Key West Weekly – 6/27/19

To fix the internet, and other reasons for Russian warship in Havana P.51

June 27, 2019

DOWN TO THE FINAL THREE BUBBAS VOTING HEATS UP | P.18

KEY LIME FEST

CITRUS CELEBRATION HITS KEY WEST | P.42

FOURTH OF JULY GUIDE BEST EVENTS FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND | P.10

BLUE STAR

NOAA PROGRAM PROTECTS OUR WATERS | P.28

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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REDA WIGLE

www.keysweekly.com

T

he solstice on June 21 marked the official start of summer. In the Keys, summer brings extremes; rising temperatures, warming seas, stinking seaweed, and a snowbird exodus. It’s easy to find reasons to grumble about the heat and dearth of tourist dollars, but in the spirit of positivity, we asked locals:

What do you love most about summertime in the Florida Keys?

“Everything. I don’t have any complaints. I’ve lived all over the country and this is definitely my heaven.”

— Amber Roth

“The water is warm. My memories of the time are warm. Playing volleyball on the beach, enjoying the day until 9 p.m. because the sun doesn’t set until late in the night.” — Shane La Beet

WE

LOCALS

W E E K LY D R I N K S P E C I A L S

“When you’re local, the place returns to feeling local. You feel the smallness and the intimacy of our community.”

— Andrew Packard

“Absolutely nothing. Summer equals total boob sweat.” — Angela Marino

“The calmer seas and being able to take the boat out. The summer brings better conditions for diving and snorkeling.” — Caspian Packard

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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The number of bids as of June 26 on what is described as a piece of railroad track surreptitiously removed from the Seven Mile Bridge renovation, up for auction on eBay.

BUDGET FORECAST LOOKING SUNNY ENTERING HURRICANE SEASON SARAH THOMAS

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sthomas@keysweekly.com

t’s a busy season for Mark Finigan, finance director for the City of Key West. Finigan is a Conch and has worked for the city in different capacities for 17 years, working on projects from the sinking of the Vandenberg to wading through the FEMA reimbursement process after Hurricane Irma. Leading up to the finalization of the 2019-2020 budget, which will be set in September, Finigan is at the helm of balancing revenue and expenditures.

“My philosophy is there are always three elements of a good operating budget that I try to keep in balance,” he said. “One is the need to be sure we have adequate reserves. Two is to be sure we have sufficient resources: manpower and supplies to fulfill quality of life obligations the city has to its citizens, and third, to recognize that since the citizens are paying for it, that it should be affordable.” It’s a delicate balance, said Finigan. “You don’t want to overtax the taxpayer, but you need to fulfill their needs.”

Indeed, the potential of raising property tax is an issue on many folks’

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minds, though as Finigan points out, it’s only a fraction of revenue: shy of $17 million out of an approximately $188 million budget. The city has been in rollback for eight out of the last 10 years, which means while costs have increased, tax revenue has remained stagnant—some taxes have even lowered, based on property value.

“Rollback is not necessarily always good in a community,” said Mayor Teri Johnston. “We are now faced with a massive amount of streets that aren’t in good condition, sidewalks that aren’t walkable.” Johnston noted that triphazard lawsuits are also not good for the city economically or otherwise. She said a minor increase, while politically unpopular, could be good for the city and likely would not affect homesteaded homeowners, but rather developers or homeowners whose second — or third — home is in Key West.

“We do long-term modeling, so we can sustain a low or no increase,” said Finigan, “but occasionally you have to have them to keep up with providing the services, because costs go up.” He also mentions other sources of revenue, like parking and utility funds.

The draft budget meetings on July 24, 25 and 26 are open to the public.

What should residents know about how the new budget affects them, beyond the recurring property tax conversation? Finegan helps break down priorities.

HURRICANE SEASON One major issue is what the reserves look like entering the 2019 hurricane season. Finigan says he’s proud of what the city has managed to accomplish fiscally regarding Irma recovery. “We’ve been able to work collaboratively with FEMA and the state, and they’ve appreciated our level of documentation. We’ve received back the bulk of the money,” he said.

Acknowledging that other areas along the Keys bore the brunt of the storm, Continued on page 7.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019 Continued from page 4.

BUDGET FORECAST Finigan explained that the city has largely recovered its reserves, and didn’t have to borrow money.

“We have a fund balance, which is reserves, and it calls for the city to have between 20 to 25% of our operating reserves, which equates to 72 to 92 days.”

Those reserves were tapped into for Irma recovery, but after working diligently to recover them, Finigan says he believes at the end of this fiscal year, the reserves will be back in the 78- to 80-day range. Each day, it costs $130,000 to $140,000 to run the city.

“A lot of it depends on the severity of the storm,” Finigan says.

“There are storms that would require us to borrow money.”

The city inventoried 20 to 30 coastal tourist-based communities in Florida and settled on an adequate reserve number based on that research. At the projected 80 days of reserve, it means we’d be in strong shape if a storm hit.

INFRASTRUCTURE Key West residents and visitors often bemoan the cracked sidewalks or roads in ill-repair, though the city is constantly maintaining infrastructure. Rising costs have made improvements a challenge.

“We’ve been applying about the same amount of money for 5 to 10 years, and it’s pretty apparent that it’s falling behind in keeping pace with the normal degradation of the roads and streets,” Finigan said, “which brings me full circle to the question of needing adequate resources to catch up.” Finigan notes that the city would have to much more aggressively spend to address infrastructure issues, and they’d need to look at different ways to finance it. “We don’t have a whole lot of debt. So we do have excellent bonding capacity.” If the city were to tackle infrastructure more proactively, it’s possible that it would need to borrow money. “If we do go that route, and it’s a commission decision, we would get the most favorable rates.”

Finigan also notes accomplishments. He says the city has done a good job in the last 5-10 years “improving our vertical,” ie, with building projects like the new City Hall and Truman Waterfront Park. He said the infrastructure focus is shifting from vertical to “more quality of life, green space and open space. It sounds like streets and sidewalks are a priority.” The good news?

The city already has a study that Finigan calls “pretty granular” in surveying each street and looking at what degree they need to be repaired, so preparation is already taking place.

BUDGET HEARINGS “Our budget process, in terms of how it unfolds, is like any government agency, corporation, or non-profit,” he says. “It’s a bottom up approach, where you re-establish needs every year.”

Each department presented its needs to Finigan and his staff in March, and now the finance department is assembling those inputs. He also reminds that there isn’t a single general fund, or pot, for the city, but rather upwards of 20 different funds, including utility funds like sewer and stormwater, the Key West and Garrison Bights, and community redevelopment areas, like the Caroline Street Corridors and Bahama Village. Thus certain money can only be used for certain purposes.

On July 24, 25 and 26, they will present the budget in a workshop setting to the commission.

In September, they will present the budget in two hearings: a tentative approval and then a final reading. The budget is adopted by commission resolution.

If anyone questions the city’s spending, or where the money is going, these hearings are open to the public, to clarify the reasoning and the process.

The Weekly will continue to update readers as the process unfolds.

POT LAW

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MARATHON TWEAKS ORDINANCE FOR CIVIL FINES FOR POSSESSION SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

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lthough law enforcement officers in Monroe County and Keys municipalities have the ability to issue civil fines, or tickets, for citizens in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana, it’s only happened six times since 2016.

That’s because the back end of the ordinance is funkier than a funny-smelling cigarette.

Marathon City Council took a first step on June 11 to clear up the issue. It removed language from its ordinance that involved the code board (now defunct in the city) and upped the fine. The amended ordinance also makes it clear how the fine is to be paid, or challenged, and the consequences of doing nothing.

While all of the municipalities adopted the law in 2016, Marathon is the first to tweak the language.

However, Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger said the county is “working on an amendment to the ordinance to address some administrative issues that weren’t contemplated in the original ordinance.”

The county and each city’s ordinance will likely end up being very similar for a very compelling reason.

“The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t just cover the municipal limits of Marathon,” said Marathon attorney David Migut.

“We don’t want the officers to have to follow different procedures whether they are in Marathon or on Duck Key.” MCSO Capt. Don Hiller of the Marathon substation said, “This is another tool in our tool box. And, it’s at the officer’s discretion.”

When a Monroe County sheriff’s deputy finds a person in possession of 20 grams or less he or she has options: issue a ticket for the civil infraction; issue a notice to appear (387 have been issued since 2016 by the MCSO); or make an arrest. Since 2016, there have been 1,056 cases where someone in Monroe County in possession of 20 grams of marijuana or less was

HOW MUCH IS 20 GRAMS OF MARIJUANA? 1. It weighs the same as a regular toothbrush.

2. It weighs about as much as an AA battery.

3. It weighs the same as four nickels.

arrested, but in each instance the person was also charged with another offense such as trespassing or possession of another controlled substance.

If a person is issued a civil citation in Marathon, he or she may pay $105 at the nearest Monroe County Clerk of the Court office just like a traffic ticket. If he or she contests the ticket by scheduling a court hearing within 30 days, they must pay $500 and possibly court fines, or if the court finds them unable to do so, perform courtsupervised community service. If the person loses the case, or does nothing, the matter will be referred to the state attorney’s office for possible prosecution. The original fee schedule in Marathon ranged from $100 to $250.

The civil citation does not result in a criminal record. However, it is still an illegal drug. In other words, don’t smoke a joint in front of a police officer and count on the deputy giving you a ticket.

Marathon’s civil infraction ordinance has two important exceptions: Juveniles are not eligible to just pay a fine. And it is not illegal for those with a medical marijuana prescription to possess “low-THC cannabis,” or medical marijuana.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

HENRIQUEZ ENTERS RACE Monroe County Tax Collector makes bid for commission seat SARAH THOMAS

sthomas@keysweekly.com

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Jessie Grieb arrives at the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. marker on June 14, 2019, in Key West. GIANCARLO ESPINOSA/Florida Keys News Bureau

WALK AIMS TO RAISE OPIOID AWARENESS TREK OF 2,575 MILES GOES FROM MAINE TO KEY WEST

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South Carolina woman has arrived in Key West, completing a 2,575-mile walk to create awareness of the opioid overdose crisis.

Jessie Grieb ended her journey on the East Coast Overdose Awareness Walk on June 14 at the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. marker. The date marks the fourth anniversary of her brother Brian’s death from an accidental overdose. Grieb also lost a boyfriend to heroin and has struggled herself with addiction since she was 17.

The Pawleys Island resident started her trek in Fort Kent, Maine, July 28, 2018, after she had suffered a relapse.

"I just hope this can inspire people, you know, that are dealing with addiction and grief,” Grieb said. “I've been struggling with both of those things for years now, and it's just a matter of not giving up and keep pushing forward."

Throughout her journey, Grieb overnighted in police and fire stations as well as with friends and supporters. Sometimes she camped in parks and on bike trails.

"Every mile that I walked, two people in this country will die

from overdose,” she said. “Last year we lost over 72,000 people, which is more than the Vietnam war itself.

“It's getting up to over 100 – almost 200 – people every day that are dying from this,” she added.

Supporters accompanying her to the Southernmost Point carried banners bearing photos of nearly 500 overdose victims.

To help carry supplies, Grieb towed a small cart named “Lieutenant Dan” in honor of the “Forrest Gump” character who dealt with addiction in the movie. The cart also carried Dakota, a dog she adopted in South Carolina.

— Contributed OPIOID ADDICTION Florida Keys AHEC and other partners are hosting community workshops to educate the public about opioid misuse and addiction. Pam McGarvey, APRN, and Ashley Garbutt, RN have presented the seminars on three consecutive days. One remains: • Marathon: Thursday, June 27, 6 to 7 p.m. at Marriott Courtyard.

To register, call 305.743.7111, Ext. 204.

anise “Dee Dee” Henriquez announced her bid for the District 1 seat on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on June 25, making the race one to watch. The seat is currently held by Danny Kolhage, who does not intend to seek reelection. Henriquez will run against former Key West Mayor Craig Cates. The Weekly announced Cates’ intention to run when he filed paperwork in January. No other candidates have filed yet.

Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez currently serves the county as Henriquez will tax collector, a position she has been in for 19 run for a seat years, in a department where she has worked for on the Monroe 30 years.

County Board of “I feel that I’ve served them well, and it’s time Commissioners. to continue to serve Monroe County in a different CONTRIBUTED capacity,” said Henriquez. Her track record is a long one: she’s collected over $300 million a year and in 19 years has never had a finding nor a recommendation.

“I have always balanced to the penny. That’s something my staff and I are very proud of,” she said. “Another thing is that if I don’t spend all the money I collect in fees, I return it to the county.

I have returned over $79 million dollars in unused fees to taxing authorities and the county.” In her position as tax collector, Henriquez says she has been “passionate about vacation rentals” and conducted careful audits of Air BnBs and other rentals.

Henriquez says, if elected as county commissioner, she will continue to champion the concerns of citizens regarding vacation rentals, and she’ll also focus on maintaining a balanced budget and allocating workforce housing.

Cates and Henriquez are familiar names and faces to the Key West and Lower Keys community (District 1 ‘It’s time to spans New Town Key West to Key Havcontinue to en). Cates was named mayor emeritus serve Monroe in November 2018 in a city resolution citing his track record of championing County in “legal, environmental and social wela different fare concerns” and working “diligently capacity.’ to improve city infrastructure.”

“I like, respect and want to thank Dee Dee for all of her years of community service,” said Cates, “but we are focused on addressing the county’s budget issues, hurricane preparedness and recovery and quality of life issues our residents are facing. I will offer my experience and ability to bring people together so we can keep the Keys moving forward.” He famously served five terms as mayor, and he and wife Cheryl Cates have had three daughters in Key West, Tammy, Nicole and Crystal.

Henriquez has been married for 37 years to husband Ralph, head baseball coach at Key West High School. Their son, Ralph Jr., was drafted out of high school by the Houston Astros and now coaches for the Atlanta Braves; daughter Ashley is an attorney in Tampa.

The election will take place Nov. 3, 2020. Although candidates must live in the district, the election is Keyswide.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

• TAX TALK • TAG TALK •

JULY

• Local Business Taxes may be renewed July 1, 2019. The 2019 Business tax expires September 30, 2019 and becomes delinquent on October 1, 2019.

• July 31st is the last day to pay your 1st Installment for 2019 Taxes.

• The lobster sport season begins @ 12:01AM on July 24th and ends at 12:00 Midnight on July 25th. The bag limit for Monroe County is 6 per person per day.

• 2018 Tax Certificate Sale was a success with 1,758 certificates sold in the amount of $6,042,408.04 • Driver License office located at 3439 S. Roosevelt Blvd will be closed Thursday August 1st & Friday, August 2nd moving to Sears town shopping center (old payless building) 3304 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

• The Tax Collector’s Offices throughout the Keys will be closed on Thursday July 4th for Independence Day.

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EVENTS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

SARAH THOMAS sthomas@keysweekly.com

4TH OF JULY Key West Style

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

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eave it to Key West to celebrate Independence Day with Key lime pies, mermaids, jam bands and, oh yeah, fireworks! Historically, the 4th of July is a day to celebrate the liberation of the United States of America from England. On July 4, 1776, our Continental Congress, representing the 13 colonies, claimed their independence and ratified the claim via the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed by our founding fathers. While the Revolutionary War would rage on until 1783 (England wasn’t going to give us up that easily), ultimately the States claimed victory, and a new nation.

Key West is the perfect place to celebrate a spirit of liberation: after all, we chose to secede from the union too, in 1982, under the flag of the Conch Republic. Our motto, One Human Family, also does work to remind us that while in 1776, only white male landowners truly could claim full freedom, in our island community, all are welcome to fly their flag, whatever it may be. Our island also takes celebrating very seriously and puts its own wacky tropical spin on traditional holidays. Rotary Club International teams up with the City of Key West to make sure it’s an unforgettable weekend. So check out the range of events over the long weekend, and mark your favorites on the calendar.

THURSDAY, JULY 4 ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST’S FOURTH OF JULY 5K Edward B. Knight Pier (White Street Pier) 7:30 a.m.

Get a healthy start to the holiday with the Rotary Club of Key West’s Fourth of July 5K Run/Walk. Supported by Southernmost Runners, the race starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Edward Knight Pier and ends at the same location. The entry fee is $25 until Wednesday, July 3 at 4 p.m.; the cost increases to $30 after. Runners and walkers can register online or in person on Wednesday, July 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. or Thursday, July 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Stars, stripes, and patriotic flare are encouraged. Sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeyWest/ RotaryClubofKeyWest4thofJuly5K KEY LIME FESTIVAL KICKOFF: World Key Lime Pie Eating Championship Southernmost Beach Café 1405 Duval St. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. *See full Key Lime Fest Event Spread p. 42* Do you have what it takes to be crowned the Key Lime Pie Eating World Champion?

Register if you think you can devour a 9” Key lime pie topped with a mountain of whipped cream faster than the competition. This world-famous event receives national media exposure and ranks among the sweetest competitive eating contests around. Doors open at 11 a.m. Contest starts at 12 p.m.

Free to watch. Entries are just $20 and include notoriety, a Key lime pie and the chance to be a champion.

FIREWORKS PARTY AND PICNIC Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds Street 5 p.m.

The Casa Marina Resort and Rotary International team up for a fun beachside evening.

There will be live music, dancing on the beach, a family fun zone with slides and a bounce house, face painting and a silent auction. Adult general admission is $10 and kids 3 and under get in free. Want to celebrate VIP style? For a $250 ticket, guests can enjoy a 3-hour private bar, and a beachside BBQ, featuring seafood paella, flank steak, Ashley Farm grilled chicken, and assorted sides and desserts. Private seating means the best seats on the beach. All proceeds go to Rotary’s scholarship fund. Purchase tickets here: https://keystix.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1139

Key West Rotary hosts a beach party at the Casa Marina, sand sculpture included with ticket price! ROTARY INTERNATIONAL/Contributed

ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST’S PATRIOTIC PARTY AT THE PIER AND FIREWORKS Edward B. Knight Pier (White Street Pier) 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Key West invites all community members and island visitors to the Patriotic Party at the Pier and Fireworks Show. Bring the whole family to enjoy food, music, and a close-up view of the fireworks.

Pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, beer, and other refreshments will be on sale. Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has proudly presented Key West’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show. This year’s show, staged in partnership with the City of Key West, will begin at 9 p.m. No admission fee.

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS VIEWING CRUISE ON THE FURY Historic Seaport, Dock #3, 631 Greene St. 8:30 p.m.

Join for a spectacular fireworks display aboard a Fury Catamaran. There’s nothing more beautiful than fireworks on the water.

Fury will sail out to an ideal spot to see the display. Guests can sit back, relax and enjoy drinks and a picnic, including glazed ribs, hot dogs, potato salad, roast corn and watermelon. Beverages including margaritas, beer, wine and champagne are included. $65.95 per ticket, register at www.furycat.com/keywest/

A Fury Catamaran may be the best seat for fireworks viewing. FURY CAT/Contributed

EVENTS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

LUAU WEEKEND AND POOL PARTY Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval Street 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Clothing optional pool party in the Garden Bar at Bourbon Street Pub. Kick off Independence Day weekend with a sexy luau party. $5 well drinks after the fireworks display at Atlantic Side beaches. Entertainment by DJs Gary Nolan, Rude Girl, Jeff Moss and the Men of Bourbon.

TRAIN COMES TO STOCK ISLAND KEY WEST HISTORY

BRAD BERTELLI

www.keysweekly.com

FRIDAY, JULY 5 MEET THE MERMAIDS Havana Cabana 3420 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Noon to 6 p.m.

Join for the International Mermaid Festival kick-off event at Havana Cabana. Hang poolside for a party with full bar and a tail-flipping good time. Kids can opt to swim with the mermaids in the biggest pool in Key West for $15; event is free and open to the public.

UNDER THE SEA ON THE GREEN Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel 3820 North Roosevelt Blvd.

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Key West Mermaid Festival will draw attention to saving the area’s nearby beaches and teaching all mermaids to swim safely in their tails. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit the marine conservation efforts of Reef Relief, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting Keys coral reefs. “Under the Sea on the Green” will be celebrating mermaid lore through local art, live music and community spirit. Mermaids and enthusiasts of all ages are invited to gather for a themed evening of shopping, artist pop-ups, live mermaid painting, notable mermaid appearances, airbrushing, face painting, food, drinks and live entertainment guaranteed to shake guest’s tails and flip their fins. The event is free and open to the public.

SAVE THE DATE June 27 • Currents and Crossroads, a conversation with Ocean Conservancy, to discuss their report on Florida’s Oceans and Coasts. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lost Kitchen Supper Club in Stock Island.

June 28-29 • That’s What She Shot Spearfishing Tournament, benefitting Womankind. Key West.

Friday, June 28 • Mystery Fest Key West kicks off with a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street, Key West.

• Reading by Nicole DennisBenn from her new book “Patsy” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Books & Books, Key West.

William Krome

The International Mermaid Festival swims its way to Key West Independence Day weekend. MERMAID FESTIVAL/Contributed

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B

efore his death, James Meredith was Henry Flagler’s head engineer on the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. In a report written for Meredith by engineer William Krome on March 23, 1905, Stock Island was described as, “The northern 2/3 of this key is high rocky hammock with a maximum elevation of over 8 feet at mean tide. Almost 1/4 of a mile from the north side of the key, a creek snakes nearly across parallel with the southern shore line. The strip between this creek is low and the rock is near the surface. There are no dwellings or springs on the key. Stock Island offers considerable opportunity for development in case of increasing population in Key West...” Five years later, on June 27, 1910 the Key West Citizen published the following account. “At 5 o’clock Sunday afternoon, June 26, 1910, with no ceremony and few witnesses, Mr. Ernest Cotton, Prof. M.P. Geiger, Dr. J.B. Maloney, Misses Margaret Jones, Florence and Ottillie, and a few railroad employees, the greatest event occurred on Stock Island that has ever happened - the landing of engine No. 12 of the FEC RR. She had a hard pull to get ashore as the grade was steep and rails slippery, but by the aid of a few shovels of sand and extra steam she landed high and dry. Three blasts of her whistle and she was ready for work.”

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

Saturday, June 29 • Mystery Fest Programming starting at 8:30 a.m. at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street, tickets at www.mysteryfestkeywest.com • Mango Fest at Bayview Park, 10 a.m. Key West.

July 4-6 • Independence Day Weekend events in Key West. Full lineup p. 10 July 4-7 • Annual Key Lime Festival, Key West.

July 5-7 • Inaugural Key West Mermaid Festival.

Friday, July 5 • Key Lime Cookbook Signing and Champagne Tour at Curry Mansion, 4:30 p.m. Key West.

Saturday, July 6 • Summer Reading Blast Off at 11 a.m. at Monroe County Library. Key West.

Thursday, July 11 • Leadership Monroe social for alumni and prospective class at 5:30 p.m. at Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens.

Saturday, Aug. 10 • Monroe County Fire Rescue “Beat the Heat” event, from 10 to 11 a.m., Bernstein Park, Stock Island.

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

12

Monroe County Property Transfers

GOOD DEEDS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

Listing Office

Selling Office

Sold Date

American Caribbean Real Estate Real Estate Sales Force Barbara Eads Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Century 21 Island Life BHHS Freewheeler Realty Platinum Properties RE/MAX All Keys RE/MAX All Keys American Caribbean Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt The Firm Realty Group BHHS Freewheeler Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty American Caribbean Real Estate Glenn Hoover Real Estate Buttonwood Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty Keller Williams Realty

Barbara Eads Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty Outside Of MLS - FKBR American Caribbean Real Estate Century 21 Island Life American Caribbean Real Estate Platinum Properties RE/MAX All Keys RE/MAX All Keys American Caribbean Real Estate Robert Slack LLC Coldwell Banker Schmitt Tropical Realty of the Florida Keys Tropical Realty of the Florida Keys Star Properties Real Estate Sales Force Buttonwood Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

6/20/2019 6/20/2019 6/18/2019 6/20/2019 6/19/2019 6/21/2019 6/20/2019 6/20/2019 6/21/2019 6/19/2019 6/19/2019 6/17/2019 6/24/2019 6/24/2019 6/19/2019 6/25/2019 6/20/2019 6/17/2019 6/21/2019

$ 477,000.00 $ 477,000.00 $ 439,900.00 $ 410,000.00 $ 459,000.00 $ 436,000.00 $ 429,000.00 $ 400,000.00 $ 1,750,000.00 $ 1,500,000.00 $ 699,000.00 $ 650,000.00 $ 399,000.00 $ 410,000.00 $ 210,000.00 $ 200,000.00 $ 375,000.00 $ 335,000.00 $ 315,000.00 $ 315,000.00 $ 574,900.00 $ 525,000.00 $ 445,000.00 $ 435,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 110,000.00 $ 130,000.00 $ 110,000.00 $ 949,000.00 $ 925,000.00 $ 889,000.00 $ 757,500.00 $ 599,000.00 $ 530,000.00 $ 175,500.00 $ 175,000.00 $ 424,000.00 $ 400,000.00

Keller Williams Realty Premier Trademark Properties BHHS Freewheeler Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Keller Williams Realty Premier RE/MAX All Keys Ocean Sotheby's International Coldwell Banker Schmitt Outside Of MLS

6/21/2019 6/24/2019 6/25/2019 6/19/2019 6/21/2019

$ $ $ $ $

279,000.00 869,000.00 496,000.00 178,000.00 900,000.00

RE/MAX Keys To The Key Island Breeze Realty RE/MAX All Keys BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Island Breeze Realty, LLC Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Keys Real Estate ATRIX Realty, Inc. Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX Keys To The Key

RE/MAX All Keys Robert Slack LLC Gail's Island Realty BHHS Keys Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt Island Breeze Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX All Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX All Keys Preferred Properties Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty

6/19/2019 6/20/2019 6/19/2019 6/20/2019 6/20/2019 6/24/2019 6/20/2019 6/20/2019 6/19/2019 6/21/2019 6/21/2019 6/21/2019 6/24/2019 6/24/2019 6/19/2019

$ 185,000.00 $ 175,000.00 $ 325,000.00 $ 290,000.00 $ 299,000.00 $ 283,000.00 $ 1,500,000.00 $ 1,100,000.00 $ 1,185,000.00 $ 1,129,000.00 $ 561,000.00 $ 535,000.00 $ 55,000.00 $ 55,000.00 $ 85,000.00 $ 85,000.00 $ 430,000.00 $ 415,000.00 $ 560,000.00 $ 495,000.00 $ 799,000.00 $ 750,000.00 $ 849,000.00 $ 807,000.00 $ 289,000.00 $ 275,000.00 $ 289,000.00 $ 275,000.00 $ 370,000.00 $ 350,000.00

Key Colony Beach Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Keller Williams Realty Premier Outside Of MLS - FKBR

6/19/2019 6/21/2019

$ 324,900.00 $ 310,000.00 $ 1,365,000.00 $ 1,325,000.00

Internet Realty KeyIsle Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Outside Of MLS KeyIsle Realty Cosgrove Realty

6/19/2019 6/19/2019 6/24/2019

$ 419,900.00 $ 405,000.00 $ 269,000.00 $ 240,000.00 $ 1,499,500.00 $ 1,375,000.00

Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Coldwell Banker Schmitt

6/19/2019

$

849,000.00 $

RE/MAX All Keys

RE/MAX All Keys

6/20/2019

$

BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty

Bascom Grooms Real Estate

6/24/2019

$

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Keller Williams Key West Compass Truman & Co. BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Vacasa Florida Coldwell Banker Schmitt Truman & Co. Keller Williams Key West Compass Coldwell Banker Schmitt Ocean Sotheby's International

Coldwell Banker Schmitt BE In Key West Real Estate Truman & Co. BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Truman & Co. Keller Williams Key West Compass Truman & Co. Ocean Sotheby's International

6/21/2019 6/18/2019 6/19/2019 6/19/2019 6/24/2019 6/20/2019 6/24/2019 6/19/2019 6/21/2019 6/21/2019

$ 509,000.00 $ 485,000.00 $ 1,190,000.00 $ 1,225,000.00 $ 575,000.00 $ 550,000.00 $ 2,311.00 $ 51,976.80 $ 409,000.00 $ 390,000.00 $ 565,000.00 $ 550,000.00 $ 795,000.00 $ 770,000.00 $ 2,950,000.00 $ 2,637,500.00 $ 799,999.00 $ 725,000.00 $ 1,590,000.00 $ 1,500,000.00

Key Largo

Plantation Key

Marathon

Key Colony

Big Pine Key

Sugarloaf Key Big Coppitt Geiger Key Key West

Street # Street Name

Yr Blt

Style

2 361 16 104350 12 355 185 325 233 12 13 9 0 0 39 97501 96000 90341 228

Flamingo Vaca Bowen Overseas Bass Sound Gull Calusa 1St Coconut Gulf Gulf Ocean Shores Ocean Shores Ocean Overseas Hwy Overseas Old Ocean

1980 1981 1977 1976 2004 2006 1990 2000 1970 1957 1998 2019 N/A N/A 2009 2005 1972 1969 1985

Mobile Hom Mobile Hom Single Fam Condo Single Fam Single Fam Mobile Hom Mobile Hom Mobile Hom Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Lots Lots Single Fam Condo Townhouse Condo Single Fam

3 2 2 2 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 3 0 0 5 2 2 1 2

Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No

106 106 105 104 103 103 101.5 101.5 101.5 101 100.5 100 100 100 97.5 97 96 92 91

145 265 40 104

Coral Plantation Pueblo St High Point Rd, F103 Palo De Oro Dr

N/A 1971 N/A 1974 1967

Lots Single Fam Lots Condo Single Fam

0 4 0 1 4

Yes Yes Yes No Yes

91 90 89 88.5 86

107 109 301 11150 1099 9940 245 6099 1217 201 65 548 321 321 705

Avenue D, #213 Avenue D, #310 120th Street Gulf Overseas Hwy 100th Street Ocean Aviation Blvd 73rd St Ocean Overseas Hwy, #15E Sombrero Blvd, #36 Camino Real Tingler Ln Sombrero Beach Rd 23rd St 23rd St 26th Street Ocean

1974 1974 1974 1987 1996 1985 N/A N/A 1975 1989 1959 2012 1948 1990 1966

Condo Condo Single Fam Commercial Single Fam Half Duple Lots Lots Condo Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Commercial Mobile Hom

1 2 2 0 3 2 0 0 2 3 2 3 2 2 3

Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes

54.5 54.5 53.5 53 52 52 51 50.5 50 49.5 49.5 49.5 49.5 49.5 48.5

1958 Condo 1983 Condo

2 3

Yes Yes

53.5 53.5

31043 Avenue C 30422 Oleander Blvd 11 Cook Island

2004 Single Fam 1968 Single Fam 1972 Off Shore

4 2 5

No No Yes

31 30.5 29

830,000.00

17155 Allamanda Dr

1989 Single Fam

3

Yes

17

499,000.00 $

510,000.00

118 4th Street

1966 Duplex

4

No

10

549,000.00 $

535,000.00

328 Spica Ln

2007 Single Fam

3

Yes

9

1995 1974 1963 1981 2000 1965 1943 1996 1938 1998

3 3 2 0 2 1 3 3 5 2

No Yes No No No No No No No No

4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 0

List Price

289,000.00 869,000.00 515,000.00 190,000.00 999,000.00

Sold Price

$ $ $ $ $

581 Ocean Dr, #18 101 Ocean Dr, #305

89 3222 1736 3100 3635 1222 1226 54 807 63

Golf Club Riviera Dr Johnson St Flagler Ave, #8 Seaside Dr, #208 Florida St, Rear South St Front St Whitehead St Sunset Key Dr

Townhouse Single Fam Single Fam Commercial Condo Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Multi-Unit Single Fam

Tot Beds Wtrfrnt MM

Based on information provided by the KWAR MLS for the period of June 19th, 2019 to June 26th, 2019.

THE UNDISPUTED LEADER IN KEY WEST FOR THE LAST 6 DECADES Based on Sales Volume

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KEYS REAL ESTATE

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14

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019 ERIN STOVER SICKMEN www.keysweekly.com

PADDLE FAST, PADDLE STRONG

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES PREPARE FOR SUP INVITATIONAL

L

iving at the end of the rainbow, Key West residents are accustomed to trekking to the mainland for events, meetings and gatherings. Occasionally though, the tables turn and the island gets to play host.

On Saturday, June 29, Key West will welcome athletes for the annual Special Olympics Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Invitational and Area Games.

The games, which include athletes from Monroe County and the Miami area, are the second step toward state and national level competitions. More importantly though, Special Olympics SUP exists as a hometown event behind which the community can rally.

Special Olympics has a strong presence in Monroe County, finding support from businesses and the community. The annual SUP invitational ratchets up the visibility of these dynamic athletes with a public event on Higgs Beach. Each year, more and more locals line the water’s edge as impromptu cheerleaders, proving that the event is gaining momentum.

The sport originated as a Special Olympics division in Florida, with the Keys leading the charge. In 2011, County Director for Special Olympics Florida in the Florida Keys Ruth Holland introduced paddleboarding to the area, making Monroe County the second location in the U.S. to host the sport in Special Olympics, allowing the athletes to become part of something larger.

“The paddleboarding community is very welcoming”, said Holland. “If you can paddle, you’re welcome.”

Originally, when Holland and others were adapting the sport, Special Olympic paddlers sat and shared their board with an experienced paddler. That stipulation was eliminated after the first season though, allowing paddlers to experience the feeling of being out on the water on their own, which has been a confidencebuilder. Local athlete Jennifer Averette appreciates the element of independence, saying that one of her favorite parts of being a SUP athlete is “being free on the water.” She’s not alone.

The sport is able to offer a unique sense of

CHEERING OPPORTUNITY AREA 11 GAMES / SUP INVITATIONAL Higgs Beach Saturday, June 29 Opening Ceremony: 8 a.m.

Races begin: 9 a.m.

1

2

3

4

freedom to athletes of all ages and ability levels. As Holland says, “Anyone can do this sport.

It’s a sport they can do for life.”

Since its beginnings locally, SUP has spanned several states and appeared as a new competition in the 2018 USA Games in Seattle.

The year of its inception in the national arena, Averette earned a spot to travel northwest and compete. Representing the Keys in a new sport, Averette became a hometown hero, ultimately nabbing a bronze medal to pack in her suitcase for the trip home.

It’s no surprise that community members continue to come out to the beach to cheer on the athletes battling the water and intense sun.

Some locals even take to the water with athletes, serving as Unified Partners in a program that pairs individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as a team. The idea of Unified Partners began with a simple concept – when athletes train and compete together, they build new friendships and help one another push past hurdles. Athlete Kai Simcic-Swanton places a lot of importance on the camaraderie aspect of the sport. SUP “is fun and I make new friends,” said Simcic-Swanton.

Another channel of local support in the Keys comes from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone who’s shopped at a Publix store in winter has seen the paper torches, representing donations given by shoppers at the registers, lining the entryways. The grocery store campaign is one piece of the Law Enforce-

ment Torch Run, the largest Special Olympics fundraising event in Florida. Each year, law enforcement officers, along with athletes and supporters, traverse Florida running the torch to the opening ceremony of the state games. Last week, the partnership continued as Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Key West Chief of Police Sean Brandenburg presented athletes with a new torch to replace the old one. The new torch will light up for the first time at the June 29 SUP Invitational as athletes gather on the beach to recite the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

1. Special Olympic paddlers hit the water.

2. Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Police Chief Sean Brandenburg present Special Olympic athlete Michael Neri with the new torch at the County Games on June 19. SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA/Contributed 3. Andrew Diaz, Christian Harnish, Jennifer Averette and Matthew Dalton show off their ribbons from the SUP County Games on June 19.

4. Athlete Jennifer Averette shows off her Conch pride at the USA Games in Seattle last year.

15

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOMINATIONS! WE WOULD BE HONORED TO RECEIVE YOUR VOTE IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES

BEST RESORT BEST WATER FRONT DINING

BEST BLOODY MARY

BEST BRUNCH

BEST RETAILER oceankey.com | 800.328.9815 | Zero Duval Street, Key West, FL

16

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

Thank you for your nominations Key West!

We would appreciate your vote again this year in the following categories:

BEST BAR, BEST LIVE VENUE & BEST LATE NIGHT SPOT

601 Whitehead | www.greenparrot.com

THANK YOU KEY WEST!

YOU’RE THE BEST!

DUETTO WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR BUBBAS VOTE AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR

BEST PIZZA

540 GREENE ST | 305.848.4981 | WWW.DUETTOPIZZA.COM

HONORED TO HAVE BEEN VOTED BEST DENTIST 2 YEARS RUNNING WE’D LOVE YOUR VOTE AGAIN IN 2019 From left to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D

Located at 2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305.294.9914 • Fax 305.295.9691 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

CRAB WATCH Citizen urged to help researchers TIFFANY DUONG

www.keysweekly.com

“W

hen horseshoe crabs mate, they hold onto each other for up to two weeks. It’s a big ocean out there, and if you find someone you like, you might not find them again. So you hang on tight,” said Shelly Krueger at Coral Restoration Foundation’s monthly Sips & Science event. “They don’t eat this entire time. That’s a big sacrifice.”

Krueger, a marine biologist and the Florida Sea Grant agent in Monroe County for the University of Florida IFAS Extension, speaks to potential citizen-scientists and interested locals, drumming up interest in these unique animals. Horseshoe crabs are arthropods more closely related to ticks and spiders than to actual crabs. They’ve remained virtually unchanged for 200 million years, and possibly longer. “They’re living fossils,” she said.

Horseshoe crab eggs and small hatchlings serve as a critical food source for many shorebirds and migratory birds, as well as for other animals in the estuarine food web. “They’re also like worms in your garden,” says Krueger. “As they dig, they move stuff all around.”

The crabs also serve a vital function to society: their blood is copperbased and reacts to gram-negative bacteria. What this means is that horseshoe crab blood can indicate if pharmaceutical products and medical devices are contaminated with endotoxins, bacterial substances that are potentially fatal to humans. “It’s the standard for testing all injectables,” said Krueger.

So there’s interest in the viability of their populations. The horseshoe crab harvest is closely managed where known populations exist.

“Researchers collect horseshoe crabs alive, bleed them one-third to one-half, and return them to the water.

It’s sustainable in that they collect horseshoe crabs alive and return them alive.” Krueger said. “Florida is the big question mark. We don’t really know how many horseshoe crabs we have here in Florida, and we haven’t found any nesting beaches in the Keys.”

Krueger and collaborators at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are conducting a five-year study of horseshoe crabs in the Keys. The researchers hope to locate at least two nesting beaches and to set up permanent transects there.

Eventually, trained volunteers will

From top left: Shelly Krueger presents her research on horseshoe crabs and recruits citizen-scientists to report any sightings. Krueger and other researchers are trying to locate nesting beaches and determine populations of horseshoe crabs in the Keys. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly Shelly Krueger poses with Sips & Science host Alyssa Reed, from the Coral Restoration Foundation.

Bob Murray and Barbara Overton spotted tiny horseshoe crabs on their kayaking tours around the Wild Bird Sanctuary. They're inputting their pictures into the FWC Reporter app to help fill in data gaps. BOB MURRAY AND BARBARA OVERTON/Contributed

return every spring and fall to tag, sex, weigh and measure adult horseshoe crabs and to look for previously tagged individuals. Two years into the study, the researchers have yet to identify any beaches.

“We currently have no idea how many horseshoe crabs are present in the Keys. Without knowing what the initial population is, we can’t determine if the population is stable, growing, or declining. Without population, it is very hard to make management and

17

conservation decisions,” said Berlynna Heres of the FWC. To fill in this data gap, the researchers launched the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch Program, a citizen-science program, in 2015. They expanded the program to Monroe County in 2017. At her talk, Krueger seeks help: “We’re asking people to keep an eye out. We’re looking for nesting beaches. Many small horseshoe crabs and many tiny molts might indicate that they were hatched nearby.” Heres said. “The babies can travel large distances, but most don’t. So, if you’re seeing a lot of juveniles, you are probably close to a nesting beach.”

After Krueger’s talk, local boat captain Rachel Crane and avid diver Bob Murray ran up. “I’d love to volunteer,” said Murray.

“We both know a beach with hundreds and hundreds of these little guys,” said Crane. “They’re about an inch big and right at the bird sanctuary, right behind the salt ponds.”

Murray said, “My wife and I were kayaking and I saw them a week ago.

I’ve always got my face in the water, and I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Krueger asked Murray to email her pictures he and his wife, Barbara Overton, took of the tiny horseshoe crabs and to report all sightings on the FWC Reporter phone application. “This is the best way to help out; this way someone from our team can follow up,” said Krueger.

“I’m the only FWC employee who is focused on horseshoe crabs in the whole state,” said Heres. “I could not possibly survey all nesting beaches by myself, especially when they all spawn on roughly the same days. So you can imagine how valuable citizen scientists are to the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch program.”

To learn more and to volunteer, contact Krueger at shellykrueger@ ufl.edu or Heres at Berlynna.Heres@ myfwc.com.

18

THE BUBBAS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE VOTERS HAVE NAMED THE 2019 BUBBAS FINALISTS

W

e have watched the Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards evolve from a small popularity contest in 2014 into a premier community spectacle over the past six years.

And one of the most exciting moments for us is when the finalists, or top three in each category, are revealed for the final voting stage.

This year we collected nearly 4,000 ballots online— witnessing some familiar winners, along with many new faces who will be competing on the finals ballots this year. Now, more than 250 people, businesses and places will be beckoning for your votes and a chance to walk home with a Bubba Award at the July 20th Awards Banquet. Before the voting begins this Friday, June 28, here are a few highlights from this year’s nomination voting over the past two weeks: What We Learned: The people want Best Tattoo Artist and Best Chef on the ballots. We heard you … and you’ve got it! Look for both of them in 2020.

Campaigns Work! We noticed more than a handful of businesses campaigning on social media and other outlets — and the proof is in the pudding, as they say.

Both Two Friends Patio and Square Grouper vigorously campaigned this year and you will see both of their names across the ballot.

A new rule will be in place for 2020. We originally decided to name the Bubbas the “Key West People’s Choice Awards” as opposed to Best “in Key West” to allow Key Westers to vote for any place — anywhere. With the popularity of the Bubbas now spanning the Keys, next year’s nominee period will include any top three vote recipient outside of the 33040 ZIP code—but in those cases, we will include a fourth recipient in that category from the 33040 ZIP code. Thus, three nominees from the 33040 will always be on every category.

BY THE NUMBERS Two Friends Patio, Ocean Key Resort and Square Grouper were this year’s big winners in the nominee period.

Among the three, more than 19 NOMINATIONS were racked up and all three boast a recipient for Best Bartender.

Ties: Yes, even with close to 4,000 BALLOTS, we had TWO TIES in 2019.

In fact, we have never had a nominee-voting period without at least one tie.

To make it even crazier we had ties in Best Bar and Best Bartender in 2019.

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE – SOME FINALLY DO Howard Livingston has never lost “Best Local Celebrity.” He will be vying for a 6th straight Bubba Award this year. In fact, more than 8 OF THE 92 CATEGORIES have seen one winner over the past 5 years. Will this be the year that a new Bubba winner emerges? (We know Bill Hoebee hopes so).

Yet all good things come to an end. SINCE 2014 Craig Cates has won Best Elected Official as the mayor of Key West. Now that he has termed out, this will open the door for a new Bubba winner – including our new mayor, Teri Johnston.

THE BEST PART Remember folks, the voting is subjective. There is no BEST in Key West, because honestly, there are way too many incredible restaurants, people and places to choose from.

And when the smoke clears each year, all of the proceeds from our sponsors, along with ticket sales and other donations, are handed to a local nonprofit. This year’s proceeds will be donated to Samuel’s House. And more than $75,000 has been donated since 2014. So sit back, vote … and have some fun in this year’s final round of voting.

THE BUBBAS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

PRESENTED BY

ONLY ONE CAN WIN! PICK YOUR FAVORITE AT WWW.KEYSWEEKLY.COM/BUBBAS JUNE 28-JULY 12 THE FOOD

THE BUSINESS

Best Key Lime Pie: Kermit’s, Blue Heaven, Square Grouper Cuban Sandwich: Kim's Kuban, Five Brothers, Sandy’s (original) Best Ethnic Food: El Siboney: Kojin Noodle Bar, MisoHappy Best Lunch: Square Grouper, Moondog Café, Caroline’s Café Best Breakfast: Harpoon Harry’s, Goldman’s Deli, Blue Heaven Best Cup of Coffee: Cuban Coffee Queen, Baby’s Coffee, Kim's Kuban Best Bar: Green Parrot Bar, Two Friends Patio and Bar, Irish Kevin’s, My New Joint.

— Irish Kevin’s and My New Joint tied Best Gay Bar: 801 Bourbon, Aqua Key West, Bobby’s Monkey Bar Best Wine Bar: Vinos on Duval, Grand Vin Wine Bar, Uva Wine Shoppe Best Mojito: El Meson de Pepe’s, Bistro 245, Willie T’s Best Beer Selection: Waterfront Brewery, Glitch, My New Joint Best Bartender: Sandy Bowen (Two Friends), Erin Wagoner (Smokin’ Tuna Saloon), Ray Torres (My New Joint), Alan “Al” Nelson (Sunset Pier). — Erin Wagoner and Alan Nelson tied Best Waterfront Dining: Latitudes, Hot Tin Roof, Louie’s Backyard Best Pizza: Roostica, Duetto Pizza & Gelato, Onlywood Pizzeria Best Seafood: Conch Republic Seafood Co. (Conch Farm), Hogfish Bar & Grill, Square Grouper Best Steak: Prime Steakhouse, Tavern N’ Town, Michael’s Best Taco: Garbo’s Grill, Amigos Tortilla Bar, Sinz Burittos Best Food Truck: Garbo’s Grill, Taco Grilla, Taco Express Best Dessert: Better than Sex, Blue Heaven, Square Grouper Best Conch Fritters: Conch Republic Seafood Co. (Conch Farm), The Conch Shack, Miami Subs Best Bloody Mary: Blue Macaw Island Eats & Bar, Hot Tin Roof, Two Friends Patio Best Late Night Spot: Mary Ellen’s Bar & Restaurant, Green Parrot Bar, Rick’s Best Margarita: Agave 308 Tequila Bar, Margaritaville Restaurant, My New Joint Best Martini: Virgilio’s, Martin’s, My New Joint Best Brunch: Bistro 245, Hot Tin Roof, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar Best Place to Cure a Hangover: Firefly, Hangover Hospital, IVs in the Keys Best Barbecue: Charlie Mac’s, The Dirty Pig, Smoked on the Water Best Sushi: Ambrosia, MisoHappy, Origami Best Bar or Restaurant Restroom: General Horseplay, Tavern N’ Town, Two Friends Patio Best Catering Company: Catered Affairs, Great Events, Destination Catering & Events Best Organic / Health Food: Date & Thyme, The Café, Sugar Apple Organic Café & Market Best Overall Restaurant: Tavern N’ Town, Square Grouper, Two Friends Patio

Best Resort / Hotel: Ocean Key Resort & Spa, The Perry Hotel, Casa Marina Best Accounting Firm: Niles, Kight & Company PLLC, Oropeza & Parks Certified Public Accountants, Zuelch & Zuelch Accounting & Tax Services Best Law Firm: Oropeza, Stones & Cardenas, Spottswood Spottswood Spottswood Sterling, Horan & Higgins Best Furniture Store: Royal Furniture, Fast Bucks At Home, Southernmost Furniture Best Charter Fishing Captain: Brice Barr (Double Down Sportfishing), Chris Mendola (Far out Charters), Marlin Scott (FishMonster) Best Dive Shop: Divers Direct, Captain’s Corner, South Point Divers Best Bait & Tackle Shop: Key West Bait & Tackle, Cudjoe Sales Fisherman’s Warehouse, Murray Marine Best Watersports: Fury Water Adventures, Sunset Watersports, Danger Charters Best Marina: Stock Island Marina Village, Murray Marine, Garrison Bight Marina Best Customer Service: First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Publix Best Grocery Store: Fausto’s Food Palace, Publix, Winn-Dixie Best Contractor: Conch Construction and Roofing, McKendry Builders, Charley Toppino & Sons Best Landscaping Company: Mama’s Garden Center, Ecoscapes, Blue Island Lighting & Irrigation Best Salon: Blown Away Hair Studio, Kai & Co. Salon, Mirror Mirror Salon & MedSpa Best Auto Repair: Oily’s Auto Repair, Richard’s Tune Up, Key West KIA – Wellings Automotive Best Photograhper: Nick Doll, Rob O’Neil, Cassandra McDaniel Best Doctor: Dr. Norman “Rocky” Tingle, Dr. John Norris, Dr. Dedra Ling Best Veterinarian: All Animal Clinic, Lower Keys Animal Clinic, Marathon Veterinary Hospital Best Realtor: Bascom Grooms, Will Langley, Matt Sheehan Best Real Estate Office: Bascom Grooms Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner, Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty Best Bank: First State Bank of the Florida Keys, Keys Federal Credit Union, Centennial Bank Best Jewelry Store: Jeffs Gems & Nautical Designs, Neptune Designs, Local Color Best Car Dealer: Niles Sales & Service: Key West Kia – Wellings Automotive, Keys Auto Center Best B&B / Guesthouse: The Gardens Hotel, The Conch House, Alexander’s Guesthouse Best Chiropractor: Oropeza Chiropractic Center (Dr. Steven Oropeza), Darold Leto, Excel Chiropractic (Dr. Liz Moran) Best Dentist: Dr. Lou Spelios, Dr. Hector Guzman, Dr. Claude Harris Best Florist: Kutchey’s Flowers in Key West, Love in Bloom Florist, Petals & Vines Best Insurance Company: Diamond Insurance, Fullers Insurance, Keys Anchor Insurance Best Liquor Store: Jolly’s, Winn- Dixie Liquor, Publix Liquor Best Retailer: Besame Mucho, Wanderlust KW, Mazda Fella Boutique at Ocean Key Resort Best Fitness Center / Gym: FYT Key West Gym & Yoga, Anytime Fitness, BodyZone Fitness Best Nail Salon: Amazing Nails, Lee Nails, Nail Bar & Lounge Best Spa: Ocean Wellness Spa, Prana Spa, Flow Spa Best Barber: Addison’s Barber Parlor, Bobbyshop Hair Salon, Moore Than Fades Barbershop Best Summer Camp: Reef Relief, Florida Keys Community College (FKCC), The Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea Best Family Owned Business: Fausto’s Food Palace, Two Friends Patio Restaurant, Key West’s Finest Best Overall Business: First State Bank of the Florida Keys, We’ve Got the Keys, Ocean Key Resort & Spa

THE COMMUNITY Best Place to Take the Kids: Key West Aquarium, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Splash Park at Truman Waterfront Park Best Local Festival / Event: Fantasy Fest, Key West Songwriters Festival, Zombie Bike Ride Best Elected Official: Teri Johnston (Key West Mayor), Clayton Lopez (Key West City Commission), Jimmy Weekley (Key West City Commission) Best Local Friendly Pool: Havana Cabana Key West, The Marker Key West, Oceans Edge Key West Resort Hotel & Marina Best Teacher / Professor / School Administrator: Amber Archer Acevedo (Principal - KWHS), Lee Hartnett (Sugarloaf School), Erika Dooley Stokes (HOB) Best School: Key West High School, Gerald Adams Elem., Sugarloaf School Best Tourist Attraction: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Historic Tours of America (HTA), The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum Best Local Celebrity: Howard Livingston, Bucky Montgomery, Bill Hoebee Best Non-Profit Organization / Foundation: Florida Keys SPCA, MARC, Wesley House Family Services Best Musician: Caffeine Carl (Wagoner), Brian Roberts, Rob Benton Best Band: The Durtbags, Patrick and the Swayzees, Caffeine Carl & the Buzz Best DJ: DJ Buggy, DJ Top Jimmy (Cooper), DJ Sanaris (Peacock) Best in Drag: Sushi, QMitch Jones, INGA Best Artist: Wyland, Rick Worth, Lance Berry Best Thespian or Performing Artist: Erin McKenna, John Ski Solinski, Tom Luna Best Live Music Venue: Green Parrot, Smokin’ Tuna, Truman Amphitheater Best Performing Arts Venue: Key West Theater, Tennessee Williams Theatre, Waterfront Playhouse Best Art Gallery or Studio: The Studios of Key West, Wyland Gallery of Key West, Alan S. Maltz Gallery

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MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

Part 2

A closer look at the coming FEMA flood maps Editor’s note: This is the second story about potential changes to flood insurance rates based on new FEMA maps. Part 1 appeared on June 20 and is also available at keysweekly.com

“Get flood insurance now. And get an elevation certificate.”

For months now, Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers has been repeating the same mantra about insurance and elevation. Why? Well, officials are telling homeowners who are “naked” now — who have no flood insurance — they can buy a policy to keep insurance rates low before the new FEMA maps are finalized. Drafts of those maps, which the federal agency has been purportedly working on for four years, are expected to be released “soon.”

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) were instituted in the Keys in 1975. How it affects homeowners will depend on whether the houses were built pre-FIRM or post-FIRM. And it will affect those homeowners with a mortgage who are required to have flood insurance.

Owners of stilt homes built after 1975 have less to worry about. Although the new FEMA maps may reveal a foot or two difference in base flood elevation, insurance policy costs are not expected to spike; rather they will rise gradually. However, the new FEMA flood maps are of particular interest to owners of pre-FIRM homes.

Pre-FIRM homes with a flood policy are currently subsidized and, in the absence of a certificate of elevation, are charged the highest base rate. (With a certificate of elevation that exceeds the neighborhood’s base flood elevation, however, the homeowner could earn a flood insurance policy rate break.) On average, the cost is $2,900 a year; whether the home is 4 feet above or 4 feet below the base flood elevation, it makes no difference.

So long as the home is continuously insured, the homeowners will pay roughly the same rate.

If, however, the policy lapses, and the homeowners choose to re-insure, they will have their flood policies recalculated using information from the new FEMA maps and they will be much higher. This would also be the case for the new buyers of that lapsed policy home.

How many Keys homes were built pre-FIRM? According to the county, of the approximately 24,000 homes in unincorporated Monroe County, about 6,500 were built before the flood maps were instituted. That means as many as 27% of Keys homes could be built below base flood elevation. Numbers were not available at press time for pre-FIRM homes within the city limits of Key West, Marathon or Islamorada.

The FEMA maps will be based on LIDAR mapping only recently completed in the Keys. And the draft versions are set to be released this summer.

LIDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and the survey is conducted from the air (plane or helicopter) and uses laser beams to measure distances to the Earth. LIDAR maps are used by the National Oceanic and Atmo-

The release of the new FEMA draft maps will trigger a period of community review.

The review process is long, more than a year, and has many phases.

Municipalities and the county can appeal FEMA’s finding.

spheric Agency to create storm surge models.

The release of the new FEMA draft maps will trigger a period of community review. The review process is long, more than a SARA year, and has many MATTHIS phases. Municipalithinks commuties and the county nity journalism can appeal FEMA’s is important, but finding. Eventually, not serious; likes FEMA and Keys weird and wonderful children officials must come (she has two). to some sort of Occasionally she agreement to keep tortures herself the National Flood with sprint-disInsurance Policies tance triathlons, but only if she has in place. Without a good chance of NFIP real estate beating her sister. grinds to a halt, and insured homeowners would lose the community flood insurance discounts they currently enjoy. The Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes communities that manage their flood plain risk which, in turn, earns the entire community a flood insurance discount. In 2020, homeowners with flood insurance in unincorporated Monroe County enjoy a 30% discount on flood insurance.

“When the maps come out, I will be standing in line to look at it. I, and the rest of the Keys community, want to know how it will affect us,” said Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers.

Monroe County bought its own set of Keys LIDAR maps to evaluate street elevation for sea-level rise planning.

It used the same company — Michael Baker International — as FEMA employed, so the county has the same raw data. But the county has also hired a separate consultant to verify the ac-

MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

IMPACT OF FEMA MAP CHANGES TO FLOOD INSURANCE

Most probable scenario in the Keys

SCENARIO

INSURANCE OPTION

Land newly identified in high-risk area but building is not. (Example: Lot formerly zone X is now in zone AE.)

No change. But homeowners encouraged to buy an (inexpensive) preferred risk policy if there is no coverage in place.

Building new identified in high-risk area. (Example: Home formerly located in zone AE is now located in zone VE.)

Newly mapped procedure. Newly mapped procedure is to buy flood policy within 12 months of map change and maintain coverage; rates will go up no more than 18% annually until they reach a full risk rate. If the policy lapses, pre-FIRM buildings must be rated with new maps and postFIRM buildings can be grandfathered.

High-risk to higher-risk. (Example: Home formerly located in zone AE11 is now AE13.)

Grandfathering. Have a policy effective before maps change to lock in the lower risk zone or lower base flood elevation for future rating. If the policy lapses, pre-FIRM buildings must be rated with new maps and post-FIRM can be grandfathered again.

Decrease in level of high-risk (Example: Zone V to A, decrease in base flood elevation.)

Re-rating. Policy should be re-rated when new maps become effective

No longer in high-risk area. (Example: Zone V to zone X.)

Convert policy. Convert high-risk policy to an (inexpensive) preferred risk policy and receive a refund in difference in premium. Contents are automatically included.

curacy of the data when the draft FEMA maps are published.

The Keys local advocacy group Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM) is also fundraising to support a Flood Map Task Force project.

“While FIRM supports updating the flood maps to better understand our risk, it is crucial that the risk is not overstated,” said Mel Montagne, president of FIRM. FIRM and the City of Key West are examining some of that raw data in-house to get an idea of what FEMA might be bringing to the table.

The new FEMA maps won’t just measure base flood elevation, but also “flow,” according to Montagne. Using historical data, for example, experts can evaluate how water flowed through Key West during Hurricane Wilma. Appeals to FEMA’s flood maps likely won’t challenge the base flood elevations, but rather the methodology used to calculate the elevation, or the flow, or some other scientifically verifiable data such as changes to the topography.

Montagne said he also understands there will be a new zone added to the flooding maps. Right now, all Keys homes are located in zone X (out of the flood plain), zone VE (right on the coast), or zone AE (inland). Montagne said he understands that AE Coastal will now be part of the new tier system and will fall on the risk scale between VE and AE. Montagne said he does not believe flood insurance premiums in the Keys will soar immediately.

“I think they will be gradual increases,” he said. “It’s not going to be overnight.”

Real estate agents are watching the process closely.

Neither high risk nor high policies help sell homes, a major component of the Keys’ economy.

“We support FIRM with frequent donations,” said Brian Schmitt of Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company. “I feel Realtors are the watchdogs on this. And Heather Carruthers is doing a great job leading with the county. Her deep knowledge and understanding and monitoring is instrumental. Our county is way ahead of other counties in coast flood zones.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

WELCOME HOME! The white picket fence isn’t just a dream for 14 Lower Keys homebuyers. ZILLOW

14 KEY WEST FAMILIES MOVE IN VIA HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SARAH THOMAS

sthomas@keysweekly.com

L

iving in a community in a constant struggle with affordable housing, it’s worth celebrating our victories. A big one came last week. The City of Key West Community Development Office announced that in the last year, 14 Key West families have been assisted with homeownership — and one applicant is on the way — thanks to a cooperative community effort, and $200,000 of funding, in the form of a long-term loan, from the city.

“We have folks doing a lot of creative financing,” said Lee-Ann Broadbent, program administrator for the Community Development Office for the City of Key West. Broadbent is referencing that the city doesn’t work alone — there are public partners, like Monroe County’s Homebuyer Assistance Program and the Housing Authority — as well as nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity. First-time homebuyers who benefitted from the program included a spectrum: “from a single person to families with two or three children, spanning very diverse work fields, everything from fishermen and bartenders to folks working for the city,” said Broadbent.

“It’s a mortgage with a deferred payment for 30 years,” Broadbent explained, “and it’s zero interest.” That way, applicants can pay their mortgage for 30 years without owing on the $20,000 from the city, and they have time to plan how to pay it back without the burden of interest accruing. The city offers the $20,000 in financing to go toward a down payment or closing costs. Payment would be due in 30 years, or upon sale or transfer of the property. There are traditional bank loans — First State Bank has been a leading lender — and other avenues, like VA loans, which only require 3% down on a house. Once families qualify for a loan from a bank or other entity, they can apply to the city for the zerointerest loan.

As soon as the city — which is currently settling on a budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year — finalizes its plan, interested locals will find out if there’s money for the program. Broadbent is optimistic.

“Some families were part of Habitat for Humanity,” said Broadbent, “and they were able to use the funds to purchase their Habitat homes, after they put in their equity time.” The timing was ideal for some Habitat families, who worked with Homeowner Services Director Susan Kent.

Kent said different entities help with each piece of the financial puzzle: “Habitat has a homebuyer program, and we are in partnership with the Monroe County Housing Authority and the City of Key West. The Homebuyer Program was implemented to help with down payments, because that’s a big chunk of change, and backend costs can be a real killer for first-time homebuyers.”

Habitat has 45 residents in homes that were purchased through the Habitat Homebuyer Program and 38 tenants. “Our next project is slated for 16 more homebuyer opportunities on Cudjoe Key,” said Kent. Eight of the 14 homebuyers who received funding through the city’s Homebuyer Assistance Program also worked with Habitat to finance — and often, build — their homes.

“We are also currently working with Key West Housing Authority and trying to create a home owning opportunity in Old Town Key West,” said Kent.

The city’s 2018-2019 city budget has a $200,000 appropriation for the continuation of the program, said Finance Director Mark Finigan. At press time, the check had been processed and was making its way to the Housing Authority to continue the loan program. Sometimes, the American Dream reminds us it’s still available in the Southernmost City, when the community works together to make it a reality.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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ENVIRONMENT

Tony Young and a crew of freedivers keep watch for fish below as a small piece of plastic floats by. The plastic issue is much larger than most of us can wrap our heads around and every piece counts. This is one of the issues the Blue Star Fishing Program is trying to bring to light, especially considering that 46% of plastic in our oceans is discarded fishing nets and gear. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

BLUE STAR FIS

PROGRAM ENCOURAGES PRESERVATION OF UNIQ

IAN WILSON

www.keysweekly.com

Once a fish is shot, the spear gets disconnected from the gun and connects to a separate float line and buoy that has been sitting on the surface. This prevents the fish from taking the gun off and allows the fisherman to pursue the fish by following the floating buoy. In this case, Jeffery Leonia chases after a float buoy that is attached to a recently shot wahoo.

There are many different initiatives in the Florida Keys that are aimed at protecting our local natural environments. From seagrass and coral restoration to water quality and fisheries management, passionate groups are working diligently to ensure the health and integrity of our home for years to come.

Among these initiatives are the Blue Star programs created by NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). The most recent of these programs, Blue Star Fishing Guides, was established in 2018 to help provide local charter fishing operators with the materials to teach their clients about the issues affecting our environments and fisheries throughout the Keys.

With hundreds of thousands of people fishing on our waters every year (48% fishing of 2.25 million people visiting) it made sense for NOAA to get local guides involved in the conservation efforts, especially since many of them already have extensive knowledge of our ecosystems and are aware of the potential impacts to our economy (their livelihoods) if nothing is done.

According to NOAA’s website, “The Blue Star Fishing Guide program recognizes guides who are committed to sustainable fishing practices and educating their customers about resource protection in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The voluntary training and compliance program

Tony Young holds up a wahoo he recentl considered a sustainable fish here in the lifespans, grow quickly and spawn multip with their difficulty for shooting and they ter spearfishing targets in the Florida Key

seeks to increase fishing guides' knowledge and, ultimately, that of their clients, to conserve the unique marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. In the Florida Keys, approximately 20 percent of the region's recreation is dedicated to sport fishing.”

Nicole Uibel, the Blue Star Fishing Guide program coordinator, came to the Keys wanting to bridge the gap between research and education. Through NOAA, she found a way to do that by collaborating with local fishing guides to support a sustainable Florida Keys marine fishery.

Since the inception of the Blue Star Fishing Guide program a year ago, 12 guides have joined the program. “Most of these

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

Joanie Follmer, a local freediver, lines up a shot on a triggerfish. Choosing to target different species instead of focusing our impact on the normal select few can help relieve some of the pressure our fisheries face here in the Keys as well as provide us with varied tasting meals.

SHING

QUE ECOSYSTEM

ly shot. Atlantic wahoo is e Keys as they have short ple times a year. Pair that y make for one of the betys.

guides are already doing this work,” she said. “They all care about the environment and have been educating their clients in their own ways up until this point. We’re here to allow them to take that education a step further. We provide online training for our captains and their crew that go over general education about our national marine sanctuaries, our diverse habitats, and our fisheries.”

It is still early in the program's history but judging by the success of the Blue Star Diving program, the fishing program is looking promising. According to Uibel, one tangible example of the diving program being a success is that divers are 2.5 times less likely to come in contact with coral after a Blue Star briefing while aboard a diving charter. For the fishing program, some hopes would be to reduce fish mortality rate upon being re-

leased, prevent unnecessary pollutants from entering their habitats, and to encourage self-controlled fishing limits that don’t follow the “catch as many as you can” mentality that is so common here in the Keys.

I recently joined Capt. Tony Young during a wahoo spearfishing trip aboard Forever Young Charter Company. Young was one of the first guides to sign up for the Blue Star Fishing program and is the only guide in the Keys currently who holds both the Blue Star Fishing and Diving certifications.

“The NOAA Blue Star program is here for us,” Young said. “They want to support local charter businesses that promote sustainable fishing and diving practices. Blue Star also provides us with educational tools and training programs for our crew; this helps us provide the very best on water experience for our guests. We’ve been involved with the program since day one. Our business was just getting started and we were barely running trips. Since then, it’s been an absolute pleasure and we get great engagement from our clients who want to learn about what's going on down here. At the end of the day, it’s all about connecting people to the environment.

They start to realize how unique and special the ecosystems in the Florida Keys are, their appreciation grows and they begin to understand why local conservation efforts are so important.

Every charter is an opportunity to connect our guests with the Keys, and over time, I hope they want to protect these ecosystems as I do.”

29

Fishing guides recognized as Blue Star are required to follow legal and ethical standards as well as conservation measures such as proper fish handling. Best practices include using gear suited to the size of fish targeted and employing proper techniques and tools to revive fish if they are released. Blue Star guidelines also encourage the use of barbless circle hooks whenever practical, and limit catch to what clients want for their own use. In Tony’s case, he often focuses on spearfishing, which is a fishing method that completely removes the risk of by-catch, as well as prevents any fishing tackle from entering the environment. Specific fish such as invasive lionfish can be targeted while spearfishing. Removing these fish not only provides a tasty meal but also helps the reef system.

“We are not here to fill the boat with fish, but rather provide a fun and educational fishing experience,” he said. “If you can't eat it, we don't take it. We have to think about our future. I want my kids to be able to experience the ocean as we have. With some hard work, I believe they could even see a healthier Florida Keys than we have today. In the long run, I want my kids to know how hard I worked to protect the places I love.”

There are many others like Young who understand the value of our natural resources and how fragile they can be when facing adversity. With more changes happening to our environment every year, it’s never been more important to participate consciously with our natural world front and center in our minds. If you’d like to leave a positive impact on this archipelago many of us call home, consider booking a trip with a local Blue Star Fishing Guide. A list is at NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary website: floridakeys.noaa. gov/onthewater/bluestar.html.

Fishing guides interested in becoming a Blue Star operator should contact the coordinator at Bluestar.Fishing@noaa.gov.

Jeff Leonia looks down at the recently shot wahoo on the end of his line as he gathers his breath for one last descent to retrieve his catch.

30

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32

WILDLIFE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

ALEX RICKERT

www.keysweekly.com

‘DOING GOOD ON MULTIPLE FRONTS’

I

n the Florida Keys, most divers enter the water to go after lobster, fish, or maybe just some underwater scenery. But what about diving for … turtles?

Enter the Turtle Hospital’s recently completed Lower Keys green sea turtle assessment, the first of its kind to assess the green sea turtle population in the Keys. Over 10 days in early June, two vessels contracted through Inwater Research Group scouted for turtles in the waters from Big Pine Key to Cudjoe Key. After a sighting, turtles that could reasonably be brought on board were retrieved using nets or divers. Each individual was analyzed with measurements, bloodwork, shell and skin biopsies, and a general health assessment. “The study allowed us to see if the turtles brought to the Turtle Hospital are a true representation of the local population or just a small slice of an otherwise healthy population,” said Turtle Hospital Manager Bette Zirkelbach.

Once data was collected, healthy turtles were released unharmed within 30 minutes. Of the 24 turtles acquired during

the study, three made their way back to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon for further treatment for the virus fibropapillomatosis.

Assisting with the “turtle wrangling” were divers from Force Blue. Founded in 2016, the organization works with military special operations veterans and combat divers to “retool, retrain, and repurpose” them to do marine conservation work. As executive director Jim Ritterhoff described, the group aims to address two seemingly unrelated problems simultaneously: the peril currently facing many marine resources, and the difficulty of returning to civilian life for veterans whose military service has ended. “They come home, and there’s no more mission. You can’t ask these guys to just jump in a cubicle for the rest of their lives. That doesn’t work, because there’s no sense of purpose. We operate in a way that’s very similar to how they operated in the military, but we give them a new positive mission,” Ritterhoff said.

After previous work fighting the coral disease outbreak in South Florida, Force

Blue learned that a generous donor was interested in funding another mission.

The one contingency? The mission needed to provide aid to turtles. Fortunately, the group had recently been introduced to Zirkelbach and the Turtle Hospital’s work, so discussions for the pilot study began immediately. The final product was a collaborative effort among Force Blue, the Turtle Hospital, Inwater Research Group, and the Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch.

“The real magic is that the veteran special operations community and the scientific community are coming together and forming strong bonds that transcend any notion of politics,” said Ritterhoff. “In this hyper-partisan environment, it’s a way to get a message across to entirely different audiences.”

After their experience with turtles, Ritterhoff said he hopes the study leads to similar work. “These guys are serving something larger than themselves, which is really all they’ve ever done in their military careers. They fight for communities that can’t fight for themselves.”

1

WILDLIFE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

TURTLE HOSPITAL, FORCE BLUE TEAM UP FOR ASSESSMENT OF ICONIC GREEN SEA TURTLE 2

33

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1. Representatives from the Turtle Hospital, Force Blue, Inwater Research Group, and Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch collaborated for the first study of its kind on Florida Keys green turtles.

2. Force Blue member Roger Sparks safely releases a young green turtle once samples are collected and a health assessment is complete. CONTRIBUTED 3. Bette Zirkelbach, left, and Olivia Carlile collect samples from a green turtle once it is safely brought on board.

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34

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

MUSIC BRIDGES WAY TO PARADISE

T

he Key West International Guitar Festival 2019 hit the Key West Theater July 21-23, with performances from Keys musicians and those visiting from around the world. With events ranging from guitar workshops to live recording sessions, downtown was filled with music. Here, organizer Mateo Jampol accompanies daughter Belle, along with acclaimed guitarists Prince Azariyah and Rolando Rojas. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly

Come join us for the 3 annual Mango Festival rd

& support Key West Youth with the Key West Police Athletic League!

June 29th 10am-3pm at Bayview Park

We’ve packed Mango Fest with exciting events for everyone to enjoy. This year’s Mango Fest features: PAINT N’ SIP • COPS AND KIDS 5K RUN/WALK MANGO FEST VENDOR VILLAGE • SCAVENGER HUNT WITH SOUTHERNMOST SCAVENGER HUNT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUR KICK OFF PARTY Friday June 28: Kick Off Party at Durty Harry’s 6pm-8:30pm Sunday June 30: Mango Brunch at The Perry 10:30am-2pm To become a sponsor, vendor or to donate for the silent auction contact: Jesse Hammers, 305-809-3874, jhammers@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

For more info, visit: MangoFestKeyWest.com Proceeds from Mango Fest will be donated to the Key West Police Athletic League

35

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS AND PLAYERS FOR MAKING THE F.I.R.M. CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT A HUGE SUCCESS!

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36

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

REDA WIGLE

www.keysweekly.com

YOU DON’T KNOW DICK

THE STRIKING WORK OF ARTIST DICK MATSON

1

K

ey West is a city of characters, and artist Dick Matson is among its most colorful. A Yale-educated, ex-advertising exec, Matson is known as much for his biting wit as his lush landscapes. The former are on display at the Custom House Museum courtesy of “You Don’t Know Dick,” a retrospective of the artist’s lesser known works.

The exhibit features early paintings by Matson, commercial work from his time as an art director at J. Walter Thompson (one of his first shoots was with a young Candice Bergen), and pieces from his line of sardonic greeting cards and mugs. His astrological condemnations are delivered via coffee cup: “Libra: You’re at your best at cocktail parties since three hours is the ideal length of time to know a Libra.”

Matson first came to the island in the mid-’70s. “My first impression of Key West might have been fear. It was a jungle, and being from New York, I thought ‘there are snakes in there and stuff like that.’ But I got to love it.” It’s been an enduring love affair. Matson has painted landscapes around the world, but the light and luxuriant aesthetic of Key West conspire to keep him here. “I don’t get tired of this place. People that do are tired of life or tired of themselves. People come here and think this place is going to solve all of their problems. … It didn’t solve any of my problems, but it gave me a home.”

Matson is familiar on the streets of Key West. He can be heard scouting painting locations from the perch of his trusted tricycle and seen bestowing York Peppermint Patties to those he deems deserving. Matson owns neither a cell

phone nor computer, preferring the civility of a landline and the well-worn keys of his typewriter. He bought his breezy home on Olivia Street in 1980 and has stayed through every major storm the island has faced, including Hurricane Irma, when the aforementioned landline was a saving grace to many. A devotee of felines, Matson shares the home with his beloved cat, Mr. Sylvester.

“Dogs are for people who need love,” he said. “Cats are for people with love to give.”

Over the years, Matson has surrendered many vices and devoted himself to a daily painting practice, a choice he views as honoring a divine gift. “I think the Holy Spirit is the one that’s telling me what to do. When I started painting I would stop and go ‘How am I doing this?’ It’s like the biblical prophets. It’s a gift I got and I feel like I have to use it.” Matson paints outdoors into the evening, returning to the same spot for several days until a piece is completed. “Somebody once said to me, ‘Dick, what is it that you look for when deciding on a site for painting?’ I told them, ‘Lots of shade.’” Matson refuses to work from photographs. “Manet says you have to be directly in front of the object you are painting sur le motif. But only for so long or you’ll go crazy.”

Matson continues to paint daily, even amid the persistent pain of arthritis and a Parkinson’s diagnosis. “I go into a form of self-hypnosis, and I find myself painting a straight line. I’m amazed,” said Matson. As are we. Matson’s Custom House exhibit, “You Don’t Know Dick,” runs through July 7.

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

1. Artist Dick Matson on the balcony of his home on Olivia Street. REDA WIGLE/Keys Weekly 2. ‘Carolyn’s New Air Conditioner,’ acrylic painting by Richard Matson 3. Collection of merchandise from Richard P. Matson Productions. 4. Closeup of collage in Matson’s office 5. Self portrait of the artist as a young man.

3

2 Full Name? Nickname? Richard Peter Theodore Matson. Better known as Dickie or, on the street, Dick.

Astrological Sign and do you subscribe to it? Gemini. Yes. Also rising signs are so important. Mine is Taurus, so I manage to stay in one place a long time rather than changing my clothes and address every week or so.

How has Key West influenced your aesthetic as an artist? Look around and then look at my paintings! Being outdoors in all kinds of weather. I have pics of me painting on White Street Pier before Hurricane George. The light was the first thing that gobsmacked me.

Do you have a life credo or motto? If you can’t outpaint ’em, outlive ’em.

How do art and advertising inform and deviate from each other? All art has NO PURPOSE. Whereas, advertising has one purpose and one only – sell the product.

What’s on your bucket list? Living the rest of my time here in Key West. I have no urge to travel and with few exceptions, I have everything I want. Maybe that’s why a dear friend calls me “the old man.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Heaven. In lieu of that, sleeping late on another gorgeous Key West morning.

What is it that you most dislike? I think it is my temper. I find myself letting loose a string of filth and profanity when something goes wrong while I’m painting. If anyone heard

4 me! I am roundly reaming out inanimate objects that don’t do what I want. I think it is a form of infantilism. Is that a word? Well, it is now.

Which TV, movie or super hero character is your alter ego? I don’t watch TV. I haven’t been to a movie in about six months and the only superhero I can think of is Michelangelo.

What is your signature drink? Vodka ‘n soda/lemon twist.

Name three things you could not live without: Vodka. Painting. Key West.

If invisible what would you do? Go around saying “BOO!” to tourists.

On what occasion do you lie? So as not to hurt someone’s feelings. Then I call that prevarication.

Favorite guilty pleasure? Two drinks at lunch. When I know I have to go out and work later.

What talent would you secretly love to have? The voice of Luciano Pavarotti or Jussi Björling. Two great tenors.

What advice would you go back and give your high school self? Stop jerking off. In more ways than one!

Lunch with one famous person, whom would you choose, where would you take them? That’s easy. Cher, and we’d dine on the deck at Louie’s Backyard.

5 Finish these sentences…

My friends and family would describe me as … My favorite curmudgeon. Uncle Richard. The old man. I answer pretty much to anything!

My autobiography would be titled … DICK: A LIFE I can never refuse … A pretty face with a great set of legs.

When I go, I will go … In an urn. I’m being cremated.

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38

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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C

hefs Green Coconut Rum, made by Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, captured a Platinum medal in the 2019 Great American International Spirits Competition.

Entries from 18 countries around the world were judged at this premiere competition, held on May 4 and 5 in Rochester, New York. More than 1,400 entries were evaluated by a panel of experts including Masters of Beverage, sommeliers, penologists, distillers, distributors, beverage educators and writers. Rums, whiskeys and vodkas submitted to the competition ranged in price up to $300.

These world-renowned judges evaluated the alcohols in a blind tasting and had only the smell, flavor and finish of the product to judge the beverage by. The judges didn’t even know until after the event which brands won!

Chefs Green Coconut ranked number 7 out of the 1,400 alcohols entered and was awarded a platinum medal because of the smooth, natural flavor of the green coconuts used. Plus, the base of the Key West Legal Rum is distilled with Florida Demerara sugar, not molasses, which gives it no

smoky or bitter taste. This is truly a Key West treasure in the distilling world.

“After a century shadowed by the other Key West green fruit, Green Coconuts finally gets its day in the sun,” said owner and distiller Paul Menta.

“Key West is full of green coconuts, and it makes sense we should have one of the best coconut rums in the world. It’s an honor for myself and Key West.”

The Great American International Spirits Competition is organized and conducted by the Raise A Glass Foundation, created to support charities around the world. Their international spirit competitions donate all unopened bottles of judged spirits to designated charities to use in their fundraising efforts. Learn more at www.raiseaglassfoundation. com — Contributed

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS T

he Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden on Stock Island is seeking volunteers to help with the nursery, garden and general office help.

No experience is necessary and training is provided. Volunteer hours apply toward community service for students, city, county and state programs.

More information is available at 305-296-1504, kwbgs@ keywestgarden.com or at https://www.keywest.garden/become-avolunteer.

— Contributed

39

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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40

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019 The towering tropical almond on Louisa Street.

REDA WIGLE/Keys Weekly

THE UNFORGIVING TREE

TROPICAL ALMOND LATEST BRANCH IN TREE COMMISSION CONTROVERSY

REDA WIGLE www.keysweekly.com

A

century-old tropical almond tree, rooted on Louisa Street in Old Town, has been approved for removal via a 4-2 vote by the City of Key West Tree Commission. The decision and the justifications for it have drawn criticism from citizens and commissioners alike. A representative at the June 11 hearing argued that in addition to being messy, the tree posed a danger to pedestrians, who could slip and fatally injure themselves on the fallen leaves. Urban Forestry Manager Karen DeMaria dismissed the comments.

“He was laughing when he said that. That was not an appropriate statement for him to make, but it was not what most of the Tree Commissioners used as their basis for approving removal of the tree,” said DeMaria. They noticed a decay area on one of the main trunks. She noted that the approval to remove the tree was made by the Tree Commissioners in a democratic process.

For botanist and tree commissioner Jeff Stotts, the fate of the Louisa Street almond tree is no laughing matter. Stotts, a selfdescribed disciple of “the gospel of the Lorax,” was one of the dissenting votes.

“It rocked me. This tree has survived every major hurricane of the 20th and 21st centuries, but it didn’t survive the Tree Commission,” said Stotts. The Tree Commission was established by the city of Key West in to 1972 to preserve and promote the growth of the city’s canopy. Stotts fears the original objective has been compromised. “Old Town is losing its identity. My responsibility is tree protection. I plant trees and take care of them as opposed to guys in the commercial trade whose job it is to take them out,” he said.

Stotts’ indignation is shared by former tree commissioner Karen O’Leary, who runs the popular Facebook page Save A Tree Key West. The page, which has followed the Louisa street almond tree closely, operates as a forum for local opinion and a platform for preservation advocates. In response to the comments about the messiness of the almond tree, O’Leary posted a call on the Save A Tree page, urging concerned citizens who want to see the tree spared to commit themselves to its maintenance.

“Within the first two hours, I had 30 people say ‘you tell us when and where and we’ll bring our rakes,’” said O’Leary. A local activist, O’Leary takes issue with the conflicting interest of arborists who stand to profit from recommending tree removal to the commission. “I have a hard time believing arborists when they say a tree is rotten, or it’s a bad tree, when these people make their living removing trees,” said O’Leary.

Homeowner Leo Walters, who filed the application for the removal of the tropical almond tree, was not present at the hearing. Walters was surprised to hear the comments about messiness and the-slip-and-fall risk of the leaves. “I don’t know where that came from, that was never my concern. We’ve lived here seven years and haven’t slipped on a leaf yet,” he said. Walters maintains that structural soundness is at the root of his unease. “Our motivation is simply safety. We had Irma not long ago, and I keep seeing the vision of Shel Silverstein’s old home and the tree that fell on it,” said Walters.

Walters was advised by representative Sean Creedon of Big Pine-based arboreal service Treeman that cutting back the tropical almond would reduce the tree to a stump, leaving it more vulnerable to future decay.

Walters is not opposed to a solution beyond removal but is skeptical about the likelihood of finding one. “It’s a beautiful tree and we wouldn’t do this lightly. If there’s some way someone can prove to me this tree isn’t going to come down with the next hurricane, I would be ok, but I don’t think that is going to happen,” said Walters. He’s planted several indigenous species of trees on his property since purchasing it in 2012. “The protection of my family and my property and my neighbors will define the final decision,” said Walters. As a condition of removal, homeowners like him are required to replant an approved tree to ensure the arboreal integrity of the Key West canopy. A removal date for the tropical almond tree has not been scheduled.

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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42

EVENTS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

SARAH THOMAS

KEY LIME sthomas@keysweekly.com

‘A CELEBRATION OF OUR CITRUS AND ECCENTRICS’

I

n 1953, the Upper Keys Chamber of Commerce launched The Upper Keys Lime Festival and enlisted our dear citrus to “promote early tourism and prove that there are things to do in the Upper Keys besides fish, swim, relax and eat Key lime pie.” The ceremony at Indian Key Fill was well-attended and was followed by a giant community fish fry – priced at 75 cents a head. The crowd enjoyed a boat parade, crowning Key lime queen Dorothy Albury, and there was pie for all.

Fast-forward 60 years, to 2013, when local author David Sloan and artist and creative director of Wonderdog Studios Marky Pierson decided to resurrect and reinvent the feel-good community event. They spread the credit around: the reinvented festival was at the suggestion of friend Carol Shaughnessy and with the help of Liz Love.

“It’s a celebration of our citrus and eccentrics,” said Sloan, co-founder of the festival, Key lime pie cookbook author and, most notably, Keys Weekly columnist. Sloan has been a champion of Key lime pie origin stories on “CBS This Morning,” among other national media, to preach the gospel of Key lime pie being invented in Key West. He’s also been behind tree-growing initiatives, alongside Key West Legal Rum Distillery’s Paul Menta, Charlie Bauer of Smokin’ Tuna and Steve Tarpin of Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Since our beloved Key lime trees have become so scant in the Keys, they teamed up to offer free seeds, tips on growing, and education and awareness, with the goal of repopulating the island with our signature citrus.

Tourists and locals alike will enjoy the culinary and cultural fun offered all weekend, July 4-7, and might even get a crash course in botany.

Sloan applauds the full lineup of activities, both Key lime and non-lime related. The full weekend will be packed with fireworks for Fourth of July, mermaids for Mermaid Fest, and of course, plenty of tropical heat and sunshine.

“Hey, we do sweet events and want you to squeeze in the best ones,” Sloan said, with a signature wry grin. So without further adieu, here’s our Local’s Guide to highlights of the 6th Annual Key Lime Festival. For a full lime-up (ahem) of events, check out www.keylimefestival.com, and for non-lime-related 4th of July events, check out p. XX. The hometown fun and festivities will make Independence Day one to remember — the bellyful of delicious pie is just the meringue on top.

LOCAL’S GUIDE

TO THE KEY LIME FEST THE WORLD KEY LIME PIE EATING CHAMPIONSHIP Southernmost Beach Café 1405 Duval Street Thursday, July 4 at noon, doors at 11 a.m. $20 to compete, free to watch “It’s the biggest event and it’s a cool chance for people to be on TV,” said Sloan.

Annually, the event is released on the newswire and broadcast around the world, alongside events like Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest. It’s a great time for locals to celebrate our worldwide culinary legacy.

It’s 25 contestants, and right now they’ve got eight spots open, but “We always fill up,” said Sloan. Pies are made by the Southernmost Beach Café, and each is a uniform 9 inches, topped in whipped cream. Feeling hungry? Try to beat the reigning champ, Trey Berman of Texas; it’s to see who can eat the 9-inch pie the fastest, and the record is 51.92 seconds. It’s the one competition where it’s a good thing to end up with the proverbial “egg on your face.”

Top: Girls just wanna have fun … and dessert.

This competitor wasn’t afraid of getting a little dirty! Bottom: Winner Trey Berman brandishes his killer Key lime belt, after finishing off a pie in less than a minute. MARKY PIERSON/Contributed

KEY LIME UNIVERSITY: VIP KEY LIME BAKING EXPERIENCE Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn 511 Caroline Street Friday, July 5 at 12:00 p.m. $100 for full VIP Experience (only 4 tickets left!)

Speaking of education, this is the ultimate Key lime immersion experience, where guests will bake in the kitchen where the pie was likely originally created; tour the gorgeous mansion owned by Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry; get a baking lesson from Sheila Sands Devendorf, fifth-generation Conch and renowned baker; and receive an autographed copy of “The Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook.” The full experience will last around 90 minutes, in an intimate setting, with wine and, yes, pie provided for all participants. For those of us who think we’ve done it all, this is the perfect grande dame of pie experiences.

Marky Pierson leads a group of revelers, outside Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn, where there will be baking and book signing events over the weekend.

EVENTS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

FESTIVAL KEY LIME

Chef Paul Menta demonstrates a pasta with fresh citrus, pictured here at Isle Cook. This year, Menta is hosting culinary events at his Legal Rum Distillery as well as a Key Limes & Coffee lecture.

KEY LIMES & COFFEE White Tarpon 700 Front Street $20 to attend lecture Three times, with three different experts: Friday, July 5 at 9:30 a.m.

The Fascinating History of Key Lime Pie with David Sloan Saturday, July 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Key Lime Planting and Propagation with Paul Menta and Patrick Garvey Sunday, July 7 at 9:30 a.m.

The Keys’ First Key Limes with Brad Bertelli While it doesn’t have the glitz and booze of some of the other events, we at the Weekly are perhaps most interested in Key Limes and Coffee, a mini-lecture series exploring history, botany and in-between. Plus, there’s always Bailey’s!

“It’s a new event we’re doing with some of the most knowledgeable people on the planet talking about all aspects of Key limes,” said Sloan.

Appropriately, Sloan who has written extensively on the storied — and debated — history of the iconic pie, is kicking it off.

He traces it to “Aunt Sally,” who prepared the first in the kitchen at the Curry Mansion (where he has a book signing and champagne reception at 4:30 p.m. on July 5). Next up, Chef Paul Menta — who is growing a Key lime orchard in his yard — and Grimal Grove’s grove master Patrick Garvey, who will discuss how to best tend the trees and even hand out free Key lime seeds for your garden. Finally, Brad Bertelli, curator of the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center and … wait for it … Keys Weekly columnist, will discuss the life and dramatic death of botanist Henry Perrine on Indian Key, and his hand in introducing our signature citrus to the Keys.

Locals will love learning even more about what makes our hometown so special.

FRUIT FACTS Patrons beat the heat with cool cocktails outside The Green Parrot at the 2016 Sip N Stroll.

SIP ’N’ STROLL SPONSORED

BY KEY WEST WEEKLY Starts at: General Horseplay 423 Caroline St. 2 p.m. start, 1 p.m. check-in $30 to participate, includes cocktails Do you like to drink and judge? This is the event for you, and it’s sponsored by a local bastion of the written word.

“It’s a great paper – it’s the best paper on the island,” says Sloan of the Sip ‘n Stroll sponsor, the Keys Weekly that you now hold in your hands. If you know the Weekly, it’s also appropriate that the sponsored event is a bar crawl with a touch of Key lime class.

Nine bars go head-to-head to make the best Key lime cocktails, martinis and margaritas, and contestants are the judges. Strollers can visit the bars in any order they like, and sample cocktails will be provided for their discerning judgment. The winners will be selected on a basis of flavor, appearance and aroma. Last year, Key West Legal Rum Distillery won the margarita category for their Rum-a-Rita (cue scandal!) and Hot Tin Roof won for their Key lime martini. Trophies will be presented by Sloan and Keys Weekly editor Sarah Thomas (er, me).

It’s a great way to celebrate our Independence, whether you are a patriot of the Conch Republic or the U.S.A. See you July 4th weekend!

• Citrus are temperate fruits, rather than tropical fruits, but Key limes are a tropical variety, native to Southeast Asia, arriving in the Keys by way of Mexico.

• Key lime trees don’t need a lot of care, but “don’t like a lot of neglect,” according to botanist and Tree Commission member Jeff Stotts.

• Bahamian immigrants to Key West have historically used Key lime juice as a preservative and means of killing germs.

• Citrus grows well in sand, not mulch.

Their root system needs to breathe.

Home Depot sells garden sand (beach sand has too much salt).

• Plant trees in places with good drainage and high elevation so there isn’t salt water inundation.

• Look out for imposters! Said Steve Tarpin of Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies, “Look out for truth in packaging.

If it says “Key West lime juice,” it’s just (Persian) lime juice that’s bottled in Key West.”

• The more popular citrus in South Florida for many years wasn’t the Key lime, it was the sour orange. They were more prevalent, but then because of the pies, Key limes became more important.

• “Famously, British soldiers used limes so they didn’t get scurvy, and that’s what introduced lime to the Anglican world. But the Spanish already knew about it, which is why they didn’t suffer from scurvy,” said Stotts.

• Pro tip: juice your Key limes and put the juice in ice cube trays. Drop into water (regular, sweetened, or sparkling) for an easy glass of limeade.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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

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MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Searstown by Publix

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

STATE MONEY FOR CLEANUP, WORKFORCE HOUSING Governor visits Keys again SARA MATTHIS

Gov. Ron DeSantis, at podium, announces funding for debris removal and for workforce housing during a stop in the Keys on June 20. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

sara@keysweekly.com

O

n June 20, Gov. Ron DeSantis arrived in Marathon to make two important announcements: $21 million in debris removal reimbursement for Monroe County, and a new $35 million program to build affordable or workforce housing in the Florida Keys.

“Oh, and I also visited the prayer wall in Israel recently. I prayed for no hurricanes!” he said, to the applause of the audience at Marathon City Hall.

“Jared Moskowitz of our Florida Division of Emergency Management deserves much of the credit. He has a system that is much more efficient and effective, especially for smaller communities that need reimbursements.

They don’t have multibillion-dollar budgets that they are working off of,” DeSantis said of the debris removal money.

When he announced the money last week, DeSantis said it should be in the county’s bank account this week.

On June 26, the county confirmed it’s expected by July 3.

The City of Marathon spent some $13 million on debris removal after Hurricane Irma, and has estimated permanent repair costs of $14.4 million. It has been reimbursed about $414,000.

The program for workforce or affordable housing is a partnership

between the state Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Statewide, the program has $140 million in funding, $35 million of which will be available to the Keys. Of that $35 million, $10 million has been set aside for land acquisition and the other $25 million will be for building housing.

Developers submitting plans to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation isn’t new; what is new is the source of the funds — Community Development Block Grant funds from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Florida Housing Finance Corporation will launch a competitive application cycle beginning with Monroe County, allowing housing developers and public housing authorities with experience in this field to apply for funding,” DeSantis said.

Developers will submit plans and top-ranking projects will be selected.

Usually, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation acts like a bank by giving out loans. This program is slightly different, according to Juanita Jones, the county’s housing recovery administrator.

“It will be treated as a grant with a 20-year forgivable term,” she said. “The priority applicants for the funding are the local governments, public housing authorities, land authorities, commu-

nity land trusts, and 100% non-profit organizations.” Jones said for-profit developers can earn a second priority rank if they partner with one of the aforementioned groups, or third place if they submit alone.

“The CDBG disaster recovery funding will be paired with other resources to help rebuild rental housing stock in the Florida Keys and other areas of Florida hard hit by this widespread storm,” said Florida Housing Executive Director Trey Price.

According to state officials, in the six months he’s been in office, the governor has handed out $550 million in state and federal dollars for hurricane response and recovery.

“We are laser focused on response, logistics and learning the capabilities of all 67 counties when it comes to hurricanes,” said Moskowitz.

The announcement was attended by other Keys leaders including Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Monroe County Mayor Sylvia Murphy, Monroe County Councilwoman Michelle Coldiron, County Administrator Roman Gastesi, Marathon Mayor John Bartus, Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey, and Baptist Health’s Rick Freeburg.

“The governor’s actions demonstrate that he listens and cares about the concerns of the Florida Keys,” said Coldiron.

Since taking office, Gov. DeSantis has announced big plans for Everglades restoration, an ambitious plan to clean up all the canals in the Keys, and now a boost for affordable and workforce housing.

45

46

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID FKAA–IFB–0010–19 SALE OF TRAVEL TRAILERS Sealed bids will be received by Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority at its Purchasing Office located at 7000 Front St., Stock Island, FL 33040, until 1:00 P.M., July 2, 2019 at which time and place they will be publicly read aloud. Such bids shall be for the sale of the following: SURPLUS TRAVEL TRAILERS SURPLUS TRAVEL TRAILERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES: June 27th & 28th 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. 7200 Front St. (Stock Island) As contained in documents on file at the office of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Finance Division, Purchasing Department, 7000 Front St., Stock Island, Florida 33040. Bid packages can also be downloaded from www.FKAA.com as well as Demandstar. com. Minimum bids are required. Any questions should be directed to David Jackson, Purchasing Manager, in writing via email to djackson@fkaa.com.

The Governing Board of Directors of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, in whole or in part, to waive any irregularities or informalities in any bid, and to award to any party considered to be in the best interest of the Authority.

Kirk C. Zuelch, Executive Director Publish: June 20 & 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

MONROE COUNTY VALUE ADJUSTMENT BOARD 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 at 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: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KEYBIZ LLC Publish: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

UNKNOWN TENANT RESIDENT: Unknown LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 23 FLAMINGO HAMMOCK ROAD, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036-3514 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property located in MONROE County, Florida: Lot 23, BAY HAMMOCK COMMUNITY, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 7 at Page 30 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; together with the exclusive right to use the Limited Common Area described as Boat Slip #24. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy to your written defenses, if any, to this action on Phelan Hallinan Diamond & Jones, PLLC, attorneys for plaintiff, whose address is 2001 NW 64th Street, Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk of the Court, within 30 days after the first publication of this notice, either before or immediately thereafter, July 25, 2019 otherwise a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

DATED: June 17, 2019 KEVIN MADOK,CPA CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk of the Court Movant counsel certifies that a bona fide effort to resolve this matter on the motion noticed has been made or that, because of time consideration, such effort has not yet been made but will be made prior to the scheduled hearing.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, (305) 292-3423, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven (7) days: if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Publish: June 27 and July 4, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FEMA PROGRAM CONSULTING SERVICES MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: AIR CURTAIN REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CANAL #266, BIG PINE KEY 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 at 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: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: PRIVATE LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CASHCOW ATM, located at 31060 AVENUE D, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KEYBIZ LLC Publish: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of INTEGRITY CLEANERS, located at 31060 AVENUE D, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KEYBIZ LLC Publish: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MARSH INTEGRITY BUILDERS, located at 31060 AVENUE D, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State,

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of RESTIN’ MON TIKIS, located at 31060 AVENUE D, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: KEYBIZ LLC Publish: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers PUBLIC MEETING Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings Connections Project Committee Meeting Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

Gato Building, 1100 Simonton St, Key West Artists in Schools/ Special Projects Grant Panel Thursday, July 11th, 2019, at 1:00 p.m.

Gato Building, 1100 Simonton St, Key West Art Builds Community Grant Panel Thursday, July 18th, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

Gato Building, 1100 Simonton St, Key West Meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend.

Questions? Call the Arts Council office at 305-295-4369.

Publish: June 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO. 19-CA000132-P FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, v.

BRIAN LESKO A/K/A BRIAN DENNIS LESKO, et al Defendant(s) NOTICE OF ACTION TO: BRIAN LESKO A/K/A BRIAN DENNIS LESKO and JODI LYNN ROTHLESKO A/K/A JUDI LYNN ROTH A/K/A JODI LYNN ROTH A/K/A JODI LYNN LESKO A/K/A JODI L. LESKO and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OR BENEFICIARIES OF THE ESTATE OF ANDY WOLD, DECEASED and

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 18-CA000853-K DIVISION: CIVIL Windward Pointe Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a corporation notfor-profit under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs.

Mary Pauline Talley, et al.

Defendants. _________/ NOTICE OF ACTION FOR COUNT II AGAINST DEFENDANT TRACEY TALLEY SCHROEDER, AS HEIR To: TRACEY TALLEY SCHROEDER, AS HEIR 105 MANGROVE AVENUE ANNA MARIA, FL 34216 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) TRACEY TALLEY SCHROEDER, AS HEIR, 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: COUNT II Unit 5232, Week 45, 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.: 2-12393 has been filed against you; and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on NICHOLAS A. WOO, 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

LEGAL NOTICES the 11 day of 06, 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) 292-3423 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: June 20 & 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No: 2017-CA000155-K The Bank of New York Mellon f/k/a The Bank of New York as successor in interest to JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Trustee for Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust 2006-AR4 Mortgage PassThrough Certificates Series 2006-AR4 Plaintiff, -vs.David Perets; Parrish Anne Marie Handa a/k/a Parrish Handa; JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.; Unknown Parties in Possession #1; Unknown Parties in Possession #2; Unknown Parties in Possession #3; Unknown Parties in Possession #4 Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to order rescheduling foreclosure sale or Final Judgment, entered in

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BOATS FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

Civil Case No. 2017-CA000155-K of the Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, wherein The Bank of New York Mellon f/k/a The Bank of New York as successor in interest to JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Trustee for Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust 2006-AR4 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series 2006AR4, Plaintiff and David Perets are defendant(s), I, Clerk of Court, Kevin Madok,CPA, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, AT 11:00 A.M. on July 9, 2019, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 76, “AMENDED PLAT OF RIVIERA SHORES, FIRST ADDITION”, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 PAGE 88 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. 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. Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda.

Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations

Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia.

Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.

KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O’mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pouou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pouou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711.

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31st day of May, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: June 20 & 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 27, 2019.

Personal Representative: Deborah McManus 94 Lakewood Drive Mashpee, MA 02649 Attorney for Personal Representative: Kathleen Hendrickson Florida Bar Number: 379921 5701 Overseas Highway #12 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 3932598 E-mail: KHendrickson. atty@gmail.com Publish: June 27 and July 4, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

or before JULY 7, 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: May 28, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Amber Dameron Deputy Clerk Publish: June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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!!

Right of Way Technician, Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee .

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-43-M IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. MARSTERS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Mary L. Marsters, deceased, whose date of death was February 7th, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2019-DR-488-K Division: Family RALPH J. HERSHMAN, Petitioner, and DONNA M. HERSHMAN, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: DONNA M. HERSHMAN Respondent’s last known address: 1696 RANKIN DR, CARSON CITY, NV 89701 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on RALPH J. HERSHMAN, whose address is 1319 ELIZABETH STREET, #1, KEY WEST, FL, 33040, on

AUTOS WANTED

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

2004 Toyota Camry XLE Sedan, 4 door, Silver, Cold A/C, 130k miles, sunroof, stereo radio, low mileage tires.

Located in Marathon. $4,500 OBO 949-423-4709 BOATS FOR SALE

‘95 Intrepid CC 28’ - ‘98 Yamahas X225 - low hours. Too many options to list. Appraisal was $72,400 w/trailer. Asking $55,000 OBO. Located in Marathon. Please call after 1pm - (305) 743-6505

REDUCED 2000 Hydra-Sports 230CC w/225HP Johnson. 470 hours. Many extras.

Located in Big Pine Key. $10,000. 734-904-2818 SOLD BOAT SLIP FOR SALE

Boat Slip for Sale Be Hurricane ready!

Indoor Hi-Dry boat slip, C-65 at The BoatHouse, includes usage of pool and bathhouse. Located in Marathon. $3,500.00 John 305-289-5467 EMPLOYMENT

O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R ATO R - M A R A T H O N Friendly outgoing personality with good computer knowledge.

Will train for specific duties. Full Time Position Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Email resume to keyshuman resources61 @ g m a i l . c o m Superintendent needed in Upper KeysMust have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. Send resume to admin@cbtconstruct. com 305-852-3002 Heavy Equipment Operator & Carpenters needed in Upper Keys. Must have valid Driver’s License, Tools & Transportation.

Email admin@ cbtconstruct.com 3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 3 0 0 2 I M M E D I AT E LY HIRING: Hideaway Cafe on Grassy Key: Food Runner, Busser, Dishwasher & Prep. Call for appointment 305289-1554.

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. 305-289-2070 City of Marathon Job Openings: Building Inspector/ Plans Examiner, Code Compliance Officer,

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

HOMES FOR RENT

DUCK KEY - 4BR/3BA Long Term Rental, Open Waterviews, $4,000/month F/L/S (585) 781-0088 2/1.5 Duplex off Boot Key Harbor in Marathon.

80’ of canal. Elec. paid* Fenced, W/D, Hot tub.

F/L/S $2,200/month – 6 month minimum. Text James at 409-370-0025 Long-term rental available in Marathon August 1st. 1BR/1BA unfurnished 1/2 Duplex. $1,500/month + utilities.

F/L/S 305-481-6887

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

NEED TENANTS? Line ads start at $25/week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 today to get your property RENTED!

SWEET SAVANNAH’S is now hiring for Afternoon and Evening shifts. Please apply in person 8919 Overseas Hwy. Marathon

Marathon. On canal, annual rental, Elec. paid*, W/D, fenced, parking. F/L/S $1,750/ month. Text James at 409-370-0025 RENTED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!

2/1 Duplex - 28th Street,

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $800/month plus u t i l i t i e s .

305-942-0789 YARD SALE

A BIG Treasures & Trash

Help Wanted: selling bait and tackle 40 hours a week in Marathon.

Must be able to work Saturday and Sunday.

Contact Big Time Bait and Tackle manager Yank 239-910-0878.

HIRED IN LESS THAN A MONTH!

Yard Sale - Rain or shine - This Saturday, June 29 from 8am-3pm.

Something for everybody. Everything must go!

419 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon

Looking for a Marine Diesel Mechanic!

We are now taking applications for a fulltime Diesel Mechanic.

Must have 10 years experiences, preferably with a certification.

Please drop off your Resume at our offices: Marathon Diesel Repair, 1350 Ocean View Ave, in Marathon.

HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!

HAVING A YARD SALE? Line ads start at $25/ week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 & get your stuff SOLD!

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

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 • 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

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn Townsquare Mall Marathon

THEME: SUMMER FUN ACROSS 1. ‘70s hairdo 5. Used for Chinese cooking 8. Part of URL 11. *____-and-slide 12. Cone-shaped quarters 13. Formerly known as dropsy 15. “Les MisÈrables” author 16. Hissy fit 17. Sink hole 18. *It varies widely in different regions 20. One from the Magi 21. Native American emblem 22. Lavatory, abbr.

23. Like #21 or #37 in this crossword 26. Borrower’s warranty 29. Geological time period 30. Experienced sailor 33. Wraths 35. Turning abstract into real 37. Zippo 38. Carl Jung’s inner self 39. It’s considered abominable 40. Ticks off 42. Mightier than sword?

43. *Popular July 4th event 45. Climb Kilimanjaro, e.g.

47. Bigheadedness 48. Hawaiian veranda 50. Vegetarian’s protein source 52. *It won’t last long in the heat 55. Canada’s favorite tree 56. UN civil aviation agency 57. Another spelling for #54 Down, sing.

59. Listens to #19 Down 60. Accepted behavior 61. Copenhagen native 62. Flower precursor 63. D.C. time 64. Church part

DOWN 1. *Bonfire residue 2. Mess up 3. Capital of Latvia 4. Porto, to many English-speaking tourists 5. Painful expression 6. Poppy product 7. *In need of a breeze 8. Like Beethoven 9. Fail to mention 10. *A farmer’s ____ 12. Sleeping sickness vector 13. Hoover’s middle name 14. *Blast from past in movie watching 19. ____-boots 22. Car nut 23. Bald eagle’s nest 24. Do like ivy 25. Yogurt-based dip 26. Cobbler’s concern 27. Nonsense 28. Red Sea nation 31. Actress Hathaway 32. Mammoth site, e.g.

34. *Summer castle material 36. *Light bearer 38. Very, in music 40. Big fuss 41. Kidnapper’s demand 44. Fits of shivering 46. *Noisy insect 48. El Pollo ____, pl.

49. Not together 50. Off-limits 51. Newspaper piece 52. Conifer 53. Like 2016 54. Ages and ages 55. Flash dancers 58. Born, in society pages

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

Server/Bartender (WILL TRAIN)

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING!

• FT or PT Bell Valet Attendant • FT Sous Chef • FT Room Attendant • FT House Person • FT Maintenance Technician/Engineer • PT Boutique Sales and Shirt Shack Sales 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

DAYCARE TEACHER 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.

Like working in a fun, fast paced environment?

Starting pay averaging $14.00/hour.

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

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

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

Please call 305-393-1002

Apply at S.S. Wreck 5 8 8 3 5 O v e r s e a s H w y.

Grassy Key Or call for appt.

305-481-3067

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

Diver / Crew Member We’re looking for a few new treasure divers! Housing aboard the vessel provided.

Apply at: http://www.melfisher.com/ SalvageOperations/JoinTheCrew.asp

Today’s the Day!

305.743.0844

NOW HIRING

Front Desk: Front Desk Agent, Night Auditor Activities: Activity Manager, Activity Coordinators/Concierge Housekeeping: All positions Restaurant: All positions Spa: FT/PT Massage, Esthetician, Front Desk Security: FT/PT Guards Please stop by for application, fill out an application online at www.ilsabella.com “careers” or contact us at careers@islabella.com 1 Knight’s Key Blvd (MM 47) Marathon

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, 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

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

EOE m/f/d/v

JOB OPENINGS GUEST SERVICE AGENT TELEPHONE AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR BELLMAN

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Communications Officer – MARATHON

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V

SCAN FOR JOB

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

50

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning...Caring

Dolphin Research Center has a FT opening for an Animal Care & Habitat Apprentice. Must work well with animals, in order to support Medical & Animal Care & Training departments & participate on Manatee Rescue Team.

Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 lbs., possess general “handy-man” skills, have a clean driving record & be diver certified or willing to become certified – knowledge of dive equipment maintenance is a plus. Successful candidate will be responsible, organized, & motivated with excellent team player skills.

Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

305.743.0844

CASA CLARA CONDOMINIUM

Resident couple needed for 82 unit condominium in Key Colony Beach. Prefer community association management experience and knowledge of Florida laws. CAM license and good book keeping skills required (QuickBooks). Outside duties include pool operation, general building maintenance and supervision of outside contractors. Salary, insurance, retirement benefits and two bedroom apartment. Send Resume to casaclarakcb@gmail.com or fax to: 305-289-1819.

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

photography/videography and/or other graphic art skills.

Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software a plus. Benefits include medical, life, disability insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, sick & holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org.

E-mail cover letter, DRC application and your resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

SOLUTION

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn Townsquare Mall Marathon

• Guest Services Associate / Relief Night Auditor

GREAT BENEFITS:

TO APPLY: Online > jobs.bluegreenvacations.com

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

In Person > The Hammocks at Marathon 1688 Overseas Highway, Gulf Side, Mile Marker 48, Marathon

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

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

SUDOKU

$1,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Dolphin Research Center has Full-Time & Part-Time Permanent positions for Guest Services. Duties are multifaceted including welcoming guests, taking reservations and photo sales. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

FULL TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Dolphin Research Center has full-time openings for Visual Communications Staff Members (Permanent & Temporary opportunities available). Applicants should be familiar with digital

The Hammocks at Marathon

Or Call > Andre at 305.743.9009 eoe

NOW HIRING F/T or P/T Dive Instructor

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations $15 per hour to start 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.

Dive instructor needed to safely guide our guests through in-water encounters. Need to be able to enjoy working with people and have a passion for marine life.

Please apply in person at

Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

CROSSWORD

SOLUTION

COOL STUFF

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

Mainstreaming

51

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING

BUY BIBLIOBATH BOOKS

READ EMPTY PLANET

This captivating, slim volume by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson posits that Earth’s population will dwindle, and ultimately seriously decline, in the next 100 years. It upends our presumptions about population, and paints the alarming picture of what the world might, convincingly, look like as our global birth rate drops. Ibbitson is an award-winning investigative journalist, while Bricker is a social researcher. Writers like Chuck Klosterman have touted it as mind-blowing, so prepare to have your assumptions upended. Available at Books & Books.

WATCH EASY

Amsterdam-based company Bibliobath has created a line of waterproof books that have a nearly paper-like feel and clean design. Perfect for the pool, beach or, well, bath, Bibliobath has thus far put out classics like short stories by Mark Twain and poetry by W.B. Yeats. Check out the collection at the 24 North Hotel, dubbed the “underwater library,” if you want to give them a feel firsthand. They’ll run you a bit — 29.99 euros, which means 33.88 USD — but hey, you’ll never have to throw out another wet book (once they expand the collection). Who doesn’t want to soak in a bubble bath while reading “The Art of War”? Buy them at www.bibliobath.com

This Netflix original — they call it a “comedy” but I don’t entirely agree — is a wry, at turns dark and at others, very light, episodic treatment of modern monogamy, the era of technology, confessional culture, aging ungracefully, and running an illegal brewery out of your garage. In other words: “Easy” runs the gamut of human experience with thought and a sense of humor. Episodes are 30 minutes, and standalone, with turns from actors like Marc Maron, Orlando Bloom and Malin Ackerman. Created by Joe Swanberg, it’s a half-hour of television that will stay with you through the week.

Watch at www.netflix.com

So, what’s Cuba going to do with all the unused cruise ship dockage now that American boats are prevented from visiting? Well, it’s a good spot for the Russian Navy warship currently ported in Havana. The ship — the Admiral Gorshkov — is one of Russia’s most advanced warships with technology like cruise missiles, air defense systems and other weapons. Which just begs the question …

TOP 10

REASONS A RUSSIAN WARSHIP DOCKED IN HAVANA

10. The Russian Navy relies on Mapquest.

9. Their mission is to drift off America’s Southernmost City and listen to Jimmy Buffett while they conduct missile drills. In Havana, the sun is warm and so is the comradeship.

8. Havana is the only place left on Earth to get parts for vintage Russian warships.

7. Russians investigating the possible weaponization of “la chancleta.”

6. Latest move between Putin and Trump’s global military game of "I double-dog dare you.”

5. The Russian sailors needed a break from 24-hour sunlight, so they settled on 24-hour humidity.

4. Russian KGB confirming an intercepted communication by a couple from Toledo who said they can see Havana from Southernmost Point.

3. That isn't a Russian Warship; it’s a Russian cruise ship featuring all-you-can-eat goulash and afternoon buzkashi on the Lido Deck.

2. Best view of WWIII mushroom cloud.

1. Testing lastest high tech weaponry designed to end modern Western democracy — Facebook.

52

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019 The Key West Weekly is proud to partner with Key West High School faculty and students in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and KWHS for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Conch Pride” and congratulate all of the outstanding students of the week.

What is something people don’t know about you? I played the flute for three years in middle school. I also regret that I stopped playing.

Enjoy more time on the islands with your savings on a quick and easy Keys Boat or Engine-Only Loan!

• Great rates from 5.5%APR* • Fast Local Decisions • Affordable Payments Apply Now. Call 305-294-6622

Go to KeysFCU.org

Download our

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.

What is the dumbest rule at your school? The best? The dumbest rule is no headphones. While I understand the reason for this rule, some people can better focus when they are using headphones to do their work. The best rule is being able to go off campus for lunch.

What is something that you know now that you didn’t know when you were a freshman? I didn’t know that it was okay to go out of your comfort zone. Trying new things can be scary, but they may result in something you really like.

What organizations and activities are you involved with at KWHS? I am involved in Beta Club, Interact, Zonta and NHS. Being involved in community service clubs allows me to help my community out. I also play on the varsity soccer team, which allows me to play with a lovely group of ladies.

What are your plans after high school? I want to finish college and then travel around the world and explore it.

What do you hope to be remembered for KWHS? I hope to be remembered for being a hardworking student.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I really enjoy reading books and playing soccer.

SENIOR

What does a “good education” mean to you? A good education means learning not only what the classes teach, but also learning life skills and lessons you can keep with you throughout life.

MEGAN WILLIAMS

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Wood (Hornbeck) is my all-time favorite teacher. She makes me actually want to learn and also does an amazing job of teaching while making it fun.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home? I don’t think so. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s small. I want to get out of the tiny island life — we’ll see what the future holds.

What three things would you like to accomplish before your 10year reunion? I would like to graduate from college, spend a year in a foreign country and have little debt to pay off.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Cooper’s Paint & Body Independent Goodyear Tire & Auto Mechanics

305-294-5581 6391 3rd Street Key West, FL 33040

Since 1952

mlcooper@cooperspaintbody.com

Our Business is Environmentally Friendly!

NEW & REPAIR

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

To order call 908.797.9430

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

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

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And Sliding Glass Door Repair We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

PROP DOC

Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West

305-998-8953

305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

305

296-BLUE

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

CERTIFIED MARINE SURVEYS MASTER MARINE SURVEYOR SERVING ALL THE KEYS

cell: e-mail:

New & Used / Sales & Service Propellers, Shafts, Struts, Rudders

Only Laser Scanner in the Keys No Need to Send Your Prop to the Mainland & Waste Valuable Fishing Time Outboard Shafts 305-292-0012 Inboard and Outboard Straightened on Boat 6003 Peninsular Ave. Stock Island-FL Free Propeller Analysis

propdrkw@gmail.com

Will Campbell President

NOW HIRING!

MARCH HARE MARINE SERVICES

office:

KEY WEST,

inc.

Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Operating Since 2004

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

Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

AT HOME IN KEY WEST INC. Property Management 305.296.6996 Monthly & Yearly Rentals Vacation Rentals

athomekeywest.com

in Key West since 1997

PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR - HEADLIGHT RESTORATION MINOR SCRATCH/SCUFF REPAIR

www.FixADentFLKeys.com

Aargh Golf Carts Maintenance & Service Mobile Golf Cart & LSV Service & Repair Fully licensed and factory trained $10 Locally owned and operated OFF rvice New & Used Sales Se WITH MENTION OF THIS AD Non LSV Rentals

(305) 743-6656 aarghgolfcarts.com

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

55

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

Blue Harbor

2

2

$750,000 Opportunity is calling with this open ocean parcel on over 0.25 acres. Offering breathtaking views

Call Us to View Today

and quiet enjoyment in a low traffic area. The existing mobile home can be replaced with a new mobile home or permanent residence. Excellent Tavernier location and just a bike ride away from Harry Harris Park. Overnight dockage available through association. This location is close to schools, shopping and dining.

Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com

305.712.8888 | oceansir.com

56

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 27, 2019

POINT OF SALE

MARKETING AND PROMOTING TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS

WHAT IS POINT OF SALE? PRIME PRODUCT AND ADVERTISING LOCATION The “power wall” is the area of tobacco products displayed behind the counter of convenience stores and gas stations. They draw attention to these products and can prompt impulse purchases.

One study showed that youth exposed to a “power wall” were more susceptible to future cigarette smoking compared to those exposed to a tobacco display hidden by an opaque wall.

TOBACCO COMPANIES SPEND BILLIONS EACH YEAR ON PROMOTIONS AND ADVERTISEMENTS THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPENT

HIGH CONCENTRATION OF TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS Youth are more likely than adults to be influenced by promotions.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS Pricing strategies that make tobacco products cheaper lead to increased youth initiation, experimentation and regular smoking.

$34.9 BILLION

on cigarette marketing at the point of sale in 2015.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPENT

$33.4 BILLION

80% of retailer outlets feature tobacco product advertising inside.

More than two-thirds of teenagers visit a convenience store at least once a week.

Studies show that schools with a higher number of nearby tobacco retailers have higher smoking rates.

Tobacco companies target lower-income, minority communities with point-of-sale marketing.

YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

CONTACT PRISCILLA BENNETT AT PRISCILLA.BENNETT@FLHEALTH.GOV OR 305-676-3856 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

on smokeless marketing at the point of sale in 2015.