Upper Keys Weekly –12/26/19

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

The real estate team you choose to represent your property should be as exceptional as you are, and your next journey.

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From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy New Year!

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MONROE COUNTY

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK That’s the number of new species uncovered this year, according to the California Academy of Sciences. In total, 17 fish, 15 geckos, eight flowering plants, six sea slugs, five arachnids, four eels, three ants, three skinks, two skates, two wasps, two mosses, two corals, and two lizards were discovered across five continents and three oceans.

ON THE COVER The sun sets on the 2019 year.

Bring on 2020. The Upper Keys Weekly Office will be closed on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Cover: IRENE DE BRUIJN/Keys Weekly

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

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Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Account Executives

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Staff Writers

Tiffany Duong tiffany@keysweekly.com Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

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

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News Deadline

Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

During Hurricane Irma, Monroe County’s Emergency Operations Center was located at the Marathon Government Center BOCC Chambers until they had to evacuate to Ocean Reef. The new EOC building is designed to withstand 10,000-year storms, allowing EOC operations to remain in Marathon. CAMMY CLARK/Contributed

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE County to build EOC to survive ‘10,000-year storm’ TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

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limate change, sea level rise and the future of the Keys were hot-button topics at the last BOCC meeting of the year. The recent Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit in Key West was still fresh in everyone’s mind, including the new sea level projections of 10 to 17 inches near Key West by 2040 and 21 to 40 inches by 2070.

While the summit created a heightened awareness of the precarious position a chain of islands on porous coral rock can find itself in, more importantly, it catalyzed targeted climate adaptation measures to ensure the future of the Keys remains solid.

Municipalities in the Keys are already preparing for this “new normal,” proactively raising roads, installing injection wells, and im-

proving stormwater plans. The county also adopted this mitigation and adaptation mindset a few years ago.

The county built the Stock Island Fire Station and the Marathon library with an extra 2 feet of elevation over the code requirement, said Rhonda Haag, the county’s chief resiliency officer.

“We wanted to make sure the fire station and the library wouldn’t get wet.”

Haag confirmed that the county is doing the same preemptive elevation for all new buildings. “It doesn’t cost that much extra when you’re building a new building to elevate up front – just some additional concrete. But, if you wait and try to elevate it after it’s built, it’s too late and much more expensive,” she said.

With all that in mind, the BOCC set the tone at its December meeting about sea level rise. Commissioner Michelle Coldiron acknowledged the

new reality in the Keys. She said, “I think we’re finally beyond the fingerpointing. We can’t stop this water, so let’s accommodate it.”

The commissioners all agreed that retrofits to old infrastructure and construction of new county buildings needed to keep the new sea level projections in mind. Talking about the life expectancy of new buildings, county administrator Roman Gastesi similarly said, “If you’re building a building that is expected to have a 50-year lifespan, you should make sure it can withstand the conditions that we’re expecting in 50 years.”

Coldiron asked if the new, yet-tobe-built Emergency Operation Center would also be elevated.

“The EOC is a unique animal,” said assistant county administrator Kevin Wilson. “It’s being designed for a 10,000-year storm with storm surges.

As sea level rises, you can anticipate 10,000-year storms to become worse, but we’re building for that.”

Commissioner David Rice agreed that elevations and solar should be the goal for future county construction but also brought up competing priorities in the present. Citing the tremendous fiscal challenges of such an ambitious adaptation strategy, he said, “This is gonna be on the backs of all of us to pay for.”

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

• TAX TALK • TAG TALK •

JANUARY

• Taxes paid in January will receive a 2% discount. As of December 16, 2019 the current tax roll is 74% collected. The total collected at that time was $219,082,251.53.

• The Monroe County Tax Collector’s office will be closed Wednesday, January 1, 2020 New Years’ Day and Monday, January 20, 2020 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Reminder Mobile Homes expired on December 31st come in and renew your decal.

• NOTE: A Business Tax Receipt is Required for ALL Rental Units, Regardless of the Length of Time for Each Rental.

• Remain Anonymous Report ILLEGAL Vacation Rentals email mail@monroetaxcollector.com or call 1-855-422-4540

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ENVIRONMENT

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

RESTORATION BLUEPRINT Stakeholders weigh in on Sanctuary proposal NOAA’s Restoration Blueprint was introduced at the Sanctuary Advisory Council’s meeting in August, and the community has been buzzing about it since.

The proposal seeks to balance the need to bring our marine environments back to health while still promoting the economies and industries depending on those resources.

Four alternatives were presented, but constituents were invited to comment upon as much or as little of the proposals as they wanted – whether that be a specific reef, certain regulations, or an entire alternative. Alternative 3, the sanctuary’s preferred plan, would result in major changes in terms of expanded boundaries, additional zoning, tighter regulation and a new management plan.

Keys Weekly spoke with environmentalists and stakeholders in affected industries about NOAA’s Restoration Blueprint.

Here’s what the community has to say:

The Re print storation is Blue florid availabl e at akey s.noa blue pr a publ int. NOA .gov/ ic co A is t mme aking prop nt o 31, 2 sals thro on the ugh 020.

Jan Co may be su mment . s bmit at ww te w.re gulat d online (doc ke io NOS t numbe ns.gov -201 r NO 9-00 94). AA-

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

‘Fix the water, protect the habitat and pass on a pristine Florida Keys to future generations’ As a Florida Bay fishing guide, my initial reaction to the proposal of more regulation and potential closures is a resounding “NO!” However, I am also very aware of the direct relationship between healthy habitat and healthy fisheries. Even the newest of guides inherently understand this fact. Traversing the state recently, I found a direct connection between fish stocks and healthy habitat. Even common core math points to the obvious. Where habitat thrived, so did fisheries. Where habitat loss is present, so is the decline of all associated industry.

Hotels sell few beds if the water is unsafe to swim in and guides sell few days if the marine habitat doesn’t support the world-class fish it once did.

We must protect marine habitat, without restricting access to the fishing zones that make the Florida Keys the fishing capital of the world. This is an extremely important point to understand. With increased fishing pressure, limiting access to key areas only drives even more pressure to those that remain. The fishing industry is a small world and word travels fast. If the Keys were marked as having high pressure zones, traveling fishermen simply go elsewhere.

Everglades restoration plays a much larger role in restoring habitat and clean water in Florida Bay than any new regulation ever could. If regulation had any bearing on protecting habitat from bad water, Snake Bite in Florida Bay would still be pristine. After all, it has been over-regulated by access limitations since 2011 and still suffered immensely during the hyper-salinity habitat loss event of 2015. Yet, Everglades restoration is barely mentioned in the blueprint.

They are not mutually exclusive, however. The blueprint, if done in consideration of all parties, has the potential to be an excellent complement to Everglades restoration efforts. Fix the water, protect the habitat and pass on a pristine Florida Keys to future generations.

I strongly encourage the FKNMS to listen closely to the LKGA, FKFGA and all professional guide input with regard to closures and running zones. Protecting access to the fishing zones that make the Florida Keys famous is extremely important.

I strongly encourage the FKNMS to acknowledge the importance of Everglades restoration and the critical role clean water plays in habitat restoration.

I strongly encourage the FKNMS to continue to work with the entire community to educate, promote stewardship and find common ground.

Captain Benny Blanco Florida Bay fishing guide President, Everglades Guides Association

Captain Benny Blanco is a veteran Florida Bay fishing guide, president of the Everglades Guides Association and host of Guiding Flow TV. He attended Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in environmental engineering, and has spent most of his adult life in Everglades National Park.

His TV show, Guiding Flow TV is the only conservation-based fishing show of its kind. He is a leader among Florida’s outdoor recreational community and a true champion of Everglades restoration.

MONROE COUNTY

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

THE SAGA CONTINUES… 1,300 appeal finished, awaiting decision

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f push came to shove during a hurricane, could we all get out on time? What if there were more people to evacuate? That was the initial question at the administrative appeal case over 1,300 building permits for workforce housing.

In May 2018, as a response to Irma and the shortage of workforce housing, then-Gov. Rick Scott directed the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to allocate 1,300 new permits to local governments to address the dire lack of workforce housing in the Keys.

Marathon, Key West and Islamorada all accepted their maximum 300 permits allocation and began to amend their comprehensive plans to allow for the additional units.

In November 2018, three residents independently challenged these decisions. The challenges were bundled into one hearing, which took place in Marathon last week.

Statewide, building permits are limited by ROGO to ensure timely evacuation, said George Garrett, the City of Marathon planning director. A 2012 hurricane evacuation study estimated that it would take 17.5 hours to evacuate visitors during Phase 1 preceding a hurricane and 17.5 hours to evacuate permanent residents during Phase 2.

Florida statutes require safe evacuation of visitors and residents within 24 hours each, so 48 hours total. The gaps between the 17.5-hour estimates and the 24-hour statutory requirements justified the DEO’s issuance of the 1,300 additional permits. Garrett said, “They estimated it would take about 17.5 hours to evacuate everyone in the Keys.

The statutory requirement is 24 hours, so 6.5 hours leeway equates to additional cars on the roads, which equates to additional housing being allocated.”

The municipalities even contemplated placing deed restrictions on the new permits, requiring residents and tenants to evacuate during Phase 1 (generally for visitors) instead of Phase 2 (generally for permanent residents) to ease the burden on the roads during an emergency.

Garrett explained how the face of the administrative challenge was all about the timing of this safe evacuation.

Asking permanent residents to evacuate during Phase 1 instead of Phase 2 “cheated” statutory requirements, the petitioners argued. Garrett disagreed. He said, “Ok, so you’re going to tell me, even if we have to evacuate our permanent population safely, I’m prohibited from telling people to leave early?” Garrett noted that Marathon already asks some permanent residents living in low-lying homes to leave early, and has since the 2012 study.

As the hearing wore on, it became clear that there were more than hurricanes on people’s minds. Because the Keys are an Area of Critical State Concern, changes to

comprehensive plans are reviewed against the principles of environmental capacity, water quality and habitat protection, Garrett said. Petitioners argued that the Keys are at, or beyond, their carrying capacity and that the additional housing permits should be denied.

The additional arguments forced Marathon city attorney David Migut to request an increased ceiling on legal fees, up to $350,000, from the city council. “I hope the fees don’t get that high,” said Migut. “Now we’re at or slightly above $200,000, but they’ve made more arguments, and we have to address those.” Garrett agreed, “We did not anticipate the case going the way it has gone. I don’t know if they did, either. We probably spent more time dealing with water quality stuff in hearings last week than we did with other aspects, like actual hurricane evacuation.”

Garrett said the core issue is the lack of workforce housing in the Keys. He said, “At this point, we have very limited additional workforce housing allocations and we have a significant workforce housing deficit.”

This dearth is what prompted the issuance of the 1,300 permits in the first place and motivates the municipalities’ argument. While hurricane evacuation, water quality and carrying capacity must be considered, the cities argued that each of their decisions to accept their 300 units was not only legal, but necessary in order to keep workers in local businesses. Garrett said, “It really is a workforce issue, and at that point, it becomes an issue of sustaining the economy.”

Now that the hearing is finished, the 15,000-odd pages of evidence will be analyzed along with court transcripts.

The next steps are receipt of the final transcript within 30 days. Then, both parties will have 30 days to propose their recommended order to the judge. She can utilize one, both, a combination, or none of the recommendations in issuing her recommended order to the DEO. Finally, the secretary of the DEO will issue a final order. Garrett expects that to come in April 2020.

Garrett noted that, if successful, Marathon was eager and ready to utilize their allotment. “We cannot issue building rights if we don’t have permits. So, the developers are sitting there waiting.” Marathon has approximately 220 units that have already been approved for site planning and that are ready to be developed. All that’s needed to start building is a building allocation.

The BOCC is waiting to see the outcome of the administrative appeal before accepting the county’s 300 on behalf of unincorporated Monroe. Smaller municipalities like Key Colony Beach and Layton received a combined 100 units.

If this outcome is appealed as a matter of law, the 1st District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee will have to hear the case.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019 BRIEFLY Masquerade ball planned for New Year’s Eve

Lower Matecumbe Mermaids and friends recently raised more than $12,000 for Voices for Florida Keys Children, a nonprofit organization, during its holiday-themed party on Dec. 7. CONTRIBUTED

MERMAIDS AND FRIENDS RAISE FUNDS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN

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ixty women of the Lower Matecumbe Mermaids and friends raised more than $12,000 during its “HO HO HO Down” themed party on Dec. 7. Funds go to support Voices for Florida Keys Children, a nonprofit organization that contributes to the lives of more than 300 Monroe County children.

The Lower Matecumbe Mermaids started as a small group of about 10 ladies over eight years ago who just wanted to give back during the holiday season. The group originally gave to Hospice of the Florida Keys. When Hospice went out of business, the donors moved to Voices for Florida Keys Children and have given to them annually ever since. In July, the

group has a Christmas in July party and has given to other organizations like the Upper Keys Humane Society and the Veterans group: The Long Walk Home.

Voices is an all-volunteer organization, with 25 volunteer board members, and over 500 in the general membership. Voices is dedicated to bettering the lives of underprivileged, abandoned, abused, and neglected children of Monroe County. It helps with scholarships, health/medical visits, dental visits, clothing, summer camps, tutoring, and counseling needs of children in the guardian ad litem program.

— Contributed

Ring in the New Year Fin and Juice style at its New Year’s Eve masquerade ball. Meet on the red carpet and enjoy aerial dancers, DJ, bites by Chef Drew and the ball drop. There will be Bottega champagne specials and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

The party starts at 8:30 p.m. and winds down at 12:30 a.m. Black tie formal and masquerade mask required. Tickets are limited spots may be reserved at 305-741-7855 or finandjuice@yahoo. com. Tickets are $65 in advance or $75 at the door, if available. Fin and Juice is located inside Mangrove Marina, 200 Florida Ave., in Tavernier.

Let’s Glow Into 2020

Post Office at Planter. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

POST OFFICE ROBBERY Upper Keys History

BRAD BERTELLI

www.keysweekly.com

Glow into the 2020 year with a family-friendly New Year’s celebration and movie under the stars on Saturday, Dec. 28 at Founders Park. The celebration and glow party kicks off at 6 p.m., with the movie show time set for 7:15 p.m. with the feature presentation of “Abominable.” Face painting, glow party, pizza, giveaways and more. The event is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department and Islamorada Community Entertainment.

Free admission!

Volunteers sought for tax prep program United Way of the Florida Keys is seeking volunteers to assist with a free tax preparation program for households with limited incomes in Monroe County.

Volunteers are needed to work as IRS-certified tax prep assistants or greeters. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed as tax prep assistants, greeters or translators.

After attending a free, one day, hands-on training in early January and passing the online certification, volunteers assist at tax preparation events.

These are regularly scheduled during the weekday or evening throughout the Keys, from January to April. Volunteers’ scheduling and location are flexible. (Translators are not required to participate in the one-day training.)

Through this program, volunteers help fellow Keys residents maximize their tax return so they are better able to provide for their families, making our community more affordable. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn, grow and serve. The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is designed to assist qualified taxpayers with completion of their annual tax returns.

Planter was a small Key Largo community that grew along the Atlantic Ocean in the area of MM 92. John Wesley Johnson established the Planter Post Office on Dec. 31, 1891. At the time, it was the only post office in operation in the Florida Keys outside of Key West.

On Christmas morning of 1900, the post office was robbed of $107.

The account was reported in Jacksonville’s Florida Times Union on Feb. 6, 1901. “Some time ago the post office at Planter on Key Largo was broken open and two colored men were arrested and brought to this city by Deputy Marshall McCormick. Yesterday morning they were sentenced in the United States Court to two years each in the penitentiary at Nashville, Tenn. The names of the prisoners are William Farmer and Robert Durham…”

It was reported that the grand jury agreed the pair “did forcibly break into and enter with intent, the monies, postage stamps, goods and chattel … at one J. Wesley Johnson in said building then being, then and there feloniously to steal, take and carry away.”

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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BOOKS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

NEW YEAR’S READING RESOLUTIONS Challenge yourself by making a reading resolution: create more time for reading, try a new genre, renew your public library card, listen to an audiobook, share and donate books and, most importantly, check out these three fabulous new releases!

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

READERGIRL TIP: If you are an Amazon Prime member, you are eligible to receive a FREE Kindle book from their editors’ picks on the first of every month. Check it out; it is too good to pass up! https://www. amazon.com/firstreads

RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE

by Karma Brown

HILL WOMEN

by Cassie Chambers

MR. NOBODY

by Catherine Steadman

Alice Hale is a young woman striving for success at a high-end Manhattan publishing firm. Newly married, she has an adoring analytical husband, a nightmare boss and a top-notch best friend.

Overnight, her world comes crashing down. With her career destroyed, Nate surprises Alice with a beautiful fixer-upper in the ‘burbs and plenty of time to get pregnant and focus on writing her novel. Feeling displaced in her new home by strange noises and sensations of the original owner, Alice discovers a box in the basement filled with the life of Nellie Murdoch, a 1950s housewife. Realizing their lives contain startling similarities, Alice begins to find solace in cooking her way through Nellie’s antiquated recipes: baked Alaska, jellied salads and tuna casserole. With the help of her quirky neighbor, additional secrets are discovered in the garden and the truth for both women is shockingly revealed. Funny, twisted and startlingly original.

Cassie Chambers grew up in Owsley County, one of the most impoverished communities in the Appalachian Mountains. Her mother, Wilma, left the tobacco farm to attend a small college. Frightened leaving home, Wilma knew this was the key to a better life. Cassie was often looked after in the ramshackle home of her Granny, Papaw and Aunt Ruth.

Even though the family struggled, her days were filled with an abundance of love and hard work in the fields. Later, Cassie strove for the same accolades as her mother, good grades and an upward climb on the steep education ladder. An opportunity for a unique boarding school in New Mexico during senior year took Cassie away for the first time.

A turning point, this filled her with even more drive and determination, which served her well through the most prestigious academic institutions of Yale University and Harvard Law. Torn between two very different worlds, it took years for Cassie to understand and honor the beauty she found in these heroic mountain women. Non-fiction that reads like a novel.

A handsome man washes up on a beach in a charming coastal village in England. Dressed in wet tattered clothing, he has a bump on the back of his head and no identification. When a passerby discovers him, the police are notified and he is quickly taken to a nearby hospital. With no memory of how he ended up on the beach and, more importantly, no idea of his own name, Dr. Emma Lewis, eminent neuropsychiatrist, is called in. The man, dubbed “Mr. Nobody,” has remained mute until he meets Dr. Lewis and quietly mumbles her name. Eerily, it is her old name, one she hasn’t used in over 14 years. It is difficult enough for Emma to be back in this town her family abandoned all those years ago; she can no longer ignore the impossible coincidences and slips of information Mr. Nobody whisperers. It is Emma’s job to solve this great mystery and to do so without the past repeating itself.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

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STATE NEWS 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

OFFICIAL VISITS

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here’s quite a distance between the islands and the state capital.

But there’s also quite a connection between the administration and the Florida Keys — look no further than Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, who’s a homeowner in Islamorada. As for the governor, visits have come with promising news surrounding canal cleanup and FEMA reimbursements, which the Keys still has not received in full yet.

Here are a few notable visits from the governor’s administration.

GOVERNOR VISITS THE KEYS Gov. Ron DeSantis’ first official visit to the Keys came on April 16, as local officials had the opportunity to share their concerns in Marathon — from hurricane recovery and water quality to Everglades restoration.

He also announced a new plan to clean every canal in the Florida Keys over the next 10 months. Joining DeSantis were Jared Moskowitz, director of emergency management; Ken Lawson, director of economic opportunity; and Noah Valenstein, secretary of environmental protection.

Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterates his support for Monroe County, flanked by Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi, left, and Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez sits down with the Upper Keys Weekly’s Jim McCarthy at Founders Park in midFebruary to discuss her new position.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

NUÑEZ SITS DOWN WITH THE WEEKLY AT FOUNDERS The first Latina lieutenant governor in the state’s history, Jeanette Nuñez is no stranger to the Florida Keys, with a home in Islamorada. Having just entered office, she sat down with the Weekly on a Saturday in midFebruary at Founders Park to discuss everything from her first month in office to the issues at hand, from the environment to the budget. As for the Keys, she said it’s “by far my happy place. The minute you drive down that stretch, you feel all your anxieties go away. It’s just a simple, relaxed way of life that doesn’t exist in other places, and certainly not in the county north of us.”

LEGISLATION 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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BILLS T RECAP A college renamed, funds to address various issues JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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he 60-day legislative session in Tallahassee came to a close May 4. With money for Keys projects and increased funds for Everglades restoration, the legislature passed a $91.1 billion budget.

A total of $6 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which protects the near shore waters and lands critical to the delicate ecosystem, was provided within the budget. Also, $1 million was approved for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s reverse osmosis plant.

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

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

It was met with praise from Monroe County Marine resource administrator Rich Jones, who said the county is the “poster child for derelict vessels in Florida.” Flores says she was pleased to get the bill through the Senate hav-

ing heard from many advocates from Monroe County.

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

And following years of work, legislation was approved to rename Florida Keys Community College as the College of the Florida Keys. Gov. Ron DeSantis inked the bill, sponsored by Flores and Raschein, on July 7.

On the environmental side, more than $686 million was allocated for issues important to DeSantis. Twentyfive million will go to combat bluegreen algae and red tide, $50 million for targeted water quality improvements and $100 million for springs restoration. Over $400 million is allocated for Everglades restoration, $4 million of which will go to nutrient reduction and water retention projects in the Lake Okeechobee watershed.

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

1. College of the Florida Keys president Jonathan Gueverra addresses the crowd during a celebration on Aug. 19. Stephanie Scuderi, College of the Florida Keys board chair, and state Rep. Holly Raschein are also pictured. CONTRIBUTED 2. A lionfish tail is about to be snipped. Funding within the state budget was approved to the tune of $1 million for lionfish removal efforts. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO 3. A derelict vessel is removed from Keys waters. Keys legislators sponsored a bill to study the cost of derelict vessels to the county and state. CONTRIBUTED 4. An aerial view of the waters of Lower Matcumbe near Sea Oats Beach. The state budget included $6 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which protects near shore waters and lands critical to the delicate ecosystem. DAVID GROSS/Contributed

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MONROE COUNTY 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

Plantation facility. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Climate Summit. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Contributed

An artist’s rendition of the reimagined Rowell’s Park. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

Craig Cates/CONTRIBUTED

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

T

he year 2019 was no doubt a busy one throughout Monroe County, with many changes for the future already underway. Irma repairs continue while new construction projects — from infrastructure to buildings — take off. With much work still ahead in the year to come, here’s a look back at some of the top county stories from 2019.

NEW CHEMISTRY – District 1 County Commissioner Danny Kolhage resigned from the BOCC effective Nov. 30, 2019. On Dec. 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Key West’s Craig Cates to fill the vacancy. District 5 County Commissioner Sylvia Murphy finished her term as mayor and announced that she would not be seeking reelection to the BOCC. County Commissioner Heather Carruthers became the new mayor at the November meeting.

[Designer: Include pic “Craig Cates”] NEW PLANTATION KEY COURTHOUSE - The long-awaited Plantation Key Courthouse and Detention Center in Tavernier finally broke ground in October. The project consolidates the existing functions of the site into a new, state-of-the-art, 48,240-square-foot facility. The new space will include the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Monroe County Clerk of the Court, State Attorney’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Public Works. Officials say the project should take around 30 months to complete.

[Designer: Include pic “Plantation Facility”

BOCC TOP SIX

The biggest county news in 2019

ROWELL’S PARK REIMAGINED - Community members came out to the Murray Nelson Government Center on June 24 to get a look at the latest conceptual plan of the park, located at MM 104.5, bayside. The plan for the 8-acre park shown during the informal community meeting includes a number of improvements and features that community members suggested during a public input gathering held on April 15. Notable amenities include a dog park, a splash pad for kids to enjoy on a hot day, a nautical-themed playground, a fitness zone and a nature trail.

Near the water, the plan shows a swimming area with zero-depth entry, non-motorized boating access and docking, kayak and paddle launches, a fishing area and public boat slips. Restrooms are also shown within the plan.

[Designer: Include pic “Rowells”]

NO DINGHIES AT MURRAY NELSON - An ordinance to confront trashing issues seen frequently at the park behind the Murray Nelson Government Center gained county commissioners’ approval during their March meeting. It forbids boats, like dinghies, from pulling up and docking along the waterfront. Sylvia Murphy, then county mayor, said it prevents them from coming onshore and using facilities that they have been “misusing for too long.”

[Designer: Include pic “Park Probs”] RESTORATION BLUEPRINT – While the BOCC did not take an official stance on the Restoration Blueprint, Commissioner Michelle Coldiron, who represents the county in regard to the sanctuary’s effort, has kept her finger on what’s happening. Hearing widespread concern over the plan, she urged the commission to pass a resolution imploring the sanctuary to listen to Monroe County’s citizens.

[Designer: Include pic “No NOAA”] SEA LEVEL RISE – In early December, Key West hosted the 11th Annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit. The findings presented made international headlines, stoking fears about the future of the Keys. But here in Monroe, the county and cities remain steadfast in their commitment to our island home. Rather than retreat, they continue to innovate and find new ways to rise with the tide.

[Designer: Include pic “Climate Summit”]

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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KEYS SCHOOLS 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

NEW AND IMPROVED

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KEYS SCHOOLS GET NEW FIELDS AND FACILITIES

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he halls of learning in the Florida Keys got some much-needed improvements in 2019, which saw the opening of two brand new campuses at both ends of the island chain at Plantation Key School and Gerald Adams Elementary in Key West.

But the Middle Keys weren’t overlooked; as Marathon High School welcomed a sprawling new, $12 million athletic complex and Stanley Switlik Elementary is currently in the midst of extensive improvements.

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

MARATHON ATHLETIC COMPLEX The students of Marathon Middle High School got the first peek when they arrived for the first day of school in August. The big reveal to the public wouldn’t come until the first home football game. (Actually, the second, because the first was delayed by Hurricane Dorian’s approach.) The project includes a new combination football and soccer field, ringed by a regulation-size track, practice field, bleachers, a press box, separate softball and baseball fields and two — yes, two — concession stands. Oh, and the gym has a brand new floor for the basketball and volleyball teams. The front of the school has been reconfigured to add student parking, as well.

HALFWAY AT STANLEY SWITLIK The Christmas break marks the halfway point for the $37 million construction and renovation of Stanley Switlik Elementary School in Marathon. The older students (grades 4 and 5) have moved into the new section of the building that includes classrooms, the media center, art and music rooms. The Weekly got a sneak peek a few months ago and the views from the classrooms, plus the modular furniture in the common areas, are very cool. The younger students will move into the modular classrooms while the second building is renovated. The entire student population will be in new classrooms by the start of the 2020-21 school year.

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL FOR PLANTATION KEY Students at Plantation Key School arrived back from holiday break to a new, state-of-the-art facility on Jan. 8, 2019.

Students spent the morning touring through the school, seeing for the first time 21st-century classrooms, a gymnasium — which the former facility didn’t have — and the Science on a Sphere. Located at MM 90, bayside, the 100,000-square foot school is inspiring collaborative learning for the next generation of Florida Keys students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

EYE-OPENING UPDATES AT GERALD ADAMS Students didn’t know where to look first when they returned to school after Christmas in January 2019. They also didn’t know where to go in the brand new building that features 21st-century classrooms, a new media center and cafeteria. But the most popular feature, not surprisingly, was the new playground.

“I love it,” a kindergartner told Principal Fran Herrin after recess on the first day.

COLLEGE GETS A NEW NAME And finally, Florida Keys Community College finally became the College of the Florida Keys in 2019.

It took three tries to get the Florida Legislature to approve a name change that more accurately reflects the school’s expanding four-year degree programs.

The bill finally passed in 2019 and launched a tremendous rebranding effort that included a new logo, new colors and a search for a school mascot.

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3 1. The “back side” of Marathon High School shows its new softball and baseball fields and scoreboards with a concession stand nestled in between.

SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly 2. The colors of the sea and sky are repeated throughout the new and muchanticipated Gerald Adams Elementary School in Key West, which opened in January 2019. IMETCO/Contributed 3. A young pupil takes in the 35-foot interactive mural of the Florida Keys inside Plantation Key School. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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SAVE THE DATE Saturday, Dec. 28 • Let’s Glow 2020, a family-friendly New Year’s celebration and movie under the stars, from 6 to 7 p.m., with movie showing at 7:15 p.m. at Founders Park Amphitheater, Islamorada.

8th Annual

Tuesday, Dec. 31 • New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight at Blackwater Sound, MM 104, bayside, Key Largo.

Wednesday, Jan. 8 • “Saving our Reefs: Ambitious Efforts to Flip the Script,” presented

by Sarah Fangman, superintendent, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, at 5:30 p.m. at Keys History and Discovery Center, Islamorada.

Thursday, Jan. 9 • Regular village council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

Jan. 9-19 • Uncorked Islamorada & Key Largo Food and Wine Festival at The Postcard Inn, Islamorada.

Friday, Jan. 10 • Key Largo Chamber Gala from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Dolphin Point Villa, Key Largo.

Saturday, Jan. 11 • 18th annual Mayors Ball for the Children at 4 p.m. at Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon.

Tuesday, Jan. 14 • Florida Keys National Weather Service “Integrated Warning Team” workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government Center, Key Largo.

Jan. 17-19 • Baygrass Bluegrass & Craft Beer Festival at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Saturday, Jan. 18 • Pops in the Park free outdoor band concert with Drum Circles from 3 to 5 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 • Garden Club of the Upper Keys monthly meeting from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Francis Tracy Garden Plaza, Tavernier.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 • “Restoring the Keys Flats Fishery” presented by Ross Boucek, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and lecture following at Keys History and Discovery Center, Islamorada.

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RETROSPECTIVE 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS

Show the homecoming spirit, green and gold!

1 1¢

COMMUNITY NEWS

No stone crab for you.

1 1¢

1¢

There’s a lobster under this newspaper!

MR. KEY LARGO

Community remembers local icon, philanthropist | P. 26 RACE TO ALLIGATOR Swimmers near and far compete | P. 22

KEYS CONNECTION

Commissioner boards Truman carrier, meets natives| P. 6

CHIMING IN Read what stakeholders say about the Restoration Blueprint | P. 8

SIGN OF THE TIMES

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

SIGHTS SET Groups seek acquisition of Alligator Light | P. 20

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

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

Coastal Realty

Former resident displays message along U.S. 1 | P. 4

Coastal Realty

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Sept. 19, 2019 The sun rises behind Alligator Lighthouse, located 4 nautical miles off Indian Key. Alligator Reef Light Station, built in 1873, is a 148-foot-plus cast iron octagonal screw-pile tower with keeper’s quarters and landing dock. The picture was taken

by David Gross.

THE BEST COVERS OF 2019

July 25, 2019 Tequesta resident and former Islamorada homeowner Terri Robinson stands alongside U.S. 1 on Plantation Key holding signs as motorists pass by on July 21.

Photo taken Keys Weekly’s Jim McCarthy.

1¢

Lose an hour at the Marathon Seafood Fest!

1¢

Get well, Mike Card & Marilyn Tempest

JONATHAN! Weekly interview with 7MBR’s winner | P.42

SKIPJACK REDUX Stop-n-start meeting addresses development | P.4

FEMA’S NEW FLOOD MAPS Revised elevations could have serious implications | P.19

1 WEEKEND, 4 EVENTS

DON’T DO THIS A top 10 for surviving the Fest | P.28

Plenty happening in Marathon | P.24

RELEASE THE

In every edition, the Keys Weekly puts a lot of effort into choosing something eye-catching for its cover.

Following are the top three from Marathon, Key West and the Upper Keys. Believe us, it was a hard choice.

— Weekly staff report

May 16, 2019 A fisherman nabs a tarpon during the Florida Sea Base’s Tarpon Tournament, held May 7-10. The Sea Base is located next to some of the best tarpon fishing in the Keys. The photo was taken by Keys Weekly’s Ian Wilson.

1¢

9 days to the Marathon Seafood Festival

2020

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ZONTIAN KCB KRAKEN

INSIDE

d n Seafoo Marathol | P.10 Festiva

43rd ANNUAL since 1976

Key Colony Beach Day is this Sunday | P.10

High school show is this weekend | P.36

OCEAN HEALTH Saving the seagrass | P.20

MARCH 9 & 10 / 2019

Shriners’ Pancake Breakfast 8am

Free Admission • Free Parking • Old Fashioned Turn Oceanside off U.S. 1 at MM 53.5 traffic light

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Parade 11:00am Fabulous Silent Auction 50/50’s More than 70 Vendors

Barracuda Races & Music All Day

Feb. 28, 2019 The Zonta Rubber Ducky races are an established element of the annual Key Colony Beach Day, one of the longest running events in the Middle Keys. Keys Weekly designer Javier Reyes super-imposed “the kraken” on this photo shot by editor Sara Matthis.

March 7, 2019 It was an epic, all-day affair to get this picture. Ian Wilson, an Upper Keys waterman and Keys Weekly photographer, boarded Capt. Justin Bruland’s vessel to document a day in the life of a commercial fisherman in the Florida Keys. At one point, he jumped in the water with a special housing for his camera to get this shot.

1¢

Dad went to the store to get cigarettes and wound up in Key West.

Official publication of all surviving spiny lobsters.

1¢

April 11, 2019 Marathon looks forward to the quality productions of the high school’s drama club. In April, the kids took the stage to perform the musical “Mamma Mia.” This photo — which perfectly captures the color and energy of the rehearsal — was taken by Cathy Walters.

July 25, 2019

June 13, 2019

1¢

Breaking: Miami Dolphins are not good.

September 12, 2019

THE BUBBAS

SECOND WEEK FOR NOMINATIONS | P.22

CHANGE OF COMMAND

KEYS WELCOME NEW CAPTAIN | P.18

HOMESTEAD UPDATE

REP. MUCARSEL-POWELL ON THE IMMIGRATION FACILITY | P.7

ROB BENTON INTERVIEW

KEY WEST CARES

GUITAR MAESTRO’S KEY WEST SUCCESS STORY | P.20

HURRICANE DORIAN RELIEF EFFORTS RAMP UP | P. 4

UNDERWATER RUGBY YEP, THAT’S A SPORT | P.38

“D” IS FOR DAD LOCAL DADS IN THEIR OWN WORDS | P.28

WE A NE RE A W PA CCEP TIE TIN NT G S

THE BUBBAS’ BIG NIGHT 2019 KEY WEST PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS PARTY PICS AND WINNERS | P.28

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June 13, 2019 Dads like Joe Mitchell spend their lives fixing whatever their kids break, and young Jack Mitchell’s broken leg was no exception. Key West Weekly celebrated Father’s Day 2019 by featuring dozens of local dads and their thoughts on the most important job they’ll ever have.

512 FRONT STREET | WWW.TWOFRIENDS.COM

July 25, 2019 The Key West People’s Choice Awards, aka The Bubbas, have become one of the best evenings of comedy in Key West: Good people celebrating the good work of an amazing community — while poking plenty of fun at themselves and everyone in their crosshairs.

OLD KEY WEST WITH A TWIST OF SOMETHING NEW.

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A KEY WEST ICON SINCE 1886.

September 12, 2019 Photographer Nick Doll shared one of the pet portraits he took as part of the Photos for Fido fundraiser that benefits the Florida Keys SPCA. And in narrowing down our choices for favorite 2019 covers, who could say no to that face?

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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YEAR IN REVIEW

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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3

YEAR IN REVIEW

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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5

BEST SHOTS OF 2019 From underwater dives to running on pavement, our photographers captured plenty of eye-opening shots this year. Through the photographers’ lenses, here just a few of the shots they captured in 2019.

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Angler House Marina - Kayak: 1. The Veterans Ocean Adventures kayaking trip included intimate looks at the local coastal ecosystem. Guides volunteered their time and lead members through secret mangrove coves in Islamorada. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly

CRF spawn: 4. A scientist uses a dim flashlight to check for spawning corals. During spawning weeks around the world, scientists dive night after night checking and hoping to see egg bundles “setting� within the corals, waiting for the natural trigger to release. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

Scubanaut: 2. Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, hands John Ziska, a second-class SCUBAnaut, a staghorn coral to outplant onto the reef during an August dive. It was part of Mote’s annual staghorn restoration project with SCUBAnauts International the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly

Fun Run: 5. Plantation Key School student Caleb Bokor is hit with purple cornstarch as he runs in the fourth annual Family Paint Run/Walk 5K earlier in the year. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

White Marlin: 3. Locals and visitors spend Memorial Weekend out on the White Marlin sandbar in Lower Matecumbe.

It was once a place where people could escape the masses that normally frequent the Islamorada sandbar just a couple miles north. Nowadays, it’ s obvious that the secret is out. IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

Manatee: 6. A manatee and her calf enter the Venetian Shores neighborhood marina in Islamorada on Feb. 2. The two stuck close as they maneuvered through the waters. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly Pumpkin carving: 7. JD Reinbott brings his carved pumpkin back to the boat during the annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving challenge at Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo in October.

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

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ENVIRONMENT 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

RECAP FROM THE REEF CRF, Mote kick up restoration efforts in 2019

S TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

ometimes, the news from the reef can feel heavy and hopeless. Between record coral bleaching, overuse of ocean resources, toxic runoff, and now a mystery coral disease, it’s easy to lose hope.

Many non-profits are tackling coral restoration, but Coral Restoration Foundation and Mote Marine Laboratories have it down to a science – literally. Between CRF’s large-scale outplanting to get corals back to

“CRF’s ability to put large volumes of corals back on the reef is an exciting achievement of scale.

Although our reefs are in decline and face many threats, with our ability to operate at such a scale we are successfully able to keep up with this decline and ensure these populations remain present until outside stressors can be removed.”

– Jessica Levy, restoration program manager, Coral Restoration Foundation

CORAL RESTORATION FOUNDATION™ Restoration • Corals outplanted in 2019 (through Dec. 1): 31,831 • Corals outplanted lifetime (through Dec. 1): 108,500 • Area restored by CRF in 2019: 3,000+ square meters • Area restored by CRF in total: 8,000+ square meters • Working dives in 2019 (through Dec. 1): 5,250 Spawning • Acroporid genotypes that spawned in 2019: 12+ Citizen-Science and Outreach • CRF Dive Programs in 2019: 90 • Dive Program Participants in 2019: 1,379 • Corals outplanted by CRF Dive Programs in 2019: 4,700+ • Coral Restoration Distinctive Specialty Certifications in 2019: 150+

the reef en masse and Mote’s critical climate resiliency testing to ensure we plant corals that can withstand end-of-century water temperature predictions and pH levels, the research involved with restoring our reefs advances daily. With NOAA’s new “Mission: Iconic Reefs,” these efforts will only continue to grow in scale and importance.

Here’s the 2019 recap from the reef:

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY, ELIZABETH MOORE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR CORAL REEF RESEARCH AND RESTORATION (IC2R3) ON SUMMERLAND KEY Restoration • Corals outplanted in 2019 (through Dec. 16): 28,083 • Corals outplanted lifetime (through Dec. 16): 77,687 Spawning • Corals settled via sexual propagation in 2019: 33,400 recruits (33,000 Orbicella faveolata, 200 Acropora cervicornis, and 200 Porites astreoides) • Corals fragmented in land-based nursery: 11,200 Citizen science and outreach • Bleach watch/C-Ocean - Nearly 1,000 reports for citizen scientists in 2019 • Reef revival: New voluntourism program, officially kicking off in January 2020 • Combat Wounded Veterans/Scubanauts: Every summer, 40+ Combat Wounded Veterans and nearly 30 youth scientific divers help in Mote’s nursery as well as outplanting.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining together with (coral restoration) partners. As much bad as there is, there’s a lot of good. From Mote’s perspective, we feel like we’re uniquely positioned to help provide some science behind the restoration because of the resilience testing we’re doing and ensuring from sexual reproduction that we’re being genetically sound with our restoration.”

– Allison Delashmit, community relations manager, Mote Marine Laboratory

NATIONAL HEADLINES 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

FOCUS ON THE FLORIDA KEYS LOCAL ISSUES MAKE NATIONAL NEWS

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1. Mud, salt and standing water are apparent inside the Stillwright Point community in Key Largo, which dealt with just over 90 days of water-laden streets.

Water filled streets so much that it drew signs like these to be posted on utility poles. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

A

t least a few times each year, depending on hurricane threats, the national media spotlight finds its way to the Florida Keys.

Sometimes that spotlight shines and shows our good side.

Other times its glare is harsh.

But either way, the rest of the world gets a glimpse of what goes on along a long, hot road that dangles like an afterthought between the Gulf and Atlantic.

Above all else in 2019, the Florida Keys remained blessedly free of hurricane threats and the accompanying panic wrought by an often ill-informed national media.

But 2019 did find the Florida Keys, from Key West to a flooded neighborhood in Key Largo, at the center of a recent media maelstrom when a Dec. 4 New York Times article opened with, “Officials in the Florida Keys announced what many coastal governments nationwide have long feared, but few have been willing to admit: As seas rise and flooding gets worse, not everyone can be saved. And in some places, it doesn’t even make sense to try.”

Despite the dour tone, the article, which included coverage of a climate change summit in Key West, prompted worthwhile, necessary and solutions-based discussions among committed Keys officials and residents.

The national cameras also focused for a bit on our beloved Key deer, amid talk of ending their federal protection by removing them from the Endangered Species List. The measure met with the expected opposition from Key deer advocates.

Key West’s planned ban on the sale of certain sunscreens that some say are harmful to the coral reef also received some national attention, while other headlines and video clips (often provided to the news outlets by the Keys’ own PR team) highlight the lighter side of island living, from seafood festivals and soldier rides, to bridge runs, boat races, Blue Angels air shows and celebrity-stacked bonefishing tournaments.

Fortunately for the Florida Keys, the good news far outweighed the bad in 2019. Let’s keep it that way for 2020.

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ENVIRONMENT 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

N

OAA’s Restoration Blueprint aims to curb the habitat losses and coral degradation found throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Since its unveiling in August, it’s elicited many responses on all sides. The Weekly has been following the blueprint since day 1 and will continue to report on this monumental plan. Each week, we’ve published an opinion column from an invited expert or community member with a stake in the sanctuary asking them what they think will work and what changes they’d rather see. Below, find some of the most critical takeaways from our community board.

“The proposed zone regulations from Long Key to Tennessee Reef will be highly problematic for catch-andrelease tarpon fishermen.”

– Captain Will Benson, Flats fishing guide from Sugarloaf Key and Sanctuary Advisory Council member

“Change is painful and almost always inconvenient — but we know that the alternative, in this case, would be worse.”

– Elizabeth Jolin, director, Florida Bay Forever Save Our Waters

“Closing areas and limiting access fails to address the three major issues facing the health and well-being of the sanctuary. Water quality, law enforcement and education need to be adequately assessed….”

– Captain Bill Kelly, executive director, Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association

“Most of us want the same things from the sanctuary: a healthier environment and the opportunity to enjoy it, now and for future generations.”

– Chris Bergh, The Nature Conservancy

“The implementation of mooring buoys was overlooked and, in my opinion, is extremely important to the sustainability of our coral reefs.”

– Cortney Benson, marine conservation coordinator, Key Dives in Islamorada

“Doing nothing more means that the reefs are dead in about 30 years which is another nail in the ocean’s coffin.”

– Captain Michael Barber

“I don’t like that Key Largo will be made into a no-anchor zone, but I think it’s necessary.” – Captain Travis Ice

“SPA zones are ineffective in protecting resources. Instead, we should determine what the goal is in each proposed SPA and ensure it’s being addressed.”

– Ben Daughtry, president, Aquarium Encounters in Marathon

“Restrictions on access to the reef and backcountry have nothing to do with our water quality.” – David Paul Horan

“I believe to truly limit usage in certain areas, there needs to be a carrying capacity limit for commercial operators, Blue Star or not.”

– Captain Tony Young, owner, Forever Young Charter Co.

“Our biggest problem is water quality from upstream. All the closures in the world will not cure that problem.”

– “Lobster Lee” Starling, Key West commercial fisherman

“Random massive closures are not the answer. Education and enforcement are what’s needed.” – Captain Steve Friedman, commodore, Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association

“Protecting 20% to 30% from all harvesting now allows it to be a source for replenishing the 70% to 80% outside of its boundaries for the future.”

– Cindy Lewis, deputy director and scientific researcher, Keys Marine Laboratory in Layton

“I do not believe that the FKNMS is correct regarding many of the suggestions offered in the Blueprint, but the sanctuary has the distinction of being the only group trying to plan something better.”

– Captain Joe Weatherby

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

DAVE CONDRA and GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER

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

Guidance/Care Center provides behavioral health services to adults, children and families.

Dave is the leading fundraiser for The Heron facility, having raised over $51,000 through the Dragon Boat Races, leveraging businesses and furniture donations.

Keys Weekly, Ocean Wellness Spa, and CFFK.

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

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

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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!

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LOCAL NEWS 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

BUILDING, SUPPORTING AND EXCELLING IN 2019 From construction of new affordable housing units to a commitment to save the coral reef tract, Upper Keys Weekly is looking back to some of the top news stories in 2019.

HABITAT HOMES FILLING LARGE NEED What was once a two- to three-home-a-year build for Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys has now turned to construction of 21 homes in 24 months. Habitat’s 16-unit project at Windley Point, which is directly oceanside to the OV and north of Theater of the Sea, is on its way as work continues toward getting the structures complete. Townhouse-style units will have two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. “It’s an exciting time for us,” Executive Director Jack Niedbalski said back in January.

PROSEK STAYS A CANE The 6’5’’, 225-pound Robbie Prosek inked his name on paper Feb. 6, taking his talents from the high school level at Coral Shores to the college level at the University of Miami. Surrounded by family, friends and coaches, Prosek said he wouldn’t be where he is without the support of his mom and dad. “They helped me through the difficult times and the easy stuff,” he said. Athletic director Rich Russell said the school’s extremely proud of a great kid and a great athlete. “He’s really sort of the total package. He’s got a great personality and he’s a multi-sport athlete. He’s the real deal.”

HARRY HARRIS PARK OPENS, WELCOMES BACK LITTLE LEAGUE Little Leaguers and coaches took to the Harry Harris ball field as families positioned their chairs to watch their little ones play. Activity finally returned to the ballpark on March 2 after damage sustained by Hurricane Irma. Tossing out the first pitch was Robert Glassmer, Monroe County administrator of buildings, parks and beaches in the Upper Keys. “It’s 100 percent brand-new and looks amazing,” he said.

VET, LOCAL PADDLE LEGEND GO 300 MILES For the second time, veteran Josh Collins and local paddleboard legend Scott Baste paddled just over 300 miles on the Florida Bay from Tampa to Key Largo in March. The two completed the trip in five days and 22 hours. The two would paddle for about 20 hours before getting some rest. Baste noted that Collins had strong navigational skills during the night, and Baste had a better feel of the course’s bottom section with his local knowledge. Collins said paddling together was beneficial for using strengths and being there for one another’s weaknesses. Baste and Collins say they both hope to complete it for a third time, and do so with a few others.

MORRISON WINS BIG KAHUNA TO BENEFIT GOOD HEALTH CLINIC The 2019 Big Kahuna race saw four contestants stepping to the plate to raise funds for The Good Health Clinic, a free health care provider to uninsured and low-income residents in the Keys. During the awards ceremony on March 16 at the Islander Conference Center, Dr. Thomas Morrison, who raised $23,000, was named top fund-raiser and Big Kahuna. The Kahuna competition alone raises roughly 20 percent of the clinic’s operating funds, and this year, Kahunas raised just over $64,000.

ICS CLOSES DOORS Despite strong community support and a time extension, Island Christian School announced in April that it would close its doors, having come up short on its goal to increase student enrollment. Founded by Tony Hammon in 1974, Island Christian School closed at the end of the 2018-19 school year. ICS opened with former Coral Shores High School teacher Hammon as its principal. Starting out with nine teachers and 54 students, ICS provided a quality Christian education to Florida Keys families. The school grew in size and attendance over the years.

Demographics are changing in the Keys today, and Hammon says the student numbers aren’t there. “A 45-year reign is a pretty good reign for a school,” he said.

LOCAL NEWS 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

TAVERNIER MAN PADDLES FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS On June 15, Tavernier resident Chris Bell was one of 200 to complete the 80-mile Crossing For A Cure Paddle from Bimini, Bahamas to the Florida mainland. The challenge, which began four years ago, was inspired because of the health benefits of the ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Bell said he loves paddling, but hadn’t done much long-distance — especially one of this magnitude.

FIRST ALL-FEMALE TROOP WINS HIGHEST AWARD Kathleen Pegues and her daughter Lilly formed the all-female Cub Scout Pack 914 in September 2018. Since then, the pack, who call themselves the Timberwolves, have grown together and excelled in their new scouting world. In June, four of the girls officially earned the “Arrow of Light” rank, the highest award in Cub Scouting, and Cub Scout Pack 914 officially graduated to Troop 914. “These girls are the first females in the Keys and some of the first in the entire country to cross over,” Pegues said. “Talk about being poised for greatness and filling a need for this community!”

KEY LARGO SUNSET ROTARY CHARTER OFFICIAL There’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 more than 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. The club’s president is Lisa Feliciano.

NEW CAMPUS COMING TO UPPER KEYS College of the Florida Keys president Jonathan Gueverra remembers speaking to Rotary clubs and commerce chambers in the Upper Keys roughly seven years ago. Entering as the college’s sixth president, he mentioned that the school was going to have a better facility in the Upper Keys.

“I had no clue how we were going to do it. I just knew that, A, people weren’t getting what they really deserved, and B, that there had to be a way to do that,” he said. Today, the College of the Florida Keys’ Upper Keys Center is in motion thanks to a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, several millions from local sources and the generosity of the Waterman family, who agreed to sell the old Shell World property at MM 106.4 at a price the college could afford. The center is slated to welcome students in summer 2021.

The new facility will replace the college’s increasingly limited space at Coral Shores High School.

COMING TO THE AID OF THE BAHAMAS The Keys community came out in strong support for those affected by Hurricane Dorian. Rotary clubs in the Upper Keys mobilized quickly following the storm, packing several shipping containers of items to help the recovery. The first shipment on Sept. 7 brought 53 tons of supplies to Bahamians. Monetary donations raised by the Upper Keys Rotary Club exceeded $55,000. On Nov. 2, A Help for Hope Town Benefit Concert, headlined by country singer-songwriter David Lee Murphy, raised $40,000 for Southeast Rescue & Relief. The event, held at Postcard Inn, was organized by Sam and Timmy Arce.

NOAA LAUNCHES MISSION WITH PARTNERS TO RESTORE ICONIC REEFS On Dec. 9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an ambitious plan to restore seven reefs within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). The effort is one of the largest investments in coral restoration in the world.

The concept to focus on is coral cover, or how much live stony coral covers the reef surface.

Florida traditionally enjoyed 25% to 40% coral coverage, but this number has fallen catastrophically, to just 1% to 2% today. While the excitement was fresh, several in the room were quick to inquire about the one particular boundary — the money. Phase 1 of the mission aims to raise coral cover to 15% within 10 years. The work is predicted to take 5 to 7 years and cost $97 million. Sarah Fangman, the executive director of the sanctuary, said no one has written a check yet, but they’re working with agencies and officials to bring resources.”

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28

ISLAMORADA 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

VILLAGE HIGHLIGHTS Council acts on Fills, Anne’s Beach opens It was a pretty active year for the village of Islamorada. On the dais, council considered and acted on various quality-of-life issues facing residents. Here are some of the 2019 highlights.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING In April, Islamorada council said “yes” to the second reading of an ordinance adding language to its comprehensive plan and land development regulations to allow for the allocation of up to 300 new, affordable housing units. At the time, the village had 36 affordable housing allocations available until 2023. If the village gets the 300 units from the state, planning director Ty Harris said the 36 allocations could become “extremely valuable” for use for deed-restricted affordable housing.

A VISIT TO THE CAPITAL Islamorada officials paid a visit to the nation’s capital on May 9 to speak with senators, representatives and the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss water quality, lighthouses and FEMA reimbursement. Last year, the Keys received $4 million from the Corps for water quality improvement, which supports Keys municipalities like Islamorada. Officials were seeking another $1 million. The visit also enlightened representatives in Washington regarding the state of lighthouses in the Keys, as well as FEMA reimbursement.

RIDE SERVICE EXPANDING Expansion of Freebee’s ride-sharing service to all of Islamorada is on its way. The electric vehicle ridesharing service has been running on Upper Matecumbe Key since November 2018. With expansion of the program, vans will provide service 70 hours a week beginning in the New Year. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

CALMING THE SITUATION

Pressure put on by the village, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and residents over the Fills drew action from the Department of Transportation just before the July 4 holiday. With overcrowding and trashing issues percolating, FDOT immediately allowed the village to control the amount of parking and areas of access on state-owned property at the Fills. Along with parking restrictions, village staff was on hand to control parking during weekends and busy holidays. The speed limit was also changed to 45 mph thanks to Sheriff Rick Ramsay. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

CANOPY GETS INSTALLED A project to install a new canopy at Founders Park amphitheater started June 24 and was complete June 28. It was the final Hurricane Irma recovery project at the park. And it was finished just in time for the 4th of July celebration. The project, which cost $118,806, was done by Tensile Structure Systems Inc., a Baltimore company specializing in tensile structures. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

ANNE’S BACK! Joined by community members and village officials, then-mayor Deb Gillis cut the ribbon to mark the official reopening of Anne’s Beach, located at MM 73.5, Oceanside on Aug. 23. With 1,300 feet of new boardwalk, six pavilions, new parking lots and a restroom facility on the north end, the project came in at $1.6 million. Island Villa Construction and Teak Esslinger were the ones that put the facility back together in a more resilient state. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly FERTILIZER STANDARDS Islamorada Village council members were unanimous in their decision to approve an ordinance to amend land development regulations related to fertilizer application standards during the Sept. 19 meeting. The ordinance restricts the application of fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus during the summer/rainy months of June to September annually. Fertilizer can’t be applied within 15 feet of any canal, shoreline or wetland. Application is also prohibited during major storms and floods. In addition, grass clippings and vegetation debris can’t be washed, swept or blown into storm drains, ditches, roads or canals. Any material accidentally deposited would need to be removed immediately to the maximum extent practicable.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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30

WILDLIFE 2019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

TOP 5 HEADLINES ABOUT KEYS WILDLIFE*

OXITEC UNVEILS NEW METHOD TO KILL MOSQUITOES September 2019 On Sept. 11, the federal EPA opened public comment on the Federal Register on Oxitec’s 2nd Generation technology. It proposes to use biologically modified mosquitoes to combat the spread of infectious diseases via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Although it is not official and there are no contracts in place, officials at Oxitec — a U.S.-owned, U.K.-based company that develops biologically engineered solutions to insect-control issues — has openly courted the Florida Keys in the past as the best place to conduct a trial of the new technology. Oxitec says the eggs of the 2nd Generation mosquito produce only males. Male mosquitoes don’t bite and are therefore incapable of spreading diseases. When they hatch and mate, they pass the maleonly gene on. Opponents of the company and technology denounce the introduction of genetically modified animals into Mother Nature and also have worries about antibiotic resistance. There were more than 30,000 comments logged on the system. The EPA has yet to rule on the permit for the pesticide’s experimental use.

FWC MARKS IGUANAS FOR DEATH July 2019 The FWC comes out with some carefully worded policy that “encourages” homeowners to shoot iguanas on private property whenever possible. This replaced language that only noted it was legal. The new messaging dovetails with the changing public perception of the reptiles — from oddity to nuisance to invasive exotics. Iguana eradication has become a cottage industry, with businesses like Tom Portuallo’s Iguana Control signing contracts with neighborhoods and resorts in the Keys. Big Pine Key’s Chuck Meier — known locally as the “iguana assassin” — advocates eating them. He’s got a cookbook on Amazon and calls iguanas “a green, walking protein pouch.”

FEDS CONSIDER REMOVING KEY DEER FROM ENDANGERED LIST August 2019 This year, the federal Fish and Wildlife Service started talking about removing Key Deer from the endangered list. The process, though, takes at least three years. The agency’s website said it includes scientific assessment, public comment and peer review. The Key deer is the smallest of its kind — adult males stand about 33 inches high and weigh at most 85 pounds. Population counts range from 600 to 1,000 on islands in the Lower Keys, mostly on Big Pine Key. The deer faced a screwworm infestation that killed more than 100 deer, but was eradicated by April 2017. Then, in September of the same year, Hurricane Irma crossed the Lower Keys. Stay tuned for more details.

Photo credit: Tom Johnson

Photo credit: Valerie Preziosi

ANTILLEAN PALM-SWIFT SIGHTED ON GRASSY KEY July 2019 Birdwatchers from around the country lost their minds when an Antillean PalmSwift was spotted on Grassy Key in late July. Dozens of birdwatchers, slung with binoculars and notebooks, congregated at the corner of Peachtree and Morton.

Designated as a “mega rarity” — it was last spotted in the U.S. almost five decades ago in Key West. But is it that rare? Mark Hedden, executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society, said two things make a bird “rare” — either it’s somewhere it’s not supposed to be, or it is endangered. The rogue swift was in the former category. “There’s always an individual that likes to wander. It’s the same mechanism that fuels evolution,” he said. Birdwatchers were back a few months later when it was sighted again.

SEA TURTLE FOUND, SPEARED BY UNKNOWN ASSAILANT September 2017 A 150-pound sea turtle, dubbed “Splinter,” was found struggling in the waters off the Upper Keys in early September. The reason? It had been speared. The Turtle Hospital’s Bette Zirkelbach said the animal had likely been suffering with the homemade spear through its torso for about a month. She also said the attack likely happened in the waters near Miami or the Upper Keys because the turtle’s condition meant it couldn’t travel very far. Although the reward money swelled to $25,000, the culprit has yet to be found. The silver lining is that following surgery, Splinter was treated, rehabbed and released in early November, to coincide with the screening of WLRN’s documentary “Troubled Waters: A Turtle’s Tale” that highlights the threats to sea turtle survival. *Not, and we can’t stress this enough, the human variety.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

33

VALSIN A. MARMILLION www.keysweekly.com

Ellie Rudolph. ALEX RUDOLPH/Contributed

THE KEYS CAN RISE WITH THE TIDE T here’s an ugly rumor making the rounds that sea level rise may cause our families to retreat from this special place we call home.

Don’t believe everyValsin A. Marmillion thing you hear.

This is not to discount the seriousness of issues that will continue to affect all of us. Without getting into the divisive politics of why, seas are rising and we need to focus on how to address the “new normal.”

Gloom and doom may fill the news, but my guess is that the Keys and Key West will rise with this tide.

Here is the simple story: With warmer waters, the sea is expanding. With greater frequency, ice is melting up north and adding volume to the tub. Slower, longer-lasting, and wider-footprint storm events (the H word) are impacting our insurability. The negative news places a target on the backs of the Keys and Florida’s expansive coast.

Left unattended, the resulting challenges may overcome us.

But here is the next story to be written and we can all participate in editing our future. Adapting to the rising tide is a process of calling on innovation and ingenuity to do things differently. This means looking at our natural resources as ecosystem values that need to be enhanced and put to use as a natural offense to protect our homes, businesses and quality of life. We call it natural adaptation. In a mix with some hard engineering like road raising and flood infrastructure, we can re-nourish and grow beaches, enhance mangroves, wetlands, seagrasses and tree canopies in a process we call living with water and building with nature. Below-sea-level communities in the Netherlands have been doing this for decades with documented success.

The Keys and Key West have the unique opportunity to be a beacon on the beachhead of sea level rise. Over the coming decades, we can turn back the negative stigma associated with vulnerable communities by living differently with the sea.

Here is why we won’t be retreating any time soon: We know, through accurate projections, just how much we can expect water to rise. Flood infrastructure has been in the works for more than a decade, meaning that floodwater can be moved out of the way with retooled pipe elements and pumps. Local government has its act

together, having been a leader in designing adaptation strategies and aligning government agencies with known projected sea level rises.

King tides, bubbling drains, boats floating above their docks and standing water in our streets are all symptoms provided by mother nature to encourage our change of behavior. And, as we all know, change is always OK for someone else. The irony of our times is that we now need to value our ecosystem as a way to sustain our communities.

Looking ahead, we cannot expect government to solve all of these problems.

The private sector, including business, non-profits, faith communities, researchers and civic associations, all need to move into place and take on this challenge.

What’s at stake? If we rely on others to determine and describe our future, we will have to live with some severe consequences. These include our home values reaching a tipping point when confidence is lost in the market and the risk appears too great for future investment. If our home values decline, as is happening in some parts of coastal America, the local tax base is crippled and basic public services become compromised. New FEMA flood maps will result in increased insurance rates, which is happening now. There is no future in doing nothing. We are all in this together and, from all sectors of island life, we are compelled to create a bright future for everyone.

We all have a job to do to maintain the quality of our lives in these extraordinary island communities. In life and in our history, we are called on to dig deeper and find new ways to rise above adversity. This is one of those times and, as is often proven, that which challenges us leads to new ideas and better days. And beyond the prospect of helping ourselves, the decisions we make to create the new normal will have lasting impact for coastal communities across the planet. This may seem a tall order, but it’s well worth the effort to save our way of life for generations to follow.

Valsin A. Marmillion is managing director of America’s WETLAND Foundation, adjunct instructor at University of Florida, and leads an effort to help coastal communities adapt to sea level rise with the Sea Safe Community Certification program. He and his partner own The Peace Store in Key West. For more information, go to americaswetland.com.

… who were the first people to set foot in Florida?

NELE KIRT

www.keysweekly.com

E

llie Rudolph, aged 10, decided to find out more: Ancestors of the Seminoles have lived in the Southeast United States for at least 12,000 years and were the first people to come to Florida. Native American people faced many struggles including diseases brought by the Spanish in the 1500s, which devastated and killed nine out of 10 of the native people.

The name Seminole comes from the Spanish word for “wild,” translated in the 1700s when the English arrived. During the 1800s the Seminole wars forced many native Indians to move east of the Mississippi. Many others were killed.

Those who remained retreated south into the Everglades and swamps.

The Seminoles were farmers and hunters (partly fishermen) and their food included deer, wild turkey, turtles and alligators. The women harvested crops such as squash, corn and beans, making soups and stews and cornbread.

They lived in huts called chickees, made of wood and plaster with thatched roofs made from palmetto fibers.

During the day Seminoles worked hard and required durable clothing. Women wore wrap-around skirts woven from palmetto, and men wore breechcloths. Both wore moccasins on their feet.

Some preserved Seminole Indian traditions include beadwork, basket weaving, wood carving and patchwork of significant designs. Another important tradition is storytelling – passing on legends and fairy tales.

Today, there are more than 5,000 tribal members. Most Seminole Indians speak English, as well as Maskoki or Mikisuki. The Seminoles are very dependent on their land and the Everglades and are working hard to preserve them.

My name is Ellie. I attend Ocean Studies Charter School.

I love the school and what we learn about our impact on the environment. My favorite subject is social studies where we have been learning about the Native American Indians, so I was very happy to answer this “wonder” question. In my spare time I like to sketch, paint and swim. Thank you!

Is there anything you are wondering about? If so, Email nelekirt@yahoo.com

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ENVIRONMENT

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

FED UP F

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

Anya Stack, Alyssa Delgado, Cheyenne Cale, and Ciera Cox stand in front of the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo every Friday. The group is the Keys chapter of the international student-led climate action groups called “Fridays for Future.” TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Youths take a stand for their future

rom the “Big Apple” to Big Pine, young people are fed up. They’re angry about what the climate crisis means for their futures, they’re organized and they’re doing something about it.

In 2019, the “Fridays for Future” movement mobilized kids and adults around the world. They demand political action to stall climate change and global warming.

It all started with 16-year-old Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg’s solo protest in front of the Swedish parliament in August 2018. Sitting alone on the pavement on Fridays, she held up a sign that read “Skolstrejk för klimatet,” or “School strike for the climate.”

From there, Fridays for Future, or “FFF” as it’s known, has grown local chapters in cities as far away as New York City and London, and as close as Tavernier. Ciera Cox, the leader of “FFF Tavernier,” began her weekly demonstrations in front of Murray Nelson on Sept. 20 as part of the “Global Climate Strike.” On that Friday, cities all around the world held strikes to amplify Greta’s message — with an estimated 4 million participating.

Since then, every Friday, the kids in New York protest in front of New York City Hall just like FFF Tavernier members stand in front of Murray Nelson. Both groups are armed with colorful signs and unwavering conviction. In solidarity, students from around the world take time off from class to campaign in front of their government buildings. The governments and countries are different, but the message is the same: listen to the kids and take action before it’s too late.

Growing up in the Keys, Cox, 24, founded FFF Tavernier because she was scared for her future here. “I should be working on building a business and possibly starting a family, but if you see something wrong and you know it’s wrong, you can’t just sit idly by,” she said. “I won’t roll over that easily when my home is going through this much.”

Cox refers to the rising sea levels and intensifying storms. “Irma was definitely an eye-opener. These aren’t the storms I grew up with, and in the last five years, it feels like we’ve broken a record every single year,” she says.

When asked what she’d like people to do, Cox encourages others to become aware and to do their part every day. From recycling to carpooling, eating less meat to voting for environmental policies, she believes that if everyone did something everywhere on the globe, those small actions would become a tidal wave across the world. “This is a pivotal time in our community. The choices we make now determine our future,” she said. “I hope our leaders step up.”

Cox protests every Friday evening after her workday. Sometimes she has a small group. Sometimes she stands alone. Regardless, she’s always there, asking people in the Keys to get involved. Cox argues, “We’re already at ground zero, but if we can innovate through this critical time, we have the opportunity to transform our islands into pioneering ships of green island living. We don’t have to give up, we just need people to start listening and to join the cause.”

Tim Christohpersen, the head of the Freshwater, Land and Climate Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme, agreed. During Climate Week in New York City, he told the Weekly, “It’s hugely helpful at this point in history if governments take more action, and they take more action if they hear from everybody – young people and older generations

alike – that they need to act. So please, encourage your governments to do more.”

Similarly, 14-year-old New York climate activist Alexandria Villaseñor sent a note of encouragement. She said, “My message to all the students in the Florida Keys is to continue making your voices heard. You can make your voice heard with climate activism even if you are not taking direct action. Make presentations, lobby your leaders in your community and your adults. Our generation will be affected the most. I’m unable to vote yet, so when I strike, it’s one of the best ways for me to make my voice heard in the future I’m being handed.”

Always advocating for others to get involved, Cox said, “People see all of us around the globe just as protestors, but we’re not.

We’re just kids fighting for our lives, for a sustainable future in our home.”

35

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH HAS THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. THESE POSITIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations $15 per hour to start FT Employees are eligible to participate in our health, dental, vision, Life Insurance. PTO and Profit Sharing is available to every member of our team (conditions apply).

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

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Architects

We have openings for Intern Architects, Emerging Professionals, and Production Architects.

Experience in High End Residential design is a plus.

Junior Interior Designer

1+ year experience with basic interior architecture detailing. Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, and 20/20 a plus.

Warehouse & Delivery Crew D’Asign Source is looking for a hardworking Warehouse & Delivery Crew member. Must have reliable transportation, be on time and organized. Must have a valid driver’s license. CDL a plus.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District Salary $15.80- $23.20/hour Key West, Sugarloaf and Upper Keys (3 work locations) • No Experience Required • Benefits • CDL Training Provided work as a Bus Aide while training • Full Time or Flexible Part Time Hours 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

NOW HIRING Front Desk Agent Reservation Sales Agent Bellman Maitre D’ Bartenders Servers Restaurant Host – AM/PM Steward Pizza Cook Overnight Prep Cook Line Cooks Houseman Room Attendants Engineering Spa Attendant Spa Coordinator

FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER This position will consist of Marine Patrol/Code Enforcement and Shift Patrol Coverage. Applicants must possess a current Florida certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and psychological exams. Salary range $52,500 - $55,000 depending on qualifications. The City is an EOE Employer.

Mail resume to: Chief of Police, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL. 33051 Or call for additional information (305) 289-1212.

FULL-TIME PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER Responsible for city building, street and property maintenance, and improvements. Minimum of two years’ experience in building and grounds maintenance, machinery operation & maintenance or equivalent.

Heavy manual labor required.

Successful applicants must successfully complete a drug screening, criminal background check, and FDMV record review.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license or within 30 days if moving from out-of-state. It is the duty of every employee to deal courteously with the public. Favorable impressions created by courteous public relations develop citizen goodwill and support for the employee and the city as a whole.

The City provides a competitive wage and robust benefits package.

The City is an EOE Employer. Submit resume and application to cmoonis@keycolonybeach.net Find application at www.keycolonybeach.net City Government/Forms/Miscellaneous Forms/Employment Application

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

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

Excellent Benefit Package Apply in person at 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email resume to hr@spottswood.com EOE/m/f/d/v

JOB OPENINGS GUEST SERVICE AGENT TELEPHONE AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR BELLMAN

If you have a passion for guest service and hospitality, please apply

Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V

careers@bungalowskeylargo.com

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

EOE m/f/d/v

SCAN FOR JOB

Please email resume to hr@spottswood.com

36

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 9:30 A.M., Key Colony Beach City Hall commission room, to hear a Variance Request from 200 4th St., LLC, owner of 200 4th Street.

Applicant requests a Variance to Land Development Regulations Chapter 3, Section 101-12 (5) for a setback variance for a new addition to existing residence.

Interested parties may appear at the Hearing and be heard with respect to the requested variance.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Variance Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Hearing on Thursday, January 9, 2020 but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, or cityclerk@keycolonybeach. net and your comments will be entered into the record.

Rebecca Todd, City Clerk CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH Publish: December 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-83-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF SERGEI PROUDNIK, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Sergei Proudnik, deceased, whose date of death was October 10, 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: December 19, 2019.

Personal Representative: Elena S. Proudnik aka Alena S. Proudnik 1595 Harbor Drive Marathon, Florida 33050 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: December 19 & 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

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: December 19, 2019.

Personal Representatives: PATRICK L.F. MALONEY PO Box 1346 Marblehead, MA 01945 ROBERT J. MALONEY 190 Burgundy Drive Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833 Publish: December 19 & 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

arising out of or occurring as a result of an incident involving the 1981 41’ Morgan Sailing Yacht bearing Hull Identification No. MRY31024M8I on the navigable waters near Islamorada, Florida, on or about April 9, 2019, as more fully described in the Complaint.

All persons having such claims must file their respective claims, as provided in Supplemental Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, with the Clerk of this Court at the United States District Courthouse for the Southern District of Florida, 301 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040 and must serve a copy thereof on attorneys for Petitioner on or before the 31st day of January, 2020 or be defaulted.

If any claimant desires to contest either the right to Exoneration From or the right to Limitation of Liability he shall file and serve on the attorneys for Petitioner an answer to the complaint on or before the aforesaid date unless his claim has included an answer, so designated, or be defaulted.

DATED this 12th day of December, 2019.

James Lawrence King /s/_J. Lawrence King Clerk of Court Publish: December 19 & 26, 2019, January 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Division: Family LAUREN BOHNEN, Mother, and CONSTANTINE FLORAKIS Father.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS Action files: Petition for Termination of Parental Rights TO: Constantine Florakis Respondent’s last known address: 3873 N. Ocean Drive, Riviera, FL 33404 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Termination of Parental Rights has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: The Manz Law Firm at 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 7, Marathon, FL 33050, on or before January 13, 2020, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 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 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 Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: December 4,2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shakira Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: December 12, 19, & 26, 2019 & January 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA-31-M WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 20TH day of November, 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: December 19 & 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-032089 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

JOHN SADOWSKI Obligor __________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: John Sadowski 325 Leslie Lane Lake Mary, FL 32746 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit C14, Week 30, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $3,455.51, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since December 10, 2019), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: December 19 & 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice Is Hereby Given To Whom It May Concern that on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) will hold their regularly scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida commencing at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff; board review of applications for a certificate of competency license and/or testing; any old or new business to come before the board at this time.

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she 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.

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

NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to bring an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language.

Rick Griffin, Building Official/Board Secretary Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: December 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-137-P IN RE: ESTATE OF HELEN E. MALONEY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of HELEN E. MALONEY, deceased, whose date of death was September 11, 2019, File Number 19-CP-137-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED

IN THE CIRCUIT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-131-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JERRY L. WALLACE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JERRY L. WALLACE, deceased, whose date of death was November 6, 2019, File Number 19-CP-131-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED 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: December 19, 2019.

Personal Representatives: EUGENIA S. WALLACE 176 Bessie Road Tavernier, FL 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU Florida Bar Number: 0517291 91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Telephone: (305) 852-4833 Publish: December 19 & 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers UNITED STATE DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDAKEY WEST DIVISION “IN ADMIRALTY” CASE NO.: 4:19-CV-10160-KING/ BECERRA In the Matter of the Complaint for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability by Chris Jennett, as owner of the 1981 41’ Morgan Sailing Yacht bearing Hull Identification No. MRY31024M81I, Petitioner.

NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Notice is given that the abovenamed Petitioner has filed a Complaint, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. §30505 et. seq. for exoneration from or limitation of liability for all claims for any damages or injuries,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 19-DR-1018-K Division: Family LYUBOV BITEMIROVA, Petitioner and BAUYRZHAN BITEMIROV Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: BAUYRZHAN BITEMIROV Respondent’s last known address: MAYSKAYA ST. 5-5 TYULKUBAS RG. SASTOBE VILLAGE, KAZAKSTAN 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: Lyubov Bitemirova, 1661 Dunlap Dr #2, Key West, FL 33040, on or before January 5, 2020, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Monroe County Clerk of Court, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida, 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 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 Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: December 3, 2019 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: December 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2019 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2019-DR-264-M

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-31-M 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 7th day of January, 2020, at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: LOT 15, BLOCK 2, KEY COLONY BEACH, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 120, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. Pursuant to FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORCLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 13TH day of November, 2019 Style of which is: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS,INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 2006-3, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff VS. GRANT L. GREENWOOD A/K/A GRANT LLOYD GREENWOOD, et. al

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No: 09-CA-001012-P NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH DAY OF JANUARY 2020 at 11:00AM on THE FRONT STEPS OF THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET in the City of KEY WEST Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: All upland and submerged land in Lots 9 and 10, Block 8, ANGLERS PARK SHORES, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 1 at page 148 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; together with, to the extent, if any, not included within said Lots 9 or 10, a parcel of submerged land in Largo Sound, Section 14, Township 61 South, Range 39 East, fronting the above described lots and more particularly described as follows: From the intersection of the dividing line between Lots 10 and 11, said Block and subdivision, with the Southeasterly side of shoreland Drive, all as shown on said plat of ANGLERS PARK SHORES, run South 44 degrees 10’ East along the radial dividing line between said Lots 10 and 11, a distance of 110 feet to the mean high tide line on the shore of Largo Sound and the Point of Beginning of the parcel hereinafter described; thence continue South 44 degrees 10’ East, a distance of 100 feet; thence North 43 degrees 40’ East, a distance of 80 feet; thence North 44 degrees 10’ West, a distance of 100 feet, more or less, to the said mean high tide line; thence Southwesterly meandering said mean high tide line a distance of 80 feet, more or less, to the Point of Beginning.

Pursuant to the FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT entered in a case in said Court, the style of which is: TOTALBANK; KL RES, LLC Plaintiff VS. OUTLAND PROPERTIES, LTD.; OUT ISLANDS PROPERTIES, INC.; DAVID BLOCK; BLOCK LAND AND FINANCE LTD; HERSHOFF, LUPION & YAGEL, LLP; BOARD OF COUNTY COMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY; SIRENA KEY, LLC Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 09-CA-001012-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 26th day of SEPTEMBER, 2019.

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

Publish: December 26, 2019 and January 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING

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

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT Boat Slips for rent in Marathon. Up to 50’ - 20’ wide.

Starting at $750. Please call 305-304-3610 Liveaboard Boat Slips available in Marathon.

Protected dockage, parking, bathrooms, laundry on premises, pool. $1,200/month incl. utilities. 305-393-1999

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

37

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 EMPLOYMENT UPPER KEYS Administrative Assistant/ R e c e p t i o n i s t .

Local real estate office looking for a responsible person to handle a variety of office tasks. Full time position available immediately.

Contact Amy at 305-664-4444.

Project Manager -Upper Keys.

Must have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. Carpenter needed also.

Both must pass background check. Send resume to admin@ cbtconstruct.com 305-852-3002 Rock Reef Resort hiring P/T Front Desk Associate. $13.00/ hour, vacation & incentive pay. Starting 20-30 hrs/week, weekends/holidays a must, some nights.

Requirements: Computer skills (MS Office) user level; PC Reservations system – will train; Non-smoker; Able to multi task within a “small office” operation; Reliable, trustworthy person w/people skills; Reliable transportation. 97850 Overseas Highway, Key Largo (305) 852-2401

MIDDLE KEYS SWEET SAVANNAH’S is now hiring part-time or full-time positions. Must be available for weekend shifts and have a clean driving record for event deliveries.

Position will be crossed trained for FOH, baking and deliveries. Other positions available are day-time sales clerk and part-time baker.

Please apply in person at 8919 overseas Hwy, Marathon Fl. NO C A L L S .

Keys Fisheries hiring well qualified Kitchen Manager. Good compensation and benefits. Apply within 3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon. EOE/DFWP

HOUSING FOR RENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

MIDDLE KEYS

3BR/2BA New Construction Duplex on stilts in Key Colony Beach. Annual lease.

Call 786-970-4905

NEWLY AVAILABLE KCB Condo, Direct Oceanfront 1BR/1BA, Seasonal Jan-Feb 2020, $4,400 month. 610-291-6937 or rjhughes01@comcast.net 2BR/2BA Large Apt for Rent. 10828 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon. $1,850/month plus utilities. F/L/S. Taking applications. Call (305) 394-4545 2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon.

Fully furnished. $3,100/month includes utilities.

Available for 3 months - Jan/ Feb/March.

727-278-1105 House for rent in Marathon – Efficiency with 2 rooms/Kitchen/Bath - fully furn. incl all utilities inc. cable for $1,400/ month. No pets. F/L/S 305-610-8002 1/2 Duplex Studio Apartment for rent. Centrally located in Marathon, private backyard. $1,400/month includes utilities.

F/L/$500 Deposit. 305-731-5588 AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MARATHON: Rooms available for short or long term rentals.

Single: $720/month; Double $1,150/month; Plus tax; F/L/S. Units provide an ideal option to temporary or long term housing.

Furnished with bunk beds, full kitchen with all utensils, tables, desks, coin operated washer & dryer. Residents share the kitchen, bathroom and dining areas.

Linens, towels ,consumables, not provided. For information: Bob Brayman 305-743-5929 bbrayman@hallsdiving.com

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

3BR / 2 1/2 BA Townhome in Marathon - Sister’s Creek. Available Jan. 1, 2020. $2,200/month 6185 5 9 - 9 1 4 3

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

UPPER KEYS LONG TERM RENTAL in Plantation Lake Estates, Private community, two story 3BR/3BA unfurn. concrete block home, large carport & back yard, homeowners park w/boat ramp/dock, new A/C, W/D, screened in patio. Avail. end of Jan. $2,500/mo. Best to email: slgrisham@icloud.com to set up time to see the house or use WhatAp or FaceTime to call: 011+501+614-1234 FOR RENT in Marathon: Office/Retail Space, 1500sf w/ additional 2 covered porches incl.

Open water views, US-1 frontage, $2700/month. Also small Office Space $500/month. Wifi & Utilities included. Onsite storage & or yard space available - prices by size. Call 305-743-7277 Small office space available for rent. Great location on U.S. 1 in Tavernier. Conveniently located to everything. 305-3940530

ROGO LOTS FOR SALE FOR SALE: 2 Marathon ROGO lots with letters. 4 ROGO points. $30,000 Text LOTS to 305-3932515 and leave name & number.

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

305-943-0789

KEY WEST

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING! Sous Chef Front Desk Agent Bell/Valet Attendant Retail Sales Associate Apply online at:

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

Keys Fisheries hiring Night Receiving Manager, night receivers and freezer help. Apply in person at 3390 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon. EOE/DFWP

Experienced Diesel Technician wanted. Tools and experience is a must. Electronic engine diagnostic experience preferred.

Opportunity for growth and training available for qualified applicants. Florida Keys Diesel Repair, 531 107th Street, Marathon. 305-289-2070 City of Marathon - Job Openings: Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee , Public Works Maintenance Worker.

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us 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 Experienced help only needed for all positions. Apply in person Mon-Fri 10-11am at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, Knights Key Blvd. Marathon

HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

MARATHON

RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT& FT) (Lead) & Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) Peer Support Specialist (2), (base location flexible) Driver CDL (base location flexible) Crisis Counselor Assisted Living Night Monitor (free housing!)

Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) Drop In Technician Care Coordinator (Family)

KEY LARGO

Community Action Team Leader (base location flexible) Behavioral Health Counselor Peer Support Specialist

Background and drug screen req.

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

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are looking for some Bartenders. Apply in person at American Legion Post 0154, 4115 Overseas Highway, Marathon IMMEDIATELY HIRING: Hideaway Cafe on Grassy Key: Food Runner, Busser, Dishwasher & Prep. Call for appointment 305-289-1554

Behavior Health Therapist (Children/Adult) PT/FT Case Manager Crisis Counselor Data Clerk Front Desk Specialist (Bilingual a +) Care Coordinator

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

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

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

Education Program Host Facilities Maintenance Apprentice School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist Visual Communications Staff Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & Holidays Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

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

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

WE ARE HIRING FOR HIGH SEASON! If you have experience in Hospitality, like to interact with our Guests and be part of an amazing Team, come and join us.

Please apply online for some of our open positions: islabellabeachresort.oasisrecruit.com 1 Knight’s Key Blvd (MM 47) Marathon

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 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

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

When It Rains It Pours!

Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

305-998-8953

MARATHON

Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

305-743-0506 KEY LARGO 305-852-5356 rainsavergutters@gmail.com

FRESH FLORIDA LOBSTERS FROM THE NICHOLS CREW DIRECT TO YOU

MM63 -MM74 | 305.393.1415

LIVE $10.00 A POUND TAILS $10.00 EACH

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000 for a FREE Consultation

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

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

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

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

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019

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Unwrap the Perfect Loan for your Perfect Home® with fast local service, great rates and no intangible tax on an affordable Keys Mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit.* Apply Today: Key West & Lower Keys Call John North at 305-293-6071 The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Ocean Studies Charter School faculty and staff in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality, and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and Ocean Studies for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of school pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

NMLS# 785028

What is your favorite subject and why? I like math. I like to do subtraction.

What is the best rule at school? Keep your hands to yourself What’s one of your favorite things to do at school? Getting to be the line leader is my favorite thing to do.

NMLS# 1172912

*Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. Equal Housing Lender. Available on select Mortgages. Keys FCU NMLS#595888. Membership is open to everyone who lives, works or buys property in the Florida Keys.

“KEEP IT LOCAL”

ROBERT JOSHUA BETTERMAN KINDERGARTEN Who is your favorite teacher and why? All of them because I like it when I learn from them.

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

What’s your favorite food for lunch? I like to have PBJ. Do you have a favorite TV show/movie? My favorite movie is “Avengers.” I like the one that has Thanos in it.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be an illustrator for a book.

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time? I like to go get my tablet and play games and watch movies.

Afterhours & weekend service | Annual AC service agreements, residential & commercial | Service all makes and models AC brands and commercial grade refrigeration & ice machines | Free estimates for commercial grade refrigeration & ice machines, ac replacement, new construction including ductwork and indoor air quality products CONTACT THE EXPERTS TODAY TO LEARN MORE

Licensed and Insured Lic # AC 427 A Create a cool comfortable home, no ductwork needed. Save up to 40% on your energy bill.

305.852.8230

87805 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada www.rexairac.com

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 26, 2019