Key West Weekly 20-0507

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Taylor Vazquez and daughters Avah, 4 and Tegan, 3, scope out a stop on Sunday’s Stock Island Mother’s Day Mural Scavenger Hunt. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Let the scapegoating begin...

MOMS ROCK THE WEEKLY’S MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE | P. 22

WILL ROMAN RESIGN? COUNTY CHIEF OFFERS TO QUIT | P. 4

NONPROFITS NEED HELP UNPRECEDENTED HURT HITS HARD | P. 19

STOCK ISLAND SURPRISES

SCAVENGER HUNT CELEBRATES MOMS AND MURALS | P. 52

JOIN US! Find us on Facebook at One Clean Island Key West (OCI)

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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MONROE COUNTY

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

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK The number of hospitalizations related to COVID-19 among local residents in Monroe County since mid-April. According to the Florida Health Department, the last jump in hospitalizations was witnessed on April 13 report, when the total number went from seven to nine. It hasn’t increased since. Another sign of encouragement: The total number of weekly visits to emergency departments for COVID-like illness also dropped from just over 30 on March 22 to around five as of April 26.

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.

Publisher

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Account Executives

Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Christina Valdes christina@keysweekly.com Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Lisa Wojciechowski lisa@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Office/Circulation Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

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

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Classifieds

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Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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3 COMMISSIONERS: GASTESI DOESN’T NEED TO RESIGN Mayor Carruthers says he’s ‘got to fix’ $1.5 million payroll snafu

M

onroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers startled many listeners during a May 6 radio interview when she said County Administrator Roman Gastesi had offered to resign in light of the contentious and costly $1.5 million that county workers accrued under a special pay policy that takes effect during a state of emergency.

Carruthers admitted the county had made a mistake by not changing that policy immediately after Hurricane Irma in 2017, when similar accruals caused the same uproar.

“We’re human; we make mistakes. But the county administrator is ultimately responsible, and he has offered to resign over this,” Carruthers said. “But I don’t think that’s the best thing for the county. He has been fiduciarily responsible in the past, and I’m confident he will continue to be ... but he’s got to fix this.

And if he doesn’t, then we’ll have a different discussion.”

Carruthers went on to say the county would fix its mistake not by raising taxes, but by cutting budgets.

Monroe County Commissioners Michelle Coldiron and David Rice have both voiced their support for Gastesi. Coldiron said she first learned of the news while listening to Carruthers on the radio. Coldiron and Rice said they spoke to Gastesi privately later in the day.

“He reiterated that if the county commissioners wanted him to resign, or felt that he should, he would,” Coldiron said. “I don’t feel it’s necessary.”

Coldiron said it was Gastesi’s “relentless” work and connections with the governor and state Department of Transportation that enabled Monroe County to put up checkpoints to safeguard Keys residents from the virus.

“We’re human; we make mistakes. But the county administrator is ultimately responsible, and he has offered to resign over this, but I don’t think that’s the best thing for the county. He has been fiduciarily responsible in the past, and I’m confident he will continue to be ... but he’s got to fix this.

And if he doesn’t, then we’ll have a different discussion.”

—County Mayor Heather Carruthers

“And that was his main priority, or one of them. The largest outbreak of COVID-19 was 18 miles from our border and he protected Monroe County,” she said. “Could (the emergency pay policy) have been communicated better? Yes. Did we stop it as soon as we could? Yes.” Rice said he weighed the pros and cons of accepting Gastesi’s resignation carefully.

“In the end, I decided that he has my vote of confidence,” Rice said,

adding that six people are culpable for the $1.5 million in special pay for some 400 workers during the coronavirus response at the local level. “Any one of us commissioners or Gastesi could have modified the pay structure. We knew we had to do it after the hurricane. Honestly, it just slipped off the plate. It’s one of those mistakes that I regret, but I do not see that this is an offense that rises to the level that we want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

He touted Gastesi’s ability to get state funding as well as his budgeting skills.

“We need Roman at this time particularly,” Rice said. “We have one of the toughest jobs coming up and that is figuring out how we are going to run next year’s budget. He was very good at figuring out how to absorb an unexpected loss like we had in the recession of 2007-2009.”

Coldiron said the county is under the impression that FEMA and the state will reimburse the Keys for all but $191,000 of the $1.5 million.

Commissioner Sylvia Murphy says she absolutely supports Gastesi, as he knows “how to run a county.”

“He knows politics and he knows how to get things that we want or need done,” she said. “And more importantly, if you will notice over the last 12 years, he has put people in positions in this county who know their stuff. I will use Lisa Tennyson (legislative affairs and grants acquisition director) as an example. I will use Tina Boan (senior director of budget and finance) as an example.

Roman has put a lot of people in place.”

Neither Carruthers nor Gastesi responded to phone calls from the Keys Weekly for comment at presstime. County Commissioner Craig Cates declined to comment. For more on this story, see page 12.

— Weekly staff report

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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SPOTTSWOOD COMPANIES TO OPEN HOTELS & RESTAURANTS ON JUNE 26

JUST IN TIME TO WELCOME VISITORS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND! We will be carefully following governmental orders and all of the best scientific and medical guidance to keep our employees, guests and customers safe. We are revisioning our hotel and restaurant offerings to match with the new times ahead while delivering on the highest expectations of our guest and customers. Now that we have done so much to protect our health and safety, we have to get our economy going again! We want to do our part to put everyone back to work and help our community get back on its feet. We are looking for the best and the brightest people to join our team. Spottswood Companies has been here through many tough times in the past and we are dedicated to being here for generations to come.

We also have some housing options available for existing employees and new hires!

Please contact Teresa at 305.294.6100 to apply to become a member of our team.

We thank everyone in our community for all you have done during this latest crisis and look forward to serving you again soon!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

Children draw on the sidewalk using chalk during a Morada Way Art Walk in 2019. The village is considering adding light posts to the Morada Way area in Islamorada. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

LIGHTING THE WAY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER LIGHT POSTS AT VILLAGE’S DOWNTOWN

I

slamorada Village Council is going virtual again for its meeting on Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Up for consideration will be a resolution to illuminate what’s considered the village’s downtown.

Located between MM 81.2 and 82 on Old Highway, art galleries, studios, restaurants and boutique shops line the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. It’s the spot to be every third Thursday of the month for Art Walk with vendors, music, food and drinks.

Currently, streets within the district are poorly lit. And it’s not visually appealing.

Recently, the village issued a request for proposals for lighting design and installation of fixtures, but none was received by the deadline. Village staff then requested estimates for the design and installation of lighting from two companies. Transportation Solutions & Lighting was the only one to provide an estimate, at $381,945 for design and installation.

The village’s adopted fiscal year 2019-20 public works capital projects fund budget included $300,000 for the design and installation of the lighting system. A budget amendment increasing the fund by $81,945 would be required to cover the actual cost of the project.

The project would be funded with local government discretionary sales surtax proceeds. If the village opted to apply to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council for total or partial funding, the

project could not begin until after Oct. 1, 2020, and the application process could delay it for an additional year.

All in all, Vice Mayor Ken Davis said he believes the addition of light posts will serve the arts district well.

“It’s one of the nicer spots within Islamorada and it’s considered our downtown area,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to watch or listen to the meeting broadcast live on Comcast (within Islamorada only) on the Comcast local government channel 77, streamed live on the village website or on Zoom with the meeting ID: 91106564166.

The meeting can also be accessed by telephone. The call-in number is 301-7158592. When prompted, dial the access code: 911 0656 4166#.

Public comment options have been expanded. Public comment will be accepted by webinar link, by telephone or by email.

To be acknowledged during the public comment period, use the “raise your hand” feature. People will be unmuted to provide public comment in the order that they click on the raise your hand feature.

Those accessing the meeting by telephone can dial *9 to “raise your hand” to be acknowledged when the public comment period opens.

Public comment may be submitted via email to public.comment@islamorada. fl.us to be read aloud by the village clerk during the meeting. Public comment should be submitted by 9 a.m. on Thurs-

day, May 7 to ensure inclusion in the meeting. Email may be submitted during the meeting and will be read aloud by the village clerk if received timely. Please type “public comment” in the subject line of the email, include whether the comments are of a general nature or relate to a specific agenda item and identify the agenda item. Include your name and address. Please keep your comments under two minutes in length or your comments may have to be abbreviated. The agenda is available at the village’s website, islamorada.fl.us.

WATER FACILITIES WORK PLAN Also up for consideration will be the first reading of an ordinance to amend the village comprehensive plan to update a water facilities work plan.

The village, like other municipalities, is subject to the South Florida Water Management District’s requirements for local water supply planning. State law requires local municipalities to update and adopt a 10-year water supply facilities work plan into the comprehensive plan within 18 months of the SFWMD’s approval of the Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan (LEWCSP). With potential limitations on continued use of traditional water supply sources, the work plan and comprehensive plan amendments address development of traditional and alternative water supplies, and conservation and reuse programs necessary to serve existing development for a 10-year period.

With the LEWCSP’s approval in November 2018, a May deadline is looming to amend plans within the work plan update.

The village’s water user rate over the last eight years is averaging 171 gallons per capita per day. This consumption rate is higher than the adopted level of service of 149.5 gallons per capita per day. The village says it’s likely that the higher rate is due to the greater number of resort and transient uses than other areas of the Keys.

In addition, there could be inefficiencies in the aged utility infrastructure. The replacement of the transmission lines is being addressed in the next three years by the water provider, and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) has programmed almost $30 million on a transmission line replacement for the village.

On top of conservation and education efforts, it’s recommended that the village request that FKAA increase leak detection efforts to the greatest extent possible.

7

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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CORONAVIURS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

1 2 3

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1. Key West’s Besame Mucho on Petronia Street is ready once again to welcome shoppers. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 2. Dr. Bruce Fariss’ urology practice is open for business in Key West. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly 3. Goldman’s Bagel Deli in Key West removed tables to welcome inside diners for the first time in seven weeks. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 4. Tony Napoli and his son enjoy Sombrero Beach, reopened to locals. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

‘SOFT OPENING’ FOR THE KEYS Some non-essential businesses reopen; restaurants seat diners SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

wo sure signs that life is getting back to normal in the Florida Keys: the blue tape designating the oneway aisles has come off the floors in Publix, and there were reports of full shelves of toilet paper. Full.

Shelves.

These and other small signs are encouraging, but it’s a step in the right direction.

“The first day we were open, May 4, was a fairly normal day.

We were happily surprised,” said Ryan Elwell of Royal Furniture.

“It dropped off the next day, but that’s to be expected. Our sales team was just happy to be back at work with people to talk to.”

Marathon Chamber of Commerce director Daniel Samess likens the process to a “soft opening,” especially for retailers. “The business owners are working out the kinks — how to keep customers six feet apart and sanitation measures,” Samess said. The governor’s order allowing restaurants to reopen — with indoor seating limited to 25% capacity — isn’t enough to induce some restaura-

teurs to open their doors.

Sunset Grille and Waterfront, one of the Middle Keys’ largest restaurants, is going to wait to reopen when it can serve more diners. Brutus Seafood, a smaller establishment, has reopened with outdoor seating under its tiki hut.

Sweet Savannah’s reopened this week, too. While the volume is down, it’s something to do, said owner Kate Koler. “I need to get my people back to work. They want to come back to work,” she said.

And then there are the parks and beaches: open by decree of local governments and empty by local standards. On May 5, just a handful of families and small groups were enjoying the crystal clear waters of Sombrero Beach.

Tony Napoli, a tattoo artist, spent time with his young son teaching him how to use a snorkel.

“This is really nice,” Napoli said.

Down the road a ways, Key West is gradually getting back on its feet, although some restaurant owners are hesitant to open for indoor dining, concerned that the 25% capacity won’t enable them to operate successfully.

“We’re still doing good takeout and delivery business, but we’re going to wait a bit to reopen to diners,” said Ben Solove, owner of The Dirty Pig barbecue joint on Grinnell Street. “To be honest, I sort of want to see what happens with the petri dish around town.”

Goldman’s bagel deli in Overseas Market was making it happen the morning of May 6, having removed several tables in the center of the restaurant and offering their spacious booths to diners.

Key West restaurateur Bill Lay has started a new Restaurant and Bar Committee to guide the reopening. The committee held its first Zoom meeting this week, “with perfect timing as we start to reopen,” Key West Chamber of Commerce president Greg Sullivan said.

Downtown, owners of popular boutiques such as Vignette on Southard Street and Besame Mucho on Petronia Street are thrilled to be able to open in time to welcome Mother’s Day shoppers and are eager to open their doors to new and returning customers.

“We look forward to the many newly painted and spruced-up businesses in Key West, as many employers have had their staff busy doing projects during this down time period that couldn't be accomplished during our busy time,” Sullivan said. “This will be an interesting summer as we reopen for business and learn our new normal — face masks for all.”

Upper Keys establishments are gradually beginning to open their doors to locals with the governor’s phase one plan taking effect May 4. In Islamorada, Square Grouper reopened its takeout and curbside pickup operation following a hiatus. Lunch is available from noon to 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 8 p.m.

Taking into consideration a lack of tourists as well as operating costs, Square Grouper general manager Joe Bell said the dining room and outdoor seating will stay closed for now.

“We don’t think we’re going to have the demand in order to reopen our dining rooms and outdoor seating just yet,” he said.

“I just think it might be best to see continued on page 52

9

10

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

STATE STRIKE TEAM TESTS CRYSTAL HEALTH CENTER HEALTH DEPARTMENT EYEING MORE TESTING COUNTYWIDE

A

state strike team entered the Crystal Health & Rehab Center on Plantation Key on May 2 to conduct testing after a speech pathologist at the facility tested positive for COVID-19.

Testing is complete, and a few results have come back. The majority tested last Saturday are Crystal Health & Rehab Center hasn’t been accepting visitors to keep residents there safe. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly expected later this week.

Specifically, test results “The testing, I think we can handle Countywide, no new positive cases came back on a 101-year-old female and the sites right now. We have an adequate were reported as of the afternoon of May an 87-year-old female, who both passed 6. The last uptick was in the health depart- supply of PCR tests. If necessary, the away at the facility last week. Per Bob health department could do that,” he said. ment’s May 2 report, a case involving a Eadie, health officer for Monroe County, With more testing, Eadie said there Key West resident. The case total stands those two tests came back negative for will be more contacts to trace. He said at 80.

COVID-19. he will be reaching out to the state for A total of 1,500 tests have been Eadie told the Weekly he’s been in assistance. performed in Monroe County, per the contact with Tallahassee to see when “It’s a kind of a laborious and timestate health department’s latest report. exactly the rest of the test results are exconsuming job to do right now, so you Of those tests, 1,375 have come back pected back. The state’s Incident Manageneed to have people who are trained and negative, 80 positive and the rest awaiting ment Team tested about 70 employees ready to do it,” he said. results. and 80 workers at the facility. Any actions County Mayor Heather Carruthers With the testing that’s been conductthat need to be taken at the facility are asked how many current active cases ed, the county’s percentage of positive continuing, Eadie said. there are in Monroe County. No definitive cases is 5.3%. With just over 102,466 tests “The primary goal is to make sure all number was given, but Eadie said the plan done, Dade is reporting a 13% positive of the clients and residents in the facility right now is to retest those individuals case rate, while Broward, with a little over are protected and their health is being to see where they currently are with the 56,278 tests complete, has a 9.9% positive monitored, and the same with the staff,” virus. case rate. he said.

“There are those, four to five weeks Eadie reported that no one was Eadie said there have been no hospiin, who have the virus present, but as we admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 in talizations among those inside the facility know aren’t infectious,” he said. “They’re the last week. He said the health departso far. And there have been no reports as not considered an active case, but they’re of Wednesday from the Florida Health De- ment will continue to monitor the situastill showing the virus when tested.” tion and see what impact, if any, the loospartment of any COVID-19-related deaths ening of restrictions by Gov. Ron DeSantis inside the nursing home. that took effect May 4 will have.

“We’re in a monitoring situation for Eadie said a testing task force met last this,” he said. “Monroe County Health week as progress is being made on potenDepartment is in a supportive role for the tially bringing more testing to the Keys. state.”

The biggest issue, right now according to Eadie, is logistics.

11

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

MONEY MATTERS

COUNTY RELUCTANTLY AGREES TO PAY $1.5M IN OVERTIME MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

C

ounty commissioners reluctantly agreed on April 30 to pay $1.5 million for 29,000 overtime hours that county workers accrued between March 15 and April 11 while working under an emergency response pay policy that has since been rescinded.

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners met virtually for a special meeting to discuss, among other things, the overtime accrual, the pay policy that allowed it and a proposal by Commissioner Craig Cates that the county retroactively rescind the emergency pay policy and thereby eliminate most of that $1.5 million overtime total.

“I brought this forward due to some concerns about the county’s finances heading into hurricane season and about the decision to implement this emergency pay policy that moved about 490 county employees into a pay policy that provides them time-and-a-half when not everyone is working solely on matters related to COVID-19,” Cates told his fellow commissioners. “I just feel it’s unfair, with thousands of people out of work and hundreds of businesses closed, for us to be paying staff time and a half.”

During the four-week period that the overtime was accruing, 61 other county employees had been put on paid administrative leave before they were furloughed and encouraged to apply for unemployment.

The county commission has since ended the emergency response pay policy, meaning the overall time-and-a-half pay rates are no longer in effect. But hourly employees who work more than 40 hours in a week will be paid overtime, according to the Fair Labor and Standards Act.

County Administrator Roman Gastesi told The Weekly on April 28, “No one has gotten paid that money, and they’re not going to get paid that money.” He was referring to a spreadsheet provided to The Weekly by Clerk of the Court Kevin Madok that outlined employees’ hours and amounts that total $1.5 million.

Denial would be costly During the April 30 special meeting, County Attorney Bob Shillinger warned the commission that Cates’ resolution could lead to costly legal ramifications.

“We’ll almost certainly face union grievances and possible litigation,” Shillinger said.

“It could end up costing us more in the long run.”

Commissioner Sylvia Murphy called the overtime amounts “excessive,” but said she feels the county is obligated to pay it.

“Our employees were told they’d be making excessive overtime, and they’ve planned for it. I think we’re obligated to pay this, but only this amount,” Murphy said, adding that she wants fire/rescue and sheriff’s office workers to be considered separately due to differences in their work responsibilities and higher risk of exposure.

FEMA reimbursement?

Commissioner Michelle Coldiron expressed concern about the payroll amount that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse the county for payroll expenses related to the COVID-19 disaster and wanted to ensure that staff would complete a line-by-line review of the payroll spreadsheet “to be sure there are checks and balances in place.”

County Finance Director Tina Boan told the commissioners that FEMA is expected to reimburse the county for 75%, or $1.1 million, of confirmed COVID-related payroll

expenses. The state would split the remaining 25% with the county, with each agency chipping in 12.5%, or $191,267, of that $1.5 million.

“Is this a hard pill to swallow? Absolutely,” Coldiron said. “Do I think this is an exorbitant amount? Yes, I do. But I feel this is what we must do in light of the potential legal ramifications.”

The question of FEMA payroll reimbursement led to a discussion of whether all employees who logged time-and-a-half hours under the emergency response pay policy were specifically working on COVID19-related matters.

“To have accrued this many — almost 29,000 hours in four weeks — by people doing their usual job, but getting time-and-ahalf for it, I think is unfair to the taxpayers,” Cates said. “And do we know for sure that FEMA will give us a blanket approval and reimburse us for all these hours?”

That led to a discussion of whether the accrued $1.5 million is for hours specifically related to the coronavirus.

‘Rock and a hard place’ Coldiron sought clarification on the distinction between virus-related work and normal work.

The county’s human resources director, Bryan Cook, told the commissioners that employees and department heads were instructed to record COVID-specific activities separately from their normal work hours on specific timesheets and payroll forms that were submitted to the clerk’s office.

“I’ve seen the total, but I haven’t reviewed it with the clerk,” Cook said, adding that there should not be any regular work reflected in that COVID pay.

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

CORONAVIRUS

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Cates questioned. “Are all 29,000 hours — in a one-month period — all COVID-related hours?”

He acknowledged that some employees, such as those in the building or planning department, may have been working to implement remote operating procedures that became necessary.

“But I also believe people could have been tasked to do those things during their normal work hours.”

Shillinger said it seems likely that FEMA will reimburse the county for valid and documented work hours that are specific to the pandemic.

“But I haven’t done a lineby-line review of that spreadsheet,” Shillinger said. “I don’t know if each one is actually entitled to all that.”

Gastesi emphasized that county staff has been “extremely successful” in the past in securing FEMA reimbursement for payroll.

County Mayor Heather Carruthers said she was “dismayed” by the situation, particularly because the county was in a similar situation with exorbitant overtime costs following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

“I think it’s clear we need more frequent, direct com-

munication between the clerk and our financial staff so we’re not in this position again,” Carruthers said. “I think the reality is, this is water under the bridge and we’re between a rock and a hard place. We should have had this information about the hours and cost of those hours at our last meeting.

“It’s also come to my attention,” Carruthers said, “that some of our employees don’t feel they’re entitled to these payments and have expressed their desire to decline the additional pay.”

That presents another problem, Shillinger said, adding that he’ll have to draft a resolution allowing employees to refuse or return pay, as there currently is no legal precedent to allow that for non-elected employees.

Following more than two hours of discussion, commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a motion by Murphy to deny Cates’ proposal “and to honor what we did for those two pay periods while directing staff to bring us back a new pay policy.”

Cates cast the dissenting vote.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

Part 1

‘WE DON’T WANT TO TAKE TWO STEPS BACKWARD’ Lieutenant governor talks reopening in Weekly interview JIM McCARTHY

O

jim@keysweekly.com

n May 4, a slow and methodical reopening of Florida started, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase one plan announced on April 29. Restaurants and local businesses flipped their signs to “open,” while elective surgeries at hospitals were given the green light.

Aiding the governor in the decision-making process on such matters as restaurants and schools was the Florida Re-Open Task Force.

Three working industry groups, which brought various leaders from business, health, education and government, among others, brought recommendations to an executive committee, which then issued a report to the governor.

Leading the task force executive committee and moderating discussions throughout was Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. She’s played a key role in the state’s response to the pandemic since early March on the health side as the one who oversees the Florida Health Department, and on the economic side as a member of the reopening task force.

“We tried to do everything from the standpoint of the task force to listen and compile as much information, address some of the concerns in a report to the governor and ultimately he made his decisions based on that task force,” she said.

On May 1, the Weekly had the chance to speak with Nuñez via phone to discuss the reopening process, the state’s handling of the coronavirus, the challenges the state’s had to confront as a result of the pandemic and how the Keys have fared since the first reported case on March 20. This is the first in a series of stories on what the lieutenant governor had to say.

REOPENING FLORIDA AND THE ROLE OF THE TASK FORCE Not all recommendations found in the task force’s report were enacted by the governor in phase one. The group recommended 50% dine-in at restaurants, but DeSantis chose to begin at 25%. Gyms and personal services like salons and hairdresser shops were rec-

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

ommended to open at 50%, but the governor wasn’t ready to do that just yet.

Recommendations to maintain suspensions on vacation rentals were taken by the governor, as well as keeping bars deriving 50% of sales through alcohol closed.

Nuñez said the first phase of DeSantis’ recovery plan can be characterized as a critical baby step.

“He wanted to hone in on the areas where we understand there's going to be a lot of people eager to get back to work, but do so in a safe and responsible way,” she said. “That’s why you saw him ratchet the recommendations down from a 50% capacity for restaurants and retail to 25%. I think that was a good, solid step and I know that a lot of people would like to see it expanded and have no to little restrictions, but we know that we want to do things cautiously.”

Nuñez said the role of the task force wasn’t to focus on the public health data necessarily, although experts in epidemiology provided updates and reports to the task force groups in the short amount of time they had. Rather, the group came up with a report giving the governor recommendations for a basis to make decisions to reopen the economy.

“On that perspective, it was very useful. It was done in a very compressed timeframe. We had about a week, actually four days if you will, but nonetheless, we heard from a lot of industry experts,” she said. “We heard from everyone from restaurants and theme parks, agriculture and food service and the supply chain.”

States like Georgia have allowed businesses like bars and restaurants to reopen, so long as they follow strict distancing and sanitation guidelines. In Texas, theaters and malls can open at limited capacity, while rural counties

with fewer than five cases can open restaurants at 50% capacity. As states’ plans begin to take effect, Nuñez acknowledged that the Florida governor isn’t exactly ready to flip the switch fully on just yet.

“We don’t want to take two steps backward if and when we open up at a larger rate with much looser restrictions,” she said. “I think that’s something important for us to do gradually.

“If you start slowly and gradually, there will be a certain segment of the population who will feel comfortable going out, taking precautions such as social distancing,” she continued. “Obviously, businesses want to protect their patrons and employees. I think there will be a lot of personal responsibility, and I think people are very mindful of that.”

DeSantis met with the president and Dr. Deborah Birx, who both signed off on the plan before it was announced on April 29. And while things begin to reopen, Nuñez said the governor and his administration understand that the virus isn’t going away magically overnight.

“We have to continue to work through all the issues with the virus, and I think that’s been a testimony to (DeSantis) with his focus on testing capacity,” she said.

With phase one in motion, Nuñez said a continued downtrend in cases, hospitalizations and percent of positive cases must be seen before moving on to phase two.

“All of that data will be part of the decision making for the governor to begin the next phase,” she said. “He mentioned he’ll defer on opening theaters and gyms. With gyms, obviously a lot of people are clamoring for the gym, so there was a lot of discussion about how you do that, if you do it by reservation only or make sure the machines are 6 feet apart. I think that will be something he will take into consideration. I think all that data we’ll look at and we’ll see how we fared under this opening.”

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

n orphaned infant manatee was rescued Saturday by marine mammal rescue volunteers in oceanside waters off Islamorada.

The lone calf was spotted beneath underwater rocks along a dock at a private residence, whose occupants reported the manatee sighting to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Staff from Dolphin Research Center (DRC)’s manatee rescue team and volunteers with Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder unit helped to corral the calf with netting, allowing the rescuers to successfully scoop it from the water using a large hoop net.

The calf may have been without its mother for several days, an unusual amount of time for the pair to be separated, according to a DRC spokesperson. She did not know why the calf separated from her mom.

The FWC took the calf to Miami Seaquarium for treatment and rehabilitation.

The small female is less than four feet long, considered underweight at 65.5 pounds and had a bacterial infection. After initial evaluation and treatment, she was placed in a pool with an older orphaned female manatee, which may be teacher her to nibble lettuce.

On May 5, Dolphin Research Center posted to Facebook that the calf had gained a little weight and was taking formula and electrolytes and that her infection was improving.

While the Florida Keys remain closed to visitors during the coronavirus crisis, the area’s many nature and wildlife rehabilitation centers continue caring for rescued wildlife and helping animals in need.

Last month, an entangled dolphin was rescued and freed near Layton and a pregnant, entangled manatee was rescued near Plantation Key. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon continues to rescue, rehabilitate and free sea turtles found around the Keys. Right whales were also recently spotted off the coast in Marathon in dangerously shallow waters, and the public was urged to help report sightings. They’ve recently made it safely to North Carolina. — Contributed

ORPHANED INFANT MANATEE RESCUED IN ISLAMORADA

16

Top: Rescuers use netting to corral the manatee infant before rescuing it from the water.

Right: Rescuers transport the calf to Miami Seaquarium for treatment and rehabilitation. MARY STELLA, DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER/Contributed

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

HELPERS NEED HELP

Local nonprofits run low on resources Volunteers load up one of hundreds of vehicles with boxes and bags of groceries. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he Tuesday afternoon crowd at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Key West was a heartwarming mix of need, generosity and gratitude.

It was also an impressive logistical operation, an assembly line of volunteers and workers from the SOS (Star of the Sea) Foundation hefting bags and boxes of groceries into the open trunks of cars or the baskets of people’s bicycles.

The food distribution operation would serve an estimated 1,000 people in three hours, and that was just one day in one location.

The SOS Foundation unfolds similar operations every week in Key West, Stock Island, Islamorada and Key Largo, said Tom Callahan, the foundation’s volunteer executive director, who credits his assistant director Raquel Rojas and Maggie Howes, Monroe County’s emergency volunteer assistance coordinator.

“Maggie can round up 50 people in 24 hours, and she is at every single distribution site every week,” Callahan said. “Those two women are phenomenal.”

“Key West is on Tuesdays and Stock Island’s Bernstein Park is on Thursdays, and while each location started out feeding about 700 people per week, we’re now up to about 1,000 people at each of those two sites. In the Upper Keys, we serve about 350 people at each of those two locations, but the need is definitely greatest in Key West and the Lower Keys.”

The need has become so great, the helpers now need help.

“We need more food,” Callahan said.

But this sort of unprecedented demand goes well beyond a canned food drive.

The foundation has relationships with a variety of sources that provide bulk amounts of needed food items, including frozen meats and fresh produce.

“Much as we hate to do it, we have to ask for monetary donations to continue these food distributions,” Callahan said. “We’re not the only ones helping, and so many groups have been doing everything they can. But you see people in these lines that you’d never in a million years expect to see asking for and accepting help.

But then, they haven’t been paid in seven weeks.”

The SOS Foundation isn’t the only organization that needs help helping others.

Key West’s Sister Season Fund for years has helped workers in tourism-related industries pay rent or bills when they are forced out of work by illness, injury, or now, a pandemic.

In the early days of the virusrelated shutdown, Sister Season quickly began providing $1,000 grants to local households. The organization last week was forced temporarily to halt applications when the need exhausted its resources and the organization faced a waiting list of 75 applicants.

As of May 5, the organization was once again accepting applications, according to its website, which also provides links to other sources of assistance.

Visit SOS Foundation at sosmissiong.org or on Facebook to donate and visit sisterseason.com to donate or apply for assistance.

PRODUCE, HOT MEALS DISTRIBUTION AT TAVERNIER TOWNE CENTER THIS THURSDAY JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

A

free food distribution set for Thursday, May 7 at Tavernier Towne Center will look to help hundreds of families in the local area.

Florida Keys Farm & Market Co-op and Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors are teaming up to host a Farm Share event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, located at MM 91.2, bayside, in Tavernier. In total, 500 bags of produce grown out of Homestead will be given to people who drive up.

Hot meals will also be provided courtesy of Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors, the nonprofit that’s collaborated with a number of businesses up and down the Keys for feedings.

“Florida Keys Farm & Market Co-op is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create new and alternative food sources for the Florida Keys, including community-supported agriculture and fish and farm cooperatives,” said Candice McCarthy.

“We’re excited for our first — and hopefully of many — farm share events and collaborations with Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors to support feeding our local community.”

The drive-through event is first come, first served. With produce shipped from Homestead via Farm Share, Florida Keys Farm & Market Co-op and Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors will supply the tables, tents and volunteers.

Farm Share was established in 1991 to distribute fresh food free to families, children, seniors and individuals throughout the state. Farm Share operates out of Homestead and serves south Dade County. In the Upper Keys, Farm Share transports produce to places like Burton Memorial Methodist Church’s pantry, among others.

The nonprofit Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors formed just over 40 days ago, when Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a closure of all dine-in at restaurants. So far, more than 25,000 meals have been served to residents from Key Largo to Key West.

With DeSantis announcing 25% dine-in capacity effective May 4, Mike Forster, who owns Mangrove Mike’s Cafe, said he isn’t ready to open his restaurant and end the free meal distribution just yet.

“We do not have any plans in the near future to stop this much needed service to over 1,600 Monroe County residents a day, and unfortunately growing,” Forster said.

Forster and McCarthy say they’re grateful for Tavernier Towne Center and Commodore Realty Inc. for allowing them to host the event at their location.

More information is at mangrovemikesendeavors.com and at the Florida Keys Farm Facebook page.

19

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

PUBLIC HEALTH VS. FINANCIAL DISASTER TOUGH DECISIONS LOOM FOR CITY OFFICIALS MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Nurses from Advanced Urgent Care set up a socially distant testing initiative on May 5 for postal workers at Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

GETTING RESULTS All antibody tests negative so far MANDY MILES

I

mandy@keysweekly.com

t seems nearly everyone in Key West is convinced they had — and beat — COVID-19 back in February, when half the island was fighting some sort of illness.

But the partnership between One Clean Island and Advanced Urgent Care, which has tested more than 100 Key Westers for coronavirus antibodies, hasn’t turned up any antibodies in anyone, other than those who were known to have had coronavirus and were tested for antibodies to prove the test’s validity.

“These results, so far, tell us there’s an awareness that the virus may not have spread across Key West,” Dr. Bruce Boros, owner of Advanced Urgent Care and medical adviser to One Clean Island, said on May 5 during an antibody testing event for 100 or so postal workers.

The partnership had previously performed antibody testing on groups of Key West police officers, firefighters and now postal workers.

“We need money to continue the testing initiative,” said Jim Gilleran, a Key West planning board member and co-founder of One Clean Island.

“We’re scrambling to get more antibody test kits, and if someone wants to sponsor a testing initiative for a certain group of people, that’d be most welcome.”

A fund has been established at First State Bank of the Florida Keys through Key West Cares for donations and sponsorships, Gilleran said.

Meanwhile, Boros also wants the partnership to acquire an ID Now testing platform that provides rapid results for active COVID-19 infections, rather than antibodies, which emerge in the late stages and after an active infection.

“Knowledge is power,” Boros said. “We’ve gotta know what we’re dealing with and have a system in place, once we open to visitors, to be able to test anyone with a fever or symptoms along with their travel group to know right away whether they have the virus and need to be quarantined.”

Boros also envisions what he calls a surveillance team to track quarantined residents and visitors, check on them two or three times a day and ensure they’re staying isolated.

“I’d like to see an aggressive plan for this island. We’re a smart island and we need to create specific policies and procedures,” Boros said.

“We’ve got to get our economic engine started down here, but look what’s directly north of us in those counties. We can’t play hide and seek with this.”

A

s Key West slowly comes back to life, the island’s historically packed event calendar could cause some COVID-related crowd concerns, but cancellations would cause even greater financial catastrophes for working residents and business owners.

City Manager Greg Veliz reminded city commissioners at their May 5 virtual meeting that lobster mini-season “is just around the corner. Remember, mini-season is not ours to cancel, but it should be on our radar.”

In addition, Veliz said, the city’s first two cruise ship visits since March have been scheduled for Aug. 3 and Aug. 7, with the ships coming from Galveston, Texas and Miami, respectively.

Veliz acknowledged an anticruise-ship sentiment among some Key West residents and said, “this is something we need to be thinking about as that date in August approaches.”

Commissioner Billy Wardlow urged caution when it comes to limiting any sort of revenue coming into the city.

“We’ve got a big problem in the city now and we’ve got to get people back to work,” Wardlow said. “There are a lot of people who depend on that revenue.”

WHAT ABOUT FANTASY FEST? There’s a fine line emerging nationwide between public health and economic disaster, and Key West will be walking that line for the foreseeable future.

The city’s biggest annual event, Fantasy Fest, is one of several big question marks, given the current public health crisis. The festival long ago was scheduled for Oct. 16-25, with the parade taking place on Saturday, Oct. 24.

This year’s dates are a week earlier than usual, to avoid coinciding with Halloween, event producer Nadene Grossman Orr has said.

An agreement was made years ago to move the festival dates when they coincide with Halloween, due to concerns that law enforcement would be spread too thin to protect the large downtown crowds and the New Town trick-or-treaters, Grossman Orr told The Weekly on May 6.

Veliz told the commission that July 1 is Grossman Orr’s drop-dead date to know whether to proceed with the festival as planned.

“But all decisions will be made responsibly and with the public’s health in mind,” she told The Weekly.

CITY REVENUES AND RENTS In other Key West commission activity, lawmakers reluctantly voted to implement a $1 fare for visitors using the Duval Loop when it resumes service. The downtown bus loop will remain free for Monroe County residents with an ID showing a Keys address.

It was intended to be a free downtown bus for all riders, but Mayor Teri Johnston pointed out that the $1 fare for visitors could add $380,000 to the strapped city’s coffers.

“I understand this is a difficult decision,” Johnston said. “But I also think we’ll all be surprised by the amount of revenue we’re losing on a daily basis. It will be a challenge, to say the least, just to provide essential services to our residents for the coming calendar year.”

Commissioners ultimately approved the $1 fare and agreed to revisit the issue in six months.

Commissioners Sam Kaufman and Jimmy Weekley were opposed.

Finally, the commission also agreed to a three-month rent deferment — April, May and June — for businesses that rent from the city, including those at Key West Bight.

21

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

City of Marathon City Council Agenda

Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 5:30 P.M.

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1.

2.

3.

4.

Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Statement from the Mayor regarding virtual meeting procedures.

Statement from the City Attorney

5. Public comments on agenda items – if you wish to comment, please call 305-289-4130 or email cityofmarathon@ci.marathon.fl.us with your name, address, and item you wish to comment on along with a phone number where you can be reached at 5:30 pm on May 12th by 4:00 pm May 12th. If you wish to make your comment known to the Council on any item that is not on the agenda, you can email council@ci.marathon.fl.us or you can drop an envelope labeled public comments at City hall with the above information 4 hours prior to the meeting.

6. Approval of agenda and consent agenda [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.]

7. City Council Items *A. Approval of Minutes 8. City Manager Report A. COVID-19 Update B. Legal Department Attorney Application Information 9.

Resolutions for Adoption

*A. Resolution 2020-24, Approving Engineering design for Chemical Feed Systems Upgrades/Mitigation For Wastewater Plants 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 from the Weiler Engineering Corp. in the amount of $150,500.00. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract; And Provide For An Effective Date.

ALL MENUS AVAILABLE ON THE CASTAWAY WATERFRONT FACEBOOK PAGE

305-743-6247 The Castaway Family would like to thank all essential workers for their service to the community. We would also like to thank everyone that continues to support local businesses. We will get through this together!

*B Resolution 2020-25, Approving a Request for Qualifications for General Contracting Services to enter into a Continuing Service Agreements for various work and project disciplines. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract; And Provide For An Effective Date.

C. Resolution 2020-26, Approval Of A Contract Between The City Of Marathon, Florida And The Florida Department Of Economic Opportunity In The Amount Of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) For The Implementation Of The CDBG-DR Home Buyout Program; Providing Signature Authority; And Providing For An Effective Date *D. Resolution 2020-27, Approving A Long-Term Lease Agreement Between The City Of Marathon, Florida And Habitat For Humanity Of The Middle Keys (H4h) For Two Properties In The Ownership Of The City; Located At 818 51st Street, Ocean (Re No. 00325410-000000) And 7931 Overseas Highway (Re No. 00347290-000000; Providing For The Terms Of Said Lease: Providing For An Effective Date. *E. Resolution 2020-28, Approving Change Order No. 1 To Contract Between The City And Shoreline Foundations, Inc. In The Original Amount Of $661,845.75 For The Repairs of City Marina From Hurricane Irma Damages; Increasing The Contract In An Amount Not To Exceed $59,737.24 For Addition of Concrete Stairs, And Various Other Items; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Change Order And Appropriate Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date. *F. Resolution 2020-29, Authorizing A “Sole-Source” Purchase Pursuant To The City’s Purchasing Policies And Procedures And Approving The Purchase of Eight Kaeser Compressor complete exterior housings, In An Amount Not To Exceed $52,826.04; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date *G. Resolution 2020-30, Adopting and Ratifying Council Vote and Action Taken at the March 10, 2020 City of Marathon City Council Meeting Determining to Extend Consent for Inclusion in the Middle Keys Health Care Municipal Service Taxing Unit for the Subsequent Fiscal Year Pursuant to City of Marathon, Florida Ordinance 2018-08 10.

11.

Council comments Adjournment

ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto.

Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

22

MOTHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

FREDA LASSWELL “Mom was very liberal and had to tow my rather racist father along the right path. I attribute my feminist beliefs to her, along with acceptance of people for who they are. My Jewish husband and my LGBTQ friends were always welcome in our house. Thanks, Mom, for letting me be me. For making me compassionate and strong. For teaching me that love is stronger than hate. I miss you.”

— Simone Lasswell, Key West

LOWE MATHESON “My mom is many things. Supportive, brave, fun, determined, kind and funny. But above all else, she is the person who made me who I am today. I don’t know where I’d be without her guidance and love. So yeah, my mom is awesome.”

— Caleb Stowers, 13, Key West

JULIE JEFFERS “My mom is especially awesome because she has never failed to be my biggest supporter in whatever I need from her. She never gives anything less than 100% for us kids.”

— Arthur Crocker, Key West Where would we all be without mom?

She’s the glue, the fuel, the hug. The Keys Weekly asked our readers (both children and mothers) to submit some maternal love stories. Here they are:

DENISE DI SALVO MOELLER “My sister and I have never had to question who our No. 1 fan is. Ever.

That kind of support is why mamas like mine need to be celebrated.

Oh, and she always has wine for us when we come over.”

— Lea Moeller, Key West

CRICKET DESMARAIS “It’s hard to think of one thing! But I love that our mom is honest and super artistic and that she’s so strong for us. She makes really good food (especially soup and quiche) and is very funny and silly.

She has great cuddles and is very considerate and is just cool! Plus, she’s a fantastic dancer (and lots more!) I love you mom!”

— Seava and Taavi Lamontagne, Key West

MARY ANN BOLEN “‘Love’ isn’t a strong enough word. My mom’s my everything; my rock and my soft place to land. And she’s never let me doubt for a moment that I am loved beyond belief.” — Mandy (Bolen) Miles, Key West

MOTHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

JULIA HAGEN “In a world full of fear, you comfort us. In a time full of uncertainty, you bring us solace. In an age of terror, you bring us joy. Happy Mother’s Day to Julia, the world's greatest mom!”

— Drake and Regina, Key Largo

ANNETTE ROBERTSON “My mother Annette is not only the best, but she also is my best friend and business partner. My mom is very wise. She always wants what’s best for me, and she always believes in me. My mom is my biggest and best support system. She has taught me many valuable lessons in my life. These lessons have helped me to get where I am and will continue to help me succeed. Most importantly, she taught me how to be strong. No matter what age, I’ll always need you, mom. I love you!

Happy Mother’s Day!” — Sky, Islamorada

JILL MIRANDA BAKER, ISLAMORADA “What I enjoy most about being a mom to two almost fullfledged adults, Raffie, who’s 18, and Mason, who’s 19, is that in many ways my job is done. I am extremely proud of the independent and thoughtful people they have become. Teaching your children not to always rely on you as the parent is no easy task. It can be so painful. But the joy comes as I watch them navigate the world and make their own sound decisions.”

TANIA MATTSON, TAVERNIER: “The best part of being a mom to Tyler is that he’s always so good and morally upstanding. He always tells the truth, has ethics and morals and always helps in the community and at home. He always had good grades and is well respected and liked by his teachers and community.”

KARLY VENEZIA, ISLAMORADA “I love the way my kids have reminded me what is so wonderful about life. The little things they do daily to put a smile on my face reminds me how magical life really is. Becoming a mother has also given me a new appreciation for my own mother and mother-in-law.”

JENNIFER WEBB, KEY LARGO “The thing I love most about being a mom to Finn, Conor, Liam and Trenton is the adventures that I get to have with these four! I can honestly say that it is never dull at our house. As they are growing up and developing their own little personalities, it is so much fun getting to know them. I see so many qualities of myself and my husband in each of them, but they are definitely their own people.”

CHERYL POWERS “Our mom is the best! She is so incredibly kind, sweet, and compassionate towards everyone. She is the best role model and we are so thankful to have her in our lives.

Happy Mother’s Day mom, you deserve the world!”

— Laura, Kendra and Julie, Key Largo

MARIA GOODWIN, ISLAMORADA “Being my children’s support system as they grow is my favorite part of being a mom. As they go through many phases and stages of development, being there emotionally for them, their joys, struggles, achievements, fears, obstacles, motivating them, is very rewarding when you see how proud they are of themselves or that they know you are always there for them.”

23

24

MOTHER’S DAY

MICHELLE FRANCK “She is a hard working and passionate mom who makes sure we have everything we want and need to be happy and successful children. She is always there to support us through every situation and gives us unconditional love not only as a mom but as a friend.”

— Abby Franck, Marathon

JASMYN CARVER, MARATHON “I love being Jadeyn’s mom for a billion reasons. She is my forever best friend. I watch her grow and experience new challenges daily with a ferocity and bravery that I aspire to have. Her genuine love and endless compassion she has for humanity and the animal world gives me hope for her generation. She reminds me that every day there will be new challenges, some larger than most (hurricanes, relocations and global pandemics to name a few) but we got through it together with beautiful resiliency. I am her safe place and she is mine. I love being able to sing songs from my childhood to her, instilling family traditions that she will hopefully carry on.

I love her pure, guttural laugh when we are joking with each other and we can’t stop. I love when she takes my face in her hands, sighs and says, ‘Mama, I love you.’ Being a mom is an amazing wonder and I hold every second with honor and fragile care.”

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

MARY D’ASCANIO “Mom, you’ve shown us the light and love since we were born.

There’s no one in the world we appreciate more than you. Happy Mother’s Day!” — Franco and Nick D’Ascanio, Marathon

HELEN CATCHPOLE “Happy Mother’s day to our mom. Helen has worked tirelessly through the past 15 years in Marathon raising money for veterans and children through various organizations. She now has 2 loving ‘grandsons’ – Comet & Astro – whom she spoils with love and toys.”

— Frank Catchpole & Chris Kessler-Catchpole, Marathon

MEGAN MERRYMAN “I feel like one of the luckiest daughters in all of the Middle Keys, because not many kids have a mom that changes the saying ‘Laughter turns to crying’ into ‘Yelling turns to laughter.’ Every day she continues to be selfless, supportive and the definition of positive to all seven of her kids!”

— Clare Merryman, Duck Key

RYANA GONZALEZ “Ryana gives everything for our family. There isn’t a single decision that she makes without Penelope and Trey (our nickname for Luis Gonzalez III) in mind. She wants the very best for them always.

From the second Penelope was born she was a natural mom. She is caring, nurturing, supportive and loving. Nothing has changed that since Trey was born. We are so lucky to have her.”

— Luis Gonzalez Jr., Marathon

BEVERLY FERRIS My mom is a nurse and has worked in health care in Marathon since 1972, employed by Baptist Health, and Dr. Steve Smith for the past 19 years. She has four grandchildren — Christopher and Caroline Freeman , and Joshua “JJ” Struyf and Kaya Struyf. Her favorite nickname is “Gramma.”

I recently posted this picture on Facebook and people had the kindest things to say.

Because of the way I was raised by this #bada$$ lady, I know I can handle whatever ‘crazy’ life throws out and for that I am incredibly grateful.”

— Jody Freeman, Marathon

TIMAREE SPARKS, GRASSY KEY “I enjoy seeing my two daughters grow up (way too fast) while developing their own individual personalities. Sadie is 11 (blonde) and Teagan is 10 (redhead). One has a fiery personality and the other is very laid back.”

JESSICA KOTCH “I’m happy to announce the birth of Capri Coco Kotch. She was born May 2 at Lower Keys Medical Center. Jessica’s genuine love and instinctive nurturing qualities make her a great mom.”

— John Kotch, Marathon

25

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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305-509-9398

Social distancing is easy at Crane Point’s 64 acres…

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center SPECIAL RATES FOR THE MONTH OF MAY Masks must be worn • 4 miles of nature trails • Fish pedicures • Butterfly gardens • Wild bird center • Memberships Available • And much more!

5550 Overseas Hwy Marathon Mile marker 50 at the stoplight

305-743-9100

CRANE POINT

Museum & Nature Center

(Closing early for disinfecting) Open 9a.m. to 4p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 4p.m. Sundays www.cranepoint.net

26

MOTHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

Fern’s Butterfly Garden tiffany@keysweekly.com

HEART, HARD WORK AND THREE GENERATIONS OF DETERMINED ISLANDER WOMEN

Annette Fern Robertson with her daughter Sky Annette Moore and mom Lucy Fern Estep on Moore’s wedding day. The wedding was held at Islander Resort. CONTRIBUTED

“T

hey just don’t make ’em like that anymore.”

Annette Robertson recalled her mom fondly. “She worked hard her whole life, never lied to a fault, and never stole,” said Robertson. “And, she was very stern — there was definitely a ‘right’ and a ‘wrong,’ and she told you exactly what she was thinking.”

Lucy Fern Estep, known as Grandma Fern to her family, moved to Miami when she was 4 years old and the Kendall area was just a dirt road. She grew up farming the land and nurtured a passion for plants that she passed onto her daughter Annette. Robertson cultivated that seed into a full-blown botanical masterpiece in Islamorada — the newly-renovated Islander Resort.

“Mom always had an answer, and it was just hard work,” said Robertson. If life got hard, she worked harder, her daughter recalled.

Robertson picked up her mom’s tireless work ethic and her green thumb.

“She loved anything she could take a cutting off of and make grow,” Robertson said of her mom. “Gardening is a hobby you can have without a lot of money but that produces a lot of gratification, so we gardened a lot. I went outside, learned to work hard and propagate and fell in love with it.”

Even though the original Fern was the manager at the plant nursery, she worked and got dirty with her employees, which included a young Robertson.

“I did the same thing when we had to renovate the Islander,” said Robertson, “and my guys were so loyal and took real pride in the fact that we were rebuilding the Islander together. It’s the only way we got this done.”

After Hurricane Irma devastated the resort in 2017, Robertson was on the property six to seven days a week, 10-plus hours a day. She’d get off her tractors and help her guys load plants and soil, just like her mom had decades before. She’d also share her daily progress with

her mom, who by then was battling stage four cancer with her same staunch resolve.

“She’d come down, and I’d drive her around on the golf cart to see what we were doing,” said Robertson. “She was amazed.”

The two-year project gave the iconic Keys property a green “rebirth,” adding reclaimed rainwater irrigation for the gardens, the second-largest solar panel array in Florida, sterilized cold-water laundry systems and native plants to attract birds, bees and butterflies.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you better.

My mom taught me that,” said Robertson. “If it weren’t for Irma, the Islander wouldn’t have been reborn.”

“My favorite part of the renovation was watching the love and time my mom dedicated to every single detail — from the landscaping to the color choices in the rooms,” said Sky Moore, Robertson’s daughter. “She cares, and you can tell the project was done with love.”

Moore owns and operates Islander Girl Snorkel & Tours on the Islander Property. She goes to work every day alongside her mom, Robertson, and is reminded of how hard the latter worked to make the Islander one of a kind.

“My mom made my grandmother so proud with her Islander project,” Moore said. “My grandmother Fern was a strong German woman that loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. I see both her and my mom in me; my everyday work ethic and passion for doing what I love comes from them.”

After Estep lost her cancer battle in March 2019, Robertson dedicated a special part of the property to her — a specially-curated butterfly garden named after Fern herself.

Robertson started the project as a cool exploratory area for kids — complete with butterfly releases, touch-friendly plants with bright colors and interesting textures and a pop-up activity tent. She finished it with a heartfelt dedication to her role model.

“When you create something, you give it a purpose,” said Robertson. “This is Fern’s Butterfly Garden. It’s next to the splash pad, so kids are always playing nearby. She loved birds, butterflies, blooming plants and children, so now she’s there.”

Robertson named the blooming nook after grandma Fern because it was the only part of the renovation she didn’t get to see. They held her celebration of life there, releasing 55 butterflies in her honor.

Moore called the garden “the most special place to visit on the property,” and is sure her grandma would have loved it.

Robertson said, “If she were here, she would just sit there and listen to the water trickle and the butterflies. Part of her is under the slash pine. It’s classic Florida -- it’s strong, and it bends but never breaks. That was my mom.”

“I learned from her not to let anything get you down and to just keep going. After we lost her, I missed one day of work.

That’s what mom would have done.”

— Annette Robertson, lead designer and buyer at the Islander Resort

27

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

Hope is the silent prayer of the heart. Hope is the rain that soothes and the oasis that quenches your thirst.

Hope is your lamp against the trudging darkness.

- KEYS

Karen

TO THE KEY REAL ESTATE (SINCE 1990)

Bill

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS !!

Though we are still not meeting face to face in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we, as a Community, should do everything we can to remain healthy and prevent the potential spread, that includes heightened hygiene practices and social distancing. St. Columba is streaming our Daily Devotions at 8am, Compline at 9pm and Sunday Prayers at 9am on our Facebook page. @stcolumbamarathonfl May the Peace of The Lord be always with you We invite you to submit prayers for yourself, those you love, and the world. Just send your prayer request to

LIVE IN ONE, RENT THE OTHER Don’t pay rent anymore! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath 900 sq ft unit each side. Convenient to everything. Affordable living or a great investment.

REDUCED $238,000 each.

NEED DEEP WATER ACCESS TO OCEAN OR GULF?

2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths each side DUPLEX. Fully furnished. Breezy verandas to relax on. Four 50' deep-water boat slips on a protected basin. Minutes to the ocean or Gulf.

Vacation rental license in place with excellent rental record. $775,000 ML 589586

stcolumbamarathon.office@gmail.com Each week the St. Columba prayer group will offer these prayers and those of others during our special time of prayer. There is strength & peace when we join together in prayer.

WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl 305 743-6412 • www.stcolumbamarathon.org

BUILD TODAY Waterfront lot with dock and 200 amp service.

Has building right for immediate building.

Minutes to the ocean. $175,000 ML588862

DEEP WATER ACCESS TO OCEAN OR GULF 1,800 sq ft 5 BR, 3BA home w/87’ dock and 14,000 boat lift. Metal roof. Superior 2’ X 6” construction. Covered parking. $725,000 ML588862

(305) 743-2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

28

MONROE COUNTY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

STATE: 1,300 AFFORDABLE BUILDING PERMITS PASS REVIEW CITIES HAVE ALREADY ALLOCATED SOME PERMITS

Soon after Hurricane Irma swept the Keys in 2017, decimating most of its de facto affordable housing, former Gov. Rick Scott “gifted” the Keys with the right to build 1,300 more units — above and beyond Monroe County’s existing, yet declining, number of permits before it reaches buildout in 2023.

T

he City of Marathon was the first to accept its share of 300, followed by the Village of Islamorada and Key West. Monroe County adopted a wait-and-see attitude after the first legal challenge was filed in November 2018. The challenge alleged it would impede hurricane evacuation and be detrimental to quality of life in the Keys.

Eventually, three plaintiffs — representing all areas of the Keys — piled on and the cases were consolidated into one hearing, presided over by a state administrative law judge. The hearing was postponed at least once and finally conducted in late 2019. Just last week, the judge ruled in favor of the cities.

“The judge agreed with us — that the plan for accepting the 1,300 building permits was consistent with the evidence at trial, and consistent with the Area of Critical Concern program,” said Bart Smith, an attorney with Key West’s Smith Hawk law firm, who represented the interests of Marathon and Islamorada.

Marathon has already approved project plans contingent on the legality of the new building permits.

“The city will have to go over this and figure out, procedurally, how we want to allocate the permits,” said George Garrett, the city’s planning director. “The way we have been handling it is to award affordable building permits out of our own existing pool for projects that need 10 or less, and anything over that would more appropriately come from the new pool of 300.”

Right now, there is a preliminary plan to allocate about 130 units among four projects — Boatworks on the gulfside of Marathon near 39th Street, Seaview Commons on Coco Plum, Serenity Cove on the site of the former Longhorn Lodge and a project on the west end of Marathon airport.

The City of Key West will likely draw 104 permits from its pool of 300 for the Garden View Apartments project on Stock Island and more for the Bahama Village project that is still in its planning stages.

And Islamorada has a project pending of about 20 units that would fit the criteria, as well.

When the 1,300 permits were allocated to Monroe County, there were stipulations. For example, tenants must agree

to evacuate 48 hours before a hurricane while other Keys residents are held to a standard of 24 hours. Also, the units must be rentals — not units for sale — intended for affordable and workforce housing.

Earlier this year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to direct staff to begin the process to accept the 300 it is allocated. The coronavirus emergency has derailed those efforts for now.

County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron wants the county to accept its allocation of 300.

“I want to know how we can scatter these building permits to meet two different needs — ‘takings’ cases, and workforce housing,” she said.

The plaintiffs have until May 9 to file exceptions to the judge’s order. Then, Smith said, the Department of Economic Opportunity can accept or reject the exceptions in part or in whole. The plaintiffs will also have the ability to file an appeal in a district court of appeals.

“I am not going to count my chickens until they hatch,” said Ty Harris, Islamorada’s planning director. “The DEO still needs to review the exceptions and the judge’s order.”

The petitioners are being represented by the firm of Robert N. Hartsell, based in Pompano Beach. Attorney Richard Groso — a well-known challenger of Florida growth management policy — is also on the petitioners’ legal team.

In 2023, the state will no longer issue new building permits for the Florida Keys. The number of remaining building rights, even including the 1,300 new permits, is far less than the number of undeveloped properties. Takings lawsuits, where the property owner sues government because he or she cannot develop the land, may be slowed by the ability to grant affordable housing permits. Legal precedent suggests that any beneficial use — whether that’s the ability to build a modest, deed-restricted home instead of a market rate mansion — would exempt governments from liability.

29

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

The Seapointe Queen Another Happy Seller and Buyer Congratulations!

Congratulations to my sellers on the sale of this property.

Rare opportunity to find a property with all-inclusive common elements, serenity, peace, and lots of laughter while you gather outside to absorb the sunbeams and hold your parties with friends in these beautiful surroundings. Next time you are in a gathering, feel comfortable introducing us to your neighbors, friends, and family members Whom you care and respect. We will be happy to Serve them purchasing or selling their property Ashkarian/Ardis Team www.SearchFloridaKeysHomes.com

My goal is to conduct business with integrity & honesty while providing you with the best experience for your real estate needs!

RealtorÂŽ

305-304-8862 www.MidKeysProperties.com Wanda@midkeysproperties.com 11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Š2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. Ž,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.

04/02/2020

Š2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. Ž,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.

DINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

T S JU OLD S 6

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLERS AND BUYERS! WELCOME HOME! With all that’s going on, we’ve been lining up virtual meetings to answer questions, determine the right action plan, review the current buyer traffic and competition for selling in today’s market... Would you let US know if you’d like to schedule a time to discuss this?

321 E SEAVIEW DRIVE DUCK KEY

We're here to support you and answer any concerns you might have. www.SearchFloridaKeysHomes.com/Sell

OPEN FOR MOTHER’S DAY 5-10PM

P.A, CRS, GRI, e-PRO 305-395-0814

05/07/2020

305.294.0230

Lela Ashkarian

1029 SOUTHARD ST

11050 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Natalie Ardis P.A. 305-481-3317

 Â? Â? Â

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

30

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

POUND BY POUND AND

KEY DIVES PASSES MILESTONE 10,000 POUNDS OF DEBRIS PULLED OUT OF THE WATER, ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO FOLLOW SUIT

1

I

n July 2018, a small but mighty team of divers from Key Dives in Islamorada began bi-weekly clean-up scuba dives. Not quite two years later, they’ve surpassed a major milestone, pulling their 10,000th pound of ocean debris out of the water in early March, before the quarantine shutdowns began.

“It’s so exciting,” said marine conservation coordinator Cortney Benson of the mega-milestone. “What we’re doing is working. When we first started these dives, we’d get 500 to 700 pounds of debris on a single site. Now, if we get 100 to 200 on a site, it’s a ‘good’ site for cleanups.”

“Ten thousand is special, but it’s a scary milestone, really,” said owner Mike Goldberg. “You could do another dozen dives where we went today. You can tell where the guys fish ’cause that’s where everything is. There’s so much crap down there, we’ll have to come back.”

The team pulled up 334 pounds of line, traps and debris from the deep side of Alligator Reef, bringing their all-time total to 10,119 pounds removed from local waters.

Goldberg estimated that 15 to 20 locals come out regularly to help. He said, “It’s a great way for them to take pride in our backyard. The more people we involve, the more we can shift mindsets and achieve even more.”

One of those divers, Tony Browne of Islamorada, estimated he’s been on “maybe 15” of the Dives Against Debris with his wife, Shelly Laughlin.

“We try to help and support our local shop,” Browne said. “But it doesn’t matter how much debris we pull up; there’s always more. It’s never-ending.”

Laughlin called the trash situation “truly heartbreaking.” She said, “We are involved because we want the reef to be there for the kids. We look at our friends’ kids and think, ‘Oh my God, we gotta save the planet for them.’”

2 Marilyn Steadman of Key Largo, another regular at the dive shop, has been on almost all the dives.

“We came out because the first time we came here was in January 1977, and we’ve seen the reefs go downhill since then,” she said. “So, we do as much as we can to restore the reef. If we want to go out and enjoy the ocean, we need to keep it clean.”

Kurt Tidd, another loyal participant who dives with his daughter Jacquelyn Tidd, praised Key Dives for its foresight, leadership and passion. He said, “This is my home dive shop. I love the fact that they’re trying to preserve the spectacular reefs we had. They’re so dedicated, and everyone — Mike, Cortney, Jason — they’re all terrific folks. They don’t just do it for the advertising. They truly care.”

Pointing to Jacquelyn, Tidd noted, “I do it for her. She rekindled why I love to dive and why I need to protect what we have. And they (Key Dives) make it so easy to help. I want her kids to be able to come here and dive.”

Goldberg credits NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation with the original idea and funding to work with the community to clean up the local environment. While the money has since dried up, Key Dives continues the practice because it is the “right thing to do,” said Goldberg.

He estimates they’ve run 36 clean-up dives since the program’s inception.

ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

DIVE BY DIVE

31

WE ARE OPEN

CFC 1427099

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“Cortney deserves credit for where we are,” he said proudly.

“She’s the engine behind the cleanups and the driving force. Because of her, we’ve led the pack.”

Other shops participate but none has reached the gargantuan 10,000-pound mark, yet. Benson hopes to reach out to other local shops to share lessons learned and to help create more similar programs.

“I think 10,000 pounds is quite a lot, and if all shops set that goal, it could really make a difference,” Benson said. “If businesses comprehended how good conservation is for business, that it makes people happy, they might realize it’s the way to go.”

Key Dives isn’t stopping anytime soon. Thinking toward the next milestone, Goldberg said, “Two years from now, we’ll likely have another 10,000 pounds on top of this.

We can go back to popular fishing spots and pull out a few hundred pounds after we do cleanups.

We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Marilyn Steadman agreed, saying, “I’ll keep going and helping until I can’t dive any more. Hopefully forever.”

1. Key Dives and their “regular” customers took out 10,000 pounds of marine debris from local waters over the last two years. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 2. Shelly Laughlin hauls up armfuls of rope, line and miscellaneous debris on the latest Dive Against Debris.

3. Mike Goldberg collects rope, anchors and a fishing pole from the deep side of Alligator Reef.

4. Cortney Benson weighs rope pulled up from local reefs and adds it to her running total. On their last dive, they picked up 334 pounds, to get to a grand total of 10,119 pounds.

5. The Key Dives family poses with a congratulatory sign celebrating reaching 10,000 pounds of marine debris removed.

We are dedicated to quality, communication and execution Call us today at (305) 852-4302

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WE'RE OPEN WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

32

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

ISLAND TIMES

6

KEY WEST COMES SLOWLY BACK TO LIFE

K

ey West is waking from its forced seven-week hibernation, with signs of life visible throughout the island.

While some restaurants are sticking to a takeout and delivery-only service until they can seat more than 25% of their capacity, other businesses have taken full advantage of the gradual easing of restrictions.

Smathers Beach has seen more locals than perhaps ever before, and boutique retailers are again helping shoppers select Mother’s Day gifts and other items.

Although bar seating remains closed, several restaurants spread out their tables, and even put some outside.

Here’s a sampling of what’s happening in the Southernmost City.

— Weekly staff report

2 3

1. The Dirty Pig owner Ben Solove is waiting a while longer to reopen the dining room, but the barbecue place on Grinnell Street remains open for takeout and delivery. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly 2. Antonia’s outdoor tables on Duval Street are popular with people eager to support local businesses and dine al fresco. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

1

4

3. The inviting Vignette women’s boutique on Southard Street in Key West is open from noon to 5 p.m. — just in time for Mother’s Day shopping or simple retail therapy. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly 4. Viva Saloon on Duval Street takes advantage of its courtyard to offer socially distant seating and live music. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

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5. The pedestrian and vehicular lines for food from SOS Foundation stretched for several blocks down Truman Avenue and Windsor Lane on May 5, but recipients were patient and grateful for the assistance. LARRY BLACKBURN/ Keys Weekly 6. Managers of The Keys Collection of hotels — The Gates Hotel, 24 North Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West — provided care packages of groceries to 111 furloughed employees on May 5. LEE REKAS/ Contributed

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

ANCHOR COMPLETE, SITUATED AT MARINERS TEMPORARILY W

The restored anchor is at its temporary home outside the emergency room at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

A plaque next to the anchor expresses appreciation to Dr. Brian Magrane for his work to restore the Fishermen’s Community Hospital anchor.

ith construction of a new Fishermen’s Community Hospital underway in Marathon, a coveted, historic treasure that’s long been part of the hospital is restored and breathing new life at its temporary home in Tavernier.

The anchor, located near the entrance of Fishermen’s for decades, currently sits outside the emergency room entrance at Mariners Hospital.

Over the past year, Dr. Brian Magrane has used his time and talents to restore the piece of Keys history.

“The restoration is ongoing, as it will be forever. Rust blooms still occur and are treated as needed,” Magrane said. “The next year will be an experiment to monitor the anchor reactions to sun, shade and heat.”

Magrane began the work after crossing paths with Candy Fincke of Fishermen’s during Bougainvillea Ball in 2019. Not only have they been working on restoring the anchor, they’ve also been investigating who donated it and exactly where it came from.

Following an article in late August regarding the anchor, Magrane said he heard from the salvor and gathered a fair amount of information.

He’s also received help from a maritime archeologist from NOAA. From his research, Magrane wrote a narrative on its history on a sign that sits next to the anchor at Mariners.

The Spanish colonial artifact weighing over 1,200 pounds embodies Florida Keys history. It likely came from a vessel that was part of the 1733 fleet returning to Spain with silver and New World commodities. A hurricane caught the fleet, sweeping many of the ships into the reef. Nineteen vessels sank between Marathon and Elliot Key. One vessel, the San Ignacio, from which this anchor is believed to have originated, was ripped apart with few survivors.

Pounding waves separated the upper deck from the hull, leaving a long trail of artifacts. The San Ignacio wrecked 4 miles offshore of Marathon near Vaca Key. Capt.

Marion Lloyd Winner salvaged this anchor in 1963 as a gift of philanthropist Ruth Ivins for the opening of Fishermen’s Hospital.

When the new Fishermen’s Community Hospital is completed, the anchor will be returned to the property – once again signifying the hospital as an anchor of the Middle Keys.

“It is sad it has to leave, but that was the primary objective of the project — return it home to where it belongs,” Magrane said.

39

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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To Mayor Steve Cook, City Manager Chuck Lindsay, George Garrett, Doug Lewis, Marathon City Council and all City Employees.

Thank you for your outstanding leadership and dedication during this difficult time. We thank you having done a remarkable job!‚ — An Anonymous Resident

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

STOP BEING BUGGED

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

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

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Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why? My all-time favorite teacher is probably Ms. Lindsey because she helped me a lot in class, and she is strict and funny.

What are your plans after high school? I would like to follow in the steps of my sister, Tania, and go to college.

What do you hope to be remembered for at MMHS? I hope to be remembered as a kind and helpful person.

What is one favorite way to spend your spare time? I love to play card games with my family and to sketch.

Will you make the Keys your permanent home? The Keys will not be my permanent home because in the future I would love to move to Mexico, where most of my family lives.

What three things would you like to accomplish before your 10-year reunion? I would love to go back to Mexico, graduate from college and have an amazing job.

GABRIELA GUTIERREZ

What organizations and activities are you involved with at MMHS and why are they important to you? I am involved in the National Junior Honor Society, after school help, and the Spelling Bee. These are important to me because they are all a privilege to be a part of, and because during afterschool I help others.

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42

KEYS SCHOOLS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

SENIORS ARE COUNTING ON GOING TO CLASS IN FALL

A

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

dd another layer of uncertainty: on top of whether or not 2020 college freshmen will be accepted at the university or college of their choice: the U.S. is wondering whether campuses will be open at all. The Keys Weekly reached out to three seniors to ask about their year, their plans and their thoughts.

DELAINA ROSS MARATHON HIGH SCHOOL GPA: 3.8 “My plan has stayed the same. I am going to the St. Petersburg campus of University of South Florida next year,” Ross said. The senior at Marathon High School is interested in pursuing a degree in marine science or sustainability.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to start classes at the campus next fall and won’t have to do a semester online first. I want to move into the dorm. … I guess we’re just playing it by ear.” For Ross, the pandemic has paused all of the diving trips she had planned to do with friends. Oh, and they were also designing new “coral trees” to grow coral fragments and that experiment has been put on hold, too.

GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ STEELMAN NICOLETTI CORAL SHORES HIGH SCHOOL GPA: 3.7 “I’m a kid who loves school, but is not that good at school work,” said senior Steelman “The Bike Guy” Nicoletti. Not having peers and teachers to interact with in person has been particularly hard, he said. So he’s looking forward to being a part of a very small freshman class (40 students) at the Panama City branch of Florida State University. He plans to get an undergraduate degree in molecular biology and go on to study genetics and gene therapy. He also laments the end of his bike program, collecting used bicycles and taking them to a Rotary Club on the mainland for shipment to Africa. “I’m a little sad that I don’t get to participate in that any more.”

KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL GPA: 3.3 “Because of the coronavirus, I am planning on a gap year to make money and save,” Rodriguez said. His unconventional approach to the pandemic is reflected in his choice of study: theater and music. He’s already sent an audition tape to the New World School of the Arts, but said he’ll resubmit for the 2021-22 school year. The actor and musician will stay in Key West, where “rent” is free, and head off next year. He’s disappointed by the cancellations that have changed the makeup of his senior year, yet understanding. “There’s a lot of things going on in the world right now; I can’t justify being upset though, because I’m home, I’m safe, I’ve got a family and we’re all healthy.”

KEYS SCHOOLS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

AP EXAMS, CLASS NIGHT AND GRADUATION School’s end looks very different in 2020 SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

hree questions: Will there be AP exams? Will there be college scholarships for graduating seniors? Will there be a graduation ceremony? Yes, yes and yes — but they will be radically different from the 2019 versions.

The Weekly checked in with Dave Murphy, the executive director of assessment and accountability with the Monroe County School District.

AP EXAMS In 2019, the AP exams were about four hours long, with a multiple choice section and an essay section. In 2020 the AP biology exam, for example, has been redesigned with just two essay questions, and students are allowed to use notes and internet search engine results. The new test is designed to last only 45 minutes.

Murphy said the students can submit the essays, or answers, in a variety of ways — sending in a Word or Google document, or even uploading pictures of a handwritten essay.

“Officials have been adamant that the test will be no more difficult this year than any other year, while acknowledging that students normally do better on the multiple choice part,” Murphy said, “but the scoring adjusts for that.”

Because the AP exams will be essay-driven, scorers will employ antiplagiarism software to catch cheaters who might “copy and paste” from other sources.

The state Department of Education has said it will abide by the AP transfer credits open to students who score a 3, 4 or 5 on the AP tests. Depending on the test result, students can earn college credits, Murphy said.

The campuses of Keys high schools are largely deserted right now including Coral Shores High School (top) and Marathon HIgh School. In front of MHS, yard signs featuring the faces of graduating seniors and their names have appeared in the right of way to celebrate the right of passage. Photos by SARA MATTHIS & JIMMY McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

“I spoke to the high school principals last week and they said the scholarship situation is looking really good,” Murphy said. “We’ve seen very little slippage — I think Key West lost two scholarships, and Marathon lost one.”

Coral Shores High School and Marathon High School will broadcast Class Night on Tuesday, May 26, and Key West will broadcast on Wednesday, May 27. Yes, they will be broadcast, as will graduation.

CLASS NIGHT In Monroe County, Class Night is one of the big events of a high schooler’s senior year. It’s when the students are honored for their academic achievement such as National Honor Society and scholarships are announced. That includes individual scholarships to specific institutions, the state’s Bright Futures scholarship program, and the Take Stock in Children scholarships, as well as the many local organizations that fundraise yearround to give Keys kids a leg up on the future.

At Marathon High School alone, the academic gifts can total about $500,000 — the lion’s share to Take Stock students who receive full tuition and, in some cases, housing.

With the pandemic touching every aspect of life in the Keys, there was some worry that the smaller organizations might not be able to participate this year. That’s not the case, Murphy said.

GRADUATION Like every year, the high school graduation ceremonies will be staggered over three nights, beginning with Coral Shores High School on Wednesday, May 27, Marathon High School on Thursday, May 28, and Key West High School on Friday, May 29. For the first time ever, there will be no physical handover of a jacketed diploma.

Murphy said the broadcast plans are still evolving. Schools will tailor their presentation to reflect their own traditions.

“For example, at Key West the school officers speak. In Marathon, the valedictorian and salutatorian address their peers, etc.,” he said.

There is also talk of in-person graduation ceremonies later in the summer.

43

44

NURSES WEEK

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

WEEKLY ACCOUNT REP DONATES POUCHES TO LOCAL NURSES

College of the Florida Keys nursing graduate Emelia Cardenas brought her ‘abuela’ to the drive-by celebration held by Lower Keys Medical Center. CONTRIBUTED

TAKE CARE

College offers virtual graduation, real-life appreciation MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

he graduation may have been virtual, but the recognition was personal for graduates of The College of the Florida Keys’ nursing program, who recited their Nurses Pledge together via video conference on May 1, the day the college had scheduled its commencement ceremony for the 75 students completing degree programs.

The day held a special significance for the newly minted registered nurses, many of whom will soon join their veteran counterparts on the front lines of the battle to vanquish a virus.

Reinforcements have arrived — untested, but well-trained and eager for experience.

The traditional recitation of the Nurses Pledge preceded a virtual commencement speech by Jonathan Gueverra, the college president, who donned his academic regalia for the digital address.

“For many of you, this pandemic is the second major catastrophe you are enduring as a college student,” Gueverra said. “While life changed dramatically after Hurricane Irma, and it almost came to a standstill during this pandemic, you have persevered.

You will endure and you shall be part of the generation that will show the world how to survive, thrive, endure and excel.”

On the afternoon of their commencement, the novice nurses received a warm welcome to the workforce from nurses and other employees at Lower Keys Medical Center, across the street from the college.

“Lower Keys Medical Center held a socially distant, drive-by celebra-

tion in the hospital parking lot to honor the future nurses,” said college spokeswoman Amber Ernst-Leonard.

“The graduates rode by in decorated vehicles to cheers from nurses holding celebratory signs.”

Hospital nurses and other employees typically get to know the nursing students personally, as the hospital hosts hours of clinical training for the student nurses and employs students, college faculty and graduates of the nursing program.

One of the nursing graduates already works at Lower Keys Medical Center.

Amy Dees has been a respiratory therapist for more than 20 years and will now add the letters “RN” to her name.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has emerged as a leader at LKMC working in respiratory care in the ICU,” Gueverra said in his address. “Even while working around the clock, the Navy wife and mother of two remained a full-time student and finished her degree this spring. With a nursing degree, she will make an even larger impact on the health of her patients.”

Dees thanked the college and her network of educators and fellow students for her achievement.

“The timing of COVID caused quite a bit of disruption in my final semester,” Dees said. “I had to turn my full attention to maintaining the safety of the ICU, ER and respiratory staff. I’ll be honest, I wanted to put school on hold so I could focus on best patient outcomes while keeping my staff and the nurses at the hospital safe.

“If not for this amazing group of future nurses, I wouldn’t have made it. It took a group of amazing educators, students, families and friends to get me to graduation, and for this I am forever indebted.”

The college commencement took place in time for National Nurses Day on May 6, another tradition that acquired a special significance.

Meanwhile, the battle continues…

T

he Keys Weekly Newspaper’s account manager, Lisa Wojciechowski, recently stopped by Mariners Hospital to donate more than 40 pouches to nurses as a thank you. The pouches can be used by nurses to put their phones and other personal items in when they are on break. Each pouch contains a Keys Weekly koozie, tissues and nail file. “It was something I wanted to do to express appreciation to nurses during this time and during National Nurses Week,” Wojciechowski said.

Cheryl Cottrell, vice president of nursing at Mariners and Fishermen’s, received the donation and said the hospitals are awed by the way people have expressed appreciation to nurses and health care workers in this current pandemic. “We always think of ourselves as partners in the community, and we do what we do because nurses like to take care of people,” she said. National Nurses Appreciation Day was May 6. National Nurses Appreciation Week goes now through Tuesday, May 12.

Top: Nurses at Fishermen’s Hospital hold their pouches donated by The Keys Weekly Newspaper’s account manager, Lisa Wojciechowski.

Left: The Keys Weekly Newspaper’s Lisa Wojciechowski donates a box of pouches to Cheryl Cottrell, vice president of nursing at Mariners and at Fishermens, on May 5.

CONTRIBUTED

BUSINESS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020 TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

AN EDUCATED AND HEARTFELT FAREWELL Hooked on Books is closing after 22 years in Islamorada

“O

h, it feels … heartbreaking.”

Cathy Keller, owner of the independent bookstore Hooked on Books, describes the feeling she has had most since deciding last Thursday that the store would close after 22 years of business in Islamorada.

“I just feel that a community without a bookstore has lost its soul,” she told the Weekly. “It’s so painful to me that there won’t be a bookstore in this community anymore. It’s been here for 22 years, and the fact that it won’t be there anymore is just breaking my heart.”

In Keller’s life, it would seem all roads led her to own a bookstore.

“I’ve always loved books and reading,” Keller said. “Books matter because they are a source of knowledge and comfort. I believe we are always learning, and if you don’t have books, you don’t learn.”

Keller has a degree in English literature, and her favorite book is “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. In her 50s and 60s, she went back to school to get a master’s degree in library science. She never had a chance to use her knowledge until the chance to

Cathy Keller poses with her husband and 8-year-old granddaughter inside Hooked on Books in Islamorada. Hooked on Books has been serving the community for 22 years and will close on May 15. CONTRIBUTED

partner in Hooked on Books arose.

Original owners Jean and Kevin Kelly opened Hooked on Books in July 1998.

Starting from scratch, they developed a loyal community following. When the Kellys moved to Clearwater to be closer to family, their good friends and retired educators Penny and Jim Bower took over the store and continued to develop business.

Originally a patron of the store, Keller became a full partner with the Bowers in February 2005. She jumped at the opportunity because it was “something I always wanted,” and in July 2006, Hooked on Books moved to its current location at MM 81.9 in the median. In 2011, Keller became the sole owner.

Hooked on Books celebrated its 20th anniversary in July 2018.

“We’re an independent bookstore.

That’s the most important part of why it’s special here,” said Keller. “We have something for everyone, new and used books, greeting cards, anything to do with the Keys and Florida, and a huge children’s section.”

Keller also celebrated her employees and their dedication to reading and their customers. “My employees are all readers,”

she said, “so they’re knowledgeable about books and love to share with our customers, who really appreciate that.”

Keller put the store up for sale in January because she and her husband are moving back to Pennsylvania to be closer to their three children and three grandchildren. When a prospective buyer backed out last Thursday, she sadly knew it was time to close.

As an epilogue to this chapter in her life as well as that of Hooked on Books and Islamorada, Keller said, “Thank you to the community that has supported us for so long. I’m sorry I won’t be here for them anymore.”

The store reopened on May 4 and will stay open during limited hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily until May 15, when it will close. The going-out-of-business sale features 50 percent off all books, cards, bookmarks, puzzles and fixtures. Used books are $1.

Social distancing measures will be in place, and capacity will be limited. Patrons are required to wear masks and gloves.

Inquiries may be directed to hookedonbooksfk@gmail.com.

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46

FISHING

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

Capt. Stan Miles shows off an amberjack caught off Key West that would be eligible for several points in the Stock Island Derby Virtual Fishing Tournament. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

FISH OFFSHORE, SCORE ONLINE

Ten-year-old Caleb Bokor of Islamorada releases a tarpon on his way to victory in the Robert James Sales Redbone Tournament last year. CONTRIBUTED

REDBONE TARPON TOURNAMENT SET FOR JUNE

T

he Redbone Large Sunrise/Sunset Tarpon Tournament, presented by Robert James Sales, originally scheduled for April, has moved to June. The tournament is in memory of Capt. Gary Ellis on Father’s Day weekend and benefits cystic fibrosis research.

The Ellises founded the Redbone Tournament Series 32 years ago in Islamorada when they learned their daughter, Nicole, had cystic fibrosis, a usually fatal genetic disease.

On June 20, anglers are to fish twice, at sunrise and sunset from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 5 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, June 21, fishing hours are from 6 to 10 a.m. There are prizes for guided and unguided categories.

Anglers may depart from any dock in Monroe County, enabling them to enjoy this tarpon-targeting Redbone tournament from Key West to Ocean Reef. The entry fee is $375 per two-angler team and the overall winner will receive a grand prize of a Key West Getaway donated by Papa’s Pilar Rum valued at $2,500.

Registration is available at www.Redbone.org, or from Susan Ellis at 305-747-0839.

— Contributed

Virtual fishing tournament runs through May 13 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

T

here's no better time for Keys locals to go fishing, and the Stock Island Derby Virtual Fishing Tournament will award points and prizes in various categories while allowing for outdoor recreation and social distancing.

Sponsored by The Perry Hotel and Stock Island Marina Village, the Stock Island Derby Virtual Fishing Tournament runs now through May 13.

In addition, all participants will save 10% on fuel purchases at the Stock Island Marina.

Here's how it works: Enter the tournament by filling out the form at stockislandmarina. com. Then go fishing and take photos of each caught fish while someone in the photo holds up their hand in an OK signal to prove the photo was taken during the tournament days.

Submit photos of your catch on the official Stock Island Derby Virtual Fishing Tournament event page on Facebook. Include the hashtag #StockIslandDerby.

Winners will be determined based on points earned as described here, and announced on May 13.

TOURNAMENT CATEGORIES & PRIZES Winning Categories: Overall Winner Flats Most Points Reef/Wreck Most Points Deep Sea Most Points Virtual Champ Honorable Mention

The Grand Prize is a weekend getaway in Key West, including: 3 Days/2 Nights at The Perry Hotel & Stock Island Marina Village; overnight dockage (up to 55 feet); hotel accommodations at the award-winning waterfront property, The Perry Hotel Key West; welcome glass of champagne; free shuttle to Old Town, Key West; lunch for two at Salty Oyster and dinner for two at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar at The Perry Hotel.

TOURNAMENT POINTS SYSTEM Daily virtual entry - 2 Points You must submit your official entry on the Stock Island Derby Virtual Fishing Tournament Facebook event page.

Photo must include the 'OK' hand signal.

Your post must include the hashtag #StockIslandDerby.

Flats Fishing: 2 points for every foot of fish (12 inches = 2 points).

“Slam” defined as Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish in one day — 3 points.

No Weights.

Reef/Wreck Fishing: 1 point for every legally sized snapper.

1 point for every foot of fish that is not a snapper (12 inches = 1 points).

5 different types of fish in one day — 3 points.

Family Grand Slam (e.g. SnapperMangrove, Mutton, Yellowtail) three fish in the same family.

Blue Water & Beyond Fishing: 1 point for every foot of fish (12 inches = 1 point).

Offshore Grand Slam — 4 points.

BONUS Entries Shark Slam — 3 points.

Submission of a photo that makes you stop and take a deep breath.

Debut Grouper Season rules: No Grouper entries may be submitted prior to the May 1 season opening.

All fish entered must be in season and of legal size per FWC current regulations.

47

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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48

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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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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!

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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50

SPORTS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

MAMA, WANNA RUN A 5K?

Another virtual run this weekend SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

Vanessa and Savannah Chamberlain take on the tutu challenge this past weekend. CONTRIBUTED

Kristy Ann strikes a pose.

Lara Rutskin-Martin poses with her two daughters. Look for them on Mother’s Day as they participate in the virtual run on Sunday, May 10.

S

ocial distancing is in. Thankfully, so is distance running.

Marathon resident Lara Rutskin-Martin has organized a virtual run for almost every weekend.

Last weekend it was the tutu run. On Sunday, May 10, it’s a Mother’s Day challenge.

She was also the architect of a virtual 2020 Seven Mile Bridge Run, a panacea for disappointed athletes when the actual race was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Rutskin-Martin posts the run events on the Facebook page “Hapynkeys Running.” Then she picks a theme, posts a start time and encourages everyone to take photos to upload to the social media site or post a screen grab of a running map that marks the distance. There are no rules, and participants are invited to run or walk a 5k or 10k.

Or any distance. At any pace.

More than 20 took part in the tutu race. Many gravitate toward Marathon’s Sombrero Beach as a starting and ending point, using the wide sidewalk for proper social distancing. But racers don’t even have to be in the Keys.

“This has become really popular. In fact, some of the tutu racers ran their course in Hollywood Beach,” she said, adding that the tutu race photo album had more than 1,300 views.

Next on the calendar is the Mama Rocks Virtual Run on Sunday, May 10. The starttime is posted at 8 a.m., but again, that’s just a suggestion.

Rutskin-Martin said her wide circle of running buddies keep each other motivated. They post a picture or send it in a group message. “It just encourages people,” she said. “Like, ‘Hey, I did it today.

It’s hot, but I ran anyways.’”

On Saturday, May 16, there will be another virtual run with a slightly different format. It’s a “replacement” for the canceled Keys 100 race from Key Largo to Key West. Rutskin-Martin has organized a group of 19 runners to run 100 miles.

“Each person has a pre-set mileage to run and when we total it up, it will equal 100 miles,” she said. If anyone else wants to form a group, Rutskin-Martin said she’s happy to help organize. “I love coordinating all that stuff.”

Rutskin-Martin is a Realtor by trade, FOR MORE DETAILS, married to Marathon High School’s athletic SEARCH FACEBOOK director, Lance Martin. She’s always been “Hapynkeys Running.” a runner and once did a 50-mile ultra run.

• Sunday, May 10: She took a break when her two daughters Mama Rocks Virtual were very young, but got back into the Run at 8 a.m. game about two years ago.

• Saturday, May 16: “We are heavy into sports, a very active Keys 100 Virtual Run family,” she said. “During quarantine, stay• Monday, May 25: ing home and doing arts and crafts … well, Memorial Day Virtual that’s not my thing.”

Run

Rachel Vollemans and Marissa Sivyer maintain proper distances while enjoying some outdoor fun.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

PENNEKAMP FRIENDS GROUP LAUNCHES WITH DONATION FROM OCEAN REEF CLUB

Seated from left are Paul Rice, park manager, and John Davidson, Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Parks board member. Standing from left are, Alex Tonarelli, president of Ocean Reef Club; Jack Salisbury, Friends board member; Ann Helmers, Friends president; and Richard Weinstein, Ocean Reef Club senior vice president for membership. CONTRIBUTED

CLOSED-UP SHOP

Picketed cosmetic shop closes amid coronavirus

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

A

nd then there were two — two remaining cosmetic shops in downtown Key West that use aggressive sales tactics to offer free samples of high-priced skin care products and often shock customers with thousands of dollars in credit card charges.

The Key West Ripoff Rapid Response Team, an all-volunteer consumer watchdog group that had been picketing the now-empty Oro Gold for more than two years, celebrated the permanent closure of Oro Gold, 518 Duval St. “The shop is being cleared and the owners are leaving town,” said Bruce Mitchell, co-founder of the squad that most recently had picketed the shop from December until the city closed nonessential businesses and banned social gatherings in the second week of March.

“Oro Gold had piled up a record number of city code violations, consumer complaints and negative media coverage over the last five years under several different owners,” said Mitchell.

“The business and its owners were cited and paid fines for numerous violations,” Mitchell

Shirlee Ezmirly, 92, and Key West Ripoff Rapid Response Team co-founder Tevis Wernicoff picketed for months in front of Oro Gold, which appears to have closed permanently. BRUCE MITCHELL/Contributed

said. “Oro Gold is the only Key West cosmetic shop to ever have its business license suspended, not once, but twice, by two different Key West city managers. Besides flaunting city code and fleecing unsuspecting visitors, the shop harassed pedestrians with aggressive soliciting,” Mitchell said. He added that shop owners and employees also harassed volunteer picketer Shirlee Ezmirly, a 92-yearold U.S. Navy veteran who protested in front of the shop every Tuesday regardless of the weather.

“I want them gone,” Ezmirly said, who faced verbal assaults and foul language from Oro Gold owners and employees.

Similar cosmetic shops operate in cities all over the world, draw-

ing community opposition — and attention from international law enforcement — to their aggressive sales tactics, exorbitant pricing and questionable business practices.

Only two such shops now remain in Key West — Ooh La La and Francesca, both in the 100 block of Duval Street and both with a history of city code violations.

“The business has at least nine code complaints on file, but is best remembered for the time it charged a senior citizen more than $3,000 for products she didn’t want to buy, and the store manager walked her all the way back to her room at the Curry Mansion with two big bags of the stuff,” Mitchell said. “The alert guesthouse owner, Phil Amsterdam,

51

A

n $81,000 donation from Ocean Reef Club has helped launch the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Parks, a new citizen support organization.

The funds, donated by Ocean Reef Club and its Community Association, Conservation Association, and Rod and Gun Club, will be used to replace mooring balls at the reef that were lost in Hurricane Irma, as well as provide several more in the area.

Along with Paul Rice, park manager, the Friends also will work to build a universal-access playground at Pennekamp and a boardwalk at Dagny Johnson.

“Many people have asked me why the parks didn’t have a Friends group, so we knew if we put out the call to our loyal supporters, they would make it happen. This is an exciting new effort and we look forward to working with Friends,” said Rice.

More information is at www.pennekampparkfriends.org — Contributed

intervened, called the police and the three of them returned to the shop to demand a full refund for the victim.

Fortunately, they were successful.”

Across the street, Francesca, which has had two previous names, was where the ripoff team’s protests started in March 2015.

“A woman with mental illness allegedly was charged $40,000 for a huge cache of cosmetics,” Mitchell said. “The woman’s husband called the police, we commenced picketing and the money was quickly returned. A few of us continued picketing for another 19 days before the business agreed to a 30-day return policy and five other better business practices.”

Mitchell said the business has changed names, but continues to have a “poor record” of consumer complaints and code violations.

“Francesca is perhaps best remembered for the shameful incident that took place in December 2018, when employees soliciting pedestrians belittled and taunted a young man with cerebral palsy and his mother,” he said. “The pair, on vacation from New York, were heartbroken, hurt and upset enough to file a complaint.”

The Key West Ripoff Rapid Response Team is now focusing its efforts on convincing the owners of the commercial buildings to stop leasing to such businesses.

For more information find the Key West Ripoff Rapid Response Team on Facebook.

52

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020 BRIEFLY

‘SOFT OPENING’ FOR THE KEYS from page 9

how others channel everything and see how the general population kind of reacts to being able to go back to restaurants and dine inside.”

With masks on, servers at Enrico’s in Tavernier served New York-style pizza and other menu items to patrons who dined outside for lunch or dinner. Daily operations resumed under CDC guidelines with social distancing measures in place for customers and staff.

Curbside pickup and delivery continue as well.

“It’s nice to see people out again,” said server Alecia Hoernermann.

Key Largo Chamber of Commerce president Elizabeth Moscynski said many business owners understand what they need to do to reopen. For smaller restaurants with indoor seating only, it gets a little difficult.

“By the time you have two booths up in front and two over on the side, maybe two in the back, that’s it,” she said.

Small restaurants like The Catch remained closed for the time being. A reopening of Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar is set for Friday, May 8. Reservations are suggested before arriving.

Park amenities are also opening up. In Islamorada, Founders Park Beach, dog park and tennis courts opened up to village residents only. Library Beach, Anne’s Beach and the Fills remain closed.

Although many of these businesses which are essential to our Keys economy were, or are still, closed, that doesn’t mean they have been idle.

Royal Furniture, for example, partnered with Marathon Middle High School staff and Middle Keys Realtors to arrange food deliveries for needy families. Since it started, the group has delivered about 80 meals a day.

Ditto for Brutus Seafood: it’s the hottest ticket in town on Saturdays when it partners with other businesses to hand out vegetables and hot meals.

“We’re all anxious to be back to normal, or the new normal, whatever it is,” Elwell said.

Stock Island Scavenger Hunt celebrates moms, art Over the last year, Stock Island residents and business owners have been beautifying the community with more than a dozen murals. On Sunday, May 10, the Mother's Day Mural Scavenger Hunt will highlight more than 20 of these works of art to be spotted and photographed around the island. The hunt is a perfect activity for families and “quaranteams” to celebrate mom while practicing social distancing as they bike or drive using photo clues found on the Stock Island Facebook and Instagram pages. Gift certificates to Stock Island businesses will be awarded at random for picture posts tagged to the event. #stockislandmurals #stockislandartdistrict #ilovestockisland The picture “clues” will be released the morning of the event and a list of restaurants will be added so participants can treat mom to a meal on Stock Island. Some are eat-in and all offer takeout. Tip: Bernstein Park is a great place for a picnic.

Please only gather with your quarantine family in small groups and don't congregate at any location. Wait for the other party to leave before you step up for selfies. Six-foot social distancing rules still apply.

CHI to offer free, walk-up COVID-19 testing in Key West Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) will be offering free walk-up COVID-19 testing on Monday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass Community Center Gym, on Olivia Street in Key West. No appointment is necessary.

CHI continues to lay the groundwork for a new health center to serve the people of Key West in Bahama Village.

“CHI has been caring for the Keys for decades with our centers in Marathon and Tavernier and we continue to expand our services to include Key West,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., president and CEO of CHI. “We want the people of Key West to know that we will become a comprehensive medical home for them. That commitment begins with COVID-19 testing, telehealth and outreach services even before we open the center in Bahama Village.”

The testing criteria: traveled to a high-risk country, been in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient, fever, cough or shortness of breath.

CHI is also testing in Marathon at its location on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment only (call 305-216-2107 or email KeysCovid19@ chisouthfl.org) and in Homestead on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free food distribution on Big Pine on May 7 In collaboration with Feeding South Florida, Monroe County, and the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, United Way of Collier and the Keys announces that a free drive-through food distribution will take place at Big Pine Key Dog Park on Thursday, May 7 from noon to 2 p.m. Traffic will flow in one direction: Use Wilder Road and turn left onto South Street, then exit onto Key Deer Boulevard.

The food distribution is available to all who have lost income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple families may be represented in each vehicle.

Herbie’s plans backyard social Mark your calendars. Herbie’s Bar and Chowder is having a backyard party (behind the restaurant) on Wednesday, May 13 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Marathon restaurant will be open at 25% capacity and social distancing rules will apply. Marathon’s John Bartus will play the tunes.

FIRM receives $5k grant The First Horizon Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM) to support the continuation of FIRM’s FEMA Flood Map Task Force project.

The grant underwrites some of FIRM’s contracting costs with consultants to collect and review the data FEMA has used to prepare the new flood maps. The grant will also help FIRM keep the community informed about the flood mapping process.

In explaining why the review of the data is necessary, FIRM President Mel Montagne stated, “While FIRM supports updating the flood maps to better understand our risk, it is crucial that the risk is not overstated.” Montagne continued, “The grant from First Horizon Foundation will help us ensure that the residents of Monroe County have the most accurate flood maps possible.”

Utility scammers target FKEC members Utility scammers are back at it, targeting Florida Keys Electric Cooperative members.

FKEC has received reports of members receiving calls threatening to disconnect power if payment is not given immediately. To prevent falling victim to a phone scam, remember you can only pay your Co-op utility over the phone by calling FKEC’s secure phone payment number 1-855-385-9912. If you are given a different number to call, or if the thief asks for your payment information over the phone, it is a SCAM!

53

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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HISTORY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

THE BUM FARTO FILES:

JOE BEDAMI: CANARY IN THE COAL MINE

The Tampa Tribune followed the story of Joe Bedami’s disappearance.

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. Bum 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 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.

N

ineteenth-century coal miners released canaries in their mines to detect deadly gases. An agitated canary served as a warning that danger was in the air. A dead canary signaled it was time to get the hell out of the mine.

Bum Farto’s canary was a Tampa gangster named Joe Bedami Sr. Joe Bedami was born into a Tampa mafia family in 1927. His father had come from Sicily, Italy and ran bolita rackets, while Joe developed a reputation for arson, robbery and murder-forhire. He was a suspect in the slaying of

Charlie Wall, the organized crime rival of Tampa mafia boss Santo Trafficante.

Wall’s throat had been slit. He was beaten with a baseball bat and stabbed 10 times. According to FBI reports, Bedami also masterminded the 1965 Key West bank heist and arson that landed Bum Farto on the FBI’s watch list.

By 1967, Bedami was on trial for the 1966 arson of the H&S department store in Lakeland, Florida. His outlook was grim, and the prosecution faced delays when key witnesses became ill or disappeared. Bedami further delayed things by claiming an injury from falling out of a tree. When the court was back in session, Joe was a noshow. He was last reported heading to a barbecue, and was never seen again.

Tampa buzzed with the question, “Where is Joe Bedami?” Some said the mafia murdered Bedami because he knew too much. Others believed he escaped the country with millions of dollars in securities stolen during the Key West bank heist.

A classified FBI report states: “One of Joe Bedami’s close associates from the Key West, Florida, area named Terry Lee Garcia had spent several days in Tampa attempting to develop information as to the reason for Bedami’s mysterious disappearance.”

Garcia was a former Key West city commissioner, a 1965 bank robbery suspect and a close friend of Bum

Farto. Garcia’s and Bedami’s families attempted to contact Santo Trafficante for answers. Trafficante assured Bedami’s family he had “no personal knowledge” of Bedami’s fate.

Bedami’s attorney, Henry Gonzalez, told the Tampa Tribune, “I have every reason to believe he is dead.”

Seven years later, the attorney’s nephew, Anthony Gonzalez, who was by then also an attorney, represented Bum Farto and Manny James after their arrest for alleged drug trafficking in Operation Conch. Numerous parallels exist between the 1968 disappearance of Joe Bedami and the 1976 disappearance of Bum Farto. Both men were suspects in the 1965 Key West bank heist.

Both men had ties to the Tampa mafia.

Both men were under investigation by the FBI. Both men were facing up to 30 years in prison. Both men were close associates of Terry Lee Garcia. And both men disappeared without a trace.

Bedami’s disappearance was the canary warning Bum Farto to get the hell out of the mine, but escape can be challenging once you’re in too deep. As one source close to Bedami commented: “If the FBI can’t locate you, you’re pretty far gone.”

Far gone, for sure. The question is, “Where?”

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

REOPENING JITTERS & HUMAN CONCERNS

OBITUARY

Safely resuming our lives and businesses

“I

n the days to come it will be especially important to care in practical ways for the elderly, the ill and the unemployed.

Finally, let us remember how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat. In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants; we are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together and we are determined to rise.” – former President George W. Bush This week, we began the process of reopening our economy and our society. Baby steps at first are required before we can get to any semblance of our former lives. President Bush’s words offer comfort and hope as we face an uncertain future.

Social media posts run the gamut from “this is way too much way too soon” to “this coronavirus is a hoax.”

Amateur epidemiologists have sprouted like mushrooms after a rainstorm in a cow pasture. The truth is we don’t know what the future holds. It could be anything from the curve flattening with decreasing cases to a second wave of infections to a cure being found. Each of these scenarios is absolutely possible. There’s no way of knowing for sure which one (or combination thereof) will come to pass. The one thing we can do is just be kind to each other.

Many will feel elated at the prospect of dining out at their favorite restaurants. And that’s a good thing.

Keep in mind a few things: 1) Restaurants can only operate at 25% capacity (except for outdoor seating at socially appropriate distances); 2) Because of that, your favorite restaurant’s revenue stream is far from what they usually expect. But so many of them have provided take-out options during the last several weeks, and it’s good that servers get back to a little work as well. If you can, please patronize local restaurants, and leave amazing tips to take care of servers who have been out of work for so long.

A resource for finding which restaurants are open for dine-in/take-out/ delivery can be found at www.keysweekly.com.

It’s really good to be able to go back to our parks and beaches as well.

Again, following social distancing rules is essential if these are to remain open.

Miami-Dade County opened their marinas — temporarily, as it turned out.

Excess demand and long lines forced them to close just hours after they were reopened. And if people abuse the rules, then parks, beaches and res-

taurants could be shut down again.

If you or a member of your family is immunocompromised, elderly, or has underlying health conditions, it may JOHN be better to stay at BARTUS home.

One of the is a City of Maramain reasons we thon councildidn’t become a man. He also is COVID-19 hotspot, a musician who performs around unlike the three counties to our town. For more see johnbartus. north, is that we com did practice social distancing and followed the guidelines put forth by the state and federal governments.

The presence of the checkpoint also helped, thanks to the sheriff and local governments. With our limited hospital beds and health care system, we easily could have been stressed beyond local capacity. Thankfully, that did not happen!

And that brings me back to the former president’s words. We do indeed rise or fall together. We are all in this together. And we are determined to rise. ***** I would like to offer my thanks to all who have “attended” my Friday evening Facebook Live Concerts! The videos of the first six are still on my Facebook page, and I’m still doing a new concert each Friday until this passes. Anywhere from 800 to 2,800 people have viewed each of these shows, and I’m (re) connecting with friends from all over. It’s been such a cool thing, and I’m probably going to find a way to keep up the Facebook Live Concerts even after we get back to normal.

This Friday’s show streams live at 7:30 p.m. from my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/john.bartus. For this week’s show, I’ll be playing mostly my original songs … along with a few choice covers. Hope you tune in, and “see” you this Friday!

— Catch John Fridays at his Social Distancing Concerts on Facebook Live. Music available on CDBaby.com and iTunes, and wherever you get your streaming music. www.facebook.com/john.bartus

Edward Peter Worthington Sr. 1934-2020 On Wednesday, April 15, 2020, Edward “Ed” Peter Worthington Sr., husband and loving father of six children, passed away in Lehigh Acres, Florida at age 86.

Ed was born on March 10, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John and Mary Worthington and was the youngest of four children (Jean, Chuck, Jack). He married Gwendolyn Marie Fowler and they had six wonderful children together.

Ed’s career began as a teen working at his parents’ boutique hotel in Ocean City, New Jersey, and lifeguarding in Beach Haven, New Jersey. He spent his early years as a butcher, then became a beef broker in Philadelphia, and raised veal calves on his farm in New Jersey.

Ed’s greatest passion however, was for the ocean. He was an avid fisherman and had many entrepreneurial pursuits from owning and operating marinas in the 1970s in the Keys (Longhorn Lodge, Tarpon Lodge and Halls Camp), to commercial fishing ventures with his son, restoring and selling boats, ships and other large commercial fishing vessels.

Ed held a 100-ton captain’s license. He was also a pilot and had a passion for flying much of his adult life.

Ed was very connected to his Catholic faith and attended church regularly at San Pablo Church, Marathon, Florida and St. Raphael Catholic Church, Lehigh Acres, Florida. As a eucharistic minister, Ed was known for his devotion to Christ, his kind spirit and never passing up an opportunity to share the rich details of his life.

Ed was preceded in death by his father John and his mother Mary; brothers, Chuck and Jack; his former wife Gwendolyn Marie; his daughter, Debra Sue; and his son, William. He is survived by his estranged wife, Alena Worthington of Lehigh Acres; his sister, Jean Flynn of Wayne, Pennsylvania; his four children, Edward Peter Worthington Jr. (Trich) of Marathon, Florida; Barbara W. Lindtner (Jeff) of Quakertown, Pennsylvania; Richard S. Worthington (Diane) of Las Vegas; and Diane M. Worthington of Seal Beach, California.; his stepdaughter, Mary Lou Molid of central Florida; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A service will be held to honor him at a future date when the environment exists for a public gathering of friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Hope Hospice of Lehigh Acres, 1201 Wings Way, Lehigh Acres, Florida, where the staff cared for Edward as if he was one of their own loved ones.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/11/2020, 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.

3N1AB7AP8DL697819 2013 NISSAN KMHCT4AE2DU394410 2013 HYUNDAI Publish: April 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

JOHN SCOTT SAWYER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John S. Sawyer a/k/a John Scott Sawyer, deceased, whose date of death was July 8, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Personal Representative: Mark D. Sawyer 33 Cavanaugh Road Wellesley, MA 02481 Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw. com & alonso.at12@aol.com Publish: April 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of MILAN STAGING & DESIGN, located at 909 FLEMING STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: MILAN EVENT FLORALS, LLC Publish: May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 20-CP-000018-M IN RE: ESTATE OF RUSSELL E. DARROW A/K/A RUSSELL DARROW, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Russell E. Darrow a/k/a Russell Darrow, deceased, whose date of death was June 17, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA 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 30, 2020.

Ancillary Personal Representative: Toni J. Ryder 49 Sweeney Road Brackney, PA 18812 Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Patricia Gessel, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84328 Patricia Gessel, PL 99530 Overseas Hwy., Suite 2 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel: (305) 453-5277 Fax: (305) 453-4985 E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw. com & alonso.at12@aol.com Publish: April 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 20-CP-000028-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN S. SAWYER A/K/A

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-16-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF GERALD JACILLA, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gerald Jacilla deceased, whose date of death was February 18, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

LEGAL NOTICES (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 30, 2020.

Personal Representative: Rose Jacilla 35 Tulip Circle Staten Island, New York 10312 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD E. WARNER Attorney for Rose Jacilla 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 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000049-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RONALD E. GARWOOD a/k/a RONALD GARWOOD, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Ronald E. Garwood, deceased, whose date of death was August 12th, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 7, 2020.

Personal Representative: Matthew G. Garwood 930 Temple Avenue Burlington, New Jersey 08016 Attorney for Personal Representative: Eric S. Kane, Esquire Email Address: eric@kanelawpl. com Florida Bar No. 0847941 Eric S. Kane, PL 20900 NE 30th Avenue, Suite 403 Aventura, Florida 33180 Publish: May 7 & 14, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000010-M IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD D. ROTH aka RICHARD ROTH Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RICHARD D. ROTH aka RICHARD ROTH, deceased, whose date of death was 16 October 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway #12,

LEGAL NOTICES Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 7, 2020.

Personal Representatives: Linda Catherine North 29681 Enterprise Avenue Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Deanna Lynn Roth 803 SE Dolphin Drive Stuart, Florida 34996 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Kathleen Hendrickson Florida Bar Number: 379921 5701 Overseas Highway, #12 Marathon, Florida 33050 Telephone: (305) 393-2598 E-mail: KHendrickson.atty@ gmail.com Publish: May 7 & 14, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 19-CP-000135-P IN RE: ESTATE OF BARBARA J. THOMPSON, a/k/a BARBARA JEAN THOMPSON a/k/a BARBARA THOMPSON Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of BARBARA J. THOMPSON, deceased, whose date of death was March 14, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the ancillary personal representatives and the ancillary personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 7, 2020 Ancillary Personal Representatives: SARAH THOMPSON

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES 60 East 9th Street, Apt. 526 New York, NY 10003 STEFAN THOMPSON 124 77th Street North Bergen, NJ 07047 GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. Attorneys for Ancillary Personal Representatives: Wells Fargo Center, Suite 4400 333 S. E. 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33131 Telephone: (305) 579-0660 Facsimile: (305) 961-5660 By: NORMAN J. BENFORD Florida Bar No. 186464 Primary e-mail: benfordn@ gtlaw.com Secondary e-mail: meekerc@ gtlaw.com and FLService@gtlaw.com Publish: May 7 & 14, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No: 18-CA-000490-P NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 26TH DAY OF MAY 2020 AT 11:00AM on THE FRONT STEPS OF THE MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 500 WHITEHEAD STREET in the City of KEY WEST Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Property Address: 157 Venetian Drive, Islamorada, FL 33036 a. Legal Description: LOT 15, BLOCK G, WHITE MARLIN BEACH, SECTION ONE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 184 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA b. Parcel ID No. 1481823 Pursuant to the FINAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT entered in a case in said Court, the style of which is: US Bank National Association as Trustee Successor Plaintiff VS. Robert A Parks; Rosemary A Parks; John S Hooper; IberiaBank; Wells Fargo Bank National Association Successor by: Joiner Investments Corporation; White Marlin Beach Park Association Inc; Unknown Parties in Possession 1; Unknown Parties in Possession 2; City of Islamorada Florida Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 18-CA000490-P WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 30TH day of JANUARY, 2020.

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

Publish: May 7 & 14, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA000067-K DIVISION: Civil Beach House Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs.

Wendy Sue Abbott, et al.

Defendants. ________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION AS TO

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

COUNT I AGAINST DEFENDANT JASON BENJAMIN ABBOTT, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF RICHARD LANE ABBOTT To: JASON BENJAMIN ABBOTT, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF RICHARD LANE ABBOTT 6307 SOUTH WINTE LANE GODFREY, IL 62035 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) JASON BENJAMIN ABBOTT, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF RICHARD LANE ABBOTT, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce a lien on the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: COUNT I Unit E12, Week 33, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 3-5933 has been filed against you; and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on NICHOLAS A. WOO, Plaintiff’s attorney, P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 24th day of April, 2020.

Kevin Madok CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Civil Division By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in court proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Not later than five working days prior to the proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s office, at the Freeman Justice Center, 302 St. 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040. Telephone: (305) 2923423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-1-1 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800955-8771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800-955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: April 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Condominium described as: Unit 5322, Week 51, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844 Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits 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 $2,293.06, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 20, 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 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE MORTGAGE

BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-031900 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

TAMMY SUE BOMPIANI Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Tammy Sue Bompiani 18200 Endora Circle Boyds, MD 20841 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

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017747 SUNSET HARBOR RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

CLOVIS IVAN CLAXTON, JR.; PATRICIA JANE CLAXTON Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Clovis Ivan Claxton, Jr. 6363 Southeast 8th Lane Ocala, FL 34472 Patricia Jane Claxton 6363 Southeast 8th Lane Ocala, FL 34472 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Sunset Harbor Resort Condominium described as: Unit 534, Week 24, Sunset Harbor Resort, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof as recorded in Official Records Book 1376, Page 1093, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (hereafter the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior 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

SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

Local community members donning masks hold signs of appreciation and thanks outside Winn Dixie Tavernier on Saturday afternoon. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

CHURCH, COMMUNITY SAY ‘THANK YOU’ TO GROCERY EMPLOYEES

OPEN FOR TAKEOUT AND OUTDOOR SEATING

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CALL IN YOUR ORDER AT 305-664-2622

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VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR OUR LATEST UPDATES AND SPECIALS

WE ARE OPEN! 3 Generations of Master Plumbers Locally Owned & Family Operated Since 1947

Signs on display to express appreciation JIM McCARTHY

T

jim@keysweekly.com

he one o’clock hour approached on Saturday as Winn-Dixie employees were about to change shifts. Outside the storefront, community members held signs of appreciation and expressed their appreciation and gratitude as some left work while others were preparing to begin their shift.

Burton Memorial United Methodist Church and pastor Kerry Foote spearheaded the community event. Signs read-

ing “Thank you,” “Greatful 4 U” and “God Bless You” were hung on the rails leading up to the entryway.

“We just want to say thank you to all the people,” Foote said.

“We acknowledge first responders … thank you to them. But these individuals, they’re just as important as the first responders to us.”

Signs were posted on the building or held at a safe social distance at the front of the building, as well as hung from cars to show thanks.

57

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COOL STUFF

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

Mainstreaming

A look at what they're doing on the mainland

NOW TRENDING When the Florida Keys closed to visitors on March 22, the economic engine that drives and supports a vast majority of the small businesses came to a screeching halt. With restrictions being lifted nationwide, the Keys are presumably a few weeks away from welcoming customers back to the island chain.

The Weekly recently infiltrated an underground lair in south Miami where a highly paid advertising agency is busy creating slogans to welcome customers back to the Keys.

WATCH | HUNTERS Inspired by true events, the show on Amazon Prime Video follows a diverse band of Nazi hunters in 1977 New York City who discver hundreds of escaped Nazis are living in America. Like any vigilant squad does, they set out on a bloody quest for revenge and justice. They soon discover a far-reaching conspiracy and must race against time to thwart the Nazi’s new genocidal plans. The show stars Al Pacino, Logan Lerman and Jerrika Hinton.

LISTEN | HERE AND NOW The further Kenny Chesney got into the stadium-filling portion of his career, the more emphasis he placed on portraying a sense of reciprocity with and appreciation for his fanbase. His 19th studio album, with co-producer Buddy Cannon, kicks off with a breezy, folkloric ode to the space they all inhabit together. In keeping his musical outlook, a number of his songs celebrate a kind of contentment that has more to do with pursuing passion than settling down.

10. Come as you are, but take your temperature first.

SLOGANS TO WELCOME VISITORS BACK TO THE FLORIDA KEYS

9. Where the county health department … serves mojitos.

8. A hotspot like no other.

7. Miles away from the nearest viral outbreak.

6. Where Key lime juice is a natural disinfectant.

5. Come on vacation and remain in isolation.

4. Where ladies and those tested for antibodies drink for free.

3. We’ve kicked out the cruise ships and cosmetic shops. Will you be next?

2. Our tides are not viral.

1. Close to corrupt, far from unusual.

READ | THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS It’s a new novel inspired by historical events. It’s a story of three young women on a journey in search of family amidst the destruction of the post-Civil War south, and of a modern-day teacher who rediscovers their story and its connection to her own students' lives. Author Lisa Wingate brings to life stories from actual "Lost Friends" advertisements that appeared in southern newspapers after the Civil War, as freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold off.

59

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES of $2,557.23, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 17, 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 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-018014 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

THEODORE RICARDO MILLER Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Theodore Ricardo Miller 117 North Warren Street Mesa, AZ 85207 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 E13, Week 46, 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 $2,287.92, 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 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE MORTGAGE

BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-023047 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

KRYTO KNIGHT WORDWIDE, INC., AKA KRYPTO KNIGHT WORLDWIDE, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION Obligor __________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Kryto Knight Wordwide, Inc., AKA Krypto Knight Worldwide, Inc., a Florida Corporation 8003 Landgrove Court Suite 99 Orlando, FL 32819 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 5621, Week 5, 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 $2,746.50, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 20, 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 30 & May 7, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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 $2,191.10, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since April 20, 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: May 7 & 14, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE MORTGAGE

BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-038037 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

ERIK DONALD HANSON; HELENE EDITH HANSON Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Erik Donald Hanson 139 Wicked Wedge Way Las Vegas, NV 89148 Helene Edith Hanson 139 Wicked Wedge Way Las Vegas, NV 89148 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 C24, Week 2, 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”).

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

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

Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT 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 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 Central Marathon 1bed/1bath ground level half-duplex. Partly furnished including queen bed, TV and laundry. Very close to Gulf and community boat launch. Available May 10 through Nov 15, 2020. $1500/mo plus utilities; $1500 security. Application and credit check required. 217/649-2014

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.

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

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers - Full &/or part-time. AM & PM Shifts.

Apply in person at Castaway

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 LOT 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

SUDOKU SOLUTION

THEME: MOTHER’S DAY ACROSS 1. “Ali Baba and the Forty ____,” sing.

6. Eureka!

9. Schools of thought 13. Sound of artillery 14. Car nut 15. Without illumination 16. Nosey one 17. Kind of trip?

18. Lasso loop 19. *Little Women’s mom 21. *Tracee Ellis Ross on TV 23. ____ o’ shanter 24. Quitter’s word 25. Like a fiddle?

28. Like Charles Dickens’ Tim 30. Quarantine state 35. *Egyptian goddess of fertility 37. Insane, in Spain 39. Mother or daughter, in Italy 40. *Biblical Rebecca’s son 41. Online reviews 43. Research facil.

44. Fisherman’s decoys 46. Daytime entertainment 47. Furniture wood 48. End of the road, pl.

50. Blatant promotion 52. Swedish shag rug 53. Yours and mine 55. Little squirt 57. *Mother’s mom 61. *She fought for Mother’s Day, then against it 64. In advance 65. *Bambi’s mom 67. Fancy tie 69. Less than fernier 70. I have 71. “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” host 72. Fairies 73. Galley equipment 74. Feed the fire

DOWN 1. Kitchen meas.

2. Stay out of its way!

3. Pelvic parts 4. Tennis great Chris ____ 5. Particular arrangement 6. Away from wind 7. *Mother’s favorite gift?

8. Ancient marketplace 9. Part of a scheme 10. No neatnik 11. Sushi restaurant soup 12. One-pot meal 15. Like the States 20. *One of the Gilmore girls 22. Hill dweller 24. One-eyed giants 25. *She played Forrest Gump’s mother 26. May edition, e.g.

27. *Worn atop the Queen Mother 29. Denials 31. Nike’s “Just ____ ____” 32. Private 33. “Take it back!”

34. *Mother in KrakÛw 36. Lard cousin 38. October birthstone 42. Plural of sputum 45. Rundown 49. Bottom line 51. Kind of ungulate, pl.

54. Where you’ll find AM 56. Living room centerpiece?

57. Gamecock’s spur 58. *Greek goddess of fertility 59. Bald eagle’s nest 60. *Mums’ mums 61. Opposite of cheer 62. International Civil Aviation Org. 63. Puppet precursor, possibly 66. *Female gametes 68. CafÈ alternative

60

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Finish Carpenter Framing & drywall repairs, kitchen & bathroom remodeling, etc. Must present high attention to detail; the finish work must be perfect!

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

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

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

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

IS STILL HIRING! KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children & Adult) Case Manager (FT) Substance Abuse Counselor

MARATHON

RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT& FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT) Peer Support Specialist *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!

Background and drug screen req.

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

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

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

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

NOW HIRING

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

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

61

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

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

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

NEW & REPAIR

Authorized Dealer

305-664-0099

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

www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

Sportfishing Adventures

To order call 908.797.9430

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

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

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

Please remember, you must be 21 to purchase alcohol.

Operating Since 2004 Appliance and Air Conditioning

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

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

PROP DOC

KEY WEST,

inc.

Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

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

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

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

propdrkw@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

305

We also service and sell: Marine A/C, Refrigeration, Watermakers, Batteries, Solar Systems, Anything Electrical!

NOW HIRING!

• SINCE 1989 •

296-BLUE

305-289-1150

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

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

1075 Duval St Located in Duval Square 305.433.1290

3229 Flager Ave Suite 102 305.517.6582

305-743-7454

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

62

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

Liz Samess

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service

Marathon, FL 33050

Serving Key Largo to Key West

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

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 gr & • calculus ons less • 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

63

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING 305 3902315

WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM OFFER YOUR ENJOY EXPERT MAXIMIZE GUESTS A VIP PROPERTY YOUR INCOME EXPERIENCE MAINTENANCE POTENTIAL

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.KeysWeekly.com

305-743-0844

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

QUICK & RELIABLE OPEN WATER MARINE SERVICES JARED FRANK

OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

64

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MAY 7, 2020