led by vocalist Lindsey Penner and featuring original Florida Georgia Line guitarist Brian Bonds; and the multi-instrumentalist alternative country rock duo 33 Years, Nashville’s LaLa Deaton, Lockwood Barr and festival mainstay Melody Guy. The festival finale on Sunday, May 19, at the Caribbean Club features nearly 20 live performances. Music starts at 2 p.m. and continues with 90-minute showcases until 10 p.m.

— Contributed

44

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

RNs, LPNs, CNAs, HHAs

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING!

• FT Reservations Agent • FT or PT Bell Valet Attendant • FT Sous Chef • FT Room Attendant • FT Engineer • PT Boutique Sales Associate • On call – Licensed Nail Tech/Licensed Esthetician (FL Licensed) • Part time Shirt Shack @ Sunset Pier

Throughout Monroe County Diverse Opportunities!

Homecare and supplemental shifts immediately available.

Call 888-783-1113 Email: csi.recruit@cgsi.cc #HCSP 1189

Come see why our employees love to call Ocean Key home!

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Landscape & Outdoor Environments Project Manager Good knowledge of plant materials, landscape & hardscape design, & construction specifications as they relate to landscape & outdoor environments. High level of creativity and attention to detail.

Top pay for Trim Carpenter.

Must have own tools/transportation and bilingual a plus. Call Sammy @ 305-522-4166.

Flooring Installer D’Asign Source is looking for a highly skilled Flooring Installer. Must have all tools for work and reliable truck or van. Looking for a team player to help build quality homes and resorts.

Home Décor Sales

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

PART TIME HOUSEKEEPER

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

10-30 hours/week. Must be able to work Saturdays & some Sundays.

Saturday only and Seasonal Workers are welcome to apply.

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Call: 305-743-0240 or 305-587-0359 0r apply in person at 109 Coco Plum Dr. Marathon

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

NEED EMPLOYEES?

Apply online at: https://www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at: Zero Duval St.

305.743.0844

Assists customers on the sales floor, determines needs, designs and proposes solutions, helps with selections, processes sales orders, follows through until delivery and installation to customers’ satisfaction.

Outdoor Technician Plumbing, low voltage electrical, and A/V experience. Excellent problem solving and trouble shooting skills.

Interior Designer

List the positions you have available here for only $80/week in 30,000 copies from Key Largo to Key West.

Call (305) 743-0844 Today!

45

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn Townsquare Mall Marathon

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

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

The Hammocks at Marathon

NOW HIRING Front Desk Agent Chief Steward Maitre D’ Common Area Houseman Room Attendants PM Engineering Pizza Cook Host – Am/Pm Pastry Overnight Prep Cook Bartenders Servers Line Cooks Bellman Reservations Sales Agent Spa Coordinator

Apply in person

If you have a passion for guest service and hospitality, please apply online at www.bungalowskeylargo.com

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

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

FULL TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES $1,000 Sign-on Bonus!

• Guest Services/Relief Night Auditor

GREAT BENEFITS:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 4 Weeks Paid Time Off 401(k) with Company Match & much more

PART TIME POSITION AVAILABLE $1,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Part Time Guest Services/Relief Night Auditor

TO APPLY:

Online > jobs.bluegreenvacations.com In Person > The Hammocks at Marathon 1688 Overseas Highway, Gulf Side, Mile Marker 48, Marathon Or Call > Andre at 305.743.9009 eoe

NEED EMPLOYEES? HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

Both full or part time positions available at Hyatt Place at Faro Blanco Resort.

Line Cook, Servers, Host, Housekeepers, Night Auditor, Reservations Agent and Food Runners.

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

Key Largo, Tavernier & Marathon Locations EOE m/f/d/v

JOB OPENINGS GUEST SERVICE AGENT TELEPHONE AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V

SCAN FOR JOB

NOW HIRING

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

ASSISTANT MANAGER / MANAGER DEVELOPMENT CANDIDATES $15 per hour 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.

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

CROSSWORD

SOLUTION

46

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

NEW & REPAIR

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

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

office: cell: e-mail:

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 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

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

We also service and sell: Marine A/C, Refrigeration, Watermakers, Batteries, Solar Systems, Anything Electrical!

• SINCE 1976 •

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

www.saltenergy.net www.saltservice.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

For professional, competitive travel planning Call Debbie or Lani at 305 743 7575 Business hours: MON-TUE-THU-FRI 9am to 4pm Appointments by request.

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019

KEYS EATS

47

SHARK BITE

Visit the grill off the beaten path JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Take an adventure at MM 99.7, Oceanside, and you’ll find some shark bite.

Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill, which can be found along the canal of the Key Largo Harbor, has a little something for everyone in its casual family dining atmosphere. Take a seat outside at ground level or on the upstairs patio by the water and watch the boats of fishermen and divers come and go, or cool off from the heat and sit inside the air-conditioned dining room.

The establishment has been around since the early 2000s. Starting out as a deli and restaurant upstairs for a year, Paul Steiger took over Sharkey’s and combined it with the beer and wine bar located downstairs. Today, patrons can stop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Steiger says Sharkey’s is the destination that everyone can enjoy. Steiger runs the pub and grill with Adam Muller.

“We’ve been here 18 years locally,” Steiger said. “It’s a nice, comfortable setting with live music most nights, happy hour and fresh, local food.”

Steiger says Sharkey’s is built around the fish taco, and there are quite a few to pick from and devour. There’s the baja fish tacos, which are a local favorite, as well as the Cajun seared ahi tuna taco, jerk pork tacos and fire roasted veggies tacos, to name a few.

“We’ve add variations for everyone to enjoy,” Steiger said.

Before the main meal, patrons have the opportunity to choose from a list full of small plates. If you’re in the seafood mood, try the spicy mahi mahi strips over fresh greens with some pico de gallo. Smoked fish dip, crispy fried shrimp, and ahi tuna tostadas are also among the choices. If you’re eyeing some pub grub, grab some of the crunchy buffalo cauliflower bites that come with ranch dipping sauce.

Wanting a delicious sandwich? You’ve come to the right place. With barbecue oozing and stacked with tender meat, slaw, onion and jack cheddar, there’s no going wrong with the Kona pulled pork. There’s also the Galley steak sub, ahi burger and the Shark Bite fish sandwich, to name a few notable options.

Those with an appetite can go for the big mouth burgers, handmade 8 ounce with flame, grilled patties served with fries, slaw or tortilla chips. Other notable entrees include several fish preparations, fresh scallops and churrasco steaks.

Or, bring in your fresh catch after a day of fishing and let the cooks take over.

Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill has 32 beers on tap, tropical drinks like the Shark Bite punch and frozen specialties.

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m., and there’s a fish “Fryday” with all-you-can-eat mahi for $13.95.

With delicious food and refreshing drinks, Steiger says he wants people to be able to “be here every day.”

“There’s something for everyone here daily,” he said.

Sharkeys is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, visit sharkeysgalley.com.

The fish salad is Cajun grilled grouper over mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, cabbage, roasted corn and peppers, pico de gallo, and cilantro lime vinaigrette. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

The Kona pulled pork sandwich comes with porter braised pork with blue cheese slaw, fried onions, Jack cheddar and barbecue sauce on a brioche bun.

The crunch buffalo cauliflower bites. With a side of ranch, it’s a good kick-starter before the main entrée.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 2, 2019