Upper Keys Weekly 20-0416

Thanks to the stimulus, I got my stimulants.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

Find us on Facebook One Clean Island Key West (OCI) One Clean Island is a Key West based initiative whose purpose is to act as a conduit of factual best practices in regards to protecting our residents and others in responding to the challenges of COVID-19 (Coranavirus)

OCI is a group of Key West medical professionals, community leaders, media affiliates, business leaders and government agency partners.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

No crisis can change our commitment.

During this time, we are leveraging our unrivaled marketing and technology and continue to move forward.

Pierre Bellion 305.731.3356

Cynthia Hughes 305.522.1320

Cheri Tindall 305.664.7661

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Sarah Ewald 305.393.0585

Frederick Mathews 305.807.4858

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Billy Hart 305.393.1140

Bill Hart 305.853.0303

Sue Moret 305.393.1180

Jim Mooney 305.522.3383

Sabrina Wampler 305.393.2766

Maryann Warren 305.394.1427

Community means we’re all in this together.

305.712.8888 | oceansir.com

Nancy Hershoff 305.393.4061

Kim Thaler 305.393.2787

Russell Post Broker/Owner

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher

28

The number of residents in the Keys who tested positive for COVID-19 and now 2 weeks later are “considered recovered,” although the number of recovered patients is not tracked in the twice-daily reports from the local Department of Health.

— Bob Eadie, Monroe County Health Deapartment

FOR UPDATES, WATCH THE WEB Events related to the coronavirus are changing rapidly as national, state and local governments make decisions aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. For updated information, please see keysweekly.com.

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner

Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor

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Account Executives

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Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Tiffany Duong tiffany@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

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Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

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

Design / Web Master

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Classifieds

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

ORGANIZATIONS GET $3.7 MILLION IN TESTING FUNDS FOR KEYS, SOUTH FLORIDA

E

arlier this week, Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) received a $3,175,580 award from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration and Rural Health Network of Monroe County received $569,600.

The money will fund efforts to help the community battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an April 14 press conference, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell said it will go a long way to help the most U.S. Rep. Deb- needy by focusing on bie Mucarselthe clinics that are Powell already serving them.

“It will increase the capacity of medical care for people of color, seniors, underserved, uninsured and those with pre-existing conditions,” she said. “As we heard earlier this week, those are the people hit the hardest from coronavirus. The national data shows a disturbing trend.” Many national news organi-

zations have reported black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at higher rates.

CHI was the first to offer drivethrough COVID-19 testing in MiamiDade and Monroe counties and continues to do so.

“The funding we receive today will help us continue our efforts to keep Monroe County healthy,” said Rochelle Pearson, CEO of Rural Health Network.

CHI CEO Col. Brodey Hartley Jr. said that before the award was announced, he anticipated that his clinics in South Florida and the Keys anticipated a loss of revenue of more than $5 million.

Rep. Mucarsel-Powell and others on the virtual press conference spoke about the best ways to communicate effectively with the underserved. She said she’s proud of what South Florida has accomplished so far.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also held a press conference on April 14 at which he announced the imminent delivery of 1.2 million 3M procedure

masks, 100,000 face shields and many other items of the PPE kit. The deal for the masks (55 million total) was Florida Gov. struck between the Ron DeSantis federal government and U.S. company 3M, and the goods are coming from China. According to state Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz, the masks are free to Florida.

He also said he didn’t know the cost per mask.

“We’re going to buy it from whoever can sell it to us, as long as the product is real. We’re making decisions to get the equipment to first responders, the life-saving PPE that they need,” Moskowitz said.

DeSantis also said that the Florida National Guard has organized “strike teams” to test nursing homes — 10 teams of four soldiers each.

“I am also pushing for more testing. I want us to get to the place where we have tested 1 in every 100 Floridians,” DeSantis said.

Se habla español

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

T S JU OLD S

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T S JU OLD S

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ANOTHER BOAT RACK LISTED AND SOLD BY AMY PUTO

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Thinking of selling your property? Contact me and let’s work together to price it properly in today’s market and get it sold in the time frame you want!

Realtors®

305.923.9226

Amy Puto, Realtor

teamschutt@cbschmitt.com 11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

04/02/2020

©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

DELIVERY & PICKUP AVAILABLE

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T S JU OLD S

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CLOSED ON SUNDAY

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Kim Rabito Show 305.304.8591 kimmieinthekeys@gmail.com

T S JU OLD S

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLERS ON THE SALE OF THEIR PROPERTY!

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

WHERE’S THE MONEY? SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

LOCAL BUSINESSES, BANKS WORK FEVERISHLY TO SECURE PPP MONEY What is PPP? Great question. The payroll protection program is a $350 billion slice of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act designed to buoy businesses during the pandemic shutdown. It’s touted for covering payroll costs for eight weeks, and is completely forgivable if employers keep their workers on the payroll.

Where is the PPP money? That’s harder to answer.

Keys Federal Credit Union has handed out 55 PPP loans to the tune of $2 million and its business customers already have the money in their accounts.

But the rollout has been slow for a number of reasons. Not every bank was a Small Business Administrationapproved lender when the program was announced, although many have since been given the seal of approval.

The entire program was built by banking institutions from the ground up, in a matter of days, with constant updates to the program. Banks also had to acquire the right access to several systems to complete the loan application.

“In defense of all banks participating in PPP, this is an unprecedented situation and no bank was set up to handle it. It simply did not exist just three weeks ago,” said Stephanie Scuderi of Centennial Bank. “That so many institutions have stepped up to at least try is notable and no cause more noble. That said, every bank has their own process – and the reality is that the application volume has grown almost exponentially in the 12 days that the program has been live and it’s been an exercise of extreme resource reallocation throughout the bank to make it happen.”

Centennial Bank said it has received more than 8,000 applications and funded $300 million as of April 14. (Not all the applications are in the Keys; Centennial has institutions in Arkansas, Florida, south Alabama, and New York.) Scuderi said she expects the bank eventually to receive $1 billion in loan requests.

“We started actually putting money in customers’ hands late last week, so the money is definitely flowing and we are confident we have developed

“The whole point of the program was to get money in businesses’ hands.

As soon as we had authorization and guidance on the note, we moved forward.”

— Maggie Sayer of Keys Federal Credit Union CEO

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

a robust and effective process for the Payroll Protection Program,” Scuderi said.

Keys Federal Credit Union CEO Maggie Sayer said her lending institution pushed hard.

“We just made a concerted effort to get the loans into the system. We received our first ‘note’ — or SBA loan agreement — on Friday, April 3, and our first approval on Sunday, April 6,” she said. Sayer said initial PPP guidelines stated the banks had five days to disburse the funds. That has since been extended to 10 days.

“The whole point of the program was to get money in businesses’ hands. As soon as we had authorization and guidance on the note, we moved forward,” Sayer said. “People need money.”

The businesses have 8 weeks to spend the loan and the loan is 100% forgivable if they keep their employees and retain their level of compensation.

The loan can be used to cover payroll costs, rent, utilities or interest on any other debt obligations incurred before the pandemic.

Once a business has been approved for a PPP, the local bank issues the federally backed loan. No repayment is required for the first six months of the two-year loan at 1%.

Provided the funds have been used for the allowed and approved expenses, the loan will be forgiven, and the local bank is repaid by the federal government. The only outstanding question, Sayer said, is who determines the forgiveness — the local bank or the federal government? — and said she is awaiting more guidelines on this.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida tweeted this week that more than 1 million businesses have applied, and $242 billion in loans have been approved.

Local bankers are urging Keys residents to work directly with Keys institutions for the best results. Quickly.

“Get your application into the financial institution where you have your business account as soon as

possible,” Sayer said. “Make sure the application is complete, calculations are correct and supporting payroll documentation is included.”

Scuderi said, “I think the best advice coming out of this disaster, and what we saw with Irma and then again with the government shutdown, the best advice is to plan your savings for these extreme circumstances, and to keep your financials as up to date as possible so you can get to the front of the line for all relief efforts. I also believe that never before has it been so important to have a local bank and a strong relationship characterized by the ability to pick up the phone and speak with your banker.”

First State Bank said the entire industry is strained. Like other banks, it is only working with current customers.

“Many banks, including First State Bank, are only offering this program to current customers as the existing relationship with their primary bank helps to meet some of the verification requirements that might otherwise delay the process,” said Angie Walterson of First State Bank.

Businesses that have submitted their short applications but have not received a loan approval are in a stickier situation. It’s imperative for the customer to verify whether or not the business application has been entered into the E-trans system. If it has, the business is unable to apply with another bank that is moving more quickly. If it hasn’t, the business can apply elsewhere. Again, banks are giving first preference to existing customers.

Will the funding dry up? There’s some concern at the national level that “main street” businesses will be overlooked in favor of “wall street” businesses. According to Monroe County Legislative Liaison Lisa Tennyson, small businesses make up 42% of the state’s workforce. Congress is currently considering another phase to the CARES Act that would allocate more money to the PPP program.

First State Bank’s Karen Sharpe said much of the PPP program is out of the banking industry’s control.

“SBA funding is currently capped and running out, with some estimating the funding to be depleted by the end of the week,” she said. “The program is first come, first served and although there is new government funding proposed, it is still unknown if the parameters and forgiveness features will be the same at this time.”

IRS STIMULUS CHECKS Locals report seeing the stimulus checks appearing in bank accounts as of April 15. Individuals receive $1,200 each, $2,400 for couples, and $500 per child. There is a sliding scale for top earners beginning at $75,000 per person or $150,000 per couple. Visit irs.gov for more details.

Bridge Loans At the same time the federal government was rolling out the PPP, the state of Florida announced it had $50 million in funding for bridge loans.

It received 38,000 applications and funded 1,000 loans in 28 days and there is no more funding available.

“The businesses that applied for and were unable to be funded through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program have options,” said Michael W. Myhre of the Florida SBDC network. He said the state government has now shifted its attention to helping unfunded state applicants secure federal disaster resources.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

COUNTY: GET STRICT ON AIRPORTS BOCC DIRECTS STRICKLAND (AGAIN) TO SCREEN ALL INCOMING PASSENGERS, INCLUDING INTERSTATE TRAVELERS TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

T

he virtual format for the April BOCC meeting didn’t impede the county commissioners from getting important work done during the shutdown period. Early in the day, they called on county director of airports Richard Strickland for an unofficial staff report, a week after county officials had issued a directive to screen all passengers arriving at both Keys airports.

As of midnight on April 8, passengers aboard both commercial and private flights were to be screened at Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, according to a directive from Monroe County issued on April 7. “Passengers will have their temperature taken, provide contact information and be ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days. Violators can be jailed for up to 60 days and fined $500.

The screenings are to be performed in a separate area by personnel from the health department, county fire rescue or personnel from any municipal fire department,” the county directive states.

“While you’re on the hook, can you give people a little update since it’s been such a topic of conversation in our communities?”

Mayor Heather Carruthers asked Strickland during the April 15 virtual BOCC meeting.

Strickland noted that his department was working closely with the county attorney, county administrator, Florida Department of Transportation and the FAA to “do the right thing with aviation and screen some passengers coming from out of state.”

The mayor pointed out that the local emergency directive in place requires screening of all passengers, irrespective of their origin city. Chief Jim Callahan, the director of the county’s Emergency Services Division, agreed and provided further clarification.

Callahan said, “I’m also under the impression we’re doing everyone coming in, at both airports, commercial and private. I’ll follow up and get you the information you need, Richard.”

Carruthers summarized the takeaway direction for the airports. She said, “Everyone should be screened. If you’re screening people in a car, you should screen them in a plane too.”

The BOCC holds its first virtual meeting via Zoom, broadcast publicly via MCTV, on April 15. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

Strickland’s staff tracks out-of-state inbound flights at both the Marathon and Key West airports. When those planes land, he said, his staff reach them and pass on the Florida Department of Health’s recommended 14-day self-quarantine procedure.

In Key West, commercial passengers from out-of-state origin cities are physically screened and provide contact information to local officials. Private plane travelers arriving to both Key West and Marathon on interstate flights receive a paper copy of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order to self-quarantine for 14-days if arriving from a “hot spot.”

Strickland emphasized the balance he hoped to strike between keeping the community safe and keeping airports open to move needed supplies via air travel.

Carruthers quickly said, “I don’t know why we aren’t doing the same thing for all commercial flights, even though they are from within the state.”

As he has explained in the past, Strickland said, “The governor’s executive order started with the New York area and then included other hot spots. It led to us screening out-of-state flights into the county.”

Strickland also explained why interstate passengers from other cities in Florida aren’t screened when they arrive at either Marathon or Key West airport: “I am not counting flights that originate within Florida,” he said.

“Passengers on a Miami flight, for example, would have already been screened at Miami airport before getting on the plane to Key West.”

“Some of us might consider Miami a hot spot,” said Carruthers.

Commissioner Michelle Coldiron said, “If we have a checkpoint to keep hotspots out of our county, I think it has to roll over to private planes coming into Marathon.”

“And Key West!” added Carruthers. “I think this is important; we’ve all been under the impression that airports have been following this.”

Marathon Mayor Steve Cook has also expressed his concern about screening loopholes in the process. He agreed the governor’s order of screening of commercial flight passengers should apply to private flights as well, to tackle the spread of COVID-19 from “hot spots.”

“If people have the funds and means to get away from a problem, they will take every chance they can to do so,” Cook has said.

Commissioner David Rice noted that several of the flights in Marathon not being screened are actually “instruction” flights that take off and land in Marathon, without ever touching down elsewhere. “I think that gives the impression of more aircraft activity at that airport than is of concern,” he said.

Carruthers said, “And, I hope so. Those folks should be able to show they clearly own a house here and live here, anyway, so they will be okay.”

Unlike the motorist checkpoint at the top of the Keys, the airport screenings check for fever and contact information, but do not require arriving passengers to show the same proof of residency, property ownership or work obligations in the Keys that are required of motorists.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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During this crisis, we are open for your foot, ankle, and lower leg needs. We are a surgical practice and therefore, even under normal circumstances, we take extreme precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Until this crisis subsides, we have implemented additional protective measures to our normal protocols for the safety of our patients.

We are pleased to be the leading environmental services provider for Monroe County.

We have rolloff dumpsters and portable toilets to assist with rebuilding and repair for those affected by the storm.

Your safety is our priority TELEMEDICINE ALSO AVAILABLE

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As your community credit union, we live and work here too. We understand COVID-19’s effect on our community.

To assist during this crisis, we’re: • Waiving many convenience fees • Helping members with loan payments* • Deferring payments on new Keys Loans for 90 days from issue* • Offering a Keys Personal Loan up to one month’s pay for 36 months* For assistance or to apply for a loan, go to KeysFCU.org or call 305-294-6622.

Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys is welcome to join. *Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. Interest accrues during payment deferral. Limited time offer. Assistance with existing loans available upon request.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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Due to the Coronavirus outbreak and orders from the Governor of Florida, we will have limited hours and access. We are committed to helping the hearing impaired in our community so if you have an emergency with your hearing device, please call the office at (305) 453-6332.

We can also service hearing aids from the VA and those that have not been purchased through Miracle-Ear. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this unprecedented time.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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Islamorada Fish Company employees, the IBP truck driver, Mike Forster and Mike Rempe following a successful dropoff of 10,000 pounds of meat courtesy of Tyson Foods. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

A

nother shipment of protein made its way to the Keys on April 13 to support the ongoing meal drive through Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors. This time, the dropoff was courtesy of Tyson Foods.

Around 10,000 pounds of meat was unloaded at Islamorada Fish Company, where it’s currently being stored in a large freezer. With the latest shipment, some 20,000 pounds of protein have been shipped to the Keys to support meals, from Key Largo to Key West.

The first shipment came on April 1 thanks to Cargill and Mike Rempe, former employee and a friend of Forster’s who lives in Islamorada. Rempe said he reached out to Tyson Foods’ John Tyson to inquire about getting a shipment donated.

“We made the request and here it is,” Rempe said as the pallets were unloaded from the truck.

The latest shipment consisted of sausage patties, pork, hot dogs and other meats. Tyson brands include IBP, Ball Park, Hillshire Farms and Jimmy Dean.

More than 350 meals are served for takeout from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Mangrove Mike’s Cafe and via dropoff at hospitals, pharmacies and the elderly each day in the Upper Keys. Some 700 meals will be served at Bahama Village in Key West on Wednesday.

For the past two Saturdays, about 550 meals have been handed out to the Marathon community with help from Brutus Seafood and Sweet Savannah’s. Meals have been handed out at Brutus Seafood parking lot, located at MM 69.5., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About 200 takeout meals were also made available starting April 15 from noon to 3 p.m. at Key Lime Products, MM 95, oceanside, with Harriette’s Restaurant cooking the food provided by Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors. Meals will be provided Monday through Friday.

Daily lunch meals outside Mangrove Mike’s Cafe also continue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the food drive and how you can help, visit mangrovemikesendeavors.com/ support-us.

From left, Carlos Hernandez, owner of Harriette’s Restaurant in Key Largo; Sam Prescher, of Harriette’s Restaurant; Mike Forster, Mangrove Mike’s Cafe owner and founder of Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors; Michala Laufle, Mangrove Mike’s Cafe employee; and Violet Wahba, owner of Key Lime Products in Key Largo.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

STATE OF THE CITIES The Indian Key Boat ramp during the Fourth of July last year. FDOT allowed the village to control the amount of parking and areas of access on state-owned property at the Fills through Labor Day last year. CONTRIBUTED

ISLAMORADA Islamorada Village Council members are set to meet virtually at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 to consider an agenda that’s highlighted by a proposed sublease agreement with the state over the Indian Key boat ramp.

Those wishing to view the meeting can do so, as the broadcast will go live on Comcast, televised locally in Islamorada only on the local government channel 77, and streamed on the village website.

Nine resolutions on the agenda contain items that are essential, time-sensitive and related to the village’s current state of emergency. No quasi-judicial hearing items will be considered.

Among the resolutions on the agenda is a sublease for the parcel containing the area known as the Indian Key Fill ramp. The sublease would allow the village to manage the area, currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for a five-year period with two five-year options to renew. The parcel, owned by the state, is 7.38 acres of mostly submerged land, which includes Indian Key boat ramp.

Costs to maintain and monitor the Fills were discussed during budget meetings: $47,600 salary costs for one full-time Fills facility attendant, and $30,000 for rental portable toilets and operating supplies.

Vice Mayor Ken Davis said he believes the sublease is good for the village in the way that it’s restricted parking and people at the Fills so far which has reduced costs.

Councilman Jim Mooney said he’d like to see a program similar to that of an adopt-ahighway, where people or groups maintain an area of the Fills, such as Indian Key boat ramp, in return for a sign.

The public is asked to keep comments under two minutes in length. The meeting will be available in the Archived Meetings page and will be rebroadcast on the local Comcast government channel. More information is at islamorada.fl.us.

— Jimmy McCarthy

Crews continue to work their way up Duval Street, repaving and repairing curbs. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Marathon’s first virtual public meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 12. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

KEY WEST The Cow Key Bridge repair project has begun, with single lane closures now occurring, but in an unlikely bright spot amid the current health crisis, the work is not causing the anticipated traffic headaches during the safer-at-home directive. But drivers are urged to use caution when navigating lane closures. No left turns onto U.S. 1 are allowed from the south end of College Road.

The Key West City Commission will hold its second virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 21 with the agenda available at the city’s website.

In other news, Key West City Manager Greg Veliz on April 14 explained the recent illegal rental violations against a repeat offender who had accrued $1.2 million in fines among his three properties. Those fines were converted to a lien against the properties.

“Everybody was screaming on social media about why the city doesn’t just take his properties,” Veliz said, explaining that the Key West city charter prohibits the city from acquiring any property without a voter referendum. “So I can’t foreclose on the property because that would lead to an acquisition, which I can’t do. I’m only allowed to give property to another government agency. I cannot sell or acquire property without voter permission,” Veliz said.

In other Key West city news, District II City Commissioner Sam Kaufman recently named Key West resident Marilyn Brew to the Key West Planning Board.

Originally from Louisiana, Brew retired to Key West after serving as an educator in Detroit. She is a former Army officer who served in the Army’s medical department as a clinical laboratory scientist and health care leader. Brew fills the seat vacated by Ed Russo, who stepped down after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to a state board that regulates ports and harbors.

— Mandy Miles

MARATHON It’s been a month since the City of Marathon declared its state of emergency on March 16. That means all decisions right now are in the hands of the Executive Policy Group composed of the city manager, city attorney, fire chief, etc. There are tentative plans to schedule the first virtual meeting on May 12. City Manager Chuck Lindsey said IT staff and the attorney are researching the most secure virtual platform for the public meeting, especially considering the ransomware attack on the city’s computer system reported by the Keys Weekly on March 12.

Lindsey said the virus has been eradicated, but the city is still purchasing hardware for a planned upgrade that was moved forward by weeks.

The city continues to process permits but has temporarily halted new applications.

“We are working on an effective process with the current restrictions and will resume taking them very shortly.” The code department continues to conduct inspections, and has posted notices on almost all of the known vacation rentals in the city, warning of the governor’s edict banning such.

Lindsey said the city is also planning for the future.

“I’m not saying that we need to reopen; that’s not what I am recommending. What I am saying is that we need to have a plan ‘on the shelf’ so when the time is appropriate or we are directed to, we can do it methodically.”

One way to do it, he said, is to reopen in the order things were closed. For example, beaches and parks could open. And then restaurants could operate at 50% capacity for dine-in customers. The checkpoint, he said, needs to be handled very carefully so the “flood gates” don’t open. He also stressed the need for the county and Keys municipalities to collaborate and move in concert.

— Sara Matthis Read the full story at keysweekly.com.

17

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

WHERE THERE’S A WILL...

AIR AND SEA LOOPHOLES ENABLE ILLEGAL ARRIVALS MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

F

olks in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami and a host of other cities still can book a plane ticket online and land at Key West International AIrport a few hours later.

Similarly, people with boats can show up in Keys waters, anchor offshore, then head ashore to one of our island communities to provision their vessel. An estimated 100 boats are currently in unmanaged mooring fields off Marathon.

And therein lies the problem.

“Locks only keep out honest people” is how Key West City Manager Greg Veliz described the city and county efforts to keep Keys residents safe from nonresidents coming to a town that’s closed to visitors, possibly from coronavirus “hot spot” areas of the country.

Motorists attempting to enter the Keys by car are stopped at a checkpoint and asked to show proof of residency, deliveries, employment or property ownership. No such documentation is required for passengers arriving by air or water.

Key West resident and local bartender Tom “TK” Kraker, who has lived here for 33 years, had a suggestion to help close the airport loophole.

“If the county can establish a successful checkpoint at the top of the Keys and stop people who do not belong here, can the county also set up a checkpoint just outside the Key West (and Marathon) airports to check for the same credentials before they enter Key West and Marathon?” Kraker asked The Weekly.

Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers and Veliz said there has been no discussion of such a measure as of April 14.

“I’m hearing that the numbers of people getting off commercial flights is not that great,” Veliz said. “But there are still a lot of private planes coming in.”

Carruthers pointed out that everyone arriving at Keys airports gets screened by airport paramedics, but is not asked for the same documents as motorists in Key Largo.

“By and large, most people coming into the airports are returning home to the Florida Keys,” Carruthers said. “Everyone gets their temperature taken and is required to fill out a questionnaire that asks where they’ve traveled and where they’re staying in the Keys. They’re also ordered to self-isolate for 14 days or the length of their stay, whichever is shorter. Those questionnaires are given to the health department, which is meant to ensure that they truly do selfisolate.”

But as usual, enforcement becomes difficult, Veliz said.

“I’m really comfortable with what we’ve done with regard to our protective measures.

But there’s a fine line between martial law and running a city,” he said. “Most of the people who are here illegally in illegal vacation rentals are drawing attention to themselves with rental cars, rented bikes and other activities that prompt our residents to call our hotline to report them, and we’ve followed up with notices to appear in court.”

On a related note, Veliz emphasized on April 14 that, “although I never weigh in on any Facebook or social media conversations, I read everything, and I will say that we have not taken back any of the notices to appear that were issued to illegal renters and the associated rental agents. We have not ‘walked back’ any of those notices,” Veliz said.

UP IN THE AIR KEY WEST CHARTER PILOT ASKS THE RIGHT QUESTIONS MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

W

hen Key West charter pilot Nikali Pontecorvo, owner of Keys Seaplanes, gets calls from potential clients wanting to charter his plane for a trip to the Keys, he asks for proof of residency, work or property ownership in the Florida Keys.

“One guy said, ‘Let me worry about that,’” Pontecorvo said. “But that wasn’t going to happen, and when I said no, he called me an a**hole.

“It’s sad how many people are trying to circumvent the rules that are in place to protect people,” Pontecorvo said. “People are basically admitting to me that they’re trying to break the law.

When I told one guy about the residency requirements to enter the Keys, he told me, ‘That’s sorta what I was trying to avoid.’”

Pontecorvo’s response?

“You don’t have enough money for me to do this — I’m too pretty for prison,” Pontecorvo said with a wry chuckle.

Another caller used what Pontecorvo assumes was a fake name when inquiring about a one-way charter flight with Keys Seaplanes. He told the pilot he has a boat down here in the Keys and wanted Pontecorvo to fly him to the mainland “so he could get his bigger boat and bring it down here to ‘move the party,’ is literally what he told me.”

That charter didn’t happen.

“People always call a bunch of char-

ter companies to price-shop, and when I tell them they need to show proof of residency, employment or property ownership to get into the Keys, some people have said, ‘None of the other companies have asked me for that,’” Pontecorvo said.

Motorists entering the Florida Keys via U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road must show proof of residency, employment or property ownership to enter the island chain.

County airport officials are screening arriving passengers for fever and asking them to self-isolate, but they’re not requiring the same residency documentation from air passengers as motorists at the checkpoint.

Pontecorvo said he refuses to put himself or his community at risk.

“I’ve gotten a few calls from people asking me to come get them in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or the Fort Myers/Naples area and fly them down here to the Keys,” he told The Weekly on April 14, adding that air traffic in and out of the Keys is significantly down.

“I’ve been doing aerial photography flights for people, and the other day the (air traffic control) tower told me the Key West airspace was mine for as long as I wanted it. There were no flights scheduled to land for a few hours.”

Pontecorvo has also flown Keys residents to the mainland to check on loved ones and then brought them back home.

“I’ve discounted my flights for locals by 25 percent,” he said. “But I’m not going to put this island at risk.”

NO ID ON DEAD PILOT SARA MATTHIS

O

sara@keysweekly.com

fficials still have not identified the person who died in a plane crash on April 9 in Marathon. According to reports, an ultralight craft hit an unoccupied house on 76th Street in Marathon. The Florida Highway Patrol and National Transportation Safety Board are the primary investigating agencies, but had not identified the pilot as of April 15.

The aircraft was purportedly an “ultralight,” but not the kind that has an inflatable boat strapped to the bottom; rather, a plane with an enclosed carapace with a one-person capacity. An eyewitness said the plane was sputtering before it went down.

Another said the plane not only crashed through the roof of an unoccupied residence, but also embedded itself into the foundation. A third eyewitness said this particular aircraft was fitted with two types of wings — conventional and glider. On the day of the crash, the witness said it was using conventional wings and making low passes over the Marathon airport. The same witness said the plane was making “gyrations” — where the plane was wobbling with one wing down, and then the other. He said the crash happened “straight down, and the parachute was deployed very late.”

The crash sparked a small fire that was put out by Marathon firefighters. No one on the ground was injured.

19

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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HISTORY

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

THE BUM FARTO FILES:

BUBBAS AND CHIEFS 1

2

3

DAVID SLOAN is a Key West storyteller, publisher and producer.

Key West Fire Chief Joseph “Bum” Farto disappeared on Feb. 16, 1976 while awaiting sentencing for a drug trafficking conviction stemming from Operation Conch – a sting operation that found Farto allegedly selling cocaine from the city’s fire station. Farto (yes, it’s his real last name) became the Jimmy Hoffa of Key West, and the island has swirled with rumors of his fate since he disappeared.

David Sloan and Quincy Perkins have launched an unparalleled investigation into Chief Farto’s life, legends, and disappearance in an attempt to find the truth. Each week they will share elements of their research here in the Key West Weekly while working to solve one of the greatest mysteries in the history of Key West.

Share your Bum Farto tips and stories at www.findbumfarto.com.

B

um Farto helped define the bubba system.

“Bubba” is a term of endearment derived from brother. “Bubba system,’’ on the other hand, is a term outsiders use to describe a crony network of which they are not a member. On a close-knit island such as Key West, nearly everybody was part of a bubba system. But when two bubba systems butt heads, it gets difficult to differentiate fact from spite. If tensions escalate, news travels fast.

When word reaches the governor, they send in the big guns for a bubba bust. The bolita bust of 1961 was the first bubba bust to paint Bum Farto’s future. Bolita is an illegal numbers game that thrived in Key West. It made a lot of locals rich, but also provided an inroad for the Tampa mafia. In 1961, 40 people were arrested in an undercover operation. This bust paved the way for murder, suicide and a new generation of bolita kings. Meanwhile, the Tampa mafia infiltrated Key West’s police and fire departments, trucking unions and even the City Commission.

Bum Farto had dreamed of being Key West’s fire chief since he was a boy.

It’s the kind of dream you don’t realize without a support system, and by all accounts, people either loved Bum or hated him. A 1954 article from the daily newspaper details fireman Pedro Perez attacking Bum Farto during a Civil Service Board meeting, grabbing him by the neck and forcing him against the wall. Perez was the brother of Police Chief Bienvenido Perez, and the father of Tampa boxer-turned-patrolman, Ismael “Terry Lee” Garcia. The dust settled, but it was a sign of things to come.

Bum kept his nose clean and rose through the ranks of the fire department until another bubba bust made his dream of being chief come true.

The FBI descended on Key West in 1964, when a committee was formed to investigate corruption in Key West’s police and fire departments. Fire Chief Charles Cremata resigned within 24 hours of the committee’s formation.

Police Chief George Gomez followed.

Armando Perez Jr. was named the new police chief. He was the nephew of the man who had assaulted Bum at the Civil Service Board meeting, and he was the cousin and best man to Commissioner Terry Lee Garcia. Bum Farto was named fire chief.

The new alliance gave hope for a new corruption-free era in Key West, but the bubba system was alive and well.

There was a new guard in charge, but nobody was banking on what would happen next.

1. Bolita King: The 1961 bubba bust saw 40 Key West residents arrested for running numbers, including ‘Bolita King’ Louis ‘Blackie’ Fernandez. MIAMI HERALD ARCHIVES, Dec. 3, 1961 2. Bolita Link: A Nov. 12, 1962 headline from the Tampa Tribune tops an article linking the illegal activities of Key West business people with the Tampa mafia.

3. The Perez Brothers: Bienvenido, Armando Sr. and Pedro Garcia Perez. ANCESTRY. COM/Contributed

23

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN www.keysweekly.com

LISTEN, WATCH, READ AN ISOLATION LIST

T

he popular culture being consumed right now — movies, music and books — sometimes serves as background, providing the white noise to our elastic days, and other times flits to the foreground, commanding our attention as we become absorbed in worlds beyond our windows. During this time of isolation, everyone is engaging with media in their own way, seeking tailor-made moments of escape.

MUSIC For me, music is an essential constant that must shape itself to the activity of the moment — the need dictates the genre. Lately, I’ve been starting my days with a restless sort of mobile meditation. With my canine copilot, I take an early-morning drive around a mostly deserted island, literally spinning my wheels. But something happens with the windows down and the sun coming up. From the protected bubble of my car, I find a reprieve, fooling myself into thinking this is just the start of a road trip. My daily delusion requires a nostalgic and shameless soundtrack — Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, a dash of Nirvana, maybe some ’90s rap if I’m feeling the bounce. Back home, I sit down at my bedroom workstation to focus.

For my scattered thoughts, there’s no more calming body of work than that of Johnny Greenwood. Best known as the multi-instrumentalist for Radiohead, Greenwood has spent the past 15 years composing brilliantly textured instrumental works, including a commission for the Australian Orchestra and several noteworthy soundtracks. At the end of the day, I emerge from my work-at-home cocoon, turning to The Beatles and the artists of the ’60s and ’70s Laurel Canyon music scene to provide the backdrop for cooking and solving one of the puzzles strewn across the kitchen table.

MOVIES When I need to disconnect the critical lobe of my brain and just escape, movies fill the void.

My watchlist grows daily. With it, the hierarchy of quality recedes, so I’m happy when I find a gem.

“Sweetheart” debuted at Sundance last year, garnering consistent critical feedback and maintaining a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A classic creature feature with a contemporary tone, the film follows Jenn (played by the brilliant Kiersey Clemons), a young shipwrecked woman who washes up on the shores of an island that’s deserted, save for one lethal resident. All in all, it’s a perfect distraction that also makes our civilized state of isolation seem quite manageable.

“Low Tide” didn’t quite hit the mark for becoming a critical darling, but nonetheless provides a fun, moody and easily digestible (86-minute runtime) distraction. It’s basically “Stand by Me” with buried treasure. The film follows a group of Jersey Shore teens navigating an act of summer troublemaking that escalates beyond their control.

BOOKS The middle ground between the escapism of film and the easy flow of music, books require a level of engagement that forces some introspection and discovery while keeping us entertained.

For those seeking isolation empathy, “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating,” will imbue the current situation with a little dose of wonder.

The nonfiction piece is author Elisabeth Tova Bailey’s account of her time spent trapped in bed by a debilitating illness. Looking for distraction wherever she can find it, she hones in on the daily life of a snail that’s hitched a ride to her bedside on a plant. Through her study of this counterpart, she finds a renewed sense of connection while trying to come to terms with her own confinement.

“Ordinary Girls,” a memoir by Jaquira Diaz, takes readers out of isolation and drags them through the streets of Miami and the neighborhoods of Puerto Rico. Diaz recounts her struggles with violence, her complicated relationship to her complicated family and her search to define both her sexual and cultural identity. A vivid and frenzied portrait of a life in progress, and an intermittent history lesson, “Ordinary Girls” provides an unflinching glimpse into another world.

WHAT’S ON YOUR ISOLATION LIST? I posted a Facebook question about what people are watching, reading and listening to in these days of social distancing and physical isolation. Perhaps not surprisingly, people had plenty of time to share some of their favorites — and those with potential that they’ve added to their watchlists.

MOVIES AND TV “Schitt’s Creek” (Pat Henriques) “The Amazing Race” (Karen McCharen) “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” (Melody Cooper) “Jojo Rabbit” (Michelle Clauson) BOOKS “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” (Emily Berg) “The City We Became” by N.K. Janison (Margo Ellis) “Love in the Time of Cholera”

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Rosi Ware) “The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn about female spies in World War I (Erika Biddle) MUSIC John Prine (RIP, old friend) CW Colt and Jeff Clark (Linda Klipp) Journey (Carol Tedesco) Bob Dylan (Cat Johnson)

25

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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26

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020 MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

The iconic Green Parrot Bar remains closed. CONTRIBUTED

NEW COMMITTEE TALKS HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY

A

socially distant meeting in an oversized hotel ballroom on the morning of April 11 brought together about eight leaders in the Key West medical and business community.

The discussion topic?

A new and still-in-the-works Health and Economic Recovery Committee (HERC) that wants to draft a 30-, 60- and 90-day plan to start putting locals back to work.

The initial small group included Dr. Bruce Boros, owner of the Keys’ three Advanced Urgent Care centers; Jim Gilleran, a Key West bar owner and Planning Board member; Two Friends restaurant owner Danny Hughes; Kurt Lewin from First State Bank; County Commissioner Craig Cates; hotelier and developer Robert Spottswood Jr.; and Realtor Peter Batty Sr. “No one is talking at all about letting tourists back in yet,” Gilleran emphasized. “That’s not even part of the discussion right now. But we do want to have a plan in place for when we can reopen Key West and Monroe County for the locals.”

To do that, the group wants to begin widespread, rapid-result serology, or antibody, testing to determine which individuals have already had the current coronavirus and therefore have produced antibodies to it, “giving them a high likelihood of immunity,” said Boros, a retired cardiologist, and medical adviser for the new committee.

“You’ve got to find out who your available workers are,” Boros told the spread-out masked group on Saturday morning.

Boros and the HERC members are working together and pulling together resources to acquire appropriate antibody test kits, “So we’ll know who has already had the virus and whether they have the antibodies for immunity,” Boros said, adding that any serology tests that come back positive would be followed up with a nasal swab for confirmation, “and that person would immediately be quarantined, as we’re doing now.”

Boros also would like to create a task force that would pay immune people to “check up” on quarantined people by knocking on their door three times a day and ensuring that they come to the door and are remaining isolated. But some committee members cautioned against trying to do too much too quickly.

“Let’s not try to take too big of a bite of this apple,” Hughes said. “This is our very first meeting.”

On a related note, during a press conference on April 11, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he has ordered the state Department of Health to acquire the same or similar serology tests that can determine whether or not a person has already had COVID-19.

“These are FDA-approved, but there are also a number of tests out there that don’t distinguish what type of coronavirus the person has had. We want the ones that specifically look at COVID-19,” DeSantis said.

“They’ve been ordered, but they are manufactured in China, like everything else. Hopefully we can be changing that as a country soon. They will be delivered here as soon as possible.”

It’s been widely acknowledged that the serum tests are important so that the U.S. economy can open — sending employees who have already had COVID-19 and recovered, including those who experienced the illness asymptomatically, back into the workplace.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

HYPERBARIC MEDICINE COULD STAVE OFF CORONAVIRUS COMPLICATIONS, HELP WITH RECOVERY

A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR COVID-19?

J

oe Dituri is no stranger to hyperbaric medicine. After 28 years in the U.S. Navy, the veteran received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering with a focus on life support systems (hyperbarics included).

He currently directs the Undersea Oxygen Clinic in Tampa. Now, he wants to use this technology to treat COVID-19 patients.

Hyperbaric chambers use controlled, high pressure gases in pressured steel or acrylic tubes commonly to treat divers and pilots suffering from pressure injuries (decompression sickness, a.k.a “the bends,” and air embolisms). Patients with these ailments cannot get enough oxygen to their body tissues.

“It operates in very much the same way for COVID-19 patients,” Dituri said. “COVID-19 patients cannot get enough oxygen into their lungs and bloodstream to give their cells enough to survive. COVID-19 also decreases red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen, effectively starving body cells and consequently the rest of the body’s cells.”

This is where hyperbaric medicine comes in. Normal air is 21 percent oxygen.

Because the air inside hyperbaric chambers is pressurized, the “oxygen molecules are compressed, squished” and the air inside the chamber holds more oxygen molecules than air outside, said Dituri. (The density of oxygen within the air inside the chamber is higher than atmospheric air outside the chamber.).

Therefore, with each breath, patients take in more oxygen molecules than they would breathing normally outside the tube.

The settings can be controlled to provide patients with air that is the equivalent of 200% or 240% oxygen. Through simple physics, oxygen molecules are pushed into the patient’s body and carried to oxygenstarved tissues, Dituri said. This can support life when the lungs and circulation system otherwise could not supply enough oxygen to the body, said Dituri.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), as the treatment is called, is also used to treat gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, bone infections and stubborn wounds, said Dituri.

Joe Dituri and his business partner Mario Caruso stand with their hyperbaric chamber in Tampa.

Dituri believes in the effectiveness of hyperbaric medicine to treat some COVID-19 patients. CONTRIBUTED

The medicine behind these treatments further explains why it could work for patients battling coronavirus, where lung tissues are compromised.

According to Dituri, HBOT promotes rapid healing of body tissues in the following ways: Boosts general immunity and reduces pain and swelling due to increased capillary growth and white blood cell activity.

Increases production of special STEM cells by about 200% more than normal.

These cells circulate in the body, salvaging and restoring damaged cells and tissues.

Reduces diameter of blood vessels due to high concentration of oxygen. This can help slightly increase blood pressure, avoid massive swelling and prevent fluid leak from the blood into the lungs.

Produces new blood vessels in damaged areas due to increased oxygen flow.

“The progress of COVID-19 is a systemic inflammatory response,” Dituri said. It chokes lung cells, then the body lacks oxygen and blood vessels dilate. “The body cues an immuno-response ‘red alert’ that makes you insane with inflammation and that can crash your blood pressure. Hyperbarics reduces inflammation, boosts immunity and helps produce more STEM cells to fix what’s broken.”

There is one caveat. “We can’t send someone with a crashing (blood pressure) into the chamber. We need to get them there much earlier, before the onset of real symptomatology, shortness of breath and wheezing, to try to prevent them from crashing,” Dituri said. “But, if seen in time at a hyperbaric facility, the hyperbarics can help the body help itself solve or ride out the disease.”

Dituri believes early treatment in patients with COVID-19 symptoms could prevent more people from reaching critical stages of the disease and overwhelming already-exhausted medical resources “reduce the need for machine- or ventilatorsupported breathing.”

Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, part of the Baptist Health South Florida network, has a hyperbaric chamber. Dr. Tom Morrison, who works in the emergency room at Mariners, said there is some conversation at the hospital about potential use of hyperbaric medicine to treat COVID-19.

He said, “There are some ongoing studies that Mariners was updated on. They’re drawing a kinship with carbon monoxide poisoning and think it might be working.

I haven’t been involved on the E.R. side because they haven’t decided if it’s appropriate.”

Morrison, who has personally diagnosed eight to 10 COVID-19 positive patients in the community in the past two weeks and seen another 15 to 20 who never got tested, has additional concerns about being able to decontaminate the chamber, if used. He said, “I worry about decontaminating the room. It’s quite an elaborate process after a COVID-19 patient.”

At press time, The Weekly was waiting for further word from Baptist Health on their willingness to use hyperbaric medicine locally to treat COVID-19 patients. Morrison said, “I was told that Mariners is prepared to utilize our hyperbaric chamber if it’s shown to be useful and safe for our staff.”

For more, see keysweekly.com

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

31

A flats fisher casts into the water. CAPT. STEVEN LAMP/Dreamcatcher Charters

WITH ANOTHER STIMULUS, MORE FUNDS NEEDED FOR FISH INDUSTRY MUCARSEL-POWELL ‘PROUD’ OF COMMUNITY MEASURES IN KEYS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

$2-trillion stimulus package was signed just over two weeks ago to address impacts from the novel coronavirus. It included billions to supply hospitals with resources and small businesses with payroll and loan programs to stay afloat through unsettling times.

While the federal stimulus package wasn’t perfect, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell said, she’s pushing for more funding for an industry in the Keys that’s usually quite active this time of year.

They’re usually out on the water providing their clients with the best catch.

But with a shutdown to visitors, and calls for social distancing and people to stay home, fishermen in the South Florida region spoke with the congresswoman for an hour via Zoom recently. MucarselPowell has conducted several virtual gatherings with small business owners and farmers in recent weeks to gauge concerns and bring them to Capitol Hill.

Hearing firsthand the struggles they’re facing and their needs, MucarselPowell said House members are preparing to work on another economic stimulus package. While Democratic leadership wants a phase-four relief package, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wants to see how existing funding works to see if additional resources are needed.

“More needs to be done,” MucarselPowell said. “We have started those conversations, and part of the reason why I wanted to be in touch with you is if this package didn’t provide support for your business, we need to hear from you.”

Around $300 million was allocated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist workers and businesses throughout the nation’s fisheries. Tribes, fishermen, fishing communities, aquaculture businesses and other fishery-related businesses are eligible for assistance, if they have incurred as a direct or indirect result of the COVID-19 pandemic economic revenue losses greater than 35% as compared to the prior 5-year average, or any negative impacts to subsistence, cultural or ceremonial fisheries.

Mucarsel-Powell said funds will be administered by the Department of Commerce.

As to how those funds would be distributed? She said they’re still waiting to hear, as money still awaits release. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be responsible for release of the funding.

Mucarsel-Powell, vice chairwoman of the U.S. House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, said she’s working with the subcommittee chairman, Jared Huffman of California, on a letter requesting the Department of Commerce and Secretary Wilbur Ross to provide guidance and information necessary to ensure transparency. She also said she’ll be working to include more funding

Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell says she’s pushing for more funding for the fishing industry. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

for the industry in the next bill following feedback from fishermen who said $300 million isn’t nearly enough.

“The last thing I want is for you to be negatively impacted through the stimulus package because you did the right thing (to shut down),” she said.

The congresswoman said Monroe County was one of the first affected economically, following a decision to close the Keys to tourists on March 22. Five days later, checkpoints were established to keep visitors from coming in, to ensure coronavirus wouldn’t be spread by those coming in from other counties and states.

Mucarsel-Powell said she’s proud of the Monroe County community for taking “appropriate measures early on to really close down the county for tourists.”

“I know it’s been a huge sacrifice to our fishermen in Monroe County. I’m grateful for all of you in making that decision. It’s obviously affecting our economy directly at this time,” she said.

Mucarsel-Powell also is calling for more widespread testing in order to restart parts of the economy, saying, “we can’t be in a complete halt for months. We have to figure out a way to conduct business as usual.”

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STORM SEASON

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

HURRICANE SEASON COULD GO EITHER WAY

45

%

44

%

U.S. EAST COAST, INCLUDING FLORIDA

KLOTZBACH’S HURRICANE OUTLOOK PROBABILITY FOR 2020

69

%

ENTIRE U.S. COASTLINE

U.S. GULF COAST FROM FLORIDA PANHANDLE TO BROWNSVILLE

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

W

ith six weeks to the start of hurricane season, it’s too early to call. The National Weather Service Office of Key West said NOAA’s formal forecast probably won’t be available until the last week in May. Still, there are signs to look for.

Currently, the El Niño and La Niña situations are pretty balanced, or what meteorologists call neutral.

“What that means is that you don’t have a factor for, or against, the making of a busy season,” said Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist in Key West.

On the other hand, waters off the coast of Africa are warmer than usual right now, Rizzo said. “That sometimes can create an environment that favors hurricane development. What it doesn’t tell you is whether or not the storms will make it all the way across the Atlantic Ocean.”

About the only entity that releases its hurricane forecast this early is the University of Colorado’s Philip Klotzbach. His study, published April 2, calls for an abovenormal active hurricane season. His team, including Michael Bell and Jhordane Jones, predicts 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

“As is the case with all hurricane seasons,” the report begins, “coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.”

The report is updated several times throughout each hurricane season with more up-to-date forecasts.

Keys residents are still shaken by 2017’s Hurricane Irma and are already worrying how the current pandemic might make the situation worse. Certainly, traditional hurricane shelters are not ideal — large groups of people crowded into a single room. On the other hand, Floridians are now quite adept at buying survival goods in bulk.

Nationally, weather officials in tornado-prone areas are already dealing with the clash between COVID-19 and Mother Nature.

In a press release, the American Meteorological Society said, “Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado. If a public tornado shelter is your best available refuge from severe weather, take steps to ensure you follow CDC guidelines for physical distancing and disease prevention.”

MARCH: HOT & DRY According to the National Weather Service office in Key West, March was dry as a bone and hotter than normal. In Key West, the past month ranks as the 3rd hottest on record and 6th driest on record. In Marathon, it was the 2nd hottest March on record, and the 3rd driest.

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

FKEC TO CREDIT MEMBERS

KEYS ENERGY LOWERS BILLS FOR MAY, JUNE

lorida Keys Electric Co-op board has authorized the return of nearly $2.5 million in capital credits to help active account holders during the financial impact of COVID-19. Members will see the bill credit on their May FKEC electric statements.

"With our members, and community as a whole, facing financial hardships during our fight against COVID-19, we want to do our part to help," said CEO Scott Newberry. "As a notfor-profit, member-owned utility, we cannot give away electricity, but we can get inventive with the return of our annual margins, or as we call them capital credits. I appreciate the quick work of the board of directors to authorize the move of our normal capital credit retirement from November to May to help our members now."

FKEC capital credits are a member's piece of the co-op's financial earnings. By retiring 30% of FKEC's 2019 margins, over 25,000 active accounts will receive bill credits. The credit amount will vary based on the amount of electricity a member purchased from FKEC in 2019. As an example, a residential account that purchased an average amount of electricity last year will receive a credit of about $65. All returns will be by bill credit and only issued to active members. No checks will be written.

In addition to the bill credit, FKEC has temporarily suspended disconnection of electric service for nonpayment. FKEC members who find themselves unable to partially or completely pay their electric bill, should call Member Service at 305-852-2431 to customize a payment plan to manage their balance and maintain electric service. FKEC is working to help affected members make payments to the best of their ability to prevent the accumulation of a larger balance.

“The FKEC board of directors are elected by our members to represent your interests and ensure a financially sound utility,” said board president Karl Wagner. “We are committed to that job, and are proud to work with the co-op staff and with our members to get through this crisis together.”

More information is at www.fkec.com/access-your-account/cooperatives-capital-credits/ — Contributed

uring its virtual Utility Board meeting, the Keys Energy Services’ board recently approved temporary rate relief for all Keys Energy Services (KEYS) customers. The approved rate relief will result in a 10% decrease to all energy bills in May and June, with board direction to reevaluate in June if additional relief is needed for July.

The rate relief is made possible by the deferment of non-urgent capital projects and system-wide austerity measures. An average KEYS’ customer consuming 1,000 kWh of electricity during May and June will see an energy bill for $116.67. Without this rate relief, the same consumption would have resulted in a bill of $129.63.

In addition to the temporary rate relief approved by the board, KEYS has temporarily suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment. Disconnection practices will resume within a reasonable time after the resumption of normal operations.

Customers who are unable to pay their bills or do not have any options other than cash are urged to call 305-295-1000 or email Web.Accounts@KeysEnergy.com.

Utility bills and/or debt will not be forgiven or erased. KEYS will work with affected customers to make payments to the best of their ability in order to prevent the accumulation of a larger balance.

Customers looking for ways to conserve energy and further lower their energy bills are urged to log on to KeysEnergy.com and click on the Growing Greener Every Day icon for energy saving tips.

— Contributed

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COOL STUFF

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

I

f you haven’t purchased stock in Zoom Video Communications Inc. (ZM) then you have missed the boat. A majority of Earth’s inhabitants are reporting to work with the popular video conferencing, but many are new to service and are finding themselves in conflict with their company’s HR policies.

We want to help you keep your job.

THINGS NOT TO DO DURING A ZOOM CONFERENCE 10. Proudly display the exotic tiger cub you recently purchased through Chinese contacts.

9. When reaching for your coffee, you inadvertently send a tower of empty Miller High Life cans crashing loudly to the floor.

8. Point to the $20s on the bookshelf as your “girlfriend” slinks out the door.

7. Sign in with the Pornhub credentials, ‘slipperywhenwet.’

6. Alternate between hitting the vape pen and incessantly licking your fingers.

5. Use a photo of your boss’s ex-wife’s boyfriend as your backdrop.

4. Sign in 15 minutes late and make up some bullshit excuse about your internet connection.

3. Fall asleep.

2. Make a point of supporting your colleagues’ ideas by taking a shot of Jäger every time someone says “good idea.”

1. Wish everyone well as you take a call from the locked bathroom of a raging nonsocial-distancing gathering.

Mainstreaming

WHAT TO DO IN QUARANTINE

NOW TRENDING

WATCH | T-REX IN QUARANTINE Produced by the Blinckmanns out of Key West, this nearly four-minute Facebook video that follows the day of T-Rex in quarantine has gone viral. Traveling to all the familiar sites from Southernmost Point and Sloppy Joe’s to Green Parrot Bar, T-Rex finds the city empty as he reminisces about those good ole days to the tune of Mary Hopkin’s “Those Were The Days.” The video took off from its original posting on April 13 — with more than 100,000 views. For many of us at home, it’s the comic relief we need and the memories we love to relive. Stay well, T-Rex. LISTEN, READ, WATCH ISOLATION PLAYLISTS Columnist Erin Stover-Sickmen has put together a vast list of what local residents are watching, reading and listening to in these days of self-isolation and distancing away from friends. Perhaps not surprisingly, people had plenty of time to share some of their favorites — and those with potential that they’ve added to their watchlists. From the show “Schitt’s Creek” (Pat Henriques) to the book ““Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Rosi Ware), find your next show, book or tune in her piece, which can be found at keysweekly. com.

BUY | COLOR AWAY PANDEMIC CHAOS It’s an Amazon best-seller in these days of quarantine and self-isolation. While kids take out their books to color Mickey Mouse or a T-Rex, adults can bring out a coloring book of their own. For just $4.99, “Where’s the F*cking Toilet Paper” contains hilarious coloring pages making light of the pandemic. If you come home from an unsuccessful search for a package of TP or Clorox, bring those colored pencils or markers to the table — maintain that 6-feet distance if you’re with a loved one — and find the relaxation and laughs you need to get through this chaos.

HUMOR

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

SUBMISSIONS REQUESTED QUARANTINE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

T

he Keys Weekly Newspapers are having a contest, and inviting our readers to submit the “Quarantine Employee of the Month.” In the first week, we received three submissions — all animals. (To be clear, it’s perfectly okay to nominate a person: the wife who pressure-washed everything, the husband who interrupted a Zoom work call in his underwear, or a child doing something suitably cute.) This is pure entertainment, so let loose.

This will be a rolling contest, with a winner selected every Friday the quarantine continues. To learn who the winner is, subscribe to the Keys Weekly’s e-blast. Visit keysweekly.com, and click on any article. Scroll to the bottom and sign up for the blast by entering an email address in the box below the headline “Join Our Blast – Keys News Right to Your INBOX.”

closest to him. This may be a professional conflict of interest but no one seems to care as his kisses seem to make everyone happy and his wagging tail brings a smile to the few people he surrounds himself with these days. Chito, AKA naughty Chito, is NOT a therapy dog because of his poor social skills when meeting new people, but he occasionally provides valuable lessons on how not to behave.

Once you gain his trust, he is a loyal companion and is often seen following the boss around the house and snuggling close. He gets bonus points for not having an accident in the house since the boss has been home all day.

HERE ARE THE RULES 1. “Employees” can be animals or people. They must be local to the Florida Keys.

Extra points for creative descriptions of the employee’s contributions to the household or workplace during the coronavirus quarantine period.

2. Photos can be emailed to sara@keysweekly.com or posted in the comments section of the Weekly’s Facebook or Instagram page.

3. Every Friday, Weekly staff will choose a winner.

4. There could be a prize.

Frankly, we’re wingin’ it with the goal of having fun.

5. Go!

• Aleda Cindy Smith of Key Largo: My entry for quarantine employee of the month is Aleda. She is a busy new employee. Her work includes laying monarch eggs, adding beauty to the yard and keeping me occupied enough not to focus on the news hyper-vigilantly. She’s a top-notch flier and a soaring success at reducing blood pressure.

(P.S. I love the Keys Weekly and I love how you’re working to keep spirits up. Thanks for your service to the Keys.)

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NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH Telehealth is not free.

It is billed to your insurance and we collect your co-pay in order to continue care

THIS WEEK’S SUBMISSIONS:

• CHARLIE & CHITO Cathy Walters of Marathon: There was a tie for employee of the week in our household. With the closure of schools because of the pandemic, Charlie, a therapy dog, has been out of work. Now he only provides therapy to those

35

• Kiisu Nele Kirt of Marathon says: In quest of ultimate truth, this “QuaranTeen Kitty,” known by her pen name Kiisu, is getting ready for yet another day of investigative hunting. In spite of the fact that her intermeowing area is limited to the nearby alleys, she has worn out three pens and a few pencils. She is already planning her next column: “Did You Ever Wonder … whether mice will roam free again for easy access?” No growls or hisses here; only truthful purrs.

for those that lost their jobs and insurance.

KEYS TO WELLNESS MEDICAL CENTER Susana May, M.D.

Karen Griswold APRN

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NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

36

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

GOT MASK(S)?

Within the somber and extreme dangers posed on civilization by the perils of COVID-19 — some lighter trends and humor continue to emerge as people search for reasons to smile during lockdowns. A popular cultural phenomenon is the fashion statement your protective corona mask can make in the supermarket or a public place.

The Weekly, with the aid of our Facebook followers, took a moment to celebrate some of the most iconic masks in history. So take heed and be inspired, as you wander a new world with corona mask tightly secured. — Weekly staff report

5 3

8

11

9 4 16

14

15

7

12

2

6

13 10

1. Colleen Doening: The Juggernaut mask from DOTA 2 2. Lockwood Anthony: Kylo Ren 3. Carol Anderson: Buzz Aldrin 4. Karl Reutling: variation of Spy vs. Spy? 5. Casey Addison: Bane 6. Martin Lehmann: Lone Ranger Weekly picks: 7. Jason of Friday the 13 8. Hannibal Lecter 9. Darth Vader 10. GI Joe’s Storm Shadow 11. Donnie Darko’s Frank the Rabbit 12. Jim Carrey’s The Mask 13. Scream 14. Guy Fawkes mask 15. Immortan Joe from Mad Max 16. The Joker

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

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

A

REFOO T

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HELP YOUR HOMEBOUND KIDS THRIVE

DOCT

THE

www.keysweekly.com

B

DR. STANLEY SACK

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when needed that’s here’s actually both fair and effective, someone in our now is not the time to house who’s lovlet go of it. (Talk to your ing this shelterchild’s provider for adin-place directive: our vice if current events are cat, Sebastian. Not only bringing new challenges does he get more lap in that department.) time, but we were able Not every minute has to to nip a flea issue in the Dr. Stanley Sack be put into a schedule, bud and finally put toof course, but have a gether that self-cleaning rough idea of when, depending litter box that was a Christmas on age, it’s active time, quiet time, present. chore time — and school time.

Chores aside — and a lot has Speaking of school, we’re all been accomplished in our housegetting used to the concept of unihold since my husband’s furlough versal online learning. Try and find — we’ve come to see the positives a distraction-free place for those from this new routine. And for us, school sessions and homework.

I think getting into a new rhythm By all means, turn off the news. It’s has been of paramount importoo much of a distraction. And if tance for our sanity. your younger child isn’t in school When you’re a family that’s and you’ve been meaning to read cooped up in one of our tight Key to her more often, now is a great West spaces, especially during a time to start. scary pandemic, it might seem What about screen time? next to impossible to remain proAdmittedly, it’s tough to restrict ductive and thriving. It seems even it now that it constitutes most more daunting if some of those of our contact with the outside people are kids. In my last piece, I world. Nevertheless, do enforce talked about some strategies for some limits. And when you do dealing with the stress of current approve it, try to steer your child events. Let’s now look at some to learning-friendly sites. A couple ways to foster healthy developthat seem good are PBS Kids and ment in our current settings.

Common Sense Media.

Start out by looking at the Finally, let’s talk about getting opportunities! One or both of you outdoors. Exercise and fresh air may have a little more time on are considered “essential” enough your hands if you’re not workthat decrees everywhere are aling. If you’re working from home, lowing for outdoor time. It’s true, perhaps you see the advantages beaches and parks are closed, of not having to navigate the combut neighborhoods are not, and a mute and having some flexibility socially distant walk or bike ride as as to your schedule. And you’ve a family will be a welcome distracgot true “face time” with your tion for everyone. What about kids — time that doesn’t involve having your school-age child take a screen. Perhaps now is a good a walking video? Not only will he time to get into some new rouhave this era documented for tines. years to come; having something Sticking to routines, in fact, in his hand will make him less is important — and not only as a likely to touch other surfaces. stress reducer as we’ve discussed.

If we’re lucky, we’ll see some Routines keep everyone more progood stuff coming out of these ductive. So stick to that wake-up time, mealtimes (unless everyone’s shelter-in-place directives. As different as life is now, let’s enjoy pre-COVID meal schedule was the positive aspects. Sebastian so disjointed that you can come certainly is. up with a better one now) and bedtime. If there’s a particular discipline regimen you’ve used

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38

EDUCATION

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

ACTIVE LEARNING FIU spearheads celebration of nature, encourages all to join

The Turtle Hospital is temporarily CLOSED to visitors. We are still here taking care of sea turtles. For sea turtles in distress please call our 24 hour stranding hot line at 305-481-7669.

Stay safe! See you soon!

We plan to re-open to visitors when restrictions have

been lifted. Visit our sea turtles via live feeds on our FaceBook page!

www.turtlehospital.org

We regret the shut down, but as we all know this is a challenging time.

Everyone stay safe. We'll be fishing again soon.

Thank you!

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Email inquires to Jesse@theartstudiomarathon.com

I

n conjunction with this year’s modified City Nature Challenge (CNC), Ocean Studies Charter School in Tavernier will be asking students to conduct nature tours that FIU scientists will comment on.

The annual event usually includes “bio blitz” weekends, in which participants search for wildlife in their own yards, take pictures and upload them to the iNaturalist phone app. With COVID-19 social distancing in place, the contest has been replaced by a celebration of nature.

“We were supposed to do a ‘bio blitz’ with Ms. Martha’s class at Ocean Studies,” said Analisa Duran, FIU’s education outreach program coordinator. “Instead, we’re doing a ‘virtual bio blitz’ where students will film themselves doing nature tours and post them on the CNC SoFlo Facebook page. FIU scientists will comment on the tours to encourage them.”

Martha Loizeaux, a teacher at Ocean Studies Charter School, is no stranger to the CNC. Last year, she organized “Blitz on the Bay” with FIU and Florida Bay Forever to bring light to the plants, animals and ecosystems of Florida Bay and the Everglades. She wanted to bring particular awareness of human activities that threaten these places.

“These projects give students a strong awareness of the Florida Bay and Everglades ecosystems as habitats and important resources that should be protected,” she said.

“This helps build a strong foundation of environmental stewardship in our younger community” “Students really take ownership of the projects when they know

The City Nature Challenge has been modified this year to become a celebration of nature instead of a ‘bio blitz’ challenge. Participants are encouraged to safely walk around their neighborhoods or backyards to find wildlife.

FIU/Contributed

that they will be presented to the general public,” Loizeaux said, “instead of just submitted for a grade.

Also, the process of completing these projects exposed students to other valuable skills such as research, collaboration, planning and presenting.”

Loizeaux’s students can choose to guide a nature walk, kayak tour or snorkel tour. They are all creating slideshows of their findings. Other students, focused on preventing marine debris and removing plastic pollution from the marine environment, are producing educational videos on how to create usable items from trash and about the dangers of marine debris.

Loizeaux is excited about having the project go virtual with the added bonus that students will learn technological skills, which can help them as they move on into the technological world.

An additional takeaway for the teacher may even eclipse her original lessons. “I hope students will also see that as a community we can still accomplish goals, learn, and grow during uncertain times,” she said. “We can do this with a little flexibility, innovation, and grit.”

To join the virtual event, people can “attend” the Facebook event and do their own bio blitz around their house or out on the water.

They can also comment on students’ nature walks and upload their observations as part of the broader City Nature Challenge.

39

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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He thoroughly understands the mortgage business, and has the resources necessary to finalize every deal.

“I know what’s important to my clients — they want to know they’re getting the best deal and the best service from someone who cares,” he said, adding he loves meeting new people, helping them achieve their goals, and seeing their smiles at the closing table brings him joy.

Brian said he’s always available to clients, lenders and Realtors and takes pride in getting to know his clients on a personal level, and stay in contact with them after the deal closes.

“And, I give my clients advice that benefits them, not me,” he said. “Most of my new customers are referrals from previous clients.”

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40

KEYS SCHOOLS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

SCHOOL DISTRICT TALKS FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS AMID COVID-19 JIM McCARTHY

M

jim@keysweekly.com

onroe County School officials spent part of the April 14 meeting discussing financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis and measures they aim to take.

So far, Superintendent Mark Porter said, the district has implemented a hiring freeze that will extend through June for the current 2019-20 fiscal year. Any hirings beyond that will Mark Porter be part of the budget conversation for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which begins in July.

“I think it will generate a small amount of savings … not an overly significant amount of savings,” Porter said.

No district out-of-county travel will be happening in April or May. On the utility side, Porter said officials are working with the maintenance department to identify buildings that can go on an energy-saving or unoccupied mode. Porter also said he anticipates fuel savings with reduced transportation, and that he will allow all buildings and departments to carry 100% of their discretionary balances to the next fiscal year.

“We typically allow them to only carry a portion of their fund balances.

You see a bit of a spending spree in June as they tend to stock up for the coming year. We would rather save that money for now,” he said.

As for the upcoming 2020-21 fiscal year, Porter said while the Florida Legislature has approved a budget, it still hasn’t reached the governor’s desk. And that’s significant, he said, in that placement of the budget on his desk will trigger a 15-day veto or approval process.

Porter acknowledged that process is in “limbo.”

“The more likely alternative, from information I received, is that we’re probably headed to a special session of the Florida Legislature, most likely in June,” he said. “I would anticipate we would see some changes from the previously approved budget. That puts us in a pretty tight timeline between (getting) that information on our revenue side and the (school district) budget approval process when it starts in late July.”

Porter said the district will look at creating a balanced scenario, as well as 5% and 10% reductions from legislatively-approved budgets. He said an April 28 workshop will go over board members’ priorities in terms of where they’d like to see budget adjustments.

John Dick, who was on the board during the 2008 recession, said the district is doing the right thing by preparing different budget scenarios. While he doesn’t want to see any layoffs, he said there could be across-the-board salary reductions either this year or next.

“I want us to reduce as much as we can right now without any harm to anybody, but we have to see what the state’s going to come up with,” he said.

“There will be some reduction; how much it will be, you can’t say.”

Dick added that he doesn’t want to see bus drivers and food service workers get a cut, as the savings that would bring would not be as much.

Voters overwhelmingly approved renewal of the flexible funding referendum in March, which allows the district to transfer money from the capital fund to the fund that covers school operating costs, such as salaries and other classroom expenses. Without that approval, Porter said the district would “be tremendously worse.”

“We’ll comb through positions to see if we can pay for salaries out of the capital fund that legitimately and legally qualify,” he said.

James Drake, executive director of finance and performance, said sales tax collections could be 50 percent of what the district normally obtains for the rest of the year. But he said the state’s economist won’t provide collection projections until mid- to late May. “We might come in $3 million short of our estimate,” he said. “We’re in such a unique situation. We set aside $10 million every year in case we have a hurricane. We have a $6.3 million budget set aside for hurricane repairs. Typically at the end of the fiscal year we roll that budget into next year, so we have the ability to weather a short storm.”

With no tourists currently spending dollars, board member Andy Griffiths said, the sales tax collection reduction could be higher than 50 percent.

“If this 50 percent reduction continues into the next fiscal year, obviously we’re going to need to do something,” he said.

STUDENTS TALK VIRTUAL LEARNING JIM McCARTHY

or the past two weeks, teachers and students have awakened and moseyed over to their kitchen tables or couches for virtual class. The COVID-19 pandemic is keeping classes out of session at school but in session at home, where students are on Chromebooks and tablets for their math and history lessons.

As of April 14, 7,680 out of the 7,817 public school students logged in to their

online classes with their Chromebooks, tablets and other electronic devices. Jennifer Barrios, coordinator of social studies for the district, told officials during the April school board meeting that the number is changing by the hour, and that more oneon-one attention is going to those who haven’t logged on yet.

The Weekly recently checked in with two students to see how they’re getting acquainted with the new learning platform.

KAI GUTH 7TH GRADE TREASURE VILLAGE MONTESSORI

SAVANA MANGEL 9TH GRADE CORAL SHORES HIGH SCHOOL

How do you like the platform so far? We were already using most of these platforms, so I am pretty comfortable with them.

How do you feel about the platform so far? So far it’s going good.

jim@keysweekly.com

F

Are you feeling confident about virtual school? I am feeling confident with virtual school because I know my teachers and my parents will help and support me if I have problems.

What do you think will be the strangest part? I think the strangest part will be not seeing my friends every day and not waking up early for school. It’s also weird and hard to not participate in afterschool activities.

Are you feeling confident about virtual school? Yes, I’m feeling pretty confident about virtual school so far.

What do you think will be the strangest part? The strangest part will be not talking to my teachers face-toface. I will miss not socializing with my friends and attending after-school activities.

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

41

INSURERS ISSUING REFUNDS TO DRIVERS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

P

leas and orders by health experts and governors to stay home through the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in fewer cars on the highways. Besides truck drivers delivering goods and essential employees traveling to work, major roads are rather empty these days. (On April 12, Keys officials estimated traffic at 18% of what’s normal this time of year.)

The pandemic shut down many businesses, which resulted in people losing their jobs or placed on furlough. It also cleared traffic from roads around the country. As a result, some of the largest U.S. auto insurance companies are providing a bit of relief to their policyholders with premium reductions for April and May. Some auto insurers are slashing premiums by 15%, while others are giving their policyholders a bit more relief with 20% and 25% reductions. Some auto insurers say the move could be extended further depending on the state of the pandemic.

ALLSTATE The company, through its “Shelter-in-Place Payback” program, will give its personal auto insurance customers 15% back based on their monthly premium for April and May. Allstate will automatically deposit money back to the bank or credit card account used for a customer’s most recent payment, or apply credits to accounts. The company said customers should check their payment information to make sure it is up to date.

Customers can get payment faster and view April payment details in the Allstate Mobile App. In addition to the Shelter-in-Place Payback, Allstate is offering free identity protection, payment relief and extended coverage.

FARMERS INSURANCE Farmers and 21st Century branded auto customers will receive a 25% reduction in their April premium to reflect the changed driving environment resulting from various stay-at-home guidelines issued across the country. The national insurer has also implemented flexible payment plans and a temporary pause on cancellations to help relieve some of the financial stress being felt by customers. “As we continue receiving updated information in the coming weeks, we’ll assess additional ways to take care of our customers,” said Jeff Dailey, chief executive officer of Farmers Insurance.

GEICO GEICO is providing a 15% credit to auto and motorcycle policyholders as policies come up for renewal between April 8 and Oct. 7. The credit will also apply to any new policies purchased during this period. The average auto policy has a semi-

A section of Overseas Highway in Marathon at noon on an April day. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

annual premium of about $1,000 and generally covers more than one vehicle. Geico said customers should expect credits to average about $150 per auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy. Current policyholders can expect to see the credit when the policy renews. Geico said customers do not need to take any action to receive this credit.

LIBERTY MUTUAL Liberty Mutual Insurance announced its “Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund,” which gives U.S. personal auto insurance customers a 15% refund on two months of their annual premium.

This returns some $250 million to Liberty Mutual and Safeco personal auto insurance customers and builds on other customer support, including flexible payment options and delivery coverage expansion for auto policies.

NATIONWIDE The company is offering a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31. The refund will arrive in the next 30 days, subject to individual state regulatory approval. It will be returned to customers in the last form of payment they have made, whether electronic or paper. The refund is equivalent to an average savings of 15% for two months and is on top of existing discounts customers already earn.

PROGRESSIVE Progressive personal auto customers who have a policy in force as of April 30 will be credited 20% of their April premiums in May and personal auto customers with a policy in force as of May 31 will be credited 20% of their May premiums in June. Customers will not need to take any actions to receive the benefits. The credits will be applied automatically to the customers’ policy and those customers who have paid in full will receive a refund of the credited amounts.

TRAVELERS The Travelers Companies Inc. announced it is giving U.S. personal auto insurance customers a 15% credit on their April and May premiums

through its new “Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit” program. The company will automatically credit customers’ accounts, providing them with prompt and much needed relief during this time.

Travelers will continue to assess the program as more information comes to light about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the driving environment and auto claims.

THE HARTFORD Recognizing the difficult time many customers are facing during the pandemic, The Hartford announced its COVID-19 “Personal Auto Payback Plan,” which will provide customers with a 15% refund on their April and May personal auto insurance premiums. Over the next two months, the company will distribute about $50 million to its customers. “We are experiencing a truly unprecedented time that is impacting our lives in many ways, including how we live, work, interact with one another and drive,” said The Hartford’s President Doug Elliot.

STATE FARM On average, State Farm Mutual auto customers can expect to receive a credit of about 25% of premium for the period March 20 through May 31; exact percentages will vary by state. Every State Farm Mutual auto insurance customer will receive credits applied against bills beginning as early as June. The dividend is part of the “Good Neighbor Relief Program” that also includes customer payment options and neighborhood philanthropic relief.

USAA USAA will be returning $520 million to its members. This payment is a result of data showing members are driving less due to stay-at-home and shelter-in-place guidance across the country.

Every member with an auto insurance policy in effect as of March 31 will receive a 20% credit on two months of premiums in the coming weeks.

42

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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IMS Systems Technician Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has an opening for an Information Systems Technician. This job requires advanced technological skills with a thorough knowledge of Windows and Office Suite. The successful applicant must have excellent troubleshooting and communication skills. The job involves primarily end-user support and problem solving.

Qualifications required: Technical and computer support experience including hardware. Van transportation provided as work is performed out of the Upper Keys Offices and travel required. Starting pay $51,434.00.

Applicants must fill out the MCSO online preliminary application at www.keysso.net. Please email resumes to cslebodnick@keysso.net or fax resumes to (305) 292-7159. Charles Slebodnick may be contacted at (305) 292-7044. EOE/AAP

Ronald Samess, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Primary Care at the following location as of April 11, 2020: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17, Marathon, FL 33050. Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-743-2253, or fax 305-743-5383 to request a records release.

April 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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).

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RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT& FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (2 shifts) (PT/FT) Drop In Technician (PT) Research Assistant *No experience necessary. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus. If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

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43

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE TO SELL Driftwood Marina & Storage, Inc. located at 13900 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 will proceed with Section 328.17(1), Florida Statutes, on the following vessels located at our facility for unpaid storage and repair balance.

Unless said vessel redeemed from said marina by payment as allowed by law, the described vessel will be sold to satisfy the lien. If the vessel is not redeemed and that vessel remains unclaimed, or for which the charges for storage services remain unpaid, will be sold free of all prior liens. This is not a public invite to view vessels. This is an attempt to collect unpaid storage charges. Once the date has expired and only then, may you visit the facility and gain information about the vessels.

Any person attempting to board these vessels prior or without our permission, shall be charged with trespassing.

These vessels will be sold commencing on or after, 1:00 p.m. on the 5th day of May 2020.

Michael A. Johnson owner of vessel HIN#BERF1802M79D Richard Welles Jr. owner and Frederick Shoaff lienholder of vessel HIN#BERL1248M84E Florida Keys Scuba Academy, INC James Wilcox owner of vessel HIN#GFYHSO660280 These vessels will be sold commencing on or after, 1:00 p.m. on the 11th day of June 2020.

Donnie Patton, owner of vessel HIN#CHLO3902M83K Publish: April 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/25/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

WMWRC33445TC57490 2005 MINI/MINIMARK Publish: April 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/28/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

5NPE24AF8GH427854 2016 HYUNDAI Publish: April 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following committee and Board of Directors meeting via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: For each meeting, JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app at the weblink: https://us04web.zoom. us/j/75348937408?pwd=RnA0N WQ5U056U2xYNXdScGV4UUZ HQT09 And use each meeting ID and password listed.

Monday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Connections Project Committee Meeting ID: 753 4893 7408 Password: 099992 Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Grants Committee Meeting ID: 790 4697 8781 Password: 068740 Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m.

Nominating Committee Meeting ID: 790 3147 0286 Password: 002987 Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m.

Development Committee Meeting ID: 719 9329 8489 Password: 008466 Monday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m.

Executive Committee Meeting ID: 732 1163 1709

LEGAL NOTICES Password: 022245 Tuesday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m.

Art in Public Places Committee Meeting ID: 713 6424 1262 Password: 077150 Thursday, April 30 at 5:00 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting Meeting ID: 713 2881 6357 Password: 096532 Please contact Elizabeth Young, Executive Director at either 305296-4369 OR director@keysarts. com for additional information.

ADA Assistance: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by calling 305-292-4441 between the hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm no later than 5 days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend.

Questions? Call the Arts Council office at 305-295-4369.

Publish: April 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying.

Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, May 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: April 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: FY 2021 DESTINATION AND TURNKEY EVENT FUNDING MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 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 at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department will be implementing a new electronic process for receiving and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings.

Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids.

Mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: omb-purchasing@monroecountyfl.gov, no later than 5:00P.M. on June 9, 2020. Please submit your confidential financial information

LEGAL NOTICES in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: FY 2021 Destination and Turnkey Event Funding 6/9/2020 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 5:00 P.M. on June 9, 2020. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/J/4509326156 Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805, 450-932-6156 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833, 450 932 6156 US (San Jose) Publish: April 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: BIG PINE SHERIFF’S HOUSE REPAIRS 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 at www.demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department will be implementing a new electronic process for receiving and opening sealed bids. Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings.

Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids.

Mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: omb-purchasing@monroecountyfl.gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on May 12, 2020. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Big Pine Sheriff’s House Repairs 05/12/2020 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on May 12, 2020. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805, 450-932-6156 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833, 450 932 6156 US (San Jose) Publish: April 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS DL Porter Constructors Inc is currently seeking qualified

LEGAL NOTICES DBE subcontractor quotes for the KWIA Airport Maintenance Storage Facility. Plans and specifications are available via email (kim@dlporter.com).

All pricing to be submitted to Kevin@dlporter.com no later than Wednesday, April 22, 2020 @ 1:00pm.

Publish: April 2, 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 20-CP-000061-K IN RE: ESTATE OF MARTIN POWERS, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Administration of the Estate of MARTIN POWERS, JR., deceased, whose date of death was September 22, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 20-CP000061-K, the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: APRIL 16, 2020.

Personal Representative: LAURIE POWERS 5031 5th Avenue, Lot 23 Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Person Representative: LAURA BOURNE BURKHALTER, ESQUIRE FLORIDA BAR NO.: 410829 Laura Bourne Burkhalter, PA 1508 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Telephone: (305) 757-3307 Facsimile: (954) 573-6499 Primary Email: laura@lbbpa.net Secondary Email: sierra@lbbpa. net Tertiary Email: cecilia@lbbpa.net Publish: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 20-CP-50-K Division: Lower Keys IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD F. LOFLAND Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Donald F. Lofland, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 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

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES 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: April 9, 2020.

Personal Representative: Celia L. Armstrong 789 LaFitte Rd. Little Torch Key, Florida 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: April 9 &16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 19-DR-612-P Division: Family JOSE EMMANUEL BRAVO, Petitioner and SOULJI KIM Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: Soulji Kim Respondent’s last known address: Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: Jose Emmanuel Bravo, 106003 Overseas Highway, Unit 1602, Key Largo, FL 33037, on or before April 25, 2020 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Monroe County Clerk of Court, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, 88800 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: None Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

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

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

Dated: March 17, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Amanda Armstrong Deputy Clerk Publish: April, 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-031938 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

RACHELLE RAYMOND; LILLIAN M. GILMORE, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING TRUSTEE OF THE GILMORE 1991 REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST DATED FEBRUARY 19, 1991, SECOND AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT DATED AUGUST 5, 2009 Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Rachelle Raymond 13200 Redspire Drive Silver Spring, MD 20906 Lillian M. Gilmore, individually and as Surviving Trustee of the Gilmore 1991 Revocable Living Trust dated February 19, 1991, second amendment and restatement dated August 5, 2009 132 Ravenhill Road Orinda, CA 94563 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit D14, Week 1, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,117.92, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 3, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017634 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

JOSE L. GALLASTEGUI Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Jose L. Gallastegui 2233 Donato Drive Belleair Beach, FL 33786 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership

LEGAL NOTICES Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit B11, Week 10, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,118.25, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 7, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017795 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

GILBERT MARSTON TRUE Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Gilbert Marston True 7136 Harris Farm Drive Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit E12, Week 14, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,304.42, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 7, 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.

45

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BOAT WANTED

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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

1486 Sandpiper Circle Weston, FL 33327 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit A21, Week 12, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,148.89, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 7, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 8, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Robert Lewis Najor 112 Brooks Boulevard Brewton, AL 36426 Leigh Graves Najor 112 Brooks Boulevard Brewton, AL 36426 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 5213, Week 14, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $4,205.67, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 8, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,120.92, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 26, 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: April 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 19-017909 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

PHOEBE LEE ASCI; JOHN DAVID MACLEISH, JR Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Phoebe Lee Asci 100 Lake Street Halifax, MA 02338 John David Macleish, Jr 100 Lake Street Halifax, MA 02338 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit A33, Week 31, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,142.73, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 26, 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: April 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Wanted: Late model model 27' - 44' center console boat. Bad condition, Power, Electrical problems and water damage is OK. CASH PAID - CALL 305-240-9882

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017897 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

LARRY HUGH HUTCHENS; MONINA HUTCHENS Obligor ______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Larry Hugh Hutchens 13 Fairway Boulevard Gansevoort, NY 12831 Monina Hutchens 13 Fairway Boulevard Gansevoort, NY 12831 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit D32, Week 26, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,124.25, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 18, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017924 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

RONALD EDGAR ALBRECHT; LILIANA EUGENIA ALBRECHT Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Ronald Edgar Albrecht 1486 Sandpiper Circle Weston, FL 33327 Liliana Eugenia Albrecht

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017973 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

HELEN CHARLINE SIECZKA Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Helen Charline Sieczka 11478 Milford Road Holly, MI 48442 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit C33, Week 12, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,325.42, plus interest (calculated by

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-023053 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

MICHAEL JAMES PATKUNAS; SUE ELLEN PATKUNAS Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Michael James Patkunas 1286 North Lakeview Drive Palatine, IL 60067 Sue Ellen Patkunas 1286 North Lakeview Drive Palatine, IL 60067 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 5134, Week 13, Annual Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,258.29, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 8, 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: April 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-037880 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

ROBERT LEWIS NAJOR; LEIGH GRAVES NAJOR Obligor

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017609 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

AUGUSTO CASADO; ANA ELIZABETH CASADO Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Augusto Casado P.O. Box 025323 Miami, FL 33102-5323 Ana Elizabeth Casado P.O. Box 025323 Miami, FL 33102-5323 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit E31, Week 36, 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”).

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

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017610 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

AUGUSTO CASADO; ANA ELIZABETH CASADO Obligor ______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Augusto Casado C C S 1724 P.O. Box 025323 Miami, FL 33102-5323 Ana Elizabeth Casado C C S 1724 P.O. Box 025323 Miami, FL 33102-5323 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit E31, Week 37, 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”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,120.92, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 26, 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: April 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE

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

BOATS FOR SALE 1965 Bruiel Express Sportfish - Built for Charter Fishing in the Keys. $14,000 or Best Offer.

Excellent hull condition. 2 Detroit 6V53 engines one fresh rebuilt.

Twin Disk 506 transmissions one fresh. We’ve just installed: 1 New trany, 2 new 1 1/2 in shafts,2 new shaft logs, 2 new rebuilt struts, 2 new props ni-bril, New bottom paint, 1 engine new rebuild 5hrs. Located in Marathon. Call 305-481-3259 for details.

BOAT SLIPS Boat Slips For Rent in Marathon. Starting at $750.

For best rates call 3 0 5 - 3 0 4 - 3 6 1 0 .

BOAT WANTED

EMPLOYMENT 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 City of Marathon - Job Openings: Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee , Fleet Mechanic, Recreational Specialist and Street Maintenance.

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us

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

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT Fully Furnished 3BR/2BA for rent in Faro Blanco, Marathon.

Very nicely decorated New W/D, New Refrig. and New A/C. 305-731-1133 1BR/1 1/2 BA Condo for rent in Coco Plum, Marathon.

Unfurnished, heated pool. $1,500/month + util. F/S 339788-7687 or 339-832-0485 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 AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MARATHON. Shared rooms available for short or long term rentals. Single: $720/month; Double: $1,150/month; Plus tax; F/L/S. Units provide an Ideal option for temporary or long term housing. Furnished with bunk beds, full kitchen with all utensils, tables, desks, coin operated washer & dryer.

Residents share the kitchen, bathroom and dining areas.

Linens, towels, consumables are not provided.

For information: Bob Brayman 305743-5929 bbrayman@ h a l l s d i v i n g . c o m

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT in Marathon: Office/Retail Space, 1500sf w/ additional 2 covered porches incl. Open water views, US-1 frontage, $2700/month. Also small Office Space $500/ month. Wifi & Utilities included.

Onsite storage & or yard space available - prices by size. Call 3 0 5 - 7 4 3 - 7 2 7 7 Small office space available for rent. Great location on U.S. 1 in Tavernier.

Conveniently located to everything.

3 0 5 - 3 9 4 - 0 5 3 0

RV LOTS FOR RENT RV Large Lot for Rent in Marathon. Available now. $1,400/month + util. Key RV, 6099 Overseas Hwy #15-E. 760-565-7210 or 760-574-4915

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Open M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2001 O/S Hwy, Marathon

305-743-3530

sales@alkeysyamaha.com

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

FULL SERVICE YAMAHA DEALER • Yamaha Outboard Motor Repair, Sales & Service

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

• Certified Yamaha Technicians • Do it Yourself? Fully-stocked all Yamaha Parts & Accessories

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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 1989 •

305-289-1150

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

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

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

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

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

SCREEN & ALUMINUM REPAIR CALL BOB AT 630-276-6504 Locals Helping Locals

Marathon, FL 33050

Serving Key Largo to Key West

for a FREE Consultation

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service Phone: (305) 743-5288

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Will Campbell President

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Lic#SP-3562

SAT math tutoring e

at all math subjects: priv oup r & g • calculus ons s s le • precalculus audrey • geometry ajmatthis3@gmail.com • trigonometry 305.395.9461.

• algebra group & private lessons • pre-algebra • etc.

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon (Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 • WE CAN INCREASE YOUR REVENUES • SUPERIOR MAINTENANCE • TOP GOOGLE RANKED SITE

VACATION RENTALS

CALL ANGEL LEWIS AT 305-390-2315 WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM

NEW & REPAIR

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

Petersen Repair & Maintenance 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

• Flooring • Inside Trim Work • Door Replacement • Landscaping • Fencing

• Plastering & Stucco • Masonry & Spalling Repair • Waterproof & Roof Painting • Interior & Exterior Painting • Parking Lot Striping

SP# 4434, 4435, 4436, 4437, 4438. 4439. 4448, 4449, 4450, 4451

Charlie Petersen 920-371-3107 | PetersenRepair@yahoo.com

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Barbara Sanchez Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service “We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Excellent References Upon Request

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

When It Rains It Pours!

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

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

Rachel Sanderson Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

5177 Overseas Highway

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

10700 5TH AVENUE GULF P. O. BOX 500995 MARATHON, FLORIDA KEYS 33050

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

The Weekly Newspapers

Specializing in Color and Highlights Haircuts Keratin Treatments 5177 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

LICENSED CFC1427241

(Between Office Depot and Main Post Office)

305-289-1631 www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

www.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2020

ARMY CORPS. & FDEP PERMITTING SERVICES OFFERED

Demolitions | Pylon Installation | Sheet Driving | Hurricane Repair | Commercial & Residential Dock and Pier Construction | Dredging | Shoreline Repair and Reconstruction

VISIT US ONLINE TO LEARN MORE!

LPS-CONTRACTING.COM

IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY! Licensed and Insured | License #CGC1516588

Call or email us today for your FREE ESTIMATE!

305.240.9882 - info@lps-contracting.com