Upper Keys Weekly - 20-0116

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

Craft beer vendors serve festival-goers during the seventh annual Baygrass Bluegrass Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada last year. Joining Florida Keys Brewing Co. are 15-plus craft breweries from around the state. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

PICKING AND DRINKING

Bluegrass fest this weekend

W

ith some of the finest craft brews come the best bluegrass and newgrass this weekend.

Islamorada Community Entertainment’s eighth annual Craft Beer and Baygrass Bluegrass Festival culminates with the main concert on Sunday, Jan. 19 at Islamorada’s Founders Park, MM 87. Multiple award-winning artists from around the U.S. will descend upon two stages for a day’s worth of jamming and toe tapping.

“We’ve invited our favorite Florida brewers to join with some of the country’s top bluegrass, newgrass and Americana performers for three days of great music in the Florida Keys,” said David Feder, president of ICE. On Friday, Jan. 17, the party events kick off with a 6 p.m. “Square Dancing in the Streets Party.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, there’s a Pickin’ Party with a full night of music on two stages, and a craft beer tap takeover starts at 4 p.m. Both events are a $10 donation per adult; those 17 and younger are admitted free.

The main concert on Sunday runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with gates opening at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $35; options also include craft beer tasting and VIPs. All advance tickets will receive a free stainless steel pint cup and can be purchased at baygrassbluegrass.com or the gate.

Among the headliners are The Grass Is Dead. They’re a force of nature in bluegrass and Grateful Dead music. Pulling from such diverse influences as Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, John Hartford, Allman Brothers Band, Pink Floyd and many others, The Grass Is Dead have created a sound that not only pays homage to roots music and the songs of the Dead and Jerry Garcia, but also explores the galactic and psychedelic nature of music itself.

Proceeds benefit local arts and music scholarships. More than $750,000 has been awarded to date for local Keys artists and students.

More information is at keysice.com or baygrassbluegrass.com.

The Songs from the Road Band performs during the seventh annual Baygrass Bluegrass Festival at Founders Park last year. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

ENTERTAINMENT

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ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

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

155

That’s the number of possible names for NASA’s Mars 2020 rover. Volunteer judges narrowed down 28,000 essay submissions, which kindergartners through 12th graders submitted. Among the possible names? Believer, Promise, F.I.D.O and Marv are among the finalists. See more at futureengineers.org/nametherover.

ON THE COVER The Tiki Tennis team has a little bit of fun during a photo op as they throw tennis balls in the air.

The team is heading to competition at the Tri-Level Championships in Lake Nona next week.

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

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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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FILLING THE VACANCY

Interested in serving on council? Step forward JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

T

here’s an opening on the Islamorada dais following the recent resignation of Cheryl Meads. Interested village residents now have the opportunity to serve the rest of her term through the end of the year.

Per village charter, council has just 30 days to appoint a qualified resident to fill the seat from which Meads resigned on Jan. 6. Meads said she made the decision so she could invest her full time and energy into the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, of which she’s an at-large member.

During a discussion at the Jan. 9 meeting, Mayor Mike Forster and council agreed that interested candidates must submit letters of intent to the village by end of day on Thursday, Jan. 16. Forster said council will vet the candidates and vote to appoint a new council member at the meeting Thursday, Jan. 23 at Founders Park Community Center.

“This isn’t the first time it’s happened and it won’t be the last,” Forster said regarding the vacancy. “We will get through this and the village will continue forward.”

Village Manager Seth Lawless took a moment to read a letter by Vice Mayor Ken Davis, who was absent to attend training for elected officials. In his letter, Davis said the recent resignation of Meads, which has created an opening, should be cautiously approached by council. Davis and other council members say they’ve received calls from interested individuals who’ve inquired about the opening.

“It’s a matter the community’s watching closely, and it should be handled in an apolitical manner,” Davis said. “While many may be qualified for the post, it’s only

temporary, and we should proceed with caution, not to indicate we are anointing anyone. We also owe it to our constituents in our community to provide the best qualified person.”

Davis said he’s contacted former mayor and council member Chris Sante to see if he’d be interested in returning to the dais. If selected, Davis said, Sante would agree to return just for the year.

“Sante’s a proven leader elected many times to serve on council. He’s removed himself from the political arena and has no future political aspirations,” Davis wrote in his letter.

“The village wouldn’t lose a single step moving forward.”

Sante confirmed his interest and told the Weekly he sent his letter to the village on Tuesday morning. According to the village, others submitting interest are David Webb, Pete Bacheler, Larry Zettwoch, Bill Todd, Mark Gregg, Jill Zima Borski, Don Horton and George Geisler.

Forster said following the letter’s reading that it’s “the valued opinion of one council member.” Councilman Jim Mooney said he’s received a number of inquiries.

“I can give you my phone and get a list. There’s a lot,” he said.

To be eligible, a person must be a registered voter in the State of Florida and a resident of the village. People interested in being considered for the village council seat are asked to submit a letter of interest to include why they are interested and how they are qualified to serve on the dais.

A letter of interest can be submitted to Village Clerk Kelly Toth at clerk@islamorada.fl.us by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. Letters may also be hand-delivered to the third floor of the Administrative Center at 86800 Overseas Highway.

As for the election in November, Gregg filed on Jan. 7 to run for the seat.

SAVE THE DATE Jan. 16-19 • Uncorked Islamorada & Key Largo Food and Wine Festival at The Postcard Inn, Islamorada.

Thursday, Jan. 16 • Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Friday, Jan. 17 • Leadership Monroe alumni social from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Coast Guard Ingham boat at Truman Waterfront Park, Key West.

• Pickle, Pizza and Pong Social Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Founders Park. $5 per person.

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

Saturday, Jan. 18 • 37th annual Art Under the Oaks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San Pedro Church, MM 89.5, Tavernier.

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

Monday, Jan. 20 • Matecumbe Historical Trust’s free presentation series at 6:30 p.m. at Island Community Church, 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.

• “The Delicate Balance of Nature” lecture series with guest Alli Candelmo of REEF at 7 p.m. at the John Pennekamp State Park Visitor Center and Aquarium Building, Key Largo. continued on page 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

BRIEFLY

Toll booths are removed from the Overseas Highway in 1954.

JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

Concert features guest Sugarloaf Drum Circle The Keys Community Concert Band will perform a Pops in the Park concert, “What a Wonderful World,” on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. Admission is free at Founders Park Amphitheater for the concert. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab the kids and the dog, and pack a picnic lunch!

Music selections include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Beer Barrel Polka,” “Game of Thrones” and “Shalom Chaverim,” plus others that will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip without leaving the sunsets of Islamorada. Special guest performers are Sugarloaf Drum Circle.

More information is at 305-394-1123.

Fortunes made and lost in the Florida Keys

The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host its first free presentation of 2020 on Monday, Jan. 20, at Island Community Church, located at 83250 Overseas Hwy; Islamorada at 6:30 p.m. The audio and visual presentation is from the late Irving Eyster’s archives. The presentation will show many of the industries and businesses from the past, going back to the early 1800s, through today. Many fortunes were made and lost in the Florida Keys. Indians had trade here long ago. Stories of the wreckers, the salt industry, the tobacco factories in Key West, pineapple farming, coconuts and the turtles, sponges and the building of what are many of today’s subdivisions. The presentation is free and open to the public. More information is available from Barbara at 305393-0940.

Trolley through time on Jan. 25 The Matecumbe Historical Trust “Trolley Tour through Time” will be Jan. 25. This first tour of the season will start at 10 a.m. from the Whale Harbor Restaurant located at 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. A monitor at the front of the trolley will show over 90 photos of the past as you see what the sites are today. Tours take about an hour. Seating is limited. Adult admission is $20 a person; children 6 and under are admitted free. A pop-up shop by volunteers will provide information, books, T-shirts, historic photographs and memorabilia for sale. More information, including reservations, is available from Barbara at 305-393-0940.

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UPPER KEYS HISTORY

BRAD BERTELLI

www.keysweekly.com

TOLL BOOTHS REMOVED IN 1954, HIGHWAY DECLARED FLORIDA FREEWAY

P

igeon Key was identified on early Spanish charts as Cayo Paloma. Paloma is the Spanish word for pigeon. The story goes that the island was once home to large flocks of white crowned pigeons.

It would appear as Dove Kay on an 1846 chart. A couple of years later, in “Reconnaissance of the Florida Reefs and All the Keys,” F.W. Gerdes would write, “The first key in Bahia Honda Bank W. of Key Vacas Harbor is named Pigeon Key.” Pigeon Key, the lynchpin of the Seven Mile Bridge, is an amazing little island and one of the few in the Florida Keys chain that proved integral during construction of both the Over-Sea Railroad and several versions of the Overseas Highway. During the railroad’s construction years, the island was used primarily as a work camp. An article dated Jan. 21, 1912, appearing in the Indianapolis Sunday Star, reads, “The camps are in charge of a resident or division engineer with the one at Pigeon Key presently the most active. At high tide Pigeon Key is about two acres in extent and perhaps three acres at low tide. There are four bunkhouses, each designed to hold 64 men; one of them for the foremen, who are housed apart from the laborers. Each has a reading room with good lights. Good mattresses are provided on standard double-decked bunks, with plenty of clean bedclothes; all laundry work being done by the company. Once a week all beds are washed and thoroughly disinfected to keep any parasites from getting a start.”

With the completion of Flagler’s train tracks, Pigeon Key stopped operating as a work camp and transitioned into the home base for the maintenance crew as well as the bridge ten-

der in charge of opening and closing the swing bridge over Moser Channel whenever boats needed to pass. From there, a small community developed and from 1912-1935 as many as 40 people called the island home. A school opened in 1923 and on April 9 of the same year, Post Office Pigeon Key was established. It would operate for a decade.

The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane would alter the course of history not just for Henry Flagler’s railroad, but for Pigeon Key, too. While the Category 5 hurricane is still considered the most powerful storm to strike North America, it was not a large storm. The eye wall crossed the island chain only 20 miles away, but Pigeon Key was left relatively undamaged. Flagler’s railroad could not make the same claim as 40 miles of track were twisted and torn from the bedrock. Sept. 2, 1935 would ultimately become the day the train to Key West died.

A little more than a year later, the Florida East Coast Railway sold the right-of-way of the Over-Sea Railroad to the state of Florida for $640,000 – included as part of the right-of-way was Pigeon Key. Because the railroad bridges had largely withstood hurricane forces and remained standing, those abandoned bridges between Lower Matecumbe Key and Big Pine Key were widened to accommodate automobile traffic. The Overseas Highway, prior to the 1935 hurricane, had been incomplete and required passage aboard an automobile ferry to complete the trek from the mainland to Key West. Retrofitting the railroad bridges so that they became suitable for automobile passage would eliminate the sometimes unreliable and always time-consuming ferry system. The project was overseen

by the newly formed Overseas Toll and Bridge District, headquartered at Pigeon Key. When the Overseas Highway reopened to traffic in 1938, the improved road system had also become a toll road with two toll booths, one located at Lower Matecumbe Key and one at Big Pine. All money collected at the booths was brought to operations at Pigeon Key. Though created to repay a $3.6 million federal loan obtained to improve the Overseas Highway, the funds were being used to lavish expensive food and drink on the district headquarters. Other fraudulent indulgences included the construction of a swimming pool and the purchase of a luxury cabin cruiser for fishing.

Once the schemes were uncovered, the Overseas Road and Toll Bridge District was closed, the toll booths hauled away and, on April 15, 1954, the road opened as the Florida Freeway. The change of name did not go over well with locals, who petitioned to have the name changed back to the Overseas Highway. Pigeon Key was subsequently given to Monroe County and today the old wooden buildings out on the island sit like a ghost town of sorts. The historic island is managed by the Pigeon Key Foundation and tours of the island feel a great deal like stepping back in time. For $12 ($9 if you are a Monroe County resident), a boat will take you out to the island.

From there, you can explore on your own or have a guide spend about an hour talking about the island’s storied history. For tour information, call 305743-5999.

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

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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:

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

Do What We Can Today, To Save What We Can For Tomorrow So far, community response to the Restoration Blueprint proposed by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has been divided. At the recent community forum I attended, the loudest voices were those of fishermen and backcountry guides who are concerned that the proposed changes will negatively impact their livelihoods.

We need to listen to the Keys’ fishermen – they are world-renowned experts in their field and their opinions should carry as much weight as anyone’s.

But we also need to hear from experts in marine conservation and restoration. Because if there’s one thing I think everyone can agree upon, it’s that the Keys are not what they used to be. Not by a long shot. And the consensus among scientists and conservation practitioners is that if we don’t act now to restore and protect what remains of our marine ecosystems, everyone’s livelihoods in the Keys are in jeopardy.

Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), one of this community’s most active leaders in coral reef science, conservation, and restoration, supports the Sanctuary’s preferred options outlined in the Restoration Blueprint.

At CRF, we see the difference that Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) can make for our work – corals planted in SPAs tend to grow better, because they are afforded protection from anchors and fishing. We also see a relationship between the traffic on a reef, and the health of the corals on that reef. On Molasses Reef, perhaps the most popular diving reef in Key Largo, the health of corals planted by CRF has been historically poor. At Carysfort Reef, which receives comparatively less traffic, corals are growing well, even after the destruction of Hurricane Irma. At North Dry Rocks Reef, with only three mooring balls, corals planted by CRF are now dominating the tops of reef spurs.

A common claim is that none of this matters if we don’t first address the water quality issues of the Keys.

But CRF grows more healthy coral in its nurseries than can be planted in a given year.

These nurseries have the same water as reefs, so what gives? The nurseries are protected areas, and there are so many corals that a “safety in numbers” effect essentially snowballs their health and growth.

This translates to the reefs, too. On nearly 30 Keys reefs, there are corals that would not be there without CRF’s work. In most cases these corals are now the only representatives of their species on those reefs. And on well-managed reef sites, these planted corals are now maturing and spawning naturally.

This serves to illustrate an important theme for corals. These little animals face a myriad of issues in the Keys, but they can be incredibly resilient, if they are just given a chance – if just a few of the issues facing them can be alleviated or eliminated. Water quality is at least a state-level issue (if not a federal-level issue) and, while it does need addressing, it will not be fixed tomorrow or next month or even next year.

In the meantime, we can give our corals and the reef system they build a fighting chance by enacting the sanctuary’s preferred options and removing the most localized and direct impacts affecting reef health. We need to be investing in education, restoration, and enforcement so that when we do finally turn the tide on poor water quality in the Keys, there will still be something worth saving, worth using, and worth our efforts.

Alexander Neufeld Special projects coordinator, Coral Restoration Foundation

The Restoration Blueprint is available at floridakeys.noaa. gov/blueprint. NOAA is taking public comment on the proposals through Jan. 31, 2020.

Comments may be submitted online at www.regulations. gov (docket number NOAANOS-2019-0094).

Alex Neufeld is a marine biologist, scuba and free diver, and avid underwater photographer. He is the special projects coordinator for Coral Restoration Foundation, where his work involves transplanting endangered coral species onto reefs throughout the Florida Keys.

To review the Weekly’s coverage of the Restoration Blueprint and community opinions about it, visit https://keysweekly. com/42/category/ sanctuary-blueprint/

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

Resolve to Conserve!

Laid-Back

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Pick up your FREE conservation kit and save up to 700 gallons per year Pickup your kit at any FKAA office FKAA.com

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From a Woman’s Hand

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

READY TO SERVE Cates ‘excited’ for first BOCC meeting

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

GO MO It was standing room only inside the Islamorada Library on Jan. 11 as Farmer Jeanne Selander of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm stopped by with Mo the Sloth and other critters. Families packed the room as kids got the opportunity to see and pet the animals. Charlotte Caria, library assistant, says it’s one of the biggest events they’ve had.

ISLAMORADA LIBRARY/Contributed

TIKI TENNIS HEADED TO THE CHAMPIONSHIPS! The ‘Tiki Tennis’ team at Founder’s Park in Islamorada has made it to the Tri-Level Championships for the second year in a row. They are set to play Jan. 25-27 in Lake Nona, Florida. The team is coached by Susie Jannach. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

T

he Jan. 22 BOCC meeting will be Craig Cates’ first as the Monroe County District 1 county commissioner.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Cates to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Danny Kolhage’s early resignation in November 2019. The former Key West mayor shared with the Weekly his thoughts and priorities approaching his first meeting.

“I’m excited to represent the citizens of Monroe County,” Cates said. “I thought it wouldn’t be until November this year, but now I get to go to work right away.”

His transition from city to county government has been relatively easy because the big issues are the same, he said. “I’ve worked with the county quite a bit over the years on all these issues, so thankfully, there isn’t much of a learning curve to get to speed.”

Still, Cates has spent the last month since his appointment meeting with department heads within the county, researching major agenda items, and reviewing big projects in the pipeline. “I want to meet everyone so they know what kind of person I am and what I would like to accomplish in the county,” said Cates.

Cates has also invited constituents to meet with him on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Bernstein Park on Stock Island. He hopes this community meeting will be the first of many interactions with stakeholders and the community.

The commissioner cited several important issues for his district, which includes Stock Island. Topping his list are zoning changes,

abandoning roads and transferring and awarding new ROGO units. He anticipates the major item at January’s meeting to revolve around the approval of 280 new affordable housing units as the Wreckers Cay Apartments at Stock Island, LLC project. The proposal includes 70 low-income, 70 median-income and 140 moderate-income units, which will be built on what used to be a trailer park on Stock Island. The county also plans to abandon three roads to expand the acreage of the project and to maximize how many affordable housing units can be built. Cates hopes to leverage the abandonment to negotiate more low-income units for the county.

“We need some assurance that if we give something up, we will get back something we want for the residents.” The project is slated to be one of the most complex ever attempted in the Keys, said the commissioner.

“Luckily with my experience in past projects, I understand what’s going on with land development regulations and zoning.”

Affordable housing tops Cates’ concern both for his district and for the county. His other critical concern is sea level rise and how it will affect everyone in the Keys in the future. “People are getting concerned whether the Keys will be here in 30 to 40 years. We need to assure them that it will,” said Cates. “We need to do things to mitigate, plan and show the public that we won’t be lost to the sea.”

Relying on his experiences in Key West, Cates explained how the Southernmost City has already installed injection wells, drainage, pumps and generators to eliminate flooding. “We redid the drainage on Duval Street; it used to flood and doesn’t any more.

We can do more projects like this.

I have a lot of experience, and I’m excited to bring that to the county,” added Cates.

“All these issues will be challenging because there’s no magic wand for any of it,” he said. “We will try to make the best decisions for the community, but there’s gonna be some give and take.

They’re all challenging issues, but I’m up for the challenge.”

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

Sheriff Rick Ramsay presents the lieutenant insignia to Chuck Kellenberger, who began as head of the patrol division in Islamorada on Jan. 13. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

HELLO, LIEUTENANT Kellenberger promoted; headed to Islamorada patrol division

O

n Jan. 9, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay announced the promotion of Sgt. Chuck Kellenberger to the rank of lieutenant.

Kellenberger is to head up the patrol division in Islamorada, replacing Lt. Mike DiGiovanni, who is being transferred to the training division. Kellenberger is one of four lieutenants in the Keys patrol division.

Kellenberger, 48, has spent 25 years on the force. Most recently, he’s worked in the Middle Keys district. He started as a cadet, then became a dispatcher while also serving as a reserve deputy before attending the academy and joining patrol. In addition, he is a certified firefighter and EMT and serves as a volunteer.

“I am very pleased to be promoting a hometown officer,” said Ramsay. “He’s a hard worker and represents me well, leading by example. He enforces the law with professionalism.”

Kellenberger said his favorite part of the job is, simply, helping.

“It’s satisfying. I grew up in this community and admire how everyone here helps everyone else. When I was growing up, folks extended a hand and I want to do the same thing,” he said. “I look forward to joining Capt. Corey Bryan and continue to work with the team. This is my home, this is my family.”

In his new position, Kellenberger will be tasked with carrying out Ramsay’s vision of community policing and getting to know the business leaders and partners in the Upper Keys.

COMMUNITY NEWS

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

OBITUARY

BRIEFLY

Park’s lecture series welcomes REEF’s Candelmo The second lecture of the annual lecture series, “The Delicate Balance of Nature,” sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, will feature Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s Alli Candelmo on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Candelmo, who serves as REEF’s invasive species program manager, will provide a summary of the outreach and citizen science programs that REEF and other organizations have employed to reduce the impact of invasive lionfish. She also will update attendees on current and future research being conducting to understand invasive species. The lecture will be held at the Visitor Center and Aquarium Building inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. More information is available from park services specialist Elena Muratori at 305-676-3786.

DEE MEEKS 1923-2020

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ong-time Islamorada resident and philanthropist Dee Meeks passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Jan. 11, 2020. Born Sept. 24, 1923 in New York City, she enjoyed the culture and society offered with city life while growing up, yet found her way south to the Florida Keys as she entered adulthood.

Always a traveler, she was a frequent visitor to the Keys in the early 1940s through early 1960s, eventually settling down in Pen Key Club in 1964 where she lived out her days overlooking the beautiful Florida Bay. In 1974, at a TIB Bank stockholder meeting, she met Ken Meeks, the bank’s founder. Their first date was at the original Ziggie’s restaurant in Islamorada and they married on Aug. 25, 1978. They have been longtime members at the Islamorada Fishing Club.

Dee spent much of her time volunteering for organizations dear to her, including the American Red Cross, Kids in Special Situations (KISS) and the Mariners Hospital Auxiliary. Ken and Dee were instrumental in the development of the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, which bears their name.

She was an animal lover who rescued many cats over the years, including her beloved Katy Kitty. She was an abstract artist and art collector. In addition to her travels around the globe with Ken, she enjoyed dancing, reading and solving crossword puzzles.

She was predeceased by her parents, William S. Cravens Sr. and Nancy Cravens, as well as her brother William S. Cravens Jr. In addition to Ken, her dedicated husband of 41 years, Dee is survived by several nieces, and numerous grandnieces and -nephews.

Special thanks go out to her long-time physician, Dr. Joanne Mahoney, and her many caregivers during the latter stage of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made in Dee’s name to the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, 73 High Point Road, Tavernier, FL 33070, or to the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, P.O. Box 1124, Islamorada, FL 33036.

A memorial service in Dee’s honor will be held Sunday, Jan. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Keys History & Discovery Center at the Islander Resort Conference Center in Islamorada.

Native Plant Day at state parks The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will sponsor the annual Native Plant Day event on Jan. 25. Nursery volunteers from Dagny Johnson State Park, as well as other organizations, will have information booths for people to view. Activities for children will be available, including a special nature walk for children who are accompanied by an adult at 10:30 a.m. There will be two 45-minute-long nature trail walks through the tropical hardwood hammock at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., as well as two butterfly garden tours, at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. These are limited to 15 participants each, on a first-come, first-served, basis. More information, including on accessibility needs, is available from Elena Muratori at 305-676-3786, or at www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Tibetan monks return to Keys Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Gomang monastery return to the Upper Keys Jan. 27-30 to share their ancient cultural teachings, artistic expressions and unique vocal chants with sacred instruments. The monks will be at the Islander Resort on Jan. 27 and 30, Island Dolphin Care on Jan. 28, J.O.Y Center and Keys Jewish Community Center on Jan. 29. More information is available at the Sacred Art Tour 2020 Upper Keys Facebook page.

An evening of stargazing The public is invited to Islamorada Library on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m., for an evening of stargazing. Look through a telescope at the night sky and listen to stories of the constellations with Elizabeth Moore and Jay Elliott of the Florida Keys Astronomy Club. The event is free. For more information about Islamorada Library or its events, please call 305-664-4645. The library is located at 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, bayside.

Garden Club meeting Jan. 21 Kathryn DePoo, a Key West native and member of the Key West Garden Club will be the guest speaker at the Garden Club of the Upper Keys monthly meeting Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at Francis Tracy Garden Center, MM 94. DePoo is a founding member of the GLEE Key West Community Garden and currently serves as garden chairperson. She has assisted Keys educators in exposing students to understanding where food comes from, how it is grown and making healthy choices. She will share her passion of educating and encouraging local food gardeners. For more information contact : www.gardenclubupperkeys.org

11

12

COMMUNITY NEWS

7 THINGS YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN 2 WEEKS AGO New Florida laws took effect Jan. 1

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

A conceptual image of a completed boater information kiosk. CONTRIBUTED

New boat info kiosk installed

TIFFANY DUONG

I

tiffany@keysweekly.com

n Florida, a handful of new laws went into effect at the start of the year. While the most talked-about change involves texting while driving, several others could affect your life here in the Keys.

Cigarettes & vaping: The minimum age to purchase cigarettes or vaping products went up from 18 to 21. In the next 30 days, most fruit- and mint-flavored nicotine vaping products will be banned by the FDA. Minimum wage: Florida’s starting minimum wage increased by $0.10, from $8.46 to $8.56. Amendment 2, which voters will be able to vote on in November, would increase this to $10 in 2021 with a gradual rise to $15 by 2026.

Texting: Texting while driving has become a “primary offense,” meaning cops can pull drivers over on suspicion of texting while driving alone. “Texting” includes emailing, messaging, and otherwise typing on a cell phone while driving. With the new year, police can now issue uniform traffic citations for texting behind the wheel. A first offense is a $30 fine and court fees.

Holding a phone in a school zone could result in a fine.

Lower business property taxes: Taxes on commercial leases dropped from 5.7% to 5.5%. The reduced sales tax rate applies to rentals, leases and licenses to use real property.

Notarizing documents: Need to notarize a document in Florida? Now you can do it online. Notaries must be physically present to perform the service, but signatories can now be anywhere in the world and still have documents legally notarized through online-video communications.

Prescriptions: Prescriptions now must be sent electronically. Medical care providers have until license renewal or July 1, 2021 to comply. A waiver and a few exceptions exist.

Real ID: Does your driver’s license have a little gold star on the top right? If so, you’re safe. If not, you’ll need to get a Real ID sooner rather than later. Real ID attempts to improve the security of licenses and ID. cards. On Oct. 1, 2020, you won’t be able to fly in/out of Florida on a commercial airplane with a non-compliant license alone. As of the new year, non-compliant licenses no longer can be renewed online.

Monroe County is installing a new boater information kiosk at the Harry Harris Park boat ramp in Key Largo. The project is being funded through state boating improvement funds generated from recreational vessel registrations. The kiosk will have signs about local waters and will include boater guides and other water safety materials.

“Informing boaters, especially those not familiar with our local waters, is a significant concern for Monroe County,” said project management director Cary Knight. “This project serves the needs of

the boating community and will result in improved boating access, provide a benefit to recreational boaters, and afford for recovery of sensitive marine habitats especially since we have a high level of boating related activities from individuals who reside in other counties.”

The first kiosk is being installed as a pilot project. As funding becomes available, officials would like to include them at other county boat ramps.

— Contributed

PUBLIC A FORUM SET FOR AQUATIC PRESERVE

public forum is set to discuss the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve management plan. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP) coordinates the protection of the state’s natural, cultural and economic coastal resources.

Public forum objectives include reviewing the purpose and process for revising the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve management plan — this does not include any regulatory measures — and receiving input from the public with a focus on issues, goals, objectives and strategies.

The information from the forum will be compiled and used by RCP in the revision of the draft management plan.

More information is available from Katy Cummings at Katy.E.Cummings@FloridaDEP.gov or at https://floridadep. gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/lignumvitae-key-aquaticpreserve. Written comments are welcome and can be submitted by mail or email to FloridaCoasts@FloridaDEP.gov on or before Jan. 30, 2020.

— Contributed

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

13

COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY Sheriff’s office donates $100,000 to college

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay presents College of the Florida Keys President Jonathan Gueverra with a check for $100,000 Jan. 9 to help fund the COFK’s new Key Largo campus. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

M

onroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay presented College of the Florida Keys President Jonathan Gueverra with a check for $100,000 last week. The donation will help fund the college’s new Key Largo campus.

“When Dr. Gueverra told me a few years ago about a campus in the Upper Keys, I told him to count me in, and that I would come up with the money to help,” Ramsay told the Weekly. “It’s all about partnerships; the sheriff’s office loves being a team player and supporting good causes that help the community.”

The donation came from drug forfeiture funds and not taxpayer dollars, confirmed Adam Linhardt, director of media relations for the sheriff’s office. “It’s not uncommon for the sheriff to donate $100,000 to the community,” he added. “It’s legally complicated, but the sheriff always makes the determination what his legal options are and what will best serve the community. We do our best to help as many people as we can.”

Ramsay is known for his fiscal responsibility and his push to give money back to the community, Linhardt said. “A big part of the sheriff’s leadership philosophy is to be a steward of taxpayer money or money flowing into the office that we did not foresee, like drug forfeiture money,” he said. “The sheriff tries to give that money back to the community when appropriate to do good things.”

The sheriff’s office has a longstanding, good relationship with the College of the Florida Keys, where cadets can take criminal justice classes and other training, said Ramsay. “The new campus will help the community overall with higher education for all our citizens. It will also enhance law enforcement training capabilities services in the Upper Keys, and even South Dade, with advanced training otherwise not accessible because Key West is so far,” added the sheriff. He noted that this partnership is “good for all” and further evidence of his strong belief in partnerships among police, residents, businesses, churches and schools.

Gueverra agreed. “The sheriff and I have been partners ever since I took the helm at the college,” he said. “This gift is a continued demonstration of his commitment to our community and education. Without his office’s ongoing support, we would not have a quality, affordable, locally accessible law enforcement training facility.”

The sheriff’s office assured the Weekly that as more money comes available down the road, the sheriff would continue to find uses that benefit as many in the community as possible.

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

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

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

14

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

Members of the Wounded Warrior Project’s 2020 Soldier Ride stop for a water break.

A RIDE TO REMEMBER

M

Plantation Key students show support for members of the Wounded Warrior Project’s 2020 Soldier Ride during a water break stop in front of Coral Shores High School on their ride to Key West. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

C.J. Grimstad, a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, meets Roo, owned by Barbara St-Aubin, at back, during a water break stop at Coral Shores.

Members of the Wounded Warrior Project’s 2020 Soldier Ride arrive for a water break in front of Coral Shores High School.

arine Corps Major and Upper Keys VFW Post 10211 Quartermaster Jason Kendall, along with his wife and Olympic gold medal winner, Marketa, enthusiastically welcomed Wounded Warriors as they disembarked from their buses in preparation for their therapeutic bicycle ride through the Keys on Jan. 10. They were greeted with a magnificent spread of delicious delicacies donated by Ms. Lisa Brown’s Tavernier Dunkin Donuts store.

Many civilian well wishers joined a cadre of law-enforcement and first responders assembled at the VFW Post to encourage and support these combat-wounded veterans as they mounted their bicycles for their ride to Key West.

Windy weather and overcast skies could not dampen the spirits of these courageous and grateful warriors in pursuit of the restorative challenge that awaited them.

State Attorney Dennis Ward and Sheriff Rick Ramsay coordinated and worked through the intricate details necessary to make this event possible. As we approached our first rest stop in front of Coral Shores High School the energy pulsating from the students and staff was palpable. Basking in the love of Plantation Key and Coral Shores students refreshed, healed and prepared these wounded vets for the next leg of their journey.

Firefighters, the ambulance corps, the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority all set up a beautiful and refreshing environment for the riders to recover.

During the layover, students and veterans interacted, exchanging pleasantries and initiating personal conversations. Cards and drawings were given to the veterans as gifts by many students. These combat veterans went out of their way to engage the large crowd of students and personally express their heartfelt thanks to each one.

There were extensive groups of enthusiastic students and staff lined up against U.S. 1 from the Burton Memorial and Montessori schools, with beautiful displays of appreciation greeting the riders as they proceeded south. Grateful civilians from Mariners Hospital, FKEC and Froggy’s Gym sparked the cyclists with a powerful surge of energy.

John Donnelly, purple heart Key Largo

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

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16

KEYS EATS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

PIZZA PASSION A true family-friendly Italian experience

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

I

nside Enrico’s New York Style Pizzeria on Plantation Key, owner Larry Calvano carefully sprinkles the cheese and toppings before opening the oven to place his masterful creation in. Pizza’s not only a way of life for the third-generation pizzaiola.

It’s a proud passion.

The popular New York-style pizza that many have come to enjoy inside Enrico’s at Key Largo’s Big Chill has now made its way to Islamorada at MM 88.7, bayside. And with its delicious pizza choices come famous garlic rolls, pasta favorites, sandwiches and more.

The pizzeria, which opened its doors in September, is named after Calvano’s father, Enrico, who was a pizza maker in New York City. His wife, Laura, and he opened their first pizza restaurant in the early ‘60s. After many successful years, the family moved to Florida with their three children.

In 1972, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, and Enrico’s New York-style pizza was introduced.

“I’ve been making pizzas since I was a kid. It’s been my love. I grew up in the pizzeria. It’s where I did my homework. It’s where I spent my time after school. “ — owner Larry Calvano

“I’ve been making pizzas since I was a kid,” Calvano said as he sits for a brief break during a busy Friday afternoon. “It’s been my love. I grew up in the pizzeria. It’s where I did my homework. It’s where I spent my time after school. “ In 2010, Enrico’s pizza was introduced to locals and visitors inside Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill at MM 104, bayside. Calvano, who owns and operates the famous restaurant, said the pizza created quite the buzz among the seafood town.

“Once we started pizza, that truly opened the restaurant up to everybody,” he said. “People who wouldn’t normally come to The Chill came. Visitors who would stop by came back again and again. It allowed for a nice family experience.”

And a family experience it continues to be for Calvano and his new pizzeria in Islamorada. Inside, the music mixed with pictures on the wall of family, and the likes of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky, emits nostalgia. Behind the clear glass, patrons get to see Calvano and his pizza makers do what they do best.

KEYS EATS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

mushrooms,sweet pepper medley and extra cheese.

Top off the dining experience with Enrico’s zeppole, or the “Italian doughnut.” It’s homemade dough lightly fried and topped with powdered sugar and served with chocolate and caramel dipping sauce and whipped cream.

When stopping into Enrico’s Pizzeria, expect a true, family friendly, Italian experience.

“You come here with your family, you’re singing the songs, eating good food and reminiscing of the good old times,” he said. “I want people to come in and have that pizzeria experience. The whole thing is to Enrico and Laura.”

Enrico’s Pizzeria is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enrico’s also delivers. For more information, visit enricospizza.com or call 305-852-2200.

The Italian fisherman is made of lobster meat, clams, shrimp and crab meat. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly Buffalo wings served with blue cheese and celery.

Shrimp & lobster ala vodka is finished in a pink cream sauce and served over imported rigatoni.

Enrico’s world-famous garlic rolls. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly Enrico’s owner Larry Calvano shows off his New York style pizza at the new location in Islamorada.

“My father said you never hide the pizza guy unless there’s something to hide,” he said. “I like to stand there and watch their first bites. I like to see them rocking out to the music. I love this stuff.”

All cuisine on the menu is made with the freshest ingredients. From the san marzano tomatoes to the parmesano cheese and fresh basil, Calvano said, it’s all high quality, yet simple.

“It’s true, fresh Italian ingredients made with a lot of passion and a lot of love,” he said.

Stopping in for lunch and dinner, patrons can start off with Enrico’s famous homemade garlic rolls. When they reach the table, Calvano will urge you to eat them hot and fresh out of the oven.

Another notable appetizer is the mouthmelting, homemade mozzarella. It’s creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

It’s laid over with spicy marinara and topped with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan.

Among the entrees is the lasagna, which is made with imported pasta and layered with Enrico’s homemade meat sauce, grated Parmesan, Romano cheeses and seasoned ricotta. There’s also the shrimp and lobster a la vodka that’s made with fresh Florida lobster and jumbo shrimp.

Hot sandwiches include chicken parm, steak and cheese and the Italian style tuna salad, to name a few. Salads, cold sandwiches and calzones are also available.

Last but not least, Enrico’s traditional pizza consists of 100 percent grande mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, Parmesan and Romano cheese, olive oil and basil. With all sorts of toppings, patrons can specialize their pizza to their liking.

Patrons can also order specialty pies like the meatball & ricotta, eggplant a la laura or “The Italian Fisherman,” which is made of lobster meat, clams, shrimp and crab meat. There’s also “The Boss,” made with pepperoni, sausage, meatball, onion,

17

18

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

DO IT ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE Ralphie Bra/Pub/Poker Walk on Jan. 26

At Hawks Cay Resort Mile Marker 61

Over 80 new boats on display to view and sea-trial!

January 24-26, 2020 Fri: 1 PM - 5 PM Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM Sun: 10 AM - 3 PM

Huge Silent Auction and

Fishing Seminars presented by TOP local captains.

With support from our sponsors:

$10 Entrance Fee www.IslandBoatShow.com

Friends gather at the Caribbean Club for the closing party of the benefit walk. At the Crib, there’s a silent auction, food, 50/50 drawing, basket of cheer, restaurant basket, and live music. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

T

he 12th annual Ralphie Bra/Pub/Poker Walk will take place in Key Largo on Sunday, Jan. 26. The 5-mile fundraiser takes place between Sharkey’s Pub & Galley Restaurant and the Caribbean Club, and includes stops at Hobo’s Café, The Catch, and Lazy Lobster.

The fundraiser has a little of everything – food trucks, live music, 50/50 drawings, silent auctions and poker hands put together by pubcrawling to different bars. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at Sharkey’s, where participants can pick up poker sheets. The walk begins at 11 a.m. and at each subsequent stop, walkers pick up a poker card for their poker sheets. At the Crib, registrants will get their last poker cards and whoever has the best poker hand wins. There are contests for best decorated bra as well as raffles and tons of local prizes.

“It’s such an awesome event.

It’s so much fun,” said Kathy Snow, one of the organizers of the walk.

The annual event is named after Ralph “Ralphie” Smith, a popular Key Largo bartender who passed away in 2005. A simple walk began in his memory in 2006 and raised $1,500 in its first year. Proceeds were donated to the humane society, Smith’s favorite charity.

Each year, the walk has gotten a little bigger, with just under 200 walkers last year raising almost $13,000.

“Ralph was a dear friend. He lived with me and my husband for many years,” Snow recalls.

Smith used to bartend at

Snook’s and was so popular, people would come to the bar just to visit him, said Snow. “He was just a funny, entertaining, kind-hearted, good person.”

A few years into the walk, Snow was diagnosed with fast-growing breast cancer. “That’s when we added the bra walk and started donating to a cancer charity,” she said. Since then, Snow has been running the walk with her friend Kristy Schweiss and their community of friends. “There’s a lot of people involved; I can’t take the credit.”

The organizers chose these specific charities to ensure that all proceeds raised stay local. The Cancer Foundation helps Monroe County residents going through cancer with their everyday living expenses – food, rent, or anything else they might need. “It makes us feel very good to raise money that’s staying in our community,” said Snow. “It’s very personal for all of us in this little community because Ralphie was a friend to us all. He would want that money to stay in the Keys to benefit the residents here and the community he loved.”

All proceeds raised that day go to the foundations. Donations can be made on the day of the walk at Sharkey’s or the Caribbean Club, or by calling Snow at 305-240-0476 or Schweiss at 305-394-2331.

Things to know: Most bars will take credit cards, but the Crib only takes cash.

The Catch has a buffet for $10.

The Crib will have a food truck. $25 registration fee gets you 6 poker sheets, so you have 6 chances to win a poker hand.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

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THREE GREAT WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY! DONATE your Gently Used Tax Deductable Furniture to support Habitat For Humanity of the Upper Keys! We can pick up your gently used items and give you a tax deductable receipt. For more info or to schedule a pick up call Kerry Cosme at 305-453-7855.

NOTHING TO DONATE?

We are also looking for volunteers in our Restore. Come by the shop at 98970 Overseas Hwy in Key Largo! Your purchase could support building a neighbor’s dream home.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM habitatupperkeys.org

20

STATE NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

PLASTIC BAG LATEST TOPIC IN 'HOME RULE' FIGHT

BATTLE OVER BANS W

eekly “plastic bag protests” are popping up in front of Publix supermarkets all around the state. Ostensibly, they’re about banning plastic grocery bags; a deeper look reveals the latest chapter in the “Home Rule” battle.

“I’m definitely pretty pissed off about it,” says Lisa Merritt, who participated in the kickoff protest on Jan. 11 at the Islamorada Publix. “Plastic bags should be banned immediately, along with a few other things.

They’re killing our animals and polluting our oceans.”

Merritt, who lives in Tavernier, spends her time on the water kayaking, fishing with her husband and otherwise enjoying the local environment. She does her part to steward the environment, picking up plastic trash anywhere she sees it. “When plastic bags get out on the water, they tangle up in the mangrove roots and break down into a million pieces,” she says. “Each one is a fish killer. They eat it because they think it’s food, and then we eat them. It’s awful.”

The master gardener voices her frustration with the current legislative status on plastic bags. “Our community wants to get rid of this trash, but our right has been taken

away from us to do anything about it because of Publix. It’s ridiculous that they have all of this sway.”

Publix is a member of the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) along with other corporations like Walmart, CVS, Target and Walgreens. Cities attempting to enact local bans point to the FRF lobbying group as the driving force behind the public bag preemption laws to which Merritt refers.

In 2008, Florida became the first state to preempt local plastic bans and fees, citing difficulty in enforcement across jurisdictions and ability to provide services to consumers as key points. The state has also taken away the ability for local governments to make their own determinations on a variety of other local issues, including everything from bans on polystyrene “to go” containers to regulation of smoking on beaches, parks and playgrounds to vacation rentals. A ban on local straw ordinances was ultimately vetoed

by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Barry Wray, the president of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition, helped organize the local protests as part of the larger state movement to preserve home rule over issues like plastic bag bans. “These bans on banning are the real problem,” he says.

Boy Scouts from local Troop 912 joined the protest. Scout Pascal Weisberger said, “I participated in today’s protest because it matters to me that we protect the environments of our planet instead of polluting them. I’ve seen first hand the negative effect of plastic debris on our local marine waters and want to be a part of fixing the problem.” ARI POHOLEK/Contributed

Protestors brought reusable bags to show some of the alternatives that exist to single-use plastic bags. BARRY WRAY/Contributed

“Preemption laws prevent us from taking prudent steps to improve what we do. That’s reprehensible,” said Wray. “The fact that we’re handcuffed and can’t do what we want to do to improve our home is what’s wrong.

It steals our community’s natural right to ‘Home Rule.’”

With legislative session underway in Tallahassee, several bills have been filed in the House and Senate related to bags and plastic products. Senate Bill 40 was introduced this week to prohibit a store or food service business from providing carryout bags made out of plastic film, while Senate Bill 182 and House Bill 6043 would delete preemptions of local law related to regulation of auxiliary containers, wrappings or disposable plastic bags. Bills sit in committee.

FRF, the state’s premier trade association of 80-plus years, has said it looks forward to continued dialogue on issues such as plastic bags and polystyrene products.

“Florida’s retailers have a vested interest in a healthy and sustainable Florida,” said FRF president and CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Our retailers spend millions of dollars every year on identifying ways to reduce our collective ecological footprint. We will continue to focus on solutions that are based on science and the importance of responsible consumer education and behavior.”

Calling for a sustained protest, Wray hopes the continued weekly presence in front of all the Publix in the Keys will help people realize the supermarket chain’s role in banning local bans on plastic and hopefully move the needle in favor of home rule on this and similar issues.

The Weekly was unable to reach Publix for comment.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

21

SAVE THE DATE

Jan. 24-26 • Island Boat Show at Hawks Cay Resort, 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key.

8th Annual

Saturday, Jan. 25 • Native Plant Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo.

• Mariners Hospital Bougainvillea Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Sunday, Jan. 26 • 12th Annual Ralphie Bra/Pub/ Poker Walk from Sharkeys to Carribbean Club, Key Largo. Registration 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and walk starts at 11 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 27 Monday Fun Day Lunch & Game for adults 55 plus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founders Park.

Thursday, Jan. 30 FEMA Public Flood Risk open house from 9 a.m. to noon at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

Feb. 1-2 Coast Guard boating safety course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

Saturday, Feb. 1 Coral Isles Church Winter Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.

Wednesday, Feb. 5 “Bad Guys, Bullets and Boat Chases,” presented by author and retired law enforcement officer Bob Lee, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and lecture following at Keys History and Discovery Center, Islamorada.

Sunday, Feb. 9 Islamorada Moose Lodge’s Bra Walk Against Cancer at 10 a.m. beginning at Whistle Stop, Islamorada.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 “Florida’s First Ladies” presented by author Peggy Macdonald. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and lecture follows at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada.

Feb. 22-23 Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Flea Market at Founders Park.

Saturday, Feb. 29 Second annual Connect to Protect Gala at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo.

January 17-19,2020 Friday Jan. 17 DANCING IN THE STREETS Kick Off Party & Square Dance from 6pm

Morada Way Arts & Cultural District

FESTIVAL DAY Sunday, Jan. 19

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Blending the best of traditional Bluegrass with the next generation as well as some tasteful variations.

MM 81.6 Old Highway

$10 Per Person 17 + Under Free

Saturday Jan. 18 PICKIN’ PARTY 4-11pm

Two Music Stages, Open Jam Sessions, Craft Beer & Food

Morada Way

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MM 81.6 Old Highway

$10 Per Person 17 + Under Free Grab your instruments & friends and come on down!!

Performers:

The Copper Tones Justin Mason Band The Walker Brothers Jakob's Ferry Stragglers Kathryn Belle & Mickey Abraham

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Tickets: $35 in advance for 18 & up • VIP Ticket Package $125 $35 Advanced sale tickets include a stainless steel pint glass.

Admission and Craft Beer Tasting Packages starting at $60.

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Founders Park 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada Diane Saleeby Gardner Phd PA

ICE Sponsors include: Thunder Country Radio; Tap Johnson; Poisonwood Productions Studio; Advanced Disposal; Island Information Services; Blu Bamboo; and Anonymous Angels.

baygrassbluegrass.com • facebook.com/baygrassbluegrass • keysice.com

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

■

Grand Tasting

A multi-sensory experience Fine Cuisine and World Class Wines

Saturday, January 18 11 AM to 4 PM • Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle Mile Marker 84, Islamorada In Advance, Online: $75 General Admission $100 VIP Admission (plus tax). At the gate - add $10.

Check the website for all the details!

www.FloridaKeysUncorked.com

Visit the web for details & tickets!

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

World Class Wines Keys & International Cuisine Lobster & Seafood Wine Education Mixology & Craft Beers Martinis & Margaritas Celebrity & Local Chefs

Uncorked... the KEY LARGO & ISLAMORADA

11 Days of Food & Wine Events in Key Largo & Islamorada January 9-19, 2020

www.FloridaKeysUncorked.com

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

23

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 giving us a glimpse into their world.

KAI NICHOLS THIRD GRADE

Who is your favorite teacher and why? Ms. Carol. Because she does social studies.

What is your favorite subject and why? Math, ‘cause it’s easy.

What is the best rule at school? Everyone has to be safe.

What’s one of your favorite things to do at school? Recess. I like to play Foursquare.

Do you have a favorite TV show/movie? My favorite TV is the “Loud House.” It’s a show where a dude has 11 siblings and there’s chaos.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I don’t know yet.

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

I like to play with my friends. We play anything we think of.

What’s your favorite food for lunch? PBJ.

Thur Jan 16 Webb & Davidson 5-9PM Fri Jan 17 Ovrhol 5-9PM Sat Jan 18 Shadow Creek Band 5-9PM Sun Jan 19 Webb & Davidson 5-9PM Mon Jan 20 The Carousers 5-9PM

305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

Tue Jan 21 Harry French 5-9PM Wed Jan 22 Webb & Davidson 5-9PM

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

Key Largo Dentists, Dr. Travis Bennett and Dr. Sandy Brito are dedicated to quality dental care. At our beautiful offices we offer a wide array of dental procedures including CT scans, implant /gum surgery, implant prosthetics, full mouth restoration, same day in office crowns and bridges, fillings, orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), teeth whitening, smile makeovers and many other services. “No sell dentistry, state of art office with a staff that cares!”

Dr. Travis W. Bennett, D.M.D. Implant and General Dentistry

KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. | 305.451.2616 Monday thru Friday 9AM-5PM

TAVERNIER 90290 Overseas Hwy. | 305.852.5099 Tuesdays and Thursday 9AM-5PM

www.everyonelovesagentledentist.com

Dr. Sandy M. Brito, D.M.D. Family and General Dentistry

IMPLANT COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

24

CSHS SPORTS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with the Coral Shores athletic department in choosing “The Male and Female Athlete of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications of athletic excellence, academic standing and community involvement. We thank our future leaders and the CSHS Athletic Department for allowing us to share a little “Hurricane Pride.”

ERIN RODBERG Senior Erin Rodberg, an all-county member of the Coral Shores girls soccer team, is this week’s selection for the Upper Keys Weekly’s Female Player of Week. Rodberg, who serves as team captain, has accumulated three goals and five assists, but according to head coach Pat Fazio, “that only tells a fraction of the story.

She serves a major role in virtually everything we do offensively. Erin is a team-player and is tremendously respected by her teammates and coaches. She is calm under pressure and always level-headed, which are strong traits to possess.”

“Erin is a hardworking player who has built up her soccer skills over many years of commitment and hard work,” Fazio continued. “She pushes herself to be the best and has put 100% effort in all she does with her soccer training.”

Rodberg’s soccer prowess provides only a sampling of her deep and diverse list of accomplishments and involvements. She is currently serving her second term as captain of Coral Shores’ elite academic challenge team. She was elected to the National Honor Society as a sophomore, the same year she was selected to the Science National Honor Society, where she’s been the vice president the past two years. Rodberg has also been a top distance runner for the CSHS track team each of the past two seasons, and a fouryear standout on the school’s award winning Canettes dance squad.

Her excellence extends to the classroom, where she has earned a 3.964 unweighted and a remarkable 4.527 weighted grade point average.

Erin founded the school’s Science National Honor Society Tutoring program. She has been very active in Special Olympics throughout her high school career and has played major roles in The Upper Keys Foundation’s relief missions for victims of Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Dorian.

VINCE BIONDOLETTI Coral Shores sophomore wrestler Vince Biondoletti is the recipient of this week’s Upper Keys Weekly Male Athletic of the Week. Biondoletti spent his entire summer competing in national invitational tournaments, making stops in Iowa, Washington state and North Dakota. His successes in those tournaments helped earn him the prized distinction of being named All-American in his weight class.

Biondoletti, who was district champion last year as a freshman, is undefeated again this year in District 16A competition. He currently has an overall record of 24-4. He has only lost to state-ranked wrestlers from much larger schools. Biondoletti weighs in at 99 pounds, but wrestles in the 108-pound division. “He is still underweight for high school competition, which makes his accomplishments all the more amazing. He’s basically giving up two weight classes,” said Canes head wrestling coach Chris Ramos.

“He’s been working hard on the transition from freestyle and greco to folkstyle, which is high school wrestling,” Ramos continued. “He’s able to take down his opponents but the heavier guys occasionally can grind him down. To compensate, he’s been putting in extra time with his club team in South Dade. After our high school practices, he and his dad drive to Florida City to practice another two hours. He’s realizing what kind of commitment it will take to bring a state title home to the Keys.”

Biondoletti’s father, Joe, was a Coral Shores wrestling great; he won a state championship in 1986 and attended Purdue University on a wrestling scholarship. He currently serves as an assistant wrestling coach at Coral Shores.

Biondoletti has a 3.63 weighted GPA. He has been lauded for his extensive community service involvements including five different missions of The Upper Keys Foundation and four others with the Coral Shores’ “leadership team.”

Nick Rodriguez puts up a hook shot in the 4th quarter vs. Archimedean.

CONTRIBUTED

CANES OPEN 2020 WITH A WIN

T

he Coral Shores boys basketball pulled out a 54-50 victory at home on Jan. 10 in what was a back-and-forth game against the Archimedean Owls out of Miami.

The first quarter was all knotted up at 11-11 after the Owls had a three-pointer bounce around the rim and fall in at the buzzer. In the second quarter, Coral Shores went with a faster lineup and opened up a 19-15 lead three minutes into the quarter with some full-court, man-to-man pressure. Archimedean continued to stay in the game and battled back by hitting four three-pointers in the quarter to take a 30-27 lead into the half.

The third quarter saw the two teams battle back and forth. The Owls switched from a 1-3-1 to a 2-3 defensive look briefly, which Coral Shores adjusted well to with Jonathan Bradman connecting on two three-pointers and Nick Rodriguez adding one in the quarter. They went into the fourth quarter with Archimedean still holding a threepoint lead at 41-38.

With the Owls ahead 48-44 and under four minutes to go, Ricky Placencia found Rodriguez to make it a two-point game. With 3:09 left, Bradman found Gio Torres who hit a left-handed layup on an out-of-bounds play under the Coral Shores basket to knot the score at 48. After a put-back on a missed basket let the Owls retake the lead at 50-48, Jeronimo Reynoso-Heaton found Rodriguez, who banked in a left handed baby hook shot to tie the score again at 50-50.

With 30 seconds left, Bradman found a streaking Rodriguez on a long pass on an out-of-bounds play to extend the Canes’ lead to four.

After a Reynoso-Heaton rebound on the Owls’ miss, the Canes were able to run the clock out to secure the victory.

“I’m just thrilled for them and so proud of them,” said head coach Jarrod Mandozzi. “They have worked so hard and you can really see it paying off for them as individuals and the team. If you look at our last four games, in one of those games we have had six different guys have their best performances in their careers really.”

— Contributed

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 MAINTENANCE MECHANIC Salary Range: $48,247. - $73,876.

Location: Lower Keys

NOW HIRING OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING! Banquet Coordinator Spa Receptionist Valet Attendant Front Desk Agent 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

MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY: Resort Operations Manager Front Desk Agent Reservation Sales Agent Bellman Servers Steward Overnight Prep Cook Line Cooks Houseman Room Attendants Engineering Spa Attendant Spa Coordinator Water Sports

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

careers@bungalowskeylargo.com

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic to perform specialized maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, equipment, valves, diesel engines, pumps, treatment units, chemical feed systems, and collection systems at our expanding wastewater treatment facilities. MUST HAVE: high school diploma or GED; AND training in pipefitting, mechanical, pumps and electrical. Must have a valid FL driver’s license and be able to obtain a CDL Class A driver license within 12 months from hire date. Great Benefits! Must complete on-line application found at: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm EEO, VPE, ADA

TEMPORARY WASTEWATER PROJECT SMOKE TESTING Salary Range: $31,742. - $48,601.

Location: Lower Keys

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for a Temporary Wastewater Worker to perform tasks related to gravity sewer collection system smoke testing and repair. You will be provided with the training and knowledge needed to ensure that these tasks are properly and safely carried out. The work area for this position runs from Layton to Key West. MUST HAVE: high school diploma or GED; AND one (1) year as a construction laborer. Must have a valid FL driver’s license. Must complete on-line application found at: http://www.fkaa.com/employment.htm EEO, VPE, ADA

JOB OPENINGS GUEST SERVICE AGENT TELEPHONE AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR BELLMAN

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

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

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V

Monroe County School District Salary $15.80- $23.20/hour

SCAN FOR JOB

Please email resume to hr@spottswood.com

Key West, Sugarloaf and Upper Keys (3 work locations)

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

• 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

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

EOE m/f/d/v

26

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

Minnow enjoys cheese, catnip and even a toy while Dr. Edwards listens to his heartbeat.

HOLLY HOUSER/Keys Weekly

Pets are given complimentary bandanas sprayed with pheromones to comfort them as they wait for their appointment.

TAKING THE ‘PET’ OUT OF PETRIFIED Island Hammock Pet Hospital earns Fear Free certification HOLLY HOUSER

www.keysweekly.com

F

ear-induced vet visits – every pet owner is familiar with them.

Maybe your cats run and hide when you break out the crate, or your dog shakes as soon as you put him in the car. Key Largo’s Island Hammock Pet Hospital (IHPH) is on a mission to reduce this kind of anxiety associated with vet visits.

In September 2019, Island Hammock officially became the first practice in the Florida Keys to become Fear Free certified. Founded in 2016, Fear Free is an initiative dedicated to ridding animals of the fear, stress and anxiety that typically goes with vet visits. It does this through educating those who care for the pets – veterinarians and owners alike.

Island Hammock began its certification in 2018, finishing in about a year. A requirement in becoming a Fear Free Practice is to have 25% of your staff certified as Fear Free Professionals. To do this, an individual must complete eight educational modules in succession, each followed by an exam. Island Hammock took this a step further by certifying 100% of its staff – veterinarians, nurses, kennel technicians and office staff.

Once the staff completed the individual certifications, a Fear Free representative traveled to the hospital for a site visit. There, she went through a checklist of requirements, observing the staff, facility and patient visits, ultimately declaring Island Hammock a Fear Free Practice.

What does it mean to be Fear Free?

The Fear Free certification means Island Hammock takes every step available to ensure an animal is as calm as possible when at the vet’s office.

“We want them to have no fear, anxiety or stress,” said IHPH lead nurse technician Megan Pfaff. “To accomplish this, we find something that makes them happy – we have wet food, chicken broth, beef broth, regular and hypoallergenic treats, and more. We recommend owners bring their pets in hungry.”

The Fear Free approach, developed by veterinary behavioral specialists and technicians, emphasizes the importance of emotional wellbeing as much as physical.

“Practicing Fear Free allows us to provide medical care more effectively by eliminating or reducing the anxiety associated with vet visits,” said IHPH veterinarian Dr. Marta Pawluk. “Since stress can affect the mood and behavior of a patient during a physical exam (it can even affect the results of some diagnostic tests), we are able to get more accurate assessments by making the patient more comfortable.”

A welcoming environment From the moment you enter Island Hammock, your pet is given a blanket or a bandana sprayed with calming pheromones. The same pheromones are sprayed on all employees’ clothing and in every exam room – imagine an air freshener plug-in emitting pheromones only your dog or cat can smell.

When an animal is brought into the exam room, it is placed on a warm, comfortable mat on the exam table or the floor – depending on the animal’s comfort level and size – and given a treat right from the get-go. Most popular among visitors – peanut butter and/ or Cheez Whiz.

“It is very rewarding and fun to see a pet that is tolerant or too distracted with a toy or treat to even notice that he/she is being examined,” said Pawluk.

Another component of being a Fear Free certified practice is educating pet owners on what they can do to relieve pet stress before vet appointments.

“Our mission is to make coming to the vet a happy and stress-free experience for the whole family,” said Pfaff.

“We do this through a series of steps starting from your home, in the car, throughout your visit, and your trip home again.”

IHPH has resources available on its website and at the facility, and when scheduling an appointment, the office staff gives recommendations on how to prepare pets for the visit.

Pfaff encourages all pet professionals to go through the program, saying it “opens your eyes to everything that’s possible.” As the only Fear Free certified clinic in Key Largo, IHPH hopes other practices will soon certify as well.

“A trip to the vet shouldn’t be an experience that fills your pet with fear,” said Pfaff. “We hope to get the word out so other practices can recognize the program’s benefit and follow suit.”

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FLORIDA KEYS OFFICIALS, located at PO BOX 378881, KEY LARGO, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: MID KEYS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION, INC. Publish: January 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

HULL IDENTIFICATION NO. MRKR0229I809, Petitioner.

NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Notice is given that the above-named Petitioner has filed a Petition, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. §30505 et. seq. for exoneration from or limitation of liability for all claims for any damages or injuries, arising out of or occurring as a result of an incident involving the 2009 Mako Marine motorboat bearing Hull Identification Number MRKR0229I809 on the navigable waters of Monroe County, Florida, on or about June 27, 2019, as more fully described in the Petition.

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 17th day of December, 2019.

K. Michael Moore /s/_K. Michael Moore United States Chief District Judge Publish: January 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FLORIDA KEYS REFEREES, located at PO BOX 378881, KEY LARGO, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: MID KEYS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION, INC. Publish: January 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FLORIDA KEYS REFS, located at PO BOX 378881, KEY LARGO, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: MID KEYS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION, INC. Publish: January 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of DomainCo, located at 5409 Overseas Hwy PMB 337, Marathon, Fl 33050, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: National Domains LLC Publish: January 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Courtyard Marriott in Marathon. The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting. All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, 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”.

Publish: January 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers UNITED STATE DISTRICT COURTSOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDAKEY WEST DIVISION “IN ADMIRALTY” CASE NO.: 4:19-CV-10192-KMM IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY BY GERVASIO FOLGUEIRA, AS OWNER OF THE 2009 MAKO MARINE MOTORBOAT BEARING

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-000128-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RUTH CASEY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Ruth Casey, deceased, whose date of death was August 23, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., 2nd Floor, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

LEGAL NOTICES BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 16, 2020 Personal Representative: Kevin Casey 116 Clover Lane Gibsonia, Pennsylvania 15044 Attorney for Personal Representative: Samantha J. Fitzgerald, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 173762 8551 W. Sunrise Boulevard Suite 301 Plantation, FL 33322 Telephone: (954) 580.3690 Fax: (888) 663.6471 Email: samantha@ estateandprobate lawyer.com Publish: January 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 19-CP-139-P Division: Upper Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES TIMOTHY SPENCER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James Timothy Spencer, deceased, whose date of death was October 13, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 9, 2020.

Personal Representative: Nadia Pakhomoff-Spencer 6 Atlantic Circle Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: January 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-222-K

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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 20th day of April, 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: Unit C23, Week 48, Beach House, 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 thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) VI AGAINST THE ESTATE OF SALLY ANN WALKER, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIESOR AGAINST SALLY ANN WALKER, DECEASED; AND MERY KATHLEEN SLAVIN, AKA MARY KAY SLAVIN, AS HEIR entered in a case pending in said Court, the 23RD day of December, 2019 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. THE ESTATE OF JOHN ERNEST OTTENS, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA222-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 26TH day of December, 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: January 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

I, UNIT 5122, WEEK 6 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10TH day of December, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, VS. JOAN DYSON JARVIS, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA218-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 18TH day of December, 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: January 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: January 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AGAINST JOHN A. JOHNSON AND CONSTANCE L. JOHNSON AS TO COUNT(S) I, UNIT 5714, WEEK 44 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10TH day of December, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, VS. JOHN A. JOHNSON, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA582-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 18TH day of December, 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: January 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-218-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 20TH day of April, 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: Unit 5122, Week 6, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AGAINST JOAN DYSON JARVIS AS TO COUNT(S)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-271-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 20TH day of April, 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: Unit 514, Week 22, Sunset Harbor Resort, Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AGAINST THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. GILLERAN, JR.; ANY AND UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THOMAS J. GILLERAN, JR., DECEASED; AND KELLY DAWN MCMAHON, AS HEIR AS TO COUNT(S) I, UNIT 514, WEEK 22 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 16TH day of December, 2019 Style of which is: SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff, VS. THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. GILLERAN, JR., et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA271-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 18TH day of December, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-597-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 20TH day of April, 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: Unit 5732, Week 37, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT AGAINST TERESA COLEMAN MARTIN AS TO COUNT(S) IV, UNIT 5732, WEEK 37 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10TH day of December, 2019 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, VS. JANNIELISA ABREU, et. al Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 44-2019-CA597-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 18TH day of December, 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: January 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION Case No: 44-2019-CA-582-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 20TH day of April, 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: Unit 5714, Week 44, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-001476 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

MARIUSZ SURMA Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Mariusz Surma San Fernando 46, 3 D 03001 Alicante Spain YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Windward Pointe Condominium described as: Unit 5812, Week 24, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

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 interest holder 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 $6,435.22, plus interest

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES (calculated by multiplying $2.64 times the number of days that have elapsed since December 18, 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: January 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-031383 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

CONNIE JO BREIG; CHARLES JOSEPH BREIG Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Connie Jo Breig 8789 Wendy Lane South West Palm Beach, FL 33411 Charles Joseph Breig 8789 Wendy Lane South West Palm Beach, FL 33411 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Windward Pointe Condominium described as: Unit 5611, Week 16, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

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 interest holder 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 $2,221.99, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since December 18, 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

LEGAL NOTICES Publish: January 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-031522 SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

ANNA MARIE COLEMAN; ROBERT CLARENCE WEISHEIT Obligor __________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Anna Marie Coleman 11 Morgans Run Schuylerville, NY 12871 Robert Clarence Weisheit 11 Morgans Run Schuylerville, NY 12871 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Sunset Harbor Resort Condominium described as: Unit 413, Week 43, Sunset Harbor Resort Condominium Resort, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof as recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (hereafter 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 interest holder 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 $4,103.99, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since January 2, 2020), 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

LEGAL NOTICES 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: January 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-032105 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

DARIO MORELL; CONCEPCION C MORELL Obligor __________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Dario Morell 13405 Southwest 1 Terrace Miami, FL 33184 Concepcion C Morell 13405 Southwest 1 Terrace Miami, FL 33184 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Windward Pointe Condominium described as: Unit 5614, Week 46, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

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 interest holder 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 $2,292.74, plus interest

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

(calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since December 18, 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: January 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Project Manager -Upper Keys. Must have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. and pass background check. Send resume to admin@cbtconstruct. com 305-852-3002

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 CALLS.

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

BOATS FOR SALE 1996 Parker 23’ Cuddy Cabin, 200 Yamaha, 800 hours, professionally maintained, Hard top, full canvas, GPS, aluminum trailer. $14,500. Located in Marathon. 305-743-3075.

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

EMPLOYMENT UPPER KEYS MARC is hiring a Program Coordinator Tavernier location.

FT Position requires oversight of program as well as working with clients. A minimum of an associate’s degree or 2 yrs exp with DD clients.

MARC, 1401 Seminary St, Key West, FL, 305-294-9526 x318 Come join our family!

EOE

EMPLOYMENT MIDDLE KEYS Construction Company Office Help Wanted in Marathon.

Experience with Quickbooks, payroll, answering phones and customer service, Emailing, permits, Accounts Payable and Receivable , etc. 8-5 and hour lunch. Please fax inquiries to 305-289-9394 and we will contact you to make an appointment!

Part-time distribution position available. Good driving record required.

Vehicle provided for distribution only.

Call 305.289.1644.

Receptionist - Full time position with established Marathon law office.

Negotiable salary and benefits. Opportunity for growth. Email resume and references to stevens@ marathonlaw.com.

No walk-ins will be considered.

HELP WANTED IN MARATHON. Personal assistant, computer (MAC) competent, part time, days or evenings.

Call 207-483-6146 Keys Fisheries Restaurant now hiring cooks, retail cashier, window cashier and dishwasher. Apply in person 3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon.

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

EOE/DFWP

We are looking for some Bartenders.

Apply in person at American Legion Post 0154, 4115 Overseas Highway, Marathon 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 The Island Gift Shops (Marooned In Marathon 1 & 2) are looking for happy responsible employees to complement our current staff. PART TIME HOURS in a fun environment (good fit for second job and retirees are welcome!

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

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

Marathon

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

EOE/DFWP SWEET SAVANNAH’S is now hiring part-time or full-time positions. Must be

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & W a t c h e s .

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT MIDDLE KEYS 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 2 months - Feb. & March.

727-278-1105 1BR/1.5BA Condo for Rent - 3rd Floor- Bonefish Towers -overlooking pool & marina. Newly renovated, brand new appliances.

NOT furnished. $1,800/ month.

732-233-5320 NICE 2 OR 3 BEDROOM FURNISHED APARTMENTS IN MARATHON for short or long term rentals.

Bedrooms contain beds, dressers and closets.

All have fully equipped kitchens with stove, oven, microwave and utensils.

2 bedroom/1 bath can accommodate from 1 to 6 people at $1500.00/month; first, last and security deposit. 3 bedroom/1 bath; can accommodate from 1 to 6 people; $1800.00/ month; first, last and security. Security deposit is $900.00. Share utilities.

Nice neighborhood and close (walking) to shopping centers, restaurants and grocery stores. For information contact: Bob Brayman or Sherry Bailey 305-743-5929 or admin@hallsdiving.com.

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 305743-5929 bbrayman@ hallsdiving.com

HOUSING FOR RENT

HIDEAWAY CAFE At Rainbow Bend Resort on Grassy Key

IMMEDIATE

HIRING! • Kitchen Help • Dining Room Help Breakfast & Dinner Positions Call for appointment 305-289-1554

NOW HIRING HOUSEKEEPERS $13/hr • 9am-3pm • P/T Please come in and apply in person.

Hampton Inn

13351 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl 33050

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOUSING FOR RENT 3BR/2BA New Construction Duplex on stilts in Key Colony Beach.

Annual lease.

Call 786-970-4905

HOUSING FOR RENT UPPER KEYS KEY LARGO location - Three bedrooms & two full bathrooms. Tile floors, washer & dryer, central A/C. $2,300 per month.

Long term lease. 305586-7326 Owner-Agent.

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.

February 1st. $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

OFFICE SPACE 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.

3 0 5 - 3 9 4 - 0 5 3 0 ROGO LOTS FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 2 Marathon ROGO lots with letters.

4 ROGO points. $30,000 Text LOTS to 305-393-2515 and leave name & number.

RV LOTS FOR RENT

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

3 0 5 - 9 4 2 - 0 7 8 9

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

The Hammocks at Marathon

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

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

TO APPLY:

Saturday, January 25th 8:30-3:00.

Huge Rummage Sale at the Marathon Garden Club (across from Publix at MM 50.) Gently used clothing and household items, plus 20 vendors, plus plants! Info: 305-743-4971 HUGE YARD SALE St.Justin Church MM 105.5 - Sat Jan 25 from 8a1p and Sun Jan 26 from 8a-12noon.

Furniture, Household Hardware, Electronics, Books, Jewelry.

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & Holidays

Online > jobs.bluegreenvacations.com In Person > The Hammocks at Marathon 1688 Overseas Highway, Gulf Side, Mile Marker 48, Marathon

eoe

EXPERIENCED

SERVICE PLUMBER Clean Drivers License, CDL Driver a Plus.

Call for appt to apply in person 305-852-0406 Fax Resume to 305-853-0902

YARD SALES BIG FISHING GEAR SALE - Rods, Reels, Combos etc, Lures, Misc., Outrig. & some Tools. Sat. Jan. 18 from 8am-2pm. 706 Copa D’Oro, Flamingo Island, Marathon

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

Education Program Host Facilities Maintenance Apprentice Media & Marketing Staff School Programs & Outreach Curriculum Specialist Visual Communications Staff Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant

GREAT BENEFITS:

Or Call > Andre at 305.743.9009

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

HIRING: Maintenance position with busy non-profit. FT with benefits.

Long-term position w/room for growth. Valid DL required. Must have maintenance or related experience, computer skills and relate well with people. Very physical position, heavy lifting, heat, etc.

Drug-free workplace, EOE. Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

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

KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Case Manager Crisis Counselor Front Desk Specialist

MARATHON

RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT& FT) (Lead) & Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) Peer Support Specialist Driver CDL (base location flexible) Crisis Counselor Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT) Drop In Technician Research Assistant

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Therapist Care Coordinator

Background and drug screen req.

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

PART-TIME & FULL-TIME ASSOCIATES

Florida Keys’ Newest 4 Diamond AAA Resort Is Hiring!

We are looking for part-time & full-time associates that would like to be part of an award-winning team. Many great benefits including employee meal program, resort discounts and more.

Please apply online for our positions: islabellabeachresort.oasisrecruit.com 1 Knight’s Key Blvd (MM 47) Marathon, FL 33050

CoCo’s General Store

NOW HIRING: Full-time & Part-time Deli and/or Retail Sales.

Must be available on weekends.

Apply in person at 50 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon 305-743-7743

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.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

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

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Authorized Dealer

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

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

When It Rains It Pours!

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

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

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 16, 2020

If you've been watching this home, now is your opportunity to get it at a great price!

OFFERED FOR SALE

MANATEE

Learn More: W W W. MANATEEPASS. COM

ISLAMORADA

JOHN D. EL-KOURY | 305.522.0384

PASS FLORIDA