Upper Keys Weekly – 7/11/19

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It’s National Mojito Day!

ON THE MOVE NuĂąez talks legislative wins and the work ahead | P. 8

FREEBEE STAYING

Company unveils plan to transport guests in Islamorada | P. 4

COMMUNITY CLEANUP

Sheriffs, residents pickup garbage in Key Largo | P. 17

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

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

Independence Day Celebration Founders Park, MM87, Islamorada

THANK YOU! SPONSORED BY

Upper Keys Rotary Club

Tap Johnson

Jon & Julie Landau

WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU! Rocket Launcher Sponsors

Whistling Sponsors Pete & Megan Ihrig

Roman Candle Sponsors DeMoss Financial • Centennial Bank • Florida Keys Pediatric & Adolescent Center And thanks also to our vendors, food trucks, and musicians: The Carousers and Leah Sutter.

See you next year! www.KeysRotary.org

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

Islamorada, Florida Bayfront Estate with Guest House I 1.46 Acres 120’ of Deepwater Dockage Offered at $7,950,000

305.712.8888 | oceanssir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

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ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

563,522

The number of Volkswagen Beetles imported to the U.S. in 1968, or 40% of production. This week, Volkswagen will cease production of the last version of its Beetle made at a plant in Puebla, Mexico. The car has been in production for eight decades, since 1938.

Publisher

Thursday, July 11 • National Mojito Day

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Thursday, July 11 • Marrvelous Pet Rescues Yappy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge, Islamorada.

Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

July 12-13 • Underwater music festival at Looe Key Reef Resort.

Account Executives

Nola Acker nola@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Sarah Thomas sthomas@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Design / Web Master

Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

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

Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez recently toured the Keys to talk about the issues and re-cap the legislative session. Read more about Nuñez’s take on session on page 8. CONTRIBUTED

SAVE THE DATE

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Ted Fackler ted@keysweekly.com

ON THE COVER

MORE FREEBEE Larger vehicles to serve all islands JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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idership continues to grow with the free, door-to-door Freebee service on Upper Matecumbe Key. With its success, Islamorada Village Council is directing village staff to create a contract with Freebee for two larger electric vans to service all islands.

During council’s June 27 meeting, Freebee co-founder and managing partner Jason Spiegel provided a brief synopsis of the program and his recommendation to extend Freebee to all islands in Islamorada.

Today, the Miami-based company, with its two electric vehicles, transports visitors and locals to and from hotels, restaurants and other businesses. In May, Spiegel said, they transported 1,300 passengers — the second highest ridership seen since Freebee started out late last year.

Spiegel gave council two scenarios: The first entailed two electric vans providing service on all islands with one to two of the smaller vehicles currently operating on Upper Matecumbe. The second option detailed just two electric vans on all islands.

“In both scenarios, we believe that operating the system as fully on demand, door-to-door solution would provide the highest level of service to the area,” Spiegel said.

“I’m confident that our service will continue to provide great benefits to the village.”

Spiegel said operating gas or hybrid vehicles would cost more than electric with maintenance and gas expenses. Spiegel said they’d seek a grant opportunity from the Florida Department of Transportation to fund 50 percent of the cost of the operation for three years. Spiegel recommended the village look at service that runs at a minimum 70 hours per week.

“We’re committed to long-term success of the program,” he said.

“We’ll continue to guarantee a subsidy of $40,000 per vehicle.”

Councilman Ken Davis said he loves the service, and he thinks it should be expanded to go full-time.

“Your service provides safety to every one in this community, including visitors,” he said. “Taking people across the village will be an attraction to bring more people to Islamorada.”

Councilman Jim Mooney shared similar sentiments regarding the service, the numbers and feedback from riders.

“I think if you get on it and get those vehicles on the road, I think you’ll be very successful,” Mooney said.

The fleet on Upper Matecumbe will continue until the vans come in so there’s no gap in ridership.

Spiegel said vans should be arriving and ready to service all islands by fall or winter.

Saturday, July 13 • Shoreline cleanup from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sea Oats Beach, MM 74.

Tuesday, July 16 • The Anne McKee Artists fundraising event, African dance and drum workshop at 10:30 a.m. at MARC House, Tavernier.

July 16-July 21 • Hemingway Days. See full schedule at keysweekly.com Wednesday, July 17 • Mothers in Paradise: Moms Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conference room, Tavernier.

• Immerse Yourself Presentation featuring Scott Fowler, of Mariners Hospital, on hyperbaric medicine and dive safety at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

Thursday, July 18 • Third Thursday Morada Art Walk at 6 p.m. on Morada Way, Islamorada.

• Village council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

Saturday, July 20 • PADI Women Dive Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

• Lobsterpalooza beginning at 11 a.m. at World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada.

July 24-25 Lobste Mini Season.

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

SIGNED!

STATE NEWS

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BUDGET, NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING AMONG BILLS INKED JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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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

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 projects 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 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.”

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.

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, nonstainless-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.

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.”

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.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

BRIEFLY Expect delays at Snake Creek bridge

BRINGING THE KEY LIME UPPER KEYS HISTORY BRAD BERTELLI

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www.keysweekly.com

n some views, Dr. Henry Perrine is the most important figure ever to become intertwined with Florida Keys history.

Among the 200 or so plants he would introduce to South Florida and the Keys from the Yucatan Peninsula were agave sisal, mulberry, prickly pear cactus, and Citrus aurantiifolia — recognized more commonly today as Key lime.

It is the Mexican or Key lime that has made the biggest impact on the culture of the island chain — especially as it pertains to the Key lime pie. By 1839, Perrine’s lime trees were growing both on Indian Key and at a nursery established on nearby Lower Matecumbe Key. The nursery, also planted with lemons and assorted vegetables, was near a sinkhole Perrine would refer to as a “fairy grotto.” Though the plants were largely left to nature’s recourse, occasionally Perrine would bring them fresh water from the sinkhole.

When Perrine’s son, Henry Jr., visited the area in 1876, he observed that the plants introduced by his father nearly 40 years prior, left to their own devices, had died off except for the agave sisal and the lime.

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

The Florida Department of Transportation has begun a Snake Creek bridge rehabilitation project.

The limits extend along Overseas Highway over the Snake Creek canal.

The project will last nine months, FDOT says, and the cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 million.

Work to be performed includes cleaning and painting bridge steel structures, repairing electrical, mechanical and structural steel components.

Lane closure will occur during nonpeak hours non-event days, nights and weekends. Non-peak hours are 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.

Irma disaster assistance for fishermen, wholesale dealers The FWC has received notification from NOAA Fisheries that the Hurricane Irma Fisheries Disaster grant has been approved. While there are several projects in this grant, payment to fishermen and wholesale dealers affected by Hurricane Irma is a priority.

Several projects in the Hurricane Irma Fisheries Disaster Relief Program were established to provide funding to commercial fishermen and wholesale dealers who were negatively affected

by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

This will include separate components to specifically compensate lobster trap certificate holders, SPL holders, wholesale dealers who were in coastal counties from Dixie to Monroe on the Gulf coast and from Monroe to Nassau counties on the Atlantic coast.

To be eligible to receive a payment under this program, you must be a registered vendor in the State of Florida purchasing system and you must have an active W-9 on file.

Step 1. Complete a registration (this was due July 10) and upload an active W-9 at: https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/. Note: It usually takes 3-5 days for system processing.

Step 2. Login to CLS Online to verify and update your address, phone number and e-mail. We need the most up to date contact information to process payments.

Starting the beginning of July, you will start receiving additional letters and emails to explain each program area and how payments will be calculated. To ensure that assistance will be provided, and a payment can be made, make sure to complete the steps above.

Available government funds are limited. The Fisheries Disaster Relief Program may not be able to cover fishermen fully for their losses.

More information is available from Dan Ellinor at Daniel.Ellinor@MyFWC. com or Alan Peirce at Alan.Peirce@ MyFwc.com, or the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-4870554. Locally, Hurricane Irma recovery related questions can be directed to Wetherington-helene@monroecountyfl.gov.

Movie showing at the library The Key Largo Library will show “How to Train Your Dragon 3” on Wednesday, July 17 at 3:30 p.m. It is rated PG. It will be shown on the “big screen” and snacks will be served. The Key Largo Library is located in the Publix Tradewinds Shopping Plaza, 101485 Overseas Hwy. in Key Largo.

Paint-in to be held for artists at library There will be a paint-in held for artists at the Key Largo Library on July 17, 24 and 31. A still life will be set up in the community room from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Artists are welcome to bring their supplies and use the time to paint, draw, sketch, etc. Those who want to put up an easel should bring a plastic cloth to put underneath to protect the library’s floor. The Key Largo Library is located in the Publix Tradewinds Shopping Plaza, 101485 Overseas Hwy. in Key Largo.

Astronomy Club sets program for children On Monday, July 15, at 1 p.m., Jay Elliott of the Florida Keys Astronomy Club will give a presentation at Islamorada Library geared toward children called “What Is Light?” The presentation will discuss where light comes from and where is it going, and what story is hidden in light. Weather permitting, a telescope will be set up to look at the sun. This program is free and part of Islamorada Library’s 2019 Summer Reading Program for Children, “A Universe of Stories.”

Parks and Rec to discuss Rowell’s plans The Parks and Recreation regular board meeting will take place on Monday, July 15, at 6 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government Center to discuss the plans. If the design is adopted, the Board of County Commissioners will vote on the plans at an upcoming BOCC meeting.

The site plan includes a logical utilization of the park’s 8-acre space that maintains the open water view and

buffers the neighboring communities.

Highlighted areas include a zero-entry swim basin, splash pad, fitness zone, shaded playground, dog park, three restroom facilities, kayak and canoe launch, and several shade structures.

The design also included a parking pay station/pay booth to charge nonresidents to use the park. It will remain free for Monroe County residents.

County Administrator Roman Gastesi said there would be two dedicated fulltime employees at the park to ensure appropriate management and that park rules are enforced.

Stained glass class taught by artist Islamorada Library is offering a stained glass class, taught by artist Maxine Trainer. Students will design, create and take home their own small piece of stained glass. Materials fee is $75. This class is scheduled for Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please register at the front desk or by phone at 305-664-4645. Class limit is 12 students. Trainer owns In the Doghouse Art Studio, which is in the Trading Post’s Village Square. She has exhibited her art internationally and has a master’s in fine arts from the University of Liverpool, England.

More information is at 305-664-4645.

Islamorada Library is at 81830 Overseas Highway.

Cleanup planned at Sea Oats Beach FIU’s Center for Coastal Oceans Research and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will conduct a cleanup at Sea Oats Beach in Islamorada on Saturday, July 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cleanup will be part of the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys program. Loggerhead turtles are using Sea Oats as a nesting beach and the goal is to make sure it is clean for them.

Florida Keys Brewing Co. will be providing a voucher for a free beer at the brewery after the cleanup to all participants who are 21 and older.

Vacation Bible School at Burton Memorial Burton Memorial United Methodist Church will hold its Vacation Bible School on July 15-19 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 5:30 p.m. each day. The bible school is for children pre-K to sixth grade. Burton Memorial Methodist Church is located at 93001 Overseas Highway in Tavernier. More information is at 305-8522581.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

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STATE NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

ONWARD AND UPWARD Nuñez makes Keys visits, talks legislative victories JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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here’s no slowing down for Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez even with legislative session over in Tallahassee.

Nuñez, who currently oversees health-care issues in the state as charged by Gov. Ron DeSantis, met with the health departments in Lee and Collier counties on June 24. She says she’s visited around 15 health departments around the state so far to discuss public health issues like Hepatitis A, which has crept up in numbers, as well as HIV and AIDS, which the Centers for Disease Control say is a also problem.

A day later on June 25, she welcomed Vice President Mike Pence to Miami for a Latinos rally with the 2020 presidential race firing up.

After that, she took a moment to hop on the line to speak with Keys Weekly about victories from this past legislative session for the islands.

Nuñez was elected as Florida’s first Hispanic female lieutenant governor in 2018. She previously served as state representative in the Florida House from 2010 to 2018, and she was speaker pro tempore the final two years in the House.

An Islamorada homeowner, Nuñez recently paid a visit to the Florida Keys with DeSantis and state officials. With welcome news the two brought $21 million for debris removal to continue the Irma recovery efforts and $35 million for affordable/workforce housing. And Nuñez received some special recognition from Monroe County Mayor Sylvia Murphy.

“Not only did I become an honorary Conch, but we came to let the Keys know we are still focused on providing assistance for hurricane recovery and affordable housing, which is a continued focal point,” Nuñez told the Weekly.

“If it hasn’t come from Tallahassee, it should be forthcoming — upwards of $21 million in Irma funding that’s being expedited,” Nuñez said.

As for session in Tallahassee, Nuñez said there were tremendous accomplishments, especially on the environmental side with $680 million for

initiatives like Everglades and springs restorations to combatting blue-green algae and red tide.

“I think what you could say is that not only did the Keys fare well, but the entire state fared amazingly well,” Nuñez said. “These are things that really worried residents in the state of Florida.

The governor is committed in making sure we’re protecting our environment.”

Apart from funding victories, Nuñez says there were victories in health care with the reduction of prescription drug costs. DeSantis signed House Bill 19 into law last month that established two programs: the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program (CPDI) and the International Prescription Drug Importation Program (IPDI) to safely import federal Food and Drug Administration approved prescription drugs into the state.

The bill outlines importation processes, safety standards, drug distribution requirements and penalties for violations of program requirements. Both programs establish eligibility criteria for the types of prescription drugs which may be imported. The bill also requires both programs to seek federal approval or cooperation prior to importing prescription drugs.

“The exorbitant cost of prescription drugs is a tremendous problem in this country’s healthcare spending, and I am honored to be part of an administration facing this problem head on,” Nuñez said. “Our state’s new Drug Importation Program will aid Floridians and provide them with a safe and affordable solution to these high costs.”

Moving forward to next session, the administration will continues its focus in areas like education and higher education. Nuñez says the governor has made it clear he wants “Florida to be at the top.”

“We’ll continue the investment and make sure we’re aligning workforce ends with job offerings, all while investing in career and technical education,” she said.

Human trafficking is also at the

forefront for Nuñez. Florida sits near the top as a highest trafficked destination, and with the next two Super Bowls in south Florida, Nuñez says it will continue to be a focus.

Prostitution has been an issue that resurfaces around large athletic events. Nuñez sits on the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking that’s chaired by Attorney General Ashley Moody. Last year, the state recorded the third-most calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Also at the forefront for Nuñez is Space Florida, for which she chairs. Florida represents some of the best space-related technology, innovation and exploration with 17,144-plus aerospace-related companies. And just recently, Boeing announced it would be moving its space and launch headquarters from Virginia to Titusville, Florida’s Space Coast.

“It is further evidence that Florida is the ideal environment for the space industry to continue thriving,” she said. “We welcome Boeing and encourage others to enjoy the benefits out great state has to offer.”

When she gets a free moment, Nuñez comes down to the Keys to her Islamorada home. Recently, she paid a visit to the Keys on the Fourth of July where she participated in the Key Largo parade. And with ongoing discussion over who puts on the best fireworks, Nuñez jokes that there needs to be a poll for best display.

“Whoever wins I will be there,” she said.

From Top: Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Gov. Ron DeSantis discuss their first legislative session as top leaders in the state of Florida. CONTRIBUTED Nuñez stops to speak with a spectator during the Fourth of July parade in Key Largo. CONTRIBUTED During a visit to Marathon last month, Monroe County Mayor Sylvia Murphy named Nunez an Honorary Conch. CONTRIBUTED

WILDLIFE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

Pew! Pew! Pew! SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

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he public perception of the green iguana has gone from oddity to nuisance to invasive exotic. And the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) is urging the public, in no uncertain terms, to kill them.

“The FWC encourages homeowners to kill green iguanas on their own property whenever possible,” the commission recently wrote on its website. “Iguanas can also be killed year-round and without a permit on 22 public lands in south Florida.”

The national news outlets — like The Washington Post and Fox News — are picking up on the story.

Locals already know it.

A spokesperson for the FWC’s division of Habitat and Species Conservation said it’s not a policy change.

“We updated our website for clarity, to clarify the existing policy,” said Jamie Rager.

The FWC’s new messaging dovetails with what’s happened in the Cayman Islands. In October 2018, the island government put a bounty on iguanas’ heads — $5 or $6 each. According to University of Florida’s Joseph Wasilewski the green iguana population was cut in half very quickly — from an estimated 1.6 million to 800,000.

“The iguana situation has changed in the Keys, and the attitudes of locals have also changed,” said Chuck Meier, known as Big Pine Key’s “iguana assassin.” (Look for his iguana cookbook on Amazon.com.)

“A few years ago, some people were saying ‘just leave them alone.’ Well, those same people are now calling me and asking if I can come over.”

So long as the killing is done on private property with the landowner’s permission, it is legal. However, it must be done humanely; i.e., no torture. Meier recommends a high-velocity pellet gun with a heavier grain pellet to pierce the animal’s tough hide.

“Shoot them in the top of the head, or right behind the eye above that little ear plate. If the iguana is facing you, hit it in the chest.”

Tom Portuallo of Iguana Control has been in the business for a decade.

It’s a good business. He said he has contracts with numerous HOAs (Home Owners Associations), townships, big commercial properties like resorts, as well as individual homeowners.

“For homeowners that aren’t squeamish, and are accustomed to hunting, it’s fine to kill them yourself.

But if you’ve never picked up a ‘device,’ you will probably do a horrible job. My staff and I can euthanize iguanas in a humane way.”

Iguana Control has offices and workers all over South Florida, including a storefront in Key West on Fleming Street. He has patented a line of products to repel or eradicate iguanas.

“There’s no repellent or poison that really works. The only options are a physical barrier or removal,” Portuallo said.

In fact, about the only thing that will kill an iguana is cold. They are coldblooded reptiles. And since the Florida Keys hasn’t seen a good cold snap in, oh, forever, the weather has done nothing to diminish the population of this exotic invasive.

According to Meier, hunting iguanas isn’t a negative. They are, he said, “a green, walking protein pouch.”

“The problem with America is that we are separated from our food sources. I grew up on a farm. I know where chicken wings come from. There were eight people in my family and we hunted not to kill, but to stack the freezer and the smokehouse,” Meier said. “Iguanas are a much more viable food source.”

By the way, he said the BBQ iguana is far and away the favorite recipe in his book — take a deep breath — “The Key West Iguana Killers Club Cookbook: The Official Sportsmans Guide to Iguana Hunting in Key West and South Florida.”

Of the BBQ recipe, he said: “Let’s just anoint it with fire and eat it. It’s the easiest recipe. And you find the wives don’t want it anywhere near their kitchen, so the guys go out and use the BBQ.” There are a couple more rules about green iguanas to note: • Captured iguanas cannot be relocated and released at other locations in Florida.

• If you have a green iguana as a pet, and no longer can care for it, it must be surrendered to the FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program. For more information, visit myfwc.com or call 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681).

“For homeowners that aren’t squeamish, and are accustomed to hunting, it’s fine to kill them yourself.”

— Tom Portuallo of Iguana Control

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ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

UNDER CONTROL P Village says measures are proving successful

arking control measures along the Fills between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys were a success on the July 4th holiday.

Village staff manned the Indian Key boat ramp parking lot and other parking areas to direct people to permitted parking spots and let people know when the parking was full.

Monroe County sheriffs were on duty throughout the day to provide additional parking control and enforcement along the entire stretch of the Fills.

The controlled parking, extra trash cans and portable toilets are expected to improve safety and enjoyment of the area and reduce environmental damage caused by overuse.

These temporary measures will help to guide the village in the development of a long-term plan for the appropriate level of parking and recreational space at Indian Key Fill and all areas of the Fills.

For those not already familiar with this issue, 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.

Jump into the conversation this summer with better hearing!

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 FDEP-owned land. But that’s since changed following repeated calls by the public and village council to allow the village to control the state-owned land.

— Contributed

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(305) 809-6041

ENVIRONEMNT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

11

Bales of cardboard await processing. When it comes to recyclables, cardboard sits atop the list for many restaurants and stores. CONTRIBUTED

COLLECTION CONUNDRUM

Depressed market hurting cardboard recycling JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

hen it comes to recyclables, cardboard sits atop the list for many businesses. For many Upper Keys establishments like World Wide Sportsman, it’s sent to collection companies like Jorge Cabrera’s cardboard-recycling operation located on Plantation Key. “We gather a lot of cardboard with products coming into our store,” said Scott Bodziak, World Wide Sportsman general manager.

Loaded full, Cabrera’s truck drives to the mainland for dropoff. But recently, trucks have been turned away as disposal sites are no longer accepting cardboard. As a result, Key Lime Rolloff Services in Islamorada had to end collection from businesses as they already had several months of cardboard stores.

“I’ve got businesses very concerned because they get a lot of cardboard,” said Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce president.

On June 6, Key Lime Rolloff Services discovered that the main Miami processors were no longer accepting cardboard processing due to tariff disputes. Angel Borden, office manager, said they relayed information to local busi-

nesses on what was going on.

“Our driver spent over eight hours driving in Miami with a 40-foot flatbed trailer loaded with bales, and out of four processors, none were accepting cardboard,” she said.

For most of Monroe County, trash and recyclables are handled by Waste Management, a comprehensive waste and environmental services company founded in 1968 with headquarters in Houston, Texas. Greg Sullivan, Waste Management’s senior district manager in Monroe County, said the cardboard market is depressed. And it stems from China no longer accepting recyclable material like cardboard and plastics.

“What used to be worth $100 a ton is now worth $20 a ton,” Sullivan said.

“With the size of our company, we have markets already lined up for material like cardboard. But we saw this coming four, five years ago.”

Cities across the country that take care of their waste are beginning to find new alternatives for recycled material with companies either charging more to recoup losses or cutting off collection of certain recyclables for good. Take for instance the city of Sunrise: Recyclables are burned in an incinerator, converting waste into energy.

Borden says they’re working to find a solution. In the meantime, businesses have had no other choice but to throw the cardboard into the garbage can.

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12

HEALTH & WELLNESS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 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.”

COUNTY FINANCES

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

BOCC WILL REVIEW FIRST PROPOSED BUDGET ON JULY 22 SARAH THOMAS

sthomas@keysweekly.com

B

udget season is upon us at city and county levels. On July 22, the Board of County Commissioners will convene to review the first report of the proposed budget, covering infrastructure projects and ongoing hurricane recovery and preparation. In that meeting, which will be in the Marathon Government Center, the county will certify the approved millage rate (aka property tax rate) to the Property Appraiser.

The plan also prepares for future challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise, including funding for vulnerability analyses and mitigation planning. Likewise, the county projects new hires to accommodate growing needs in departments like Parks and Rec and is reassessing salary increases using the Evergreen Salary Study tool.

These building and improvement projects will be presented in the July 22 meeting: • Plantation Key Courthouse and Detention Complex – the largest infrastructure project in the county’s history.

• Emergency Operations Center in Marathon.

• Marathon Branch Library and Adult Education Center.

• Cudjoe Key Firehouse.

• Public defender’s office.

• Ocean Reef Building Purchase.

• Senior nutrition center.

• Enhancements to Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo, Higgs Beach in Key West, Big Pine Key Swimming Hole, and Lower Keys Viewing Area and Nature Center.

• Improvements to Pigeon Key facility and repairs to Pigeon Key ramp, East and West Martello Museums in Key West.

• Two road elevation demonstration projects in Key Largo and Big Pine Key. • Four roadway/drainage projects in Stock Island, Key West, Big Pine Key and Key Largo.

• Three bridge replacements: two on Duck Key and one on Sugarloaf.

• Overseas Heritage Trail at Cudjoe Gardens.

These projects will be illuminated in more detail in community budget meetings in September. The proposed budget also has continued funding for safeguarding people and property, which in turn reduces property insurance premiums. Funding this year’s proposed budget will add firefighters, fire inspectors, and fire hydrants. It will also take the County’s ISO (Insurance Service Organization) rating from a 3

to a 2. Only 3% of communities across the country are ranked 1 or 2.

The budget reflects the BOCC’s direction to meet increased service demands and workload and includes a Parks and Recreation Director position, code compliance officers and staff at Guardian ad Litem. It also includes additional funding for the Human Services Advisory Board, which supports nonprofit social service providers.

Regarding Hurricane Irma, the proposed budget reflects the ongoing recovery work, which includes securing state and federal reimbursements, housing, canal cleanups and marine debris removal, and repairs to county facilities.

Salaries also are being reassessed.

Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi commented on the Evergreen Salary study: “The county’s recommendation regarding salaries is to go back to the performance-based merit system because performance matters,” said Gastesi. The proposed budget includes a 1.9% cost of living allowance and 2.1% performance-based raise system to all employees and a 4% raise to Monroe County firefighters. This same system was used in fiscal year 2017-2018. The performance-based system was not used last year (20182019) due to Hurricane Irma. The salary study is a board-directed report, done every five years. Gastesi will also suggest to “bring to minimum” any employees who fall under the range, according to the study.

“There is value in the recommended pay plan from Evergreen. It is a snapshot of where our salaries are in comparison to our hiring competitors,” said Gastesi. “To keep our talented staff, we will have to adjust our rates as needed and salaries will be looked at on a case-by-case basis instead of one fell swoop as Evergreen suggests.”

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 is .28 percent below the rollback millage rate (the rate at which the county can legally tax properties while maintaining or growing property value). Per the BOCC’s authorization, there will be a new taxing district to help fund the hospital in the Middle Keys. The taxing district will be from MM 40 to MM 65 and has a proposed millage rate of .5000, which will raise the aggregate percent over rollback to 1.84 percent.

The special budget meeting will be held July 22 at 10 a.m. in the Marathon Government Center BOCC chambers to certify the proposed millage rate to the Property Appraiser. In September, there will be three community budget meetings. More information is at monroecounty-fl.gov/budgetandfinance.

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With the school year over, summer camps are gearing up for another season of education and excitement. From art and sailing to watersports, activities are bountiful from June to August. With classes out of session and camp season in full swing, Upper Keys Weekly is proud to feature “Camper of the Week.” Campers are chosen based on their excitement to be outside enjoying all the activities camp has to offer. We wish fellow campers a lot fun, education and excitement this season.

Camp name: SUMMER RECREATION CAMP AT FOUNDERS

Do you have favorite movie?

I like “Angry Birds.”

What school do you go to? I go to Treasure Village Montessori.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? It would have to be my pizza cupcakes.

What’s your favorite part of camp? Probably the movies. I liked seeing “Good Burger.”

What grade are you going into next year? I’ll be going into 7th grade.

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? Ms. Sarah.

She teaches history. She’s nice.

What is your favorite subject and why? It would have to physical education. You get to move around and do stuff.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

A YouTuber because you make money from making videos. I mostly make gaming videos, but I’m thinking about doing some other stuff.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? Playing games. Super Meat Boy, especially.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

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BOOKS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

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

THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF BEES

by Rachel Linden Mia West is a 26-year-old baker living in Seattle. Having grown up on a small lavender farm, Mia dreamed of traveling the world and helping others. When her boyfriend Ethan unexpectedly ends their six-year relationship, Mia is offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Reclusive billionaire Lars Lindstrom lives on a fictional island in the Florida Keys. Terrified to leave Sunbeam Key, Lars creates a humanitarian foundation that funds volunteer teams around the globe. Convinced this journey will transform her future, Mia and her happy-go-lucky best friend Rosie join Lars and sign up to test their altruistic hearts in some of the poorest, neediest and saddest places on the planet.

WHAT’S IN YOUR JULY-BRARY?

C

ome July, it’s no secret that stacks of best sellers fly hot off the presses! Libraries and book stores from Key Largo to Key West are here to quench your thirst for that perfect summer read. Choose from these fabulous recent releases including the adventures of an idealistic young woman, a broken marriage, compelling fantasy and life of a young girl in a shattered country. Dive right into these pages, the water is fine!

THE UNBREAKABLES

by Lisa Barr When Sophie Bloom turns 42, an elegant dinner celebration with her closest friends is arranged. This sparkly night of dressed-up champagne toasts turns disastrous when it is revealed that her darling husband has been serially cheating.

Worse than a mid-life crisis, her closest friends have betrayed her and the scandal blows up the internet. Sophie escapes by visiting her grown daughter, who is studying in Paris. What begins as merely a quick solution turns into Sophie’s chance at another life. Filled with charming Frenchmen, beautiful art and hot sex, this page turner will have you renewing your passport pronto.

MAGIC FOR LIARS

by Sarah Gailey Ivy and Tabitha Gamble may be twins, but they could not be more different. Ivy, a licensed private investigator, has been hired by Osthorne Academy of Mages where Tabitha is an established professor of Theoretical Magic. While Tabitha flourished in the world of charms and potions, Ivy was consumed with jealousy and resentment over the loss of their mother.

Now, a hideous murder has occurred, Tabitha is a suspect and it’s Ivy’s job to see clearly through the very magic that cast a spell over her entire life.

With a little bit of wizardry and whodunit twist, this beach read is a magical ride.

LITTLE STONES

by Elizabeth Kuiper Like a memoir, this novel follows the life story of Hannah Reynolds. Narrated by a precocious 11-year-old, Little Stones depicts Hannah’s early life in Zimbabwe. Raised by her single, smart mum Jane and their housekeeper Gogo, Hannah reveals her daily fears and triumphs as her grandparents lose their tobacco farm, guardianship is endlessly argued in court and their home is brutally attacked by thieves. Living in Zimbabwe is complicated, as a single loaf of bread inflates to tens of millions of Zimbabwe dollars, power and water intermittently turn off and electronic gates no longer guarantee safety. Vibrant debut novel will take you to Africa without leaving your lounge chair!

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

FULL RESPONSE

Deputies, firefighters, public join cleanup in Key Largo

TIFFANY DUONG

www.keysweekly.com

O

n an early Friday morning, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies met up behind the Circle K gas station at MM 102 in Key Largo. While some uniformed officers were on duty, others who were off-duty joined in also.

Everyone came prepared with trash bags, gloves and grabbers.

Neighborhood kids and their parents came out to help, as did other first responders and service members.

“My boss asked for volunteers, and I gladly said, ‘okay!’” said Ken Atlas from the Courthouse.

“And you were asking about the fire department?” jokes Lt. Al Ramirez, as he gestures to a group of firemen coming to join the cause. “All the responders around here help each other.” Local Rotary members also contributed. Danny O’Connell, a selftitled “snowbird” and member of the Rotary, said this was a great way to give back and his service project.

Ramirez, the station commander for the Upper Keys, is the man behind the project. “We try to do this at least quarterly. We find areas that need help, and we go in and invite the community to join us,” he said.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay implores everyone to do their part to keep the county clean. It’s a lesson he instills in his officers. That’s why Deputy Alexandria Hradecky has joined the event today. As she picks up some old beer cans from the bushes, Hradecky said, “Of course I’m here. I’m

17

From top: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office crew poses before they begin cleaning up the area behind the Circle K gas station at MM 102 oceanside. They target areas that really need the cleanup help and then galvanize community support to help with the efforts. NANCY ALVAREZ/Contributed As the cleanup progressed, neighbors from nearby streets came to join the effort. The goal of these events is exactly this — to connect officers to the community they serve while doing good.

CONTRIBUTED Lieutenant Nancy Alvarez and her partner, Lieutenant Al Ramirez, get ready for the cleanup efforts. The officers organize the quarterly events, crediting them with connecting the sheriff's office to the community. NANCY ALVAREZ/Contributed

here to clean up the community I work in. We gotta keep it clean.”

“It all makes a difference,” Ramirez said. “It really does.”

Nada Jones, who lives nearby, brought her two daughters to the cleanup. “This is my neighborhood.

It’s time we get this cleaned up.”

Gesturing to a walkway through the brush, Jones proudly notes, “We walk the dog here every day.

We’ve been here 18 years, and it’s never looked this good.” Her daughter, Mira Jones, 11, stands next to her sister Naila Jones, 14, and exclaims, “We want to clean up our neighborhood and the Earth! Right, Naila?” Naila eagerly agrees.

Ramirez explains some of the benefits of community events like this cleanup. “The community sees us out here and gets involved.”

Lt. Nancy Alvarez, Ramirez’s partner, adds, “It’s important because the public comes out and sees us, gets to know who we are.

They see us here, and they see us at Publix, and then when we respond to events, we already know each other. It goes better.”

Ramirez sums it up: “These events fill the gap. They build partnerships – community partnerships that help everyone. If I had one piece of advice for anyone reading, it’d be to come out. Help.

Be a part of the cleanups and community events. And, don’t litter!”

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

1

SOIREE!

2

Rotary installs new president, board

Your place for family fun since 1976

T

he Rotary Club of Key Largo held its 2019 Soiree in Paradise awards and installation dinner on June 29 at the Key Largo Marriott. With its new president Laura Lietart and a new board, the dedicated members who make up the club share a passion for community service and friendship. Together, their goal is to make the community and the world a better place.

3

— Weekly staff report JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly 1. State Rep. Holly Raschein installs new board members of the Club of Key Largo Rotary.

2. Past president Jen McComb hands over the key to success to new president Laura Lietart. The key contains messages from past presidents for new presidents to see.

3. Club of Key Largo Rotary president Laura Lietart, left, Dan Cornell, Cheryl Conley, Maryann Warren, Henry Menendez, Cheryl Powers and Jennifer Miller.

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4. New president Laura Lietart engages fellow members with a little “Sweet Caroline.” Good times never felt this good!

4

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING FIX | SHOE LACES

TOP 10 REASONS TO LEAVE THE ISLANDS ON VACATION

10. Rob Stober is attending a scrapbooking convention in Vegas with an emphasis on glitter. We might as well go, too.

9. We can evacuate early and stay ahead of the traffic. (Oh lawd, she/he coming!)

8. Your doctor recommended a “little getaway” because you keep wandering around outside and muttering under your breath: “Iguanas will be the death of me.”

7. Want to binge watch all eight seasons of “Game of Thrones” uninterrupted, and skip season 44 of “Mini Lobster.”

6. Your boss has unreasonable standards: attendance, punctuality, productivity and sobriety.

5. FWC and FDOT staffers are far too uncooperative about bungee-jumping from the Jewfish Creek Bridge.

4. Your liver needs a break.

3. Oh, come on. What’s more fun than locking yourself in a car for 25 hours and 12 minutes with two children under the age of 8?

2. Vacation will broaden our experience with the cuisine, culture, exploits of Florida Man, and flesh-eating bacteria in other parts of the state.

1. ‘Cuz it’s effing hot.

Tired of the untied shoelace?

Unite with other lovers of the patented lock laces. Originally conceived for triathletes who wanted to cut down on transition time, the laces turn any shoe into a slip on. One size fits all.

Buy two pairs for about $15 on amazon.com.

WEAR | WATERSHOES

Sea Star has come up with some brilliant water shoes that actually look nice. The espadrille-style shoe features a water-friendly top (neoprene) and rubber soles that look like woven hemp. The shoes come in standard slip-ons, and also sling backs. No half sizes, so size up. Cost about $90 at seastarbeachware.com.

WATCH | THE BOY WHO MADE SHOES …

“The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards” is a documentary about legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. It’s a quirky tale about a very specific creative process.

The story features many celebrities who adore his shoes. Watch it on Netflix.

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20

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

SARAH THOMAS sthomas@keysweekly.com

SURVEY CHECKS COUNTYWIDE HEALTH CDC, HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONDUCT POST-IRMA CHECK-UP

T

he Monroe County Department of Health has teamed up with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take a close look at the human toll of Hurricane Irma, two years later. For the first time, they have partnered to conduct an extensive countywide survey — the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response or CASPER — in order to better prepare for and respond to the human toll of natural disasters in Monroe County.

“I think one of the real deficiencies for the public and responders during storms and other disasters is not being adequately protective of their mental health, and we need to do a better job,” said Bob Eadie, administrator and health officer for the Florida Department of Health. “We’ll take these results and incorporate what they tell us into how we respond to the next emergency.”

Health educator Alison Kerr has helped spearhead the CASPER project, liaising with contacts at the CDC in order to execute — and soon, analyze — the results of the survey. The team has already gone door-to-door in a randomized study throughout the Keys.

The survey is now open online through July 30 to anyone who would like to share their post-hurricane experience. Data analysts at the CDC will look at the results in August in order to draw conclusions.

The CASPER doesn’t just measure mental health effects, but also the physical and economic toll on the population, and how these concerns intersect.

“Essentially, the survey is comprised of 37 questions,” said Kerr, “and of course everything is completely confidential.” The survey (see sample questions) asks if people are renters or homeown-

ers, if they lived in the same home during Irma, if there was damage, if they had health consequences including injury, or worsening anxiety or depression. It also asks about substance and prescription drug use and takes about ten minutes to complete.

The impetus of the study?

“We realized that after Irma, people were not recovering to the level we thought they would be,” said Dr. Summer DeBastiani, who helped develop and implement the CASPER survey. DeBastiani has worked as a researcher for the CDC and has a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins. “Our evidence was initially anecdotal,” she said. Citing physical health concerns, DeBastiani points to issues like the tenacity of poisonwood reactions.

“People still haven’t gotten rid of it,” she said. “I’ve also had five different people say they got MRSA from standing water, and there wasn’t health messaging about it.

So that’s the kind of thing we are trying to capture.”

After a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System — a nationwide tool the CDC developed that calculates risk behaviors — the Health Department also found a high number of risk behaviors and a high prevalence of suicide in Monroe County.

“We found that housing instability correlated with risk, and it was an important finding and we used it to lobby for affordable housing,” said DeBastiani. Working on her doctorate in nursing at University of Miami, DeBastiani decided to focus on suicide and risk factors for the region.

“Unfortunately we have, per capita, a very high number of suicides compared to the rest of the state and nationally in the Keys,” said Eadie. “It’s something we need to be aware of from a public health standpoint.”

Dr. Summer DeBastiani, far left, and Alison Kerr, far right, lead the team from the Department of Health conducting the summer CASPER survey. CONTRIBUTED

After Irma hit, Eadie and Kerr reached out to DeBastiani, expressing interest in teaming up and doing something about their health concerns for the county.

“So, we requested epi aid — epidemiologist assistance — from the CDC,” said DeBastiani. “We knew we couldn’t get resources unless we had the hard data.”

Unlike the BRFSS, the CASPER measures more than risk behaviors. “The survey is about addressing economic, physical and mental well-being of Monroe County residents, in association with Hurricane Irma,” said DeBastiani. Dr. Yari Torres, an epidemic intelligence officer with the CDC, is compiling the data and doing the analysis. Torres will then share the findings, presenting to different agencies including the Health Department, to look at public messaging and preparedness in the path of a storm. Kerr is acting as liaison with the different agencies.

“This is the first time the CDC has turned to help us here, and we feel fortunate,” said Kerr. “We hope this CASPER study will help with the data, and it will help us secure more grants and resources.”

“We want everyone who wants the opportunity to share their experience to do so,” said DeBastiani. Any resident of Monroe County can access the survey at www.tinyurl.com/monroehealth.

The study closes July 30.

21. Were the storm or cleanup injuries related to any of the following? (check all that apply) a. Walking or standing in flooded water b. Carbon monoxide poisoning or bad air c. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, also referred to as MRSA d. Poisonwood e. Construction injuries (such as nails on the ground, tripping over construction items) f. Animal bite g. Insect sting h. Anything else that we didn’t ask about? (free text) 22. Since Hurricane Irma, have you or any members of your household experienced worsening of: (select all that apply) a. Asthma b. Allergies c. Diabetes d. Hypertension e. Anxiety f. Insomnia g. Poor Appetite h. Fatigue i. Depression j. Other (specify) _____________ Sample questions from the CASPER survey, available now online.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD ROOM 503 107th Street, Marathon, Florida 33050 WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

Public Hearing 10:30 a.m.

Regular Meeting

Immediately following the Public Hearing

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive public input on the Authority’s proposed Budget and Financial Plan for fiscal year 2020.

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

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

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

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

We can do it all!

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

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

22

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

STAR POWER Samuel L. Jackson stops at History of Diving Museum

Executive producer Samuel L. Jackson recently visited the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada to see the current Diving With a Purpose Featured Exhibit. He also stopped by to film for an upcoming six-part series on the transatlantic slave trade.

CONTRIBUTED

Executive producer Samuel L. Jackson, along with director Simcha Jacobovici, producer Ric Esither Bienstock and their film crew came to the History of Diving Museum recently for a tour to see the current Diving With a Purpose featured exhibit, and to film for an upcoming six-part documentary series on the transatlantic slave trade.

The exhibit highlights a collaboration of several marine archaeology projects completed since 1991 in the south Florida area, including two slave ships: the Henrietta Marie, which was found 35 miles off Key West, and the Guerrero wreck, which is scattered between Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Jackson is a certified scuba diver and has played parts that involve using commercial diving equipment. He interviewed team leaders from the National Association of Black Scuba Divers who founded the non-profit Diving With a Purpose. They discussed the beginnings of DWP, citizen-science surveys, new findings and their cultural importance. The archaeological work done on these wrecks helps bring awareness to this difficult period in the world’s past and closure for the descendants of those forced into slavery.

The film footage will be included in “Enslaved: The Slave Trade as Told From the Ocean Floor.” The one-hour episodes will follow the transatlantic slave trade and the atrocities that were inflicted upon the Africans who were taken. Jackson will be hosting and narrating the series as he follows the path of slavery from Africa to the Americas. The show’s main focus is to shed light on the oftenoverlooked maritime aspect of slavery.

The featured exhibit will be available through Dec. 31 to learn more about our past and how it affects our viewpoints today. When the documentary is released, the museum will host a viewing party for the community.

The History of Diving Museum is a nonprofit located at MM83 in Islamorada. Its collection spans over 4,000 years of “man’s quest to explore under the sea.” More information is at DivingMuseum.org or via email to programs@divingmuseum.org.

— Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

23

End of Season

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

EVERY DEPARTMENT

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

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MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

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www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

24

MONROE COUNTY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

Travis W. Bennett, DMD

102965 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

305-451-2616

Sandy M. Brito, DMD

90290 Overseas Hwy, Suite 108, Tavernier, FL 33070

305-852-5099 www.EveryoneLovesaGentleDentist.com

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

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

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

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

Eric Poole, executive director of the Florida Counties Foundation, presents Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron with her Certified County Commissioner designation. CONTRIBUTED

COLDIRON RECOGNIZED BY COUNTIES FOUNDATION

T

he Florida Counties Foundation presented Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron with the Certified County Commissioner designation following completion of a comprehensive study program. Coldiron received the designation during an awards ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties annual conference in June.

“This was a great experience to learn more about all the different aspects of county government as well as to meet other elected county commissioners throughout the state of Florida,” said Coldiron.

County commissioners voluntary enroll in the program to enhance their skills relevant to their duties and responsibilities. A total of 477 Florida commissioners have received the designation. In Monroe County, Commissioners David Rice and Heather Carruthers also have the designation, and Mayor Pro Tem Danny Kolhage has a Certified Constitutional Officer designation.

“The program provides an overview into the intricacies of county government where commissioners can learn a variety of valuable tools necessary to assist them in their public service every day,” said Florida Counties Foundation Executive Director Eric Poole. “Those that choose to participate in the program display an exceptional commitment to serving Florida’s counties.”

Coldiron completed the coursework covering ethics and Sunshine Law; county government roles, responsibilities, structure and authority; financial management; growth management; negotiation skills; economic development; and effective communication.

— Contributed

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

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

Dolphin Research Center Training Institute (DRCTI) has a full-time/permanent opening for a Registration and Enrollment Specialist.

Duties are multifaceted, including; planning & operations for registration, admissions/enrollment, marketing, budget, monthly & quarterly executive reports, records maintenance, processing of grades, posting of degrees, graduation, & transcripts evaluation. DRCTI is a licensed, accredited school offering students an Occupational Associates Degree in marine mammal care, behavior and training as well as the Professional Animal Trainer Program, continuing education for those already in the training field. Job description available at www.dolphins.org.

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home Since 1984

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

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.

Like working in a fun, fast paced environment?

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

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.”

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

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

Please forward resume to: Sally M. Abrams VABClerk@monroe-clerk.com 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

NOW HIRING

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

NOTICE

Full or Part Time Guest Services

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations

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

$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.

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

26

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

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

Live Entertainment Thurs July 11 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Fri July 12 Steve Venini Band 6-10PM Sat July 13 Write Sounds 6-10PM Sun July 14 Webb & Davidson 6-10 PM Mon July 15 The Carousers 6-10PM Magic by Michael Trixx @ Sunset Tues July 16 Dennis Holmes 6-10PM

305-664-2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

Wed July 17 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Magic by Michael Trixx @ Sunset

MEDAL ART Meet Bridge Run’s ribbon designer

H

NO Productions has announced that the ribbons for the participant medals of the 2019 First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run will be designed by Key Largo's Carmen Sotolongo-Kelley.

Sotolongo-Kelley is a Cuban American artist and proud of it. She draws the beauty of her homeland as she remembers it from when she was a child, and she incorporates her marine background using the colors she sees here in the Keys.

“What would the world be without color?” SotolongoKey Largo’s Carmen Sotolongo-Kelley Kelley says. She can spend a is the designer for this year’s medals lifetime drawing and it would for the 2019 First State Bank Key Largo not be enough. Give her a Bridge Run, which is set for Nov. 9.

CONTRIBUTED paintbrush and she will find a surface to paint. She has been involved in art shows since middle school, all through high school, college and beyond. Her medium is mainly acrylics although she also works in "prismacolor" pencils and is familiar with other media.

She has taught art, science and social science in three different Florida counties for the last 30 years. She is now a full-time high school art teacher, professional artist and gallery owner. Her art is found in her gallery, The Key Largo Art Gallery and other local establishments.

“It is very humbling to see such a great artist display her work on our ribbons for the 10-year anniversary of this local community event,” said HNO Productions President Henry Menendez. “Carmen is such a magnificent and selfless individual always willing to do for others before doing for herself.”

One thousand medals will be custom-made. The race will sell out at 1,000 participants. The run, which is set for Nov. 9, goes over Jewfish Creek Bridge overlooking the bay where it’ll finish at Rowell’s Waterfront Park.

There will be overall and age group awards. More information about the race is on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KeyLargoBridgeRun/) or at keylargobridgerun.com. More information on Carmen Sotolongo-Kelley and her art gallery is on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/Key-Largo-Art-Gallery-117988884895045/).

— Contributed

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

Experience the difference working with a Life Long Keys Contractor.

Call Andrew today.

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

CBC1259977 CCC1330479 HI5001

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

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

Server/Bartender (WILL TRAIN)

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING! • Banquet Coordinator • Bell Valet Attendant • Sous Chef • Engineer/General Maintenance • Front Desk Manager • Line Cook

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

The Hammocks at Marathon

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

• Guest Services Associate / Relief Night Auditor

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!

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

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

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

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

EOE m/f/d/v

JOB OPENINGS GUEST SERVICE AGENT TELEPHONE AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR BELLMAN

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers 4290 Overseas Hwy, 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.

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Communications Officer – MARATHON

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

TO APPLY:

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V

SCAN FOR JOB

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

28

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC MEETING DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District I 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 33040-3328 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: July 11, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: July 11, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

1FMPU19556LB02209 2006 FORD Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: September 4th, 2019 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 28th day of June 2019.

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Certificate Number: 2016/1481 Alt Key No: 1562335 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2016 RE: 00458800-000000 Description of Property: BK 1 LT 3 KEY LARGO TRAILER VILLAGE KEY LARGO PB5-43 OR363-176 OR703-244 OR1111-1015(CAW) OR1463-1981C/T OR1474-956/57 OR17811844AFF OR1781-1845 OR2839-2087D/C Along with MOBILE HOME: MODEL: GOLDE YEAR: 66 INDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 10055X12E137 TITLE NUMBER: 2305861 Name in which assessed: WILLIAMS MICHAEL O ESTATE C/O CHEYENNE J WILLIAMS P/R All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: September 4th, 2019 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 28th day of June 2019.

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District I 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 33040-3328 Fax #: (305) 296-0788

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on July 30th, 2019, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold.

103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL. 33037. Names And Last Known Addresses are as Follows: BROOKS BURDICK UNIT #1025 $473.54 DEBRA MAY MADISON UNIT #1216 $449.69 Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 07/26/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

1FTDX18WXVNC26911 1997 FORD Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/03/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

4TANM92N9XZ489359 1999 TOYOTA Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/06/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/02/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

3GNDA33P17S573282 2007 CHEVROLET Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/13/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

7KJAAAC13KA015799 2019 ROCKET TRAILER, LTD Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2019-10 Notice is hereby given that 5T WEALTH PARTNERS LP holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2016/1238 Alt Key No: 1463230 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2016 RE: 00379540-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 8 DUCK KEY CENTER ISLAND SEC 2 PART 1 TOMS HARBOR PB5-82 OR489-364/366 OR737-320 OR8011874/1875 OR803-1577/78 OR805-85/86 OR8361252E OR953-104Q/C OR1432-89 OR1799-2269 OR1815-256C OR19241974 OR2718-1686-87 Name in which assessed: REININGER BRIAN REININGER MISTY All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2019-11 Notice is hereby given that 5T WEALTH PARTNERS LP holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2016/1457 Alt Key No: 1555584 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2016 RE: 00453475-004900 Description of Property: LT 433 PORT LARGO FIFTH ADDITION KEY LARGO PB6-109OR796-2450 OR805-2475 OR805-2470 OR837-2392 OR2176-770 OR2360-2127/29OR2767239/45C OR2875-1561/62 Name in which assessed: THE LAGUNA BAHIA LLC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: September 4th, 2019 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 28th day of June 2019.

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish: July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2019-12 Notice is hereby given that 5T WEALTH PARTNERS LP holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 18-CA-000854-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 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-000056-P IN RE: ESTATE OF PENELOPE W. STAMPS, PENELOPE WITT 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-000065-P IN RE: ESTATE OF J.B. CASPERSEN AKA JOHN B. CASPERSEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of J.B. CASPERSEN aka JOHN B. CASPERSEN, deceased, whose date of death was May 30, 2019; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 19-CP000065-P; the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: July 11, 2019.

Personal Representative: SANDRA T. LYNN 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 3670911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: July 11 & 18, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

‘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

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

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 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

EMPLOYMENT 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

Looking for Crew Man for Lobster boat in Marathon area.

Experience preferred. Call after 5pm 305-289-0792 and leave a message.

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

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

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

Superintendent needed in Upper KeysMust have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. Send resume to admin@cbtconstruct. com 305-852-3002 Heavy Equipment Operator & Carpenters needed in Upper Keys. Must have valid Driver’s License, Tools & Transportation.

Email admin@ cbtconstruct.com 3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 3 0 0 2

Experienced Help Only needed for all positions.

Apply in person MonFri 10-11am at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, Knights Key Blvd. Marathon NEED EMPLOYEES? Line ads start at $25/ week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 today 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,

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT 1350 Ave,

Ocean View in Marathon.

HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 26, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

HOMES FOR RENT

LONG-TERM RENTAL: 3BR/2BA on Duck Key. Call 305-481-1316 Furnished Room & Bath for rent in Marathon.

Full size bed. For Single Person Only.

W/D, WIFI, Cable. Shared living rm & kitchen. No Alcohol/Drugs. Veterans preferred. $1000/ month incl. all util. $500 Security 305-850-9259 rlmcnavy59@gmail.com 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 305-743-3338 Long-term rental available in Marathon August 1st. 1BR/1BA unfurnished 1/2 Duplex. $1,500/month + utilities.

F/L/S 305-481-6887 NEED TENANTS? Line ads start at $25/week for 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 today to get your property RENTED! 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! 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! MISC. FOR SALE

Full Size Pillowtop Mattress, Box Spring, Frame and Headboard for Sale. Brand new never used. Located in Key Largo. $300 OBO 954 - 450 - 6 050 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

LOWER KEYS County ID

Fleet ID

Description

VIN/Serial No.

Estimated Value

5523 5799 5637 5878 1472 5343 1684 5869 5141 5951 1353 5342 2174 2116 2177 5952 2835

3000/5523 0920/5799 3000/5637 2401/5878 0920/517 0903/5343 0940/556 9040/5869 0800/5141 0940/5951 0903/190 0903/5342 0940/177 0940/305 0940/576 0940/5952 1807/2835

2006 Ford F150 2007 Ford Chevy Cab Dump 2007 Ford Taurus Sedan 2006 Tymco Sweeper 2000 John Deere Mower 2653A 2005 Dixie Chopper 2001 Case 621C Loader 2007 Ford F150 2006 Ford E250 2007 Ford F550 Crew Cab Dump 1996 Pace Cargo Trailer 2006 Dixie Chopper 1987 Huber Maintainer 1991 Leroi Air Compressor 2002 Case 621D Loader 2007 Ford F550 Crew Cab Dump 2001 Ford E450 Mini Bus

1FTRF12286NB29335 1FDAW56P07EA26031 1FAFP53U17A138965 JALB4B16667018187 TC2653D081825 6060349 JEE0125430 1FTRF12247NA37799 1FTNE24W96HB17958 1FDAW56P47EB06187 4FPUB1424VG017194 6060246 M-675 (88K4117) 3217X335 JEE0134224 1FDAW56P87EB06189 1FDXE45F91HA57249

$1,000.00 1,500.00 850.00 9,750.00 100.00 100.00 7,500.00 1,250.00 1,750.00 1,500.00 750.00 100.00 1,250.00 250.00 7,750.00 1,500.00 600.00

The above items may be viewed by contacting Jay Knostman at 305-292-3571(Lower Keys)

MIDDLE KEYS County ID Fleet ID

1703 4088 5867 5916 3827 1480 1414 4028 7060 4896 6020 1919 1929 5203 5668 5885 5421 3816 4190 3639 4203 6358 4140

0940/1703 2400/4088 0903/5867 1003/5916 0910/082 0920/537 0903/1026 2400/143 1002/7060 0970/4896 0920/6020 1807-1919 1807/192 1807/5203 1807/5668 1807/5885 1416/5421 1415/096 1416/207 1417/159 2401/6358 1416/206

Description

2005 Ford F150 1981 Oshkosh T-6 2007 Ford F150 2007 Chevy Malibu 2004 Ford F150 w/ kennel 2003 Ford F150 2003 Ford F150 2003 Ford F150 2011 Ford F150 2005 Ford F150 2007 Smithco 3 wheel bunker 1999 Ford E350 Mini Bus 2000 Ford E450 Mini Bus 2005 Ford E350 Mini Bus 2006 Ford E150 Club Wagon 2006 Chevy Turtle Top Mini Bus 2006 Ford Expedition 2005 Ford Expedition 2001 Ford Ambulance 1994 International Pumper 1994 Ford Ambulance 2007 Ford Crown Vic 2001 Ford Ambulance

VIN/Serial No.

1FTRF12265NB00575 10T9L5BV4B1019738 1FTRF12227NA37798 1G1ZS58N47F225505 1FTRF172X4CA56352 1FTRF17293NB06540 1FTRF17203NB06538 2FTRF172X3CA76986 1FTMF1CM2BKD38320 1FTRF12255NB96022 J1798011 1FDWE30F8XHA91978 1FDXE45FXYHB73862 1FDWE35P05HB13938 1FMRE11W36DB01614 1GBJG312761183955 1FMPU15566LA62812 1FMPU15545LA65075 1FDXF46F61EC33364 1HTS0N5R2RH562127 1FDLF47M6REA52322 2FAFP71W67X134983 1FDXF46F41EC33363

Estimated Value

$1,000.00 5,000.00 1,175.00 800.00 825.00 375.00 625.00 675.00 2,250.00 975.00 100.00 500.00 600.00 875.00 1,250.00 1,000.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 5,000.00 500.00 750.00 500.00

The above items may be viewed by contacting Rey Martinez at 305-289-6062 (Middle Keys) Pursuant to Florida Statute § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable, Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com or call toll-free at 1-800-711-1712. The Public Record is available at the Monroe County Purchasing Office located at The Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213, Key West, Florida.

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

Publish: July 11, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

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

Serving Key Largo to Key West

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

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

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Will Campbell President

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

COMPANIES

General Contractors & Engineers

SPALLING REPAIRS CONCRETE RESTORATION

EC 13005589 CGC 1521939

CGC 1515665 • CFC 1428730

New Construction • Remodels • Additions & More!

NEW & REPAIR

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

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

office: cell: e-mail:

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

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

• SINCE 1976 •

305-289-1150

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

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

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

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

31

PATRIOTIC PARADING Floats roll down U.S. 1 in Key Largo

F

loats, cars and carts decked out in red, white and blue line U.S. 1 in Key Largo on July 4 as crowds gathered on the shoulders to watch the procession heading north to the park. Children waited eagerly for the tossing of candy, and others were gearing up to blast some water at floats to keep paraders refreshed. Those on the floats exchanged some H2O back at spectators to keep them cool. — Keys Weekly staff report DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

1

1. The parade procession make its way north along U.S. 1 during the 2019 Key Largo Fourth of July Parade.

2 3

2. Firefighters throw candy as they make their way north on U.S. 1.

Children waited eagerly with bags in hand to retrieve the candy.

3. Lincoln Blews, 4, of lslamorada watches the parade with pinwheel and water gun in hand.

4 5

6

4. Kids spray parade-goers with water as they proceed north in the parade. Spectators also returned some water at paraders with water balloons and squirt guns.

5. Parade goers get ready to watch the parade in Key Largo. They also prepare their water guns to keep paraders cool.

6. A cyclist riding in the parade makes his way north along U.S. 1 in the 2019 Key Largo Fourth of July Parade.

32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JULY 11, 2019

Now Open lslander Resort

Fine Dining Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 5pm-10pm

82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

305.664.2031

Reservations Recommended