Key West Weekly 20-0213

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‘I want to be the reason you look at your phone and smile, then walk into a pole.’

February 13, 2020

LABOR OF LOVE NOW OBSOLETE | P. 11

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

LOCAL CHATTER

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

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alentine’s Day. The phrase can evoke a warm, sometimes smug, grin from someone newly in love, a dismissive shrug from someone unaffected by the societal pressures of the so-called holiday or a gutwrenching groan from someone unwillingly single and sick of seeing roses delivered to colleagues.

Whichever the category, we asked...

What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day?

anna In the tropIcs THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNING SCRIPT

BY NILO CRUZ Commercialized Hallmark holiday, or good time to celebrate your loved one(s)?

“Wait, this week’s question is about Valentine’s Day? I’m out.”

— William C. Ellis

DIRECTED BY DENNIS ZACEK

FEB 19-22 & FEB 26-29, 8PM sponsored by Gallery on Greene

“I think we should celebrate our loved ones every day of the year. If you need a specific date on the calendar to remind you to tell someone you love them, then you might have a relationship issue.” — Robin Tomita

“I don’t see it necessarily as any of the above, but rather an opportunity to eat a lot of chocolate, guilt-free.”

— Sheila Cullen

“Valentine’s Day is a way for big corporations to make money on cards, candy and jewelry. They get more from it than anyone else.” — Jake Tomita

“I believe it’s a good day to celebrate love, but not just if you’re part of a couple. People need to celebrate their love for family and friends as well.” — Jairo Almaguer

533 EATON STREET 305-296-0458 WWW.TSKW.ORG

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KEYS SCHOOLS

KEYS

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

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

ON THE COVER

Florida Power & Light Co. said Monday it will launch a startup incubator aimed at innovations in the fields of energy and water. FPL will set aside space on its Juno Beach campus for entrepreneurs from around the world. Inventors with compelling ideas can apply for a package of support that includes office space, guidance from FPL execs and $50,000 in cash. FPL said it aims to bring in 20 entrepreneurs as part of the initiative aimed at launching new companies and finding better ways to provide power.

— Source: Palm Beach Post

Original artwork by Key West artist Tony Gregory. Gregory’s work is available for purchase at Art @ 830, 830 Caroline St., 305-295-9595.

$50k

BEST IN CLASS NEW SCHOOL WINS TOP HONORS MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

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he halls of learning are significantly brighter these days at the new Gerald Adams Elementary School, which recently won top honors at a statewide conference highlighting educational facilities.

The Florida Education Facilities Planners Association (FEFPA), during its winter conference in late January, honored Harvard Jolly Architects and Ajax Building Corp. for the design and construction of the new elementary school on Stock Island’s College Road.

From the eye-catching marine life mural on the school’s exterior to the vibrant blue, green, aqua and

Left: The entrance to the new Gerald Adams Elementary features a marine life mural.

Right: The school’s hallways are a vibrant mix of blue, green, purple and aqua and feature small-group seating areas on couches. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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purple color palette inside, the school prompts gasps of admiration from every visitor who checks in at the front office.

But the school didn’t win the firstplace award among all new elementary schools in Florida just for its colors and paint job, said Doug Pryor, facilities planner for the Monroe County School District.

Harvard Jolly Architects also incorporated into the new school building and surrounding campus ample space for independent and small-group study on modern furnishings in arrangements that appeal to young learners.

The color palette was chosen to complement the nuances of the ocean that’s in the school’s backyard. The new campus also includes new landscaping, ballfields and playgrounds.

“And the whole project came in on time and under budget,” Pryor said on Feb. 11.

The original price tag was about $37 million, and with the owner-direct purchasing, by which the school district buys as many materials as possible to use its tax exemption, the district was able to save more than $8 million, bringing the final price down to about $28 million.

“We’re very pleased with the finished product of the school and we’re beyond proud that the architectural and building efforts were recognized by the FEFPA,” Pryor said.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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FREE ADMISSION! The Key West Botanical Garden Society, Inc. is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation. The Garden is publicly owned and operated as a passive, natural resource-based public outdoor recreational site. It is the policy of the KWBGS to comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Please call 305-296-1504 or e-mail the ADA Coordinator Misha McRAE mmcrae@kwbgs.org at least five business days in advance for special assistance, assistive listening devices, or materials in accessible format.

LOWER KEYS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

The electric utility’s Stock Island power plant will be fully equipped and with staff and materials positioned on both sides of the bridge.

KEYS ENERGY SERVICES/Contributed

WORKING BOTH SIDES...

KEYS ENERGY PLANS FOR COW KEY BRIDGE WORK

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n anticipation of the Cow Key Channel Bridge reconstruction that could severely impact traffic entering and leaving Key West, Keys Energy Services, which provides electrical power from Key West to the Seven-Mile Bridge, has been working to develop a plan for dealing with this project.

As the April start date for work nears, utility spokesman Julio Torrado shared the plan that aims to keep workers and equipment on both sides of the bridge so teams can quickly respond to power outages whenever and wherever they occur.

“Our number one priority is to make sure our outage response times remain high and that traffic created by this project does not increase the length of power outages,” Torrado said. “Additionally, our plan tries to ease our employees’ daily commutes and by doing so reduce the volume of vehicles traveling across the bridge.”

“We hope that by sharing our plan, we may inspire other businesses and organizations to consider doing the same as we all work together to address these impacts,” Torrado said.

According to Torrado, the utility’s plan includes the following highlights: Keys Energy’s Customer Service building in Key West, 1001 James St., will remain open. But for customers who don’t want to commute into Key West, the majority of all business can be conducted online at KeysEnergy.com, via email and/ or by phone at 305-295-1000.

Keys Energy will create temporary satellite offices for employees to work from, and for materials, inventory and vehicles to be staged, both in Key West and northeast of the bridge.

KEYS partnered with the Monroe County School Board to utilize space near their Trumbo Road administration building. The utility will have a storage container there that the warehouse will keep stocked with frequently used materials, a pole trailer with various size power poles, and space to stage bucket trucks.

The utility will do the same in its Blimp Road Cudjoe Key Property.

The line and electrical sections will effectively be split in half with crews dedicated to either Key West or northeast of the Cow Key Bridge, depending on which

The utility’s customer service building on James Street in Key West will remain open as usual.

side they reside. In theory, the trucks will not have to cross the bridge to respond to customers, stock up on supplies or even get gas, as the utility has made agreements with local gas stations (currently all fueling is done from the Stock Island facility). “Bottom line, the bridge closure will not add any time to KEYS outage response or length,” Torrado emphasized.

The utility also has designated work spaces for employees who live up the Keys but work in the Service Building in Key West to use at the existing Stock Island facility.

Approximately 30 employees who normally work in Key West will be accommodated in Stock Island and will not need to add to the volume of vehicles traveling across the bridge.

— Contributed

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MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

FLEXIBLE FUNDING

STATE REP.ST RACE DRAWS 1 DEMOCRAT

KEY WESTER CLINT BARRAS WANTS TO REPLACE RASCHEIN

SCHOOLS ASK VOTERS TO RENEW TAX SHIFT

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oters from all parties — and those with no party affiliation at all — will have one question to answer on the March 17 ballot for Keys schools.

This year is the fifth time the school district is asking voters to approve a Flexible Funding tax initiative that increases by a half-mill the tax levy that can be used for school district operations, salaries and classroom materials.

In exchange, the school district lowers its capital, or construction, tax by the same half-mill.

“So there’s no tax increase at all; it’s a wash,” said longtime school board member Andy Griffiths.

“We lower one category by the same amount that we raise the other category of funding to give us flexibility in how we can spend money.”

Former superintendent John Padget masterminded the Flexible Funding initiative about 17 years ago in order to identify funding that would make Monroe County teachers’ salaries the highest in the state.

Voters must approve the tax renewal every four years.

“I have nightmares thinking about what would happen without our Flexible Funding initiative,” Griffiths said, adding that the tax currently generates about $15 million per year.

“But on a more personal level, that translates to $15,000 per district employee. So someone making $50,000 today would only be earning $35,000 without the Flexible Funding.”

Voters have always approved the funding strategy, but that doesn’t stop Griffiths from getting nervous.

“It is important to understand that no matter how anyone votes on the referendum it will not increase individual tax bills.

It will only affect where the school district can use the revenue - either the General Fund or the Capital Fund. Our Capital Fund balances are sufficient to meet the needs of the capital program,” Griffiths said. “If the half-mill for operations fails to be approved by the voters, then the Monroe County School District will face a major budget shortfall.”

Clint Barras

C

lint Barras may be a political newcomer, but he’s been paying attention and will formally roll out his campaign, website and political platform next week.

Barras is the first Democrat to enter the District 120 state representative race to replace Republican Florida Keys State Rep. Holly Raschein, whose time in Tallahassee will end due to term limits following the current legislative session.

Raschein’s seat is one of nine occupied by Republicans who cannot or will not seek reelection, making those seats vulnerable to Democrats, who are hoping to claim a majority in the Florida House of Representatives.

Barras is vice president of business development for Two Oceans Digital, a Key West-based digital marketing company that specializes in web design, website creation and online marketing strategies. The company handles the digital marketing efforts for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

Barras told Keys Weekly on Feb. 11 that he wasn’t officially ready for a candidate profile or interview and wanted to wait until his website and platform are finalized in the coming week.

He has filed his candidate paperwork with the state elections office.

Thus far, Barras, whose wife, Lynn, is principal of the May Sands Montessori School in Key West, faces a trio of Republicans. Those include attorney Alexandria Suarez, Islamorada Village Council member Jim Mooney and Ocean Reef candidate Rhonda Lopez, who, according to FloridaPolitics.com, has been the the top fundraiser in the race so far.

In addition to his work at Two Oceans Digital, Barras has served as vice chair of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council.

He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston College and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.

House District 120, according to Ryan Nicol of FloridaPolitics.com, “covers Monroe County as well as parts of southern Miami-Dade County, and leans Republican,” Nicol writes. “But the seat is not off the table completely for Democrats.

In 2016, Raschein secured a convincing win, defeating her Democratic opponent by nearly 15 percentage points. But that margin closed in 2018, with Raschein winning by just over 6 percentage points. This year, Republicans lack an incumbent on the ballot. Depending on how kind the 2020 cycle is to Democrats, a ‘blue wave’ could potentially push Barras over the top. He’ll likely need to show he can match his Republican opponents’ fundraising ability. Lopez has raised more than $162,000 in four months as a candidate. That doesn’t include her January numbers, which are due by Feb. 10. Barras won’t need to file his first fundraising report — covering the month of February — until March 10.”

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

THE ROAD TO KEY WEST

SHOWDOWN

Ferry terminal at Lower Matecumbe Key. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION

KEYS HISTORY BRAD BERTELLI

www.keysweekly.com

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onnecting the Florida Keys to the mainland was not just the railroad dreams of Henry Flagler. Others were voicing their desire to see some kind of conduit linking the two, too. Politician George W. Allen gave a speech advocating the necessity of a roadway to bridge mainland Florida and Key Largo that preceded Flagler’s plan and dated back to 1895. Allen would not be the last to express interest in road projects on the islands.

Monroe County residents, especially farmers interested in better roads on which to transport their crops to packing houses established near the train’s right-of-way, began appealing to the county in 1908. The Miami Motor Club lent its voice to the argument in 1919 when its representatives lobbied for the construction of a road to the Keys that could provide their winter tourists with a “suburban” fishing ground.

In 1922, Monroe County officials allocated $300,000 to build a road from North Key Largo’s exclusive Anglers Club to the Key Largo Depot, once located near MM 105.5. The funds were not exclusively for work on Key Largo. A road that paralleled the railway south to Upper Matecumbe Key was also undertaken, as were road projects on the Lower Keys and on Key West.

Real progress began in 1926, when Monroe County issued a $2.5 million bond for road projects, including the construction of a wooden bridge connecting Little Card Point (on the mainland side) to the existing road on North Key Largo. This would become the Card Sound Bridge. Additionally, on the Dade side of the county line, commissioners agreed to finance 11 miles of road that would link Florida City to Little Card Point.

When the road projects were complete, the result was State Road 4A. It was now possible to drive from the mainland to Key West — for the most part. J. Otto Kirchheiner, chairman of the Monroe County Commission, is credited as being the first person to traverse State Road 4A via automobile, leaving Key West for the mainland on July 18, 1927. State Road 4A, also known by its more familiar name, the Overseas Highway, officially opened to public traffic on January 25, 1928.

The road, however, was incomplete and came to a temporary end at Lower Matecumbe Key. From there, for those looking to continue to the Lower Keys and Key West, it was necessary to board an automobile ferry. To do the job, three automobile ferries were purchased from Gibb’s Shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida for a total cost of $850,000. Each was capable of transporting up to 20 cars at a time and departed the Lower Matecumbe terminal daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Vehicles less than 14 feet long were charged $3.50, while those longer than 16 feet cost $6.50. Ticket prices included the driver, but passengers were assessed an additional fee of $1 each. The trip took about four hours, provided the weather and tides cooperated, and ended at No Name Key, where the road picked back up and led the rest of the way to Key West.

Road projects would not cease with the opening of State Road 4A. The building of roads in the Marathon area, as well as two additional ferry terminals, were completed in 1931. Terminals were constructed on Grassy Key and on the Gulf side of Hog Key, as well as a road connecting them, shortening the highway gap from one 40-mile trip to two shorter ferry rides spanning a total of 28 miles. While those driving from Miami to Key West now spent less time riding on an automobile ferry, they spent just as long sitting in lines awaiting the arrival of the next ferry.

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

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STATE NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

BILLS ON THE HILL HALFWAY POINT REACHED, CHAMBERS’ BUDGETS FAR APART

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t the state capital, members in the House and Senate have until March 10 to work out some big budget differences, if they plan to end the legislative session on time.

In late January, the chambers released budget proposals that were $1.4 billion apart.

Now, the House and Senate await conferencing to hash out differences, and they must do so by March 10 in order to end their 60-day session on time.

Legislators in the House and Senate are expected to convene later this month to sift through budget differences. The legislature is required to approve a single budget to send to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

With a new fiscal year beginning July 1, the House unveiled a $91.3 billion spending plan that includes more than DeSantis’ $625 million request for Everglades restoration and water quality projects. Just over $643 million is allocated within the Senate’s $92.8 billion spending plan to continue significant investments in Everglades restoration and water resource protection.

The Senate spending plan includes $125 million for Florida Forever, which protects many of Florida’s conservation lands.

The House budget shows $20 million for the land conservation program.

The Senate budget also shows $500 million in a new teacher salary increase allocation and $325 million in increased funding through the base student allocation, which districts can invest in teachers and school district personnel.

The Senate has placed $50 million in its budget for the state’s tourism marketing branch, Visit Florida. The House has no funding for the agency.

As for affordable housing, the Senate is looking to fund programs at $387 million. The House, however, is putting $147 million aside.

Several appropriation requests have been made on Keys-related projects.

COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS An appropriation request of $2 million has been made for the College of the Florida Keys to complete its recovery from Hurricane Irma. Funds would provide student services and upgrades to key facilities for the successful completion of twoand four-year degree programs.

The college is one of the state’s smallest serving one of the state’s most challenging geographic areas.

HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE A total of $250,000 has been requested to digitize and archive the collection of state-owned historic documents and artifacts related to the Little White House’s presidential history.

Documents were donated to the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation so items are better preserved and more available for viewing. The mission of the foundation is to share the history of the American presidency and preserve and protect the Truman Little House. With the project, students and residents around the state and world can search and view the collection without paying a physical visit to the museum in Key West.

The request was placed in the House budget, but it’s not currently in the Senate budget.

KEY COLONY BEACH CITY HALL The city of Key Colony Beach is looking to receive $500,000 in state funding for replacement

KEY BILLS

Rep. Holly Raschein stands in front of her desk inside the House Chamber. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

of its city hall building, including EOC and police, following damage from Hurricane Irma. The new structure will be elevated above base flood elevation by 24 to 26 inches and fortified against V zone wave action.

The project also includes IT equipment for connectivity to Monroe County and alternative power sources such as mobile generator and battery-backup power system with solar input.

The request is within the House budget.

WAYPOINT FOUNDATION With plans to provide dental care to kids up and down the Keys, a $125,000 appropriation request is in for a mobile dental unit. With funding, a school-based dental unit program would be created to address the critical need for oral health care for the underserved youth in the Keys. The program will require a one-time expenditure for the purchase of a used mobile dental unit, which is a self-contained drivable unit similar to an RV with two separate rooms to perform dental care. The unit will be selfsustaining through Medicaid reimbursement opportunities.

The request was placed in the House budget.

MARC HOUSE An appropriation request is in to support the MARC House, which offers support to individuals with disabilities in order to obtain and remain in competitive employment and enhance a person’s employment options and interpersonal skills. Other services provide medical and therapeutic supervision and help to increase a client’s ability to develop friendships with non-disabled persons.

HB 587 — Florida Keys Area of Critical Concern An amendment to the bill is now proposing a mandatory hurricane evacuation clearance time for permanent residents within the Keys from 24 hours to 30 hours. Per a bill analysis, increasing mandatory evacuation times could increase local governments’ flexibility to issue development permits, and that in turn would result in less takings litigation and lower liability costs.

Legislation was originally put forth to split takings cases 50-50 between the state and local municipalities once building permits are gone and property owners sue. But language holding the state liable for half the takings costs was struck out during a Jan. 29 Civil Justice Subcommittee meeting. The mandatory evacuation change came from committee staff, not Raschein’s office.

HB 1041 — Florida Keys Mosquito Control District Legislation currently sits in the State Affairs Committee to revise requirements for the district’s board of commissioners to borrow money. Current legislation sets a $1 million limit on the district’s borrowing authority over a 5-year period. With passage of HB 1041, restrictions would be lifted to bring the borrowing authority of the board of commissioners in line with other agencies. And it would allow the district to purchase helicopters for its mosquito control operation.

HB 1165 — Beverage Law Raschein is sponsoring a bill that would allow a craft brewery to hold multiple vendor’s licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages. There are a few distilleries in the local community, but they’re limited in where they can conduct tastings, where they can distribute or store products and how much they can sell. Legislation seeks to level the playing field between wineries and distilleries. “The industry is new to the scene and they’re very limited in what they can do to expand their business and their business model,” she said.

VALENTINE’S DAY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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CLASSIC GIFTS BECOME OBSOLETE

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN is artistic director of the Studios of Key West. She earned a graduate degree from Harvard, rescued a 300-pound sea turtle and nabbed the title of Key West Ms. Gay Pride, Luckily her wife, daughter and crazed terrier put up with it.

THE DEATH OF AURAL LOVE

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s Valentine’s Day creeps closer, I find myself embodying the cliché of the spouse who, intent on finding the perfect gift, has wasted weeks of shopping time and now finds herself empty-handed. I could slink to the store and buy the tired bouquets or cheap chocolates (the Lindt boxes are long gone by now) left behind by my better-prepared counterparts, but I like to think I’m more creative than that.

Then it hits me. This is a job for music. Is there anything better than a collection of songs compiled just for you by someone you love — a rough dozen selections telling you you’re the most special peacock on the planet? But, in 2020, what’s the delivery system?

In fourth grade, the cutest boy in my class made a mixtape for me.

Me! My 10-year-old heart swelled before being promptly crushed. It was exhilarating. In those days, I spent weekends positioning two boomboxes face to face in a closet, inserting cassettes and waiting patiently to hit record when the radio finally played my song, repeating the process until I’d completed my latest opus. My temper would flare when the DJ had the audacity to speak over the closing notes of my favorite song—a trespass that could potentially set the entire project back another 24 hours. It was a process, a labor of love.

Things changed in college.

Clunky desktop computers and thin silver cubes replaced boomboxes, but the magic remained. Unable to resist the marketing pull of candy-colored blank discs, I spent my paychecks on rainbow packs of sparkling musical canvases.

The early internet had given us all god-like powers of access and I was no longer limited to the top songs rolling on heavy repeat — I could have anything. Procurement took center stage as embarrass-

ingly large chunks of my nights were consumed by the hunt for perfect songs. I filled discs with cringe-worthy declarations of love, exaggerated flirtations and proclamations of the deep-gut friendships that consume your late teen years. I limewired my way through an embarrassment of riches.

Sometimes great things end amid fits of fiery resistance. Other times they just slowly fade until one day you finally notice they’ve gone missing. Such is the sad demise of musical gifts. CDs ultimately revealed their fatal flaws, scratching and skipping, while technology surged ahead. In the process, a whole generation (myself included) had collectively forgotten how to make mixtapes as cassettes and boomboxes gathered dust up in our parents’ Midwest attics.

Meanwhile, the music industry regrouped after an era of unchecked piracy, attempting to figure out how to pay artists while still making money and providing music to the masses.

What ultimately emerged is our new reality of music collecting — an arguably improved era in which we get in our cars and our curated playlists come on. We can hit a few keystrokes and pull up any song that comes to mind. These are glory days for those of us with zero impulse control and a thirst for instant gratification. And really, I don’t miss cassette tapes one bit. I was always the first to accidentally melt my treasured possession on the car dash and then spend hours, pencil in hand, rewinding the ones I mangled in other creative ways.

And yet, there’s a sad loss in the creative process of sharing. I have all of my music, but no real means to express anything with the songs I collect.

Needless to say, I didn’t make a mixtape or burn a CD this year, or any year of the last decade for that matter. I considered sharing a sappy playlist until I thought through the woefully impersonal act of DM’img my wife’s Valentine’s Day gift. Ultimately, I settled on a non-musical gift. If it’s the thought that counts, though — Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetie!

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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199,000.00 629,000.00 685,000.00 545,000.00 395,000.00 439,000.00 499,000.00 175,000.00 254,900.00 199,900.00 309,900.00 379,000.00 730,000.00 599,000.00

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

150,000.00 615,000.00 659,000.00 505,000.00 372,500.00 418,000.00 450,000.00 150,000.00 248,500.00 189,000.00 295,000.00 364,000.00 675,000.00 565,000.00

Century 21 Island Life Century 21 Island Life Coldwell Banker Residential

BHHS Freewheeler Realty BHHS Freewheeler Realty Real Estate Sales Force, Inc.

2/4/2020 2/4/2020 1/31/2020

$ $ $

150,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $

125,000.00 125,000.00 100,000.00

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

Coldwell Banker Schmitt American Caribbean Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt

1/31/2020 2/3/2020 1/31/2020

$ $ $

399,000.00 $ 565,000.00 $ 699,000.00 $

350,000.00 535,000.00 665,000.00

Ocean Sotheby's International Ocean Sotheby's International Hawks Cay Resort Sales Hawks Cay Resort Sales

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Florida Keys Realty Group Hawks Cay Resort Sales

2/3/2020 1/28/2020 1/30/2020 1/31/2020

$ $ $ $

439,000.00 99,000.00 699,000.00 460,000.00

$ $ $ $

425,000.00 87,000.00 640,000.00 445,000.00

106 103 7215 2011

Island Breeze Realty Ocean Sotheby's International Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key Colony Beach Realty Ocean Sotheby's International Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt

The New Home Spot Coco Plum Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Keys Real Estate RAM Florida Realty Island Breeze Realty American Caribbean Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt BHHS Keys Real Estate Coldwell Banker Schmitt LoKation Real Estate

1/29/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 2/4/2020 2/5/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 2/5/2020

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

1,390,000.00 349,900.00 1,782,000.00 594,500.00 489,000.00 399,900.00 850,000.00 200,000.00 45,000.00 349,900.00 750,000.00 435,000.00

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

1,300,000.00 305,000.00 1,650,000.00 570,000.00 480,000.00 375,000.00 840,000.00 200,000.00 ) 45,000.00 337,500.00 750,000.00 390,000.00

117 310 801 201 381 27 11290 12411 904 750 982

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt

RE/MAX Keys Connection Waterfront Keys Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt

1/30/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020

$ $ $

694,000.00 $ 135,000.00 $ 1,249,000.00 $

674,500.00 120,000.00 1,200,000.00

23059 Bonito Ln 701 Spanish Main Dr, #3 1159 Loggerhead Ln

Island Group Realty Coastal Collection

Island Group Realty Coastal Collection

1/28/2020 1/30/2020

$ $

219,000.00 $ 339,000.00 $

215,000.00 349,000.00

Coco Plum Real Estate Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Sellstate Island Properties Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Conch Realty LLC Realty Executives Florida Keys Coldwell Banker Schmitt At Home in Key West Coldwell Banker Schmitt FlatFee.com Vacasa Florida Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key West Luxury Real Estate Inc Coastal Collection Vacasa Florida, LLC Coldwell Banker Schmitt Truman & Co. Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Key West Realty Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Select Properties of NWFL Truman & Co. Truman & Co. Truman & Co. Truman & Co.

Location 3 Real Estate of KW Keller Williams KW Compass Realty Truman & Co. Coastal Collection Key West Properties Coastal Collection Realty Executives Florida Keys Coastal Collection Key West Vacation Prop & Realty BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Outside Of MLS - FKBR Island Group Realty Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt Ocean Sotheby's International Lokation Real Estate Coastal Collection Coldwell Banker Schmitt Coldwell Banker Schmitt RE/MAX Keys Connection (KW) Richard Padron And Associates BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Select Properties of NWFL Truman & Co. BHHS Knight & Gardner Realty Equestrian Sotheby's International Truman & Co.

2/5/2020 2/5/2020 1/31/2020 2/3/2020 1/31/2020 1/29/2020 1/31/2020 2/4/2020 1/31/2020 2/3/2020 2/3/2020 2/4/2020 1/28/2020 1/30/2020 1/30/2020 1/30/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 2/3/2020 2/4/2020 1/29/2020 1/30/2020 1/31/2020 1/31/2020 2/3/2020 2/5/2020

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

Monroe County Property Transfers

GOOD DEEDS

Key Largo

Plantation Key

Upper/Lower Matecumbe

Long Key/Duck Key

Key Colony/Marathon

Cudjoe/ Sugarloaf Key

Saddlebunch/ Big Coppitt Key Key West

List Price

360,000.00 350,000.00 1,250,000.00 745,000.00 164,000.00 407,500.00 350,000.00 465,000.00 380,000.00 1,349,000.00 660,000.00 575,000.00 239,000.00 999,000.00 869,000.00 460,000.00 301,350.00 647,500.00 495,000.00 1,325,000.00 549,000.00 585,000.00 725,000.00 1,295,000.00 1,150,000.00 1,300,000.00 2,750,000.00

Sold Price

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

260,000.00 336,000.00 1,250,000.00 729,000.00 164,000.00 407,250.00 325,000.00 465,000.00 366,000.00 1,295,000.00 635,000.00 548,000.00 230,000.00 925,000.00 805,000.00 460,000.00 301,350.00 640,000.00 475,000.00 1,300,000.00 530,000.00 560,000.00 710,000.00 1,005,000.00 1,150,000.00 1,175,000.00 2,600,000.00

Street # 23 67 750 787 101551 118 9828 822 602 942 500 500 128 160

Street Name Jewfish Ave Snapper Ave Boyd Dr Bostwick Dr Overseas Hwy, #92 Poinsetta Dr Mariners Ave Silver Cir Silver Cir Topaz Ave Burton Dr, #2304 Burton Dr, #2215 Old Fashion Rd Orchid St

Style

Tot Beds Wtrfrnt MM

N/A 2019 2006 1963 1987 1954 1988 1978 1978 1980 1991 1991 1978 2002

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

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

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

103.5 103.5 103 103 101.5 100 98 96 96 96 92.5 92.5 92 91

N/A N/A N/A

Lot Lot 5+ Acres

0 0 0

No No Yes

90 90 85

1962 Single Fam 1982 Condo 2003 Condo

2 2 2

No Yes Yes

83.5 83 75

Buttonwood Ln Bahama South Dr Simran Ln Marina Villa Dr

1989 N/A 2003 1997

Single Fam Lot Single Fam Townhouse

3 0 3 2

Yes No No Yes

68 61 61 61

Coco Plum Dr, B2 3rd St 11th St 10th St 2nd St 7th Street 5th Avenue Gulf 122nd St Overseas Hwy, 62A 66th St 90th Street 81st Street

1988 1982 1977 1963 2019 1959 1998

Condo Half Duple Single Fam Half Duple Half Duple Half Duple Single Fam

4 2 5 2 3 2 5

2006 Boat Slip 1997 Single Fam

0 3

1986 Mobile Hom

2

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

54.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 53.5 53 52 52 51.5

2019 Single Fam N/A Lot 1981 Single Fam

3 0 2

Yes No Yes

23 23 19.5

N/A Lot 2007 Single Fam

0 3

Yes No

15 10

2008 2007 1973 1958 2000 1987 1983 1996 1991 1973 1963 1967 2016 1980 1968 1943 2005 1987 N/A 1943 1923 1953 1933 1938 1938 1912 1960

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

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

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

169 Hibiscus St 171 Hibiscus St 0 Vacant Land 132 Hammock Rd 83201 Old Hwy, #202 101 Gulfview Dr, #302

12 Beach Dr 56 Ed Swift Rd 5030 46 23 14 5555 3327 3706 95 3930 3210 2422 2601 1801 1616 1707 1402 14 1800 1435 1211 1108 826 732 1314 1206 711 1501

Year

5th Avenue, #81 7th Street Cypress Ave Arbutus Dr College Rd, Slip 12 Harriet Ave Roosevelt Blvd, #208 Golf Club Dr 3930 Roosevelt Blvd, E112 Riviera Dr Staples Ave 2601 Roosevelt Blvd, #604A Roosevelt Blvd, M7 Atlantic Blvd, #9 George St Olivia St, #2 Seaside South Ct Atlantic Blvd, C325 Flagler Ave Washington St Pearl St Olivia St Windsor Ln Whalton St Margaret St Elizabeth St Grinnell St

Townhouse Townhouse Single Fam Single Fam Boat Slip Townhouse Commercial Townhouse Condo Single Fam Single Fam Condo Boat Slip Townhouse Single Fam Condo Townhouse Condo Vacant Land Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam Single Fam

Based on information found in the Key West Association of Realtors® MLS from January 29th, 2020 to February 5th, 2020.

THE UNDISPUTED LEADER IN KEY WEST FOR THE LAST 6 DECADES Based on Sales Volume

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CALL US TODAY TO SPEAK TO YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS! 336 Duval Street • Key West, FL 33040 • 305.294.5155 • www.KeysRealEstate.com/OpenHouses

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

13

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

PRICE REDUCTION OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 PM

33 Key Haven Rd | Key Haven Stunning NEW waterfront estate within one mile of Key West.

This impressive 4bd, 3ba, 2,400 sq. ft. luxury home boasts a lot size over 27,000 sq. ft, over 1,300 sq. ft of covered porches, high ceilings, heated pool, spa, privacy entry gates and amenities galore. A designated boat slip in the private Key Haven Estates Marina is included for easy boating access to Gulf and Atlantic Ocean. Observation Platform and Optional 2 car garage can be added. $1,799,000 www.keyhavenestates.com

WATERFRONT LOTS

JUST LISTED

1215 Newton Street | Key West Delightful 3BD/2BA Cottage in the Meadows! Open floor plan opens to covered rear deck overlooking the tropical yard, designer kitchen w/ high end appliances, rooftop Trex deck w/ outdoor shower, updated bathrooms. Must see! $849,000

JUST LISTED

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 PM

Waterfront Premium Estate Lots with Deep Water Access Experience island living only one mile from Key West in the tranquil Key Haven Estates Development. 6 expansive lots are available with square footage from 24,800 to 38,000 sq. ft.

Building plans with ROGO permitting in hand for lot 27 and in process for lots 28 to 33. Lot prices starting at $590,000. www.keyhavenestates.com

2104 Harris Avenue | Key West Wonderful 2 story 4BD/3BA family home is move in ready!

2,080sf, 10ft ceilings, bamboo floors, impact windows, large balcony off the master bedroom, laundry room. 5,000sf lot w/ lush landscaping & lots of off street parking. $850,000 TERRI SPOTTSWOOD JOHN M. SPOTTSWOOD III RAYMOND J. VAZQUEZ

Presented by: Location 3 Real Estate of Key West, Inc.

DEBBIE SWIFT BATTY 305.509.1958

NANCY SWIFT 305.849.2455

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

14

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

2020 Miami Boat Show

Thursday, Feb. 13th to Monday, Feb. 17th

CK

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

OPEN HOUSE: SUN 12-3 PM

FEATURED PROPERTIES

1618 Patricia St | Key West Open House Sunday, February 16th, 12-3 PM. Elegant, spacious 5 bed/5 bath home on oversized lot with 2 car garage. The main house features a formal living room & dining room, family room, kitchen, 3 beds, 2 baths & a real fireplace! The large master suite has generous closets, a wet bar & private bath. Guest cottage with bath & kitchenette overlooks the large pool surrounded by tropical vegetation. $1,500,000

FEATURED LISTING 3312 Northside Drive Unit #511 Key West 2 bedroom | 2 bath $298,000 Great opportunity for first time home buyers! Enjoy the morning sun and partial ocean views from your 5th floor balcony overlooking the tennis courts and huge pool. Large living area with open floor plan. Brand new carpeting, and freshly painted. Huge walk in closet and full bath in master bedroom. Laundry conveniently located right next to unit.

Walk to the grocery store and movie theater! Easy parking available and storage unit included.

3312 Northside Drive Unit #413 Key West 2 bedroom | 1 bath $278,000 3702 Donald Ave | Key West Beautiful, meticulously maintained 3 bed/ 2 bath home with spectacular gourmet kitchen. The floor plan is flexible; currently set up with mother-in-law suite. Corner lot, fully fenced with carport, gardens and a charming pool add to the DAWN THORNBURGH perfect picture this lovely BROKER ASSOCIATE New Town house represents.

Office: 305.294.8433 Cell: 305.304.1067 $819,900

Great opportunity for first time home buyers! Enjoy the morning sun from your 4th floor balcony overlooking the tennis courts and pool. Large living area with open floor plan.

Walk in closet in master bedroom, huge closet space in 2nd bedroom. Laundry conveniently located right next to unit.

Walk to the grocery store and movie theater! Easy parking available and storage unit included.

info@kwreal.com

CAROLINE STOVER-SICKMEN

1075 Duval Street C-11, Key West

KARLEEN GRANT BROKER ASSOCIATE Office: 305.294.8433 Main: 305.292.4929 karleenagrantsq@gmail.com

305.407.6790 CarolineKeyWest@gmail.com www.CarolineKeyWest.com 619 Eaton Street, Suite 2 | Key West

16

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

CELEBRATE KEY WEST’S BLACK HISTORY AFRICAN-AMERICAN SITES AND LANDMARKS LISTED

V

isit Florida recently compiled a list of historically important and intriguing locations and landmarks that celebrate Key West’s cultural diversity and African-American influences. While some of these locations may not appear in traditional guidebooks, their contributions to and influence on Key West’s community is undeniable.

From VISITFLORIDA.com: BAHAMA VILLAGE Bordered by Whitehead, Louisa, Fort and Angela streets, Key West’s Bahama Village is a time capsule of unique residences, businesses, churches and community centers that were built during the 1800s when several hundred free blacks came from the Bahamas along with white Bahamian (English) settlers.

BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 223 TRUMAN AVE. The original church building was first established in 1878, in the 700 block of Duval Street. The Ku Klux Klan was rumored to be the culprit when it burned down in 1922. Reconstruction began in 1923. It's an important stop on a tour of Florida Keys history.

BILL BUTLER PARK, POORHOUSE LANE NEAR THE CITY CEMETERY This was the site of the county’s home for indigent senior citizens, also known as Monroe

County Colored Folks Home. In 1986 the City of Key West created a park to honor the memory of William “Bill” Butler, a musician and founding father of the Key West Junkanoos and member of the Welter’s Coronet Band. The park is the site of the New Year’s morning Junkanoo Parade, a celebration with African roots that began in the Bahamas in the 17th century to preserve African cultural traditions in danger of being lost in the displacement process of the slave trade.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. POOL & COMMUNITY, 300 CATHERINE ST. The city built this pool for African-Americans in 1946, when Key West beaches were segregated.

CORNISH MEMORIAL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH, 702 Whitehead St. This wood-frame, Gothic Revival structure is the oldest AME Zion church in Florida. Built in 1903, it is named in honor of Sandy Cornish, a former slave who bought his and his wife’s freedom, but lost his papers and was threatened with capture. Before arriving in Key West, Cornish maimed himself in a town square to make him less useful to slave owners. He then arrived in Key West and founded the church that’s celebrating its 155th anniversary this year and was recently recognized by Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

President Harry S Truman signed an executive order prohibiting racial and other discrimination in 1951 while staying at his Little White House in Key West. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY/Contributed

AFRICAN CEMETERY AT HIGGS BEACH, ATLANTIC BOULEVARD In 1860, African men, women and children being transported to Cuba on three American-owned ships, to be sold into slavery, were rescued by the U.S. Navy and brought to Key West. Local residents provided food, clothing and linens. While some of the rescued Africans returned to Africa, 294 died here. They were buried in a mass grave on Higgs Beach, near where West Martello Tower now stands.

KEY WEST CEMETERY Frank E. Adams, a black man, was the first law enforcement officer in the Keys to be killed in the line of duty. Adams was a deputy sheriff when few blacks in the nation held such jobs. Adams died Oct. 7, 1901.

ST. JAMES FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 312 OLIVIA ST. This church was founded in 1876 by freed blacks from Georgia, Alabama and North Florida who had come to the Keys to work on Henry Flagler’s railroad. Today’s masonry building is built around the original wood structure.

Students at Frederick Douglass School work on the school’s yearbook in 1956.

The all-black school in Key West closed when schools were integrated.

ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 800 CENTER ST. St. Peter’s is the oldest black Anglican Church in the Diocese of South Florida. It was designed and built in 1923 by Joseph Hannibal,

a Key West native and son of Shadrack Hannibal, a runaway slave. The church was founded in 1875. A hurricane blew down the original building.

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN STREET, 717 SIMONTON ST. Established by both black and white Bahamians, the congregation was truly integrated, with no designated seating.

TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE, 111 FRONT ST. At the “Little White House,” on Dec. 3, 1951, President Harry S. Truman, wrote the executive order establishing the Committee on Government Contract Compliance to secure better compliance by contractors and subcontractors with laws that forbade discrimination because of race, creed, color or national origin.

V.F.W. AMERICAN LEGION HALL, 803 EMMA ST. Architect and County Mayor C.B. Harvey donated plans for the building. Also known as the Black Town Hall, the building was constructed in 1951 by its members.

The hall is named to commemorate blacks killed in World War I (William Weech American Legion Post) and World War II (Walter Mickens V.F.W. Post 6021).

— Contributed

HOROSCOPE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

WHAT THE STARS HAVE IN STORE

REDA WIGLE It’s going to get weird out there, guys. Feb. 16 brings with it the first Mercury retrograde of the new decade. You don’t have to live in fear of this celestial occurrence, but you should proceed with caution. Mercury is the messenger planet that rules travel and communication. Words are weightier when Mercury reverses, and verbal missteps made in this span of time are rarely forgotten.

It’s a prime window for grudges to be born and goodwill to die.

This particular backspin coincides with Pisces season, beginning Feb. 19, and hitting us all in the feels. Those who fall under the sign of Pisces and signs ruled by Mercury, Gemini and Virgo, will be most affected by this retrograde. The placement of this retrograde promises to bring exes and their hexes out of the proverbial woodwork. Be it a former partner, an excommunicated friend or a banished business associate, do not engage. Back away slowly, lest a rogue heartstring fashion itself into a noose.

is a middle child and Taurus Fire Tiger named after a stigmatic saint.

She divides her time and affections between New Orleans and Key West.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 Poet and fellow water bearer Langston Hughes wrote, “When a man starts out to build a world, He starts first with himself.” This may be the quintessential meditation for you, Aquarius. You were born to dream, and to build a world in the likeness of that utopia, but let the first brick be of your own being.

Notable Aquarius: Shakira, Feb. 2, 1977 PISCES Feb. 19 to March 20 You are the escape artist of the zodiac, Pisces. When emotions or obligations begin to feel like an

encroaching tide, you retreat to behaviors that distract you: booze, binge-watching reality television, drugs, daydreaming, etc. Resist that retreat.

You can’t reach the depths you are capable of without getting your feet wet.

Notable Pisces: Steve Irwin, Feb. 22, 1962

CANCER June 21- July 22 Your need for affection and companionship can sometimes lead you to compromise yourself. Don’t surrender your standards for scraps. Wait it out for the worthwhile.

Notable Cancer: Kris Kristofferson, June 22, 1936

ARIES March 21 – April 19 Has your flame felt tame as of late, Aries? Are you feeling more cooling embers than raging bonfire? Rest assured, you haven’t lost your edge, or sear, as it were. The universe is at work to show you what can be gained by a deceleration in temper and temperature.

Notable Aries: Betty Ford, April 8, 1918

LEO July 23 to Aug. 22 A wise woman told me recently that your body essentially has two jobs: to keep you safe and to manifest your unconscious needs. Are you listening to yours? What danger are you avoiding? What needs of yours aren’t being met? What is arising demands addressing; listen closely lest the whisper raise to a roar.

Notable Leo: Alex Rodriguez, July 27, 1975

TAURUS April 20 – May 20 Poet, politician and Taurus Niccolò Machiavelli wrote, “Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.” What appearance are you promoting and what of you is lost in the mask you make of it? I encourage all of you, my bull brethren, to expose your own, terrified selves and allow others to experience the truth of who you are.

Notable Taurus: André The Giant, May 19, 1946 GEMINI May 21 – June 20 You don’t do well with authority figures, particularly those who second-guess your motives and methods. In the weeks ahead you may have to prove yourself in ways that feel uncomfortable and even compromising. Rest easy in the knowledge that your efforts will silence your critics and establish you as an authority in your own right.

Notable Gemini: Lenny Kravitz, May 26, 1964

VIRGO Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Virgos are known for being unforgivingly critical, most especially of themselves. This tendency can present itself as a punishing need for perfection.

In foraging for the flawless, we come up empty handed. In the days and year ahead, seek the abundance that can be found in good enough.

Notable Virgo: Ivan the Terrible, Aug. 25, 1530 LIBRA Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 In the theater of human interaction, “nice” is the easiest thing to fake. Nice is also the natural territory of the peoplepleasing, peace-keeping Libra.

Diplomacy has its place, but disruption and (gasp) conflict are the true paths to growth and human connection. Venerate the authentic even if it comes at the expense of the pleasant.

Notable Libra: Nancy Kerrigan, Oct. 13, 1969

SCORPIO Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 If you feel intimidated by, or jealous of, powerful people, these emotions are the smoke signals of the soul. They’re a sign that you yourself are not aligned with your own incredible potential. Power is not a finite resource; its existence in others is not evidence of its absence in you.

Notable Scorpio: Mahalia Jackson, Oct. 26, 1911 SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 The difference between risk and recklessness is ROI (return on investment). Before you gamble with your personal safety, financial interests or professional reputation, consider what, if anything, can be gained by the behavior in question. Are you breaking ground or chasing thrills?

Notable Sagittarius: Kirk Douglas, Dec. 9, 1916 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Capricorn is the symbolic allfather of the zodiac, dispenser of discipline for whom love is based on achievement.

But you don’t have to be that kind of parent to yourself or your loved ones, sea goat.

Try instead to be a cool dad, the kind who wears Converse sneakers and tells their kid they’re proud of them, win or lose.

Notable Capricorn: Joan of Arc, Jan. 6, 1412

17

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

REFOO

THE

WATCH WHAT YOUR KIDS EAT, LITERALLY R

2020 Season

DOCT

www.keysweekly.com

A

T

DR. STANLEY SACK

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

O

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TELEVISION CAN BE A TOOL FOR HEALTHY EATING

T

Feb 23 - Raschèr Saxophone Quartet Bach • Pärt • Bartók • Koch • Glass

at St. Paul’s Church• 4pm keywestimpromptu.org

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The lesson here is hree states. Six that children tend to offices. 31 years. want to model what Over and over they see. And if they again, the same see healthy foods in a request has popped up: non-threatening setting, “Doctor, can you give him they’re more likely to be something to make him intrigued by them and eat?” While this request willing to try them. usually involves approWhat do I mean by priately growing toddlers Dr. Stanley Sack “non-threatening?” Cer(and is usually a request tainly not an environment where a for vitamins, about which a lot of child is forced to sit at a table and appetite-stimulating folklore circuconsume everything on his or her lates), it does serve to emphasize plate before moving on to another an age-old dilemma that parents activity. Instead, try a couple of difface with a substantial number of ferent tactics. Shopping with your kids. We know, or have been told, kids is a great way to expose them what they should be eating. But to all sorts of healthy food. Spend how do we actually get them to do some time in the produce aisle, it? and don’t forget the charms of our We’ll get to a few strategies local farmers markets. Seek out in a bit. But first, it was a recent healthy choices in the other aisles. article in the “Journal of Nutrition (I’ll never forget one obviously Education and Behavior” that well-trained school-age boy, in that prompted this topic. (Although I famous upscale chain supermarcan always go on and on about ket on the mainland, who called food.) out: “I like trying all different types The article described a study of water!” It was a moment.) that was done in the Netherlands Try a simple garden at home. involving 10- to 12-year-olds. The We both have black thumbs, but children watched one of two — even we have been successful at wait for it — cooking shows. One growing basil, which is now sprininvolved healthy foods; the other, kled on all sorts of (mostly) healthy not so much. The kids were then dishes. And it’s also logical that asked to choose between two kids are more likely to eat what snack types (healthy versus unthey help prepare; by all means, healthy). You guessed it — the kids invite them into the kitchen. who had watched the “healthy” Finally, the research article cooking show chose the healthier quoted here reiterated a timeoption. worn lesson about kids and As a cooking show addict, television: know and watch what I found this fascinating. And as they watch. No one expects you someone who was both a fussy to put a parental control on the eater and highly influenced by Food Network, but some shows, what was on TV when I was and even some episodes of indigrowing up, I do get it. I can even vidual shows, feature healthier quote you a primitive study of one foods than others. At the very person — me — wherein a similar least, watching shows about food conclusion can be drawn: I credit teaches children about it. And my love of spinach, even as a child, since there are no shows out there to all those Popeye cartoons. (It that advocate binging on one food is still one of my favorite foods to and one food only, learning about have in the house.) food means learning about variety, which is what healthy eating is all about.

19

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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20

OPINION

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

THE KEYS CAN RISE WITH THE TIDE

A NON-PARTISAN WAY FORWARD VALSIN A. MARMILLION www.keysweekly.com

Editor’s Note: The following column is an opinion piece with views that are independent of The Weekly newspapers.

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t’s 5:30 in the morning, as I lift off from Tallahassee en route to Key West. Visiting the state capital of Florida is always interesting, and the recent Florida Keys Day at the Legislature proved to be eyeopening.

I’m sort of an anomaly as a registered Independent who has supported both the former Key West mayor and current Republican County Commissioner Craig Cates, as well as Democratic County Commissioner and County Mayor Heather Carruthers, who recently asked me to join the Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee. And these annual tours to the legislative chamber have been at the invitation of Republican State Rep. Holly Raschein, the Keys representative who is leaving her post after this session due to term limits.

Commissioner Cates and I met with the governor’s chief resilience officer, Julia Nesheiwat, who, according to the governor’s website, is “tasked with preparing Florida for the environmental, physical and economic impacts of sea level rise.”

We were there to encourage her to look to the Keys and Key West as an ideal place to establish innovative solutions for reducing the risk that sea level rise is sure to bring. We were clear that Key West will be rising with the seas and invited her to join us as we work to designate the Southernmost City a Sea Level Rise – Community of Innovation.

There were several speakers and photo ops with officials, but what stood out for me was

Valsin A. Marmillion

the importance of having balanced and credible representation from the Keys, as we face the monumental challenge of sea level rise.

In his nine years as Key West’s mayor, Cates took flooding and storm protection seriously, supporting new pumping and rising water prevention technologies. As a boater, he knows the tides and how one adapts to life here by honoring the environment that gives us so much.

Carruthers also knows that innovation will get us to a place where we can adapt to the new normal of sea level rise.

Such change is predictable, and knowing what lies ahead creates an agenda for aligning our government services so local policy inspires ingenuity and avoids barriers to new ways of doing business.

This column is dedicated to building public awareness about what we can expect and what we can do from both private and public perspectives. For the past few months, a group of concerned residents — both native Conchs and others who value living in such a special place and wish to give back — have been meeting regularly to bring an informed voice, with their networks and ideas, to the policy table. Issues of home and business, ecosystem and equity values are being discussed while local nonprofit organizations are imagining appropriate roles for their involvement in this urgent issue.

On the public side of the city, our mayor and commissioners have focused a steady eye on how Key West might become the demonstration site for exploring innovation. Building new systems that can be designed in a way that the solutions are portable to other cities facing tight budgets and limited staff resources will create a positive vibe around a negative story. This is an enormously important role in inspiring problem solving.

My take-away is that the stars are aligning over Key West to move past the dark clouds of politically divisive, environmental arguments. Together we can work to repel the negative stigma about our island being situated in the bull’s eye of sea level rise. We can all help to write the next round of news demonstrating that we are taking the actions necessary to turn the doom-and-gloom stories into accounts of cooperation across party lines to overcome polarized views. In doing this, we will buy time in the short term to adapt to inevitable changes, while we push the young minds of innovation to work on a fix for the problems we face. This is a formula for seeing the Keys as rising with the tide.

I am more confident after a little visit up north that the coalition for solutions is coming together and that our primary leaders are taking enlightened steps toward ensuring our future.

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

SAVE THE DATE Through Feb. 15 • “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” 7 p.m. at Waterfront Playhouse, Key West.

Friday, Feb. 14 • Wesley House Valentine’s Day Gala, 6:30 p.m. at Curry Mansion Inn, Key West.

• Florida Keys Audubon Society’s Mark Hedden will speak about photography and birds at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the new Nature Center, MM 30, Big Pine Key. Saturday, Feb. 15 • The 2nd Annual Pup Crawl fundraiser for the SPCA, 12 p.m. at The Green Room, Key West.

Monday, Feb. 17 • Willie Nelson in concert, 7 p.m. at Key West Amphitheater.

• Judy Collins in concert, 7 p.m. at Key West Theater.

• Friends of the Library Lecture by author Michael Mewshaw, 6 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, Key West.

Feb. 18-March 14 • Red Barn Theatre presents ‘Short Attention Span Theater in The Twilight Zone.’

Tuesday, Feb. 18 • Nick Norman & Joal Rush: Back Stage Session, 7 p.m. at Key West Theater.

Feb. 19-23 • Fringe Theater presents ‘Desdemona,’ 7 p.m. at SideBar, Key West.

Friday, Feb. 21 • Key West author Hays Blinckmann signs copies of her novel “Where I Can Breathe,” 6 p.m. at Books & Books, Key West.

• Sanford Birdsey exhibit opening reception, 6 p.m. at Custom House Museum, Key West.

Feb. 27-March 1 • Key West Gallery presents the artwork of Bill Mack and Gary Welton.

Feb. 28-29 • Artists Bill Mack and Gary Welton appear at Key West Gallery, 7 p.m., Key West.

Friday, Feb. 28 • Kim Gordon in Concert, 8 p.m. at Key West Theater.

Friday, April 3 • The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys opening reception, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Artists in Paradise Gallery, 221 Key Deer Blvd. (Winn-Dixie Plaza), Big Pine Key.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

CSHS BIOLOGY TEACHER WINS COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

J

acob Poelma is changing the game for students in Monroe County. Through critical mentorship, personalized teaching, and innovative technology, the biology teacher is improving how students learn. In his fourth year at Coral Shores High School, his efforts have earned him the Teacher of the Year award from Monroe County School District.

The Mississippi native recalls a letter he received his first year as a teacher. “It was after school, and I was questioning why I chose to be a teacher,” he said, “then this student gave me the letter, and it said, ‘Thank you for letting me be happy at school because I can’t be happy at home.’”

The memory still hits home, and Poelma tells the Weekly, “That became the seed in me that we’re teaching people. We’re not just teaching stats and numbers; these kids are people.”

It was then that the science teacher realized there’s more to kids than their good test scores, data produced or what they turn in. He works hard to honor this individuality, fostering a sense of community and a safe haven in his classroom for students. “They see me as an adult who’s not a parent that they can talk to. I really value that,” he said.

His focus on each students’ unique life and needs also informs how he teaches. “I focus on what a student can learn, rather than on what the teacher can teach,” he says.

“Every student deserves the chance to fall in love with school. School shouldn’t be a burden. It should be a doorway to a brighter future.”

— Jacob Poelma, Monroe County School District Teacher of the Year

This is Jacob Poelma’s fourth year teaching at CSHS. ‘I’ll be heartbroken this year: my freshman will be seniors this year,’ he says. ‘All the doodles on this board are from Sophie Kubida, who I taught as a freshman, and every day she comes to add a doodle. When she leaves, my art wall will be missing.’

TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Poelma uses a lighthearted teaching style and personal examples to engage his students. From using student’s own creations as lecture examples to pulling in what’s going on around school, he keeps students engaged with the material.

“When they see me not as a scary adult but someone trying to have fun with science, they also want to have fun with it,” he says.

“It helps the material stick.”

Poelma has even revolutionized the classroom, casting real-time language translations of his lectures to student laptops and cell phones. “I can have it in Spanish for you, and Islandic for her, while teaching in English. It makes a big difference for ELL students to learn in their language, so when their English language skills pick up, they actually understand the material.”

This innovation is just one example of Poelma’s attention to the individual needs of each of his students, and one he hopes to implement in classrooms around the county.

True to his values, Poelma mentors students both in and out of the classroom, announcing home football games, sponsoring the Gaming Club, hosting the talent

show and volunteering for extracurricular activities every chance he can. He loves it, saying, “There’s a lot of kids that when you see them and what they do, that they aren’t just doing it for volunteer hours on their sheets, you have hope.”

The Teacher of the Year is chosen from individual winners at every school in the district. Candidates are judged on instruction, data, school/community involvement, recommendation letters, as well as rigorous critique of a video of a lesson.

“The committee had a difficult time selecting from such a talented group of extraordinary teachers,” said selection committee chairperson Amber Acevedo.

“In the end, Jacob’s passion for education and ability to build student relationships set him apart.”

Poelma concludes, “I still have that letter from my first year. It’s a big reminder of why I am who I am and why I love this job.”

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COOL STUFF

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

NOW TRENDING BUY | GROOVE Our hard-working Keys men need a ring that won’t catch on something — while fishing or working on engines — and tear a finger off.

That’s the opposite of romance.

That’s where the Groove rings come in. They’re made of highquality silicone designed to move with the mechanics of the human body. If they stretch out, are accidentally cut or broken, Groove will replace the ring, no questions asked. Available on Amazon for about $30.

10. Chocolate? I’m diabetic, a$#hole.

9. I’m interested, but you need to get yourself tested.

8. My herpes is not contagious.

But my love is.

7. It’s not me, it’s you.

SWEET EATS | KNAUS BERRY FARM Knaus Berry Farm on Southwest 248th Street in Homestead has been family-owned and -operated since the 1920s. What started out as a farm — growing berries, naturally — has expanded into a farm store selling some of South Florida’s most famous cinnamon rolls and other baked goodies. Buy some treats, or take your loved ones berry-picking.

Pro tip: Not open on Sundays.

6. You’re my Yanny. I mean Laurel.

5. Have you ever ridden in the back of a white utility van? Do you want to?

REJECTED VALENTINES DAY GREETING CARD SLOGANS WATCH | MEG RYAN The best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is with a Meg Ryan movie.

C’mon, everyone loves her. Consider: “When Harry Met Sally,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “French Kiss,” “Kate & Leopold” and “Joe Versus the Volcano.” Any one of those works for Ryan with the help of Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks, Kevin Kline or Hugh Jackman.

4. I am so glad I tricked you into loving me.

3. Any picture of a moose, deer or longhorn with the word “horny” on the card.

2. Is Netflix and Chill still a thing?

1. Nancy Pelosi is opening an investigation … into how much I love you!!!

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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COURSE 4 (choice of): Gianduja Cremeux Strawberries passion fruit, hazelnut, champagne Key Lime Pie $70 per person. Reservations recommended through Open Table. Regular menu also available.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEYS BOOKS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

FROM

TO

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

H

KEYS BOOKS

FORMER WEEKLY STAFFER PUBLISHES SECOND NOVEL

wears his heart on his sleeve. (His sister Abby and big brother Arays Blinckmann is super happy she’s making people cry. thur have to be more metered. She’s a mom, he’s a businessman.)

“I know it sounds weird, but I love it. It means But Ansel is all over the place until Hector, his love interest, pulls people are connecting to this story,” she said, laughing. him together.

“I cry when I read it!”

I love Hector, the Cuban American doctor from Miami. A The former Keys Weekly staffer (2015 to 2019) and Key West lot of people love that character. Ansel is the youngest in the story, resident just published her second novel, “Where I Can Breathe,” and has the hardest time finding love. on Amazon. It’s available in paperback or for Kindle. The positive How long did it take you to write “Where I Can Breathe”? feedback from readers is feeding a happy “high” as she rides the Well, I thought about it for two months, and then it took 10 weeks wave of another success. In fact, she’s already at work on her third to write. I knew the ending and the beginning, I just had to fill in novel. Her first, “In the Salt,” was published in 2015. the middle. So a lot of the events were unscripted until I actually The Keys Weekly had the opportunity to read the book, and sat down to write it. I just had to answer the biggest question: then sit down with the author and former colleague. We had quesHow did this beautiful woman who seemtions. So. Many. Questions. ingly had everything – wealth and family Do your first and second novels have – choose to end her life on the most tragic similar themes? They’re both “dramedies” MEET HAYS BLINCKMANN at 6 p.m. on note possible? How do you get from A to Z? (dramatic comedy) about family — children Friday. Feb. 21, when she will be signing Can you describe a good writing and parents. And they’re both about the copies of “Where I Can Breathe” at Books day? I’m a mom. I’m a wife. I chauffeur to struggles of a family trying to stay together & Books in Key West. The book is available soccer practice. I have lunchboxes to make. in the midst of alcoholism. Both feature now on Kindle; hard copies for purchase So I wait until the kids go to school and my large personalities and adversity. The difwill be available at the signing. husband goes to work. I tried to put in four ference is that “Salt” was an angry look at or five hours a day. On a good day, I would the family’s circumstance. “Where I Can get 6,000 words. The funny thing is that Breathe” is much more compassionate and FROM THE BACK COVER: sometimes it wasn’t like that. There would understanding.

Agnes Williams is dying. At 62 years old, be a bunch of screaming, 10-year-old boys You’re getting this question a lot, so the beautiful and in the house and my husband using the we’ll go ahead and get it out of the way. wealthy socialite chop saw outside. But if you’re really writHow much is autobiographical? The only chose to end her life ing, and really dedicated, you do it. true-life part is that my late mother was with alcohol. HosI thought the parts about Agnes’ an alcoholic who entered hospice. And the pitalized for almost and Asher’s early life in New York City character of Agnes is based on my mother. bleeding to death, were really evocative. What was the My mother did grow up in the last half of her three middle inspiration? I drew on my grandfather’s the century, she was part of that generation aged children and annual New Year’s Eve party for his busithat was lost between being housewives ex-husband must ness associates. It was about breeding and and feminists. She did her best to chart the reunite to organize education. And Agnes and Asher came at it new world as a young mother, in a time hospice care and from a disadvantage – trying to assimilate when things were constantly changing. I then watch her into the upper city echelon although they think they started their lives out with big devastatingly painful came from rural suburbia. It was a way to dreams but things got in the way — mardemise. With conflicted emotions, Arthur, describe Asher’s drive by contrasting it with riage, children, horrible events.

Abby and Ansel Williams say goodbye to these socialites, that maybe didn’t have the Was the second novel easier to their mother who upended their childsame drive because they grew up so priviwrite? Writing for the Keys Weekly for four hood and had a ferocious grip on their leged. And Asher needed a wife that would years was like getting up every morning adulthood. Asher Williams, their father and play along. Plus, back in the ’70s, everyone and going to the gym. Then, when it was self-made tycoon, must also finally reckon wanted to be a tycoon. It was the American time to run the marathon, I was ready. I with the mess he has made with his family. dream. don’t want to say it was easier, but it was The family tragedy is hidden behind the tall What’s the most satisfying part of better. One thing I want to say is that when walls of suburban Connecticut where the this book? I think that readers start out writing for the paper, I learned to write elite and privileged reside. Seemingly havwanting to hate some of the characters in for other people. It wasn’t self-serving. In ing everything — education, wealth, family “Where I Can Breathe,” but by the end, they writing the second novel, I made the same — the Williams family could not escape the couldn’t. And I didn’t want the readers to adaptation; I was focusing on the subject emotional heartbreak that haunted their hate the characters. We’re human, though, and the end reader. mother’s life. Agnes and Ashers’ secrets are so we want to see things in black and For such a serious subject, there’s a a path their own children must navigate white – you want the villain and the good lot of humor in this book. I grew up with as they learn to recognize the signposts of guy. But, listen, parents do horrible things, a very good sense of sarcasm; there were love, loss and choices they couldn’t help but children do horrible things and the truth is high levels of that in my home, as well as make. “Where I Can Breathe” is a surprissomewhere in the middle where it’s murky. comedy. It’s the way we dealt with our isingly candid, funny and compassionate I love that the readers are responding to sues and I rely on sarcasm and humor to novel about alcoholism, drama and family that natural sense of confusion and love get me through horrible situations. It was relationships. The Williams story unearths and raw emotion that the family has for so much fun writing these characters, and hidden truths about parenting, secrets and each other. Oh, and also that reviewer who this dialogue. persevering love for each other despite it wrote “This is not chick lit.” I love that.

Who is your favorite character in all. Filled with a modern sense of sarcasm, What’s the third novel about? Well, “Where I Can Breathe”? Ansel. He’s just humor and cultural references, this book is it’s more mystery, not as “weepy.” very large, and passionate, and angry and for anyone whose family is filled with magnetic, but endearingly flawed, people.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

LOCAL ‘MUNCHKINS’

OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD

KEYS KIDS JR. PRESENT ‘WIZARD OF OZ’ ON STAGE

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 5PM

FRESH PASTA, SEAFOOD & STEAKS SERVED NIGHTLY BEST MARTINIS IN TOWN

Lollipop Guilders Zyaire Allen Green, Kai Gravelle and Donny Kirkpatrick rehearse ‘Wizard of Oz,’ a Keys Kids Jr. production presented by Bahama Village Music Program. RALPH DE PALMA/Contributed

I

n celebration of the 80th anniversary of “Wizard of Oz,” Bahama Village Music Program invites the public to evening performances presented by Keys Kids Jr. at the Key West High School auditorium, set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15, plus a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.

More than 50 Horace O’Bryant and home-schooled students will perform in the memorable, full-scale musical they have been rehearsing since November under the direction of HOB teacher Stephanie Manaher, musical director Nancy 3. Hoffman, choreographer Penny Leto and set designers Garth and Katie Holtkamp. The children’s characters offer audiences classics, including “Over the Rainbow” and “Merry Old Land of Oz.” Performances include a double cast for some characters: Dorothy will be played by Kaira Valdez and Angelina Diaz, Alex Mansour as the Scarecrow, Olivia Mansour and Con-

ner Freeman as the Tin Man, Jake Ferguson as the Cowardly Lion, Dianna Holliman and Detra Dor as Glinda, Zandrie Font and Lily Kaufman as the Wicked Witch, and Sebastian Jeanpierre as the Wizard.

Young performers from Gerald Adams and Poinciana elementary schools will join HOB elementary students to star as the Munchkins in their enthusiastic version of “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.”

Since 2017, Bahama Village Music Program has offered the free musical theater program to local schools, allowing them to increase their outreach into the community and bring the gift of music to as many children as possible.

Tickets are available at bvmpkw.org and at the door. A silent auction and a concession stand will be available for all performances. More information, including on how to make a donation, is available at info@bvmpkw.org or 305-5047664.

— Contributed

DOWNTOWN | 524 DUVAL ST | 305.296.1075 OCEANSIDE | 3593 S. ROOSEVELT BLVD | 305.295.6789

Old Island Days Art Festival 55th

February 22 & 23, 2020

Whitehead & Caroline Streets l 10am - 5pm

a c o L 0 7 r e Ov ts! s i t r A l a n o i & Nat

Bring the kids to create an art piece at our Children’s Art Tent!

Sponsored by: 301 Front Street www.KeyWestArtCenter.com

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

HEART OF THE SEA M

ardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is Feb. 25 this year. The day marks the end of an extended bacchanalia period leading up to the Lenten period of austerity and sacrifice preceding Easter.

The Mystick Krewe of Key West recreated the time-honored traditions of New Orleans by hosting a masquerade ball fundraiser at Key West Theater.

The 300-member Krewe enjoyed drinks, dinner and top-notch entertainment at the Mystick Krewe of Key West Bal Masque, which raised money for local charities, “We have worked hard to make the Key West Mardi Gras as elaborate and memorable as other carnival celebrations around the world,” said Krewe captain, Louisiana native and Keys Weekly columnist Val Marmillion. “Our costuming and decor is authentic….It is all for fun and partying with a purpose.”

— Weekly staff report

1

MYSTICK KREWE HOSTS OCEAN-THEMED MASQUERADE BALL

2

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

3

1. John Nutting and Dustan Carpenter dove into the ‘Heart of the Sea’ theme.

2. Layla Laser stunned in a homemade coral reef scene at the 2020 Bal Masque.

3. Karen and Vince Taparowski don masks and costumes and wade into the wacky event.

4

5

4. 2020 King Mark "Sparkles" Schoonover and Jeff Cheeseman shine.

5. Mystick Krewe of Key West founders Juan Pisani & Val Marmillion celebrate at the 2020 Bal Masque at the Key West Amphitheater.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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The Golden Fleece Foundation Happily Congratulates the Highest Achieving Monroe County Pre-K Classrooms and Their Teachers!

January 2020 Honor Roll HIGHEST WATERFORD

SCORES

STEPHANIE HILL

HOB Elementary, Key West (MM1.6)

GLADYS MAPP

HOB Elementary, Key West (MM1.6)

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HOB Elementary, Key West (MM1.6)

SAME OR NEXT DAY

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MARIBEL PAEZ

HOB Elementary, Key West (MM1.6)

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HOB Elementary, Key West (MM1.6)

SUSAN MCKAY

Plantation Key Elementary, Tavernier (MM89.0)

SUJAILA KIRSCH

Key Largo Elementary, Key Largo (MM104.8)

NICHOLE GELABERT

Key Largo Elementary, Key Largo (MM104.8) ——————————-

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

rt po ns up rde ss a ed o G ce ell ro rt lp a Al st M e W

Friday Feb 28 Saturday Feb 29

RESTORE AND REMEMBER

MAYOR ESTABLISHES CEMETERY RESTORATION COMMITTEE

10am–3pm // $25.00 Donation

Garden Tours

2020

1225 South Street 1131 Johnson Street 1101 Casa Marina Court 1028 Flagler Avenue join us for talks at the gardens

• 11 am on both days, a talk about Orchids will be at 1131 Johnson St. • 2 pm on both days, a talk on the garden will be at 1225 South St.

a special opportunity

to peek behind the walls and walk down the paths of four of Key West’s beautiful private gardens.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL THE GARDENS ON THE DAYS OF THE TOUR AND IN ADVANCE AT KEY WEST GARDEN CLUB, 1100 ATLANTIC BLVD. OR AT KEYWESTGARDENCLUB.COM

City Manager Greg Veliz, historian Sharon Wells, Mayor Teri Johnston, Beautification Committee chair Stephen Sunday and Peter Batty set priorities to restore the Key West cemetery. ALYSON CREAN/City of Key West

M

ayor Teri Johnston and City Manager Greg Veliz on Feb. 11 were among a group of historians, residents and city employees who took a hard look at the historic Key West Cemetery.

The fact-finding mission was the first step by a new committee Johnston convened to restore the cemetery while maintaining its historic significance.

A recent study by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council showed that the cemetery is one of the mostvisited sites by the more than 2 million tourists who come to Key West each year.

“Not only is this a popular site to visit for tourists,” said Johnston, “but it is also a sacred place for our residents and their families.”

The group set several top priorities, including the immediate repair of structures that

cover gravesites, the removal of rubble and the leveling of graves and headstones. The ideas include using backfill of soil and grass to return some of the graves to their original state by replacing shattered concrete and, in some cases, asphalt.

Veliz said he wants to keep as much of the historic appeal as possible while improving damaged areas and ensuring public safety.

The cemetery’s new sexton, Christopher Varela, said all efforts will be made to contact the families that own the graves needing attention. The city will reach out through the mail and through newspaper publications before any work begins on certain structures and gravesites.

— Contributed

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

GAME, SET, MATCH KEYS HIGH SCHOOLS SERVE UP NEW TENNIS SEASON

5 6

1

M

arathon High School tennis players traveled to Key West on Feb. 7 for the first tennis match of the season.

There were five singles and two doubles matches.

Former Key West High School Coach Paul Findlay returns this year to lead the team, with only two returning upperclassmen.

— Weekly staff report

BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly For more match photos visit ShadyPalmPhotography.com 1. Marathon High’s Lilian Guo and Celine Ponzoa defeated Key West’s Sophia Mansour and Jesse Brady in their doubles match.

2

2. Robert Malcom serves for Key West.

Malcom won his match 6-3.

3

3. Lady Conch Jesse Brady serves in her doubles match.

4

4. Sophia Mansour returns with a forehand.

5. Key West sophomore Robert Malcom returns the ball in his singles match.

6. Freshman Anna David with a backhand in her 6-4 win for Key West.

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KEY WEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

T imeless Tennessee...

The Key West Art & Historical Society will celebrate the late playwright and Key West resident Tennessee Williams from Feb. 22 through March 30. CECIL BEATON/Contributed

T

he Key West Art & Historical Society will present the “Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, ” a series of arts and cultural events at multiple Key West venues, from Saturday, Feb. 22 through Monday, March 30.

The events honor the late Tennessee Williams, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, literary icon and flamboyant character who moved to Key West in 1949 and lived here for 34 years.

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, this year’s theme is “The Women of Tennessee Williams.”

The celebration starts with a plein air painting contest on Feb. 22, followed by a lecture, entitled “Tennessee Williams in Key West,” on Thursday, Feb. 27 by Dennis Beaver, founder and curator of the Tennessee Williams Museum on Truman Avenue.

On Sunday, March 1, Beaver will lead a free tour of the museum that focuses on one of Williams’ most famous plays, “The Glass Menagerie,” followed by a fundraiser at the home of Beaver and Bert Whitt.

The fundraiser includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.

MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL HONORS ICONIC PLAYWRIGHT

Subsequent curator tours will be offered on Friday, March 13 and Friday, March 20, focusing on the play “The Rose Tattoo” and “Williams in Key West,” respectively.

Fringe Theater will present “Becoming a Woman,” a free reading of three of Williams’ short stories on Tuesday, March 10 at the museum. The three pieces were selected to demonstrate his ability to write about women with a sensuality, sexuality and a complexity that defied the convention of the day.

The festival also celebrates writers with opportunities for creativity and cash prizes in poetry and short-story writing contests, both of which are accepting online submissions now through Sunday, March 8. On Thursday, March 26, Williams fans and contest winners can celebrate his birthday at the museum with prosecco, cake and contest award presentations.

Film enthusiasts can attend the Monday Night Classic Film Series screenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. The lineup starts March 2 with “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives. On March 9, it’s “Baby Doll,” featuring Oscar nominees Carroll Baker and Mildred Dunnock. March 16 will focus on “The Rose Tattoo,” which won three Academy Awards, was partially filmed in Key West and stars Anna Magnani and Burt Lancaster. Finally, on March 23, “This Property is Condemned” stars Golden Globe nominee Natalie Wood, along with Robert Redford and Charles Bronson.

On March 29 and 30 at The Studios of Key West, audiences will get a look into Williams’ life in “Talking Tennessee,” a performance by Broadway actor Joel Vig who dons the hat and unique voice of Truman Capote. In this one-act play, commissioned by the Southern Literary Trail, Capote talks about his on-again, off-again friendship with the playwright, including not only their literary discussions but their endless nights of Key West carousing.

It will be followed by a presentation by Broadway and film actress Tandy Cronyn, daughter of Oscar-winning Jessica Tandy, who originated the Tony-award role of Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and Broadway and film star Hume Cronyn. Cronyn will read some of Tennessee Williams’ provocative poems, followed by a conversation about her family and Williams, moderated by Stephen Kitsakos, artistic associate of the Tennessee Williams Museum and The Studios of Key West board president.

More information, including registration for the limited-ticket events, is at kwahs.org/events/tennessee-williamsbirthday-celebration.

— Contributed

BEHIND THE BLONDE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

Kirby Myers is a busy mom, radio personality and writer who’s not afraid to write what many of us are thinking.

I

have not been the best disciplinarian.

Neither was my mom. My dad was away a lot, traveling for work.

There were four of us rascals and only one of her, one end-all-be- all, mere mortal, mom.

Growing up, I remember my three brothers and I blasting through the house like little Tasmanian devils leaving a storm of toys, food and general mayhem in our wake. My intense Italian father would come home on the weekends to an exhausted and overrun wife and scare the crap out of us. We toed the line on the weekend. Then he’d leave again and my mom was screwed.

She was and is the most loving, patient, kind and present mother a child could ever want. She was the source of endless hugs, “I love yous” and warm security. But we took advantage of her softness, knowing she felt that if she was too hard on us, we might love her a little less. This, of course, was not true, but it allowed plenty of room for getting away with a lot without fearing any tangible consequences.

Here I am, 34 years old with a brood of my own, and just like my mom, I’m getting trampled. Self-pity, doubt and thoughts of “What am I doing wrong?” and “I don’t understand why they won’t listen” have always spun in my head.

I’m realizing how important it is to set ground rules I actually stick to. How many times have I said, if you

don’t do this or that, we’re not going to the party. Yet, we always go to the party, regardless of whether they actually listened. What if one time I actually do what I’ve threatened? This is where things get especially tough for me. Having split custody, I now understand more than ever that feeling of wanting to give in to maintain my kids’ love — that’s my heart doing the thinking. The harsh truth is, they love me endlessly, but I’m not sure how much they respect me.

And I know without question, the respect will come with guidelines that I not only expect, but demand be followed.

Even before my split, I oftentimes (okay most times) found myself giving in because it just felt easier in the moment, and I know this sentiment rings true for both the carefree and strictest of parents. Because we’re tired, and kids are persistent, loud and, if anything like my 2-year-old, can partake in a Mexicanstyle standoff that will have you sweating and begging for mercy from a 30-pound human.

It’s all about baby steps, but I’m finally starting to implement what I know in my head to be true: That a few hours of screaming, crying and sometimes not-sonice words shot my way will be worth it in the long run.

So whatever kind of disciplinarian you are, fight the good fight and stay strong.

Buy some good earplugs, a nice bottle of wine and hold your ground. Let’s just say I’ve gone through a lot of wine.

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MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

SAVE US THE MONEY!

Monroe County will seek upgraded CRS class designation, saving over $1 million annually

W

hen it comes to flood insurance, many of us want to just stick our heads in the sand.

Turns out, it can be confusing, frustrating and expensive to insure a house on an island. Luckily, the county is taking steps to mitigate some of that cost and frustration.

The Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes communities that manage their floodplain risk which, in turn, earns the entire community a flood insurance discount off their premium. The percentage discount depends on what class determination the community is given.

Since 2015, the county has moved from a Class 6 to a Class 5, with a 25 percent savings to insurance holders, by correcting more than 300 findings in the original audit

by FEMA. Monroe County is classified in “Good Standing” with the agency that controls the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and implementing programs that raise awareness of impending flood issues, as well as regulations that protect property and lives. Overall, the current designation has cumulatively saved flood insurance policyholders more than $19 million in the past five years.

At the January BOCC meeting, Monroe County’s Community Rating System (CRS) consultant Lori Lehr took it a step further, presenting a draft Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) for unincorporated Monroe County to the BOCC. The RLAA plan looks at repetitive and severe repetitive loss properties, including the claims from the last five major storms. There are 391 structures on 370 parcels with seven listed as severe repetitive loss properties. Unincorporated Monroe has 60 repetitive loss areas that include 9,543 properties (with sites similarly situ-

Monroe County has participated in the CRS program since 2016, when the community entered as a Class 6.

Now, the county is applying to move to a Class 4 rating. Average annual savings on individual flood insurance would increase to $448 for a total savings of over $6.3 million. CONTRIBUTED

ated in elevation and building type within these areas), which includes homes that do not have insurance or are raised above flood but still fall within the area.

Adoption of a final RLAA is the final step for the county to be eligible to move from CRS Class 5 to Class 4. If successful, the new designation will save flood insurance policyholders additional hundreds of dollars yearly. Total county savings annually would go from $5,317,202 to $6,376,373.

Lehr reviewed the Class 4 prerequisites: “A community must demonstrate that it has programs that minimize flood losses, minimize increases in future flooding, protect natural floodplain functions, and protect people from the dangers of flooding.” Recent sea level rise modeling of drainage infrastructure and drainage maintenance plan along with the recently implemented RLAA could move the county to the new designation.

“We would be the only Class 4 in a coastal community and we would be in the presence of only two other Class 4 designated counties in Florida,” said County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “This is a big deal.”

Assistant County Administrator Christine Hurey added a clarification for the benefit of homeowners. She said, “Just because your residence is in a repetitive loss area does not mean that your structure is at risk. It just means there are properties in that area that are at risk.”

Hurney said that if property owners have an elevation certificate or other information about their property, they could contact

Lehr as the county adopts the RLAA. That information will then be put on file, so if the owner wants to sell the property in the future, the buyer can be guaranteed if the site is at risk or not based on the elevation certificate.

Hurley and Mayor Heather Carruthers emphasized this critical point. Hurley said, “So, it takes more than this report to create the full picture per property.”

Mayor pro tem Michelle Coldiron lauded staff for making sure the community gets the best rating possible for homeowners. Lehr agreed, saying, “The CRS program makes us aware and makes the public aware. We’re more resilient because of our participation in the program, and we’re making sure the public gets the benefit of the resiliency we’re promoting and the mitigation work we’re doing.”

Gastesi summed it up: “We’ve spent a running total of just under $500,000 in the last four years for this program, and you saw we’ll have saved $25 million.” He added, “That’s a nice return on investment.”

The presentation, plan, risk areas and additional information can be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/crs. The county is seeking public input on the draft plan and will be presenting the final plan for adoption at the Feb. 19, 2020 BOCC meeting.

With the completion of the latest CRS resilience tasks, the county will submit the documentation to go through the rigorous review process this summer, with a target goal to be rated a Class 4 by Oct. 1, 2020.

KEYS PEOPLE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

KEY WESTERS EXPLORE BERMUDA TRIANGLE TALES

LOOKING FOR MYSTERIES A

one-legged boat captain, firearms instructor, author, motivational speaker and former Iraq security contractor boards a boat with three other Key Westers and heads for the Bermuda Triangle. It sounds like either the opening of a Clive Cussler novel, or the start of a joke, and Capt. Chuck Meier would be right at home in either.

But in this case, Meier is joined on the boat by another Key West captain, a former Army rescue diver and an engineer. Those four are the Key West-based cast of characters who star in the new Discovery Science television show, “The Curse of the Bermuda Triangle,” which airs at 10 p.m.

Sundays. The premiere episode aired Feb. 9, with seven more still to come.

The four castmates — Capt. Chuck Meier, who lost his leg while working as a private security contractor in Iraq, Capt. Paul “Moe” Mottice, rescue diver Dave Cziko and first mate/engineer Mike Still — spent two months filming, diving, researching and investigating inexplicable phenomena that occurred in and around the area of the ocean known as the Bermuda Triangle.

“The Bermuda Triangle is home to some of the most fascinating unsolved mysteries on Earth,” states the show’s synopsis. ”This remote territory in the Atlantic Ocean has been the subject of notoriety and legend as countless ships, planes and human lives have been lost in its waters. Its reputation for odd disappearances and bizarre incidents has spawned decades of conspiracy theories as experts search for any understanding. Now, a team of savvy boat captains and experienced divers seeks to unravel

some of the biggest secrets surrounding the Bermuda Triangle in an all new Science Channel series.

“With dozens of years of experience at sea among them, the members of the Triangle Research and Investigation Group, or TRIG team, are led by long time captain and former Coast Guardsman Paul ‘Moe’ Mottice. By his side is first mate engineer Mike Still, who has logged thousands of hours in the Triangle, and worked side by side with Captain Moe for years. They are joined by former Navy rescue diver, sheriff’s deputy and military

1

coincidence or if there’s an explanation for it, either scientific or supernatural.

In upcoming episodes, the TRIG team investigates an assortment of alleged UFO activity within the Bermuda Triangle, the disappearance of the 23-foot “unsinkable” luxury yacht, The Witchcraft, and its two passengers in 1967, and an unusually high concentration of USO (underwater submerged object) sightings that point to yet another theory about the Lost City of Atlantis.

The show airs at 10 p.m. Sundays on Discovery Science.

2

contractor Chuck Meier, who takes the lead in the investigations on ground and underwater; and expert rescue diver and former Army cavalry scout Dave Cziko, who together explore the depths of the ocean floor for clues and evidence.”

In each episode, the team investigates a particular mystery and attempts to determine whether the stories are pure

1. ‘Capt. Moe’ Mottice stands at the helm of the team’s research vessel. SCIENCE CHANNEL/Contributed 2. ‘Capt. Moe’ Mottice, Mike Still, Dave Cziko and Chuck Meier investigate in the Bahamas.

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ON STAGE

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

THEATER

RED BARN TAKES ON ‘THE TWILIGHT ZONE’

OLD CHARACTER, NEW STORY

FRINGE THEATER’S ‘DESDEMONA’ REDEFINES SHAKESPEARE

Su Nubia and Martha Hooten star in Fringe’s production of ‘Desdemona’ by Toni Morrison.

F

ringe Theater presents Toni Morrison’s “Desdemona” at 7 p.m. Feb 19-23 and at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22 in the performance space of the Sidebar Key West, 504 Angela St. Morrison is better known for her novels, which include “The Bluest Eye,” “Song of Solomon” and the Pulitzer Prizewinning “Beloved.” She received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. “Desdemona” is one of two plays Morrison wrote.

The first play, intriguingly, has disappeared in all but title.

“Desdemona,” which the author wrote in 2010, was created in collaboration with legendary theater director Peter Sellers and it toured the Fringe Theater circuits. The idea for it was born when Sellers proclaimed Shakespeare’s “Othello” to be without social relevance today. Morrison challenged the thought and was inspired to find a way to “talk back” to Shakespeare using her own language.

“We decided it was important for a troupe called Fringe — at least occasionally — to choose a play whose roots belong to a more experimental

realm,” said Fringe’s managing artistic director Rebecca Tomlinson, the play’s coordinator. “This is a multimedia exploration of the healing that occurs — or doesn’t — in the afterlife. It moves fluidly in time and space — or outside of time and space.”

The story is based on Shakespeare’s “Othello” and the murder of Desdemona, but in Toni Morrison’s play, it is Desdemona who guides us through the story.

“Because of the presentational nature of the piece, we’re working with a large creative team that includes a choreographer, a videographer, yoga instructor, two lighting designers, a singing bowl musician, and of course, our very talented actors,” Tomlinson said.

Martha Hooten plays Desdemona, and Su Nubia plays a variety of characters, including Othello. The idea of using a female actor to play Othello makes the storytelling intriguing, as well as sensual, Tomlinson said.

Morrison’s writings often pull from folklore and song.

The actors are instrumental in creating the musical backdrop that gives the play a sound that is both tribal and celestial.

Movement choreographed by Sheila Bellefleur enhances the African and other-worldly feelings inspired by the music. The layering of the video elements created by Aramis Ikatu add to the story and the play’s setting, Tomlinson said.

— Contributed ‘DESDEMONA’ Feb. 19-23 Sidebar Key West fringetheater.org / 305-731-0581

Susannah Wells, Don Bearden, Jeremy Zoma, Andrew Hodge and Amber McDonald Good play a host of different characters in ‘Short Attention Span Theatre in the Twilight Zone.’ RALPH DE PALMA/Contributed

GOOD THINGS, SMALL PACKAGES

“T

here is a sixth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call The Twilight Zone.”

With these words in 1959, writer Rod Serling opened his groundbreaking anthology television series, “The Twilight Zone.” He and his cadre of exceptional co-writers fashioned stories of imagination, fantasy, science fiction, horror, the paranormal, intelligent Kafkaesque comedy, and in some cases – as we look back now – prophecy. The show was an immediate hit and ran for five successful seasons, producing 190 episodes now regarded as classics of the genre.

As the third mainstage production of its 40th season, Key West’s Red Barn Theatre will resurrect Serling’s spirit of “awe and imagination” with a new “Twilight Zone” take on its “Short Attention Span Theatre.” The show will run Feb. 18 through March 14, with a reducedprice preview on Monday, Feb. 17.

“We’ve put together seven 10-minute plays that fit the mold

of Serling’s ‘Twilight Zone,’” said Red Barn’s Gary McDonald, who, with his wife Mimi, son Jack, and daughter Amber, will produce and direct the show. “One play is an adaptation of one of Serling’s actual ‘Twilight Zone’ scripts, and another was written by Tennessee Williams, believe it or not. But they’re all pretty exceptional pieces of theater.”

The McDonald family has assembled a talented group of local and New York actors to populate the evening’s fare: Amber McDonald Good, Susannah Wells, Don Bearden, Andrew Hodge and Jeremy Zoma. “‘The Twilight Zone’ acted as the social consciousness of that time,” McDonald said. “There was a moral to the stories, even with their bizarre nature.”

Expect to see the full range of “Twilight Zone”-style stories, from the hilarious to the bizarre. “You’ll be impressed with each of them,” McDonald said.

— Contributed

‘SHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE’ Feb. 18 - March 14 redbarntheatre.com / 305-296-9911

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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BOOKS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

While cuddling up with your book boyfriend this Valentine’s Day, grab some chocolate, a glass of bubbly and devour one of these sweet romantic reads!

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

YOU WERE THERE TOO

by Colleen Oakley Mia Graydon and her husband Harrison make a fresh start in the small town of Hope Springs. Leaving Philly was hard but Harrison, finished with his residency, is finally ready for a new beginning. Mia is lonely without her friends, and her once passionate painting career is packed away in the studio. Both grieving separate losses, the couple finds their relationship at odds for the first time in eight years. One day Mia is introduced to Oliver and he takes her breath away. It strangely feels like she has known him forever. Although they have never met, Oliver has been in her dreams since high school. The most terrifying part — he thinks he knows her too.

After visiting psychics, researching dream psychiatry and all avenues of coincidence and fate, destiny once again intervenes. Wholly original love story which will leave you thinking of these characters long after the final page.

HONEY DON’T LIST

by Christina Lauren At 27 years old, Carey has spent the last decade working for America’s king and queen of home remodeling — superstars Melly and Rusty Tripp.

Their furniture stores, television series and books are a huge success. James is hired as Rusty’s nerdy sidekick/engineer and is expected to keep the handsome celebrity out of trouble. At first Carey and James find themselves at extreme odds, battling their level of importance over who has been there longer (Carey) and who has a stack of fancy degrees (James). As they realize that their future is completely dependent on the Tripps’ business, the duo makes a plan to keep the rocky show on the road and social media fans at bay. The public must never find out that the stars’ marriage is crumbling behind the scenes. This sweet, laugh-out-loud rom-com will have you begging for more and perhaps preparing your very own honey-do list.

IN FIVE YEARS

by Rebecca Serle Overachievers Dannie and David have their lives meticulously arranged. Dannie will make partner at the most prestigious New York law firm and David is set to manage a top hedge fund. They will live in Gramercy Park with a view and summer in the Hamptons. Recently engaged, their lives are right on schedule until one day Dannie wakes up from a bizarre sleep. She vividly saw herself five years in the future — with a different man, in another apartment, having the most passionate night of her life. She recalls every detail, from the man’s name to the feel of the blue velvet chairs. Spooked by this premonition, Dannie works hard to forget the occurrence. While her engagement lingers, Dannie’s memory becomes all too real when she is introduced to her best friend’s new boyfriend Aaron, and he is that man. Impossible or not, their lives are turned upside down. This romantic page turner had me guessing until the very end.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board/ Monroe County Board of County Commissioners The Human Services Advisory Board will meet Tuesday, February 25, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor, 2798 Overseas Highway. The Board will discuss County Fiscal Year 2021 funding.

The public is advised that some or all of the members of the Monroe County Commission may attend the meeting and discuss items that may come before the Commission. Members of the Human Services Advisory Board may be attending this meeting utilizing Communications Media Technology. For a copy of the agenda or other information, contact Janet Gunderson, Grants Coordinator, 1100 Simonton St., Room 2-213, Key West, FL 33040; 305-292-4470; GundersonJanet@monroecounty-fl. gov. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: February 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: DUCK KEY SECURITY PATROLS AND SERVICES MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar by Onvia at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecountybids.com.

The Public Record is available at the Monroe County Purchasing Office located in the Gato Building, 1100 Simonton Street, Room 2-213, Key West, Florida.

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

Publish: February 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name TAILFEATHER CHARTERS, located at 599 EAST 105TH STREET, OCEAN, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

BY: JOSENIN NUNEZ, JR. Publish: February 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name M.x Photography, located at 5582 1st Avenue, Unit 104, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

BY: Mercedes Herrada Publish: February 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO.: 4:19-CV-10214-KMM ISLAMORADA WATERSPORTS, LLC, et.al., NOTICE OF MONITION FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO. 4:19-cv-10214-KMM, IN THE MATTER OF: ISLAMORADA WATERSPORTS, LLC; SEVEN MARINE SPORTS; FLYING FISH FLIGHT SCHOOL, INC. f/k/a FLYING FISH, INC.; DAVID B. LANGE, individually; M’LEIGHA LANGE, individually; and JOHN LASH, individually; AS OWNERS OF THE 2017 PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, VIN: YAMA2369L617, PETITIONING FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, Petitioners. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Local Rule F(1), that ISLAMORADA WATERSPORTS, LLC; SEVEN MARINE SPORTS; FLYING FISH FLIGHT SCHOOL, INC. f/k/a FLYING FISH, INC.; DAVID B. LANGE, individually; M’LEIGHA LANGE, individually; and JOHN LASH, individually; as Owners of the 2017 Personal Watercraft, VIN: YAMA2369L617, has caused to be filed a Complaint for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. Section 30501 et. seq., for all claims arising out of or resulting from an incident that occurred on the 2017 Personal Watercraft on May 19, 2017, wherein Philippe Houtakkers, the driver of the 2017 Personal Watercraft, was injured on the navigable waters near Islamorada, Florida after colliding with mangrove branches. All persons having claims arising from the incident involving the 2017 Personal Watercraft, VIN: YAMA2369L617 must file them, as provided in Supplemental Rule F, with the Clerk of this Court, at the United States Courthouse, Southern District of Florida, United States District Court Clerk’s Office, Clerk of U.S. District Court, 301 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida 33040, and serve a copy upon the attorneys for the Petitioners, BRUCE M. TRYBUS, ESQ., JOSEPH G. JACOB, ESQ., COONEY TRYBUS KWAVNICK PEETS, 1600 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the issuance of this notice, or be defaulted.

Personal attendance is not required. Any claimant desiring to contest the claims of the Petitioners must file an Answer to the Complaint, as required

by Supplemental Rule F and mail a copy to Petitioners’ attorneys. Failure to file a claim

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

and/or answer on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the issuance of this notice may result in the waiver of your right to file a claim and/ or answer.

Dated January/February ___, 2020.

BRUCE M. TRYBUS, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 972983 JOSEPH G. JACOB, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1010739 reception@ctkplaw.com; yhall@ctkplaw.com; tzerof@ ctkplaw.com; jjacob@ctkplaw. com COONEY TRYBUS KWAVNICK PEETS 1600 West Commercial Boulevard, Suite 200 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Telephone: (954) 568-6669 Fax: (954) 568-0085.

Attorneys for Petitioners Publish: January 23, 30, February 6 and 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-000141-P IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY HOLLER FORD, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of BETTY HOLLER FORD, deceased, whose date of death was October 4, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 50 High Point Rd, Plantation Key, 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 BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 13, 2020.

Personal Representative: Daniel Hall Ford 19 Elm Street Montrose, Colorado 81401 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: February 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: February 13, 2020.

Personal Representative: James Preston Davis 4332 Orchard Valley Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1015363 Email: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com Russell Allen Yagel, Esquire Florida Bar No. 727090 Email: RYagel@HLYlaw.com HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 Publish: February 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: February 6, 2020.

Personal Representative: Christina Rose Tolpin 36 SE Marlin Ave. Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 9350 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1470 Miami, FL 33156 Email: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FILE NO.: 19-CP-000237 DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES O. DENHAM, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James O. Denham, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was August 20, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 6, 2020.

Personal Representative: Sharon Corseri 8988 NW 41st Street Cooper City, Florida 33024 Attorney for Personal Representative: LAWRENCE A. FRANCO, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 0176461 FRANCO & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 8751 West Broward Boulevard Suite 410 Plantation, Florida 33324 Telephone: (954) 617-0440 Fax: (954) 424-7627 E-Mail: larry@francoattorneys. com E-Service: pleadings@ francoattorneys.com Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 20-CP-000008-P IN RE: ESTATE OF REBECCA BOSWORTH HOLLEY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of REBECCA BOSWORTH HOLLEY, deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 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: February 13, 2020.

Personal Representative: KATHLEEN MARTHA HOLLEY 9867 Finnegan Dr. Brighton, MI 48116 Attorney for Personal Representative: ALEX CUELLO Attorney for Petitioner FBN: 84778 2655 S LeJeune Road, Suite 1008 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 567-0100 Fax: (305) 567-0799 E-mail: acuello@cuellolaw.com Secondary E-Mail: cuellopa@ gmail.com Publish: February 13 & 20, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 19-CP-000140-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES CALDWELL DAVIS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JAMES CALDWELL DAVIS, deceased, whose date of death was September 27, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 19-CP-000069-M IN RE: ESTATE OF FLORENCE G. CAMPBELL, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of FLORENCE GERTRUDE CAMPBELL, deceased, whose date of death was June 29, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 20-CP-000001-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN CRAKER BREEN A/K/A JOHN C. BREEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John Craker Breen a/k/a John C. Breen, deceased, whose date of death was October 19, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., 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 BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 6, 2020.

Ancillary Personal Representative: Susan Jane Breen 112 West Hilltop Road West Chester, PA 19382 Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw. com & alonso.at12@aol.com Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 18-CA-000871-K DIVISION: CIVIL Windward Pointe Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a corporation not-for-profit under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, Vs. John Joseph Higgins, et al.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) I Notice is hereby given that on April 20, 2020 at 11:00am, the below named Clerk of Court will offer by sale at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit 5311, Week 46, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof

47

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on January 6, 2020, in Civil Case No. 18-CA-000871-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

OF ACTION AS TO COUNT(S) II AGAINST DEFENDANTS, THERESA M. LEYDEN, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMASINE ROSE WALSH, AKA THOMASINE ROSE FREYERMUTH, AND DANIEL LIPINSKI, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMASINE ROSE WALSH, AKA THOMASINE ROSE FREYERMUTH To: THERESA M. LEYDEN, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMASINE ROSE WALSH, AKA THOMASINE ROSE FREYERMUTH 21409 PLANK TRAIL DRIVE FRANKFORT, IL 60423 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DANIEL LIPINSKI, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMASINE ROSE WALSH, AKA THOMASINE ROSE FREYERMUTH 328 TYNE COURT OLD HICKORY, TN 37138-1263 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s); THERESA M. LEYDEN, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMASINE ROSE WALSH, AKA THOMASINE ROSE FREYERMUTH; AND DANIEL LIPINSKI, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMASINE ROSE WALSH, AKA THOMASINE ROSE FREYERMUTH, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce a lien on the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: COUNT II Unit F12, Week 20, 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 attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 3-5857 has been filed against you; and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on NICHOLAS A. WOO, Plaintiff’s attorney, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 29th day of January, 2020.

Kevin Madok CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Civil Division By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in court proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Not later than five working days prior to the proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s office, at the Freeman Justice Center, 302 St. 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040. Telephone: (305) 292-3423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-1-1 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-955-8771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800-955-8770 (Voice); 1-800955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877-955-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000222-K DIVISION: CIVIL 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.

Defendants.

Notice of Sale as to Count(s) III Notice is hereby given that on April 20, 2020 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, 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 Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit C24, Week 44, 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 attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).. (Contract No.: 3-7517) Any person claiming an interest in surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on December 11, 2019, in Civil Case No. 19-CA-000222-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida.

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19-CA-000222-K DIVISION: Civil 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.

Defendants. _______________/NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICES 5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 19CA 000874-K DIVISION: Civil Windward Pointe II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Plaintiff, vs.

Justin Russell Wyatt, et al.

Defendants. _________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION AS TO COUNT(S) I AND II AGAINST DEFENDANT JUSTIN RUSSELL WYATT To: JUSTIN RUSSELL WYATT 240 3RD STREET APARTMENT C109 OAKLAND, CA 94607 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) JUSTIN RUSSELL WYATT, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce a lien on the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: COUNTS I and II Unit 5623, Week 47, 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”).

Contract No.: 2-15070 has been filed against you; and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on NICHOLAS A. WOO, Plaintiff’s attorney, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 29th day of January, 2020.

Kevin Madok CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Civil Division By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in court proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

Not later than five working days prior to the proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s office, at the Freeman Justice Center, 302 St. 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040.

Telephone: (305) 292-3423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-11 or use the following toll free

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES access numbers: 1-800-9558771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800-955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877955-5334 (STS); 1-877-9558707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN

BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-032107 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

PAINT A PIECE IN PARADISE, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Paint a Piece in Paradise, a Florida Limited Liability Company 3075 Flagler Avenue Key West, FL 33040 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 5212, Week 44, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold 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 attached thereto, and any amendments thereof.

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 $3,400.90, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since January 29, 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 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: February 6 & 13, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

THEME: BE MY VALENTINE ACROSS 1. *AbÈlard to HÈloÔse 6. C.E.O.’s degree 9. a.k.a Snowmobile 13. Make amends 14. Over, poetically 15. Garlic unit 16. ____ lazuli 17. New, prefix 18. Bumpkin 19. *St. Valentine’s Day Massacre city 21. James Bond’s drink of choice 23. Building annex 24. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____” 25. MD, familiarly 28. Land of Nod, in relation to Eden 30. Hire for work 35. Part of an eye 37. Feudal laborer 39. Request from Amazon 40. Waterproofed canvas 41. Bunch of bees 43. Black cat, e.g.

44. Apollo of “Rocky” 46. Roofed colonnade 47. X in a letter 48. Medicinal herb 50. Tangerine-grapefruit hybrid 52. Tennis barrier 53. Hold as a conviction 55. End of a fuse?

57. *____ Valentine, a.k.a. humorous Valentine 61. *One of star-crossed lovers 65. Beyond’s occasional partner 66. E.T. transporter 68. Wombs 69. Hansen’s disease patient 70. Young canine 71. *Flirt 72. *They used to be each other’s Valentines 73. Attempt 74. Passover meal

DOWN 1. Barber’s supply 2. Arizona’s neighbor 3. Serengeti antelope 4. *Like a bottle of champagne 5. “Goodwill Industries” business 6. *Unfortunate consequence of kissing?

7. Busy as a what?

8. *Pleasant bouquet smell 9. Vegas bandit 10. Mischievous Norse deity 11. ____-tempered 12. Sub station 15. *Roxane’s pen pal 20. “Heart of ____,” Blondie’s hit 22. Well-kept secret, for some 24. Strata, sing.

25. *Go ____, or split the cost of a date 26. Estrogen maker 27. The smallest dwarf planet 29. Uses a Singer 31. Get the picture 32. Short for administrator 33. Goslings, when they grow up 34. *German artist or Young’s partner 36. “Singes” in “La PlanËte des Singes” 38. *Mr. Right, pre-kiss 42. Tiny European republic 45. Jackie Robinson, e.g.

49. Princess tester 51. “My two cents,” pl.

54. Do like Vesuvius 56. *HÈloÔse to AbÈlard 57. Wide river valley 58. Wild goat 59. Uh-uh 60. “The Three Faces of ____,” pl.

61. Printer button 62. Old paint hazard 63. Gaelic tongue 64. *Wedding cake layer 67. “___ Elise”

48

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

FULL TIME OFFICE POSITION

HIRING:

WITH IMMEDIATE OPENING IN ESTABLISHED, FAST GROWING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN MARATHON.

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.

Please email resume to Mara@skylightmanagement.com

by February 28, 2020.

Must be proficient with a computeremail and various other office programs.

Bilingual a plus. References required.

305.743.0844

AUTOS WANTED

BOATS FOR SALE

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

1997 Bayliner 19’ Center Console, 2015 150 Suzuki, 4 stroke, 207 hours, professionally maintained, 2 chart plotters, 1 fish finder, live well, 4 storage compartments,large 4-wheel trailer included. Located in Marathon. Valued $15,900 reduced to $9,950. John 7326 6 8 - 7 0 6 0

BOATS FOR SALE 2007 Key West 17.2’ Center Console w/Bimini. 2007 90 Yamaha - 700 hrs. Chart plotter, GPS. Located in Marathon. $6,500 Call 607-275-7963 2002 Angler with T-Top, outriggers and 2015 Mercury 150hp, 4-stroke engine, on bracket, only 285 hrs., trim tabs, trailer, Garmin plotter/ fish finder, live well, fresh water wash down, swim platform.

Great fishing and family boat w/plenty of storage. Located in Marathon. $21,500 OBO - Must Sell! 207-323-9695

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT Commercial Boat Slip for rent - $550/month up to 40’ boat.

Across from Marathon Lady.

Power & H2O extra. Call 239849-3354 Boat Slips for rent in Marathon. Starting at $750. For best rates call 305-304-3610.

HIDEAWAY CAFE At Rainbow Bend Resort on Grassy Key

Front Desk Agent Spa Attendant If you have a passion for guest service and hospitality, please apply

Breakfast Cooks Breakfast Servers Dining Room Captain Dinner Food Runners/Bussers

Upper & Middle Keys.

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

careers@bungalowskeylargo.com

Apply in person

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

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

CROSSWORD

SOLUTION

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

Project Manager Upper Keys.

Must have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. and pass background check. Send resume to admin@ cbtconstruct.com 3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 3 0 0 2 Security Guard needed Full-time in Islamorada and Marathon. Must have Driver’s License. Keys Security, Lic# B2000155. Call 305-684-0033.

MIDDLE KEYS 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.

Keys Fisheries Restaurant now hiring cooks, retail cashier, and window cashier. Apply in person 3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon. EOE/DFWP Keys Fisheries hiring Night Receiving Manager, night receivers and freezer help. Apply in person at 3390 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon. EOE/DFWP

Breakfast & Dinner Positions Call for appointment 305-289-1554

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician

UPPER KEYS

Security Guard needed Full-time in Marathon and Islamorada. Must have Driver’s License. Keys Security, Lic# B2000155. Call 305-684-0033.

IMMEDIATE HIRING!

NOW HIRING

EMPLOYMENT

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

Position will be crossed trained for FOH, baking and deliveries.

Other positions available are day-time sales clerk and part-time baker. Please apply in person at 8919 overseas Hwy, Marathon Fl. NO CALLS.

Luxurious Little Palm Island is hiring!

We are looking for skilled cooks with a passion to learn.

Employee Housing is available at $300/month and your first month is free!

Great pay, amazing benefits, paid time off, and more!

Apply online at: www.noblehousehotels.com/careers

EOE

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 , Fleet Mechanic. 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 Mon-Fri 10-11am at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, Knights Key Blvd. Marathon

49

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT MIDDLE KEYS 3BR/2BA unfurn, 1850 SF, on canal with dockage, Washer/Dryer, carport. $2,200/month F/L/S 7 1 5 - 5 5 8 - 5 2 3 2 Long term rental in Key Colony Beach. 1/2 Duplex 2BR/1BA unfurnished. No smoking.

Call or text 305-289-0094 Studio apartment available for long term rental.

MM 50, Marathon. $1,500/ mo.

F/L/S 305-743-5161 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

UPPER KEYS KEY LARGO location Three bedrooms & two full bathrooms. Tile floors, washer & dryer, central A/C. $2,300 per month. Long term lease.

305-586-7326 Owner-Agent.

Key Largo Bayfront 2BR/2BA townhouse w/ spectacular views, in gated community, annual rental only. $2650/mo. F/L/S Call Lisa Karp 305-240-0066 Agent.

Administrative Assistant The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for Administrative Assistant. Position includes but, is not limited to front desk, answering multi-line phones, transcription of minutes, processing mail, administrative support to staff, ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with commission, staff, and public, and exceptional customer service.

Minimum high school graduate with two years of work experience in customer service and administration. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Applicants must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Competitive salary based on experience. Full benefits provided. Contact City Hall for an application at (305)289-1212, opt. 2. Applications are available at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “City Government” then “Forms”.

Submit applications via email to cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net , or in person or by mail to: City of Key Colony Beach City Hall PO Box 510141 600 West Ocean Drive Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 Equal Opportunity Employer Open until filled

OFFICE SPACE

Small office space available for rent. Great location on U.S. 1 in Tavernier.

Conveniently located to everything.

305-394-0530

PETS - LOST LOST PET - $250 REWARD Help lost Casper get home.

Solid gray shorthair cat, gold eyes, camouflage collar.

Last seen home Sombrero Beach Rd Marathon Tues Jan 21.

803-804-9659.

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.

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

Dolphin Research Center is Hiring!

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

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

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.

NOW HIRING

SALES STAFF

Professional office space for rent at 6400 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Second floor, newly painted, 615 sq. ft. with private bathroom. $995/ month. Call 305-563-1838 for more details.

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

(TWO MARATHON LOCATIONS)

TOP PAY WITH FABULOUS BENEFITS FULL TIME OR PART TIME

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

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

We will consider training anyone looking for a secure future with a solid established company.

Technical Assistant

Apply in person SANDAL FACTORY 5195 or 4801 Overseas Highway, Marathon or email resume to dan@sandalfactory.com

Supports our Coastal Source Audio and Lighting R&D division.

Knowledge of low voltage electrical and audio. Experience in 3D Modeling. Must be well organized.

Full time benefits include: Major Medical/Hospitalization, profit sharing, 401(k), paid vacation, etc.

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

Project Administrator

Assists with construction project timelines, contracts, budget management & other construction administration tasks. Reports on project’s regularly to executives.

Design Administrator

Handles scheduling and deadline software for Architecture/Design Department. Runs reports for project analysis. Assists with billing, permitting and inspections document administration.

NOW HIRING P/T HOUSEKEEPERS $13/HR P/T HOUSEMAN $13/HR Please come in and apply in person.

Hampton Inn

13351 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl 33050

LEAD ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Monroe County School District This is a District wide position that reports to Marathon and serves all District facilities from Key West through Key Largo. The full-time position involves maintenance, repair and expansion of existing Low Voltage systems.

Salary Range: $25.18-35.43/hour Apply Online at: www.keysschools.com

50

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning...Caring

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

KEY WEST

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA IS HIRING!

AP Clerk/General Cashier Bell/Valet Attendant Front Desk Agent Sunset Celebration Retail Ambassador (evenings at Sunset Pier)

Apply online at:

www.noblehousehotels.com/careers

Apply in person at: Zero Duval St.

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 Crisis Counselor Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT) Drop In Technician Research Assistant

KEY LARGO Care Coordinator

Come see why our employees love to call Ocean Key home!

Great pay, amazing benefits, & an awesome team!

EOE

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

Background and drug screen req.

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

Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District is accepting applications for a Customer Support Specialist with experience assisting customers and working in a professional environment. Intermediate proficiency with programs such as MS Office and Google Suite and ability to learn and work with databases is required.

This position involves a higher level of organization, excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Must have a HS Diploma or equivalent and a valid Florida Driver License. Hourly starting pay rate of $16.60/hr. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email your resume to: hr@klwtd.com

JOB OPENINGS GUEST SERVICE AGENT TELEPHONE AGENT NIGHT AUDITOR BELLMAN

The Hammocks at Marathon

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

• Common Area Attendant • Guest Services Associate

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

GREAT BENEFITS:

Salary $15.80- $23.20/hour

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

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

TO APPLY:

• Benefits

Online > jobs.bluegreenvacations.com

• CDL Training Provided work as a Bus Aide while training

SCAN FOR JOB

Please email resume to hr@spottswood.com

• No Experience Required

In Person > The Hammocks at Marathon 1688 Overseas Highway, Gulf Side, Mile Marker 48, Marathon Or Call > Andre at 305.743.9009

Excellent Benefit Package EOE M/F/D/V

eoe

• 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

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

BEATLES BAND TAKES CONCERTGOERS BACK IN TIME

1

2 LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly 1. A contingent of nostalgic PanAm stewardesses surrounds an alleged pilot who may also have been legendary con man Frank Abagnale Jr., who famously impersonated a pilot.

T

he Key West Art & Historical Society presented a concert by Beatles tribute band Let It Be at the San Carlos Institute on Feb. 6.

The society has hosted a Back in Time fundraising event for the past four years to raise money for the preservation of the stately and historic Custom House Museum building that serves as the society’s headquarters and exhibit space.

Each dollar raised at the concert will be matched by the Dogwood Foundation.

Concertgoers embraced the theme, and dressed appropriately for the Back in Time concert, digging out their bell bottoms and rose-colored glasses to return to a time when all you needed was love and a little help from your friends.

— Weekly staff report

2. This impromptu ‘love-in’ took place during the recent Beatles tribute concert.

3

3. George Fernandez, Cori Convertito and Michael Shields don some of their finest throwback duds.

4. The Let It Be Beatles tribute band typically performs nearly every song the band recorded, sounding eerily similar to the original performers..

4 5

5. The Let It Be Beatles tribute packs the house at the San Carlos Institute on Feb. 6.

51

52

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

Our local lending team cares about the people who keep our community going, people like you! Our goal is to find the best way for you to pay for the things you want and need with flexible payments on low-rate loans and credit cards.

305-294-6622 • KeysFCU.org

Join Keys FCU and start saving!

Visit any branch in Key West at 3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd. or 514 Southard St., in Big Pine at MM 30, or in Marathon at MM53.5 Gulfside Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys, their families and our local military.

What organizations are you involved with at KWHS? Girls basketball, Sideline Cheerleading, Competitive Cheerleading, Girls Lacrosse, Keys to Be the Change, Interact Club, Take Stock in Children, Debate Club/Mock Trial, SWAT Club, National Honor Society. Sports and clubs helped me understand the importance of time management.

What class has best prepared you for life after graduation? College Algebra has taught me many valuable lessons that I feel I can apply to life after high school.

What advice would you give to underclassmen? Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and have fun.

What’s your favorite social media channel, whom do you follow? Instagram, because I use it to communicate with my friends in different countries.

What do you want to be remembered for at Key West High School? As a hardworking, driven student.

What three things do you want to accomplish before your 10-year reunion?

I want to have graduated college and have a well-paying job that I enjoy.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home? I'm not quite sure; we will see where life takes me.

Living in the Keys has taught me… how such a small community can bring people together in the hardest of times.

SENIOR

Who has been your biggest inspiration at KWHS? Throughout my four years I had many incredible coaches, teachers and mentors.

But my family has always been my biggest inspiration. They’ve always helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and never give up.

MARIYAM AKHMETKALIYEVA

The Key West Weekly is proud to partner with Key West High School faculty and students in choosing “The Student of the Week.”

Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and KWHS for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of “Conch Pride,” and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

53

BLUE ‘I DO’S!’ Texas couple celebrate life, renew wedding vows underwater

This is an architectural rendering of CFK’s new Upper Keys Center.

CONTRIBUTED

NEW LOOK FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEGE TO BREAK GROUND SOON ON NEW UPPER KEYS FACILITY

T

he community is invited to College of the Florida Keys’ groundbreaking for its new Upper Keys Center. A ceremony will be held at the site of the new building at MM 106.4 on the Overseas Highway in Key Largo on Friday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. The 2.12-acre property, which previously housed a “Shell World'' store, has been cleared to prepare for construction of the 38,000-square-foot CFK facility.

The new Upper Keys Center, which is scheduled to open in August 2021, will replace the college’s limited space at Coral Shores High School and will allow the college to double its capacity to serve more than 300 students annually. The

college plans to expand these existing programs in the Upper Keys: nursing, emergency medical technician, paramedic, marine environmental technology, public safety (law enforcement and corrections academies) and apprenticeships. In addition, the college plans to develop new programs.

The college was awarded a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration last year to construct the new facility. An additional $4 million is being raised from local sources.

— Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

I

tiffany@keysweekly.com

n March 2005, Jessica and Jaylyn Hamm married in a traditional ceremony at Jaylyn’s family church in Conroe, Texas. The Hamms were 19 and 20 and just figuring life out. Fifteen years later, they decided to renew their vows with a bit of flair — by doing it underwater at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo.

“I have always wanted to dive, and Jaylyn has been certified since he was 13,” said Jessica. In August 2018, Jessica completed her open water certification, and the pair dive every chance they can.

“My wife and I have absolutely fallen in love with the sport,” said Jaylyn, “so we’re very eco-conscious about the sea.”

They try to raise awareness any way they can. Even though they own a floor-covering store in Texas, they sell reef-safe Stream2Sea sunscreen there. Jaylyn explains the connection, saying, “I can reach the 99% of the people who aren’t aware of the problem (that sunscreens cause to coral reefs) and broaden our impact for the sea.”

It’s no wonder the playful, oceanloving couple renewed their vows at Jules’ Undersea Lodge. The underwater hotel is unique in the world as people can only get there by scuba diving. It sits in almost 30 feet of water in a protected “Emerald Lagoon” in Key Largo.

“There is nowhere else in the world you can scuba dive to your underwater hotel room, have pizza delivered, and sleep with the fishes,” says Teresa McKinna, president of Key Largo Undersea Park, home of Jules’ Undersea Lodge. “So naturally, it makes for a very memorable vow renewal.”

“It just sounded like an amazing thing to do together to celebrate the love we have for each other in a way that is unique to us,” Jessica said.

Showing her specially-redesigned ring, which added a heart, turtle and stingray around her original engagement stone, she said, “What could be better?”

Jaylyn said, “It was a once-in-alifetime experience that combined what we found to be our passion together and allowed us to renew our passion for each other at the same time.”

Because of the unique location of the lodge, the hotel “mer-chef” is also the officiant and a scuba instructor. The ceremony amazingly included the traditional wedding details of fresh flowers, wedding toasts and cake cutting, vows, and a romantic steak and lobster dinner, all completed underwater. After the celebrations, the couple stayed the night in the underwater hotel and scuba dove around the Emerald Lagoon to their heart’s content.

Recalling the intimacy and privacy of it all, Jessica says, “It felt like it really was just about the two of us.

I won’t forget it.”

54

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

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

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STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

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To order call 908.797.9430

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305-481-3259

Corporate accounts welcome, call (908) 797-9430 Ravi.Vaithinathan@tendbar.us - www.tendbar.us

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

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Please remember, you must be 21 to purchase alcohol.

Operating Since 2004 Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

305

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• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

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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.

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PROP DOC

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inc.

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Delivering groceries, beer, wine & spirits and other provisions to you in the Florida Keys from Marathon to Key West.

New & Used / Sales & Service Propellers, Shafts, Struts, Rudders

Only Laser Scanner in the Keys No Need to Send Your Prop to the Mainland & Waste Valuable Fishing Time Outboard Shafts 305-292-0012 Inboard and Outboard Straightened on Boat 6003 Peninsular Ave. Stock Island-FL Free Propeller Analysis

propdrkw@gmail.com

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

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

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

55

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020

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56

KEY WEST WEEKLY / FEBRUARY 13, 2020