Upper Keys Weekly – 8/15/19

White Claw? No, I just drink tequilla.

, SCHOOL S BACK! New year, new faces | P. 23

Brother, sister enter first year at Key Largo School | P. 10

CORALPALOOZA WORLD OCEANS DAY, JUNE 6

www.coralrestoration.org/coralpalooza-2020

SUNSET PARTY

Rotary club celebrates chartering | P. 16

™

2020

SIBLING TEACHERS

1¢

2

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

You have

our very best.

South Florida is fortunate to be home to some of America’s best hospitals. U.S. News & World Report just honored Baptist Health with 32 medals of excellence — awards that are as much a tribute to you as they are to us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to care for you, and we thank you for placing your trust in us.

#1

Baptist Hospital #1

South Miami Hospital

Boca Raton Regional Hospital

West Kendall Baptist Hospital

BaptistHealth.net

Bethesda Hospital East

Doctors Hospital

A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence. For giving opportunities, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation

GIVING

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

3

Ken and Dee Meeks, pictured middle, pose in front of the site where the new Meeks Health & Wellness Center will stand, with Mariners Hospital CEO Rick Freeburg and fellow Mariners Hospital staff and supporters. CONTRIBUTED

GRATEFUL GIFT

RECEIVE YOUR

NEXT $50 COSMETIC OFF APPOINTMENT

Couple continues tradition of community service

OFFER VALID WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD

With immense gratitude, Baptist Health Foundation has announced a gift of $1 million from Ken and Dee Meeks to support the construction of a 10,000-square-foot medical office building, which will be named the Meeks Health & Wellness Center, in Tavernier.

“We are so grateful and excited to be able to start the process of building planning, and development thanks to this generous contribution,” said Rick Freeburg, CEO of Mariners Hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Meeks have supported Mariners Hospital for nearly 20 years, with their first gift in 2000. Mr. Meeks credits Mariners Hospital for being instrumental in saving his life by transferring him to another Baptist Health facility during a heart attack.

“We just love Mariners Hospital. It’s such an integral part of this community, and with the addition of the new Health & Wellness Center, we will be able to provide even more services for our community,” said Mr. Meeks.

Ken and Dee Meeks are members of the Giving Society, Baptist Health Foundation’s Donor Recognition Program, at the President’s Circle level.

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

ISLAMORADA & KEY WEST

— Contributed

www.pruettdermatology.com ISLAMORADA 82883 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 786.634.1166

KEY WEST 1010 KENNEDY DRIVE SUITE 304 KEY WEST, FL 33040 786.634.1177

4

ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

NUMBER OF THE WEEK The number of years since the Tiananmen Square protests held in Beijing. An eyewitness, the British Ambassador to China, estimated 10,000 dead. Earlier this week, on the second day of a peaceful protest at the Hong Kong international airport, violence has broken out. The Chinese are said to be massing troops on the border of the country’s “special administrative region.”

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

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor

Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

Nola Acker nola@keysweekly.com

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.

POSTMASTER:

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

News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

COMING TO THE AID

Council votes to participate in home buyout program JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

re you a low- to moderate-income homeowner in Islamorada who suffered damage or lost your place to Irma and didn’t rebuild? There’s a program the village is participating in through the state Department of Economic Opportunity that’ll offer money to take the home off your hands.

The DEO Office of Disaster Recovery has set aside $10 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the Keys via the Voluntary Home Buyout Program — with $5 million set aside for unincorporated areas in Monroe County and $5 million for municipalities.

The program’s announcement was made on July 8 with an application period ending Thursday, Aug. 15.

In order to serve property owners in Islamorada, the village needs to apply directly for program funds and become the sub-recipient of the grant. During an Aug. 8 meeting, village council voted unanimously to participate in the program with two residents expressing interest in submitting an application.

Eligible owners of homes deemed substantially damaged by the impacts of Hurricane Irma may apply to the local government. Homeowners would receive pre-storm fair market value of their home, less any dollars received post-storm.

“Preference is given to those over 62 or anybody with kids,” Village Manager Seth Lawless said.

The program also gives focus to households with those who have disabilities and homes with no flood insurance.

Per the program, the village would administer the grant, demolish the house and any structures, re-vegetate the property and limit its use in perpetuity to open space, conservation, recreation or stormwater systems.

According to Mary Swaney, public information officer, those who participate in the program don’t need to construct another home, but they need to purchase another home in the same taxing district.

Councilman Ken Davis, said two residents who may need this badly would be out the opportunity if council didn’t approve to participate in the program.

In other matters, council directed village staff and Lawless to pursue a long-term plan with Florida Department of Transportation for maintenance and management of the Fills. Council expressed thanks to village staff for pulling together a plan swiftly to address issues of trashing and overcrowding.

“It’s night and day,” said Councilman Jim Mooney.

Lawless said the next working group meeting with staff will discuss collection of parking fees.

“We’re pursuing that and we’ll start with (reaching out to) District 6 right away,” he said. “If it doesn’t start moving, we’ll let you know and you can start calling higher ups.”

ON THE COVER Students make their way into the Coral Shores High School for the first day of class on Aug. 14. Welcome back! JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Aug. 15 • Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts District, Islamorada.

• The Florida Keys Orchid Society will present “Growing More Orchids — Dividing Your Plants,” by Juanita’s Orchids at 7 p.m. at the Key Largo Library.

Saturday, Aug. 17 • Adopt-A-Thon & Clear the Shelters event from noon to 5 p.m. at Key Largo Lions Club, 5 Homestead Ave., Key Largo.

Saturday, August 17-18 • Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tavernier Fire Station, 151 Marine Ave., Tavernier.

Monday, Aug. 19 • Matecumbe Trust Historical lecture at 6:30 p.m. at Island Christian Church, Islamorada.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 • Plant clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at Murray Government Center, Key Largo.

• AARP driving class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Plantation Key sheriff’s substation, MM 88.8.

• Bricklayers Club Habitat for Hummanity of the Upper Keys Sunset Paddle at 6 p.m. on the beach at Lorelei, MM 82, bayside, Islamorada.

Thursday, Aug. 22 • Plant clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at Island Home Nursery, Islamorada.

• FIU’s Ocean Life series beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo.

Saturday, Aug. 24 • Stuff-a-Truck community event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kmart, Key Largo.

• Capt. Paul Johnson Beat the Cancer fundraiser from 2 to 7 p.m. at Whale Harbor, upstairs at the Sandbar, Islamorada.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Train cars washed off the tracks by the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. CONTRIBUTED

KEYS’ WORST STORMS Presentation highlights destructive hurricanes

T

he Matecumbe Historical Trust’s next free presentation will be on “The Keys’ Worst Hurricanes.” The presentation is from the Irving R. Eyster collection. The presentation will be held Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Island Community Church, 82350 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

An audio-visual presentation will be shown on several local hurricanes, starting with the 1733 Spanish Treasure Fleet, leading up to the 1935 Hurricane, Hurricane Donna in 1960

and Hurricane Irma in 2017. These were some of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida Keys history, with the 1935 Hurricane being the strongest storm of the century.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

On Monday, Sept. 2 the Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold its annual Labor Day Hurricane Service in memory of those who perished in the hurricane of Sept. 2, 1935. The service starts at 9 a.m. at the Hurricane Monument.

More information is available from Barbara at 305-393-0940.

— Contributed

REMOTE-CONTROLLED PT-19 TAKES TO THE SKY “The thing is a real floater.” Those were the words of local resident Joe Ziomek after taking his PT-19 model airplane for a flight at Founders Park on a Friday morning. The PT-19 series was developed from the Fairchild M-62 when the U.S. Army Air Corps first ordered the aircraft in 1940 as part of its expansion program.

The aircraft served the U.S. Army Air Forces, United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. It was a contemporary of the Kaydet biplane trainer and was used by the USAAF during primary flying training.

Ziomek said he’s had the plane for six months. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

5

6

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

BRIEFLY

The Overseas Highway, officially called State Road 4A, opened to public traffic on Jan. 25, 1928. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION

BUILDING THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY UPPER KEYS HISTORY BRAD BERTELLI

www.keysweekly.com

O

ne of the common misconceptions regarding the Overseas Highway is that it was not built until after the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane ended Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad. To the contrary, it was possible to drive a car from Miami to Key West as early as 1927. J. Otto Kirchheiner, chairman of the Monroe County Commission, is credited as being the first person to traverse the initial iteration of the Overseas Highway, officially called State Road 4A, on July 18, 1927. The dusty, bumpy conduit opened to public traffic on Jan. 25, 1928.

State Road 4A followed what is today considered the Card Sound Road route. The biggest difference between that first version of the road and those that followed was a 40-mile gap requiring a trip aboard an automobile ferry to complete. Leaving the mainland in 1928, drivers could make it all the way to Lower Matecumbe Key, where the road ended and it became necessary to board the ferry, embark on a four-hour trip to No Name Key, disembark, and then continue the drive to Key West.

In 1930, the Army Corps of Engineers looked into building a continuous solid bridge system that would eliminate the automobile ferries. The plans were submitted to Congress under the project name “Oversea Highway.” In the meantime, construction of two additional ferry terminals, one on Grassy Key and one on Hog Key, both in the Middle Keys, were completed in 1931. Additionally, 13.5 miles of roadwork between the two terminals was created. The terminals shortened the ferry ride to two 14-mile trips.

Believing a solid bridge system connecting Key West to mainland America presented a potential boon to the economy, Monroe County officials formed the Overseas Highway Bridge Corporation in 1932. When the Reconstruction Finance Corporation forwarded a plan to build the bridges for congressional approval, the request for a $10.7 million loan was not approved.

After Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected into office in 1932 and enacted his New Deal, which included the creation of the Works Progress Administration, hundreds of World War I veterans were sent to the Keys in 1934 and 1935 to work on automobile bridge construction projects. Building came to an end when the eye of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, a Category 5 storm still ranked as the most powerful storm ever to strike North America, crossed the Upper Keys. As many as 500 people, hundreds of whom were those veterans, were killed in the storm.

Forty miles of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad’s tracks, too, were twisted and torn from the right-of-way, summarily putting an end to the Key West Extension. With the exception of the Lower Matecumbe ferry landing and several Upper Keys bridges, the highway had weathered the storm relatively intact. Because the railroad became a defunct enterprise, its rightof-way was purchased from the Florida East Coast Railway for $640,000. Subsequently, the Public Works Commission approved a $3.6 million loan to convert the standing railroad bridges into bridges capable of accommodating automobile traffic in 1937.

When the bridge conversions were completed, the newly refurbished Overseas Highway opened to traffic on March 29, 1938, with an official celebrated opening occurring July 4, 1938. It was at this point that Greyhound bus service between Miami and Key West became operational. Also, a toll system was implemented to help recoup costs associated with construction of the bridge system linking Lower Matecumbe to the rerouted end of the highway at Big Pine Key, with toll booths placed at Lower Matecumbe and Big Pine keys.

It would be the third version of the highway that would most resemble the road driven today. The Overseas Highway 3.0 opened to the public on May 16, 1944. To celebrate the event, Florida Gov. Spessard Holland was among those participating in an automobile caravan that left Key West at 10 a.m. and arrived in Florida City at 3:30 p.m.

It was at this juncture that the road known today as the 18-Mile Stretch became part of the drive, the Jewfish Creek drawbridge formally opened, and the conduit was officially dubbed U.S. Highway 1. It was now possible not only to drive an automobile all the way from Key West to Miami, but all the way to Fort Kent, Maine.

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

Registration set for youth football league Open registration and evaluations for the Upper Keys Youth Football League will take place Sept. 19 and 20 at 5 p.m. at Coral Shores High School.

Any kid between the ages of 6 and 14 is encouraged to play. Teams will be six-on-six and grouped by weight, age and experience.

"We are going to evaluate each kid individually to ensure everyone has fun, learns the game and doesn’t get hurt,” said league organizer Augie Wampler.

He added that practices will be two hours with one hour of stretching and fundamentals, followed by an hour of team practice.

The league is hoping for three to four teams for each age group. Game schedules will be determined later. $140 registration fee includes helmet, pads, uniforms, insurance and officials, etc.

For more info, contact Capt. Augie Wampler at (305) 393-2765, or see "Upper Keys Youth Football League” on Facebook.

Sponsorship, volunteer and coaching opportunities are available.

Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to get blueprint briefing Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will hold an advisory council meeting at the Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Advisory council members will receive a briefing on the Restoration Blueprint, NOAA’s proposed changes to the sanctuary boundary, marine zones, regulations and management plan. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting will be streamed live on YouTube.

7

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING FLORIDA KEYS AQUEDUCT AUTHORITY

KEY WEST DOUBLETREE RESORT 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, Florida 33040 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 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.

NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

(Labor Contract Negotiations)

KEY WEST DOUBLETREE RESORT BOARD ROOM 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, Florida 33040 The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects in Districts II, IV and V. The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories: Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions Set Forth in the Florida Statute.

The deadline for receipt of applications is October 7, 2019 and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecountybids.com).

For more information please call the TDC Administrative Office at (305) 296-1552 and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019 • 10:00 AM

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

8

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

OCEAN LIFE SERIES KICKS OFF

A

n official with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will discuss its support in terms of restoration, community engagement, infrastructure enhancement and regulatory compliance in a presentation on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Lad Akins, chapter chair for the foundation, will give a presentation titled, “Hot off the Press! The new Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: Enhancing conservation in the Florida Keys.”

Akins’ presentation is part of a year-long Ocean Life series that brings marine science researchLad Akins ers and academics to the Keys to educate, entertain and inspire audiences. Hosted by Florida International University’s Center for Coastal Oceans Research (CCOR) and the Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center (FKLCC), the series features interdisciplinary experts from FIU and the Keys.

The series is free and open to the public, and it’s hosted at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center at MM 102 in Key Largo. All lecture events begin at 6:30 p.m. with a happy hour/meet and greet until 7 p.m. During this time drinks will be sold and snacks will be provided.

Please BYOC (bring your own cup) to reduce waste at the event. The Lecture will begin at 7 p.m.

The Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization that works to use the theater/ auditorium at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center for the benefit of Key Largo visitors, tourists and residents. The FKLCC works to attract affordable entertainment and educational programs and events to Key Largo.

The Center for Coastal Oceans Research is a center within the Institute for Water and Environment, a program within the College of Arts, Science and Education at Florida International University. CCOR strives to provide unique educational opportunities and to serve as a research center that brings together marinerelated research groups to foster collaboration and synergistic activities.

— Contributed

The Flora & Fauna of the Florida Keys course consists of 10 half-day field trips throughout the Keys, in which participants examine the differences among the islands and how nature is responding to the presence of humans. Classes begin Sept. 7 and go through Nov. 9. CONTRIBUTED

FLORA AND FAUNA Course examines Keys’ natural communities JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

course through Florida International University’s Center for Coastal Oceans Research is showcasing the complexities of natural communities, plants and animals here in the Florida Keys.

The course, known as Flora and Fauna of the Florida Keys, consists of 10 half-day field trips throughout the Keys, in which participants will examine the differences among the islands and how nature is responding to the presence of humans. Classes begin Sept. 7 and go through Nov. 9.

Teaching the course is Jim Duquesnel. A full-time Keys resident since April 1979, Duquesnel has always worked with wildlife and resource management in some way. His wife and he taught marine science field classes at Marine Science Under Sails and Marine Resources Development Foundation, aka MarineLab. “During that period, if weather blew out our marine education trips, we were asked to come up with alternative field programs.

We both had solid environmental education foundations, but little knowledge of Florida Keys upland species and plant communities,” he

said. “Florida Keys Community College (now known as College of the Florida Keys) offered just what we needed, and we enrolled together in Plants and Animals of the Florida Keys, a continuing education course taught by Middle Keys Campus Director Roland Fisch.”

In 1990, Duquesnel was hired as state park district biologist, and he was promoted to park biologist at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State Park. He’s also worked as manager of environmental education and conservation for the city of Boca Raton and invasive species control for Monroe County.

He was also a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, where he evaluated trap designs for use against pythons, and used radio telemetry to study the movement of pythons and tegus —large, omnivorous lizards native to South America — as both spe-

The course explores natural areas along the Florida Keys archipelago, comparing how distance from the mainland has shaped the natural communities and species.

cies expanded their South Florida ranges toward the Keys.

In 2014, Duquesnel was hired

by FIU as a field scientist for water quality monitoring from Biscayne Bay to Rebecca Shoals. When asked to suggest continuing education offerings that might increase FIU’s involvement and visibility, he recommended the Flora & Fauna of the Florida Keys, which he’s taught since 2015.

“I related how helpful the College of the Florida Keys’ Plants & Animals course had been to a couple of transplanted biologists,” he said.

The course explores natural areas along the Florida Keys archipelago, comparing how distance from the mainland has shaped the natural communities and species, and examining how humans, our activities and introductions of nonnative species are influencing the ecosystem functions that make the Florida Keys unique. Themes vary each week, from invasive species ecology and plant identification to migratory species and sea level rise.

The cost of this class is $299 and includes a field manual. The classes will meet on Sept. 7, 21, 24, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; and Nov. 2 and 9.

More information is at https:// ccor.fiu.edu/education-and-outreach/courses/index.html.

9

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Coastal

CHIC

GET IT TODAY AT

Stunning design.

Worry-free installation.

Amazing results!

FURNITURE INTERIOR DESIGN WINDOW TREATMENTS KITCHENS & BATHS FLOORING featuring

FLOORING

by Mohawk:

Carpet

Wood & Laminate

specializing in

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Call 305-481-1790 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, or stop by any of our three stores:

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

305-295-6400

MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

Searstown by Publix

10

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

JIM McCARTHY

I

jim@keysweekly.com

SIBLING CONNECTION Brother, sister enter first year at Key Largo

t’s that time of year when students hit the alarm clock, mosey on down to the kitchen for breakfast and hop out the door with backpacks on. Class is back in session as Monroe County schools opened their doors on Aug. 14.

With a new school year come new faces anxious and eager for a new teaching endeavor. At Key Largo School, Stephanie and Steven Leyva were busy the week prior preparing their classrooms in anticipation for the first day.

Stephanie, 26, and Steven, 23, are siblings who both enter their first year at Key Largo. The two, who grew up in Miami, taught at the same school in Lee County last year. It was Stephanie’s first full year as a teacher.

Steven taught half a year.

The two admit that they never thought they’d be teaching in the same school together, and they never dreamed that their paths would continue together in the Keys. Stephanie is teaching kindergarten while Steven is teaching fourth grade.

“Our coworkers and everybody we’ve met so far in the Keys are very friendly,” Stephanie says. “It’s definitely exciting for us.”

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Full name? Nickname? What’s your teacher name?

Stephanie Marie Leyva. I go by Steph generally. My kids call me Ms. Levya Steven Charles Leyva. I don’t go by Steve. My kids call me Mr. Levya.

How are you feeling as students get ready to fill your classroom?

Stephanie: I’m very excited. I just want to see them. I want to put faces to names.

Steven: I’m feeling very eager.

What are you looking forward to as a kindergarten teacher, Stephanie, and a fourth-grade teacher, Steven?

Stephanie: I really like to do crafts, especially holiday crafts, with the students. In kindergarten, you also learn foundations for reading, and really getting into sounding words out and reading.

Steven: I’m excited to incorporate nature and the environment into class.

I’m excited that we have a nature trail.

I’m excited to put that into science and my teaching here. It plays a big part in the Keys.

How are you two enjoying it so far down here?

Stephanie: Everyone’s been really friendly and nice. We’ve been to two restaurants and the places were really good.

Steven: Everyone’s been nice and helpful.

Is there a spot here in the Keys you enjoy going to?

Stephanie: We do like to go to parks.

We’ve been to John Pennekamp State Park. We used to camp in the Key Largo campground a lot, and my dad had a boat, so he used to take us to spots.

Steven: John Pennekamp for me as well.

What’s something people don’t know about you two?

Stephanie: That we’re not twins.

Everyone keeps asking if we’re twins.

Teachers come and ask and we’re like no. With Steven, I know he wanted to be a cop.

Steven: Her degree is in biology, and she loves Disney.

What’s something you love about each other? And what’s something you like to pick each other on?

Stephanie: He likes to pick on me because I’m kind of messy.

Steven: I love how we bounce back on each other and we’re each other’s promoters and supporters.

11

What kind of school students were you back in the day?

Stephanie: Both of us were super nerdy. I never skipped school because I was way too afraid.

Steven: When people were playing sports, I was more inside reading.

You have the chance to go to dinner with anyone, who would it be?

Stephanie: Ed Sheeran.

Steven: I would love to go with Gordon Ramsey. I love all the kitchen shows and things like that.

You’re a superhero swooping in to save the day. … What superhero are you and what’s the situation you’re coming in to save?

Stephane: I’d be Cat Woman saving a cat out of a tree.

Steven: I think I would be Aquaman saving sharks.

What are your hobbies? Is there something you two like to do together?

Stephanie: We like to travel and we love Disney. We go to parks. Every year, we also go to a random state. We went to Kentucky this year. We also went to all New England states. We like to hike and stuff.

Seven: Looking for trails to walk the dogs.

Finish these sentences …

My parents would tell you that I like to …

Stephanie: save my money.

Steven: Cook. And I’m always trying out new recipes.

My favorite movie/TV show is …

Stephanie: The Office, Parks and Rec. and Game of Thrones.

Steven: Criminal Minds.

My favorite food is …

Stephanie: Picadillo. It’s something my mom makes. It’s ground beef Cuban style with rice and French fries.

Steven: Hibachi.

Working in the Keys is …

Stephanie: Really cool.

Steven: Hot. Teaching at Key Largo School will be …

Stephanie: Amazing.

Steven: Awesome.

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR)'s mission is "Connect to Protect." A simple mission with a big goal of connecting everyday people with our marine mammals to support the continued conservation and protection of local Keys species.

Every dolphin encounter or educational program experienced by our guests directly contributes to our mission to rescue sick or injured dolphins and whales in the Florida Keys. Visit our website (www.dpmmr.org) to learn how you can donate, volunteer, or experience an educational program of a lifetime.

31 Corrine Place, Key Largo, Fl 33037 • 305-453-4321 • www.dpmmr.org Not For Profit 501 (c)(3) Organization

12

MONROE COUNTY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Free training offered in exchange for volunteer commitment

T

COUNTY RENEWS ‘HOT SHOTS’ PROGRAM The first Hot Shots graduating class demonstrates a training exercise at the Joe London Fire Training Academy on Grassy Key. MONROE COUNTY FILE PHOTO/Contributed

he Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has approved a second Monroe County Fire Rescue “Hot Shots” program. The program is a free firefighting and first-responder training for qualified Monroe County residents in exchange for a commitment to volunteer for three years or work as a firefighter anywhere in the Florida Keys.

The program waives the $2,200 curriculum fee for qualified local residents, 18 and older with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, to take the Firefighter I and II courses at Monroe County’s Joe London Fire Training Academy facility on Grassy Key, MM 56.6.

Due to the high cost of living, the purpose of this program is to decrease the high turnover rate of firefighters. Non-residents can enroll in the firefighting courses, but qualified local residents will receive preference in the enrollment process.

The classes begin Sept. 23, 2019 and run through Jan. 17, 2020.

Students who successfully complete

all 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program will be prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter I and II examinations.

There is an orientation meeting on Monday, Aug. 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Joe London Training Academy. Information regarding required insurance and gear rental will be provided at that time. Interested participants will take a written test and physical agility test at this meeting and will need a medical form signed by a physician that states they are medically fit to perform firefighting duties, and a signed affidavit that says they do not smoke or use other tobacco products.

Class rules and regulations, the new applicant packet, and more information are at www.monroecounty-fl. gov/hotshots.

Students will be responsible for purchasing their own instructional book, Essentials of Firefighting 6th Edition. They will also be responsible for rental fees for required bunker gear, accommodations, if necessary, and transportation to the academy.

—Contributed ­­­

The Tide’s in at the Islander Resort !

Lunch, Dinner & Cocktails Sunday-Thursday 11am -11pm H Friday & Saturday 11am -12 am H 305-664-2031 MM 82, Oceanside, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada I S L A N D E R F LO R I DA K E Y S. C O M

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

13

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Class of ’09 gives thanks

T

he Coral Shores High School Class of 2009 would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the entire Upper Keys community, especially the many generous people and businesses who made our reunion weekend possible:

To the many businesses in the Upper Keys that offered discounts to alumni: Florida Keys Brewing Company, Fin & Juice, Village Square at Trading Post, and Square Grouper. We also thank Coral Shores Principal Blake Fry; Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill; Tony Papp and Mayner Pallaviccini; the Butler Family; Floral Fantasy of the Keys; Keys Audio Party Rentals; Mangrove Mike’s Catering and Mike Forster; Mariners Hospital and Jamie Niedbalski; Islamorada Beer Company; and to Jim and Lesley Rhyne, who opened their home to welcome our entire class for a fantastic evening.

This community makes coming home easy. It truly takes a village, and we are very lucky to have been a part of this one.

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

With immense gratitude, The Reunion Committee and the (great) class of ’09!

LAD AKINS, FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION, CHAIR

OCEAN LIFE SERIES HOT OFF THE PRESS! THE NEW FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION: ENHANCING CONSERVATION IN THE FLORIDA KEYS The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Foundation supports work on a variety of conservation issues facing the Florida Keys. Come hear about the new Foundation, and see how you can become involved in issues facing our Keys waters.

DONATING BACK

Murray Nelson Government Center 102050 Overseas Hwy 6:30 PM | August 22, 2019 Meet & greet: 6:30 - 7:00 | Lecture: 7:00

C

oke Florida continues to support Wesley House Family Services.

Pictured far left with the caseworkers of the Key Largo office is Yordi Bastista, territory general manager for Coke Florida, which donated school supplies and backpacks for children in the Key Largo area. Wesley House Family Services’ mission is to promote and enhance the safety, well-being and development of children by educating, supporting and meeting the needs of families throughout Monroe County. CONTRIBUTED

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

14

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Maybe you have heard of Operation Christmas Child and the annual shoebox collections that go on each November in your community — or maybe not?

Each year Samaritan’s Purse presents the opportunity for thousands of individuals and organizations to prepare and pack school supplies, hygiene items and toys to ship to children in need across the globe.

On Saturday, Aug. 24 at Redlands Community Church in Homestead, 14601 SW 248th St., you will be able to learn more about Operation Christmas Child and meet a shoebox recipient whose life was changed by this small gift. The community is invited to join members of the South Dade/Florida Keys Samaritan’s Purse Yuri Lopez Operation Christmas Child team from 10 a.m. to noon.

Growing up in an orphanage in Honduras meant Yuri Lopez was separated from her family and had to care for the children around her instead of being cared for herself. Lopez received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at the age of 6, which included a picture of the girl who had sent the box, and a note which read, “Jesus loves you, and I love you too.”

In later years, that note provided the encouragement Lopez needed at a critical point in her life. She has since been adopted by an American family and now works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served. More information is available from Marie Brishke at 305-451-2566 or www.samaritanspurse. org.

— Contributed

IMPROVING LIFE SUPPORT Funds support trauma class

F

unds generated from last fall’s Islamorada Fire Rescue and Moose Lodge barbecue went to support this year’s National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) class. Open to rescuers in all of Monroe County, PHTLS courses improve the quality of trauma care and decrease mortality.

PHTLS promotes critical thinking as the foundation for providing quality care, and it’s the global gold standard in pre-hospital trauma education. Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel said it allows rescuers to hone their skills while learning new techniques. Fire rescuers who took part in the six-day class recently are pictured. Every year, two barbecues are held — one in the spring as a give-back to the local community and the other in the fall with funds raised to put on the class. CONTRIBUTED

Peter Morris joined the County Attorney’s Office in 2013 and represents the county’s planning and environmental resources, code compliance, and building departments. CONTRIBUTED

BOARD GRANTS STATUS TO MORRIS Assistant county attorney gets distinction

T

he Florida Bar recently informed Assistant County Attorney and Key Largo resident Peter H. Morris that he met the requirements to become board certified as a specialist in city, county, and local government law.

Morris earned this distinction after passing a rigorous vetting process.

“From the moment Peter joined the office, we knew he was destined to earn this distinction,” said County Attorney Bob Shillinger. “He is a brilliant and thoughtful attorney who recognizes the virtue of public service. We are fortunate to have him as a colleague.”

City, county, and local government law is the practice of law dealing with the legal issues of county, municipal, or other local governments. To become board-certified, a lawyer must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and must have practiced law for at least five years. To apply, a lawyer must have substantial involvement, 40 percent or more, in the practice of city, county, and local government law during the three prior years to application. Morris passed peer review, a comprehensive written examination, and completed 60 hours of continuing legal education in the field.

Morris joined the County Attorney’s Office in 2013 and represents the county’s planning and environmental resources, code compliance, and building departments. Morris received a master’s degree in environmental and land use law at the University of Florida in 2012 and a law degree at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. Morris joins seven attorneys with the designation in the County Attorney’s Office and 291 attorneys statewide.

Morris lives in Key Largo with his wife, Anjana, and 1-yearold daughter, Asha.

— Contributed

KEYS PETS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

FINDING MY FURBABIES Fostering, adoption an experience unlike any other NOLA ACKER

nola@keysweekly.com

N

ot to be cliché but, who really rescued whom? With National Clear the Shelter Day coming up Saturday, Aug. 17, I thought I would share the wonderful emotions I experienced with fostering and adopting my two furbabies.

I have been a dog owner my whole life. I never purchased a dog from a pet store but I did work at one in college.

I was a sales person. That was shortlived. I fell so in love with those babies in the kennel that I gave up sales to be their caregiver instead.

I moved to the Keys from Ohio with five dogs. Yes, five. That was 13 years ago. I met Joy Martin and her crew at Marrvelous Pet Rescue when they were just really forming their group. I volunteered at fundraisers for years but could never participate in fostering as I had my own merry band of misfits.

Then as fate would have it, when I picked up the last baby’s ashes from the vet I met Cookie. That Joy. We weren’t going to jump right in to another baby, but I agreed to foster her.

She was dirty and scratched up but had the eyes to melt my heart. I took her home that very day and she slept on my husband’s chest that night.

MPR had posted her on Facebook and had two applications immediately to adopt her. They called me the next morning to set up a meet-and-greet for her prospective new forever home.

I couldn’t let this sweet baby go. She is now known as Colada (Lada), not as in pina colada, but as in the short, sweet, black Cuban coffee that will give you a shot of energy … just like her.

I fell in love with these pups and adult dogs coming through the doors.

One of the reasons I caved so quickly on Lada was MPR didn’t have a foster for her and they are a virtual shelter. If an incoming dog does not have a foster they are boarded at one of our very wonderful veterinary offices. Thinking of my pet store days, I cannot bear to see a healthy animal kenneled.

Then came Ethan, AKA Cort. I share a lot of rescue Facebook posts from south Florida trying to help get these babies a family. Once again MPR posted Ethan. Oh that nose! Oh those eyes! Damn, here we go again, and I hadn’t even met him yet.

Oh that nose! Oh those eyes! Cort was found on the streets of Miami before he was rescued by Marrvelous Pet Rescues.

NOLA ACKER/Keys Weekly

Kyle is a bright and energetic dog who loves to play and run. He was surrendered to a high-kill shelter after a family member decided she did not want him any more.

He has been fostered by MPR board member Cathy Brewer. CONTRIBUTED

Colada (Lada), not as in pina colada, but as in the short, sweet, black Cuban coffee that will give you a shot of energy … just like her. NOLA ACKER/Keys Weekly

He was found on the streets in Miami; no idea of his real background, but I like to call him my little street fighter. He has massive separation anxiety because I do not think he ever had a family.

He is around 1 year old. When we are home he is at our side so close it is almost irritating, but I laugh so hard because he bumps you with his nose with every step you take. He just wants to make sure we know he is there. He has unconditional love for us. That is how a “furever” family works. He had some health issues but we are almost past them and we will formally adopt him in the next few months. So we will have our Cuban coffee dogs Cortodito and Colada, but I don’t know how many more misfits I can take in.

This Saturday, MPR will be having an Adopt–A-Thon & Clear the Shelter event from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lions Club in Key Largo. There will be a microchip clinic and a doggie day spa. They will also have a dog trainer available and painting with the artist Pasta Pantaleo.

Please come by and meet some of the wonderful furbabies that are looking for their family, like Kyle. He was surrendered to a high-kill shelter sadly after a family member decided she did not want him anymore. He has been fostered by MPR board member Cathy Brewer.

“Kyle is a bright and energetic dog who loves to play and run. He will be your best buddy and needs a structured environment that also includes treats, toys and a soft bed,” she said.

MPR wants you to know that Kyle would be best suited in a onepet family “furever” home. He likes to be the Prince of The Palace.

MPR takes in surrendered animals from South Florida and Monroe County. All animals are fully vetted, microchipped, up to date on shots, and neutered/ spayed. They exist only through their volunteers, fosters and donations that allow them not only to get these babies healthy, but also to get them to loving fosters until they find that “forever” home.

So, whether you are just in need of some fur therapy or would like to learn more about fostering or adopting please come by the Lion’s Club this Saturday.

Nola Acker is an account executive at the Upper Keys Weekly.

15

LOOKING FOR A HUMAN

Pets adoptable every day JIM McCARTHY

A

jim@keysweekly.com

nationwide pet adoption day is set for Saturday, Aug. 17. The goal of the event is to move those furry friends into a loving and inviting home. While the day will see many pets across the country starting new lives with new owners and their families, these companion animals that get rescued are adoptable every day.

In the Upper Keys, three shelters are hard at work seeking new homes for pets.

MARRVELOUS PET RESCUES Located at MM 99.9, bayside, in Key Largo, Marrvelous Pet Rescues provides immediate care, treatment and shelter for animals in need until a permanent adoption occurs. The nonprofit promotes education for responsible animal care, spay & neuter, micro chipping and training. Check out pets up for adoption and ways to give back by visiting marrvelouspetrescues. org. Marrvelous Pets Rescues can be reached at 305-453-1315.

HUMANE ANIMAL CARE COALITION Located at 105951 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, the Human Animal Care Coalition sets out to increase adoptions and provide a better quality of life for shelter animals. And in an effort to reduce the pet population coming into the shelter, the organization established a free spay and neuter clinic for community owned dogs and cats. Check out the pets for adoption by visiting humaneanimalcoalition. com. People can stop by to check out the available animals Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn how you can give back and help, the shelter can be reached at 305-451-0088.

UPPER KEYS HUMANE SOCIETY Located at MM 101.6 in Key Largo, the Upper Keys Humane Society promotes the proposition that all living creatures deserve humane and civilized treatment. The UKHS strives to provide an effective means to prevent animal cruelty to animals from North Key Largo to Lower Matcumbe. Stop by and check out the animals up for adoption Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also visit upperkeyshumanesociety.org or call 305-451-3848.

16

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

SUNSET CELEBRATION! Club chartering night a blast

T

here’s a new Rotary club that’s bringing all sorts of energy and excitement to the community. On Aug. 10, Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset had its charter celebration at Key Largo Marriott Conference Center. The club, which now has just over 40 members, received its official charter from Rotary International on June 5.

Rotary Club of Key Largo sponsored the club, which began as a satellite in October 2018. Among the charter members are Lisa Feliciano club president, who joined Key Largo Rotary in 2001, and Kerry Cosme who has been a member for more than 10 years. Jen McComb brought the satellite idea back following a Rotary International trip. Key Largo Sunset Rotary meets at Denny’s in Key Largo on the first and third Mondays of every month at 6 p.m.

— Weekly staff report

1 2

3

1. Members of the Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset. The club, which now has just over 40 members, received its official charter from Rotary International on June 5. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly 2. Past and present Rotary leadership.

From left, Drew Monaghan, former district governor of District 6990; Jennifer Miller; Joe Roth, president of the Upper Keys Rotary Club; Laura Lietart, Key Largo Sunrise Club president; Neil Boyce; Peter Verbeeck, district governorelect; Dennis Caltigirone, assistant governor of area 9 covering Homestead to Marathon; Jen McComb; Bette Brown, Lisa Feliciano and District Governor Ray Williams.

3. Club President Lisa Feliciano and Jen McComb, past president of the Key Largo Rotary Club and current Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club member, show off the club’s charter certificate alongside Drew Monaghan, former district governor of Rotary International District 6990, which encompasses southeast Florida, the Keys and Grand Bahama Island.

4. Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club President Lisa Feliciano receives the gavel from Bette Brown, past president of the Key Largo Rotary club. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly 5. Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club board members, from left, Sgt. Scott Ward, James Jeske, Jen McComb, Ashley Arrabal, Christina Martinez, Marlen Weeks and Club President Lisa Feliciano.

5 4

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

BRIEFLY League of Women Voters’ essay contest underway The League of Women Voters invites students to tell us, “What are the essential attributes of a good citizen in your community?”

The Upper Keys League of Women Voters is sponsoring an essay contest for middle and high school students from Marathon north to Key Largo to the county line, and it includes public, private, charter and home-schooled students. First prize is $250; second prize, $100; and third prize, $50.

The topic for the students is, “What are the essential attributes of a good citizen in your community?” Citizens serve their communities in various ways. Some participate by voting, engaging in political campaigns, or running for office. Some do cleanup activities or help their neighbors in times of need. Some do fish counts with REEF or do coral restoration. Others volunteer at their place of worship or give money to charities. What do you think makes a good citizen in the Florida Keys? Use well-researched facts, constitutional principles, and current issues to support your conclusions.

Entries should be between 500 and 800 words. Only online submissions will be accepted and only one essay per student will be accepted. By entering the contest, entrants agree that the Upper Keys League of Women Voters will have the right to use their essay.

The essays must be submitted by email to LK@lindakaplan.com no later than midnight Sept. 4, 2019. Students should provide their name, age, school and contact information.

The prizes and presentation of the essays will be awarded at the Constitution Day Celebration at the Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center on Sept. 16 from 6-9 p.m.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that works to secure democracy’s promise through voter education, issue advocacy and citizen outreach.

Gastesi seeks to extend contract Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi would like to commit five more years to Monroe County before retirement and seeks to renew his contract with the Board of County Commissioners through Oct. 18, 2024.

His current contract expires May 11, 2020.

Gastesi started with Monroe County in May 2008 after serving as Regional Director of South Florida Water Management District for five years and various positions at Miami-Dade

County for 15 years.

“Working for the citizens of Monroe County at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners has been one of the highlights of my career, and I look forward to spending the next five years before my retirement committed to the continued success of Monroe County,” said Gastesi.

Gastesi was hired 11 years ago and put together a professional senior management team to help him oversee the County’s 22 departments and approximately 560 employees.

If the Board of County Commissioners extends his contract at the Aug. 21 meeting, Gastesi plans to move into the Florida Retirement System’s Deferred Retirement Options Program (DROP), a pension plan where he can continue to work while his earned pension is deposited into a savings account for up to five years.

Backcountry Challenge raises funds for Take Stock For 20 years the Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge has succeeded in combining community and families with fishing and fundraising. Presented by the Rotary Club of Key Largo, the 2019 tournament will test anglers of all ages Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.

The popular annual tournament raises money from entries as well as silent auction and raffle ticket sales, integral parts of the family fun event, for scholarships awarded to Florida Keys students as part of the statewide Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program.

A public kick-off party for anglers and supporters is scheduled Friday, Sept. 27, at Doc’s Diner, mile marker 99.7 in Key Largo. The event features bar drinks and appetizers starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a meeting for captains and anglers.

Anglers can hit the shallows to fish for trout, redfish and snook as soon as kick-off festivities end, continuing through 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. An awards dinner and live and silent auctions will follow at 6 p.m. at the tournament’s headquarters, the Tavernier Elks Club, located at mile marker 92.6.

Trophies will be awarded for overall adult and junior backcountry champions, junior and kids divisions and top professional guide, and for the largest total combined species and largest fish of each species.

Entry fees on or before Sept. 26 are $135 per adult angler, $60 per junior angler and $30 for kids ages 12 and under. Fees include social events.

Non-anglers wanting to join the Friday and Sunday social events can purchase tickets for $20 and $45, respectively.

Children’s tickets are $10.

17

NEW FEMA FLOOD MAPS ON THE WAY

Draft to be released to county on Aug. 22

T

he Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) multi-year study of Monroe County’s coastal flood risks has reached its next step.

FEMA will release new DRAFT Coastal Flood Maps on Aug. 22 to county staff, which will provide the first look at how flood risks are changing, based on studies, using updated information and the best available science and technology.

Coastal Flood Maps, otherwise known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are used to determine the minimum elevation needed for construction to reduce the chances of flooding. FEMA has stressed that these are draft flood maps. FEMA is asking the county and municipality staff to review and provide comments on the draft maps, before the agency then issues preliminary flood maps for the public to review and comment on.

Whenever new flood maps are issued, some property owners may see an increase or decrease in their flood risk while others will experience no change. Monroe County will place these new “draft” maps on the county website so residents and business owners can find their property and see what change might occur when the maps become final. The maps can be found at www.monroecountyFL.gov/floodmaps.

“While the flood maps we received are drafts, we believe that property owners should be able to see how their risks might change,” said Christine Hurley, Monroe County assistant county administrator. “That way they can be more proactive in reducing their flood risk, whether that means building higher if they are planning on making improvements to their property or buying flood insurance now to reduce any potential insurance cost increases.”

To emphasize that flood risks are changing and to make sure property owners understand this is coming, Hurley said, permit applicants will sign a form indicating they know the maps will be changing.

It usually takes 3-4 months for local governments to review the draft maps and communicate any concerns to FEMA prior to FEMA issuing preliminary flood maps.

When preliminary maps are published, formal public comments or appeals of the preliminary maps can then be provided to FEMA by local governments and/or the public. Once FEMA completes the review of all comments and appeals, it will publish the final Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

In February, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners requested county staff issue a request for proposal (RFP) to retain a technical consultant to review the maps and modeling conducted

by FEMA and to be prepared to appeal. The commission will consider approving a contract for this work with the top-ranked firm, Woods Hole Group.

The final flood maps (FIRMs) will most likely become effective sometime in 2021 or 2022.

When that happens, the county will formally adopt the maps by ordinance and the maps will be used when reviewing permits. The final maps will establish what a finished floor elevation needs to be and determine building and site design requirements to reduce future risk of flooding. Further, new lender requirements may go into effect, as will any changes in flood insurance rates that result from the map changes.

More information is available at FloodMaps@MonroeCountyFL.gov or 305-453-8759. To learn more about flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov.

— Contributed

18

CAMPER OF THE WEEK

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Get to your fishing spot more often with your savings on a quick and easy Keys Boat or Engine-Only Loan!

• Great rates from 5.5%APR* • Fast Local Decisions • Affordable Payments

Apply Now.

Download our

Mobile App

Call 305-294-6622

Go to KeysFCU.org

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

THE WORLD PREMIERE FILM SCREENING OF

MADDIE HULL AGE: 9

Summer camps provided much education and excitement this year.

From art and sailing to watersports, activities were bountiful from June to August. 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: Art Summer Camp

by Veronica Guierrez at Our Place In Paradise What school do you go to? I go to Treasure Village Montessori School.

What’s your favorite part of camp? My favorite part of camp is spending time with my friends.

What grade are you going into? I’m going into 4th grade.

A NEW PRODUCTION OF

The impact of human behavior on our environment—as seen through the lens of one of South Florida’s most beloved and fragile underwater creatures—the sea turtle.

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 6 pm Reception 7 pm Film Presentation 8 pm Q & A with Producer & Film Participants

TROPIC CINEMA

416 Eaton Street, Key West

Tickets $5 Seating is Limited.

For Tickets: Tropic Cinema Box Office or www.tropiccinema.com/event Photo Credit: Ben Hicks

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? Ms. Jessica, because she is kind, caring and a great teacher.

What is your favorite subject and why? Science, because you never know what is going to happen next.

Do you have a favorite movie?

No, I like them all.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? I like to eat fruit salad.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? I want to be a writer because it is my passion.

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time?

Writing and art.

KEYS SCHOOLS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

19

Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary Open sunrise to sunset 365 days a year.

93600 O/S Highway

Mission Wild Bird Hospital & Visitor Center 92080 O/S Highway • Open 9-5, Mon-Fri

For 24/7 line’ D ‘BIR gency Hot xt.1 86 call 305-852-44 encies (Wildlife emerg only)

For general questions, volunteer opportunities, to schedule Sanctuary tours or to check on the status of a patient, email info@keepthemflying.org

FOCUS ON SAFETY Welcome back, SROs

Traffic enforcement deputies and school resource officers were busy on the first day of school, enforcing school bus laws and speed zones and welcoming back students. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay has assigned a deputy to serve as a school resource officer at every public and charter school in the county. All SROs have been training in lead-up to the first day of school. Pictured, School Resource Officer Alexandria Hradecky is ready for her first day at Ocean Studies Charter School. CONTRIBUTED

20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Florida Bay depends on Smart South Florida Newspaper and television headlines blast the state and the nation with headlines declaring a crisis unfolding on Florida’s coastlines. No coast has been spared in the reporting of toxic algae, fish kills, and public health threats.

T of

Dec wea

These stories are connected. And are linked by the thread of poor water management.

Massive discharges of polluted water in to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries are directly related to the pollution in Lake Okeechobee which is directly related to the seagrass die-off in the Florida Bay which is directly related to the suffering coral reef.

Massiv e and T o Threat ens Flo xic Algae Bl oo ri Anoth er Los da Coasts wi m t Summ th er JUNE 2

The interconnectedness of these issues require citizens to look beyond our backyard to the yards of all our South Florida neighbors, and demand smart water management and expedited Everglades Restoration.

ekly eys We K 6 1 0 2 July 1,

9, 20 i Hera 18 12:00 AM ld

Miam

ty er Salini

yp H o T The e u D worse. “ th ff g n i O t t e w g ie

D Seagrassd last summer

Lake O k heart, eechobee, F is onc e again lorida’s liqu massiv id ex e crisis t algae bloom ploding wit h h , coasts at threatens a deepening a to in summ what has b slime both er nig e htmar come a rec urring e.

o e could b of algae overgr n y io a s expans pped,” s t with o t s s e e a t b r w o It sta t and needs t is, staff ecologis drough he e . v h t g D n t e i by tev a es Foundation dur S d e t a b r d e ace e of e Evergla rsalinity in th g h only ex a t k c lo d e r ed b thwa The hyp is a result of continu ing sou w o fl r e B ay A t bl e to freshwa e Everglades.

F l or i d a r n ot b e i n g a h e t t a h t he through on of seagrass 00 fresh w t h rou g i h 0 t t c ,0 u e 0 o s 5 s large flow 0 and s. n 30,00 off in e e d e w i t e d e rg l a d e v b s ( a E h ) d gs ecte acres aff a Bay, and thin d i the Flor

e Study Rev H To Coral

cCarthy

By Jim M 9 Ke 01 Aug.2, 2

ent Environm a ing w like warm res ar temperatu ra e co to massiv . B say scientists thr h study wit cted data colle li vea Reef is re obl serious pr dn land-base Andy Bru eekly W ys Ke 18 20 , 16 August on Keys Nati ch r ary resea h the study nt Le n Va p ” , ge ed ts s n fe’ it’s a “kni nutrie rfect ’t e “We need absolutely pe isn r y Ba said. Florida Florida’s e to ter wa sh conditions for a long tim fre receiving enough t agement get seagrass recruitmen because of water man lp, he s ar ye et W . ain des that started ag projects in the Evergla g lon a e tak to and but it’s going divert water to the east south. ” e. w tim west, and impedes flo l fal in ra y, Ba a id or Fl In ation usually exceeds evapor s. But th on m during summer ay, M h from January throug

Keys FAQ a d ri lo F e th d n a m o Algae Blo te of What’s the current sta Florida Bay? It’s fragile.

“We’re still recovering 15,” from the drought of 20 at it th ng said Van Lent, addi r from took 15 years to recove t in the second-to-last even t gh ou Florida Bay. The dr ity. lin caused fatal levels of sa

C mont of tox Florid color o its inle of guac killed o oyster b ferociou resident

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

a Water Management

Toxic Lake : Th f Lake Oke e Untold Story echobee cemb

er 8, 201 6 ather.com

But the rep orts didn’t explain the most tragic part of the story – that this ca CLEWISTO la mity is man-made N, Fla. – Fo . It’s the r ths during c u lm ination of 2016, plum es xic algae tu engineering 135 years of rned South mis da’s emerald and a determ steps, hubris waters the ination to tu of coffee an rn Everglades d smothere sa wgrass into d crops. ets under a c ash Despite talk fetid blank of spending et $10.5 camole-gre billion over en goop th the next tw at decade off fish, suff o s to fix the ocated p ro b le m beds and tr c , lo a u d of politic igge al uncertain us outcry fr red a leaves it un ty clear when om coastal , h o ts. or even if – w– the harmfu l algae blooms wil l be stopped .

utor b i r t n o C eals Key lem b o r P h rida t l a He ys the Flo p a s r e n k c Bru first ste

Who’s in Charge?

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is a state agency charged with managing water in the southern half of our state. The agency Governing Board is appointed by the Governor and therefore, has a built in bias to align with whomever is in office.

It is no secret: the health of the Florida Bay is a political problem.

To the credit of newly elected Governor Ron DeSantis, a brand new Governing Board has been appointed and so far, appears to be digging into their task with enthusiasm, integrity, and an eye toward prioritizing the environment and public health associated with water management.

ken the eys have ta septic tanks K y ating and kly by elimin g houses eys Wee n ti c e n n o and c sewage inesses to ntil nutrients s u b rs But u tal stresso treatment. ure runoff, and ult ater from agric ake g n ti u mL re contrib runoff fro uced, ee, are red e b o h c e e al death, k b O nt ntinue to But a rece f ere will co nts reaching th es o trie ree decad levated nu e y e K oe .. rce d from Lo the Keys. larger sou d n r e o c th e s o “The ing an Bay is Florida ts n ie — tr u from lem of n r carried ff. . te o a n w u r d t n n a nutrie water rida to oast of Flo is can lorida c t s e w e uckner, F th “Th e Sanctu” he said. nal Marin r, said the Keys, s s ddre ed ato partially a posed e b h coordin the role the pro highlights alth of through restoration.” s e he Everglade play in th eefs.

This Florida Bay series is presented by Florida Bay Forever, dedicated to education and advocacy calling for immediate action on Everglades Restoration and water quality policies to benefit the Florida Bay.

! p U k a e Sp

alth on the he s t h g u o h rt Voice you to the rida Bay lo F e h t f o ard erning Bo v o G D M SFW Goss Chauncey Chairman nd md.gov, a cgoss@sfw d.gov, eads@sfwm m c s d a e M Cheryl ning nty Gover u o C e o r n the Mo ive. presentat e R d r a o B at o know th t d e e n y The stand ens under iz it c y t n ou Monroe C water h Florida t u o s t r a that sm l to the t is critica n e m e g a n ma . lorida Bay F e h t f o health

JOIN them at www.FloridaBayForever.org to learn how you can HELP, DONATE, and ENGAGE. info@floridabayforever.org

22

KEYS EATS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

DINE AND A VIEW Grille and Bar has some of the best sunsets JIM McCARTHY

I

jim@keysweekly.com

f you desire dining with a view, stop by DiGiorgio’s Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar at MM 99.5, bayside, in Key Largo.

Located behind DiGiorgio’s Italian restaurant along the bayside shores, Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar is a casual place that offers expansive views with its full-service upstairs dining room and a downstairs bar with tables situated not too far from the shore.

Open for lunch and dinner, Bayside Grille features a selection of appetizers with traditional favorites like crispy calamari and seared tuna to unique items such as the Havana fries. If you have an appetite and need something right away, we recommend ordering up this appetizer. Served hot and fresh, fries come out topped with tender pork, honeyed onions, cheddarMonterrey Jack cheese and a delicious cilantro-garlic aioli.

Soups and salads on the menu including everything from clam and conch chowder to Caesar and the Bayside house salad, which comes with mixed greens, carrots, red cabbage, cherry tomato, cheddar cheese and bacon. Add some grilled chicken, mahi,

shrimp or house roasted turkey if you please.

If you’re stopping in for lunch, there are a few menu items we recommend trying out based on our dining experience, one being the jumbo stuffed shrimp. What makes dish so delicious is the colossal shrimp is stuffed with a Ritz Cracker seafood stuffing. The dish is served up with cauliflower, carrots and rice.

Also on the menu is the signature Captain Morgan ribs. What makes these fall-off-the-bone, St. Louis ribs so satisfying is the Captain Morgan spiced rum barbecue sauce it’s drenched in to add that rich flavor.

The lunch menu also features entrees such as seafood enchiladas and the ocean bounty plate, which comes with fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, conch fritters and fried mahi.

There’s also the Bayside shrimp pasta that’s made with mango-sundried, tomato-blackened cream sauce. As for sandwiches, Bayside Grille offers the Bayside filet melt, which comes with honeyed onions, mozzarella, horsy sauce on a brioche bun, as well as the Captain Morgan burger on a brioche bun.

As for drinks, Bayside Grille offers a list of white and red wines, sparkling wine and champagne. Signature cocktails include the Havana Margarita, Ultimate “Spicy” Bloody Mary and Pusser’s Painkiller, which is rum, pineapple and orange juice and coconut cream over ice in a tall glass. A variety of microbrew beer selections are also available to enjoy.

Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information at keylargo-baysidegrill.com or Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar’s Facebook page.

Top left: Lunch entrees on the menu at Bayside Grille include the Captain Morgan ribs. They’re St. Louis-style ribs with a Captain Morgan spiced rum barbecue sauce. IT’s served up with fries and coleslaw.

Top right: The jumbo stuff shrimp features a Ritz Cracker seafood stuffing. It’s also served with lime beurre blanc and crispy capers.

Bottom right: Bayside Grille’s appetizer menu features the Havana fries. Yuca fries are topped with tender pulled pork, honeyed onions, cheddarMonterrey Jack cheese and a cilantro-garlic aioli.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Bottom left: Top off your dining experience with some chocolate cake with some whipped cream and raspberry drizzle.

KEYS SHCOOLS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

A new school year is here, and so are some new teachers. While they’ve been busy getting acquainted with the area and preparing their classrooms, teachers at Key Largo School and Coral Shores High School took a moment with the Weekly to introduce themselves to the community. Welcome, new educators!

23

NEW FACES

SCHOOLS WELCOME NEW TEACHERS

NAME: ANGIE MARESMA School: Key Largo School.

Where are you from? Originally from Palm Beach, but I now live in Tavernier.

What will you teach? 3rd grade.

Where did you study? Florida Atlantic University.

What kind of high school student were you? I was a good student.

What do you do on a Saturday?

I like going to the beach, reading, boating and spending time with grandchildren.

Best part of the school year? Getting to know my students.

NAME: MIKE BLAHA School: Key Largo School.

Where are you from? St. Paul, Minnesota.

What will you teach? 7th Grade English language arts.

Where did you study? Hamline University in St. Paul.

What kind of high school student were you? I played football, basketball and baseball in high school. It wasn’t until college when I fell in love with writing.

What do you do on a Saturday? On Saturday, I play guitar, bike and, now that I’m in beautiful Key Largo, explore different parts of the Keys with my wife, Pang.

NAME: JENNIFER WEBB

NAME: ASHLEIGH STRANALY

School: Key Largo School.

Where are you from? Crestview, Florida.

What will you teach? Kindergarten.

Where did you study? Fayetteville State University.

What kind of high school student were you? I was eager to learn, studious and involved in clubs and cheerleading.

What do you do on a Saturday?

I love to snorkel the local reefs or fish with my husband and our 3 children.

Best part of the school year? I love the spring semester when students have built friendships and are applying all of their newly learned skills in all areas, especially reading, and are so proud of their growth!

School: Coral Shores High School.

Where are you from? I am from Georgia! Go DAWGS! My family and I have been down in the Keys for a little over a year now.

What will you teach? I teach AVID 1 (freshman) and English 4 (seniors).

Where did you study? Georgia State University.

What kind of high school student were you? I had a lot of fun in high school. I think it might surprise all of my high school teachers to hear that I am teaching high school kids!

However, I was always very polite in school!

What do you do on Saturday? I have four sons under the age of 10, so we spend a lot of Saturday mornings at baseball, basketball and soccer games. During the fall you’ll find me watching college football, but any other time of year my favorite thing to do on a Saturday is spending it on the boat with my family.

Best part of the school year? I think the beginning. Everyone is fresh off of summer break and ready to start a new school year.

NAME: JENNY LEA BROWN School: Key Largo School.

Where are you from? Citrus County (Central Florida).

What will you teach? 3rd-4th grade ESE. Where did you study? St. Leo University for elementary education and Grand Canyon University for master’s in psychology.

What kind of student were you?

I was the kid who never could find my homework.

What do you do on Saturday?

Head to the beach with my family or playing my guitar.

Best part of the school year? I think my favorite part of the school year is around October, because everyone feels comfortable and they all know the routine.

24

1 2

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

CORAL COLLABORATION Scientists, students and veterans join forces TIFFANY DUONG

www.keysweekly.com

3

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has hosted its annual Staghorn Restoration Project with SCUBAnauts International and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC) since 2010. Mote researchers study coral resilience and restoration. SCUBAnauts introduce teens to scientific SCUBA diving and leadership skills, enabling them to become tomorrow’s environmental and science leaders. The Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge helps wounded veterans realize their potential for the benefit of all through education, rehabilitation, research and innovations.

Each year, the three organizations collaborate for a week of coral restoration and research collaboration in the Lower Keys. Mote’s top scientists train the students and veterans to tend to corals in Mote’s offshore coral nursery and outplant corals. SCUBAnauts and veterans gain valuable experience assisting with scientific research and find inspiration working with each other.

“What we’re doing is bringing together the next generation of marine scientists and divers and combat veterans,” said Michael Crosby, Mote’s president and CEO. Over the week, divers from all three organizations conduct disease surveys, maintain corals in Mote’s nursery, and outplant corals onto local reefs.

The project is very special to Crosby, whose dad and two brothers served. “It’s beautiful to bring together all these different parties for coral restoration. It’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever been a part of.” he said. “Combat-wounded veterans are often looking for a new mission in life, and we want to give back to them. The youth will be the ones who inherit these reefs, and they need to understand how important they are.

So, through this project, we all work together and contribute to bringing coral reefs back from the brink of functional disaster.”

After surfacing from a dive in Mote’s coral nursery, Lt. Thomas Faulkenberry, USCG, is all smiles. “For me, being in the water gets me rhythmically breathing. It’s very therapeutic and very healthy for me.”

Lt Col. Andrew Lourake, USAF, an above-knee amputee, agrees. “Diving is therapy for me in life. When I’m diving, my mind doesn’t notice its phantom pain.”

Both men have participated in the challenge for a few years and love the fact that they can do so much good through this unique partnership. They hug the kids who’ve also returned from previous summers like old friends, bragging about how great they are as people and how skilled they are as divers. Lourake expands on the added emotional benefit of the collaboration: “We want to protect this way of life and these kids. That’s why I went to war. It’s wonderful to have this chance to interact with them to restore the reef.”

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

25

4

5 A SCUBAnaut parent-chaperone explains the benefit of SCUBAnauts and this collaboration for her son Nolan. “Diving with a purpose has made all the difference for him. He’s learning to love science, and I can’t wait for him to take marine biology next year in school. He’s going to love it because of this experience.”

The student divers are AAUS trained, so they qualify as scientific divers and the data they collect can be used by research institutions like Mote.

The students gain access to cuttingedge research, like the effort to understand stony coral tissue loss disease, the mysterious coral disease currently ravaging the Keys. SCUBAnaut Emma Paliotta, 15, of Sarasota describes her disease survey: “We found huge corals that took hundreds of years to develop, all full of disease. It’s really disheartening that something that took so long to grow can degrade so fast.”

SCUBAnaut adult leader Shaian Blanc, 20, who has been part of the Mote-SCUBAnauts-CWVC collaboration for six years, provides a little more background. “First, it was climate change threatening the corals. Then it was Hurricane Irma. This year, it’s the coral disease. It’s saddening. We all need to do more to save our reefs.”

Crosby echoes this sentiment. He said Florida’s reefs create 72,000 jobs, increase biodiversity, support the culture of the Keys, and act as a natural barrier for the Keys. He recalls seeing 50% to 60% coral cover as a boy growing up in the Keys. Then, he accesses the current decline:

“We’re at 6% now and facing a terrible disease. We’re about to lose the rainforests of the sea.” Rather than become complacent or hopeless, Crosby, the scientists at Mote, the SCUBAnauts, and the CWVC collaborate every year to restore the reefs and to inspire each other. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that the reefs are functionally extinct,” Crosby said. “But, you can be part of this story and turn it around. This project is special: We plant 500 corals in one day.

One day, multiplied by 365 days a year, multiplied by 10 years. In 10 years, we can bring this back and increase coral cover.”

He concludes with a plea, “To save Earth, we must save the oceans first.

Get connected and get involved in restoring these coral reefs.”

6

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 1. Mote scientists, SCUBAnauts International, and Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge participants pose together before getting to work to restore the reef.

2. Staghorn outplants are attached with nails and zip-ties. The outplants continue to grow and eventually cement onto the reef.

3. Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, hands John Ziska, a second-class SCUBAnaut, a staghorn coral to outplant back onto the reef.

4. Divers from SCUBAnauts International and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge work together to plant a coral cluster. Corals are planted in these groups to encourage eventual fusion of the corals into a single, large colony.

5. SCUBAnauts International John Ziska, 16, Emma Paliotta, 15, and Shaian Blank, 20, work as a youth science group helping with research and surveys.

6. SCUBAnaut Emma Paliotta moves from one cluster of outplanted corals (in the foreground) to her next cluster. The Mote reef restoration process uses zip-ties and nails to attach corals onto the reef and allows for many clusters to be completed in a single dive.

26

ENVIRONMENT

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

KRISTIN ANDERSON www.keysweekly.com

W

hen you’re boating over a dark green patch, have you ever stopped and wondered what you’re passing over?

You might mistake seagrass for a lush and unruly lawn, but to scientists, it is more like a tropical rainforest — a vast reservoir of carbon and a rich ecosystem. For thousands, even millions, of years, the seagrass we boat over has been quietly sucking carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in the soil beneath the water, locked away just below. That carbon? It’s called blue carbon, and it’s something quite special.

Seagrasses are angiosperms, meaning that they are plants that produce flowers and seeds, adapting to life under the waves. They help stabilize sediment, protect our shorelines and recycle nutrients.

They also serve as nurseries for juvenile reef fish and shellfish, homes for endangered animals like manatees and sea turtles, and as habitats for commercial and recreational fisheries. Surviving for roughly 100 million years, seagrasses have been a home to an amazing diversity of life. But today, it is estimated that 2 football fields’ worth of seagrass is lost every hour. That die-off is mainly due to water quality, but can you guess another reason? It’s the same reason that manatees were on the endangered list: boat propellers.

Florida Bay has some of the highest fishing pressure — as more boaters use the area; the impact to seagrass beds from

propeller scarring has increased. Within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary there has been a 285% increase of prop scarring since 1995. Every shallow water seagrass bed has these prop scars, so instead of paddling over a beautiful, thick meadow, home to hundreds or thousands of species, there will be long, barren lines of sand, leading to a decline in the productivity of seagrass habitats. Not only does this loss of habitat hurt fisheries, as seagrasses die off it allows for all the thousands of years of stored blue carbon to escape back into the atmosphere. This added carbon dioxide into the atmosphere just increases the effects of our climate change crisis.

However, you can help to avoid this crisis. One action you can take is by boating responsibly (pole, drift or troll). Avoid areas that are too shallow for your vessel to operate without damaging the seagrass beds. Also, follow the many organizations taking action, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which, through partnerships, developed a safe-boater education course. This free, voluntary course will teach boaters about the natural resources within the sanctuary and offers strategies for responsible boating and stewardship. More information is at www. floridakeys.noaa.gov. By treating the habitat with care, you help maintain the conditions necessary to support the incredible resources you come here to enjoy.

THE DECLINE OF SEAGRASS HABITATS

UNDERWATER RAINFORESTS

A vast expanse of seagrass carpets the ocean floor.

IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Bob Elkins, of Key West, drove up for his third lionfish derby with his first mate and team member, Django, his dog. When Elkins is underwater, Django watches from the side of the boat. Team Bottle buddies came in 2nd with 138 lionfish and won the prize for smallest lionfish (77 mm). SARA NILSSON/Keys Weekly

INVASIVE FISH HUNT REEF’s Lionfish Derby Series concludes at Postcard Inn

R

eef Environmental Education Foundation will present the final leg of its 2019 Florida Lionfish Derby Series Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13-15, in the Upper Keys at Postcard Inn Resort and Marina.

In the 10th Annual Upper Keys Derby and Festival, divers can participate and vie for prize money while helping preserve native reef fish populations during a fun, competitive event to capture and remove as many non-native lionfish as possible.

Teams are rewarded for the most lionfish, the largest and smallest and a golden fish raffle award.

For over a decade, REEF has joined the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the dive community to provide hands-on opportunities for “citizen scientists.” These sustainability-focused individuals actively remove the invasive, voracious species introduced to Florida waters during the 1980s, lessening the pressure on existing reef fish ecosystems and providing a healthy new food source for human consumption. Over 40,000 lionfish have been removed from REEF-supported derbies.

Teams of up to four people can register online, for $120 per team. A mandatory team captains’ meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept.

13. Its focus is on lionfish ecology, best collecting tools, safe handling and techniques, permits and regulations; all team members are encouraged to attend.

Derby participants can hunt from sunrise to sunset Saturday, Sept. 14 and sunrise to 1 p.m. on Sunday,

Sept. 15, collecting lionfish by netting or spearing while on SCUBA, snorkeling or free diving, following all federal and state fishing regulations. Participants can dive from a private vessel or with a professional dive operator.

Islamorada Dive Center is offering a lionfish hunting charter the weekend of the derby for teams that wish to participate but don’t have a boat. Fishing location is not limited.

All fish are to be turned into the scoring station by 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Tiki Bar at Postcard Inn Resort and Marina, MM 84, oceanside.

Games, crafts, raffle prizes, team scoring, live music and other activities are open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. REEF staff will offer lionfish fillet and dissection demonstrations and local Postcard Inn chefs will provide cooking demonstrations and tastings.

Local non-profits as well as conservation and environmental minded artisanal vendors are invited to participate in the festival with a 10-by-10 foot booth space. Booth space is still available but is filling up fast and will close Tuesday, Aug. 20. The vendor application can be found by visiting REEF.org/upper-keys-lionfish-festivalvendor-application Team awards will follow scoring, at about 3:30 p.m.

Event donors include Postcard Inn Resort and Marina, Whole Foods Market, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Ocean Reef Conservation Association, Sharkey’s Pub and Galley and Keys Weekly.

More information is at REEF. org/2019-lionfish-derby-series or 305852-0030.

— Contributed

Monroe County recently received a $40,000 Resilient Coastline Program grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The grant was awarded for the purpose of updating and streamlining the county’s land development code to comply with the “peril of flood” statute.

The county also received an additional $40,000 Community Planning Technical Assistance grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. This funding will be used to update the county’s Stormwater Management Manual and Layman’s Brochure.

The grants allow Monroe County to update codes to reflect the best practices for floodplain management and resilience to protect environmentally sensitive areas. The update will also include sea level rise data that wasn’t available in 2016, when the county’s comprehensive plan was adopted.

“This is a move forward in recognizing sea level rise impacts and incorporating the data we recently collected to form new or modify our current policy,” said Michael Roberts, senior administrator of environmental resources. “This allows the county to bring new data into our policy to address potential risks and see where we have gaps that need to be filled in.”

A state law requires consideration of future flood risk from storm surge and sea-level rise in certain portions of local government comprehensive plans, including sea-level rise as one of the causes of flood risk that must be addressed in the redevelopment principles, strategies, and engineering solutions to reduce flood risk.

— Contributed

27

28

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

4

FLOATING AND FLYING Sundance Watersports introduces SNUBA diving

S

1 2

3

undance Watersports, located at Robbie's Marina in Islamorada, recently added SNUBA diving to their menu of water adventures guests can enjoy. SNUBA allows you to breathe underwater through a hookah hose attached to an air tank on a floating sleigh at the surface. The sleigh and air follow you around as you swim through the reefs. You can dive up to 20 feet beneath the surface unrestricted by traditional SCUBA equipment to come face-to-face with sea turtles, fish, rays and coral reefs.

Kids as young as 8 years old can enjoy the sport, which requires less time and money than SCUBA diving. Sundance Watersports is currently the only operator in the Upper Keys certified to offer SNUBA. Matt Cabell, a SNUBA guide at Sundance Watersports, describes the experience: "Once you get underwater, you're not floating and you're not sinking. It's like flying; it's awesome."

— Weekly staff report

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 1. Cody and Taylor Hamm, from north of Houston, Texas, came to the Upper Keys on vacation in search of a "sportier" experience of the Keys than Key West could offer. Here, the Hamms are kitted up in their SNUBA harnesses.

Taylor loves SNUBA, saying "It's a bummer to have to snorkel after that. You just experience so much more of the ocean this way."

2. Kevin and Graham Nichols stand ready to jump in with their SNUBA harnesses. Kevin loves the ease of the sport. “Anybody can do it. Diving is more hardcore.

Here, you just go out and you won’t die. I always felt safe.”

3. Matt Cabell, of Sundance Watersports, shows the proper way to don a SNUBA harness. Cabell helped launch the SNUBA services at Sundance Watersports in March 2019 and describes it as an “untapped market.” He says, “For Discover Scuba Diving, it takes a whole day — books, pool, etc.

SNUBA is less time, less money. I give you the basics and even go diving with you.”

4. Graham Nichols, 14, from South Carolina, floats effortlessly above massive mounding corals at Cheeca Rocks Reef. Graham describes the SNUBA experience as "so calm and so peaceful."

WILDLIFE

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

29

OPEN FOR LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK! 11AM – 10PM DAILY

VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR 10 YEARS IN A ROW & BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE!

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

DPMMR rescuers meet the SeaWorld rescue team halfway to transfer two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins rescued off the shallow waters of Siesta Key in late July. CONTRIBUTED

ON THE COMEBACK Dolphins rescued locally progressing at SeaWorld

SATURDAY & SUNDAY Regular Menu Available and

BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas and Glasses of Champagne 11am - 4pm

SUNDAY NIGHT!

NIGHTLY SPECIALS Monday: Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE Music with Roger Jokela Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) LIVE Music with Ty Thurman Thursday: LIVE Music with Bartus Friday: Start of the WEEKEND LIVE Music with Abstract Radio

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Saturday: Mini Brunch / BOGO Mimosas LIVE Music with Roger Jokela

DAILY SPECIALS

Sunday: FUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH & BOGO Mimosas Spaghetti & Meatballs Night

Happy Hour 4-6pm

T

wo Atlantic bottlenose dolphins rescued off the shallow waters of Fiesta Key Campground in late July were still in guarded condition as of last week, but rescuers are optimistic that they’ll return to the ocean soon.

On July 26, Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder rescuers were called to MM 70 for a report that two dolphins were stranded and struggling on their sides. Both dolphins were in desperate need of assistance as they couldn’t stay upright.

With DPMMR crew and medical staff responding, the dolphins were rescued from the waters. From there they were taken to a long-term rehabilitation in SeaWorld for a full recovery.

Last week, SeaWorld discussed the rescue and provided an update via Facebook. Nic Ricci, SeaWorld rescue team member, said SeaWorld staff is on call 24/7, and at the drop of a hat, the team made their way south from their headquarters to meet DPMMR rescuers halfway with the dolphins.

“To expedite these dolphins to a critical care facility, DPMMR began driving up from the south part of Florida and the team from SeaWorld drove from central Florida. We moved the dolphins from the Dolphins Plus vehicle into the SeaWorld rescue van to get the dolphins to Orlando,” he said.

Ricci said the ultimate goal is to get the dolphins back into the Florida Keys waters. That depends on both the success of the rehabilitation and the National Marine Fisheries Services, which determines if an animal is ready for release.

If it weren’t for SeaWorld, the dolphins would have been euthanized. DPMMR is grateful for the partnership in the rescue and the willingness to support the dolphins’ rehabilitation.

DPMMR is trying to bring a long-term rehabilitation facility to the area. With a 2-acre plot secured in Key Largo, DPMMR is now working to raise funds to bring a hospital to fruition.

Those interested in helping can visit www.dpmmr.org to make an online donation, or mail a contribution to DPMMR: 31 Corrine Place, Key Largo, FL.

We w cook yoilul r catch and lob, sfitsh er.

Please

bri cleaned & ng legal.

www.sparkyslanding.com 305-363-2959 MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Holiday Inn Express

30

COOL STUFF

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING

GO | TACO BELL HOTEL It’s too late for us, but not hundreds of others who were able to experience the “Taco Bell hotel” in Palm Springs last week. The pop-up experience took place at the V Palm Springs resort in California, which was decked out in Taco Bell paraphernalia, décor and fancy robes, merch for sale, and of course Crunchwrap-like snacks for all the guests. Reservations sold out in minutes, and were apparently announced over the fast food giant’s email blast … so, sign up.

TOP 10 SCHOOL SUPPLIES KIDS SHOULDN’T HAVE It’s back-to-school time in the Keys, and while all of the diligent parents are out getting new pencils, backpacks and notebooks, we couldn’t help but consider what we shouldn’t be sending to school with our little darlings. Just in case you’re tired of buying the same old three-ring binders, we offer our:

10. A “Just Say No” button.

9. Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Football cheat sheet.

8. An iPad to play Fortnite.

7. Gorilla Glue.

6. Pack of Marboros and leather jacket Danny Zuko.

5. A doctor's note that reads, “flesh-eating bacteria is mostly cured.”

LISTEN | NF It made the national news this month when rapper NF released his newest album “Search.” He stands apart from other rappers by his subject choice, and in the titlesong he seems to be rapping about topics like depression, anxiety and stress — “OCD tryna push my buttons / I said don’t touch it.” Although he’s been labeled a Christian rapper, he downplays the label, saying in an interview: “If I was a plumber and Christian, would I be called a Christian plumber?”

4. A can of White Claw.

3. The Mueller Report Cliff Notes.

2. An apple for their new teacher with a note saying "Never had a grade below an A- before so..."

1. Some dice and a stack of dollar bills.

WATCH | THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME Now streaming is a great girls’ “buddy” movie starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon. Although the critics panned it (49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) there are some very funny moments. McKinnon is the surprise star with her character (Morgan) who aspires to be an actress, then international operative who is so wholesomely supportive of her best friend Audrey (Kunis). Morgan’s parents are played expertly by Jane Curtin and Paul Reiser. Streaming now on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

DON’T GET CUT OFF THIS HURRICANE SEASON

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

Your place for family fun since 1976 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

DID YOU KNOW? You can finance home repairs into a mortgage loan

Just like the HGTV show “Fixer Upper�, you can use a renovation loan to refinance or purchase a home that needs repairs.

The renovation money is included in the loan.

It’s easy to qualify and your home’s value will increase. So what are you waiting for?

Tewes Mortgage NMLS #1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

We can help!

Call us today Tewes Mortgage 305-453-6476 FREE consultation www.TewesMortgage.com

Come join us at mm 77.5

305 664-8070

learn more @

robbies.com

 Â? Â? Â

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.

32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 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 Aug 15 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM Fri Aug 16 Happy Dog 6-10PM Sat Aug 17 Micah 11AM-3PM Brothers of Others 6-10PM Sun Aug 18 Webb & Davidson 6-10PM

The only locally owned and operated newspaper covering the Upper Keys.

We all work here, live here, volunteer here and our office is in Tavernier!

Mon Aug 19 The Carousers 6-10PM

305-664-2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

Tues Aug 20 Dennis Holmes 6-10PM Wed Aug 21 Billy Davidson 6-10PM

Friday Aug. 23th 7-9pm

Test your random knowledge for fun prizes! FREE!!

Groups up to 6 people.

81611 Old Hwy Islamorada MM81.6 FREE ESTIMATES CALL US TODAY! 305.896.3599

PRECISION PAVERS

Our staff is actively involved with: Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset Upper Keys Rotary Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation TDC, DAC V We support many community events & organizations like: The Key Largo Bridge Run Light Up Key Largo Marrvelous Pet Rescue Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Habitat For Humanity of the Upper Keys Keys History and Discovery Center History of Diving Museum Autism Society of the Keys Uncorked Food and Wine Festival Key Largo’s Original Music Festival The Good Health Clinic 4th Of July Fireworks Dolphin’s Plus Marine Mammal Responder Coral Reef Restoration Foundation Reef.org Florida Bay Forever FIU Mote Marine Lab Florida Keys Wild Bird Center Every dollar spent stays in Monroe County to employ local writers, editors, account managers, designers, and freelancers. Not to mention the not for profits and civic clubs we support!

BRICK PATIOS | RETAINING WALLS | DRIVEWAYS | POOL DECKS | CLEAN AND SEAL License #Sp3102

91760 O/S Highway, Tavernier • (305) 363-2957

33

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FEEL BETTER WITH BLAIR, located at 5800 OVERSEAS HWY, SUITE 23, MARATHON, FL 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: AMELIA’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT, INC. Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

5TETU62N37Z323126 2007 TOYOTA Publish: August 8 & 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 13th day of August, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

located in the Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213, Key West, Florida.

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

Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

agency decision; (d) A statement of all disputed issues of material fact. If there are none, the petition must so indicate; (e) A concise statement of the ultimate facts alleged, including the specific facts that the petitioner contends warrant reversal or modification of the agency’s proposed action; (f) A statement of the specific rules or statutes that the petitioner contends require reversal or modification of the agency’s proposed action, including an explanation of how the alleged facts relate to the specific rules or statutes; and (g) A statement of the relief sought by the petitioner, stating precisely the action that the petitioner wishes the agency to take with respect to the agency’s proposed action.

The petition must be filed (received by the Clerk) in the Office of General Counsel of the Department at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000. Also, a copy of the petition shall be mailed to the applicant at the address indicated above at the time of filing.

In accordance with Rule 62110.106(3), F.A.C., petitions for an administrative hearing by the applicant must be filed within 21 days of receipt of this written notice. Petitions filed by any persons other than the applicant, and other than those entitled to written notice under Section 120.60(3), F.S., must be filed within 21 days of publication of the notice or within 21 days of receipt of the written notice, whichever occurs first. Under Section 120.60(3), F.S., however, any person who has asked the Department for notice of agency action may file a petition within 21 days of receipt of such notice, regardless of the date of publication. The failure to file a petition within the appropriate time period shall constitute a waiver of that person’s right to request an administrative determination (hearing) under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., or to intervene in this proceeding and participate as a party to it. Any subsequent intervention (in a proceeding initiated by another party) will be only at the discretion of the presiding officer upon the filing of a motion in compliance with Rule 28-106.205, F.A.C. Under Rule 62-110.106(4), F.A.C., a person whose substantial interests are affected by the Department’s action may also request an extension of time to file a petition for an administrative hearing. The Department may, for good cause shown, grant the request for an extension of time.

Requests for extension of time must be filed with the Office of General Counsel of the Department at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000, before the applicable deadline for filing a petition for an administrative hearing. A timely request for extension of time shall toll the running of the time period for filing a petition until the request is acted upon.

Mediation is not available in this proceeding.

The applicant, or any party within the meaning of Section 373.114(1)(a) or 373.4275, F.S., may also seek appellate review of this order before the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission under Section 373.114(1) or 373.4275, F.S. Requests for review before the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission must be filed with the Secretary of the Commission and served on the Department within 20 days from the date when this order is filed with the Clerk of the Department.

Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

(g) A statement of the relief sought by the petitioner, stating precisely the action that the petitioner wishes the agency to take with respect to the agency’s proposed action.

The petition must be filed (received by the Clerk) in the Office of General Counsel of the Department at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida 323993000. Also, a copy of the petition shall be mailed to the applicant at the address indicated above at the time of filing.

In accordance with rule 62-110.106(3) of the Florida Administrative Code, petitions for an administrative hearing must be filed within 21 days of publication of this notice or receipt of written notice, whichever occurs first. However, any person who has previously asked the Department for notice of this agency action may file a petition within 21 days of receipt of such notice, regardless of the date of publication. The failure to file a petition within the appropriate time period shall constitute a waiver of that person’s right to request an administrative determination (hearing) under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., or to intervene in this proceeding and participate as a party to it.

A person whose substantial interests are affected by the Department’s action may also request an extension of time to file a petition for an administrative hearing.

The Department may, for good cause shown, grant the request for an extension of time. Requests for extension of time must be filed with the Office of General Counsel of the Department at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 35, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000, before the applicable deadline for filing a petition for an administrative hearing.

A timely request for extension of time shall toll the running of the time period for filing a petition until the request is acted upon.

Mediation is not available in this proceeding.

On the filing of a timely and sufficient petition, this action will not be final and effective until further order of the Department.

Because the administrative hearing process is designed to formulate final agency action, this process may result in a modification of the agency action or even a denial of the request for a variance or waiver.

A copy of the Order may be obtained by contacting: Katie Teyshak, South District Marathon Office, Department of Environmental Protection, 2796 Overseas Highway Suite 221, Marathon, Florida 33050; (305) 289-7070; Katie.

Teyshak@FloridaDEP. gov or SouthDistrict@ Floridadep.gov during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FLAT OUT SPORTFISHING, located at 138 GULFWINDS LANE, MARATHON, FL 33050, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: DIEGO L. CORDOVA Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Bayside Marina LLC gives notice of the intent to sell or dispose of the following abandoned vessel on September 27, 2019, 11:00 am at Bayside Marina, 86550 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 328.17, Bayside Marina LLC reserves the right to remove vessel from auction prior to auction date. Bayside Marina LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ or all bids.

Owner: MICHAEL ALAN BIGELOW HIN#: KWEBC569D000 Florida Registration#: FL8303LH Vessel: 2000 KEY WEST Publish: August 8 & 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on August 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: Al Mitzel Unit #1450 $1,021.54 Ernesto Pernett Unit #1154 $701.51 Crystal Whitmer Unit #1655 $2,336.91 Publish: August 8 & 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/31/2019, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/27/2019, 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.

1N4AL3AP4FN308850 2015 NISSAN Publish: August 8 & 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, that on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at 10:00 A.M., at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Monroe County, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the following: A PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING THE “HURRICANE IRMA INFRASTRUCTURE AND MITIGATION PROGRAM” The State of Florida has allocated $85 Million to the Infrastructure Repair and Mitigation Program, funded through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).

The goal of the program is to repair damage to infrastructure while mitigating against future damage to make the community more resilient.

Monroe County proposes applying for $2.5 Million to repair and elevate a portion of Father Tony Way on Big Pine Key and to install a storm water drainage system in an area of low to moderate income housing. The intent of the design is to lessen the severity of flooding and decrease predicted flood damage. The proposed application will be available for review at: http://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ infrastructurerepair Copies may be obtained at the Historic Gato Government Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida 33040, upon request.

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

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such hearings or meetings, such

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: ON-CALL AIR QUALITY TESTING AND REPORTING SERVICES MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available at the Monroe County Purchasing Office located in the Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213, Key West, Florida.

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

Publish: August 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: NON-EXCLUSIVE ONAIRPORT RENTAL CAR CONCESSION KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA There will be a mandatory pre-bid conference on Thursday, August 29, 2019, at 9:00 A.M., in the Office of the Airport Director, Key West International Airport, 3491 S. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040.

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids. com. The Public Record is available at the Monroe County Purchasing Office

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE PERMIT The Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of its intent to issue a permit to: Kings Kamp, LLLP, Captain Jax, LLLP and Black Water Sound Holdings, LLLC, 103650 & 103620 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037. The permit authorizes expansion of an existing 29-slip marina facility by constructing 6,963 square feet of access docks and finger piers to accommodate 44 additional boat slips in Florida Bay, Class III Outstanding Florida Waters.

The Department will issue the environmental resource permit unless a timely petition for an administrative proceeding is filed pursuant to the provisions of Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. On the filing of a timely and sufficient petition, this action will not be final and effective until further order of the Department.

Because the administrative hearing process is designed to formulate final agency action, the hearing process may result in a modification of the agency action or even denial of the application.

The application file is available online and can be accessed through the Department’s Information Portal at: http://prodenv. dep.state.fl.us/DepNexus/ public/electronicdocuments/ERP_352399/ gis-facility!search. If you have any questions or are experiencing difficulty viewing the electronic application, please call Katie Teyshak, South District Marathon Office, Department of Environmental Protection, 2796 Overseas Highway Suite 221, Marathon, Florida 33050; (305) 289-7070.

A person whose substantial interests are affected by the Department’s action may petition for an administrative proceeding (hearing) under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. Pursuant to Rule 28106.201, F.A.C., a petition for an administrative hearing must contain the following information: (a) The name and address of each agency affected and each agency’s file or identification number, if known; (b) The name, address, any email address, any facsimile number, and telephone number of the petitioner; the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s representative, if any, which shall be the address for service purposes during the course of the proceeding; and an explanation of how the petitioner’s substantial interests are or will be affected by the agency determination; (c) A statement of when and how the petitioner received notice of the

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE OF ORDER GRANTING WAIVER The Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of its determination pursuant to section 120.542, Florida Statutes, in File No. 44-0352399-002 to grant a waiver to Kings Kamp, LLLP, Captain Jax, LLLP and Black Water Sound Holdings, LLLC from Rule 62-312.430(8), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), in order to construct and operate a 44-slip marina with mooring locations over a seagrass bed community at 103650 & 103620 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037 (Parcel ID Nos.: 00085820-000000 & 00085760-000000), in Section 14, Township 61, Range 39 in Monroe County.

A person whose substantial interests are affected by the Department’s action may petition for an administrative proceeding (hearing) under Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S. Pursuant to Rule 28106.201, F.A.C., a petition for an administrative hearing must contain the following information: (a) The name and address of each agency affected and each agency’s file or identification number, if known; (b) The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner; the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s representative, if any, which shall be the address for service purposes during the course of the proceeding; and an explanation of how the petitioner’s substantial interests are or will be affected by the agency determination; (c) A statement of when and how the petitioner received notice of the agency decision; (d) A statement of all disputed issues of material fact. If there are none, the petition must so indicate; (e) A concise statement of the ultimate facts alleged, including the specific facts that the petitioner contends warrant reversal or modification of the agency’s proposed action; (f ) A statement of the specific rules or statutes that the petitioner contends require reversal or modification of the agency’s proposed action, including an explanation of how the alleged facts relate to the specific rules or statutes; and

34

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No: 2018-CA000490-P U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Successor in Interest to Wachovia Bank National Association, as Trustee for GSR Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-6F Plaintiff, -vs.Robert Allen Parks a/k/a Robert A. Parks a/k/a Robert Parks; Rosemary Anne Parks a/k/a Rosemary A. Parks a/k/a Rosemary Parks; IberiaBank; John Scott Hooper a/k/a J. Scott Hooper; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Successor by Merger to SouthTrust Bank; Joiner Investments Corporation; City of Islamorada, Florida; White Marlin Beach Park Association, Inc.; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants; Unknown Parties in Possession #2, If living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, or Other Claimants Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF ACTION FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS-PROPERTY TO: Joiner Investments Corporation: LAST KNOWN ADDRESS c/o John Scott Hooper, R.A., 8325 Crossland Loop, Montgomery, AL 36117 Residence unknown, if living, including any unknown spouse of the said Defendants, if either has remarried and if either or both of said Defendants are dead, their respective unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, and trustees, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant(s); and the aforementioned named Defendant(s) and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants as may be infants, incompetents or otherwise not sui juris.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage on the following real property, lying and being and situated in Monroe County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: LOT 15, BLOCK G, WHITE MARLIN BEACH, SECTION ONE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 184 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA more commonly known

as 157 Venetian Drive, Islamorada, FL 33036.

This action has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, upon SHAPIRO, FISHMAN & GACHÉ, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is 2424 North Federal Highway, Suite 360, Boca Raton, FL 33431, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice and file the original with the clerk of this Court either before September 12, 2019 service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately there after; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and Seal of this Court on the 7TH day of August, 2019.

KEVIN MADOK, CPAClerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711.

KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O’mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pouou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711.Publish: August 15 & 22, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA484-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23rd day of September, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5224, Week 32, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 30TH day of July, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (COUNT I, UNIT 5224, WEEK 32, ANNUAL) Plaintiff, VS. NANCY JEAN LEGANT, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-484-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31ST day of July, 2019.

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

Publish: August 8 and 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5613, Week 5, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 30TH day of July, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (COUNT II, UNIT 5613, WEEK 5, ANNUAL CATHLEEN A. VANIK) Plaintiff, VS. NANCY JEAN LEGANT, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-484-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31ST day of July, 2019.

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

Publish: August 8 and 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

TO COUNT(S) VI against Defendants David Joseph Rosko entered in a case pending in said Court, the 30TH day of July, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (COUNT VI, UNIT 5714, WEEK 46, ODD YEAR) Plaintiff, VS. STEPHANIE CAROL MILLER, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2018-CA-720-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 1ST day of August, 2019.

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

Publish: August 8 and 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 0359173 CUNNINGHAM MILLER PA 2975 Overseas Hwy MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-mail: RMiller@ FloridaKeysLaw.com Secondary E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: August 8 and 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-142-K Lower Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF ARTHUR MELVIN ERICKSON, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Arthur Melvin Erickson, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was April 7, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 8, 2019.

Personal Representative: Michael R. Erickson 436 Brick Circle Hudson, Wisconsin 54016 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway Marathon, FLORIDA 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-Mail: richard@ rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@rewarnerlaw. com Publish: August 8 & 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2018-CA484-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23rd day of September, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public

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

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 23rd day of September, 2019 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5714, Week 46, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REMFINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-41-M IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN C. BELKNAP, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John C. Belknap, deceased, whose date of death was January 14, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 8, 2019.

Personal Representative: Suzanne C. Martin

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-121-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD H. KOHEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RICHARD H. KOHEN, deceased, whose date of death was March 1, 2019, and whose social security number is XXX-XX-XXXX, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming St., Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 8, 2019.

Personal Representative: DAVID E. KOHEN 492 Long Run Rd. Mill Hall, PA 17751 Attorney for Personal Representative: SPENCER M. GLEDHILL, Esquire Florida Bar No. 087247 FASSETT, ANTHONY & TAYLOR, P.A. 1325 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32804 Telephone: 407-872-0200 Facsimile: 407-422-8170 Email: sgledhill@ fassettlaw.com Publish: August 8 and 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-74-P Upper Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF STUART A. MARR, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Stuart A. Marr, deceased, whose date of death was July 8,

35

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, 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 on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 8, 2019.

Personal Representative: Scott A. Marr 33250 Emerald Meadows Dr. Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway Marathon, FLORIDA 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-Mail: richard@ rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@rewarnerlaw. com Publish: August 8 & 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 8, 2019.

Signed on this 5th day of July, 2019.

Personal Representative: VICKIE MORAWSKI HARPER 16860 Driftwood Lane Sugarloaf Key, Florida 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Hallie L. Zobel Florida Bar No. 0748218 Your Caring Law Firm PLC 610 S. Maitland Ave. Maitland, FL 32751 Telephone: 407-622-1900 Email: Hallie@ YourCaringLawFirm.com Secondary Email: Janet@ YourCaringLawFirm.com Publish: August 8 and 15, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 15, 2019.

Personal Representative: Mark Chesser 104 Pirate’s Cove Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Kathleen Hendrickson Florida Bar Number: 379921 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 393-2598 E-mail: KHendrickson. atty@gmail.com Publish: August 15 and 22, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP000140-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD NELSON HARPER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DONALD NELSON HARPER, deceased, whose date of death was August 13, 2017, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP-54-M IN RE: ESTATE OF KENT C MAYNE, SR, A/K/A KENT MAYNE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Kent C Mayne, Sr, deceased, whose date of death was 15 February 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 19-DR-600-K Division: Family KERRY ANN GRAHAM JAMES, Petitioner, and GARFIELD HOWELL JAMES, Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: GARFIELD HOWELL JAMES Respondent’s last known address: 3732 PHASE 2 ROSSEAU DR, CORNWALL COURTS, ST JAMES JAMAICA 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 KERRY ANN GRAHAM JAMES, whose address is 913 A FORT STREET, APT. 104, KEY WEST, FL 33040, on or before SEPTEMBER 10, 2019, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 302 FLEMING STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

LEGAL NOTICES 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: August 6, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Calvin Joseph Deputy Clerk Publish: August 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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

AUTOS FOR SALE 2013 Chrysler Convertible - Snowbird car. Only 18k miles, original owner, located in Marathon. $7,500 Text Angie at 409-370-0025 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 4 9 - 4 2 3 - 4 7 0 9

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

Please call after 1pm (305) 743-6505 SELL YOUR BOAT HERE - Line ads start at $25/ week for 5 lines of copy!

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

SOLD!! SOLD!!

REDUCED 2000 HydraSports 230CC w/225HP Johnson. 470 hours. Many extras. Located in Big Pine Key. $10,000. 734-904-2818 SOLD

EMPLOYMENT The 16th Judicial Circuit is seeking applicants for a Full-time Court Program Specialist in Marathon.

The essential function of this position is to assist in the administration and case management of a variety of cases including, circuit and county civil, probate, juvenile, and mental health cases for the Marathon Division.

Knowledge of the legal system is required. Salary is $32,000.00 annually,

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

plus Monroe County benefits. See complete job description atwww.

Keyscourts.net. Interested applicants should submit a State of Florida Application to Personnel@Keyscourts. net or Personnel, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. State of Florida applications and complete job description can be found at www.

Keyscourts.net.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a complete background check. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation. EOE. If you need an accommodation to participate in the a p p l i c a t i o n /s e l e c t i o n process, please notify us in at advance at 305-2923423; to make call through the Florida Relay Center, you can dial 7-1-1

& trades. Send resume to admin@cbtconstruct. com 305-852-3002

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

Call 305-743-0844 today

Plumbers in Paradise is looking for Experienced Service Plumber.

Fax Resume to (305) 8530902. Apply in person at 93911 Overseas Highway, Tavernier

City of Marathon - Job Openings: Building Inspector/Plans Examiner, Code Compliance Officer, Right of Way Technician, Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee . EOE, FULL BENEFITS w w w. c i . m a r a t h o n . f l. u s

Security Guard needed Full-time in Islamorada. Must have Driver’s License.

Keys Security, Lic# B2000155.

Call 305-684-0033.

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideway NOW HIRING: DOCK HAND with mechanic abilities.

Great starting pay. Drop off or mail application to: 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Or email: captpips@aol.com Hiring Full Time Parts Manager for busy marine diesel sales & repair shop in Marathon. Must be detailed oriented, organized and a team player. Will be willing to train the qualified applicant.

Florida Keys Diesel Repair, Inc. 531 107th Street, Marathon 305-289-2070 Marathon Seawalls and Docks looking for Laborers w/CDL License. Please come to 210 20th Street to fill out application. 305-289-9393 Help wanted - Big Time Bait and Tackle competitive wages and working 30-40 hrs a week.

Contact manager Erich Yankovich 239-910-0878 Construction Supervisor needed in Upper Keys- Must have ability to schedule & organize multiple people

Experienced Carpenters needed in Upper Keys. Must have valid Driver’s License, Tools & Transportation.

3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 3 0 0 2 IMMEDIATELY HIRING: Hideaway Cafe on Grassy Key: Food Runner, Busser, Dishwasher & Prep. Call for appointment 305-2891554.

Experienced Diesel Technician wanted.

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

Opportunity for growth and training available for qualified applicants.

Florida Keys Diesel Repair, 531 107th Street, Marathon. 305-289-2070

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

HIRED IN LESS THAN FIVE WEEKS! Looking for Crew Man for Lobster boat in Marathon area. Experience preferred.

Call after 5pm 305-2890792 and leave a message.

HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOMES FOR RENT Long-term rental available in Marathon August 1st.

1BR/1BA unfurnished 1/2 Duplex. $1,500/month + utilities.

F/L/S 305-481-6887

BIKE REPAIR NEEDED. Regular maintenance for 8 spin bikes in Marathon. $$. Call 305-775-9909.

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

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

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.

Furnished Room & Bath for rent in Marathon.

Available now. Full size bed. For Single Person Only. W/D, WIFI, Cable.

Shared living rm & kitchen.

No Alcohol/Drugs. $1000/ month incl. all util. $500 Security 305-850-9259 rlmcnavy59@gmail.com RENTED IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!

Landscaping company seeking full-time laborers in Marathon.

Call 305-395-8294 Key Colony Inn NOW HIRING AM/PM SERVERS. Apply in person: 700 Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL or call for details: (305) 743-0100 SWEET SAVANNAH’S is now hiring for Afternoon and Evening shifts. Please apply in person 8919 Overseas Hwy. Marathon Experienced Help Only needed for all positions.

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

Marathon

OFFICE SPACE Small office space available for rent. On U.S. 1 in Tavernier.

Conveniently located to everything. 305-394-0530

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

305-942-0789 RV Large Lot for Rent in Marathon. Includes 30 ft dock, $1,400/month + util. Key RV, 6099 Overseas Hwy #15-E. 760-5657210 or 760-574-4915

36

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

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

Dolphin Research Center currently has an exciting career opportunity for a full-time position in the Accounting Department. Reports directly to senior mgmt, position is responsible for accuracy, integrity & timeliness of organization’s financial & accounting records, reporting & disclosure. Duties include preparation of monthly & year-end financial statements & analysis, cash mgmt, budgeting/forecasting, capital budgeting/depreciation, & mgmt reporting. Position supervises a staff, is directly responsible for A/P & A/R,, Bank Reconciliations & Payroll. Successful candidate will be a hands-on self-starter able to work effectively in team-oriented environment & familiar w/all aspects of general accounting, & financial reporting & analysis. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting & 5 - 8 yrs related exp (or equivalent exp) is required. Knowledge of MAS200 preferred. CPA and/or non-profit experience a plus. Should have experience in management with good people skills. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation and paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume with salary requirements to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

Shell World Key Largo, seeking engaging, dependable, experienced person(s) to work with the team at Mile Marker 97.5, Full-time and part-time opportunities available, some weekend and evening hours. Opportunities for advancement, great benefits, competitive salary and flexible hours.

Please stop by and fill out application or Fax resume to 305-852-9639.

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

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

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

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist Care Coordinator Case Manager Crisis Counselor Prevention Specialist

MARATHON

RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) Peer Specialist Maintenance Specialist CDL Driver (base location flexible) Crisis Counselor Night Monitor (free housing!)

Personal Growth Center Counselor Behavioral Health Therapist

KEY LARGO

Community Action Team Leader (base location flexible) Background and drug screen req.

GREAT BENEFITS! Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com EEOC/DFWP

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

Education Registration and Enrollment Specialist Full-Time/Permanent

The Education Registration & Enrollment Specialist is involved from beginning to end with every group, individual student and/or parent who attends DRC Education programs, including on the phone or emailing, describing & promoting the programs, scheduling & registering students. Responsible for clerical responsibilities related to DRC’s Education department and assist with some administrative tasks for Dolphin Research Center Training Institute. Job description available at: www.dolphins.org. E-mail your resume and a DRC application to: drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop

NOW HIRING DOCK HAND

With Mechanic Abilities•Great Starting Pay Drop off or mail application to:

1480 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050 Or email: captpips@aol.com

SUDOKU

JOIN OUR TEAM! Now Hiring in Key West Branch Manager III & Full-Time Teller

Apply at www.my100bank.com/careers EEO/AA/M/F/D/V Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

Server/Bartender (WILL TRAIN)

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

is now hiring for Afternoon & Evening Shifts.

Please Apply In Person 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

SOLUTION

37

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

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

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING!

• FT Reservations Agent • FT Accounts Payable/Cashier • PT Front Desk Agent • FT Banquet Coordinator • FT Sous Chef • PT Bell/Valet Associate 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

NOW HIRING Full Time Aquarist

For more information, please email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com or call 305-407-3260.

Full or Part Time Guest Services

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

Full or Part Time Dive Instructor

NOW HIRING

HOW TO APPLY: Go to mytomthumb.com or call Cleveland (786) 295-5307.

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

Today’s the Day!

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

EOE/m/f/d/v

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

EOE m/f/d/v

JOB OPENINGS

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).

Please apply in person at

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

Apply in person at 1996 Overseas Highway or online at www.spottswood.com

$15 per hour to start

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

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

Excellent Benefit Package

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations

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.

Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

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

SCAN FOR JOB

Apply on line at Spottswood.com/careers

38

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And 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

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

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

39

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Immediate Availability!

Licensed and Insured License #CGC1516588

Services:

- Demolitions - Pylon Installation - Sheet Driving - Hurricane Repair

- Dock and Pier Construction - Dredging - Shoreline Repair and Reconstruction - Commercial & Residential - Army Corps. & FDEP Permitting Services Offered VISIT US ONLINE TO LEARN MORE!

WWW.LPSUTILITIES-INC.COM

Call or Email Us Today for Your Free Estimate!

305-240-9882 info@lps-contracting.com

40

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 15, 2019

Now Open lslander Resort

Fine Dining Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 5pm-10pm

82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

305.664.2031

Reservations Recommended