Key West Weekly – 7/04/19

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As American as Key lime pie.

July 4, 2019

AMERICAN TROPIC KEY WEST HONORS THE 4TH OF JULY

IMMIGRATION DEBATE

CONGRESSWOMAN VISITS HOMESTEAD SHELTER | P.7

HEMINGWAY DAYS

PAPA’S FAVORITE FESTIVAL APPROACHES | P.28

BUBBAS FINAL VOTING CHECK OUT THE CLOSEST RACES | P.20

START YOUR DAY...

AND END YOUR DAY WITH A KEY WEST ICON OLD KEY WEST WITH A TWIST OF SOMETHING NEW. A KEY WEST ICON SINCE 1886.

2017 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Restaurant, Best Family Owned Business, Best Breakfast, Best Bartender, Best Happy Hour and Best Bloody Mary.

512 Front Street • www.twofriends.com • 305.296.3124

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • KARAOKE • DAILY LIVE MUSIC

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

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

BEST RESORT BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE BEST BUSINESS

Best Water front Dining

best bartender alan “al” nelson best brunch

best retailer oceankey.com | 800.328.9815 | Zero Duval Street, Key West, FL

best bloody mary

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 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.

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STATE NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

ON THE COVER

KEYS

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5 Key West, FL 33040 Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

500 SIGNED! The FWC Python Action Team has removed the program’s 500th invasive Burmese python from the wild.

Two women captured the snake on June 25 at the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. It was 9 feet, 10 inches long and weighed 20 pounds, 14 ounces.

BUDGET, NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING AMONG BILLS INKED SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

W

ith legislative session over, a flurry of bills are making their way to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Here are a few notable measures that have been inked recently by the governor.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a transportation bill. CONTRIBUTED

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Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Key West’s 4th of July fireworks display lights up the night on the south side of the island. Full events listing at www.keysweekly.com LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Call (305)320-0500 for reservations or online at OceanSpaKeyWest.com 829 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040 Ample parking off of Olivia St AVEDA HAIR SALON MASSAGE NATURAL SKINCARE ACUPUNCTURE NATURAL BODY TREATMENTS WAXING NATURAL NAILS

BRIGHTER FUTURE BUDGET A budget totaling $90.9 billion for the 2019-20 fiscal year was signed by the governor in late June. With increased investment for the environment also came funds to support transportation and infrastructure project and money that areas hit by hurricanes Irma and Michael have been waiting for. Notably, Everglades restoration and initiatives to protect the state’s water resources received more than the governor’s $625 million ask — $682 million. A total of $2.7 billion is provided for highway construction, which includes 125.7 new lane miles to expand transportation capacity. As for hurricane recovery, the state is projected to spend $2.9 billion on preparedness and recovery, $1.1 billion for Irma and $1.8 billion for Continued on page 8.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

JULY 4TH EVENTS BBQ & FIREWORKS VIEWING 7PM—9PM • CARIBE TERRACE Open to Hotel Guests from both resorts and the general public. Enjoy backyard favorites like beer can chicken, burgers, BBQ Ribs with the traditional sides, desserts and more. Followed by the fireworks.

Adults $40, children under 12 $20.

SPENCER’S BY THE SEA JULY 4TH Spencer’s will be open for hotel guests of both resorts and the general public normal business hours.

THE REACH BEACH & POOL SPECIALS Reserve your Cabana or Daybed early for the 4th of July. $140 includes choice of Bottle of Prosecco, House Wine or an Ice Cold Bucket of Beer.

Daybed and Cabana reservations open at 6pm.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

THANK YOU KEY WEST FOR NOMINATING US AGAIN IN 2019 FOR BEST SUMMER CAMP

WE LOVE HANGING OUT WITH YOUR KIDS AND WE’D LOVE TO WIN FOR THE 3RD YEAR IN A ROW!

VOTE TODAY!!

FOR NOMINATING US

BEST FURNITURE STORE in Key West

To vote, go to keysweekly.com/bubbas www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND VOTE FOR US!

POLITICS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019 JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

SHELTER CONCERNS

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CONGRESSWOMAN, DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES DENIED TOUR AT FACILITY 3

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1

U

.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell walked up to the gates of the Homestead shelter for unaccompanied migrant children on June 28. Flanking her were several Democratic presidential candidates who were coming off a debate the night before in Miami.

Around them were a swarm of media, as well as demonstrators chanting, “shut it down.”

Mucarsel-Powell has toured the facility once before — it’s where 2,700 migrant children as young as 13, from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala are located. Mucarsel-Powell said she has a special place in her heart for these children as she came to the U.S. from Ecuador with her sisters and mother in search of better opportunities.

On the Monday before the Democratic debate in Miami, she called on the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates to visit the facility, which is run by the for-profit Caliburn International, during their time in South Florida.

And several did.

But the candidates who came — U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, of New York; U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, of California; Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana; Julian Cástro, former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper — weren’t allowed

a tour. Upon entering a building at the front of the property, they exited and took to the podium out by the road to speak.

“I know that as they continue their campaign trail, they will not forget what they experienced this morning,” Mucarsel-Powell said as she addressed the media. “I know that we’re going to take on the White House, and I’m confident knowing we have incredible candidates that will be able to run this country to deal with the immigration problem we have and put the priority — the safety of our kids — first.”

Mucarsel-Powell, who represents western Miami-Dade, Homestead and the Florida Keys, has sounded the alarm on child separation issues and what’s going on at the Homestead facility — specifically the White House’s lack of a hurricane preparedness plan for the detention facility, along with the living conditions inside.

During a May 29 visit, she says she was explicitly told that “there is no plan in place to evacuate or relocate the children prior to a natural disaster.”

“The absence of foresight and coordination to effectively prepare for a disaster is irresponsible and is needlessly endangering the lives of thousands of children,” she wrote to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Mucarsel-Powell wanted a final version of the

evacuation and relocation plan by June 12. That never came.

Mucarsel-Powell was joined

by South Florida U.S. Reps. Donna Shalala and Debbie Wasserman Schultz recently in calling for a closure of the Homestead facility.

She’s also called for the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar for the “gross mishandling of the facility, the failure to provide a safe and secure environment for migrants, the lack of an adequate hurricane preparedness plan and the deaths of several children while in custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.”

“We are imprisoning kids for profit,” Mucarsel-Powell said.

Gillibrand said she’s upset over the fact there’s no plan to bring families back together again.

“This is about children. I cannot tell you how angry it makes me when you lock up a child and deny them time they need to play outside, the time they need to be with their families,” she said.

While many have seen the candidates going at each other in debates, Buttigieg said they’re all on the same side when it comes to the way the country should care for the most endangered and vulnerable.

“We have a moral obligation to support them,” he said.

5 1. U.S. Rep Debbie Mucarsel-Powell makes her way up to the Homestead shelter for unaccompanied children on June 28. Reporters and photographers crowd in as she walks up with several Democratic presidential candidates. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly 2. U.S. Rep Debbie Mucarsel-Powell makes comments after trying to tour the Homestead shelter for unaccompanied children with several Democratic presidential candidates.

3. U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell begins the press conference on June 28 outside of the Homestead shelter. Also pictured are Democratic presidential candidates U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, of New York; U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, of California; Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana; and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.

4. U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Democratic presidential candidates walk toward a building on the property of the Homestead shelter to request a tour.

5. U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell introduces Julian Cástro, former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development and presidential candidate, during the press conference.

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STATE NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

Continued from page 4.

SIGNED! Michael. “Although this budget includes increased investments in a number of areas, it is also respectful to Florida taxpayers, providing them nearly $400 million in tax relief,” DeSantis said.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR VETS On June 26, DeSantis signed House Bill 501 to provide alternative treatment options for veterans. Specifically, legislation creates a $200,000 pilot program that’s focused on treating post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries in veterans using alternative therapies. It also expands available therapies for eligible veterans to include accelerated resolution therapy, equine therapy, music therapy, service animal training therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at registered facilities. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and House. “With more than 1.5 million veterans living in Florida, this community makes up an important part of our state’s identity,” DeSantis said. “While we may never be able to fully repay these men and women for their sacrifices, we will continue to do everything we can to support them and their families.”

CAREER READINESS & WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES DeSantis signed legislation that promotes career readiness and workforce opportunities for students and working families. Legislation establishes the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Program, which provides competitive grants to eligible institutions to create or expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The Last Mile Scholarship Program is also established to pay for eligible individuals to finish their first associate or bachelor’s degree.

CYBERSECURITY TASK FORCE House Bill 5301, signed by DeSantis on June 25, establishes a cybersecurity task force to be chaired by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. The task force will bring together law enforcement, information technology, emergency management, legislative and private-sector partners to research best practices and recommend solutions to enhance Florida’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

“The Florida Cybersecurity Task Force will bring cutting-edge ideas and best practices to Florida,” Nuñez said. “I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to research and recommend best practices to protect our state’s digital footprint.”

SHARK FISHING FROM SHORE Anglers who plan to target sharks from shore, or a bridge, now need to take an online class. Upon completion, they get a no-cost permit that must be renewed annually. The class is required for anglers ages 16 and up; the young anglers don’t need the permit, but must complete the class unless they are fishing with an educated and permitted adult. The new law also applies to fishermen in kayaks and requires the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks, and the anglers must have a tool that can cut the leader or hook.

TEXTING AND DRIVING Although it has been a “secondary” offense in Florida, law enforcement officers can begin pulling over motorists who they see texting and driving beginning July 1. Previously, drivers could be cited for texting and driving only after a traffic officer spotted another offense, such as not wearing a seat belt. The non-moving violation tickets typically cost about $30 for first-time offenders. Only warnings will be issued for the next six months. After that, it’s ticket time.

DRIVERLESS CARS It is now legal for self-driving vehicles to drive on Florida roads — even if there is not a human driver behind the wheel. Beginning July 1, the “autonomous” vehicles can operate in the Sunshine State so long as the cars meet insurance and safety requirements outlined in the legislation. Previously, only self-driving vehicles with a backup human operator were allowed.

“Signing this legislation paves the way for Florida to continue as a national leader in transportation innovation and technological advancement,” DeSantis said in a statement.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

HELP WANTED

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www.thegratefulguitar.com Open Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. Closed Sunday 512 Eaton Street • (305) 453-6413

LYNN GOODWIN and LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY Leadership Monroe County is committed to developing strong, dedicated leaders and building relationships for constructive alliances.

Lynn demonstrates the vital qualities a non-profit needs: commitment, vision, responsibility and action.

Keys Weekly, Ocean Wellness Spa, and CFFK.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

SARAH THOMAS sthomas@keysweekly.com

THE COST OF DIABETES DRUGS IN DISTRICT 26 SOME OF MOST EXPENSIVE

T

he House of Representatives’ Committee on Oversight and Reform released a report in late June, detailing the inordinate cost of diabetes drugs for Americans — in particular, those living in the 26th Congressional District, including the Florida Keys. As the Democratic debates heated up last week in Miami, some candidates trumpeted “Medicare for all,” advocating for the program to be expanded to Americans under 65. Universal health care has been a notoriously sticky subject in Florida, and even for those who have private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, diabetes drugs can be incredibly costly.

More than 30 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes, which means they rely on prescription drugs, including insulin, to keep their blood sugar levels in check. In 2017, according to the report, diabetes contributed to the death of 277,000 Americans and was the primary cause of death for 85,000 people.

The report details that 21,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the district have been diagnosed with diabetes, and the cost of common brand-name diabetes drugs in the district is up to four times as much as in other countries like the U.K. or Australia.

For uninsured patients, it’s worse. The report “finds that uninsured diabetes patients in the district who purchase Novolog Flexpen — a popular brand of insulin — pay on average 21 times more than they would in Australia, 14 times more than they would in the United Kingdom, and 12 times more than they would in Canada.” All of those developed nations have public health-care programs.

District 26 Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is introducing legislation that would allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug costs to allow less expensive generic alternatives to reach the marketplace.

“This report highlights how rising diabetes drug prices are depleting the health and finances of American families, patients, taxpayers and, disproportionately, communities of color,” said Mucarsel-Powell, “putting Americans at a financial disadvantage in the world’s richest country.”

Private pharmaceutical companies setting the market standards for drug costs is not a new story, but it’s nonetheless an urgent one — especially when it comes to the widespread health concern of diabetes and inordinate costs. The report states: “Over the past two decades, manufacturers have systematically and dramatically raised the prices of their insulin products by more than tenfold — often in lockstep. These prices dwarf manufacturing costs. One study found manufacturers could charge as little as $7 to $11 per month for insulin and still make a profit.”

The cost creates a financial strain not only for patients, but also for the federal government — which provides diabetes meds to 43 million Americans through Medicare — and thus taxpayers. The federal government has failed to pass legislation that would allow Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies, so Medicare is paying top dollar. On the other hand, legislation dictates that the Department of Veterans Affairs must be given the lowest price that is offered to any buyer. In 2016, Medicare paid out over $20 million in the 26th district of Florida for diabetes medications.

Individuals in the Keys without insurance may have to pay over $600 a month for today’s most preferred type 2 diabetes drugs, said Dr. Gerald Ginsberg, the only practicing endocrinologist from Key West to Homestead. Ginsberg moved to the Keys to retire, but seeing the need for care, in particular for diabetes patients, he has continued to practice one to two days a week. Ginsberg cites newer classes of drugs, such as GLP1 agonists which came to market in 2005 and SGLT2 inhibitors, which came to market in 2013, that are effective with regard to lowering blood sugar, have minimal risk of hypoglycemia, and are associated with weight loss, lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular outcomes.

“These are great drugs,” he said, “but right now, doctors prescribe the lower cost generic drugs or the drugs that are available free of charge at Publix, because they are affordable for people without health insurance.” Metformin is often the first drug prescribed to all patients with type 2 diabetes and is one of the drugs available free of charge at Publix. But as the ability to make insulin deteriorates in the normal course of type 2 diabetes, patients generally require second and third drugs such as the GLP1 and SGLT2 medication classes.

So, patients stick to what they can afford — which may not be the best medicine for their long-term care. Ginsberg doesn’t mince words about what he sees as a tragically flawed system: “It’s always been like this,” he said. “We are the only democracy in the Western world that has a for-profit health care system, and that’s the bottom line. The drug companies are corporations that choose to develop products and charge whatever they decide they want to charge once the drug is approved. It’s awkward because nobody needs to buy a fancy car or needs to buy a big house, but people need to use insulin. Our government has allowed the development of this type of a health care system.”

While endocrinologists are hard to come by, there are some more affordable alternatives for diabetes care in the Keys.

Ginsberg said that while management with medicine is part of the equation, “It’s what you eat every day; it’s how you take care of yourself; it’s if you can do what you’re being asked to do.”

There are also facilities like Rural Health Network in Key West, which accepts Medicare, Medicaid, all private health insurance and offers care to uninsured patients on a sliding income scale.

They offer a free nutrition class for friends, family, caretakers and patients with diabetes. They also connect patients with pharmacies through the 340B Drug Discount Program, which offers drug discounts at Walgreens and, newly, CVS and Publix.

“We do have a high demand in Monroe County,” said Vivian Roberts, a nurse and clinical coordinator for Rural Health Network. “You have a high cost of living, and fixed incomes, and it’s expensive to eat healthy.”

However, they have seen improvements in patient health in recent years, testing returning patients’ A1C levels (% of hemoglobin attached to glucose in the blood) and consistently seeing improvements. “For our patient control here in Monroe County, we’ve seen a significant change because of the work that we do.

When we compare nationally, we are doing really good.”

Roberts recommends coming in to get A1C levels checked, especially if someone has a family history of diabetes, so that they can engage in preventive lifestyle changes. The Rural Health Network is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they accept walk-ins.

While these community efforts help individuals and curb the severity of diabetes in Keys patients, they don’t address the problem of rising drug costs: for patients and taxpayers paying into the Medicare pot. According to Mucarsel-Powell, the key is in the hands of Congress.

“Unreasonably high insulin prices cause families to ration or stop taking diabetes drugs, putting their lives at risk,” she said. “Floridians cannot bear the economic burden of rising prescription drug costs, nor should they be asked to. Congress must allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug costs.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

MONEY WOES TURN FOCUS TO TOURISM

KEY WEST HISTORY

SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, July 3 • Miss Firecracker Competition from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Aqua.

Key West.

Thursday, July 4 • Fourth of July Patriotic Party at White Street Pier with Rotary Club of Key West. Refreshments for sale. 3 to 9 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Key West.

July 4-7 • Annual Key Lime Festival, Key West.

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MAYOR HONORED FOR MALL ON DUVAL INITIATIVE

July 5-7 • Inaugural Key West Mermaid Festival.

Julius Stone planned to make the ferry route to Key West obsolete by building bridges for automobiles.

ARTHUR ROTHSTEIN/Contributed

BRAD BERTELLI

K

www.keysweekly.com

ey West has seen a great many financial ups and downs. The diminished military presence in the years that followed the conclusion of World War I, combined with the collapse of the cigar industry, left Key West and Monroe County at what was perhaps its lowest point.

On July 2, 1934, Monroe County and Key West officials, faced with a shortage of $100,000 to cover operational costs, signed over governing control to Florida Governor David Sholtz. Sholtz would hand the matter over to Florida’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration representative Julius Stone.

Stone’s plan was to take $1,000,000 and over the course of 18 months work to make Key West a tourist destination. Included in his plan was to suggest funding a solid automobile bridge system that would make the ferries currently used to help complete the drive from the mainland to Key West obsolete, making the Southernmost City more accessible.

Hundreds of World War I veterans were brought to work camps at Windley Key and Lower Matecumbe Key to begin the bridgebuilding projects. As many as 500 of those veterans and locals would be killed on Sept. 2, 1935, when the eye of the Category 5 Labor Day Hurricane passed over Lower Matecumbe Key. Brad Bertelli is curator of the Keys History & Discovery Center.

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.

• Grand Opening of Old Island General Store, noon to 2 p.m. at the Oldest House, Key West.

Tuesday, July 9 • Centennial Bank Fraud Seminar, 2514 North Roosevelt, 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., 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.

Wednesday, July 17 • Hemingway Days. Full lineup of events p. 28. Key West.

Saturday, July 20 • 6th Annual Bubba Awards at Key West Theater. Doors at 6 p.m.

• “Battle for the Birds” benefit concert from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Studios of Key West.

Saturday, July 27 • Space Pirate Day at Monroe County Library, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Key West.

Aug. 2-3 • “Shrek Jr. The Musical” at Waterfront Playhouse. 8 p.m. Key West.

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.

Mayor Teri Johnston and Alexis Crespo, State President of Florida Planning and Zoning Association. KIM ROMANO/ Contributed

OUTSTANDING ELECTED OFFICIAL AWARD GOES TO JOHNSTON

T

he Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) presented Key West Mayor Teri Johnston with its “Outstanding Elected Official Award” for her continued efforts toward programs to rejuvenate and transform Duval Street, affordable housing, assisting the homeless and creating a more user-friendly City Hall.

The FPZA stated that projects such as “Mall on Duval,” the pedestrian shopping and dining experience, “embody Mayor Johnston’s ability to strike a balance between tourism and the residents of Key West, bringing forward an opportunity for progress.”

The FPZA held its annual awards luncheon in Key West this year, during which it also presented Mayor Emeritus Craig Cates and Bender & Associates, Architects, with an award for “Outstanding Redevelopment of Key West City Hall.”

— Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019 Listing Office

Selling Office

Sold Date

RE/MAX All Keys Shoreline Properties Island Equity Real Estate Tropical Realty RE/MAX All Keys RE/MAX All Keys American Caribbean Real Estate Island Equity Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate American Caribbean Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt The Firm Realty Group Ocean Sotheby's International Realty Blue 9 Realty Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys

Outside Of MLS - FKBR Shoreline Properties Coldwell Banker Schmitt American Caribbean Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys RE/MAX All Keys Outside Of MLS American Caribbean Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate Tropical Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt The Firm Realty Group The Keyes Company Blue 9 Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty

6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/27/2019 6/27/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/26/2019 6/27/2019 7/1/2019 6/28/2019 6/26/2019 6/27/2019 6/28/2019 6/29/2019 7/1/2019

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

375,000.00 310,000.00 290,000.00 505,000.00 157,000.00 157,000.00 625,000.00 330,000.00 320,000.00 118,000.00 375,000.00 499,900.00 300,000.00 590,000.00 40,000.00 340,000.00

150 158 4 104350 325 325 325 64 467 1550 684 71 85 24 92157 125

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Ocean Sotheby's International Realty Sutter & Nugent, Inc. Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate Shoreline Properties Blue 9 Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt Island Equity Real Estate Sutter & Nugent, Inc. BHHS Freewheeler Realty Ocean Sotheby's International Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Blue 9 Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty

6/28/2019 6/26/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 7/1/2019 7/1/2019 6/28/2019 7/1/2019 6/25/2019

$ 425,000.00 $ 425,000.00 $ 799,000.00 $ 722,250.00 $ 1,950,000.00 $ 1,650,000.00 $ 1,265,000.00 $ 1,100,000.00 $ 464,000.00 $ 464,000.00 $ 749,999.00 $ 749,999.00 $ 698,000.00 $ 647,000.00 $ 479,000.00 $ 425,000.00 $ 149,000.00 $ 150,000.00

149 150 50 223 280 121 143 88500 114

Ocean Sotheby's International Realty Ocean Sotheby's International Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Ocean Sotheby's International Realty American Caribbean Real Estate BHHS Freewheeler Realty

6/26/2019 7/1/2019 6/26/2019

$ $ $

81801 Overseas Hwy, #737 80450 Overseas Hyw, #402 79901 Overseas Hwy, #403

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate Canvas Real Estate

Outside Of MLS Coldwell Banker Schmitt American Caribbean Real Estate Ocean Sotheby's International Realty RE/MAX All Keys Real Estate Canvas Real Estate

6/26/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019

$ 424,900.00 $ 245,000.00 $ 950,000.00 $ 669,999.00 $ 900,000.00 $ 1,179,000.00

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Hawks Cay Resort Sales Duck Key Realty

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Hawks Cay Resort Sales Duck Key Realty

6/27/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019

$ $ $

Florida Keys Real Estate Group Gail's Island Realty RE/MAX All Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Florida Keys Real Estate Group RE/MAX Keys To The Key Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Colony Beach Realty

6/25/2019 6/27/2019 6/28/2019 7/2/2019

$ 390,000.00 $ 330,000.00 $ 399,990.00 $ 383,000.00 $ 1,795,000.00 $ 1,600,000.00 $ 339,000.00 $ 322,500.00

200 601 420 210

BHHS Keys Real Estate RE/MAX All Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX Keys To The Key Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Keys Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Island Breeze Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Keys Real Estate BHHS Keys Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt

6/27/2019 7/1/2019 6/26/2019 6/26/2019 6/28/2019 6/27/2019 6/27/2019

$ 2,375,000.00 $ 2,125,000.00 $ 2,095,000.00 $ 1,999,900.00 $ 209,000.00 $ 197,000.00 $ 529,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 355,000.00 $ 360,000.00 $ 750,000.00 $ 700,000.00 $ 629,000.00 $ 619,000.00

125 371 439 1170 524 1515 794

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Sellstate Island Properties Sellstate Island Properties Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key West Properties Key West Luxury Real Estate Sellstate Island Properties Coldwell Banker Schmitt

6/26/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 7/1/2019 6/28/2019

$ $ $ $ $

425,000.00 439,000.00 409,000.00 259,000.00 225,000.00

$ $ $ $ $

390,000.00 440,000.00 409,000.00 230,000.00 215,000.00

1619 127 29857 234 29669

Fathom Realty

Sunny Keys Realty

7/2/2019

$

550,000.00 $

539,500.00

27942 Leeward S

1988 Single Fam

2

No

28

Action Keys Realty FL Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Outside Of MLS - FKBR Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt

6/26/2019 6/26/2019 7/1/2019

$ 1,050,000.00 $ 965,000.00 $ 2,675,000.00 $ 2,150,000.00 $ 1,375,000.00 $ 1,225,000.00

970 Caribbean 787 Shore 937 Ocean

2002 Single Fam 1992 Single Fam 1976 Single Fam

4 5 2

Yes Yes Yes

25 25 25

Florida Keys Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Century 21 Island Life BPK

LoKation Real Estate Select Properties of NWFL Coldwell Banker Schmitt Waterfront Keys Realty Inc. Coldwell Banker Schmitt

6/27/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 7/1/2019

$ $ $ $ $

2004 N/A 1989 N/A 1988

Single Fam Lots Single Fam Lots Single Fam

3 0 2 0 2

Yes Yes Yes No Yes

23 23 23 23 21

Rose Dell & Assoc BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty

BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty Truman & Co.

6/25/2019 6/27/2019 6/28/2019

$ 475,000.00 $ 437,500.00 $ 2,675,000.00 $ 2,500,000.00 $ 1,295,000.00 $ 1,180,500.00

1972 Single Fam 2018 Single Fam 1995 Single Fam

3 4 3

No Yes Yes

19.5 17 15

Key West Properties At Home in Key West Coldwell Banker Schmitt

Key West Properties At Home in Key West Horizon Homes Realty

6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019

$ $ $

235,000.00 $ 175,000.00 $ 439,000.00 $

210,000.00 168,500.00 415,000.00

1984 Mobile Hom 1985 Mobile Hom 1986 Single Fam

2 1 2

No No No

10 10 10

Truman & Co.

Vacasa Florida, LLC

7/2/2019

$

685,000.00 $

670,000.00

2018 Single Fam

3

Yes

9

RE/MAX All Keys Richard Padron And Assoc Richard Padron And Assoc Key West Luxury Real Estate Richard Padron And Assoc Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Bascom Grooms Real Estate Keller Williams KW Compass Realty BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Coastal Collection Real Estate Inc. RE/MAX All Keys Last Key Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Preferred Properties Island and Resort Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty

Lokation Real Estate Beach Club Brokers Richard Padron And Assoc Coldwell Banker Schmitt Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Century 21 Island Life Coldwell Banker Schmitt Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Truman & Co. Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Truman & Co. Bascom Grooms Real Estate Keller Williams KW Compass Realty

6/28/2019 6/26/2019 6/27/2019 6/27/2019 6/27/2019 6/27/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 6/27/2019 7/1/2019 6/28/2019 6/28/2019 7/1/2019 7/1/2019 7/1/2019

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

2000 1996 2000 1987 1999 2000 1950 1997 1952 1996 1938 2005 1928 1938 1938 1938 1994

0 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 5 5 6 2 3 3 2

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

5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 0

Monroe County Property Transfers

GOOD DEEDS

Key Largo

Plantation Key

Upper Matecumbe Key

Lower Matecumbe Key

Duck Key

Key Colony Beach

Marathon

Big Pine Key

Little Torch Key

Summerland Key

Cudjoe Key

Sugarloaf Key

Big Coppitt Key

Rockland Key Key West

List Price 399,995.00 359,900.00 299,000.00 549,000.00 175,000.00 175,000.00 659,000.00 334,750.00 350,000.00 135,000.00 386,900.00 499,900.00 389,000.00 599,000.00 45,000.00 395,000.00

Sold Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

350,000.00 $ 508,000.00 $ 425,000.00 $

$ 385,000.00 $ 240,000.00 $ 921,000.00 $ 645,000.00 $ 855,000.00 $ 1,159,000.00

725,899.00 $ 510,000.00 $ 489,000.00 $

545,000.00 289,000.00 629,000.00 130,000.00 529,000.00

112,500.00 547,900.00 659,000.00 445,000.00 555,000.00 575,000.00 499,000.00 549,000.00 520,000.00 425,000.00 1,299,000.00 2,450,000.00 624,900.00 795,000.00 1,285,000.00 1,250,000.00 929,000.00

310,000.00 470,000.00 415,000.00

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

690,000.00 495,000.00 450,000.00

525,000.00 250,000.00 613,000.00 120,000.00 512,000.00

114,250.00 537,500.00 649,000.00 430,000.00 540,000.00 540,000.00 490,000.00 543,000.00 500,001.00 405,000.00 1,197,000.00 2,300,000.00 588,525.00 805,000.00 1,220,000.00 1,147,600.00 880,000.00

Yr Blt

Style

Long Key Long Key Dolphin Overseas Hwy, #2 Calusa St, #341 Calusa St #342 Calusa St, #327 Silver Springs Sunset Ocean Bay Dr, Slip 38 Sailfish Blackbeard Jean La Fitte Mutiny Overseas Hwy, M2 Coconut Row

1964 1970 1959 1976 2000 2000 2015 1960 1984 1990 1991 2013 N/A 2001 1974 1943

Mobile Hom Mobile Hom Single Fam Townhouse Mobile Hom Mobile Hom Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Slip Single Fam Single Fam Lots Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam

3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 0 3 3 0 4 2 3

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

106 106 104 104 101.5 101.5 101.5 101 100 100 99 98 98 98 91.5 91.5

Plantation Shores Tequesta Schooner Bay Mohawk Key Honey Monroe Aregood Ln, D-1 Overseas Hwy, #422 Royal

1981 1993 1934 2000 1984 1972 1992 1976 N/A

Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Multi-Unit Townhouse Condo Lots

3 4 5 4 3 4 2 2 0

No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No

90 89 89 89 89 88.6 88.5 88.5 87.5

1988 Condotel 1983 Condo 1976 Condo

1 2 2

Yes Yes Yes

82.5 80.5 80

1991 1980 1977 2003 2003 2004

3 1 2 2 3 3

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

77 76.5 76.5 75 75 74.5

1998 Townhouse 1998 Townhouse 1986 Single Fam

3 2 2

Yes Yes No

61 61 61

4th Ocean Dr, #310C 12Th 3Rd

1959 1975 1994 2001

Half Duple Townhouse Single Fam Half Duple

2 2 3 3

Yes Yes Yes No

53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5

Pirates Cove Stirrup Key Blvd 83rd 75Th Street Ocean 65th Sombrero Blvd, #2A 26Th Street Ocean

1978 1984 1961 1972 1984 1988 1968

Single Fam Single Fam Mobile Hom Single Fam Single Fam Condo Single Fam

5 4 2 4 2 3 3

Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes

52.5 52.5 51.5 51 50.5 49 48.5

Sunrise Lobstertail Tropical Trader Loma Ranger

N/A 1988 1991 1958 N/A

Lots Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Lots

0 2 2 2 0

Yes Yes No No Yes

30.5 30 30 30 29.5

Street # Street Name

77 119 120 101 101 189

Columbus Cortez Dr, G-11 Columbus Gulfview Dr, #211 Gulfview Dr, #214 Gulfview

7054 Harbor Village Dr, D-209 5058 Sunset Village 127 Bimini

22972 Lot 6 22748 701 154

Hawkins Tarpon Blackbeard Spanish Main Dr, #37 Colson

19626 Canal 551 Point 97 Bay 55 Boca Chica Rd, #20 55 Boca Chica Rd, #98 20 Flipper 5 Calle Dos 5555 129 61 3316 42 206 3616 21 1329 3075 1211 1418 710 409 410 1408 101

College Rd, #8 Golf Club Spoonbill Harriet Spoonbill Wy, #1 Golf Club Eagle Kestral 2nd Flagler Ave, #12 South Leon Caroline Catherine Catherine Duncan Front St, #10

Single Fam Condo Single Fam Condo Condo Single Fam

Boat Slip Townhouse Single Fam Townhouse Townhouse Single Fam Single Fam Townhouse Single Fam Townhouse Multi-Unit Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Townhouse

Tot Beds Wtrfrnt MM

Based on information provided by the KWAR MLS for the period of June 27 th, 2019 to July 2nd, 2019.

We appreciate your support in nominating us for the 2019 Bubbas!

Please help make us #1 for the 3rd year in a row by going to www.KeysWeekly.com and casting your vote for our office and our Broker, Will Langley today!

Key West: 305-294-5155 • Big Pine: 305-735-4962 • Marathon: 305-743-7636 • www.KeysRealEstate.com

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

KEYS REAL ESTATE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

JUST LISTED

REDUCED

13

We made it to

the top 3 THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOMINATIONS!

115 Front St. #102 | Key West 2bd/2ba condo at Harbour Place in Truman Annex. 1,260sf, Mexican tile, light & bright w/ high ceilings and French doors opening to private balcony. Ocean front community pool & designated parking space.

605 Simonton St. | Key West Multi-use investment property in the heart of Old Town, one block from Duval St. Charming 1bd/1ba residential unit and two commercial units featuring large display windows & heavy foot traffic.

REDUCED $1,095,000

Please help us take home a win in the following categories

JUST LISTED $1,100,000

TERRI SPOTTSWOOD JOHN M. SPOTTSWOOD III RAYMOND J. VAZQUEZ

305.587.3407 tsv@trumanandcompany.com www.TerriSpottswood.com www.KeyWestHomeTeam.com

BEST RESORT/HOTEL

FEATURED PROPERTY

BEST LOCAL FRIENDLY POOL

621 Eaton Street | Key West This Historic Greek Revival home boasts 2448 square feet of living space with wonderful porches overlooking Eaton Street. This home is currently a duplex but could be restored back to a single family home. This house features 11 foot ceilings upstairs and down. The abundance of doors and windows make this home bright and airy. 2nd Floor unit is ready for someone to move in or rent. The 1st floor unit needs a bit of attention but would be ready to move in with a few repairs. 621 Eaton features the much needed off street parking spot and a yard off the first floor living area that is ready for a pool. Home is currently vacant and easy to show. This property has so many possibilities.

BEST BRUNCH

$1,595,000

Beach Club Brokers 1075 Duval Street C-11, Key West, FL

SHAD KNAPP SALES ASSOCIATE Office : 305.294.8433 Cell : 603.715.4698 shadknapp@gmail.com

BEST MARINA perrykeywest.com • PH: 305.296.1717 • 7001 Shrimp Road • Key West, FL

14

LOCAL CHATTER

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019 REDA WIGLE

www.keysweekly.com

LATITUDES AT SUNSET KEY

Thank you for your nomination.

We would be delighted to receive your vote for

BEST WATERFRONT DINING

T

hursday marks 243 years since our forebears, the powdered-wigged patriarchy, declared America’s independence from the taxing tyranny of King George III. In the days that followed the original signing, the people of New York tore apart a statue of the king, melting it down into bullets. In the years that followed, three American presidents — Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe — would coincidentally die on July 4th. As we prepare to celebrate our independence with picnics and pyrotechnics, we asked members of the Key West community,

What makes you feel free?

“The blue waters that surround my adopted home and the harmony we all live in.

ONE. HUMAN. FAMILY. Please world, follow our lead. Peace to all.” — Michael Korrick

245 FRONT ST 305.292.5394 OPENTABLE.COM “No underwear.”

— Sean McConnell

A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION IN FINE FOODS SINCE 1926 Second Annual

WE WOULD BE HONORED TO RECEIVE YOUR BUBBAS VOTE FOR

BEST GROCERY STORE & BEST FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS

522 FLEMING STREET 1105 WHITE STREET WWW.FAUSTOS.COM DELIVERY AVAILABLE

“Doing what I want, whenever I want, and Key West is the best place to do it.”

— Vicky Gill

“Having the ability to let my light shine and connect with others.”

— Sarah Freeman

“What makes me feel free is my education, health, and autonomy and the security of knowing those rights cannot be judiciously taken away. For many people, these rights are privileges that are neither granted, guaranteed, or provided.”

— Samari Aragon

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

15

PRIDE PARADE

R

epresentatives from Key West carry a 100-foot-long rainbow flag June 30 during the World Pride March in New York. The flag is a section of a 1.25-mile long rainbow flag unfurled in Key West in 2003 to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the iconic LGBTQ banner conceived by the late Gilbert Baker. Sunday’s march highlighted events marking five decades of pride following the 1969 Stonewall Inn police raid that sparked the modernday gay rights movement.

JONATHAN ATKIN/Florida Keys News Bureau

Second Annual

We are honored to be a part of this community.

Thank you for your nomination.

WE’D LOVE TO GET YOUR VOTE! We wouldn’t be able to do this without all of your support!

Dr. Lisa Bramson & The Donald would like to thank our community for the nomination!

All Animal Clinic would be honored to be your Best Vet for the 6th year in a row.

CAN WE COUNT ON YOUR VOTE?

Thank you for supporting our lifesaving mission!

ALL ANIMAL CLINIC 5711 College Rd • 305-294-4857

5450 MacDonald Ave. Suite # 13 Key West

305-294-5255

16

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

THANK YOU KEY WEST FOR NOMINATING US FOR BEST CONCH FRITTERS

We’d love your vote again for

Best Bank!

WE’D APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE! KEY WEST

Est. 2009

118 DUVAL STREET 305.295.2494

VOTE @ KEYSWEEKLY.COM Third Annual

8

Five Time Best Bank Winner - Thank you!

Member FDIC

LIVE PIANO & HAPPY HOUR DAILY 5PM - 7PM

DUETTO WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR BUBBAS VOTE AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAY 5:30PM - 8PM

BEST PIZZA

540 GREENE ST | 305.848.4981 | WWW.DUETTOPIZZA.COM

526 ANGELA ST

305.294.2661

WWW.GARDENSHOTEL.COM

Visit the MARC Plant Store!

Don't forget BRING US YOUR CLEAN FANTASY FEST BEADS AND GET 5% OFF YOUR PLANT STORE PURCHASE THAT DAY! A 1 gallon sized plastic bag of your old clean Fantasy Fest beads gets you 5% off your purchase!

VOTE US BEST NON-PROFIT! 1401 Seminary Street Call 305-296-9556 for information.

Open Monday thru Friday 9am till 4:45pm and Saturday 9am to 2:30pm.

DARE I SAY IT

THE

TWINS AND OLDER MOMS R

A

sI write this, today would have been my mother’s 100th birthday. Yes, I am old, but Dr. Stanley Sack my parents were also older when I was born (nearly 38 for mom), and I was the product of whatever fertility workup they did back in “that decade.” Whatever it was, apparently a certain famous Harvard obstetrician was at the helm, and I like to ignore the fact that after I was born, he went on to help develop the birth control pill.

Fast forward several (ahem!) decades, and there are a lot more first-time mothers of advanced age. Some delay pregnancy by choice; others take advantage of the technology that has been developed since the olden days. “Geriatric pregnancy,” as pregnancies over the age of 35 are often called, does come with increased risk of certain conditions — Down syndrome (while still not common) is a wellknown one. But the buzz lately is about something else that happens when babies are born to older moms — they’re more likely to come in pairs!

It really is more common to have twins over the age of 35. Some of this makes sense since many of the drugs that are used to induce fertility will cause more than one egg to be produced and at the ready for fertilization. But the twinning doesn’t end there; it appears that even women who receive no fertility aid are more likely to have twins when older.

Why is this? Researchers say it has to do with a hormone

O

L

ast week, the Democratic presidential candidates had a debate in Miami. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has pledged to eradicate student loan debt and make college tuition free. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has a similar platform.

But … in Florida it’s already free. Color me surprised, too, when I learned about this last year as my older daughter was graduating from Marathon SARA High School. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship MATTHIS comes in four flavors — Florida Academic Scholars (FAS), Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS), Gold Seal thinks commuVocational Scholars and Gold Seal Cape Scholars. nity journalism The bulk of the recipients fall into the first two is important, but categories — Academic Scholars and Medallion not serious; likes weird and wonScholars. The requirements are based on three derful children things — grade point average, standardized testing (she has two). scores and community service hours: Occasionally she • FAS: 3.5 weighted GPA or better, at least a tortures herself 1290 on the SAT, and 100 hours of logged comwith sprint-distance triathlons, munity service. The Academic scholarship covers but only if she has the FULL cost of a credit hour in the state university a good chance of system — $211, plus a small stipend. beating her sister.

• FMS: 3.0 weighted GPA or better, at least a 1170 on the SAT, and 75 hours of logged community service. The Medallion scholarship covers 75% of a credit hour — $158.

The state’s Bright Futures scholarships are funded by the Florida Lottery, dating back to 1997. According to the state, the Lottery has contributed more than $5 billion to send over 800,000 students to college since its inception.

To qualify for any of the Bright Futures scholarships, students must be a “B” student or better. According to the Bright Futures’ own statistics, just 22% of Florida high school students are eligible.

Does it cover everything? Nope. When it comes to attending college or university, there are tons of add-ons such as dorm fees, meal plans, books, technology fees, parking passes, athletic fees, buses, etc.

There are many requirements, of course, for keeping the Bright Futures scholarships like taking enough course hours and maintaining a B grade point average.

The eligibility and funding for the program lies in the hands of elected politicians, a.k.a. state legislators. This year, legislators made the Bright Future standards higher for students graduating in 2021 and beyond. The new SAT requirements have been upped to 1330 and 1200 for the Academic and Medallion scholarships, respectively.

In 2019, as there were last time SAT requirements were raised in 2011, there are concerns that students of color are disproportionately affected. A more likely explanation, however, is twofold — changes to the SAT in 2016 which lowered penalties for wrong answers and resulted in rising scores nationwide. And, probably much more important at the local level — the 10% increase in students winning FAS scholarships in 2018, over the number who qualified in 2017. There is no indication that the Bright Futures scholarship program will take into account the new roll out of SAT scoring called the “Adversity Score” or “Environmental Context Dashboard” in which students will be given a score that will reflect factors such as average class size, percentage of students who qualify for free or subsidized lunches, or median family income.

So, is college tuition free for EVERYBODY in Florida? Well, no. As you can see, Bright Future scholarships are merit-based scholarships.

And while those measurements can be flawed, I think it’s still the “cleanest” measure. Bright Futures scholarships reward hard work.

Frankly, both the program and the students who qualify deserve recognition.

www.keysweekly.com

REFOO

produced by the brain known as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which sends the ovaries into action to produce mature eggs. When this happens, the ovaries also send signals to the brain to “cease and desist with the FSH, already.”

As a woman gets older, her ovaries slow down. This means fewer eggs, but also less feedback to the brain. The brain responds by making more FSH. And although the ovaries are usually not working as hard, that increased FSH occasionally sends them into overdrive and more than one egg is sent down to do its job.

Hence, two eggs are fertilized, and, subsequently, we have a set of twins. But this begs another question. We already know that older moms can have slightly riskier pregnancies, and that having twins poses a bit of a risk as well. Is the risk of twin births greater in older Moms? Happily, recent studies have suggested that it is not. A study out of Korea found no increased rate of prematurity in twins based on Mom’s age, and even showed higher birth weight and less admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. And a 2017 study from Columbia actually found decreased rates of prematurity in twins of older mothers versus younger mothers and no difference in the survival rate.

Thus, if you’re an older mom-to-be carrying twins, take heart. Your obstetrician will be carefully following your pregnancy based on your two risk factors. It appears that according to recent studies, being older doesn’t exponentially increase the risk to your babies. And perhaps there’s some comfort (or not) that when you reach 100, you could have not one, but two medical writers.

DOCT

SURPRISED, AREN’T YOU?

DR. STANLEY SACK

A

17

T

FLORIDA ALREADY HAS FREE COLLEGE TUITION

B

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

18

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

SHERIFF ISSUES CAUTIONS Holiday celebrations call for courtesy

W

DON’T GET CUT OFF THIS HURRICANE SEASON

BROADWAVE WAS RESTORING CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF HURRICANE IRMA

INTERNET | WIFI | PHONES | CAMERAS CALL OR EMAIL TODAY: 305.767.1467 - INFO@BROADWAVE.COM WWW.BROADWAVE.COM

ith all kinds of special events planned for the Fourth of July holiday countywide, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office expects traffic to be very heavy through Monday, July 8.

The sheriff’s office will have extra officers on the water and on the highway in an effort to keep residents and visitors safe.

If you plan to drive anywhere in or out of the county, make sure you plan extra time for your trip.

Traffic enforcement deputies will be on the roads watching for impatient and unsafe drivers. Don’t pass in no-passing zones or in center turn lanes or you are likely to get a ticket.

Also, if you plan to drink alcohol, make sure to designate a sober driver – for your car or your boat – to make sure you get home safely.

Leave the fireworks and explosive firecrackers to the professionals this holiday. Illegal explosive firecrackers could be confiscated and the person with the fireworks could be charged with a state violation.

The sheriff’s office recommends that those setting off legal fireworks be courteous and do so at a reasonable hour. Each year the office receives numerous complaints about fireworks late at night and early in the morning; those calls can keep deputies from responding to others.

The sheriff’s office also asks that those celebrating take a few moments to clean up after themselves; discard trash properly, in a trash can or a recycling container. It isn’t fair to leave it on the ground or in the water for someone else to clean up, and violators could be charged with littering. When disposing of fireworks, however, make sure they have cooled first so you don’t start a fire in a trash can or trash bag.

Traffic note: A parade in Key Largo on July 4 is expected to cause traffic congestion. Northbound traffic will be closed at MM 99 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. All traffic will then be diverted into southbound lanes starting at 9:45 a.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will last about two hours. The highway will return to normal traffic patterns by 1 p.m. Those who can should avoid traveling through that area between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you have to travel through that area during those times, plan extra time and expect slowdowns.

— Contributed

MILITARY SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

W

e at Keys Weekly have for a long time considered how to best honor the men and women serving in the military.

With the help and advice of our community members in the armed forces, we’re thrilled to continue our Military Spotlight on the eve of Independence Day.

NOLAN HENSON, TSgt U.S. Air Force Why did you join the military?

I joined the military because I needed some direction in my life.

I was working dead-end jobs and failing out of college, with no real goals. The military gave me direction in life. I am forever grateful I made the leap. I also give most of the credit to my dad; he is retired from the Marine Corps and was a big part in my decision to join.

How many years have you served in the military? 10 years.

Had you ever been to the Florida Keys or Key West before your current assignment? I have. I moved around a lot growing up.

But when we lived on the East Coast, Key West was one of our main vacation spots — especially when we moved to Florida after my dad retired.

Did you choose Key West or were you just assigned here? I chose Key West. It was the closest I could get to being home. Both my wife and my immediate family members reside in Florida, so it’s nice to be closer to them!

What were you first thoughts when hearing you were coming to the Keys? It was somewhat surreal. I’ve been coming here for vacation for so long (about 15 years). I am truly blessed to be living in such a beautiful place.

Any hobbies? My biggest hobby is surfing. My last assignment was in California, and I was really spoiled with the good waves there. I knew I’d be missing out on waves in Key

West, but I love anything to do with the ocean. I’ve also been PADI certified since I was 16, so I am looking forward to diving as much as possible. I’d like to get into spearfishing as well.

Favorite things to do? My favorite things to do are surfing and anything the ocean has to offer. I also enjoy spending as much time as possible with my wife and 3-yearold daughter.

Have you ever attended Fantasy Fest and if so what were your initial thoughts? I have never been to Fantasy Fest. From what I hear it gets pretty interesting, and I am looking forward to the experience.

What do you like most about the Keys? I love how beautiful it is — the ocean, the palm trees — it’s all so surreal. It’s hard to believe I actually live here.

What do you like most about your assignment? I love working in a joint environment. The people here are extraordinary, and I am grateful I get to call them my teammates.

What would you change about living here in Key West if you had the power to do so? I would do everything in my power to better separate pedestrian/bicycle traffic from vehicle traffic. It really seems very chaotic. Most of the visitors are not going to be accustomed to how Key West’s roadways operate; it’s a very dangerous place to be if you are not used to the area. So be careful out there!

19

20

THE BUBBAS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

SARAH THOMAS

sthomas@keysweekly.com

KEY WEST PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS FINALS UPDATE!

A

fter just four days of launching the final round of the Bubbas, more than 4,500 ballots have been cast at www.keysweekly.com (that’s about 1,000 ballots per day for those keeping score at home). And with over 90 categories, we have some seriously contested races taking place — along with some “friendly” competition going down on social media.

Here is an update as of Tuesday, July 2: BEST STEAK Tavern N’ Town leads Prime, which has won this category for five years running, by 1% of the vote total—with more than 3,650 voting in this category so far.

BEST TACO The battle for taco supremacy is real!

Garbo’s Grill leads by 1% of the vote just over Amigos Tortilla Bar — with more than 3,600 voting in this category so far.

BEST BRUNCH Brunch is no joke in Key West. Just ask the more than 3,400 who have voted in the Best Brunch category so far. As of Tuesday, Hot Tin Roof held a 2% lead over Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen — with Bistro 245 not far behind at all.

BEST DJ While DJ Sanaris and DJ Top Jimmy battle it out on social media (see pic) it is DJ Buggy who is leading the pack by a narrow margin.

Almost 2,700 have voted in the category so far and the three contenders are separated by no more than a 9% margin.

BEST FURNITURE STORE How does 35% to 35% sound? Like a tie? You guessed it. Out of 2,801 votes both Fast Bucks at Home and Royal Furniture are tied — with Southernmost Furniture right on their heels. This one is destined to come down to a few votes.

Jimmy Cooper, aka DJ Top Jimmy, gives DJ Sanaris (Peacock) a friendly reminder on who is the reigning Bubbas Champion for Best DJ. The two pals are squaring off with DJ Buggy in one of the closest races in this year’s Key West People’s Choice Awards. SENSES AT PLAY/Contributed

BEST VET Here we go again. Out of 2,840 votes, we have a tie at the top. Lower Keys Animal Clinic and Marathon Veterinary Hospital have both commanded 37% each … but we have seen this before. Look for All Animal Clinic to make a push over the coming weeks.

BEST FITNESS CENTER Rarely does a new business make the Bubbas ballot in its first year. But that is exactly what FYT Key West Gym and Yoga has done, while competing in one of the tightest categories. As of now, the FYT “tribe” leads by 1% of the vote over BodyZone, with Anytime Fitness only trailing by 4% of the vote.

2,456 have voted in this category so far.

What does Key West love best?

According to the early voting, more people have voted in the “Best Bar” category than any other. Out of more than 4,500 ballots cast, over 3,951 have made it known which local watering hole they love most. No surprises here. What would be a surprise is if this was the year that Green Parrot, the longstanding champion, were to be replaced by a new winner. We will all know on July 20 at the Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards ceremony.

VOTE TODAY AT: WWW.KEYSWEEKLY.COM

THE BUBBAS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 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

THE BUBBAS TO BE PRESENTED SATURDAY JULY 20 AT THE KEY WEST THEATER.

SPONSORED BY

ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SAMUEL’S HOUSE, KEY WEST

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

D

David Sloan

on’t let sayings like “as American as apple pie” fool you. Apple pie evolved out of Europe. Key lime pie, on the other hand, was born in Key West, Florida, U.S.A. Perhaps no other pie has rubbed elbows with as many presidents of the United States as our lovely Key lime. It is with that in mind that, on this Independence Day, we honor the First Lady of Pies with some presidential close encounters of the Key lime kind.

THE PIE OF PRESIDENTS WILLIAM TAFT In 1912, President Taft took the Over-Sea Railroad to Key West on his way to inspect the Panama Canal.

Mayor Fogarty hosted a reception for the president in the former home of his late mother-in-law, Sarah Curry. Sarah Curry is the likely “Aunt Sally” credited with creating the first Key lime pie.

RICHARD NIXON Good Housekeeping says Tricky Dick liked highbrow beef wellington and lowbrow Key lime pie. His favorite version came from Bert “Lee” Wexelbaum’s famous shop in Goulds. It is claimed Nixon ordered them 10 at a time when residing at his Winter White House on Key Biscayne.

BILL CLINTON A March 2000 New Yorker article described President Clinton’s attempts to lose weight and the dietary restrictions passed on to the Four Seasons New York’s kitchen where he was dining.

According to the report, Clinton was able to get away with a doggie bag containing a slice of Key lime pie.

HERBERT HOOVER Roland Craig had a fishing lodge on a spit of fill near Mile Marker 72 (called Craig Key) that claimed ”the best Key lime pie in the Keys.” Herbert Hoover moored his fishing yacht there in the ’30s, and visited enough times that they added a post office where he could get his mail.

If the photos of a smiling Hoover posing beside large pies are any indication, it’s safe to bet he enjoyed the famous dessert while visiting Craig.

GERALD FORD Writer Tom Cavanagh attended an event where Ford was both speaker and guest of honor. When the former president started talking football, Cavanagh’s mind wandered and he started calculating the ease with which a crazy person could hit the president with a slice of the Key lime pie being served. Secret Service agents picked up on his wandering eyes. With a few questions, they realized he was not the kind of crazy person who would throw pie at a former president and dessert went off without a hitch (full story at bagsmasher.com).

GEORGE W. BUSH President Bush was such a pie fan he brought in Bill Yosses as White House executive pastry chef. Yosses, author of “Desserts for Dummies,” made a special White House Key lime pie for the president with a Greek yogurt filling.

JIMMY CARTER Hunter S. Thompson got sidetracked writing “The Meaning of Jimmy Carter” for a Rolling Stone assignment and wrote “The Meaning of Breakfast” instead. His description of favorite breakfast items included two margaritas, six lines of cocaine and a slice of Key lime pie.

Both stories appeared in Rolling Stone’s June issue as “Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’76.” The article may have helped Carter win the election.

DONALD TRUMP Key lime pie is the most requested dessert at Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Even Oprah Winfrey raves about it. If her love of Key lime pie is any indication, we might be adding President Winfrey to this list one day, too.

HARRY S. TRUMAN Captain Ed Butters drove one of his wife Fern’s famous Key lime pies from Islamorada to Key West so President Truman could have a taste. The First Lady sent a thank-you letter noting what a treat the pie variety was to “us mid-westerners.”

Fern’s pies are said to have become one of the Trumans’ favorite treats.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Continuing her tradition, Fern Butters sent one of her famous Key lime pies to President Eisenhower while he was in Key West recovering from a 1955 heart attack. Two days later she received a letter from the Commander-InChief thanking her for the “beautiful and delicious” pie and extending best wishes for 1956. The letter held a place of honor on the wall of the Fern Inn for years.

RONALD REAGAN Queen of Cake, Maida Heatter, was asked to prepare Key lime pie for Ronald Reagan at a 1983 economic summit.

She bartered brownies for real Key limes from her Florida friends, only to have the Secret Service agents drop her pies moments before they were to be served to the president.

BARACK OBAMA President Obama geared up for his final presidential debate in 2012 with a feast of stone crabs and Key lime pie delivered from Joe’s Stone Crab and devoured on Marine One.

Happy Independence Day. Love & Limes.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

KEY WEST, THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOMINATION! WE WOULD LOVE YOUR VOTE FOR

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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

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WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

REDA WIGLE www.keysweekly.com

IN FULL BLOOM

What’s on your bucket list? Last year I got to perform with the Spectrelles!

That was definitely one I could cross off the list. More travel, I would like to go to New Zealand.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I am remarkably blessed and happy. It could only be better if I could share love with a special person.

K

ate Miano, proprietress of the Gardens Hotel, required a shot of courage to make her first foray to Key West in the late ’70s. At the time, the Seven Mile Bridge was a narrow two-lane road bound by precariously thin guard rails.

“You wanted to close your eyes, it was so scary,” said Miano. She has proven, then and now, that the final destination is well worth the journey.

Following the breakup of her marriage in 1996, Miano moved permanently from St. Louis to Key West. “I got divorced, and I had to start my life over again. I thought, ‘Where would I like to be? Key West. What would I do here? A bed & breakfast.’” Counting the weather and people as the primary draws of the island, Miano purchased her first guest house, Ambrosia, on Fleming Street. When the sprawling Gardens property on Simonton went up for sale in 2004, Miano jumped, or rather rolled the dice, at the chance to own it. “I gambled a lot because this was the most important property for me. I had to do it and I knew I could,” said Miano. With a background in design and historic renovations, Miano had a vision for the Gardens, “I could see what it could be, I could see what it needed. I was thrilled by the architecture and the space and the history of the land.”

A large part of that history is tied to late owner Peggy Mills, who opened the grounds to the public as an Eden-esque tourist attraction in the ’60s. Among Mills’ famous friends were Ernest Hemingway (who once drunkenly fell into one of her ponds), her card-playing partner Harry S. Truman and Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. It was Batista who granted Mills permission to bring a collection of massive earthenware tinajones, or rain catching jars, from Cuba to Key West. The jars now dot the hotel’s property and are, according to Miano, the only ones of their kind in the United States. The tinajones are kept company by an array of statuary, including a pair of bronze peacock warriors, a gargantuan Buddha and a Hippocampus (the mythological, not the anatomical), the latter courtesy of Mr. Key West, David Wolkowsky.

Miano honors Mills, known locally as the Lady of the Orchids, by decorating the lobby and reception area of the hotel with fresh cuts of the colorful blooms. The orchids are just one of the touches that have earned the Gardens the title of “prettiest hotel in Key West” from The New York Times.

More important to Miano than accolades are the longstanding relationships she has built with her guests, “People come back all the time and they become family. It’s joyous,” she said.

Dividing her time between Key West and Arles, France, Miano finds inspiration for the Gardens in her travels. The idea for a Sunday Jazz series was borrowed from New Orleans’ Columns Hotel. The Gardens Hotel’s award-winning D’Vine Wine Gallery was inspired by a self-service wine bar Miano frequented in Winter Park.

Miano is proud, and counts herself privileged, to call Key West home, “I wasn’t fortunate enough to be born here, but I am fortunate enough to die here.” With any luck there are many more blooming seasons ahead for Miano. The Gardens Hotel features live music and happy hour drinks from 5 to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

What is it that you most dislike? Liars and opportunists.

Which TV, movie or super hero character is your alter ego? Natasha of Boris and Natasha from the “Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.”

Most outrageous or hilarious guest story from the Gardens Hotel? We had a stray chicken at the hotel that ended up being a pet. One day my dogs got out and started chasing the chicken around the pool. The hen took off and landed on the head of one of our guests who was in the pool. The guest was good-natured and comes back to visit every year and always reminds us of her hen hat.

Name 3 things you could not live without? My daughters, my dogs, and pasta and wine. Ok, that’s more than three things.

If invisible what would you do? I already DID it.

THE PERENNIAL SPIRIT OF KATE MIANO Full Name? Nickname? Kate Miano, Katie (only a few close friends call me that).

What is your astrological sign and do you subscribe to it? Aquarius. I have had some accurate predictions, but I don’t follow it.

Do you have a life credo or motto? Things happen for a reason and are always for the best.

Favorite piece of sculpture/statuary/ decoration on the grounds of the Gardens Hotel? A couple of the pieces I picked up from the home of David Wolkowsky.

On what occasion do you lie? To protect the innocent or to avoid hurting someone.

Favorite guilty pleasure? Sitting in a square in France drinking a glass or two of rosé.

What talent would you secretly love to have? Painting something other than a wall.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would it be? Julia Child.

Lunch with one famous person, whom would you choose? Fred Astaire.

Finish these sentences…

My friends and family would describe me as… Driven, smart, fun.

My autobiography would be titled…

Really?

I can never refuse… Cheese on pasta.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

Thank you for your nominations Key West!

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

BOOKS, BEARDS AND BULLS

1 2

HEMINGWAY DAYS IN KEY WEST

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN www.keysweekly.com

E

rnest Hemingway considered Paris “a moveable feast,” a place he had lived that would forever stay with him, wherever he lived or traveled.

Following his time in Paris, Hemingway and second wife Pauline Pfeiffer took an ocean liner to Key West, at the urging of fellow “Lost Generation” writer John Dos Passos, who called the town “a warm place to dry out your bones” in letters to Hem (who didn’t exactly dry out).

After arrival stateside, Hemingway and Pfeiffer briefly traipsed around the U.S. before landing in Key West long-term.

Key West was meant to be a short layover, but through circumstance and choice, that turned into a decade-long love affair. The island cast a spell over Hemingway, and he certainly made an indelible mark on the community, describing it smartly as “the St. Tropez for the poor” in letters, and starting his classic “A Farewell to Arms” in their small apartment on Simonton Street (now called Casa Antigua; then, the Trevor and Morris Apartments). It seems likely he also carried shards of Key West with him throughout the world, after his time here.

Hemingway’s presence is still strongly felt on the streets of Old Town. On any given day, tourists wrap the corner of Whitehead and Olivia Street, waiting to tick a visit to Hemingway’s Key West home off their bucket list. As any local, and most visitors, know, the experience is worth the wait. Once inside the gate, polydactyl cats (felines with bonus toes, six on each foot) can be seen lolling on the porch in the afternoon heat. The grand architecture serves as a time machine, whisking visitors from a tourist-laden attraction on a muggy July day to a more opulent time when Hemingway held court on these grounds, drinking rum and sharing tall tales.

Each summer, the city celebrates the literary giant with an event-filled week.

Hemingway Days remembers the author for his contributions to literature, but also commemorates the legend of the man, preserving a larger than life character who embodied a very specific era and place. If his godlike image had afforded him immortality, Hemingway would celebrate his 120th birthday on July 21. Sadly, the world lost Hemingway in 1961. In Key West though, the exuberance of the author marches on.

Key West has a long history of attracting literary greats — from Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop to contemporaries like Judy Blume, Annie Dillard and Meg Cabot.

Arguably, no one played a more prominent role in that history than Ernest Hemingway.

It would be romantic enough to think of Hemingway occupying a space in Key West, writing manuscripts in his airy island studio.

He didn’t just exist here, though, he digested the island, writing notable works during his time here, including “To Have and Have Not” in which he even included some local friends as characters. Other works, though not written in Key West, embody his passion for the island and its waters. Most famously, “The Old Man and the Sea” pulls from Hemingway’s experiences in Florida and Cuba aboard his boat, “Pilar.”

Needless to say, a Hemingway festival wouldn’t be complete without events geared toward writers. “Voices, Places, Inspirations,” produced by Key West Art and Historical Society (KWAHS), spotlights contemporary authors from Key West and beyond. A longtime tradition, the free-admission evening features readings, presentations and storytelling by literary luminaries including Kirk Curnutt, Kristina Neihouse, Edgardo Alvarado-Vazquez and the Key West Poetry Guild,

presenting “Papa’s Poems.” KWAHS also is offering a “Mini Symposium” which invites scholars and writers inspired by Hemingway’s works to come together and share their sources of inspiration.

In terms of notoriety, Hemingway’s passion for deep-sea fishing rivals his literary fame. Hemingway Days pays homage to that legacy in ways both large and small. For anglers with deep pockets and big ambitions, the Key West Marlin Tournament offers a chance to head offshore and wrestle myth-sized fish for a chance to win a piece of the $50,000 prize pool. Those who wish to fish, or watch others fish, on a smaller scale should head over to Conch Republic Seafood Company for the “Papa’s Fishing!” event.

Guests can watch as more than 50 Hemingway look-alikes fish from the dock, five at a time, for five minutes each, using traditional Cuban Yo-Yos. Fishing isn’t the only way to indulge in fun on the water during the festival. The annual Hemingway 5k Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race celebrates the “sporting lifestyle” of the avid outdoorsman. The race, which is the longest on-going race in Key West, was pegged as #3 on Active.com’s 2018 list of top 10 international “Destination Races Ideal for Turning Into a Vacation.” The race takes runners past Hemingway’s home, on what is always a sultry summer night, and then offers cold libations and a chance to cool off in the ocean at sunset.

Hemingway was an author and a sportsman, but what really galvanized his place in Key West history was his larger-thanlife personality and notorious, sometimes detrimental, lust for life. The man who, once upon a time, refereed boxing matches in the courtyard of what is now Blue Heaven is remembered as one of the original Key

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

TUESDAY, JULY 16 HEMINGWAY DAYS 3RD ANNUAL MINI SYMPOSIUM Old City Hall, 510 Greene St. 6 to 8 p.m. $5, free for members WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 “VOICES, PLACES, INSPIRATIONS” Old City Hall, 510 Greene St. 5 to 7 p.m. free and open to the public

4 West characters. Perhaps no event better summarizes the irreverent spirit of Hemingway than the annual Hemingway Look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. A staple since 1981, the contest brings in hordes of portly bearded hopefuls for two days of competition. The look-alikes, many of whom return year after year, have gone so far as to form a membership society that funds scholarships for writing students in the Keys. And the location is perfectly apt. Hemingway would frequent both the Key West Sloppy Joe’s and its counterpart in Havana. In fact, it was Hemingway who suggested the name for the Cayo Hueso establishment after visiting Havana with Joe Russell (the original owner of Sloppy Joe’s, Key West). The moniker was intended to honor his Cuban buddy Jose Garcia, the owner and messy namesake of the original location.

5 After Sloppy Joe’s names a new lookalike champion, the action takes to the streets for the annual “Running of the Bulls.”

The Key West version, a humane, familyfriendly incarnation of the Pamplona original, sees multitudes of look-alikes strolling the streets of Old Town, pushing fake bulls on wheels. It’s peak Key West wackiness.

Those considering a July trip to Key West may want to contemplate the classic Hemingway adage, “Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” So, raise a glass and consider signing up for a marlin tournament, growing your beard for the competition, or simply booking a ticket to Key West for a hot July weekend, gallivanting with ghosts.

— Sarah Thomas contributed to this report.

1. Hemingway aboard the Pilar, 1930s. JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

3. The annual Key West “Running of the Bulls” steps off from Sloppy Joe’s. HEMINGWAY LOOK-A-LIKE SOCIETY/Contributed

2. Ernest Hemingway and friends aboard the Anita, with a marlin in Key West, Florida, circa 1933. Left to right: Ernest Hemingway, Carlos Gutierrez, Joe “Sloppy Joe” Russell (owner of the Anita), and Joe Lowe.

JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

4. Hemingway Look-A-Likes celebrate visual coincidence. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau 5. The Hemingway House and Gardens, present day Key West. KEY WEST HIDEAWAYS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 – SATURDAY JULY 20 KEY WEST MARLIN TOURNAMENT Stock Island Marina Village Keywestmarlin.com for full details THURSDAY, JULY 18 – SUNDAY JULY 21 HEMINGWAY LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St. Round one: July 18, 6:30 p.m.

Round two: July 19, 6:30 p.m.

Winner announced: July 20, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 19 PAPA’S FISHING! Conch Republic Seafood Company, 631 Greene St. 1 to 3 p.m. free and open to the public SATURDAY, JULY 20 HEMINGWAY 5K AND PADDLEBOARD RACE Southernmost Beach, 1405 Duval St., 5:30 p.m. registration and full details at keywesthalfmarathon.com/ hemingway-event-details/ SATURDAY, JULY 20 “RUNNING OF THE BULLS” Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St.

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IN OUR WORDS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

This is the first of a three-part series that will follow our editor as she seeks her diving certification.

PART I

LEARNING TO DIVE SARAH THOMAS

IN THE CLASSROOM, IN THE POOL

L

iving in the moved down Florida from her secondKeys, favorite island, getting one’s Manhattan. She has worn many diving certificahats: publicist, tion seems like tour guide, bara no-brainer. tender, teacher, and cat wrangler, There are year-round but editor seems to fit the best. opportunities to get out on — and under — the water, and so much of our local wildlife isn’t visible to those of us on land. Sure, snorkeling is fun, but you can’t snorkel the Vandenberg, and you can’t check out local reef restoration efforts, like Coral Restoration Foundation’s coral nurseries, from the surface.

In fact, taking part in Coralpalooza 2019 was what prompted me to go ahead and take the proverbial plunge to get my diving certification. First of all, there are lots of local dive shops up and down the Keys that offer dive certifications. The PADI Open Water Certification is internationally recognized and is available at a number of outlets down here.

I went with Southpoint Divers on Front Street in Key West to take my PADI course. I had heard great things about Southpoint from folks in the community: that they are thoughtful about being eco-friendly, have knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides and are a fun group.

3

1 Zach Goodfellow shepherded me through the process with kindness and patience, and the latter was especially necessary. I am so right-brained that a paint-by-numbers offends my sensibilities, so completing a dive test with depth and time calculations was reminiscent of that nightmare where you’re in a classroom and haven’t prepared for the exam (“Wait, I could swear I graduated from high school like 20 years ago…”). But I had prepared! Zach set me up with the PADI video tutorial, with intermittent quizzes and reviews.

My advice to any prospective divers: don’t underestimate the amount of attention you need to pay, and ideally, take notes.

Questions like this one pop up and bring you back to the SAT Math section: I am planning to make two dives. The first dive is to 60 feet for 45 minutes, and the second dive is to 60 feet for 35 minutes. How long would I have to stay on the surface

2 (minimum surface interval) to do these two dives safely? a. 26 minutes b. 1 hour and 4 minutes c. 1 hour and 10 minutes d. 1 hour and 14 minutes You calculate this answer by using the trusty recreational dive planner (see image), and coolly calculate the pressure group you’re in after the first dive (i.e. a measure of how much nitrogen is in your blood and how much time it will take to lower it), and then figure out how much time at the surface you need. Spoiler alert: I got this one wrong, but it’s an hour and 4 minutes.

I passed, but not with flying colors, a bit of a blow to this former book nerd. After the rigor of a day of testing, hopping in the pool at the Marker for my next day of training was a bit of a relief. The Marker has been a great partner to Southpoint, making their pool available for training. For the pool day, John Brazau demonstrated

hands-on skills like taking your mask off underwater while breathing normally, clearing your mask, sharing a regulator, signaling to a dive buddy the need to share air, and surfacing.

The skills make much more sense in practice, especially in a safe space (read: NOT the ocean) and gave me and fellow divers a sense of confidence before hitting the open water. The good news is, people a variety of ages, stations and abilities could complete the first two days of training (and I’m told, the remainder). Be ready to pay full attention and listen to the instructor. As Brazau said: “If you can’t pay attention in the pool, I’m not confident you will in the ocean.” With the test and the pool skills under my (dive) belt, the next stop is the reef!

1. Zach Goodfellow demonstrates parts of the BCD, or Buoyancy Control Device. SARAH THOMAS/Keys Weekly 2. John Brazau takes the team diving in the pool of the Marker.

3. A Recreational Dive Planner helps divers calculate safe depths and times for dives.

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BOOKS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

WRITER NICOLE DENNIS-BENN BACK IN KEY WEST

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN www.keysweekly.com

TOWN CONTINUES TO ATTRACT TOP AUTHORS

N

icole DennisBenn first came to Key West as part of the 2019 Key West Literary Seminar lineup. She returned this week, again through the Seminar, to work with local high Nicole Dennis-Benn school writers as part of their “Young Writers Studio” and to share her work at independent bookstore Books & Books.

Dennis-Benn is the author of “Here Comes the Sun” and “Patsy,” two novels that deal with issues of identity, racial constructions, sexuality and the immigrant experience. Both novels have earned rave reviews and “Best Books” nods from The New York Times, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post and others. Time magazine recently asserted that she’s “becoming an indispensable novelist.”

Dennis-Benn is stacking accolades and praise while mining some pretty sensitive and relevant material. So what does someone with that level of success do next? Visit Key West, naturally. Amid her busy schedule of events, she agreed to squeeze in a chat with the Weekly.

Students from Key West Literary Seminar’s Young Writers Studio pose with Nicole Dennis-Benn.

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN/Keys Weekly

Keys Weekly: You must find yourself traversing the whole country these days.

What have you found that’s unique about Key West?

Dennis-Benn: One of the things I love most about Key West is that it reminds me of Jamaica. The visuals, the smells, the architecture – it makes me nostalgic. Fortunately, it’s more accessible. I can hop a plane and be in Key West quite easily. When I first migrated to the U.S. (from Jamaica), I moved straight to New York. If I’d known more about Miami or the Keys, I may have settled here instead.

KW: What do you see as the role of independent bookstores these days?

DB: When I first published, it was independent bookstores that were really championing my first novel. In New York, I was first

Natalia Duke, Nan Klingener and Dakin Weekley turn out for Dennis-Benn’s reading. ERIN STOVER SICKMEN/Keys Weekly

introduced to Bluestockings Bookstore and I found books I’d never seen anywhere else.

It was community-oriented. I think that’s an important element of independent bookstores – they’re places where the community gets its information. They’re intimate – you can sit for hours, they’ll order special books for you.

KW: You’ve been working with our young writers this week. Can you tell me a little about that experience?

DB: I’m really blown away by them.

When I was that age, I knew I wanted to write but didn’t have any avenues. I wish I would have had something like this available to me. I also appreciate the students. They’re taking time away from their lives — their summer freedoms — to learn how to be better storytellers.

KW: How about a quick two-question Key West poll? Pick a favorite local literary legend: Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams or Elizabeth Bishop?

DB: Elizabeth Bishop. It was wonderful to see some of the kids model her work this week too.

KW: That’s correct! Good job. Okay, next question, pick a sour treat: Key lime pie or margarita?

DB: Definitely a margarita KW: Also correct! You got two out of two.

It’s great to see a Dennis-Benn and her contemporaries represent a new generation of American and Caribbean writers coming to our island so steeped in literary culture.

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BOOKS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

As the holiday weekend approaches and you fire up the grill, be sure to have a great book in hand for before and after the big display. Whether you’d like to dive into a sensitive memoir, family dynamics or historical period drama, check out these fabulous new reads.

KAREN NEWFIELD First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this parttime Keys resident has also begun writing.

RED, WHITE & BOOKS A chance to travel without leaving the beach chair OUT EAST

by John Glynn For John, Fridays meant catching the train or jitney to Montauk. Lately, even when surrounded by friends and co-workers, he is painfully lonely. John decides to spend the summer at the Hive, a shared beach house where 30 young adults enjoy sunfilled days and alcohol-fueled nights. John is consumed with fitting in, finding love, and facing his sexual identity. While closely observing the world of these privileged, beautiful people, John finally allows himself the freedom to choose. Well written, fast-paced memoir.

NORMAL PEOPLE

by Sally Rooney Connell and Marianne grow up in a small town in Ireland. Connell struggles financially with his single mother, but this handsome boy is a popular, charismatic teenager, while Marianne’s fancy mansion is filled with self-loathing and abuse. Fearing their secret friendship will be misunderstood, it is not until they go to college in Dublin that they face who they truly are. As the couple grows closer and apart and back together again, we are cleverly reminded of life’s greatest lessons.

A WELL BEHAVED WOMAN

by Therese Anne Fowler Alva Erskine Smith was a resourceful young woman. After her parents pass away, she and her sisters are left with little more than their superior bloodline. It is up to Alva to marry well and get their family back on their financial feet. She seduces William Kissam Vanderbilt. The Vanderbilt fortune was growing steadily, but their name was not yet accepted amongst the highest ranks of society. While William spent money and wooed women, Alva was determined to set the Vanderbilt name in stone. New York comes alive as history is made.

IN ANOTHER TIME

by Jillian Cantor In 1931, Hanna and Max fall deeply in love.

She is a rising violinist, and Max quietly runs his parents’ bookshop. Over the next five years, Germany rapidly deteriorates with the rise of the Nazi party. Max has begged her to run away, but Hanna refuses. In 1946, Hanna awakens in a field, grasping her violin without a single memory of the last decade. The war has ended but Hanna looks healthy, with no signs of struggle. Does she have amnesia? Or is this something to do with Max’s mysterious closet? A fast paced journey through the sliding doors of time.

THE LAST BOOK PARTY

by Karen Dukess Eve Rosen is a young woman working an entry level position at a publishing house.

Bored and uninspired, she jumps at a summer job to assist famed author Henry Grey at his Cape Cod home. Overly fascinated and impressed by a world that has always been out of reach, Eve worships his poet wife and crushes on his artistic son. Eve toils all through the long, hot summer leading up to Grey’s exclusive annual book party, only to find that, in this world, life truly imitates art.

THE UNHONEYMOONERS

by Christina Lauren Olive and Amy are identical twins and complete opposites. Olive is unfailingly the most unlucky person on the planet and Amy, a contest-winning champion. With every detail planned (and won!), Amy is ready for her big day. The downside for Olive is spending time with Ethan, their adorable but despised brother-in-law. When the “prized” seafood buffet sends hundreds to the emergency room, Olive and Ethan are the last two standing. Coerced to go on the all-expense-paid, non-refundable, non-transferable trip to Hawaii, these rivals must pretend to be the newlyweds.

Rom-com at its best.

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

37

TWSS BRINGS IN $7,000 FOR WOMANKIND

O

rganizer Lea Moeller and twin sister Jenna at the weigh-in for the That’s What She Shot spearfishing tournament on Front Street in Stock Island. There were 12 first-place prizes awarded for each division. Johnny Buckheim won overall for the male division, and overall female division went to Tracy Wollschlager, pictured right. Effie Ford, Womankind board member, won for most lionfish brought in. All proceeds — over $7,000 — will go to Womankind.

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

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38

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

ADDRESSING FILLS MULTI-AGENCY MEETING SEEKS SOLUTIONS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

P

ressure put on by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Islamorada and residents over the Fills has drawn some action from the Florida Department of Transportation — at least temporarily until a long-term plan is hashed out.

The Fills is the roadway and adjacent land along U.S. 1 connecting Upper Matecumbe and Lower Matecumbe Keys, approximately MM 77.5 to 79.8. The highway traverses Tea Table Key, Indian Key, and Lignumvitae Key Fills and the connecting bridges.

Historically, hundreds of people gather at the Fills on weekends and holidays. As the number of people has risen, so has the amount of trash, human waste, shoreline erosion and human-made trails through the mangroves. Islamorada has previously been unable to control the use on the FDEPowned land.

Last week, the state announced they’d immediately allow the village to control the amount of parking and areas of access on state-owned property at the Fills. On Tea Table and Lignumvitae Keys, parking will be allowed only on the four areas with paved driveway aprons, with space available for 15-18 passenger vehicles in each of those areas. Visitors will be allowed to walk from the parking areas to desired picnicking spots.

In addition, no parking signs are being installed and vehicular access to no parking areas is blocked with a series of 900-pound barriers. Near the bike path, cones will be installed with ropes or tape to keep vehicles from entering no parking zones. In total, 90 parking spaces will be available at the Fills — an 80 percent reduction from before when vehicles were able to park where they pleased. The area on the Oceanside of Lignumvitae Key near the south end of the Fills is completely blocked off due to erosion.

Along with parking restrictions, there will be increased village staff from July 4-7 to manage traffic, take care of trash and inform people when parking areas are filled.

Parking at the Indian Key Fill boat ramp will be managed by on-site staff, but no cones or barricades will be placed. Six portable toilets will also be delivered to the Fills for at least the next month with twice-daily cleanings scheduled on high-traffic days.

“I think we have a very good start,” Mayor Deb Gillis said as she addressed the public during the June 27 meeting. “This has been a very long time coming, and it can’t be fixed over night. But we can put in quick fixes. For us to get this far is good.”

SHERIFF BRINGS TOGETHER STAKEHOLDERS Amid elevated concerns surrouding Indian Key Fill, multiple state agencies convened with Sheriff Rick Ramsay and village officials at the Roth Building on June 21 to discuss a path forward.

The Fills which connects Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, is an area where many day-trippers come to pitch tents, barbecue and enjoy the day. The boat ramp at Indian Key Fill is also a popular spot as boaters can launch at no cost. Property and the ramp are owned by the state.

The condition of the Fills following the weekend and holidays is leaving many locals upset and disgusted, and look no further than response to videos posted on Facebook recently of a man defecating and another of a man DJing.

The June 21 meeting, organized by Ramsay, began with acknowledgement that the Fills cannot be closed to the public. The area, however, has become a traffic safety issue with accidents. Ramsay stated his priorities of reducing the speed limit to 45 mph, creating no-left-turn and no-passing zones through the area, to which FDOT District 6 Secretary James Wolfe was responsive.

“I’ve been saying for a while, and to this day, that the 3-mile stretch should be 45 mph,” Ramsay said. “There’s so much traffic and congestion and so many people pulling on and off the roads. We’ve got fishing bridges and people camping out. There’s so much distracted driving.”

Overall, Islamorada Mayor Deb Gillis said the meeting was positive in the sense that multiple agencies were in the room to discuss improvements and solutions: the Florida Department of Transportation, Fish and Wildlife, Department of Environmental Protection, National Park Service, Florida Highway Patrol, State Attorney Dennis Ward, Village Manager Seth Lawless, Village Attorney Roget Bryan, Village Public Works Director A.J. Engelmeyer and Sara Craven, district director for state Rep. Holly Raschein.

“Everybody was on board with trying to make improvements,” Gillis said.

“Secretary Wolfe made some commitments as soon as possible fixing stuff for us.

There’s short-term and long-term goals on this issue.”

Also attending was Keys homeowner and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. She said she was glad to be invited by the sheriff to participate and understand the situation. Nuñez said it’s a multi-faceted problem with public health, public safety and quality of life concerns.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Village Mayor Deb Gillis discuss the Fills during a recent multi-agency meeting held June 21 at the Roth Building. The meeting was put together

by Sheriff Rick Ramsay. CONTRIBUTED

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

39

LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER WINS “CHUBBIES 2019 MAN MODEL CONTEST” TWO FRIENDS’ DANNY HUGHES EMBARKS ON MODELING CAREER BRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

Councilman Ken Davis speaks on the Indian Key Fills in front of community leaders. Davis will be requesting an additional agenda item be added to the June 27 village council meeting to discuss abandoning the maintenance agreement with the state immediately, thus allowing the state to prepare for the upcoming July 4 weekend. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

“I left understanding that it’s not an easy fix, but there was resolve of all the different players there,” she said. “What was most productive was allowing for a reset of the situation, because there’s been no progress to date.”

Wolfe made several commitments to improve safety along the Fills, including installing barriers at the eroded section of the bike path on the oceanside of Lignumvitae Key near the south end of the Fills. Wolfe also confirmed that FDOT would consider leasing the land to Islamorada and would install no-parking signs at locations to be designated in a detailed plan for the area. The detailed plan would need to be provided by the village with the lease application.

In addition, Gillis says she’s committed to putting more trash receptacles and providing porta potties during the remaining holidays this season.

MEETING GATHERS PUBLIC INPUT ON FILLS On June 18, the village council called a special meeting to gather public input on solutions and improvements for Indian Key Fill. The nearly two-hour meeting at Founders Park Community Center saw a packed room with many local residents rising to express their frustration and recommending some changes to curb the mayhem and mess.

Residents’ suggestions ranged from paid parking and paid launching to no-passing zones and a barrier to prevent left-hand turns. Others suggested the village secure a lease with FDOT to maintain the property, or having FDOT fence off the area until a plan’s in place.

Following input from residents, council members chimed in to provide their thoughts. Councilman Ken Davis, who called for the special meeting, said he believes in paid parking.

“We asked for a special meeting not just to hear from you guys, but that you guys could know that this is a big concern to us and that we can let you know what we’re thinking as well,” he said.

And while their ideas varied, council urged residents to email and contact state leaders in Tallahassee about the situation.

“You have to put the pressure on FDOT,” Councilman Jim Mooney said to the crowd. “When you do write emails and send letters to the officials above us at the state level, make sure you let them know they need to be responsible for the shorelines. I’m telling you it’s a $30-40 million job right now, thus that’s why they’re not doing anything anyway.”

M

ost modeling careers are launched earlier in life, but for Danny Hughes, the local restaurant owner of Two Friends Patio — 60 seemed like the perfect time to give the industry a shot.

For Hughes, who loves Chubbies brand shorts and apparel, his modeling opportunity literally arrived in a box. Within a recent (and routine) order from his favorite ecommerce clothing company, a call-out from Chubbies invited any and all potential male models to compete for “Chubbies 2019 Man Model Contest.”

“My wife, Maura, ordered the package for me back in April,” said Hughes.

“She handed me the submission form for the contest, and I forgot about it until I found it days later in my briefcase. I thought ‘what the hell’ and submitted it on the last day of eligibility.”

Hughes claims he never expected to win and the entire thing was “to do what I always do and have fun.” But several days later, Chubbies reached out to him and said he had been chosen in the top 100 contenders out of 12,000 submissions.

“The entire thing was done on a lark,” said Hughes. “But once I made the top 100 I really started having fun with the entire thing. I had to submit a video and three pictures of myself and I still didn’t think I would move into the final round.”

But Hughes did. A week later, Chubbies informed him that he was in the final field of 20 models, competing for 10 spots with an online voting contest — placing Hughes right in the middle of his marketing and PR wheelhouse.

“We went all out,” said Hughes. “I had friends, family, locals and people all across the country campaigning for me on social media. The idea was to bring the Chubbies crown to Key West, and I think people really got behind the idea.”

In fact, close to 15,000 voters got behind Hughes, who was the leading candidate in the field of 20. And of the 10 models selected, the closest to Hughes still trailed by more than 4,000 votes.

Danny Hughes and wife Maura living the Chubbies lifestyle dream on the water in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

“Mr. Danny Hughes jumped out as an immediate front-runner because of his badass lifestyle and unbridled confidence,” said Mason Robinson, director of brand content at Chubbies.

“Mega-thanks to Mr. Hughes, all of the 2019 winners, and everyone out there who takes the time to keep the shorts revolution alive and well.”

The next step for Hughes is a twoyear modeling contract at Chubbies that includes travel and adventures to various photo shoots. And according to Robinson, the gig also “includes a lifetime supply of shorts and bragging rights.”

“If you know Danny, he just fits the outgoing and carefree vibe that Chubbies has created with their brand,” said wife Maura Hughes — who Danny credits for just about any and all things. “I just wanted to see him go on trips and shoots with nine other likeminded guys. My god, can you imagine nine more guys like him all hanging out?”

Yet for two years, Hughes will be one of the faces of a major clothing line across the globe — joined by nine other male models who likely accepted the job for similar reasons.

“In our perpetual quest to shake up the world of traditional male modeling, Chubbies sought to rack down 10 of the world’s most righteous dudes,” said Robinson. “And we emerged with an incredible crop of radical hombres.

Skys Out, Thighs Out!” Note: Hughes would like to thank his wife Maura, his family that includes his Two Friends family, Father John Baker, his friends across the globe and his Key West family for all of the support.

40

COOL STUFF

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING BUY | CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR AMERICANA HIGH TOP

It’s the Fourth of July, so why not purchase some Chuck Taylor All Star Americana High Tops? In celebration of the American roots, Converse has remixed the unmistakable icon with bold stripes and stars for an Americanflag-inspired design. The shoes are available from a men’s size 3 and up, and women’s size 5 and up. Available via converse.com, the stars and bars shoes are going for $60.

10. Love the fire works. Hate peeling the dog off the ceiling.

9. Love red, white and blue sprinkles on Rice Krispie treats. Hate those jerks who try to pass off banana, blueberry and strawberry skewers as dessert.

THINGS WE LOVE/ HATE ABOUT JULY 4TH

8. Love celebrating birth of our nation. Hate the 15-second video clips of fireworks on Facebook. I already “seent” it.

7. Love celebrating with my friends at the beach. Hate those same jerks who won’t let me into traffic as we all leave en masse. (We were besties five seconds ago, Karen.)

6. Love Ol’ Glory. Hate our flag on bikinis, lobster bibs and dildos.

(Google it, patriots.)

LISTEN| NO. 6 COLLABORATIONS PROJECT

Teaming up with artists like Khalid, Camilia Cabello, Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper, Ed Sheeran’s latest album is due out July 12. No. 6 Collaborations Project is the first track on an album built around guest features that show how much clout he has drawn up in the music world today. If you want a taste of the album, three songs are already out: “Beautiful People’” featuring Khalid, “Cross Me” featuring Chance the Rapper and “I Don’t Care” featuring Bieber.

5. Hate the scary UFO mothership from “Independence Day.” Love, love Russell Casse aka Randy Quaid, the crazy-ass crop duster.

4. Love the Fourth bikini weather in the Florida Keys. Surprised by the one guy who always thinks even a Speedo is too much, and wanders around drunk and naked.

3. Love the magic and awe of rockets bursting in air. Hate holding two fingers in my other hand while in line at Urgent Care.

2. Love those hog dogs! Hate those hot dogs!

1. Love coming together to celebrate. Hate overindulgent keg stands, bong rips, political rants, swings and misses, being carried and Uber drivers’ attitude.

WATCH | STRANGER THINGS

The gate is NOT closed to the UpsideDown. And it will take all of the characters, steeped in a scary and gory and inventive plot, to defeat the bad “demogorgon” loose in the town of Hawkins, Indiana. Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max and the super powerful Eleven, or “L,” are back. So’s Steve — the best single mom of four middle schoolers ever — but the teasers indicate he will be eclipsed by bad boy Billy in this season. (Seriously, it’s hard to pick a favorite character.) The show has tons of cool ’80s throwbacks, from music to references to pop culture nods to “E.T.” and “Firestarter,” plus cultural staples of that era like malls and ridiculous hair. The new episodes drop on July 4 on Netflix.

41

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

NEED A STAYCATION? ALL LOCALS 15% OFF RATES!

THANK YOU KEY WEST FOR YOUR NOMINATION FOR BEST BARBECUE!

WE’D APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE! 305-916-5106 | 320 GRINNELL ST | KEY WEST | THEDIRTYPIGKW.COM

WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR BEST GUESTHOUSE/B&B! WE WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE ALEXANDER'S LGBTQ GUESTHOUSE 1118 FLEMING STREET | KEY WEST | 305.294.9919 ALEXANDERSKEYWEST.COM

Key West’s Ultimate Garden Venue

ernest hemingway home & museum 305.393.2444 •

hemingwayhome.com

42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 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

305-295-6400

MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Searstown by Publix

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

43

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

THANKS FOR NOMINATING US!

VOTE FOR US AGAIN IN 2019!

5X WINNER BEST ART GALLERY OR STUDIO Photo by Larry Blackburn

533 EATON STREET

305-296-0458

WWW.TSKW.ORG

LIC# CCC1329991

LIC# CGC032862

THANK YOU KEY WEST!

VOTED BEST CONTRACTOR 5 YEARS IN A ROW! Second Annual

MIKE GARCIA • 305-304-4188 CONCHROOFING@GMAIL.COM WWW.CONCHCONSTRUCTIONANDROOFING.COM

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

Discover what’s new...

FRESH FISH & OYSTERS

• GREAT HAPPY HOUR • FANTASTIC FOOD • • SPECTACULAR SUNSETS • LIVE MUSIC •

Happy Hour

EVERY DAY 4-6:30 P.M.

WHEN WE OPENED IN 1976 WE SAID WE WOULD BE A STORE FOR LOCALS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOMINATION! Epic Turtle Races MON-WED-FRI @ 7P.M.

231 Margaret St. | Key West 305-294-2640 | TurtleKraals.com OPEN DAILY 11 A.M.-10 P.M.

MARKET HOURS MON-SAT: 11AM-5PM SUN: NOON-5PM

FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN

THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL:

KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP 21/25’S • $13.95 A POUND $2 OFF REGULAR STORE PRICE

HALF SHELL RAW BAR, 231 MARGARET STREET, KEY WEST 305-294-7496, WWW.HALFSHELLRAWBAR.COM

CAN WE COUNT ON YOUR VOTE AGAIN FOR BEST FURNITURE STORE? TONY & DAVID

Household Hazardous Waste

Drop-off Day Saturday, July 6, 2019

Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park • 1801 White St.

Residential ONLY Paint, stains, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, roofing compounds, waste oil (five gallons maximum), resins and solvents, adhesives and caulks, corrosives and acids, cleaning products, and automotive fluids.

Tuesday thru Saturday | Lunch 11-2:30 | Dinner 5-10

Tuesday thru Saturday 4:20-Midnight

(305)

296-8297

Thursday thru Monday | Lunch 11-2:30 | Dinner 5-10

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

REAL LIFE TREASURE HUNTERS

45

CELEBRATE MEL FISHER DAYS IN KEY WEST THURSDAY, JULY 11 FRIDAY, JULY 12 MEL FISHER CONSERVATION LAB TOURS Mel Fisher’s Treasures, 200 Greene St. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. $15 advance, $20 door SATURDAY, JULY 13 J.B. MAGRUDER TOURS Dock at Schooner Wharf Bar 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. $15 advance, $20 door SATURDAY, JULY 13 ANNUAL MEL FISHER DOCK PARTY Schooner Wharf Bar 3 to 9 p.m. free and open to the public

Visitors tour the J.B. Magruder during 2018 Mel Fisher Days. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN www.keysweekly.com

L

andlubbers, armchair adventurers and Atocha aficionados prepare for the annual Mel Fisher Days celebration in Key West, July 1214. In 1985, after 16 years of searching, Mel Fisher and his crew hit pay dirt with their discovery of the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Atocha, which sank in 1622, 35 miles off the shorelines of the Keys. The breakthrough brought treasure fever back to Key West, a town that was built on the backs of wreckers and treasure-hunters. The $450 million haul from the Atocha remains the crown jewel of Key West’s legacy, but Mel Fisher’s son Kim, along with the crew of the treasure-salvaging ship, J.B. Magruder, still scan the tropical waters for lingering artifacts.

Each year, the Atocha discovery, and the man behind the legend, are celebrated at Mel Fisher Days. Visitors to the festival have the opportunity for two special behind-the-scenes experiences. On Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12, the conservation laboratory at Mel Fisher’s Treasures opens its doors for guided tours, a rarity for the working lab.

Curious would-be conservationists will see countless priceless artifacts not on public view, and learn how those artifacts are preserved to the highest professional standards, using state-of-the-art equipment and ageless expertise.

With a crash course in conservation firmly under their belt, visitors can continue their treasure education on Saturday with tours of the treasure-salvaging ship, J.B. Magruder. The 90-foot boat, which is still an active working vessel, will be docked behind Schooner Wharf Bar during the Annual Dock Party.

Visitors may board the vessel for tours and meet the crew, who will impart the particulars of contemporary treasure hunting, including how to use search and salvage equipment and how to “map” a wreck. It goes without saying that there will likely also be salty tales from the crew’s at-sea adventures.

Saturday also offers a festive culmination to Mel Fisher Days with the annual Schooner Wharf Dock Party in the Historic Seaport, one of Mel Fisher’s favorite haunts. Newly minted treasure hunters can mingle with the Fisher family, enter raffles for some treasure of their own and enjoy music by Cayo Ritmo Band. A favorite returning bit of fun is the Lucky Cupcake Contest, which features cupcakes adorned with numbered gold coins. One lucky coin will land the winner an authentic Santa Margarita pearl. And the “losing” numbers? Well, there’s still a cupcake involved.

All proceeds salvaged from Mel Fisher Days will benefit the Florida Keys’ Wesley House Family Service Inc. In addition to cupcakes, rum punch and good music, the Saturday party features huge silent and live auctions, giving visitors one last chance to claim treasure in the name of a good cause. And, in true Key West fashion, the party takes place for six hours, from 3 to 9 p.m., so revelers should plan the day accordingly.

For tour registration and more information visit melfisherdays.melfisher.com.

Mel Fisher was a famous and fun character whose legacy lives on in Key West. MONROE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

46

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

MANGO FEST FRUIT CELEBRATION HITS BAYVIEW PARK

4

5

M

ango season creates the sweetest reason for locals to eat, drink and enjoy a little neighborly competition for who yields the best fruit.

On June 29 in Bayview Park, the Police Athletic League hosted the annual family-friendly fundraiser Mango Fest, and local vendors and musicians teamed up to celebrate all things mango.

It was a special sunny day for the community — sticky fingers aside.

— Weekly staff report

1

2

6

3

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Week 1. Chef Clive Thompson and his One Love food truck crew dished out some of the tastiest mangoinspired cuisine of the day.

2. VFW 3911 Post Commander Mark Tobin, center, held down the VFW with a big show of friends, family and supporters.

3. Rival fruit crew Arthur Crocker, Kermit and Jorge Angel represent our Key limes.

4. Lisa and John Hines kept it cool—and delicious—at the Dirty Pig BBQ tent.

5. Adam Meyers with an all mangoed-out Winston Meyers.

6. Musicians Larry Baeder, left, and Dora Gholson, right, filled the air with music. Here, Lt. Joe Tripp, KWPD, who was emcee of the event, addresses the crowd.

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/ Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Has an opening for an TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).

Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 330403328 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, August 23, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: July 4, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Federal Regulatory Agencies. Technical experts on the environmental program at the Air Station will be present at that time to address any concerns regarding specific cleanup activities. This year’s topic include updates achieved following the 2018 RAB, sites reaching closure, upcoming munition response activities and the formal adjournment of the RAB. Community members are welcome to engage in an informal question and answer session following the business portion of the RAB meeting. Free parking is available at the EcoDiscovery Center for attendees’ convenience.

Documents on the Naval Air Station Key West environmental program are available for public review at http://go.usa.gov/ KSDJ by selecting the Administrative Records link under Naval Air Station Key West.

Individuals without a computer or internet access can use any of five Monroe County Library locations for free internet access and computer resources.

For more information, please contact Ms. Trice Denny, Public Affairs Officer for the Air Station, at 305-293-2027.

Publish: July 4, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Condominium thereof as recorded in Official Records Book 1589 at Page 476, and any amendments made thereto, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida A/K/A: 325 Calusa Street, Unit #387, Key Largo, Florida 33037.

Pursuant to the FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT entered in a case pending in said Court, the style of which is: CALUSA CAMPGROUND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, VS. RAMSES DE LA TORRE; ROSA DE LA TORRE; JOHN DOE; JANE DOE Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 18-CA-000854-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 15TH day of MAY, 2019.

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

Publish: July 4 and 11, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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) 2923423, 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

STAMPS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Penelope W. Stamps, a/k/a Penelope Witt Stamps, deceased, whose date of death was December 13, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this notice is: July 4, 2019.

Personal Representative: Edward Roe Stamps, IV 7 Osprey Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: A. Stephen Kotler, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 629103 KOTLER LAW FIRM P.L. 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200 Naples, Florida 34108 Telephone: (239) 3252333 Fax: (239) 325-1853 E-Mail: skotler@kotlerpl. com Secondary E-Mail: paralegal@kotlerpl.com Publish: July 4 & 11, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2019-DR-282-P Division: Family GEORGE GREEN, Petitioner, and CHERYL A. GREEN, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: CHERYL A. GREEN Respondent’s last known address: UNKNOWN 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 GEORGE GREEN, whose address is 97 SEA LANE, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036, on or before AUGUST 1, 2019, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, PLANTATION KEY, FL 33070, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter.

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

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office.

You may review these documents upon request.

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

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

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

Dated: July 1, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk Publish: July 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Environmental Public Meeting Notice The Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) of Naval Air Station Key West invites local community members to their annual meeting to discuss the environmental status and cleanup activities at the Air Station. The meeting will be held on July 23, 2019 at 6 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Florida Keys EcoDiscovery Center, 35 East Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040. The RAB is composed of community members and representatives of the Navy, State and

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 18-CA000854-P NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 29TH DAY OF JULY 2019 at 11:00AM on THE FRONT STEPS OF THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET in the City of KEY WEST Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 387 of CALUSA CAMPGROUND, a Condominium according to the Declaration of

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 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP000056-P IN RE: ESTATE OF PENELOPE W. STAMPS, PENELOPE WITT

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - Trucks- Running or Not. $ C A S H $ 3 0 5 - 3 3 2 - 0 4 8 3 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 9 49 - 423 - 470 9 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) 7436 5 0 5 SELL YOUR BOAT HERE - Line ads start at $25/ week for 5 lines of copy!

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

REDUCED 2000 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. $2,000.00 John 305-289-5467 EMPLOYMENT OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR - 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 @gmail.com

Superior Electric Hiring: Office Assistant Must have Quickbooks experience Bilingual a plus . Apply in person at 7849 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

Part time and full time kitchen/cook positions available at Seacamp on Big Pine Key. Breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts available.

Level II, fingerprint background check required.

Call to schedule interview 305-872-2331.

Superintendent needed in Upper KeysMust have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. Send resume to admin@cbtconstruct. com 305-852-3002

EMPLOYMENT 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 IMMEDIATELY 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 th 107 Street, Marathon.

3 0 5 - 2 8 9 - 2 0 7 0 City of Marathon Job Openings: Building Inspector/ Plans Examiner, Code Compliance Officer, Right of Way Technician, Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee .

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us BIKE REPAIR NEEDED. Regular maintenance for 8 spin bikes in Marathon. $$. Call 305-775-9909.

The Island Gift Shops (Marooned In Marathon 1 & 2) are looking for happy responsible employees to complement our current staff.

PART TIME HOURS in a fun environment (good fit for second job) and retirees are welcome!

Apply in person at Marooned In Marathon, 11528 Overseas Highway.

Landscaping company seeking full-time laborers in Marathon.

Call 305-395-8294 Key Colony Inn NOW HIRING AM/ PM SERVERS. Apply in person: 700 Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL or call for details: (305) 743-0100

EMPLOYMENT

HOMES FOR RENT

Looking for a Marine Diesel Mechanic! We are now taking applications for a full-time 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!

Long-term rental available in Marathon August 1st. 1BR/1BA unfurnished 1/2 Duplex. $1,500/month + utilities.

F/L/S 305-481-6887

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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 RENTED IN LESS THAN A MONTH!

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-7434578 HOMES FOR RENT

LONG-TERM RENTAL: 3BR/2BA on Duck Key. Call 305-481-1316 DUCK KEY - 4BR/3BA Long Term Rental, Open Waterviews, $4,000/month F/L/S (585) 781-0088 Key Colony Beach Seasonal Rental 4BR/4BA Fully furnished townhome 1/2 Duplex w/large pool. 2,200 SF, tile & wood floors. On large canal w/deep dockage. Call 305-7433338

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

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

2/1 Duplex - 28th Street, 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! 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

THEME: THE 4TH OF JULY

NOTICE Pursuant to the provision of Chapter 194.035(1) of the Florida Statutes, the Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board is now accepting applications from individuals who are willing and qualified to serve as Special Magistrate for the purpose of taking testimony and making recommendations to the Board.

“A special magistrate appointed to hear issues of exemptions and classifications shall be a member of The Florida Bar with no less than 5 years’ experience in the area of ad valorem taxation. A special magistrate appointed to hear issues regarding the valuation of real estate shall be a state certified real estate appraiser with not less than 5 years’ experience in real property valuation. A special magistrate appointed to hear issues regarding the valuation of tangible personal property shall be designated member of a nationally recognized appraiser’s organization with not less than 5 years’ experience in tangible personal property valuation.”

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

All applicants must complete the Florida Department of Revenue’s Value Adjustment Board Training to qualify to serve.

Experienced Help Only needed for all positions.

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

Sally M. Abrams VABClerk@monroe-clerk.com

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

Call 305-743-0844 today

305.743.0844

Please forward resume to:

Or by mail: Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board PO Box 1980 Key West, FL 33041-1980 *Deadline for submission is July 30, 2019

ACROSS 1. Reproductive cell 5. Tai’s partner 8. At the stern 11. Do like phoenix 12. Person of French descent 13. It can’t be refused?

15. Hand-to-hand combat weapon 16. Sty sound 17. Justin Bieber’s 2015 hit 18. *Pyrotechnic display 20. De-wrinkler 21. Expression of delight 22. *”O say can you ____” 23. *One of three presidents who died on July 4 26. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will ____” 30. Turkish military leader 31. With complex decorations 34. Biblical place of bliss 35. Economic crisis 37. South American tuber 38. Gladiator’s turf 39. Serum, pl.

40. Stellar 42. Humpty Dumpty did this 43. “Jeopardy” competitor, e.g.

45. Blotch or dapple 47. 34th Pres.

48. Unmanned flyer 50. MXN, as in currency 52. *British monarch 56. *____ Burr, officer in Revolutionary War and VP 57. Aquarium dweller 58. Of two minds 59. *Puts John Hancock down 60. Log splitter 61. Arrival times 62. Plays for pay 63. Ball in a socket 64. “____ and rave”

DOWN 1. ____ Approach in music education 2. The last Henry Tudor 3. Soviet acronym 4. Shooting star 5. Capital of Egypt 6. ____-dory 7. Varieties 8. ‘70s hairdo 9. “Where the Red ____ Grows” 10. “Don’t ____ this at home!”

12. Pyle of “The Andy Griffith Show” 13. Willow twig 14. *”The Stars and Stripes ____” 19. What pertussis patients do 22. Johnny Cash’s boy with unfortunate name 23. En ___, or all together 24. Watcher 25. a.k.a. Pleasant Island 26. *State on Old Glory 27. “That is,” Latin 28. Like bribe-taking politician 29. Related on mother’s side 32. Narrow margin of victory 33. *Stamp ____, imposed tax on American colonies 36. *One of two Presidents to sign the Constitution 38. “____ came a spider...”

40. Gobbled up 41. Like libertine 44. Venerated paintings in Orthodox church 46. ____-totter 48. Unpleasant airport news 49. One in Pinkerton’s gallery 50. Twosome 51. RenÈ Descartes’ “therefore” 52. Hunted animal 53. Itty-bitty bit 54. Persian Gulf country 55. Research facil.

56. Pharaoh’s cobra

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 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

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

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

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

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

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 / JULY 04, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

Absolute Auction Huge Inventory @ our Warehouse

July 9th @ 11AM-preview begins @ 9AM morning of sale

2171 N Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Help us clear out our warehouse! Inventory is flowing in daily and we need the space!

Bakers Pride Y-600 LIKE NEW, 60 QT Hobart Mixer, Juice Bar ON WHEELS, Coolers, Freezers, Slicers, Griddles, Char-Broilers, Back Bars, Keg Coolers, Asst.

Prep Tables, Stainless Steel Tables, Convection Ovens, Sushi Cookers, Tables, Chairs, Equipment Stands, Ice Machines, Small Wares & the list goes on!

Come on down & see for yourself!

www.neverettauctions.com Toby Neverett Auctioneers • 561-706-7218 • au872 ab628

305.743.0844

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.

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home Since 1984

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

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

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

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

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

We Buy Gold Locally!

Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn Townsquare Mall Marathon

$1,000 Sign-on Bonus!

• Guest Services Associate / Relief Night Auditor

GREAT BENEFITS:

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

NOW HIRING

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

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 open positions for: • Guest Services Staff (Full-Time Permanent) • Visual Communications Staff (Full-Time Permanent) • Animal Care & Habitat Apprentice (Full-Time Permanent)

The Hammocks at Marathon

Full or Part Time Guest Services

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.

Answer phones, take reservations and greeting Customers with a smile. Cashier responsibilities, must be able to multi task.

Full or Part Time Dive Instructor

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

51

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

Thanks for all of your support.

FOOD 25% ALL & WINE OFF ALL NIGHT LONG

SUMMER HOURS: TUES - SUN | 6PM - 10PM | MONDAY CLOSED

We are here for you 24/7 for all your pets needs. Your pets are never left alone.

Expires July 15, 2019.

06.27.19

1029 SOUTHARD ST | 305.294.0230 | CAFESOLE.COM

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

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

For service requests or fish, www.keysmosquito.org or 305.292.7190

We are honored to be nominated Best Veterinarian in the Key West People’s Choice Awards!

You can vote at www.keysweekly.com/bubbas 5001 Overseas Highway • Marathon

305-743-7099

STOP BEING BUGGED TOUGH ON BUGS - SAFE FOR PETS!

10 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE & TRUST RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LICENSED & INSURED

CALL TODAY TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND PUT THOSE BUGS ON THE MARCH! PAULA BARRY • 305.304.1119 • paulaspestcontrol1@gmail.com

FOR SALE $55,000 OBO • '95 INTREPID CC - 28’ • '98 YAMAHAS X225 LOW HOURS • TOO MANY OPTIONS TO LIST • APPRAISAL WAS $72,400 W/TRAILER • LOCATED IN MARATHON

PLEASE CALL 305.743.6505 AFTER 1PM

52

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 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.

Spend time with family and friends with the Perfect Loan for the Perfect Home.

Keys Mortgages deliver fast local service, great rates and no state intangible tax.

Apply today: Key West & Lower Keys Call John North at 305-293-6071 NMLS# 785028

Middle & Upper Keys Call Dave Peck at 305-809-3456 NMLS# 1172912

Download our

Mobile App

Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. *Available on select mortgages. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys, their families and our local military. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#595888

What is something that you know now that you didn’t know when you were a freshman? It is okay to branch out and meet new people as well as to try new things that may seem difficult to you.

What organizations and activities are you involved with at KWHS? I am the founder of Debate Club at Key West High School, president of Interact Club, parliamentarian/committee chair of NHA, and a peer mentor.

These clubs are important to me because I am able to help out in my community and school, and I’m passionate about them.

What are your plans after high school? I plan on attending a fouryear university, gaining work experiences through internships and taking at least a term abroad in order to travel and learn about various cultures.

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.

ADDY CASTELLANOS

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? My all-time favorite teacher is Mrs. Welsh. She was my second and third grade teacher and was the first teacher to truly spark my interest in learning and my dedication to gain the best education I can throughout my life.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I enjoy helping my mom out at Flow Spa by working as the receptionist. I get to meet some really interesting people and spend time with my family at the same time.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home? I do not think that I will make the Keys my permanent home in the future, because I would like to settle in the northeast. I do see myself traveling quite frequently back to the Keys.

What three things would you like to accomplish before your 10-year reunion? I would like to have completed grad school, have an established career as an attorney and be completely debt-free.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

WHO HAS RIGHTS TO ROOTS? NEW STATE LAW CHANGES RULES ON TREE REMOVAL

1 REDA WIGLE

“A

www.keysweekly.com

tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds,” said St. Basil the Great. Thanks to a recently signed bill, Florida may have fewer trees to know. The bill, known as HB 1159, was passed in April and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 26. HB 1159 effectively prohibits local government from requiring a permit for the removal of a tree from residential property if a certified arborist or landscape architect deems the tree dangerous to people or property. The law also mandates that property appraisers must inform owners of these rights.

The bill has the potential to subdue the authority of the City of Key West Tree Commission, established in 1972 to protect the arboreal integrity of Old Town. The Tree Commission sent letters directly to DeSantis demanding he veto the bill. Karen DeMaria, urban forestry manager for the City of Key West, reassures citizens that the bill will not disband the commission. “The Tree Commission will still exist and the tree ordinance is still valid although some changes/updates may need to be made,” said DeMaria. Arborists and landscape architects work on a private for-profit basis, unlike the Tree Commission.

The bill includes exceptions for protected mangrove trees but makes no allowances for heritage trees, recognized by the City of Key West as historically significant and civically protected through a new program. “The creation of the Heritage Tree Program was initiated by the public, is a local designation that seeks

2 to raise community awareness by officially recognizing noteworthy trees in the city. Any tree which is determined to be of unique and intrinsic value to the general public because of its size, age, historic association or ecological value can be a heritage tree,” said DeMaria.

In addition to abolishing permit requirements for pruning or removal of “dangerous trees,” the bill mandates, “A local government may not require a property owner to replant a tree that has been pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with the bill.” Current stipulations for tree removal in the city of Key West include replacement planting. “Permits are still required to remove trees and palms except where a certified arborist has provided written documentation that the tree is a danger to people or property. If a certified arborist documents that a tree is a danger, then the municipality cannot require a permit or tree replacements,” said DeMaria. Former tree commissioner and activist Karen O’Leary called the legislation “short sighted” and stressed the importance of voluntary planting within the Keys community.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R) of District 32.

“It’s a common-sense bill that strikes a compromise between property rights and people who want to see more trees. The former status quo of asking permission to knock down a dangerous tree wasn’t working,” said Sabatini. He notes that HB 1159 is the modified version of a failed bill sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube (R) that would have abolished tree permits statewide and voided the authority of the Tree Commission in total. Sabatini main-

3 tains there has been confusion and erroneous reporting surrounding HB 1159. “You can only get around getting a permit if the tree is dangerous and there’s only a certain type of professional that can call the tree dangerous,” he said.

Rep. Holly Raschein (R) of District 120, which includes the Florida Keys, voted yes on HB 1159. Raschein said the impetus for the bill likely grew out of a mainland issue. She said she didn’t receive any correspondence from concerned consituents of Key West.

“The bill protects the rights of private property owners,” she said.

Tree Commissioners and officials note that among the challenges facing the tree commission are the agendas of property owners.

“The greatest challenges are people buying properties, remodeling and expanding them to include pools, and wanting minimal landscaping and trees so that there is little maintenance required,” said DeMaria.

The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Key West as one of 175 Tree City communities across the state of Florida. Tree Cities must meet the following criteria: maintain a tree board, a community tree ordinance and a reputable urban forestry management. Additionally, Tree Cities must spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrate Arbor Day. Key West is the only city in the Florida Keys recognized as a Tree City.

The law went into effect July 1. The next Tree Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at 5 p.m. at City Hall and is open to the public.

1. A royal poinciana On Whitehead Street. The royal poinciana was recently named the official tree of Key West. REDA WIGLE/Keys Weekly 2. Heritage mahogany tree on Simonton Street. An application for its removal submitted to the Tree Commission was withdrawn after public outcry.

3. A royal poinciana On Olivia Street.

53

54

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 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 / JULY 04, 2019

Immediate Availability!

Licensed and Insured License #CGC1516588

January 15th, 2018

Services:

- Pylon Installation - Seawalls - Sheet Driving - Hurricane Repair

- Dock and Pier Construction - Dredging - Shoreline Repair and Reconstruction - Commercial & Residential - Army Corps. & FDEP Permitting Services Offered

VISIT US ONLINE TO LEARN MORE! WWW.LPSUTILITIES-INC.COM

June 1st, 2018

Call or Email Us Today for Your Free Estimate!

305-240-9882 info@lpsutitlities-inc.com

56

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JULY 04, 2019

420 Fleming Street Key West, Florida 33040 305.294.1117 @OceanSIR

|

@oceansothebysrealty

|

@OceanSIR