Upper Keys Weekly – 5/16/19

No stone crab for you.

COMMUNITY NEWS

11

¢

COLLEGE-BOUND Highlighting ICS seniors and their next journey| P. 10

Scenes from the Florida Sea Base’s Tarpon Tournament | P. 18

GREAT WHITES Examining the apex predator in the Keys| P. 16

Coastal Realty OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

SALES • VACATION RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 305.664.0077 | CoastalFloridaKeys.com “Caribee Beach House” | Vacation Rental

2

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 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

3

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

LIVE FAMILY Your best life begins with a home that inspires you. It's not just about location but exceptional schools and access to family friendly activities. There are many reasons people would like to relocate to the Florida Keys allow our team to help curate a life that is inspirational. Imagine the possibilities....

oceansir.com Key Largo to Key West 305.712.8888 Š MMXVII Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Sotheby's International Realty and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks licensed to Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC.

4

STATE LAWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

25

The recommended amount of sugar for women to consume daily is 25 grams — roughly equivalent to 6 teaspoons. Men should limit themselves to 37 grams of sugar, according to the American Heart Association. For reference, the average soft drink contains 33 grams of sugar.

ON THE COVER A fisherman nabs a tarpon during the Florida Sea Base’s Tarpon Tournament, held May 7-10. The Sea Base is located next to some of the best tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

Nola Acker nola@keysweekly.com Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Hays Blinckmann hays@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

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

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

State Rep. Holly Raschein stops by the Upper Keys Rotary Club on May 14 and the Key Largo Rotary Club on May 15 to provide some highlights from the 2019-20 legislative session in Tallahassee. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

WATER A WINNER Flores, Raschein review session JIM McCARTHY

T

jim@keysweekly.com

he 60-day legislative session in Tallahassee came to a close May 4. With money for Keys projects and increased funds for Everglades restoration, state Sen. Anitere Flores and state Rep. Holly Raschein say session was an overall success, despite a few items that didn’t pass.

The legislature approved a $91.1 billion budget that included $6 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which protects the near shore waters and lands critical to the delicate ecosystem. The budget also provides $1 million for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s reverse osmosis plant.

From an environmental standpoint, more than $686 million was allocated for issues important to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Twenty-five million will go to combat blue-green algae and red tide, $50 million for targeted water quality improvements and $100 million for springs restoration.

Over $400 million is allocated for Everglades restoration, $4 million of which will go to nutrient reduction and water retention projects in the

Lake Okeechobee watershed.

“The Everglades and water quality were big winners,” said Raschein, who sits on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “There’s also lots of focus on red tide research, harmful algal bloom research and water quality improvements, which are obviously important to the Keys.”

Locally, budget highlights include $750,000 for the Monroe County mobile vessel pump-out service, $568,605 for Mote Marine Laboratory’s Summerland Key Coral Restoration Program and $1 million for lionfish removal efforts.

Legislation sponsored by Raschein and Flores to study the cost of derelict vessels to the county and state received the legislature’s approval.

It was met with praise from Monroe County Marine Resource Administrator Rich Jones, who said the county is the “poster child for derelict vessels in Florida.” Flores says she was pleased to get the bill through the Senate, having heard from many advocates from Monroe County.

“It’s a very important issue to the Keys,” Flores said.

Flores and Raschein also say they’re particular proud of legislation that finally gained passage to rename Florida Keys Community College to College of the Florida Keys. The bill now awaits DeSantis’ signature.

Legislation that would have capped wind insurance rates didn’t make it through the legislature.

Raschein said work will go on during the summer and off-season to find common ground on the issue. Unfortunately, Flores says Monroe County residents can expect another increase next year.

“It’s not a good thing at all,” Flores said.

The 50-50 takings bill also didn’t gain passage. Raschein acknowledged it’s a critical, yet complicated issue in terms of educating new representatives.

“We’ll work on that issue this offseason,” Raschein said.

Overall, Flores said the two chambers got along while a new governor came in to execute an aggressive agenda.

“There’s always more work left to be done,” Flores said. “We’ll be back at it next year.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, May 16 • Mosaic Stepping Stone with Veronica Gutierrez from 9 a.m. to noon at Our Place in Paradise, Tavernier.

• One-day AARP safe driving class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Plantation Key. Call 305-394-3878 to reserve a spot.

• Basket weaving class from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Islamorada Library.

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

• Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Friday, May 17 • Sixth annual Sizzling Summer Fashion Show from 6 to 10 p.m. at Village Square, 81868 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Tickets $25.

Sunday, May 19 • Second annual America First Family Fun BBQ from 2 to 5 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo.

• Florida Keys Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 81001 Overseas Highway in Islamorada.

• Painting with a Purpose from 3 to 5 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

• Drag bingo supports Domestic Abuse Shelter from 5 to 7 p.m. at 801 Bourbon Bar, Key West.

Wednesday, May 22 • Ocean Life lecture series at 6 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo.

Monday, May 27 • Memorial Day. June 1-2 • Battle in the Bay dragon boat races at Sombrero Beach, Marathon.

Wednesday, June 5 • Master gardener plant clinic from 9 a.m. to noon, Murray Nelson Center, Key Largo.

Wednesday, June 19 Master gardener plant clinic from 9 a.m. to noon, Murray Nelson Center, Key Largo.

To see Keys-wide events, sign up for The Weekly’s e-mail at keysweekly.com.

5

BRIEFLY Stone crab season closes May 16

Local artist will teach acrylic painting class

The commercial and recreational harvest of stone crab claws in Florida closes on Thursday, May 16. Stone crab season will reopen on Oct. 15.

This five-month closure occurs each year during the peak spawning season to help conserve Florida’s valuable stone crab resource.

Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season, but only if they have been placed in inventory before Thursday, May 16 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.

Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season.

Stone crab claws may not be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes.

Learn more about the stone crab harvest season by visiting MyFWC. com/Marine and then either “Recreational Regulations” or “Commercial.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering public input on the commercial and recreational stone crab fishery. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

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. Class limit is 12 students. To make a reservation, stop by the front desk at the library or call 305-664-4645.

Farmers market held Sundays in Islamorada The Florida Keys Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 81001 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. Artisan and farmers markets enrich communities and provide many opportunities for vendors and locals to shop fresh, healthy, and sustainable. You can enjoy craft beer, food and live music while shopping.

Stained-glass class

by Maxine Trainer Islamorada Library is offering stained glass classes, taught by local artist Maxine Trainer. Under her enthusiastic and careful guidance, all students will design, create, and take home their own small piece of stained glass. A one-time material fee of $75 will cover all supplies. It generally takes two classes to make one stained-glass piece. Available class times are Tuesdays, May 21 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; or from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Please register at the front desk or by phone at 305-664-4645. Class limit is 12 students.

Memorial Day service at Hurricane Monument The Matecumbe Historical Trust’s Memorial Day Service will be held May 27 at Islamorada Hurricane Monument, MM 81.5 in Islamorada at 9 a.m. The ceremony will include an introductory presentation, invocation, presentation of colors, the National Anthem, guest speakers, a presentation by American Legion Post 145, a presentation by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a brief history of the Hurricane Monument, the laying of the wreath, taps and songs. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend.

For additional information, contact Barbara Edgar at 305-393-0940.

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 Commission Chambers at mile marker 52.5, oceanside.

During his remarks, Graham will focus on new forecast tools the NHC is bringing online in 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, Florida Keys veterinarian; and Andy Newman, media relations director for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

Dynamite was used to blast through limestone during construction of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad.

JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/ Contributed

RAILROAD WORK WAS DANGEROUS Upper Keys History

BRAD BERTELLI

A

www.keysweekly.com

nyone who has spent time digging a hole to plant a tree or bush in the Florida Keys is familiar with the shallow nature of the island chain’s topsoil and the hollow clank of a shovel hitting the limestone substrate.

During construction of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, workers encountered that same stony limestone and labored in the mosquito-filled heat clearing land and creating a path for the train’s right-of-way.

To blast through the limestone, workers used dynamite.

Working with long poles tipped with star-drill points turned around and around, holes were drilled down into the limestone just round and deep enough to hold a stick of dynamite. After an appropriate number of holes were created, dynamite crews moved in and set their charges.

The work was dangerous and accounted for an estimated 21 deaths, as well as a host of lost appendages. One account of death by dynamite on Windley Key was captured in a Miami Metropolis Newspaper headline dated May 15, 1908, that read, “W. T. MCDONALD AND LITTLE SON KILLED IN A FRIGHTFUL DYNAMITE EXPLOSION.” Brad Bertelli is curator of the Keys History & Discovery Center.

6

STATE LAWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

DESANTIS BACKS STRAW BAN GOVERNOR VETOES BILL LIMITING HOME RULE SARAH THOMAS sthomas@keysweekly.com

G

ov. Ron DeSantis has been establishing a record that places him more firmly in the camp of conservationists than voters may have expected from the Republican governor.

On May 10, DeSantis used his veto power to strike down a bill that would have prevented local municipalities from banning plastic straws. House Bill 711 passed in an 87-23 vote and in the Senate with a 24-15 vote. The bill would impose a five-year ban on local municipalities banning plastic straw.

The state has already legislated preventing municipalities from banning plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. That puts Florida on the national map as moving in the opposite direction from other states where major cities — like New York, New York and Portland, Maine — have banned Styrofoam and other environmentallyunfriendly products.

The legislature has historically limited home rule in environmental instances, citing the need for the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate efficacy of such bans — and effectively slowing the process.

DeSantis might be an integral part of turning the tide. In his letter explaining his stance on the veto, DeSantis wrote of the straw ban, “These measures have not, as far as I can tell, frustrated any state policy or harmed the state’s interests. In fact, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has encouraged Florida residents, schools and businesses to reduce plastic straw use. Under these circumstances, the State should simply allow local communities to address this issue through the political process.”

City and county officials can count this as a victory for local efforts to legislate what’s best for the community.

“I find it refreshing that our governor stood up for the local governments to enact laws that are best for their communities and protect home rule,”

said Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron. “I am also encouraged that he is staying true to his pledge to protect our environment.”

This isn’t the first sweeping environmental move on Gov. DeSantis’s part. On Jan. 10, mere days after taking office, the new governor signed an executive order that, among other things, allotted a record-breaking $2.5 billion for Everglades restoration, created a blue-green algae task force to reduce the algae blooms over the next five years, and has encouraged the DEP to oppose offshore drilling and fracking.

Keys officials and residents could be some of his biggest supporters in these efforts. As Key West Mayor Teri Johnston has said: “We are at the ground level for climate change,” and nowhere evidences those changes more than in our water. The Keys may have an important ally in Tallahassee, starting with ridding the ocean of plastic straws.

County Mayor Sylvia Murphy says she agrees with DeSantis’ veto. Not only does Murphy want to see more local action on plastics straws, she also would like to see the state give control over plastic bags to local governments.

“The last statement he made was he wants to see it where every local entity can make up their mind on plastic straws. I’m all in for it,” she said. “I definitely hope we see a lot more – No. 1, plastic bags. That’s a biggie. You look at our shoreline when we do cleanups in the Upper Keys and they’re littered with plastic bags.”

— Jim McCarthy contributed to this report.

7

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

DR. LAWRENCE WOOD

OCEAN LIFE SERIES

JEWELS ON THE REEF: THE HAWKSBILL TURTLES OF FLORIDA Join us for a lecture about the Comprehensive Florida Hawksbill Research and Conservation Program, which is the first and only longterm study of hawksbill turtles in Florida.

Murray Nelson Government Center 102050 Overseas Hwy 6:00 PM | May 22, 2019 Meet & greet: 6:00 - 7:00 | Lecture: 7:00

Workout Pants (Yoga And Pilates) • Sticky Socks Organic, Non-toxic Beauty Products Shirts from “Pilates Nerd” & "Pilates in Paradise”

www.pilatesinparadise.net

102 Seminole Blvd. Tavernier FL, Suite 2 • (305) 453-0801

Travis W. Bennett, DMD

102965 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

305-451-2616

Sandy M. Brito, DMD

90290 Overseas Hwy, Suite 108, Tavernier, FL 33070

305-852-5099 www.EveryoneLovesaGentleDentist.com

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

8

MONROE COUNTY

TAKING THE CASE TO THE CAPITOL D.C. visit a good one, officials say JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019 Islamorada Village Attorney Roget Bryan, Vice Mayor Mike Forster and Councilman Jim Mooney in front of the U.S. Capitol. The three traveled with fellow Islamorada, Key Largo and Marathon officials and representatives on May 9. CONTRIBUTED

I

slamorada and Marathon representatives, as well as Key Largo wastewater officials, flew to the nation’s capital May 9 to speak to senators, representatives and the Army Corps of Engineers. Money for projects within the Army Corps of Engineers’ Water Quality Improvements Program, FEMA reimbursements and lighthouses were among the topics.

Keys officials left the following day feeling pretty good about the visit, including Islamorada Councilman Ken Davis, who noted a number of positives. Davis said the Keys contingent met with the staff of Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, among others.

“They were all well understanding of the situation and issues we have when it comes to water quality,” Davis said. “One Congress member’s staff asked us for advice how to get their voters in their area to be more supportive of clean initiatives.”

In 2000, Congress directed the Army Corps of Engineers to help municipalities in Monroe County develop and implement wastewater and storm water improvements, with the goal to reduce nutrient loading, improve water quality and meet regulatory standards. When the program was initiated, federal officials pledged $100 million. Overall, Davis said water quality funding is pretty nonpartisan.

“They know the money we’re after, and everyone supports it. We will get a similar amount from last year, if not a little more,” Davis said.

Last year, the Keys received $4 million from the Army Corps through the water quality improvement program, which supports Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo wastewater treatment. Officials this year are hoping to receive $1 million more.

“It’s always nice to hear from the Army Corps how we’re the poster child of how to do things right, and the partnership we have,” said Islamorada Councilman Jim Mooney. “It says a lot about what we are as a community and the leadership we have.”

Islamorada Vice Mayor Mike Forster said the visit was a great lightning round with federal policy makers. Following an 8 a.m. breakfast, Keys representatives followed up with a meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

After that, they visited with the staff of Mucarsel-Powell and Rep. Brian Mast before lunch.

The Florida Keys has received $63 million of the $100 million towards wastewater infrastructure projects, leaving $37 million to be handed out. Since the Florida Keys water quality improvement program’s inception, stakeholders have demonstrate the ability to complete vital project on time and within budget.

“During this year’s visit, we met many new faces as well as many old friends,” said Diane Bockelman, Key Largo Wastewater Treatment’s district clerk and customer service manager. “Our projects continue to receive bipartisan support and we were told repeatedly that it’s nice to have projects like ours come forward as everyone is able to get behind them and support them. In today’s world that’s saying a lot. Over the years the stakeholders have built an outstanding team with great cooperation which is something to be proud of.”

Forster said Keys representatives received complete consensus from everyone they engaged with regarding the Keys lighthouses. The General Services Administration is seeking a steward for four Keys lighthouses: Carysfort Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Key and American Shoal.

Mooney said the group had extensive conversations over the lighthouses, the Keys Reef Lighthouse Foundation’s application and what the GSA is doing with them.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

HOME RULE HERO

Village attorney recognized

Bryan Arrabal is the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s 2018 Employee of the Year. Contributed

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FKAA recognizes Arrabal

B

ryan Arrabal is the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s 2018 Employee of the Year. The winning candidate is selected from four quarterly honorees.

Arrabal, an operation supervisor at the FKAA’s Key Largo operations facility, is known for his cooperative attitude, positive work ethic and dedication to the organization. His career at the authority began as a distribution system operator where, through his hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks to his current position. He now oversees the operation and maintenance of the Upper Keys’ high-pressure transmission system.

“Time and time again, Bryan has proven himself to be a tremendous asset to the authority.

Bryan excels during emergency situations and willingly takes on the challenge day or night,” said Executive Director Kirk Zuelch.

“His ability to expeditiously assess situations and execute a plan is an important factor in mitigating and minimizing impacts to customers.”

When not performing his work with the authority, Arrabal enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley, and daughter, Maryana. He and his family enjoy boating, camping, assisting the community and attending the First Baptist Church of Key Largo.

— Contributed

I

slamorada Village Attorney Roget Bryan received recognition this week from the Florida League of Cities as he was named a “Home Rule Hero” during the 2019 legislative session.

More than 100 municipal officials throughout the state obtained the distinction, which they earn for their efforts to protect home rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the league’s legislative agenda. Florida League of Cities legislative director Scott Dudley said the dedication and effort from Bryan and other local officials during session was extraordinary.

“These are some of our biggest advocates for municipal issues, and they’re shining examples of local advocacy in action,” he said. “On behalf of the league and its legislative team, we’re proud to recognize each and every one of them and thank them for their service.”

Home rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently responded to the league’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.

— Contributed

9

YOUR SKIN DESERVE AN & EXPERT YOUR FACE DR. GEORGE VONHILSHEIMER BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

YOUR NEXT $50 COSMETIC OFF APPOINTMENT RECEIVE

OFFER VALID THROUGH APRIL 2019 • LIMIT 1 PER PERSON

• SKIN CANCER • MOHS SURGERY • FULL SKIN CHECKS • ACNE TREATMENTS • SUN SPOTS • FILLERS & BOTOX / DYSPORT DEEDEE VAZQUEZ, PA-C & KELLY BALESTRA, PA-C

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

10

KEYS SCHOOLS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

From left, Mary Graf, Zoe Manz and Chelsea Basilius of Island Christian School will graduate May 25. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

CONGRATS, GRADS! ICS seniors on to next adventure JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

t Island Christian School, three seniors are preparing for the next exciting journey in their lives. On May 25, Mary Graf, Chelsea Basilius and Zoe Manz will graduate. Then it’s on to college for the three.

Terri White, head of Island Christian School, said the seniors are three remarkable young women of great character. All three have attended ICS since preschool.

“Throughout their years at ICS, they have given themselves to service projects, participated in several competitive sports and exceled in their academics,” White said. “They met the challenges of this school year head-on and exemplified what it means to work as a unified team in supporting, encouraging and even challenging each other, as well as fellow classmates, to finish strong. There is no doubt that wherever they go from here, they will be successful because they are intelligent, resilient and determined to live the life God created them to live.”

CHELSEA BASILIUS: Chelsea Basilius is the daughter of Candace and Brian Basilius. Upon graduation, Chelsea will head to the University of North Florida to major in communications.

Her best memory from high school is the senior mission trip to Seattle. As to what she will miss the most, Chelsea says her friends, the relationships she has created and the taco truck in Key Largo. Chelsea says her parents, sister and friends have helped her get to where she is today. Once graduation is over, Chelsea says, “Sleep. My goodness, I miss sleep.”

ZOE MANZ: Zoe Manz is the daughter of Sally and David Manz. Upon graduation, Zoe will attend the University of Miami where she will major in international studies. Her best memory from high school is all the best memories made from the senior trip to Seattle. Zoe says she will miss her bed the most as she heads off to college. Zoe says her supportive parents and sisters have helped her get to where she is today. Once graduation is over, Zoe says she plans to have fun with family and friends at her graduation party.

MARY GRAF: Mary Graf is the daughter of Bob and Patty Graf.

Upon graduation, Mary will attend Florida Atlantic University.

She says she has applied undecided, but she will likely become a business major. Her best memory from high school is the senior mission trip to Seattle. Family, friends and Num Thai are some of the things she will miss the most as she heads off to college. Mary credits her parents, teachers, coaches, friends and sister for helping her get to where she is today. Once graduation is over, Mary says she will have a graduation party and spend time with family and friends before heading off to school.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

11

End of Season

CLEARANCE SALE Going on Now! UP TO % OFF 75 SUGGESTED RETAIL

EVERY DEPARTMENT

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

305-295-6400

MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Searstown by Publix

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

12

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

What’s the first thing you do when you get up? Make coffee.

Your go-to drink after a long day?

Tito’s, soda and lime.

What’s your idea of the perfect weekend? Gotta do some boating.

Lunch somewhere waterfront and sunset at Morada Bay.

The one behind the hottest show

Keys Fashion I

t may be hot out now, but the temperature will be turned up a notch on Friday, May 17 at The Village Square at Trading Post, as models strut down the runway with some of the best summer must-haves.

Behind the event, which draws hundreds of spectators, is Liz Huddleston, owner of Miss Monroe Boutique and Wild Lilly Boutique. A fashion fanatic, she moved out of the Keys following high school and followed her passion for fashion. She ventured to England where she studied at the London College of Fashion. It was there she gained experience in the industry, working in advertising, production, merchandising and design.

Being away from the island for seven years, Huddleston said, she realized just how wonderful and special Islamorada was. She came back to Islamorada and opened Miss Monroe Boutique in 2012 with her husband, Sam. “Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of options for shopping,” Huddleston said. “You always had to drive to the mainland. It’s my passion to provide fun, fashionable wear and we’re providing something for everyone now.”

Huddleston said the fashion show began as a way to get people back to The Village Square at Trading Post. Village Square is the brainchild of a group of young Keys locals, Michael Mooney, Richmond Arce and Huddleston, who wanted to bring something new and different to their hometown. Today, Village Square features a little bit of everything for locals to enjoy.

As for the fashion show, Huddleston said it’s one of the more popular events — and most of all a fun night.

“People love an excuse to get dressed up,” she said.

Huddleston says more than 30 hotties will show off the latest summer fashion from The oTHErside, Miss Monroe and Wild Lilly. Islamorada Beer Company will be providing the cocktails.

Full name? Nickname? Elizabeth Huddleston. Everyone calls me Liz. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I’m kind of a crazy cat lady.

Where do you draw your inspirations? I’m a big reader, so I read everything from books, every fashion magazine and every interior design magazine. I’m a researcher.

I like to be up to date what’s going on everywhere.

How’s it been running two boutiques? Initially, I thought it would be twice the work, but I have great staff at both places and it’s running smoother than ever.

Your favorite item inside Miss Monroe Boutique right now?

Our bags from Bolly. We have different styles, and they are a hot item.

What about Trading Post Village do you enjoy most? It’s a village, so we’re made up of several small businesses. We all support and thrive off each other.

What drew you to start a fashion show? Really to highlight what we have to offer fashion-wise in Islamorada, not just for my stores. We always invite other stores to join in too. We want to show Islamorada as the fashion destination.

What should people expect for this year’s Sizzling Summer Fashion Show? We’ve got DJ Marissa, our local favorite, and hosted by Richmond Arce and Danielle Pierog. The runways will be full of the best summer fashions from local vendors.

Who’s been your biggest support along the way? My husband, Sam. He started the business with me and supported me and all my crazy ideas.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do? Id’ like to go to Iceland in the summer. I’d take a whole week to just drive around and see all the different natural splendor. One of my friends from college lives there and she’s told me to come many times.

You have the chance to take anyone to dinner, who would it be? My style icon is Chloe Sevigny. I’d love to go to dinner in New York City with her.

Finish these sentences…

My superhero power would be … accessorize!

My husband would say I like to … have my nose in a book.

Running two boutique shops is … always interesting.

The Keys community is … eclectic.

The Sizzling Summer Fashion Show will be … Islamorada’s best night out.

13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY

R E V I S E D L O C AT I O N KEY WEST DOUBLETREE RESORT 3990 South Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, Florida 33040 WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

Executive Session

LABOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS 10:30 a.m.

The Executive Session is a closed session for the purpose of discussing upcoming labor contract negotiations for the FKAA. The subject matter shall be confined to labor contract issues and/or strategy sessions related to contract bargaining. For additional information contact Pam Albury, Executive Office Coordinator, 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West, Florida, 33040, 305 295-2205 or e-mail: palbury@fkaa.com ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, by phoning 305-295-2205.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY

R E V I S E D L O C AT I O N KEY WEST DOUBLETREE RESORT 3990 South Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, Florida 33040 WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

Regular Meeting 11:00 a.m.

The purpose of the Regular Meeting is for the Board to take action on routine business matters for the FKAA and to receive reports on operational aspects of the organization.

All agendas and backup can be viewed on our web site @ www.fkaa.com., or a copy of the Agenda, or any backup, is available upon request from FKAA, Pam Albury, Executive Office Coordinator, 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL 33040, (305) 295-2205, palbury@fkaa.com.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, by phoning (305) 295-2205.

14

KEYS SCHOOLS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

SARAH THOMAS

sthomas@keysweekly.com

BE PREPARED

HOW LOCAL SCHOOLS ARE FACING THE SURGE OF NATIONAL VIOLENCE

O

n May 7, another surge of school violence splashed across national headlines: one dead, eight wounded in a Colorado charter school shooting. Not just any school … one located a few miles from Columbine High, which put school shootings on our collective national radar 20 years ago.

Closer to home, Monroe County Schools have been taking a serious look at preventive measures, especially in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in February 2018. In its wake, the Florida legislature passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, and thus the Florida Department of Education adopted best practices for school safety.

Just a few weeks ago, a Key West High School student came to school with a loaded handgun, leading to his expulsion and more public scrutiny on safety in Keys schools. We caught up with Superintendent Mark Porter as well as Keys high school principals to talk about the ways our schools are approaching safety in a time of increased gun violence.

While Monroe County only expels a handful of students annually, and often not for weapons or violence, it is an apt time to reevaluate school preventive policy. So what do we already have in place to get ahead of school violence?

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS “We have a school resource officer or a school security officer on all 16 campuses each and every day,” said Porter. “They aren’t mere security guards — they engage in the culture and fabric of the school.”

While the school district used to share the cost of the officers with the sheriff’s department, with the additional millage this year, the school district is paying the expense of the SROs in full.

Principal Blake Fry of Coral Shores High School said SROs provide an invaluable resource, and they’re an intricate part of the school’s staff.

“They not only provide the safety and security and expertise of their

profession here on the campus, but they are part of the Coral Shores community and play a significant role in the culture and relationships of students and staff here,” he said.

Fry said current SRO Jose Costoya provides additional support at extra- curricular events, classroom instruction and supports the building, district, and state safety and security initiatives on a daily basis.

“The relationships that our SROs build with students provide another layer of security that would not exist without their presence on campus,” Fry said.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES The Monroe County school system now has four social workers dedicated to attending to the mental and emotional health of students.

They also have partnered with the Guidance Care Center to have a trained mental health professional at least once a week in every school.

While that isn’t constant, it does mean that a professional is available on a regular basis for student support. Two social workers are in the Lower Keys, one in the Middle, and one in the Upper Keys.

Porter said that another change is “how we prioritize on the mental health. We opened this past school year with an all-employee gathering in Marathon, and half of that day had to do with mental health of students and staff. The county has also trained nearly 250 of our employees in a six hour training called ‘Youth Mental Health First Aid.’” Key West High School Principal Amber Acevido said, “What has increased with mental health, in partnership with the Guidance Care Center, is a mobile response team.

Now, if students come to us and say ‘I need something,’ then we know who to refer them to, and now we have more tools.”

HARDENING THE SCHOOLS One policy adopted after 2019 spring break that came under fire was the locked classroom door policy — teachers must lock classrooms from the inside during class.

“To be honest, we were a little bit reluctant to move forward with

this policy, when many other schools did,” said Porter. “The overwhelming statistic is that of 46 school intruder incidents, not a single intruder has breached a classroom door.” The district also considered transparent backpacks, a policy that Stoneman Douglas adopted and then dropped because of the difficulty with enforcement.

Marathon High School Prinicipal Wendy McPherson said the security measures outlined by the school board have been implemented at Marathon.

“Putting the fencing around campus to control who comes and goes has been one of the most effective parts of the plan,” said McPherson, adding that the fencing plan is evolving. “But I also strongly believe in training,” McPherson said. “You can have 101 safety measures in place, but unless people are trained and used to taking action, it does us no good.”

Safety measures at Stanley Switlik Elementary are perhaps better in part because of the massive $23 million reconstruction underway. “Our new campus will have the physical safety features built in. In fact, our temporary campus already has them, too,” said principal Brett Unke.

Parents and school partners must pass through a single “portal” to gain access to the institution.

The district has not adopted use of metal detectors in Monroe County schools.

DRILLS AND TIPS All of the schools implement drills in order to be prepared for an “intruder,” or active shooter situation.

“There is a balance to be struck in our drills, especially in places like elementary schools,” said Porter. He discusses hypothetical conversations with students and staff: What would you do were someone to enter this classroom from X? How can you follow “Run, Hide, Fight” here? Some of these exercises can take place

without moving desks or physically hiding. “My elementary school teachers come to me all the time: we want to be sure we are prepared but maintain a balance of what’s age appropriate.”

The district has also implemented an anonymous text line, School Text Tips, introduced by local software developer Shawn Verne, who offered the service as a pilot to Sugarloaf and Key West High Schools for free. Now it’s used county-wide.

It’s a dedicated text line, where students may send tips anonymously, and they are shared with administrators and the SRO. It has since become a tool to report not only potentially violent situations, but also the mental or emotional health of fellow students, allowing schools to get ahead of distress or self-harm.

“We are getting students to realize that our best safety defense is each other. We feel this is one of the best ways to prevent incidents,” said Acevido. The text tips number is (305) 293-1549.

WHAT ABOUT GUNS? At the end of the day, there is a common denominator, and it isn’t just schools; it’s also guns. The Florida House just passed a “guardian” program last week, allowing teachers to volunteer — pending district approval — to bring firearms to school. Gov. Ron DeSantis still has to sign the bill into law.

“It allows the good guys to stop the bad,” said Republican Rep. Chuck Brannan of Lake City, a retired law enforcement officer.

Porter disagrees. “I don’t think the answer is more guns on a school campus. I am vehemently opposed to that.”

Acevido took a more philosophical stance: “My personal opinion is that teachers and educators need to be doing just that — our job is to educate; that’s what we should be focused on.”

R E V I S E D L O C AT I O N COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

15

NOTICE OF A WORKSHOP

FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY

KEY WEST DOUBLETREE RESORT 3990 South Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, Florida 33040 WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019

Budget Workshop 10:30am

The purpose of the Budget Workshop is to receive a presentation and discussion regarding the Authority’s Proposed Budget and Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2020.

All agendas and supporting documentation can be viewed on our web site @ www.fkaa.com., or is available upon request from FKAA, Pam Albury, Executive Office Coordinator, 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL 33040, (305) 295-2205, palbury@fkaa.com.

TRANSFUSIONS ADDED TO TRAUMA STAR Inflight treatment can help critically injured

M

onroe County Trauma Star is advancing pre-hospital trauma resuscitation by adding inflight blood transfusions.

Trauma Star flight crews arriving at emergency scenes, in many cases, find a patient has lost a life-threatening amount of blood. Until recently, restoring blood loss inflight was limited to saline solutions, which will not restore the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood in the body. One Blood is providing the O-negative blood for Trauma Star that can be used universally in any needed recipient.

“The addition of blood on the helicopter gives the flight crew a tremendous tool for the stabilization of injured or ill patients,” said Lynda Rusinowski , chief Trauma Star flight nurse. “By carrying the products on board, it allows the patient to receive a treatment

that ordinarily would not be available until arrival at the specialty hospital.”

A February 2018 article in The Journal of Emergency Medical Services said trauma is the leading cause of death for individuals under 46 years old, and uncontrolled bleeding remains the number one cause of preventable death in trauma.

In rural areas, the role of blood transfusion is even more critical because of the distance to trauma centers. The flight time from Lower Keys Medical Center to the three closest trauma centers, Kendall Regional Trauma Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital South, and Jackson Ryder Trauma Center, is 50-to 55-minutes.

“Every second counts between arrival at the scene and treatment at a trauma center," said Steve Hudson, Monroe County Fire Rescue deputy chief of operations. "This essential advancement is innovative and will provide better outcomes for some of our most critical patients."

- Contributed

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, by phoning (305) 295-2205.

We Print Everything but Money! (and we ship things too)

We can do it all!

Business Cards, Flyers, Brochures, Banners, Menus, Carbonless Forms Blueprints (print & scan) Other services include: Fax, Notary, High Volumn Copies Scan, Email, Computer Rental We are your local business center ..... owned and operated by locals with a graphic designer on staff.

101425 Overseas Highway, Key Largo (in the Tradewinds Plaza) Mon - Fri, 8a-6p, Sat, 9a-5p • 305-453-4877

16

WILDLIFE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

WHAT GREAT WHITE SIGHTINGS MEAN … AND DON’T SARAH THOMAS

sthomas@keysweekly.com

A

pril and May have been big months for big sharks in the Keys. In midApril, a fisherman named Carter Bates posted a video online of a white shark devouring a chum bag, and it went viral. He estimated the shark was 16 feet long. Then, a couple weeks later, Knee Deep charter boat owners Barbie and Kevin Wilson spotted another great white, about six miles off Geiger Key. Barbie described it as “huge.” Neither Bates nor the Wilsons expressed feeling in danger during the episodes, and the Wilsons described the shark as uninterested in a bonita they threw it.

Yet, comments online included sentiments like “No more snorkeling in Key West” and “Can someone shoot it?”

Terror is the knee-jerk reaction when it comes to these apex predators.

The reputation of white sharks continues to have a big, dorsal-fin-shaped shadow cast on it, likely since Steven Spielberg decided to make a movie out of Peter Benchley’s book “Jaws” in 1974. Yet people who actually spend their time on the water – divers, fishermen, boat captains and marine scientists – don’t maintain those attitudes.

The warm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys are not a typical hangout spot for white sharks — no density of activity like off the coast of California, or the waters off the tip of South Africa.

But what does the recent evidence of white shark activity in the Keys tell us?

Not much, says Dr. Rob Nowicki, a research fellow at Mote Marine Laboratory, whose expertise lies in how climate change affects apex predators — like white sharks.

“These opportunistic photos and videos are not standardized any way,” he said. “We need to not just look at sightings and videos, but also how many people have chum bags, how many are taking photos. It’s really hard to create a pattern from these videos.” As smart phones become more common, the opportunities for people to capture such images have gone up. “That doesn’t mean that people here weren’t seeing them before,” said Nowicki.

Nowicki points to the value in the great white videos: it indicates the sharks’ seasonal migration. We are also in the time of seasonal migration for birds, so many species are passing through — in the air or under the water — to feeding and mating grounds. Nowicki says it’s impossible to diagnose changes in behavioral patterns without establishing baselines — which scientists are on their way to establishing with whites.

Organizations like Ocearch, a group that uses advanced tracking technology to follow white sharks, among other species, are offering scientists a clearer picture of the seasonal migration patterns. Last year showed an increase of white sharks swimming through waters surrounding the Keys. Anyone interested can check out Ocearch’s shark tracker online.

It currently places an 11-foot male white shark named Nova around the Dry Tortugas and a female white shark named Miss Costa further up the coast in the Gulf, parallel to Tampa. Indeed, Ocearch shows more sharks of other types in our part of the ocean: makos, hammerheads, tigers and bulls, with the occasional white — their numbers increase in colder water in the Northeast.

Patrick Rice, chief science and research officer at Florida Keys Community College, notes that whites, like other migratory species, follow the movement of their food.

“These sharks are following tuna and marlins that are going to the Gulf of Mexico to spawn,” he said. “They follow the big migratory species: bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and blue marlin.” They follow large pelagic fish, which are the species that live in the open ocean, rather than at the bottom of the sea.

We do know that climate change is changing some aspects of shark ecology.

Scientists like Charles Bangley, a postdoctoral fellow at the Fish and Invertebrate Ecology lab of the Smithsonian, published a paper showing that bull sharks have shifted their nursing grounds from Florida to North Carolina. According to the Smithsonian, Bangley’s work posits that sharks may be the “first responders to climate change.”

So we may see changes in migratory patterns of whites, but that’s not what the Keys sightings are evidence of.

Other factors, however, like shark conservation legislation, have encouraged growing numbers of whites in the Atlantic.

WILDLIFE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

“White sharks are protected,” said Rice.

“There was a law that was enacted in 1993 that protected them, so populations are rebounding. There is an increase in sharks and increase of people going in the water; there will be an increase in encounters.”

Rice references a study that attributes the perceived population increases to the 1993 implementation of the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for sharks of the Atlantic Ocean.

Indeed, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Amanda Nalley confirms that great whites are prohibited from harvest.

“That means that anglers who hook one are required to release it as quickly as possible. Beginning July 1, shark anglers will be required to meet even more stringent details such as requiring the shark to stay in the water, and requiring anglers to have some type of device to cut the steel leader quickly.”

Why is it crucial to protect these shark species, especially in places populated with boaters and swimmers?

SHARK DEATH IN THE KEYS

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, sharks only kill about six humans a year, while humans kill about 100 million sharks. This week, a reef shark familiar to local divers perished in a net, a cautionary tale of the human toll on sharks. Southpoint Dive Instructor Mike Jackson tells the story:

“These large shark species are apex predators,” said Nowicki, “and they deserve the respect that any apex predator deserves, whether on land or water.” They are also irreplaceable — the loss of apex predators, because of their position at the top of the food chain, can have disproportionate affects on a marine ecosystem. “They can impact entire populations of prey just by being present: what they do, where they go, what they eat, how they eat. These cascades are really important for ecosystems.”

People who love the water can peacefully coexist with the creatures that call it home—even those with lots of sharp teeth.

Shark bites are very uncommon in the Keys, and almost never fatal. “Most shark attacks occur because someone is standing in murky water, and they take an investigatory bite,” said Rice. Most “attacks” (a misnomer — they are nearly always investigatory bites) with great whites are because of surfing, wherein the person floating on a surf board looks a lot like a seal. We don’t have a lot of surfing in the Keys, and we often enjoy clear water, so we aren’t a prime location for these encounters.

To combat what Nowicki calls the “Jaws effect” – responses of horror and fear in the face of white sharks – he recommends moving away from sensationalist media that focus on attack tropes. “Folks need to spend some time with these animals, in an aquarium or out in the wild. I encourage people to get dive certified.” Nowicki says he prepares amateur divers before diving wrecks that may attract sharks by telling them that if they are afraid, they can come back to the surface, no questions asked. But that’s never what happens. “Once you spend some time around the animals, you see they aren’t hunting or killing machines, as they are portrayed. They are big predators that deserve respect, but aren’t out to get people.”

So as it turns out, maybe it is safe to get back in the water.

“We go to one spot on Rock Key where sharks hang out. There’s a shark named Roxy that’s hung out for years— they say since 1987. She has a particular snaggletooth, and that’s what we distinguish her by. We went out, and I had terrible visibility. I saw a dead shark lying upside down and its head was through a net. It was a little spooky. It was the same

Patrick Rice with a bluefin tuna, primary prey for great white sharks, whose migratory patterns were the focus of his doctoral thesis.

PATRICK RICE/Contributed

GREAT WHITE SHARK FACTS • White sharks have ampullae of Lorenzini, special sensing organs that function as electroreceptors, which detect electrical signals generated by fish or other organisms’ muscles contracting. There is no comparable sense in humans.

• The white shark is an “apex predator,” which means that it is at the top of the food chain. The only known natural predator of white sharks is the killer whale.

• White sharks were first described by Carl Linnaeus, the “father of modern taxonomy” in his “Systema Naturae” in 1758, though fossils date the species back 16 million years.

• In January, divers off Oahu, Hawaii, took photographs of what is believed to be the largest shark ever recorded, named “Deep Blue” and estimated to be 50 years old and weigh 2.5 tons.

• There is a “white shark café,” between California and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean, where tagging projects have shown a high volume of whites hanging out. It hasn’t been established if this is where whites are having their pups, though scientists have posited theories about Pacific and Gulf grounds for having pups.

• Rice and partners Eric Stroud and James Hanson developed Shark Defense, a chemical repellent based on necromone, the chemical released from putrified sharks, which can help repel sharks and reduce bycatch for fisheries.

size, and it looked the same as our Roxy, but I wasn’t 100%. We had non-certified divers so I had to be super careful and turned around. When we returned, there was nothing, no trace of her. I assume the net was a fishing net. This is in a marine sanctuary, so there’s no reason it would be out there. Her whole head was stuck through it, and she must have drowned.”

17

18

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

1

Tournament welcomes anglers, guests, guides

T

he 35th annual Tarpon Tournament was held May 7-10 at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.

The fun-filled event supports Sea Base programs, which will serve 15,000 participants from across the country in 2019. A release tournament, the event saw an array of captains, guides and guests. Twenty-six anglers caught 163 tarpon in two-and-a-half days of fishing, breaking the previous record of 127 tarpon caught in 2017. Mike Johnson, Florida Sea Base executive director, says over $220,000 was raised to support the programs of the Florida Sea Base, including the STEM program and coral restoration program.

Anglers included Sea Base Committee members and spouses, Scouting supporters from around the country and members of the National Executive Board.

—Weekly staff report

2 3

TARPON TIME!

4

5

IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly 1. Captains and their vessels line up at the dock in preparation for the start of morning fishing. The Sea Base is located conveniently close to some of the best tarpon fishing locations in the Florida Keys, such as channel 5 bridge and Long Key, making the commute to the fishing grounds rather short.

2. Catching a 100-plus pound fish next to a bridge is no joke. They may be the best spots around to hook one of these giants, but you’d best be prepared for the fight to take you in and around the giant pilings of Flagler's past.

3. Tournament anglers, recreational fisherman and charter boats alike line up along the entire length of the bridge for their best chance at hooking tarpon.

4. Captains and anglers race back to the dock to end the first half of their day

fishing. After lunchtime and a check of scores, back out they go for a second chance to put fish on the board.

5. Captains, anglers, and spectators have a look at the leaderboards to see who’s in the running for top bragging rights. This

tournament is a numbers game based on how many tarpon can be caught and released within the allotted time.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

Laid-Back

Waterfront Island Dining & Tiki Bar

Social Starters • Handcrafted Burgers/Sandwiches Big Salad Burger Bowls • Frozen Treats • Specialty Cocktails OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY FROM 11:30AM-10PM

Located at Amara Cay Resort 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada amaracayresort.com (305) 664-0073

Would you like your health care provider to treat you like you are a part of their family?

Keys to Wellness MedicalCenter With Karen, we are increasing our capacity to see you in the morning!

Dr. May and Karen – they listen to you!

Pink Plaza Shopping Center Suite 241 103400 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

COMING SOON

Join us for a unique, sophisticated culinary experience.

Mile Marker 82.1 | www.IslanderFloridaKeys.com | 305.664.2031

305-852-8670

20

KEYS EATS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

OCEANFRONT RELAXATION

Sit back and be ‘Lazy’ in Islamorada JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Take a seat along the oceanfront, feast on some exquisite dishes and feel “lazy.”

Located at MM 79.8 oceanside, Lazy Days offers unique items for lunch and dinner along with its fresh seafood, pastas, sandwiches and meats. There’s also a whole range of seating options for everyone to enjoy.

Dig your feet into the sand and enjoy a meal on the beach, or sit at the patio outside as you delve into your dish and look out at the blue water. There’s also bar side dining to enjoy happy hour and cozy, yet spacious indoor space to eat.

Luis Ornelas, who runs the casual dining establishment, said the restaurant is all about the laid-back atmosphere and the local hook and cook. Lazy Days, created by chef Lupe Ledesma over 20 years ago, continues to be one of the notable restaurants to frequent, as it’s been named best restaurant overall every year since 1996 in the annual Upper Keys People’s Choice Awards.

“One of our best menu items is the Lazy Days fresh catch, which is encrusted with Japanese bread crumbs, pan sautéed and finished with fresh tomatoes, scallions, parmesan and topped with our famous Key Lime butter,” Ornelas said.

Stopping in for lunch, patrons will see all kinds of soups, signature salads, sandwiches and entrees to pick from. But if you’re looking for an appetizer before your meal, go for the Lazy Conch. It’s tenderized Bahamian queen conch encrusted with panko bread crumbs, sautéed and topped with fresh diced tomatoes, scallions and fresh-grated and Key lime butter.

As for the main lunch choice, there’s the Lazy Days chicken, which is sautéed with Japanese bread crumbs and topped with diced tomatoes, scallions, shredded parmesan cheese and topped

From top: If you’re looking for an appetizer before your meal at Lazy Days in Islamorada, go for the Lazy Conch.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly The Philly Cheese Steak is sautéed in olive oil.

The delicious coconut fried shrimp at Lazy Days.

with Key lime butter. The first bite will have you satisfied with your menu choice with tender and tasty chicken.

Sides include potato salad, coleslaw, sweet potato fries and pasta.

For dinner, Lazy Days offers various appetizer specialties, such as the tuna tartare, oysters Moscow, sesame seared tuna and the Lazy Gator, which is tenderized alligator encrusted with bread crumbs. Entrees on the dinner menu will have you debating what to get and what to return back for. From the Lazy Days burger and the Lazy Days chicken to fresh catch, vegetarian pastas and New York strip, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Lazy Days. Or, bring in your catch for Lazy Days to cook.

With your meal, order one of the many tropical drink selections, such as the Lazy Days (In Da Keys) that’s made with coconut rum, Bacardi Gold, pine-

apple and orange juice and a splash of cranberry. There’s also an extensive wine list.

“The Key Lime Pie martini is a hit and the Mango Bango is really delicious. They’re all really good,” Ornelas said.

Lazy Days is open every day, with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.

“It’s just very laid back,” Ornelas said. ‘That’s why it’s called Lazy Days.

Sit back, relax and enjoy. People just love it. The view and location is everything. We have good food, good service, a huge selection of drinks and entertainment.”

More information is at lazydaysislamorada.com or by calling 305-6645256.

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

Your place for family fun since 1976 The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.

Patti Stanley To Our Islamorada Office

Broker Associate®

Direct: 305.393.4433 Patti.Stanley@me.com I’ve moved over to Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. to better serve your real estate needs.

Whether you are buying or selling, I’ve been helping folks make their dreams a reality in the Florida Keys for over 30 years.

Let me help you plan your island escape today!

Lived, worked and played in The Keys since 1977.

Come join us at mm 77.5

305 664-8070

learn more @

robbies.com

Stop by my new office at 85996 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, FL 33036

©2019 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity.

Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

MEMORIAL DAY BLOW OUT SALE! GREAT BUYS TO BEGIN THE SUMMER ON ALL REMAINING INVENTORY!

KEY WEST BOATS: THE BEST VALUE ON THE WATER TODAY.

219 FS - 21’9” FAMILY SPORTSMAN

239 FS - 23’9” FAMILY SPORTSMAN

Shelter Bay Marine OFFICIAL KEY WEST BOATS Dealer in the Keys!

77 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon Open Mon-Fri 8 -5 Sat 9 - 1

305-743-7008

244 CC - 24’ 4” CENTER CONSOLE

All models available for sale. Retail Financing Available for Qualifying Customers.

22

KEYS SPORTS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

SCHOLARSHIP TO SHORTER Signorelli to play at collegiate level

M

ichael Signorelli, a four-year standout catcher for the Coral Shores baseball program, has accepted a scholarship to continue his playing career at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia.

Hitting a team-leading .471 this past season, Signorelli chose Shorter over several other in-state opportunities, including Miami Dade, Indian River, Seminole State, Saint Petersburg College and Florida Institute of Technology.

He capped an illustrious career with a three-run, walk-off home run in his final at bat at Coral Shores’ home field at Founders Park.

Shorter University’s baseball coach Wes Timmons said Signorelli has the opportunity to come in and play every day as a freshman.

Coral Shores head baseball coach Jon Young said Signorelli had quite an outstanding year.

“He plays the game with the passion and intensity of a college player,” Young said. “I can’t say enough about his work ethic.”

— Contributed

Michael Signorelli, front center, flanked by his parents, Linda and Frank, signs to play baseball at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia; Back, from left, Brian Tiedemann, Coral Shores assistant baseball coach, Principal Blake Fry, Assistant Principal Ana Alvaro and Athletic Director Rich Russell. CONTRIBUTED

Stunning Setting Spectacular Sunsets Lunch & Dinner Local Fish & Steaks Nightly Music

305-453-5004 • www.snooks.com Key Largo MM 99.8 Southbound Lane at Traffic Light & Down Our Private Drive

RECOMMENDED

KEYS SPORTS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

23

We provide a variety of services:

ON TRACK Coral Shores celebrates season The Coral Shores Track team held its banquet at Founders Park Beach on May 10. The 20-plus athletes on the track team pose for a photo, below, upon receiving awards and medals. The 4 x 800 track team also received distinction for their accomplishments. Above, from left, Jackson Hilson, coach Greg Moffitt, Dominic Austin, Zach Rodriguez and Riley Oakley with their plaques and awards. The team of Hilson, Austin, Rodriguez and Oakley holds the record in the 4 x 800 at Coral Shores and regional qualifiers. JULIE AUSTIN/Contributed

• Cosmetic & Restorative • Extractions • Oral Cancer Screening • Oral Surgery • Preventive dentistry (regular hygiene) • Dentistry • Teeth Whitening

• Orthodontics (braces and invisalign) • Endodontics (root canals) • Dental implant restoration • Partials and dentures • Crowns, bridges & veneers • Children’s Pediatrics

New Patients Welcome • Financing available 103400 Overseas HWY Ste 234 Key largo, Fl 33037 located In The Pink Plaza MM 103

305 453-9105 www.overseas-dental.com Alvaro Maya DMD DN17357 Follow us on

Always face life with a smile

24

HISTORY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

HISTORY WALK Vets lead tours into Nike Missile Base TIFFANY DUONG

www.keysweekly.com

“H

ere’s your first security fence. There was a guard station over there,” says Specialist Ted Swanson, pointing to what appears to be dense underbrush. “Beyond here, deadly force was authorized. It’s all overgrown, now.”

Swanson opens up the locked, chain-linked fence and invites an eager, excited group of civilians onto the old Nike Hercules Missile Base in Crocodile Lake Wildlife Refuge. “We’re walking back into history here!” smiles Jenny Ostrander as she enters and looks around. “I’m really excited about this! Getting to hear the history — it’s so cool. My dad was a SPC 5, so seeing the rank is just like, wow.”

Wearing his old Army uniform and holding an old map of the missile base, Specialist Swanson walks along the dirt road next to Sergeant Robert Layman, also in uniform. The pair lead the group deeper into the wildlife refuge, stopping here and there to point

Top: Sergeant Bob Layman, Specialist Ted Lawson, members of the Florida Keys Wildlife Society, Crocodile Lake Wildlife Refugee rangers and eager members of the public pose before touring the old Nike Hercules Missile Base.

SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly

out what used to stand where there are now bushes and trees.

“It gives me goose bumps,” says Sergeant Layman about being back on his old base. “It’s like waking up from a dream. Forty years later, and I’m here.

I’m seeing where I used to work — the buildings are still there, just dilapidated.”

The tour begins, and Specialist Swanson and Sergeant Layman start with playful jabs at each other.

“There were Rail Apes..,” says Swanson, pointing to himself, “...and Scope Dopes,” pointing to Layman. Swanson, a specialist 5th class in the U.S. Army, was an Integrated Fire Control Area Radar Maintenance Chief. He was stationed at a sister missile base in the Everglades from 1966-68 to maintain all technical systems. Layman was a Missile Tracking Radar Operator from 1975-78 at this exact missile base. He’d track any launched missiles and guide them to their target. Swanson and Layman now conduct tours together through South Florida’s old Nike Hercules Missile Bases, telling the stories of their own lives, the role of these defensive military sites, and the history of international tension that brought them here.

The pair guides the group through the old battery, leading them into old missile launch control bunkers and

Center: Ted Swanson rebuilt these replica radars, missiles and scanners onto his truck to do educational talks and tours about the Nike Hercules Missile Bases in South Florida. To inquire about the next tour, email crocodilelake@fws. com.

Right: Layman, left, and Swanson.

onto the concrete slabs where barns used to house nuclear and conventional missiles during the Cuban Missile Crisis. “This is the missile assembly building, where missiles were put together and warheads assembled,” explains Swanson. “And this,” continues Sergeant Layman, “...is where we’d keep the active warheads.”

He points to a covered, cement cavern near a tree. “Looks like a critter must have gotten in there,” he jokes about the ajar, heavy lid.

Four Nike Hercules Missile Bases, including this one within Crocodile Lake Wildlife Refuge, were constructed in South Florida in response to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The background tension of the Cold War led the American government to believe that the U.S.S.R. was stockpiling missiles on Cuba to launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. The proximity of the island nation meant that Soviet missiles could target almost any American city. “The powers that be realized we had Nike Hercules Missiles defending our Northern border, but none here in the South,” says Swanson.

“So they got us in here to build these bases and become operational really quick.”

Layman adds, “The thinking was, if we ever got attacked by Cuba, one nuke would take out an entire squadron. We’d deal with the fallout later, but that’d be better than risking Miami or D.C.,” he continues, “The time from launch to destroy was 90 seconds.” Swanson says. “These missiles are not like the movies, where the missile goes straight for the target. These were designed to go above a squadron, drop down in front to stop that plane, and take out the rest of the squadron with sonic and shrapnel.

Highly effective.”

Both men describe the tense political atmosphere during the time they served.

“Cuba used to come twothree-four times a day, then skip a day, so we had missiles going up, coming down, up, down, constantly, because you just didn’t know,” says Specialist Swanson.

He continues, “Castro, in one of his memoirs, talked about the U.S. like we were bigger than we were.” He laughs, “Which is good! Maybe he was intimidated by us.” He breaks it down further, “It’s easier to have a good defensive posture than to fight a war. That’s why we were here. We sent the message ‘You really don’t wanna play with us,’ and maybe he heard it.”

Proudly, Swanson agrees, “By being so fierce, we never had to actually fire a missile from here.

Good defensive posture saved us from nuclear war.” Sergeant Layman chimes in, “If you’re 40 years or younger, you have no idea the work we did here, the pride we took in maintaining the peace.

Sharing that history is my favorite part about these tours.”

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

1. An explorer from Florida International University photographs a plant as part of the annual City Nature Challenge. CONTRIBUTED 2. Ocean Studies students check out some of the things they picked up during the Blitz on the Bay event at Florida Bay Outfitters.

1

UPPER ECHELON

2

Nature challenge sees observation increase JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

or the first time, the Upper Keys community participated in the annual City Nature Challenge, which called on scientists, citizen scientists and nature and science fans to submit pictures of wild plants, animals and fungi.

Joining Florida International University and neighboring MiamiDade, the Upper Keys community, from April 26-29, had more than 400 observations and more than 200 species photographed. Miami and the Upper Keys together made 12,127 observations, to place 25th out of 159 cities in the world. In addition, the two communities did enough observing and documenting to rank in the top 5 for a city in an equatorial climate.

Florida International University and Analisa Duran, education and outreach coordinator, headed up the challenge locally with help from schools and organizations. Using the free mobile app iNaturalist, the

3

3. Analisa Duran, FIU education and outreach coordinator, takes a look at a critter with a young explorer.

25

Miami and Upper Keys team found 1,966 individual species to place 17th out of 159 cities. In addition, 536 more people participated between Miami Dade and Monroe counties — more than double last year’s total.

Locally, a Blitz on the Bay event saw Ocean Studies Charter School, Florida Bay Forever and FIU exploring and identifying wildlife species at Florida Bay Outfitters and Caribbean Club. Duran said kids were quite interested in looking for cool critters to identify – from beetles on land to algae in the seagrass bed.

“The idea of this weekend was to get people in the community outside, enjoying and learning about nature,” she said. “iNaturalist is great because it gives everyone the chance to be a scientist and to be curious about the natural world around them. The identifications that become “research grade” will be sent to other databases that are used by real scientists. So potentially, an identification made by a 6-year-old in Key Largo of a sea cucumber might make its way into the hands of a scientist who can benefit from it. Even new species have been found on iNat.” Duran said environmental events like this open the doors for kids to explore careers in STEM and become environmental stewards who take ownership in conserving and protecting wildlife.

“Being a scientist is fun and teaching kids at a young age about wildlife will shape them to become science-minded conservationist decision makers,” she said.

Martha Loizeaux, marine science teacher at Ocean Studies Charter School, helped students prepare Florida Bay related projects to show to their families at the event. The students even had a “plastic shop,” where they earned prizes in return for picking up plastic pollution.

Duran acknowledged the work of Elizabeth Jolin, founder of Florida Bay Forever, who sponsored the event. Duran also noted how Jolin is promoting the conservation and protection of the Florida Bay and believing that educating children about the issues is very important.

26

ENTERTAINMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

Located in The Greeen House 99304 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, Florida 33037

The father-son duo of Merrick and Mitch Egber. Merrick is a songwriter and Mitch, a poet who was formerly in a cover band, plays guitar. CONTRIBUTED

VOICE FOR AUTISM Music an outlet for Merrick JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

ith five intimate stages and a host of elite performers, the Key Largo Original Music Festival is bringing continuous tunes Thursday through Sunday, May 16-19.

The four-day festival is bringing musical artists in country, folk, pop, rock and blues to Key Largo stage venues at Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, Snook’s Bayside and Cactus Jack. Among the visiting performers are the father-son duo of Merrick and Mitch Egber.

At 15, Merrick developed an idea for a hobby for songwriting and poetry. Merrick told the Weekly during a recent interview that it was something he wanted to do as a way of prospering on his own terms. He’s dealt with many different things in his life, having been diagnosed with Asperger’s, an autism spectrum disorder. He’s also had to deal with anxiety and depression, and he says it all contributed to the journey he took during his early years.

“I got into the Beatles and the sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s,” said Merrick, now 32. “It inspired me enough to see if I could write my own material, describing what I was feeling at the time, and dealing with the fact that I needed an outlet to communicate feelings and expressions.”

Going to high school and graduating from a four-year college, Merrick was hired by the Els for Autism Foundation, where he now serves as administrative assistant. The foundation was established in 2009 by Liezel and Ernie Els, pro golfer, to bring leading-edge programs and services for families and caregivers in the world. Merrick wrote the song “Like a Butterfly” for the Els Foundation’s grand finale in Las Vegas. He also performed the song during his live performance at the Ormond Beach Live Original Music and Art Festival last October.

Mitch Egber, a lawyer with the attorney general’s office in West Palm Beach, will play alongside his son and Joe LaTorre at the music festival.

Mitch, who played in a cover band, said patrons coming to music festival will hear the songs and meet Merrick.

“Merrick enjoys performing as he used to come with our band and sing some songs and his songs,” Mitch says.

The two haven’t performed in the Keys before. But when they do, it’ll be the furthest south they’ve traveled to showcase their music. Mitch said they’re happy that Sue Finney, who’s in charge of the festival, gave them the opportunity to play.

“I was pleasantly elated when I heard the news,” Merrick said. “I’m appreciative for her giving us time to play the 18th and 19th.”

Merrick and Mitch will perform Saturday night at Frijoles and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Caribbean Club, where they’ll be joined by LaTorre. For information about Merrick, visit merrickegber.com For more information about the Key Largo Original Music Festival, visit keylargooriginalmusicfestival.com.

GIVING

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

SNORKEL SUPPORT Companies donate trips to students

I

slamorada Dive Center, The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef, and J&A Charters, of Islamorada, absorbed much of the cost of running a private reef snorkel trip, simply to give an opportunity to young local students.

Students in grades K-5 have been studying the coral reef at Ocean Studies Charter School.

Through their marine science program, students are writing books about coral reef fish, studying the invasive lionfish in a partnership with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, and conducting comparison studies between coral reef fish of the Florida Keys and Bocas del Toro, Panama.

During the last week of April, students were able to gather their data through direct observation on Hens & Chickens Reef in Islamorada and Carysfort Reef at Ocean Reef Club.

Students enjoyed calm clear waters and called out in excitement when they spotted fish and invertebrates that they had researched in class.

These trips would not have been possible without the donations of the community dive and charter businesses. Islamorada Dive Center, The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef, and J&A Charters. — Contributed

From top: The fourth and fifth grade "Shark" class at Ocean Studies Charter School with Islamorada Dive Center out of Postcard Inn as they set out to snorkel at Hens & Chickens Reef.

CONTRIBUTED The first mate reaches down to a snorkeler in the kindergarten to first grade "Sea Star" class with J&A Charters, and Capt. John Oughton, out of Bud n' Mary's Marina. The class snorkeled at Cheeca Rocks.

A snorkeler in the first to second grade "Dolphins" class with The Dive Shop out of Ocean Reef Club.

The class snorkeled at Carysfort Reef.

27

28

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

Marlies Tumolo, Clean Seas Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary program coordinator, hangs the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys banner at the cleanup site. CHARLES FULCO/Keys Weekly

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary volunteer Jessica Hogan shows the American flag that was recovered from the mangroves. It will be properly disposed.

CRUCIAL CLEANUP Cleaning up Tavernier shoreline CHARLES FULCO

www.keysweekly.com

O

n Saturday morning, Clean Seas Florida Keys hosted a shoreline cleanup just off Planter Drive in Tavernier.

This area is historically significant as it is the site of Planter, one of the first settlements in the Florida Keys. This was just one of the organization’s monthly cleanups in the Upper and Lower Keys.

While the group came to clean up trash in general, it became immediately apparent that plastics would make up the lion’s share of the collection.

What made this project significant was the debris was then catalogued using NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring Protocols. This involves recording and classifying the debris as it is removed. This data will help NOAA more accurately study marine debris issues. Marlies Tumolo, Clean Seas Florida Keys coordinator for education and outreach, was the leader, and offered some insights to what her group is all about.

Tumolo previously worked at NOAA’s Office of National Marine

Sanctuaries in Washington, D.C., which oversees the protection of places of ecological and/or cultural significance to the public. One of those sites is the Florida Keys, where she oversees the outreach of education within this sanctuary site of 2,900 square nautical miles.

“We find plastic in every single ecosystem that we have here,” she said, “in sea grasses, in the mangroves, or out on the reef. As we’re well aware, our health and economy here is directly linked to the health of our coral reef ecosystem, so tourism, fishing, boating, etc., are completely dependent on its sustainability “There have a been a lot of studies lately about how plastic enters the food chain, and that it never really goes away. Currently, humans only recycle about 9% of the plastic we create, and the majority of that is burned or buried or tossed away, and that is the issue we’re dealing with now. As it gets out into the environment, it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces, and those little pieces look very similar to food, so fish and other larger animals are eating them, and then as we eat those animals, the plastic enters our own systems.”

When asked about raising student awareness in the Keys, Tumolo

proudly mentioned the Ocean Guardian School program, a small-grant project that funds schools to do environmental stewardship programs throughout the year.

“We now have four of those schools in the Keys, including three right here in the Upper Keys. Students seem to be more aware of trash and how it affects ecosystems because of this program. We also partner with scuba divers to collect underwater debris, so we have many angles of cleanup addressed.”

Awareness in schools starts with waste audits, she noted, where teachers will record what type of waste is being produced at school, and also its source. “We have an event called ‘Students for Zero Waste Week,’ which is a national program where students try to reduce their waste for a week, but we tell them to reduce it permanently. Once you know how and where you’re producing waste, you can focus on how to reduce it. There are easy, small steps to achieve this,” Tumolo said, like “bringing reusable lunch bags to school, stop using Styrofoam lunch trays, drink water from a reusable container instead of a plastic disposable bottle, and bring lunch in a reusable container—with reusable plastic ware—things like that.”

Lastly, Tumolo said, “outside of schools, people can make their voices heard at the places they frequent, as well as with their representatives. So, if plastic is a concern for you (and it should be), share that thought with others who can actually make the laws.”

A major outreach event in the Upper and Lower Keys has been the screening of “Plastic Island.” This film is a dramatic and graphic documentary of how plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean is harming marine wildlife, mainly through animals’ ingestion of plastic debris and objects like six-pack rings strangling sea and shoreline creatures. Once people, including business owners, have viewed this it usually makes them think twice about where their plastic waste is headed.

Partnering with Surf Rider, Reef Relief and others, these screenings are free and open to the public. Before the viewings, restaurant managers and owners are invited to attend a “Lead by Example” expo, where vendors like Sysco, Cheney Bros. and others who sell to these restaurants can showcase feasible biodegradable alternatives in order to facilitate establishments switching to these items.

The goal is to eliminate materials like single-use plastics and Styrofoam, and Key West has begun a postcard-writing campaign to encourage establishments to make the switch to greener materials. With this in mind, Tumolo said group mentality is slowly but visibly taking over when it comes to public and educational awareness.

“Progress happens when individuals come and work together — that’s when you get large-scale change happening,” she said.”

More information is at floridakeys.noaa.gov.

BUSINESS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

29

Neil Schoenfeld points to Spanish needles – full of bees. What is a few inches away? Pea rock. NELE KIRT/Keys Weekly

… about natural alternatives to herbicides?

CRUISIN’ AND DRINKIN’

Tiki boat operation opens in Key Largo The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce stopped by Snook’s Bayside on May 8 to cut the ribbon and mark the beginning of Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo. Key Largo franchise owners Dan and Laurie Cornell cut the ribbon with chamber members for their grand opening and celebrate on their tiki boat with Karen and Greg Darby, Cruisin’ Tikis company owners. The motorized tiki, which operates out of Snook’s Bayside, provides a stop-and-swim cruise, a ride around Buttonwood Sound and a sunset cruise. Information can be found at Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo’s Facebook page or by visiting cruisintikiskeylargo.com. NOLA ACKER/Keys Weekly

NELE KIRT

www.keysweekly.com

N

eil Schoenfeld is finding the solutions: Years ago in Colombia, aerial spraying for cocaine destroyed the water system and consequently the farms.

The World Health Organization had to step in to stop that.

Here, for example, we are using pea rock, which is full of lime and is polluting our water.

Then we use Roundup to keep the weeds out of pea rock. By doing that, we continue creating a dead and toxic zone.

Butterflies, bees, migrating birds, lizards, ibis – they all need food to live here.

And many developers landscape with non-natives.

Sarasota and a number of other cities in Florida and elsewhere have banned Roundup.

When using it, people don’t wear masks, inhale the fumes, the wind is blowing the poisonous particles into neighboring communities and people end up getting sick.

We have to start changing our ways.

For example, Amazon offers vinegar in a 30% concentrate (usually household vinegar has a 5% concentrate). Search “Home and Garden Vinegar.”

Instead of Roundup you could use this vinegar by diluting it with water 50/50.

Factory direct vinegar is made of corn and is 100% natural. It’s six times stronger than regular white vinegar and obviously made without glyphosate. The corn is grown by American farmers and the product is packaged in the state of New York.

To purchase specialty vinegars you can also go to www. factorydirectvinegar.com or call 1-888-565-7069.

My name is Neil Schoenfeld and I was born in Bronx, New York. My wife Sharon and I bought our first home in the Keys in 1978. We have been married for 58 years and she is working alongside me in the field of nature conservation and preservation. I am a former Audubon President in Westchester County, New York and for years I have been volunteering in Crane Point Museum and Nature Center taking people to nature and historic walks.

What are you wondering about? Email nelekirt@yahoo. com.

30

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

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 am starting my own landscaping company.

Enjoy more time together with the money you save on a quick and easy Keys Auto Loan!

Apply Now. Call 305-294-6622

Download our

Go to KeysFCU.org

Mobile App

Visit any branch in Key West at 3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd. or 514 Southard St., in Big Pine at MM30, or in Marathon at MM53.5 Gulfside Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys, their families and our local military community. *Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Restrictions and processing fee may apply.

Certified Building & Roofing Contractor and Licensed Home Inspector Residential and Commercial Construction and Roofing Property Insurance Claim Aid

Experience the difference working with a Life Long Keys Contractor.

CBC1259977 CCC1330479 HI5001

What is your favorite subject and why? Math and science… We have the best science teacher ever, Ms. Bobbi, she is funny. I like math too. Both math and science will get me into a good college for engineering.

What organizations and activities are you involved with at TVM? I am on the basketball team.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? My favorite food for lunch is a good medium rare hamburger.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? I want to be an aerospace engineer/entrepreneur. I want to build something that can better our world.

What do you hope to be remembered for at TVM? I hope to be remembered for my respectfulness and appreciation toward all my teachers.

Call Andrew today.

305 304-9284 andrew@granderconstruction.com www.granderconstruction.com

PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT PROTECT YOUR PIPES FKAA.com | 305-296-2454

10’ MIN FROM PIPE

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? My favorite way to spend my spare time is out on the water, fishing, sailing and doing water sports.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home in the future?

Why or why not? Yes I will make the Keys my permanent home in the future because it is paradise to me. I also love to go fishing. I also would love to retire owning a fishing boat.

EIGHTH GRADE

• Great rates from 1.99%APR* • Fast Local Decisions • Affordable Payments

STEVEN WILSON

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? All my teachers.

Why? Because they’re all great in different ways.

31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

Friday 5/24 7-9pm

Live Entertainment

305-664-2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

Thur May 16 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Fri May 17 Ericsson Holt Band 6-10PM Magic by Michael Trixx after Sunset Sat May 18 Rogue Theory 6-10PM Sun May 19 Jodi Gaines 12-4PM Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Mon May 20 The Carousers 6-10PM Magic by Michael Trixx after Sunset Tues May 21 Dennis Holmes 6-10PM Wed May 22 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Magic by Michael Trixx after Sunset

Test your random knowledge for fun prizes! FREE!!

Groups up to 6 people.

81611 Old Hwy Islamorada MM81.6

WE’VE MOVED!

It only takes a capful of water to breed over 300 mosquitoes.

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

Help protect your friends, family and neighbors from mosquito-borne diseases by walking around your yard and dumping water out weekly!

Only $12 Includes: Guided Tour Museum Ferry Boat Ride

For service requests or fish, www.keysmosquito.org or 305.292.7190 www.pigeonkey.net • (305) 743-5999

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

32

KEYS SPORTS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

SPECIAL HONORS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A

Girls lacrosse gets 5 named to all-district

S

everal Coral Shores girls lacrosse players are receiving recognition for their exceptional play on the field this past season.

Sophomore Kaylee Stoky and senior Macey Harrelson were named to first team all-district.

Stoky, a midfielder, finished the season with six interceptions, 31 ground balls, 10 goals and one assist. Harrelson, an attacker, closed the season with 14 goals, five freeposition goals, two assists, one interception and 21 ground balls.

Three players were named to second team all-district: senior defensive standout Shannon McCormick; midfielder Natalie Dixon, a senior; and Alexis Martin, sophomore who played attack, midfield and defense.

“These girls have earned their spot on the all-district team,” said Coach Dominique Colarusso. “They have came to every practice ready to work, at every game they gave it their all, and every win or loss, they pushed through it to build themselves to be the best they could be the following game. To these girls I give them the highest praise I am proud to be their coach on and off the field.”

Alexis Martin

Kaylee Stoky

s a parent I come to you moved by a generous company who donated their time and materials to create a more entertaining and safer playground at my daughter’s school. LaRocco installed a roll of AstroTurf, which the kids think is the coolest carpet in the universe, and they donated small pea-rocks making it easier for the little ones to walk on. That’s not all! They went above and beyond that, making the driveway safer for our vehicles by donating a load of pea-rock and leveling it out for us parents who cringe as we hit the dip every morning.

“Dolphin Montessori Children’s House North gives a million thanks to La Rocco, and especially Mr. Brian Conover for transforming our yard into a beautiful masterpiece,” said our principal.

They are absolute heroes in my book. It’s the people who give for the greater purpose without expecting anything in return that deserve the most praise! Thank you LaRocco for all your hard work and pearock; this mommy truly appre

Macey Harrelson Natalie Dixon

Proud mother of two, Kelly Randin

— Contributed

Shannon McCormick

33

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT

ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans Trucks- Running or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

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 .

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

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

2018 Hurricane Deck Boat - SD2690-Yamaha 300HP - 28 hours. Like new. Many extras. Located in Marathon. $74,900 docrons1@bellsouth.net 3 0 5 - 3 6 0 - 2 4 6 2 CALL after 5pm.

‘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

O F F I C E ADMINISTRATOR – Marathon.

Friendly outgoing personality with good computer knowledge. Will train for specific duties. Full Time Position Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Please email resume to: keyshumanresources 61@gmail.com Seacamp on Big Pine Key is looking for a certified SCUBA Instructor.

Please contact Judy at 305-8722331 ext 245 for more information. Level II background check and drug testing required.

Fl Keys Elks Lodge #1872 in Tavernier accepting applications for Part-time Bartenders.

Pick up application at the lodge at 92600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier or call Ruth at 305-9231880.

MARINA HELP WANTED! Duck Key Marina. Call Courtney (305) 289-0161

Experienced Diesel Technician wanted.

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

Opportunity for growth and training 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.

305.743.0844

HOMES FOR RENT

On canal w/ocean access.

50’ dock.

3BR/1/5BA Mobile Home, Tamarac Park, Geiger Key, MM 10. $2,000/month.

F/L/S 305-744-9901 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. $1,300/month + utilities.

F/L/S 305-481-6887 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!

MISC. FOR SALE

NEW Mahogany Pedestal Table – 42” with 4 chairs. $225.00 Located in Tavernier.

305-852-8496 SOLD 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: WEDDING BELLS ACROSS 1. Up and about 6. Originally part of smog 9. *Combining ____ pool 13. Tarzan’s swing 14. It is well, if it ends well 15. *Acquired parent 16. Coastal feature 17. *Solemn promise 18. Greyish brown 19. *One of two wedding tossables 21. *Train ready for dancing 23. Scottish cap 24. Dole out 25. Cartridge contents 28. Bangladeshi currency 30. Mischievous-like 35. Designer’s ____book 37. Research facil.

39. Jedi’s aura 40. A Flock of Seagulls’ hit 41. From around here 43. Sound at a funeral 44. Road-tripping guide 46. Curbside call 47. Octagonal sign 48. *Length of a veil 50. Pro ____ 52. Lt.’s subordinate 53. Rinna or Lampanelli 55. Clod chopper 57. *Wedding meal option 60. *Like ring finger 63. One born to Japanese immigrants 64. From Colorado to Wisconsin, on compass 66. Be limp 68. Anoint 69. ____ Iacocca 70. Blood circulation artery 71. “____, over here!”

72. Hole punching tool 73. *Not to be seen by groom

DOWN 1. Princess Jasmine’s “prince” 2. Deliver a carol 3. Samoan money 4. Dead to the world 5. Drum roll sound 6. Like Eliza Doolittle 7. *One of four wedding “somethings” 8. Geography class prop 9. Buzzing pest 10. Twelfth month of Jewish year 11. Back of the neck 12. Ovine mom 15. Reflexive form of “it” 20. Spam, e.g.

22. Beehive State native 24. *It runs from tears 25. Hipbone-related 26. Magnetic ____ 27. Down Under marsupial 29. *To be tied 31. *Some write their own 32. All worked up 33. *Future descendant 34. Gives a hand 36. ____sack 38. Plural of taxon 42. Lithograph, for short 45. Popular post 49. It makes your nose grow?

51. Barbary sheep 54. Tall ancient monument 56. Possible result of trial 57. Trash containers, e.g.

58. Brings into play 59. Matted wool 60. Experience emotion 61. Ripped 62. Sexual attraction, slangily 63. Afternoon shut-eye 65. *Another of four wedding “somethings” 67. “Swan Lake” step

34

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/25/2019, 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.

JYARN07E74A009462 2004 YAMAHA Publish: May 9 & 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

be attending this meeting utilizing Communications Media Technology. For a copy of the agenda or other information, contact Janet Gunderson, Grants Coordinator; 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213; Key West, FL 33040; 305-292-4470; gundersonjanet@monroecounty-fl. gov.

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”.

Publish: May 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

(Petitioner), by and through its undersigned counsel, and pursuant to the provisions Rule F (4) give notice of filing a Verified Complaint for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability [DE-1] and the Court’s Order issuing a monition, restraining of suits, and approval of Ad Interim Stipulation of Value. [D.E. 3].

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition/ Complaint in Admiralty [DE-1] was filed on or about March 28, 2019 [DE-1] by Petitioner for exoneration from liability or, in the alternative, limitation of liability, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. §30501 et. seq. (formerly 46 App. U.S.C. §183 et seq.) and Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Admiralty Rule F for any loss, damage, injury or destruction caused by or resulting from an incident regarding Petitioner’s fleet of Personal Watercrafts on or about September 12, 2018 as is more fully described in the Verified Petition/Complaint [DE-1].

The Court has entered an Order directing the issuance of this notice, monition, and restraining of suits declaring that all persons having such claims must file their respective claims, as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty and Maritime Claims, with the Clerk of this Court and serve a copy thereof on counsel for the Petitioner, Frank J. Sioli, Sioli Alexander Pino, 9155 S. Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1600, Miami FL 33156, or through CM/ECF on or before July 2, 2019 as ordered by the Court or be defaulted.

If the Claimant desires to contest either the right to exoneration from or limitation of liability, it shall file and serve on the counsel for Petitioner an answer to the Complaint on or before July 2, 2019, the date set by the Court unless its claim has been included in an answer, so designated, or be defaulted.Respectfully submitted for publication this 3 day of May 2019.

SIOLI ALEXANDER PINO Counsel for Petitioner FLYING FISH, INC. d/b/a ISLA MORADA WATERSPORTS COMPANY. 9155 S. Dadeland Blvd, Suite 1600 Miami FL, 33156 305.428.2470 (O) 305.428.2471 (F) By: Frank J. Sioli, Esq.Florida Bar No: 009652 FSioli@siolilaw.com Publish: May 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

DIVISION: Civil Windward Pointe Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a corporation not-for-profit under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs.

John Joseph Higgins, et al.

Defendants. ________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION AS TO COUNT(S) II AGAINST DEFENDANT MELANIE MARSHALL To: MELANIE MARSHALL 2452 DELYS STREET COCOA, FL 32926 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) MELANIE MARSHALL, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce a lien on the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: Unit 5414, Week 28, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-14675 has been filed against you; and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on DAVID CRAMER, Plaintiff’s attorney, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice 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.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the ___30___ day of ___04______, 2019.

Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Civil Division By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 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 court proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Not later than five working days prior to the proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s office, at the Freeman Justice Center, 302 St. 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040.

Telephone: (305) 2923423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida

Relay Center, you may dial 7-1-1 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-955-8771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800-955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877-955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2a.m. daily) Publish: May 9 & 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA720-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 24th day of JUNE, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5811, Week 20, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-18876 Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) III AGAINST DEFENDANTS RAUL LOPEZ AND TIFFANY LOPEZ entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of May, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Unit 5811, Week 20 Plaintiff, VS. STEPHANIE CAROL MILLER, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-720-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 9TH day of May, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 16 and 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5214, Week 29, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-17220 Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) IV AGAINST DEFENDANTS KYRAN P. MCCARTHY AND FRANCINE D. MCCARTHY entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of May, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Unit 5214, Week 29 Plaintiff, VS. STEPHANIE CAROL MILLER, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-720-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 9TH day of May, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 16 and 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF SALE Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be selling a multiple surplus of vehicles. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.

The bids will be opened publicly on Tuesday at 10:30am, May 28, 2019 at: Key West Headquarter Building 5525 College Rd. Key West, FL 33040 A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso. net. Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Building, or by contacting: Johnnie Yongue 305-2937477 Michael Griffin 305-2926832 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Road Key West, FL 33040 The property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters Building at: 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 MULTIPLE VEHICLES on the following dates and times: Tuesday, May 21, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 23, 2019 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition.

All sales are, as is no warranty. All sales are final.

Publish: May 9 & 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board/ Monroe County Board of County Commissioners The Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) will meet Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 9:00 AM in the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Meeting Room, on the 2nd Floor, 2798 Overseas Highway. The Board will make recommendations on the County Fiscal Year 2020 funding for human services. The public is advised that some or all of the members of the Monroe County Commission may attend the meeting and discuss items that may come before the Commission.

Members of the HSAB may

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: LED LIGHTING UPGRADE FOR KEY WEST AND KEY LARGO LIBRARIES 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 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO.: 4:19-cv-10047JLK IN ADMIRALTY In The Matter of: FLYING FISH, INC. a Florida Corporation d/b/a Isla Morada Watersports Company.

For Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability as the owner of a fleet of Personal Watercrafts, its engine, tackle, appurtenances, etc-------------------------/ PETITIONER’S NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, MONITION AND INJUNCTION COMES NOW, FLYING FISH, INC. d/b/a ISLA MORADA WATERSPORTS COMPANY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 18-CA000871-K

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA720-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 24th day of JUNE, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5523, Week 23, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-14570 Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) I AGAINST DEFENDANTS STEPHANIE CAROL MILLER AND ROBERT ODELL MILLER entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of April, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Unit 5523, Week 23Plaintiff, VS. STEPHANIE CAROL MILLER, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-720-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 9TH day of May, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 16 and 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA720-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 24th day of JUNE, 2019

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA720-K AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 24th day of JUNE, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5412, Week 46, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the

35

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-15407 Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) IX AGAINST DEFENDANTS GUEROL ALCIN AND GUERDA GELIN ALCIN entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of May, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Unit 5412, Week 46 Plaintiff, VS. STEPHANIE CAROL MILLER, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-720-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 9TH day of May, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 16 and 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

A/K/A MARYISA WRONKA; Unknown Spouse of MARYSIA L. WRONKA A/K/A MARYSIA WRONKA; Bay Harbor Association Inc.; Unknown Parties in Possession #1; Unknown Parties in Possession #2; USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 16-CA000196-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 16TH day of APRIL, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 16 and 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 16 and 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 19-DR-136-P Division: Family KIMBERLY ANN TRIOLET, Petitioner, and JORGE LUIS RODRIGUEZ, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: JORGE LUIS RODRIGUEZ Respondent’s last known address: 9175 SW 147TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FL 33196 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on KIMBERLY ANN TRIOLET, whose address is 185 NORMANDY DRIVE, TAVERNIER, FL, 33070, on or before June 7, 2019, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, TAVERNIER FL, 33070, 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: May 7, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jennifer Zemmel Deputy Clerk Publish: May 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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 16, 2019.

Personal Representative: Robert R. Brundage 19 Iroquois Rd. Manasquan, New Jersey 08736 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway Marathon, FLORIDA 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@ rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@rewarnerlaw. com Publish: May 16 & 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 16, 2019.

Personal Representative: COLEEN T. GARTENMAYER 3322 Riviera Drive Key West, FL 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: CARA HIGGINS, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0734241 HORAN & HIGGINS, LLP 608 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Telephone (305) 294-4585 Facsimile (305) 294-7822 E-Mail: cara@horanhiggins. com Publish: May 16 & 23, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 16-CA-000196-P NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 5TH DAY OF JUNE 2019 at 11:00AM on THE FRONT STEPS OF THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, in the City of KEY WEST Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: LOTS 12, 13, AND 14, BLOCK 1, AMENDED PLAT OF BAY HARBOR, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 2, AT PAGE 91, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Pursuant to the FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT entered in a case in said Court, the style of which is: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, VS. THOMAS J. WRONKA A/K/A THOMAS WRONKA; Unknown Spouse of THOMAS J. WRONKA A/K/A THOMAS WRONKA; MARYSIA L. WRONKA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 2012-CA000363-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 29th day of May, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: LOT 23, BLOCK 2, AMENDED PLAT OF COPPITT SUBDIVISION, (A RE-SUBDIVISION OF PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 116) LOCATED IN GOVERNMENT LOT 5, SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 67 S., RANGE 26 E., BIG COPPITT KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS RECORDED INP LAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE 50, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESCHEDULE FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 22nd day of April, 2019 Style of which is: FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, VS. JOSEPH PATRICK CLEMENTS A/K/A JOSEPH P. CLEMENTS AND DEBRA LYNN CLEMENTS A/K/A DEBRA L. CLEMENTS A/K/A DEBBIE L. CLEMENTS, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2012-CA-363-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 23RD day of April, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2019-DR-422-K Division: Family ADRIAN J. HARVEY, Petitioner, and NATALYA LITSOVA, Respondent, 2ND AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: NATALYA LITSOVA Respondent’s last known address: 3728 PAULA STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ADRIAN J. HARVEY, whose address is 324 WILLAMS STREET, KEY WEST, FL, 33040, on or before JUNE 10, 2019, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL, 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

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

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

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file 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: May 7, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Lisa M. Pierce Deputy Clerk Publish: May 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR

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 are required to serve a copy

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-30-M Middle Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN L. BRUNDAGE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John L. Brundage, deceased, whose date of death was March 16, 2019, 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP-69-K JUDGE TIMOTHY J. KOENIG IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD E. TOOMER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RICHARD E. TOOMER, deceased, whose date of death was March 14, 2019, 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 is 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 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) MONTHES 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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-000032-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STEVEN C. MITCHELL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Steven C. Mitchell, deceased, whose date of death was January 31, 2019 is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. 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 who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the 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) YEAR OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is May 9, 2019.

Personal Representative: Gwendolyn Tisdale 135 Ferguson Lane Valencia, PA 16059 Attorney for Personal Representative: David Hutchison, Esq. Florida Bar No. 997420 Hutchison & Tubiana, PLLC P.O. Box 1262 Key Largo, Florida 33037 Tel: (305) 451-0013 Fax: (305) 451-0024 info@floridakeyslegal.com Publish: May 9 & 16, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

36

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

DAYCARE TEACHER

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING!

• FT or PT Bell Valet Attendant • FT Sous Chef • FT Room Attendant • FT Engineer • FT Line Cook • On call – Licensed Nail Tech Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist (FL License) Apply online at: https://www.noblehousehotels.com/careers Apply in person at: Zero Duval St. Come see why our employees love to call Ocean Key home!

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

MARINE HVAC TECHS NEEDED ! ! !

We are a well-established Marine Service company located in the Florida Keys. We are seeking qualified and experienced (at least 2 years) professionals for Marine Service Technician positions. The primary job would be diagnosing for repair or installing new: Marine Air Conditioning, Marine Refrigeration, as well as Electrical wiring (both DC and AC), installing battery chargers, inverters, etc. If you have HVAC experience and are comfortable around mid to large size yachts, please contact me to discuss further. We may also be able to accommodate someone who only wants to live and work here in the winter (6 months out of the year).

Our Employees: • Must have a valid Driver's License and reliable transportation • Must have a clean Driving Record (will be verified) • Pass a Background Check • Have strong Work Ethics • Must be able to lift 50+ pounds • Need strong communication skills • Must be Drug Free • Need an understanding of OSHA standards 2992 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Office (305) 289-1150 • Fax (305) 289-0275 Info@saltservice.net • www.saltservice.net

Grace Jones Daycare is a well-respected day care facility in Marathon looking for additional staff. We are dedicated to providing memorable experiences, quality child care, and excellent learning opportunities. This is YOUR opportunity to join our team of energetic and friendly teachers. We are looking for a caring, qualified, and professional full time teacher to join us in creating a positive learning environment. If you are, or wish to become, a qualified and passionate early childhood teacher, call the Executive Director, Iris Coe, at 305-743-6064 during normal work hours.

PART TIME HOUSEKEEPER

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

Saturday only and Seasonal Workers are welcome to apply.

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

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.

Communications Officer – MARATHON Monroe County Sheriff's Office is seeking applicants with strong communications’ skills, proficient computer knowledge and ability to multi-task.

Position involves receiving incoming calls, interpreting emergency and non-emergency communications: dispatch of deputies, other emergency service units and providing arrival instructions for Emergency Medical Dispatching.

Qualifications required: High School diploma or equivalent. Type 35 wpm, successfully pass pre-test and questionnaires. Work all shifts and natural disasters.

Starting salary: $41,993.00 Complete preliminary application at www.keysso.net. Email resumes to salexander@keysso.net or fax to (305) 292-7159. Suzanne Alexander may be contacted @ (305) 292-7044. EOE/AAP

Purchasing Assistant High School diploma/GED required, minimum one year experience in the purchasing field preferred. Work includes purchasing equipment, materials and supplies for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office supply room in accordance with professional purchasing procedures. Also involves planning inventory levels and generating purchase orders for supply room inventory items to ensure accuracy. Starting salary is $ 37,236.00. Fill out the online preliminary application at www.keysso.net and send resume to cslebodnick@keysso.net or fax to (305) 292-7159. Contact Charles Slebodnick at (305) 292-7044. EEO/AAP

NEW 2019 RV TRAILER FOR SALE Located on premier waterfront lot in well-maintained park in Marathon. Boat dock at your door with FREE 6-month dockage.

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

Never occupied. Sleeps four, electric fireplace, hardwood flooring, one slide-out, power awning, outside built-in refrigerator and stove, LED lighting. $39,900*

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

Call (305) 743-6020 *Lot rent not included.

Please call 305-393-1002

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

FOR SALE $55,000 • '95 INTREPID CC - 28¹ • '98 YAMAHAS X225 LOW HOURS • TOO MANY OPTIONS TO LIST • APPRAISAL WAS $72,400 W/TRAILER • LOCATED IN MARATHON

PLEASE CALL 305.743.6505 AFTER 1PM

37

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District Salary $15.80- $23.20/hour Key West, Sugarloaf and Upper Keys (3 work locations) • No Experience Required

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

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

Apply in person Townsquare Mall Marathon

305.743.0844

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

• Benefits • CDL Training Provided work as a Bus Aide while training • Full Time or Flexible Part Time Hours 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

Ocean Key Resort & Spa is Hiring for Housekeepers!

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

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

Apply today!

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

noblehousehotels.com/careers 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, Front Desk 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 BELLMAN 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

38

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 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

MONROE COUNTY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019

O

DEADLINE EXTENDED

n May 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) extended the deadline for a grant to remove sediment lodged in Keys Canals by Hurricane Irma. The county now has through Aug. 18 to complete the sediment removal work.

“We got it in the nick of time,” said Monroe County’s Rhonda Haag, sustainability director, who said otherwise the work would have ended that day.

The grant covers 10 canals — three in Marathon, five on Big Pine Key, and two in Islamorada. Two of the Marathon canals have already been completed in the area of Tingler Island near Sombrero Beach.

Work has begun in Islamorada on canals 148 and 157.

The sediment removal is a little more involved than clearing marine debris from canals. Greg Tolphin of Adventure Environmental in Tavernier is overseeing the work. It begins by installing a boom connected to a curtain that extends to the bottom of the canal to prevent turbidity from entering open waters.

“We have an excavator on a barge and the sediment goes into a dewatering box on the barge,” Tolpin said. “Then it’s transferred to another dewatering box on land before being trucked away.”

All the sediment is analyzed. Tolpin said the two Marathon canals tested clean and the fill labeled for “reuse.”

The project is monitored by the Wood Environment to ensure all safety and environmental standards are met.

The sediment removal projects are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to restoring canal water health in the Florida Keys. For example, the count is going back to the NRCS with a list of 244 more canals that were affected by Hurricane Irma. Haag said the county has better documentation, including sonar and underwater photos to submit. And, later this week, Haag will have the first meeting with state officials to begin work on restoring ALL the canals in the Florida Keys.

“This will be the third leg of the stool when it comes to Keys water quality,” Haag said. “The other two are stormwater and wastewater initiatives that are already complete.”

County has more time to remove sediment SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

WE ARE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 15 YEARS UPPER KEYS

DISTRIBUTED KEYS - WIDE

TROPICAL LIVING MAGAZINES (over 30 magazines annually)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

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

PREFERRED PROGRAM PARTNER OF: MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET / OCEANFEST KEY WEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and more…

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

Marathon 9709 Overseas Highway 305.743.0844

www.keysweekly.com

39

Tavernier 91760 Overseas Highway 305.363.2957

40

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 16, 2019