Key West Weekly 20-0618

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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June 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

1,595 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

The number of new hospitalizations in Florida from coronavirus from June 5 — when the state entered the next reopening phase — to June 17. Bars and theaters opened their doors earlier in the month following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order. It also allowed for increased capacities at restaurants and retails stores. Hospitalized counts include anyone who’s been hospitalized at some point during their illness. It doesn’t reflect the number currently admitted.

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The Fourth of July parade in Key Largo in 2019. The parade, put on by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, will not go on this year. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

4TH FESTIVITIES ON TAP; VIRUS BRINGS CHANGES

K

ey West’s elected officials are concerned about the potential for viral spread at the annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks, but city commissioners did not move to cancel the island’s Independence Day celebration at their June 16 meeting.

Commissioners spoke with fireworks organizer Jim Olive of the Rotary Club of Key West, who pledged that his group will emphasize masks, distancing and personal responsibility through ample signage at the Key West fireworks event.

“I think this is something we have to do for our residents and the community. I’m not prepared to cancel it at this point,” Commissioner Billy Wardlow said at the meeting.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston pointed out the “blatant disregard” visitors downtown had shown for the city’s rules and mask requirements the prior weekend. She asked the commissioners, over the next two weeks, to

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speak with their constituents and carefully consider “unintended consequences.”

The 45th annual Key Largo 4th of July Parade will not go on as planned due to issues with closing the road, as well as other safety concerns. The annual parade usually sees a number of floats going northward from Anthony’s Ladies Apparel, MM 98.2, median, to Laguna Avenue.

“There was situation with closing the road down. The county called and said they couldn’t do it” said Elizabeth Moscynski, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce president.

The City of Marathon has ordered the fireworks and put in the permits for the annual Fourth of July celebration at Sombrero Beach. But at the June 9 city council meeting, officials said they are still pondering whether or not to open Sombrero Beach to the public on that day depending on whether there is a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases in Marathon and the Florida Keys.

Normally, the Rotary Club of Marathon sells hot dogs, burgers and beverages at the beach. Rotarian Sam Williams said he’s prepared to go ahead. The parade, organized by Rotarian Leigha Fox, is also ready to go. Parade participants should muster at 10 a.m., be ready to step off at 11 a.m., and arrive at the beach at noon.

Both Williams and Fox noted that plans are subject to change.

— Weekly staff report

The following officials were elected without opposition on June 12: • Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay (R) • Clerk of Courts Kevin Madok (R) • Property Appraiser Scott Russell (R) • Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin (D) • Tax Collector Sam Steele (R) * • Key West City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley (Non) • Monroe County School Board member Mindy Conn (Non) • Monroe County School Board member Andy Grifiths (Non) • Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board member Jill Cranney-Gage (R) • Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board member Brandon Pinder (R) • Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board member Stanley Zuba (D) • Key West Utility Board Commissioner Tim Root (Non) • Key Largo Fire and Emergency Medical Board Commissioner Tony Allen (Non) • Key West Utility Board Commissioner Pat Labrada (Non) * *First term in office, newly elected — Weekly staff report

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CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

H

old onto your masks.

At the June 17 BOCC meeting, the county commissioners voted unanimously to approve a county ordinance requiring masks and other similar face coverings at “business establishments” until June 1, 2021.

There are rules and exceptions, of course, but the goal, according to County Attorney Bob Shillinger, was to create an ordinance with “brightline,” clear rules and actual enforceability.

“We want an easily definable law so law enforcement or code enforcement officers can say, ‘Okay, A, B and C happened, so you get a ticket,” he said.

The lengthy discussion began with a recap of the latest health statistics in Monroe County, where COVID-19 cases have been on the rise since the Keys removed checkpoints on June 1. At the time of writing, the Keys had seen 137 positive cases.

“Two weeks ago, the board wanted to do an experiment with voluntary compliance," Shillinger added.

“Yeah, and we saw how that worked out,” Commissioner Sylvia Murphy said.

Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers noted that the weekly percent of positive cases in Dade County is 9.4%, whereas Monroe sits at 3.1%.

“We’re on their doorstep,” she said.

“Our positive percent rate is 3.1%, and we don’t want to get close to 9%.”

The mayor expressed concern about images of crowds on Duval Street in Key West and of upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Bob Eadie, health officer for Monroe County, agreed, saying, “On Duval Street, not only are people not wearing masks, they’re not even carrying masks.

They’re obviously going somewhere… so I don’t think voluntarily requesting someone to do something has worked.”

Eadie noted that the case count numbers are “going the wrong way, not only in Monroe County, but in the state and nationally.”

“We need to be very, very cautious in what we do, and, not to be redundant, masks and face coverings are the best way to prevent spread,” Eadie said.

After hours of back and forth, the commissioners agreed to certain recommendations and mandatory requirements surrounding the use of face masks.

Recommendations in the adopted ordinance include: • People older than 6 wear masks when outside their place of residence.

• Everyone older than 6 should carry a mask that's capable of “immediate use” when away from home. Parents would be “responsible” for ensuring kids have masks.

• Business owners and managers establish rules that encourage social distancing, hand washing and other protective measures for customers and employees.

Shillinger noted that these measures were merely recommendations to align with CDC guidelines, “so it’s not like someone will get a ticket for noncompliance.”

In terms of mandatory requirements, the BOCC ruled that masks will be required within the county at any “business establishment,” defined as a place of business with a roof overhead where the public enters.

Commissioners noted that this would affect places like Boondocks, Hog’s Breath, tiki huts and restaurants with indoor/outdoor spaces with roofs, but not at places like Dolphin Research

Center’s outdoor spaces or for people walking along Duval Street.

The following guidelines and exceptions to the mandatory mask ordinance were also included: • Countywide implementation, but municipalities can constitutionally opt out and create their own rule, should they wish.

• Owners, operators, managers or employees of a business or lodging shall ensure every individual in their establishment complies with this section. “The onus will be on them (the owner),” Shillinger noted, “but the idea is that they can point to the county and say ‘There’s this ordinance. I get in trouble if you don’t comply.’ And if the customer doesn't, the owner can ask them to leave, and if they don’t, it’s trespassing.”

• Visitors shall not be required to wear masks at “lodging establishments” like hotels or vacation rentals if they’ve rented the entire space for themselves.

• Restaurants shall require masks when customers walk in the door. Masks can be removed only while dining and consuming beverages while seated at a table.

• Gym patrons shall wear masks to enter gym facilities and walk around, but not when engaged in workouts or classes as long as a 6-foot distance is kept from the next closest patron.

• Masks are not required at barber shops or beauty salons if the mask shall reasonably impede receiving the service.

• Schools serving students under the age of 18 are exempt and can set their own guidelines to keep students and teachers safe.

• Persons at their place of work and not within 6 feet of another person shall not be required to wear a mask, with the exception of kitchens.

Penalties for non-compliance include civil fines ranging from $500 to $15,000. Both law and code enforcement officers can issue citations and fines for violations. Carruthers pushed for criminal penalties in addition to civil, saying, “The threat of going to jail may carry more weight than a $500 ticket to someone just in town from somewhere else.” Ultimately, the criminal penalty in the draft ordinance was removed by a 3-to-2 vote. continued on page 51

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

BOTH LOCATIONS NOW OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY AT 5 P.M.

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RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Please remember to bring your masks (per City of Key West mandate)

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

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Let's keep Monroe County safe for our residents, our visitors, and our natural resources.

Re-elect Dennis Ward, Monroe County State Attorney Paid by Dennis W. Ward, Republican, for State Attorney.

CORONAVIRUS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

COUNTY’S HEALTH OFFICER DISCUSSES REOPENING, CASES, TRACING

C

oronavirus cases in the Keys increased by six on June 17 to bring the total to 137. The islands reopened to visitors on June 1. Since then, a total of 28 new positive cases have been reported by the Florida Department of Health.

Hospitalizations, however, have remained at zero for the past four weeks. Health officials say they’re keeping a close eye on hospital visits as the Keys continue to welcome guests from various parts of the state and other parts of the country.

Keys Weekly spoke with Bob Eadie, health officer of Monroe County, on the recent reopening, new cases witnessed since the checkpoints ended, testing and contact tracing throughout the islands.

How would you assess the reopening and cases we’ve seen since the reopening? I’m expecting, given more people coming in and out of the Keys, that we probably will see more cases. The thing to really emphasize with everything is that all of the CDC recommendations that were given from the beginning to now — adding the wearing of masks everywhere — are really the most important things we can be doing right now. There’s been an uptick in cases, but those cases have come from people who have been here. There’s a case on Stock Island that had several cases within the family group after they had been to a family meeting in Dade County.

The family was exposed to their father, who was from South Carolina, who was positive. The family group is starting to show positivity, too. The other recent case we had was someone in the Crystal Nursing facility in Tavernier.

All of the people who are here in the county, all of the new cases we have, are people who were legitimately here that the checkpoint would not have had any effect on. But it does show that there are infectious cases around and that we have to be very vigilant.

Bob Eadie, health officer of Monroe County.

CONTRIBUTED

What is the health department specifically monitoring as we move forward? The thing that’s really concerning is how many of the people who are positive go on to develop the disease and the serious effects of it, and how many need hospitalization.

So far, our hospitalizations have all come at the beginning of the outbreak.

Are we seeing those go up? No, we are not. Are we ready? Yes, we are. We’ve learned a lot since the beginning of the outbreak as to the best ways to treat people who do get hospitalized. I think we’re better off along those lines, but we still want to be very vigilant, as there’s a finite capacity for hospital beds here. We seem to be as prepared as we can be right now.

How are the contact tracing operations in Monroe County going?

We’re working on that right now. The staff that we got is working hard to come up with a procedures manual.

The central office of the state Department of Health has put contracts in place for us to reach out to contact tracers. I had wanted, and we’re working on this, to be able to use our EMTs to do some testing and some contact tracing. They are a resource here that would have a smaller learning curve and they are used to medical procedure and they’re local. That’s proceeding, not as quickly as I want. We’re running as fast as we can.

How would you assess the availability of testing in Monroe County?

In what ways has it expanded? You couldn’t get PCR tests at all in the beginning because they weren’t being distributed. We don’t have that problem now as the Department of Health is distributing them to those who really need them. Those tests are available now through testing labs like Quest or Labcorp and other facilities to take pressure off the state lab to do testing. With antibody testing, more and more are coming online. The issue

with those were they didn’t have FDA vetting at all. The issue became that they weren’t reliable. But that’s starting to get better. You can get tests now from any of the Advanced Urgent Care centers. Dr. Bruce Boros has been working with us, so we’re developing where we will have community events.

CHI has the ability to do both tests, as does Rural Health Network and Good Health Clinic.

What’s a key message that the health department in Monroe County is getting out to the public?

You need to take those CDC guidelines to heart and make sure you have your mask on at all times when it’s appropriate and that you socially distance, wash your hands and take care of yourself. I know people are upset when they see people who don’t have their mask on, and rightfully so. At the end of the day, nobody can take care of their health better than an individual can. If you're in a place where you feel uncomfortable, leave and go somewhere else.

Do you support the county’s ordinance requiring people to wear masks inside establishments? Yes, I totally support people wearing masks.

I think you wIll see more and more studies that prove it effective in helping control the spread of COVID-19. I think it’s easier if you have a government mandate for business owners to be able to say you have to do that, rather than try to tell somebody this is what I’m going to do if you’re in my establishment. I think it gives more emphasis to how important mask wearing should be.

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ELECTION 2020

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

CARRUTHERS, MARTINEZ VIE FOR COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3 SEAT MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

M

onroe County has lost tourism revenue, tax revenue and residents throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Additional challenges lie ahead as the island chain deals with sea level rise, housing shortages for working residents, the continuing decline of the coral reef and the steep cost of employee salaries and benefits packages.

The Monroe County Commission District 3 race pits incumbent Democrat Heather Carruthers against Republican land surveyor Eddie Martinez.

Keys Weekly asked both candidates to answer the same four questions in 100 words each. Martinez did not return repeated phone calls, text messages and emails until after presstime on Wednesday, June 17. His answers will appear online at keysweekly.com.

Here are the questions each candidate was asked, along with Carruthers' answers: 1. If you had sole authority to make one immediate and permanent change to Monroe County government (with regard to policies, operations, personnel, payroll, or anything else) what would you do?

2. Financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic are still being calculated and continue to rise at the local, state, national and global level.

As Monroe County develops its budgets for the next five years, where, specifically, should cuts be made, and how do you envision the impact on property taxes?

3. With the added benefit of hindsight, what should Monroe County have done differently in its response to coronavirus?

4. What must Monroe County do to encourage and enable more affordable housing options in the Keys?

Name: Heather Carruthers Age: Older than I look (I hope) Professional Background: Before Key West: marketing and advertising, and professional ensemble singing. In Key West: hotelier (owner of a 38-room guest house) Political Party: Democratic Current Job: County Commissioner and Realtor 1. Come on, just one? I would change our requirement to abide by certain state regulations and unfunded mandates that govern the character of our communities.

For instance, we can't amend regulations for vacation rentals or whether your neighbor has a gun range in his backyard. We pick up the tab for state decisions like defunding health departments and increasing school security without real input into the decisions in the first place. Florida is a very diverse state, and one size does not fit all. We should have more latitude to meet our community's needs.

2. This is not the year to be raising property taxes, even though our budget will likely take about an $8 million hit thanks to COVID-19. We have about 39 staff vacancies that we won't be able to fill that should save us around $2 million. There will be no merit increases this year. I want to see if we have any leeway to redirect some capital monies into operations. We need to replenish our reserves over the next five years. There are some projects that we'd hope to begin that will have to be postponed, eliminated or scaled back, but I can't enumerate them until we are actually in the budget process which will begin in a few weeks.

3. I wish we had been aware earlier — but that's true not just of our County. I do believe we did a pretty good job of "flattening the curve" and not overwhelming our hospital system. I worry the inconsistency in the mask issue may have impacts going forward. I would like the TDC message to more forcefully support responsible travel to the Keys (and I'm working on that).

The biggest problem for the County was that the State of Emergency triggered the emergency pay plan that was designed to ensure we had employees to respond to a hurricane, and this was a very different kind of event. We should have never gone to emergency pay.

We fixed it as soon as we caught it, but that was too late.

4. Where to start? We have limited land and high cost of construction due to our building strength requirements and our distance from the mainland. As the Commissioner tasked with addressing this issue after Irma, I advocated for streamlining the approval process (while still allowing multiple opportunities for public input) to help lower the cost and decrease the time it takes to build workforce developments. We must allow some increases in density in appropriate areas (especially those close to employment centers) to make it worthwhile to build. I advocate dedicating all our unspoken-for future building rights (ROGOs) for affordable housing. We also need to find some way to encourage owners of multiple properties to rent to full-time residents at affordable rates.

Name: Eddie Martinez Political Party: Republican Current Job: Professional land surveyor

KEY WEST

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020 MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

TROUBLE AHEAD? CITY FACES TOUGH DECISIONS AND TIGHT BUDGET

T

he hits kept coming at the Key West city commission meeting on June 16.

Large groups of visitors had displayed what Mayor Teri Johnston called “a blatant disregard” for the city’s mask requirements and social distancing regulations, calling into question the safety and wisdom of future events, including Fourth of July fireworks, lobster mini-season and, ultimately, Fantasy Fest.

The commission also learned the long-awaited assisted-living facility on Duck Avenue is losing $104,000 a month and needs financial support from the city of Key West, and Monroe County, housing authority director Manuel Castillo said.

Finally, the city is preparing a budget that takes into account decreased revenues from cruise ships, in the event that a voter referendum passes in August, requiring the city to limit the size of ships and number of passengers who can visit Key West.

“People need to know how this will impact taxes and millage rates,” Commissioner Sam Kaufman said.

“I agree, we need to see a worstcase scenario,” Commissioner Billy Wardlow told City Manager Greg Veliz, who said he shares the mayor’s concerns about upcoming events.

“It’s been asked of me whether I can guarantee a safe atmosphere for the Fourth of July fireworks, but I’m not sure I know how. I’m not sure we can deliver anything significantly different than what we saw this weekend,” Veliz said.

The commissioners were not willing to cancel the fireworks event at their June 16 meeting, but emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and adequate signs to organizers from the Rotary Club of Key West, which sponsors the fireworks in partnership with the city.

“Our numbers are not going in the right direction,” Johnston said.

“I’d like us all to spend the next two weeks thinking of unintended consequences. I am glad to say the Tourist Development Council has beefed up the language in its ads to include Key West’s mandatory mask requirements.

But I think we have to find a way for that message to reach the drive-down market that the TDC is targeting right now.”

Poinciana Gardens independent and assisted-living apartments need financial support from the City of Key West and Monroe County. MANDY MILES/ Keys Weekly

The commissioners also voiced support for the struggling Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility, despite looming budget concerns.

Castillo told the commissioners that since the facility opened in June 2018, it has been managed by two different private companies and subsidized by the housing authority to the tune of $2.5 million.

“It troubles me to have to have this conversation with you, but in February 2020, the housing authority took over management of the facility with the hope of creating an agreement with the county to manage it,” Castillo said.

“Then came COVID-19. Things are not going as smoothly with the county, and the housing authority doesn’t have the financial wherewithal to keep this going.”

If the city of Key West cannot help, then the housing authority may have to look for a private buyer for the facility.

“We would hope to sell the building, but lease the land underneath it to the buyer, so the land would remain publicly owned,” Castillo said, adding that the $104,000 monthly shortfall would decrease as more residents move into the facility, which has had to freeze new move-ins during the pandemic. Castillo did not say how many of the facility’s 104 or so units are currently occupied.

An unofficial straw vote during the virtual City Commission meeting showed support for the facility.

“I don’t think any of us are going to let that facility fail,” Johnston told Castillo.

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JUNETEENTH CELEBRATES END OF SLAVERY PEACEFUL MARCH STARTS AT AFRICAN CEMETERY

O

n Friday, June 19, a peaceful Freedom March in Key West will recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The Freedom March starts with a rally at 5 p.m. at the African Cemetery on Higgs Beach, near West Martello Tower. The march will start at 6 p.m. and head toward Mallory Square.

Route specifics were still being finalized at presstime.

The event also will feature speeches from members of the community, music and other contributions celebrating the culture of

people of color in Key West and all over.

The public is invited to this free event and the City of Key West has granted its support.

In addition to celebrating Juneteenth, the goal of the Freedom March is to defend black lives and black freedom, raise awareness and acknowledge the injustice and discrimination people of color face in this country as well as the work we still have to do to achieve Key West’s vision of One Human Family.

More information is at keysprotest.com.

— Contributed

NEW KEY WEST BANK PLANS GRAND OPENING GULF ATLANTIC BANK INVITES PUBLIC ON JUNE 26

L

eaders of the new Gulf Atlantic Bank on Key West’s North Roosevelt Boulevard want their customers to feel appreciated and the community to feel their commitment.

Gulf Atlantic Bank invites the public to a grand opening hot dog cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 26 at the bank, 2222 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Founders Peter Batty and Jeff Searcy recruited for their15-member staff some heavy hitters from the banking industry, including CEO Bryan Robinson; CFO Jon Eckstein; senior loan officer Shane Briening; IT and compliance specialist Derith Andrew; and residential lender Gabel Boyette McKechnie.

Batty and Searcy started Gulf Atlantic Bank when they identified a need for a local banking institution that focuses on the community’s needs, they said, adding that they’d like customers, after one visit to the bank, to say they felt the employees were helpful and appreciative of their business.

“We want our customers to know we understand what it takes to live, work and run a business here in the Florida Keys,” Batty said, adding that

Gulf Atlantic Bank opened recently at 2222 N. Roosevelt Blvd. in Key West.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

the bank’s new cloud-based technology makes it more adaptable and protected following a hurricane or other disaster.

Gulf Atlantic Bank offers all the traditional checking, savings, money market and retirement accounts, as well as business accounts, commercial, residential, consumer and SBA loans.

“We also offer online banking, mobile banking, mobile capture/ deposit, remote deposit capture, merchant card services, sweep accounts and zero-balance accounts,” he said. “We’ll measure the success of our new bank by the success of our clients and our impact in the community.”

12

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

SAFER, CLEANER SHIPS FOR THE FUTURE OF KEY WEST

ARLO HASKELL

www.keysweekly.com

S

even years ago, Key West was already being visited by some of the largest cruise ships in the world.

But that wasn’t enough for the cruise ship industry and their local backers. They put a referendum before Key West voters that sought to dredge a wider channel through the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to accommodate “super ships” — a then-new class of cruise ship so large that only a few harbors in the world can accommodate them.

Voters defeated the referendum with an astonishing 74% of the vote. It was one of the most lopsided elections in Key West’s history.

Cruise ship traffic to Key West has increased 26% since then. Last year we saw more than 390 cruise ships carrying 1.2 million people. Projections this year were for 450 ships and 1.5 million people.

And then Covid-19 changed everything. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control ordered cruise ships to suspend operations on March 14. Investigations by the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the Miami Herald showed cruise ships played a major role in the spread of Covid-19. Australia filed homicide charges against Carnival Corporation. And the United States House opened a Congressional investigation.

Meanwhile, a group of Key West residents began advocating for a change in Key West’s relationship to cruise ships. In addition to Covid-19, they cited the industry’s history of environmental crimes, and the damage cruise ships have caused to the Florida Keys marine ecosystem.

I am a member of one group that emerged from this groundswell, the Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships. In May, we launched a petition drive to amend the city charter by voter referenda. These proposals have cleared the necessary legal hurdles and will be on the ballot in November.

Voters will once again decide the future of cruise ships in Key West.

The referenda include three proposed amendments, which seek to balance the economic desire for cruise ships with the larger health, environmental, and economic interests of Key West’s residents. Voting “yes” to all three will limit the size of cruise ships allowed to visit; limit the number of people disembarking each day; and prioritize cruise ships with better environmental and public health records.

Our proposals have broad public support and have already been endorsed by the Key West Citizen. At last week’s Hometown! PAC forum for local candidates, they were described as the most important issue facing voters. Not a single candidate announced their opposition to the measures.

So it came as a surprise when local attorney Michael Halpern and restaurant owner Danny Hughes launched a media blitz attacking this grassroots movement as something driven by elite out-of-towners. “Leave Key West alone,” we were told.

“Go back where you came from,” they said.

This was bizarre invective given the fact that four of our five key organizers were born and raised here. And that Mr. Halpern and Mr. Hughes (Two Friends, you might say) were not. But they didn’t stop

Our committee recognizes the need for a broader conversation about racism in Key West. We know the tourist industry here was born in the Jim Crow 1930s.

We know the economic benefits of tourism have often been denied to Black Key Westers. And we believe Key West should do more to attract Black tourists. But the debate about cruise ships in Key West is not about racism.

there. They said we were driven by a racist agenda. They said we wanted to make “One Human Family” into “One White Family.”

We had been told that Mr. Halpern was pitching prospective clients on the baseless legal theory that limiting cruise ships is a discriminatory act. Apparently, he and Hughes concluded that a legal challenge would be a losing battle and decided to make their shameful case in public.

Our committee recognizes the need for a broader conversation about racism in Key West. We know the tourist industry here was born in the Jim Crow 1930s. We know the economic benefits of tourism have often been denied to Black Key Westers. And we believe Key West should do more to attract Black tourists.

But the debate about cruise ships in Key West is not about racism. It is about protecting public health, the environment, and our quality of life. It is about ensuring that our tourist economy serves future generations.

If Mr. Halpern is serious about addressing racial injustice in Key West, we would suggest that he study the true history of the Southernmost House Hotel, which he owns.

The Southernmost House is the former home of Judge J. Vining Harris. As I learned during years of research into Key West’s history of Black political activism and white violence, Judge Harris was the #2 officer in the Key West chapter of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s.

There were more lynchings per capita in Florida than anywhere else in the country during this time. And the headquarters of the Florida Klan was right here in Key West, where Charles Ketchum presided as Grand Dragon from his Eaton Street home.

The Klan of the Keys carried out a brutal terrorist campaign against Key West’s Black men, women, and children, while enjoying complete legal protection. Their members led the fire department, the police department, and the sheriff’s office. Through Judge Harris, the Klan controlled the courts as well.

To tourists spending $400 a night at Mr. Halpern’s Southernmost House, Judge Harris is presented as a founding father of Key West. But his legacy is one of the darkest corners of our history. And his Southernmost House is a brightly-colored monument to white supremacy.

An honest conversation about the history of racism in Key West is long overdue. We would welcome this conversation.

In the meantime, we would suggest that Mr. Halpern stop shopping his exotic legal theories, and leave the future of cruise ships in Key West to the voters.

— Arlo Haskell is treasurer of the Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships and the author of “The Jews of Key West: Smugglers, Cigar Makers, and Revolutionaries” (1823-1969).

13

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ISLAMORADA

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

ALL TOO FAMILIAR AT THE FILLS

Council wants solution to mitigate chaos

An aerial view of the Fills in Islamorada during the June 13-14 weekend shows cars packing both sides as sheriff’s deputies were busy patrolling. GEO TOTH/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

V

ehicles packed the Fills — the three small islands that connect Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys in Islamorada — last weekend, as daytrippers and visitors ventured to the popular spot for a day by the water. The Fills, which were closed since mid-March, reopened to visitors along with the rest of the Keys earlier in the month. And with the reopening of the area came increased activity, illegal parking, citations and complaints.

Now, officials are working toward a solution to control the situation yet again, and it’s set to be a discussion topic at the meeting of the village council on Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually; more information is at islamorada.fl.us “The village was not prepared for the onslaught going to the Fills last weekend,” vice mayor Ken Davis said on Monday. “The people were down there all day, every day.”

Issues surrounding the Fills, which spans from MM 77.5 to MM 79.8, aren’t new to locals, the state, which owns the property, or the village, which has a lease with the state to maintain the

area. Matters worsened when another popular hangout spot on Card Sound Road in Key Largo was closed, making the Fills an even more enticing destination in the Upper Keys for weekenders and visitors. Look no further than the scene during Memorial Day weekend last year that elevated the frustration among locals and village officials.

Last summer, Islamorada officials and the Florida Department of Transportation came to a temporary compromise that allowed the village to control parking along the Fills during

“The village was not prepared for the onslaught going to the Fills last weekend, the people were down there all day, every day.” ­— vice mayor Ken Davis

busy weekends and holidays. That was extended through Nov. 1, 2019 in order to give the village time to submit an application for a more long-term maintenance arrangement.

With barriers and cones in place, the temporary agreement allowed the village to design and create 80 to 90 permitted parking spots. It also allowed the village to staff the Indian Key boat ramp parking lot and other parking.

More trash drums were also placed to address littering, and the speed limit was lowered to 45 mph thanks to Sheriff Rick Ramsay. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has provided additional parking control and enforcement along the entire Fills, and that continued last weekend as deputies were busy handing out parking tickets while gathering complaints of loud music. More than 60 violations were written up Sunday alone.

“It was very, very busy last weekend,” said Adam Linhardt, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.

As it stands now, it’s legal for people to park in permitted spots and enjoy a day by the water — and that includes setting up tents and barbecuing.

Linhardt said if the village, through its partnership with FDOT, doesn’t want that to be the case, then the sheriff’s office will work with the entities to help.

“Our hands are tied if there’s no law being broken,” Linhardt said. “I know the captain is going to work with the village of Islamorada and try to find out a plan that the village might have going forward that makes the most people happy and the least amount of people upset, which is always a challenge.”

In April, village council approved a five-year sublease with FDOT to maintain the Fills. The 2019-20 budget includes $47,600 in the public works department for one full-time Fills facility attendant and an additional $30,000 for rental of portable toilets and other operating supplies. The village said it’s working on a plan to present to council members at the June 18 meeting.

Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster characterized the handling of the Fills last weekend as a “total failure” and said that it must be contained at all costs.

Forster said the plan should be the same as the one the village enacted just before the Fourth of July last year, but with more teeth in the way of a parking fee or a tow-away zone.

“We have the capabilities. We did it within three days of getting the lease from FDOT last year,” he said. “It’s not like ‘let’s see if we can make it happen.’

Let’s just get back to doing what we did before.”

Forster said he takes responsibility and said that “it won’t happen again.”

“There’s no reason why we can’t do it again,” he said. “They (the village) did a yeoman's job and nobody complained back then when we took over, and that’s where we want to get back to again.”

Expect firm actions and more resources this weekend, Davis said.

“There will be a solution. It will not happen again,” he said. “I don’t care if we have to have half of the staff and council out there.”

15

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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ART / ENVIRONMENT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

ISLAMORADA MARINE LIFE ARTIST TEAMS UP WITH NONPROFITS TO ADD COLOR TO CONSERVATION

PAINT NIGHT IN A BOX

E

verything you need for a fun night in comes packed in a box. At least it does if it comes from Islamorada marine life artist Jessica Ann Hessing.

Hessing is a Keys native, and her love of the ocean and its creatures inspires her work. She uses her artistic talent to help people connect with conservation.

Before quarantine, Hessing hosted “Painting the Keys� art classes in person, with groups joining together over a glass of wine or two and painting marine life in her colorful style. Hessing painted in front, gave tips and answered questions. “Snowbirds and visitors who saw us at restaurants and bars loved the idea. They asked if we could ship, and we got the idea for ‘Paint Night in a Box,’� Hessing said. “That was before COVID, and it ended up being perfect timing because now, even with quarantine, we are able to keep people engaged with art and conservation.�

The boxes include everything needed to create your own masterpiece. Hessing goes live

on Facebook with step-by-step tutorials that can be paused and rewatched later.

As a bonus, each month, Hessing partners with a local marine conservation organization and donates 10% of proceeds from paint night boxes to benefit its mission. Pamphlets are included in the boxes, and a representative “goes live� with Hessing to explain the importance of the organization’s work, and to paint with her.

Hessing offers an adult painting and a kid-level painting for each nonprofit. “Most of the paint night boxes are simplified versions of what I’ve done, tied to the nonprofit,� Hessing said. “So, for Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), we have an eagle ray over some corals. For Save-a-Turtle, we’ll paint sea turtles. For the Everglades, maybe a spoonbill or alligator.�

CRF’s paint night was the first of the new partnerships and resulted in 38 paint night boxes being shipped out, including one to Hawaii. “CRF is always incredibly grateful to have the support of local businesses and Jessica

2 Ann is no different,� Bridget Hickey, CRF donor engagement manager, said. “The reefs support each and every one of us in the Keys, and we are heartened to see members of the local community so invested in the future of our coral reefs.�

CRF volunteer coordinator J.D. Reinbott added, “This was such a fun way to help our reefs. I’m a total fan. I want to sign up for all of them!�

This connection to art and to sea life is precisely why Hessing does what she does. In an interview with CRF, she said, “I believe that if I can get people to fall in love with the sea life I paint, and if I continue to learn and share with my collectors about how they can help, then I am doing my part.�

The next partnership will benefit Savea-Turtle in Marathon. More information is at paintingthekeys.com/.

1. Coral Restoration Foundation’s J.D. Reinbott holds CRF’s “Paint Night in a Box,� and Islamorada artist Jessica Ann Hessing shows off the finished product, spotted eagle ray (adult) and angelfish (kids) swimming over a coral reef. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

1

2. Artist Jessica Ann Hessing with her “In the reef� collection, sales from which also benefit CRF. Hessing is inspired by the local marine life and the organizations working to conserve them. JESSICA ANN ART STUDIO/Contributed

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

19

20

FATHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

The phenomenal fathers raising Keys kids Dads are more than a go-to for car troubles or opening up that pesky, tight jar top. They’re dedicated and take time to show their loved ones the way.

They enjoy adventures with their kids, and they even like to embarrass their sons and daughters a time or two. With Father’s Day approaching, the Keys Weekly is proud to showcase just a few of the many special dads, grand-dads, step-dads and dad-in-laws throughout the Keys. To all dads out there: Happy Father’s Day.

Derek Norman of DRN Moving, with wife Jacqui and Kara, Emma and Taryn.

“Our dad rocks because he takes time to find and do things together that we love, like scuba diving!”

— Kara Norman.

“Our dad is a very selfless person who goes out of his way to create new positive experiences for people lucky enough to be around him. He constantly encourages us to further our education, and always values the time he spends with us.”

— Chase and Emerson Fariss.

Pictured, from left, Chase, Bruce, April and Emerson Fariss.

“Thanks, Dad, for teaching me 'our songs,' for loving me unconditionally; showing me how a man treats the woman he loves and never letting me settle for less.”

— Mandy Miles

"Call him Chris, Captain or Coach, but his biggest fans just call him Daddy. Happy Father's Day!" — Eva, 10, Billy, 8, and wife, Michelle Norwood

"My dad (DAVID MOOK) is unexplainable. He always makes difficult, everyday tasks easier. And despite all he’s been through, he makes the best of every moment."

— daughter Lilia.

FATHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

Marc Anderson of Key Colony Beach gets high marks from his daughter, Jena. She said, “My dad rocks because he’s always there for me — no matter how young or old, near or far. Oh, and he’s always up to go fishing!”

Four generations of Gratton men gather for a photo op: Chris, John, Rio and Josh. The Marathon family sums it up with two quotes: “Families are like fudge — mostly sweet with lots of nuts” and “I smile because you’re my father; I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it.” Sounds about right.

Cool dad, cool son — that’s how it goes. Elizabeth Schut said her husband Derek SCHUT is always there for her and their son, Cash, 13. “He can fix anything. And he’s the biggest goofball that will keep you smiling every day.”

Put a big, chill dude with his two kids and they — wait for it — chill. City of Marathon’s Andre Garvey and his son Andre, 15, and daughter Jaylin, 12, like to have dinner together or watch movies.

New Life Assembly of God’s pastor Keith LaFountain has a big family.

“My joy is just to see them embrace life and all of its blessings.

To share in their joy of life is my greatest reward,” he said. Pictured are his son Brandon, left, granddaughter Mia, son-in-law Mark Climo, daughter Adrienne Climo, grandson Carter, wife Debra, and LaFountain.

Wendy Sipe engaged her kids — Logan, 20, Kayla, 15, and Taylor, 14 — with a lively text message exchange about their dad, AARON SIPE. They came up with this: “He’s our patience, our calm, our drop-everything-at-any-time-andbe-there for-us-ALWAYS dad. He’s taught us to work hard and be there for people, to always lend a hand. He keeps us laughing daily, but especially on long car rides with his terrible dad dance moves.” Good work, guys.

21

The Keys Weekly is honored that Jeanine and Patrick D’Amico chose us for the big reveal: the two will be having a baby sometime in December. The onesie reads “Well played, Quarantine. Arriving December 2020.” Congratulations to the soon-to-be-dad!

“The best gift I ever gave my dad, John Newton, is his son-in-law Mark Matthis,” said Keys Weekly’s Sara Matthis. “On this particular weekend Mark gave my dad a quarantine haircut. Please note who he trusts with the scissors.

Seriously, though, I love to see their friendship.”

Duck Key resident Lavarski Smith has 2.8 children: Lavarski Smith Jr., 10, Myalin Smith, 8, and Maliyah Smith, who is due in August. “Being a dad is about teaching and growing with my kids. I enjoy seeing their faces light up for things that're so simple, like playing Roblox with my boy or playing Barbie and Ken with my little princess.”

Smith is the district manager for Coca-Cola in the Florida Keys. (The dog’s name is Jax.) Look who’s ready to spend his father’s day with his brand new son?

Luke Geradot and his wife Guinevere welcomed Logan on May 9 at Lower Keys Medical Center. She’s a teacher, he’s a coastie and the family resides on Big Pine Key.

22

FATHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

“Quinn loves to learn Georgia Bulldogs football chants, how to give the biggest hugs and so many other amazing lessons from her amazing dad, Bobby Wallace.”

— Audra Wallace, wife, Key Largo

“My dad Terry Abel always wants to help and make you happy any way he can. He pays attention to things you like and tries to keep doing them.”

— Caitlyn and Emma, daughters, Islamorada

“Timmy Arce is the best dad ever because he would do anything in the world for his girls. We are so lucky to have you!”

— Addison, Joey and Marley, daughters, and Sam, wife, Islamorada

“My father Norman Penn is the foundation of our family. His integrity and work ethic, along with a whole lot of patience and guidance, has earned him the title of an incredible dad. Happy Father’s Day, dad. We love and celebrate you.”

— Landson Snyder, great-grandson, Penny Penn, daughter, Coral Snyder, great-granddaughter, Patrick Penn, son, Tavernier

“Our dad Jason Webb is the best because he makes any situation fun. He takes us to do the most exciting things, and he makes the best food! He also gives us giant hugs every morning!”

— Trenton, Connor, Liam and Finn, sons, Key Largo

“Victor Franchisi is the most amazing dad because he is such a good role model on how to treat others, communication, using manners with everyone you meet, respect and about working hard. He also plays with his kids all the time — whether it’s Barbies, dress up, or even makeup with Mikayla, to video games or fishing.”

— Christi Allen Franchisi, wife, Mikayla, daughter, and Vic, son, Key Largo

“My dad Steve Hurt is super awesome and he has always been there for me. I love my dad more than anything and I can’t wait to spend more years hanging with my dad!”

— Brian Hurt, son, Key Largo

“We want to recognize and thank our Scoutmaster Ariel Poholek, for being more than a Scout leader.

Thank you for being a mentor, friend and role model for what a kind, involved and devoted father is. We have learned so much in your care. Wishing you love and support on this day! Happy Father’s Day.” — Boy Scouts of America Troop 912, Tavernier

“My father Aaron Austin is a remarkable person and an excellent parent. I have always loved him not only because of his kindness and him being there for me, but also for who he is as a person.”

— Aidan Austin, son, Key Largo

FATHER’S DAY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

One of my favorite pictures: My dad, carrying and comforting me. CONTRIBUTED

THANKS, DAD. MISS YOU

W

hat does it mean to be a father?

My friend Ari Poholek asked me this question on the phone after losing his two sons in one day, in different, tragic

ways.

“Now, I’m just going to be a bystander,” he said.

“Pascal’s friends will go on and have all these wonderful experiences. How am I going to go on? That all is lost to me. Pascal never got the opportunity to do that.”

I inhaled deeply. I knew these thoughts. They have haunted me often the last 19 years.

In 2001, when I was 17 years old, my dad died, I told Ari. It was also sudden, and I remember my own racing mind going through all the life events suddenly out of my reach.

“I get no more memories with him,” I remember thinking. “He won’t see me graduate high school or college.” Then, almost immediately, “Oh. He won’t be there to walk me down the aisle. Oh, my kids (if I have any) will be down one grandparent.”

And finally, “I’ll never get to see him old and grey as a grandpa.” That one kicked me in the gut. How he was when he died is how he will always remain in my memory, frozen as the silly, quiet jokester who loved fast cars, new technology and my mom, sister and me, deeply.

TIFFANY DUONG is a self-made mermaid who loves all things cheesy (romantic and dairy) and thrives in the 3 a.m. hour. She believes in leaving it all on the field and has never met a (mis)adventure she didn’t love.

Ari and I cried on the phone together, empathetic mirror-images in the horrible parentchild loss experience.

Every Father’s Day, I come up short, feeling like I no longer have a “legitimate” right to celebrate, and like the love has nowhere to go. It’s weird, I know, but it just happens. The day feels heavy, and while I’ll call my grandpa, my uncles and my mom’s husband, the void of not being able to call the one person I really want to talk to often gets to me.

A friend of mine who lost her mom painted a pair of lonely palm trees on this last Mother’s Day and said, “To everyone who has lost a mother too soon: it’s ok if today was for crying.”

It struck me deeply. I remembered years of just crying through Father’s Day and his birthday, wanting simultaneously to acknowledge all that he was and to hide until the day was over. I remembered years I would try to numb myself to the day, to not deal with the barrage of thoughts. And, grateful, I also realized that the Father’s Days had become a lot less painful as the years had passed.

“It doesn’t get easier, per se, but you get better at coping,” I told Ari. “At least for me, it has helped to find ways to channel my grief, to make him proud. That, and I make sure to live my life fully, because he didn’t get to.”

That’s actually how I ended up in the Keys.

In 2015, 14 years after I lost my dad, I was an unhappy lawyer. A silent, deep pain in my heart reminded me every day that there had to be more to life than just grinding and working toward a “tomorrow” that very well might not be there. I quit, did some soul searching (and a lot of scuba diving), and eventually applied to an Instagram ad for an internship at the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo.

Two years later, I’m happily still here in our slice of paradise, doing what I love and surrounded by people just as obsessed with the oceans as I am.

And I have to credit losing my dad for that.

My loss became my gain. It taught me that life actually can be very short. It showed me how to make a plan B and C when A kicks you in the face. And, it afforded me the insight and courage to pick up and just go, without any real plan but with an undeniable gut feeling that something might be really, really good.

And so, on this fatherless Father’s Day, I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate my dad, wherever he is, and to thank him for still teaching me the most important lesson of my life, even in his absence: life is too short to be anything but happy.

Love you, Dada, and miss you.

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PETS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THE COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UPPER KEYS CENTER 106004 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida 33037 Thornton Construction Company, Inc requests subcontractor sealed bid proposals for the mentioned project Upper Keys Center for The College of The Florida Keys. The project is the development of a new 42,461 Gross Square Feet Two-story Tilt-up Construction Building and Full Site Development, for a Higher Education Facility. The building program will include multiple STEM Programs such as Allied Health & Nursing, Apprenticeships, Business Administration, Engineering Technology & Public Safety. The building construction will be per SREF, FBC, and Monroe County Code Standards.

THANKS TO GRANT, PETS GET HEARTWORM CHECK

Thornton Construction Company, Inc. requests all interested bidders to pre-qualify with Thornton Construction for participation in the bid process. All interested parties shall complete the prequalification form located at https://thornton-inc.com/subcontractors/. The information you will provide will be analyzed to confirm that the company has experience with this type of construction as well as experience with projects of a similar size.

Bid Documents – All documents will be available through the Building Connected Plan via invitation only. For documents request, please contact Floyd Smiley at 305-649-1995x2019 or email floyd@thornton-inc.com Prebid Meeting & Site Walkthrough: Date, Time (TBD). The Prebid meeting will be held remotely as a video conference. Based on the CDC Social Distancing Guidelines, we don’t foresee having a formal, physical walkthrough, but we will post recent photos from the job site and its surroundings.

Bid Due: July 8th, 2020 @ 2PM Sealed Bid Proposals to be delivered to Thornton Construction Main Office at 13290 NW 42 Avenue, Opa-Locka FL 33054, no later than July 8th, 2020 2PM. Bids will be opened on July 9th, 2020 at a location and time set by The College of the Florida Keys.

MBE Utilization: The College encourages MBE firms to compete for College contracts, and also encourages all vendors and contractors to use MBE firms as subcontractors. Contractors, and vendors should take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that minority businesses have the opportunity to compete for and perform contract work for The College in a nondiscriminatory environment. The contractor/vendor will be asked to submit quarterly reports showing actual expenditures with MBE subcontractors used. This project will be in compliance with the MBE Provisions for Monroe County, Florida. Goals for minority participation for each trade is 30.4% and goals for female participation for each trade is 6.9%.

Buy America Act – This project will utilize to the greatest extent practicable purchase of American made equipment and products with funding provided under this EDA financial assistance awarded projects.

Davis Bacon Wages Rate – Applies to all work scopes for this project that utilizes labor, and must be included in bid proposals provided for this project 5% Bid Bond and 100% Payment & Performance Bond will be required for work scopes $150,000 and greater.

Additional Requirements – This project is partially funded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) financial assistance awards, EDA Award No. 04-79-07372.

All Applicants/Bidders shall familiarize themselves with all applicable contract provisions pertaining to this project, in the following reference documents U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Standard Terms and Conditions for Construction Projects, EDA Contracting Provisions for Construction Projects, the Summary of EDA Construction Standards, and all applicable C.F.R. provisions.

Staff from Vets 4 Less and volunteers with Marrvelous Pet Rescues put on a successful heartworm clinic that tested more than 100 animals in the Upper Keys. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY

M

jim@keysweekly.com

ore than 100 Upper Keys animals were checked for heartworm during a recent clinic in Key Largo. The health checks were made possible by a grant from a local community organization.

In all, just one pet tested positive for the disease that causes lung disease, heart failure and other serious organ damage. Heartworm is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms are spread through the bites of mosquitoes, which are out in swarms nowadays.

Held at MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Adoptions at MM 99, oceanside, the heartworm testing clinic saw pets small and large, young and old getting their blood drawn.

It took just a few minutes between the draw and the test results. Staff members from Vets 4 Less were on site with a mobile clinic to provide the testing and a six- month supply of preventive care for those testing negative.

The clinic was part of MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s Pet Protection Program, which was made possible by a grant from the Community

Foundation of the Florida Keys.

“With the funding and donations, we were able to partner with Vets 4 Less to provide critical screening for a disease that poses severe impacts to the health of pets in the Keys,” said Ann Sandlin, rescue coordinator for MarrVelous Pet Rescues. “Our goal is to ensure the animals stay safe. We’re right in the heart of mosquito season, and it takes just one bite to start the spread of heartworm disease.”

The recent clinic is one of many services offered during the pandemic to assist pet owners who have been affected, many by their jobs and income. Along with the animal rescue’s mission of finding homes for animals, they’re helping the local community through the Pet Food Relief program. Owners can sign up for the Kibble Wagon by visiting www.marrvelouspetrescues.org. From there, volunteers deliver the food right to the pet owner’s door. MarrVelous is working alongside Keys Kritters and Whiskers and Paws to fulfill orders.

“Food is loaded into a volunteer’s vehicle and it’s delivered to the home without interaction with the owner,” Sandlin said. “It’s contactless.”

More information is at the website or 305-453-1315.

PETS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

MATCHMAKING

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

FKSPCA pairs humans and animals with special programs

D

arcy, now named Phyllis in honor of “The Office” television show, has settled in nicely at the Key West home of Nicoletta Robinson and Francie Steger. In fact, the two warn one another not to look at the cat when they are watching a movie. “She’ll start purring so loud we can’t hear the movie!” said Nicoletta. “It’s like Phyllis was born in our house.

She is sweet and affectionate and sleeps in our bed. She’s a wonderful, wonderful cat.”

Phyllis was adopted from the Florida Keys SPCA campus in Key West. The cat qualified for both of the FKSPCA’s current programs: Love is Blind and the Golden Paw Project. The first matches adopters and adoptees remotely (no contact) with a lengthy interview process and then “curbside” pickup. The second supports adoptions of animals older than 8 years with free blood tests prior to adoption, an annual exam at the shelter’s Dogwood Clinic and a year’s supply of flea, tick and heartworm treatment.

Nicoletta said of her cat, “Phyllis is amazing. We’re obsessed with her.”

Nicoletta and Francie were looking for a cat before the COVID-19 outbreak. For the shelter, the quarantine meant keeping the space safe by stopping adopter visits and limiting the number of volunteers at the facilities while limited shelter staff worked overtime to care for the animals and carry out its mission to find forever homes. The Love is Blind program became the vehicle to continue adoptions while observing social distancing.

And so Nicoletta and Francie applied online and had several conversations with shelter personnel. The pair were informed there were several cats that met the criteria and Darcy, a.k.a Phyllis, was at the top of the list. The curbside pickup was emotional. Shelter staff filmed the women picking up the cat, placed outside the door in a carrier, along with documents and a supply of toys.

“Because Darcy has feline HIV, she will be an only child,” Nicoletta said.

The shelter’s Golden Paw Project will help alleviate some of the other costs associated with pet ownership. The program is supported by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and Nola’s Fund, both designed to help find homes for older animals.

For more information about the programs listed, visit fkscpa. org and click on the adopt tab. Or call the shelters directly at 305294-4857 (Key West) or 305-743-4800 (Marathon).

Two Key West women adopted Darcy, now named Phyllis, through the FKSPCA’s programs “Love is Blind” and the “Golden Paw Project.” The cat is quite at home, say Nicoletta Robinson and Francie Steger. CONTRIBUTED

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat month. Between the two campuses of FKSPCA, in Marathon and Key West, there are 132 cats up for adoption — all ages, breeds, coat patterns and temperaments.

All adoption fees are currently waived. For animal lovers who cannot adopt, the FKSPCA is hosting a special “kitten shower.” Donate to either shelter’s Amazon wish list to buy supplies for kittens while they are being fostered, or become a kitten foster parent by providing a safe space for the animals to grow until they are ready to be adopted. For more information about the kitten shower, visit fkspca.org and click on the kitten shower button under the education and events tab.

ED

A

ER

T VE

WN NO

347 Aviation Blvd. | Marathon 305.394.0747

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DADS WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND!

Building Contractor CBC 044320 • General Contractor CGC 1510157 • Roofing Contractor CCC 1331887 • Plumbing Contractor CFC045270 • Mold Assessor MRA 2915 • Mold Remediator MRSR 3088

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26

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSING HOW IT CAN HELP OUR COMMUNITY WHAT IT IS Tobacco Retail Licenses (TRLs) give communities more control over how tobacco and nicotine products are sold, and protect vulnerable populations against tobacco companies’ point-of-sale marketing.

TRLS CAN: Address emerging tobacco products, like e-cigarettes and heatnot-burn devices.

Limit flavored product sales, which can have a positive impact on reducing youth tobacco use rates in Florida. 2 3 4 5 6

Include distance and zoning limits.

Reduce point-of-sale advertising and product placement.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSES CAN:

Increase positive public health outcomes

Effectively limit youth access to tobacco.

Provide a model for implementing other tobacco control policies that protect our community.

Contact Priscilla Bennett at Priscilla.Bennett@flhealth.gov or 305-676-3856 for more information on how you can get involved to protect our community.

Restrict tobacco sales in specific areas to help protect vulnerable populations.

27

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

STOP BEING BUGGED TOUGH ON BUGS - SAFE FOR PETS!

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CALL TODAY TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND PUT THOSE BUGS ON THE MARCH! PAULA BARRY • 305.304.1119 • paulaspestcontrol1@gmail.com

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To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Monday-Friday 11am-2pm Freddie, Scott & Rich

Lynn & Jody represented Buyers & Sellers of: 235 W. Seaview Dr., Duck Key, FL 33050

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

www.KeysRealEstate.com

Friday & Saturday

What Happens At the monkey stays at the monkey

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Tuesday & Thursday

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L O U N G E O P E N 7 D AY S 1 0 a m - 4 a m 3 0 5 - 7 4 3 - 4 0 2 8 L I Q U O R S T O R E 3 0 5 - 74 3 - 5 7 3 7 2 3 4 5 5 t h S t . K - M A R T P L A Z A M M 5 0

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KEYS CRIME

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

COLD MURDER CASE SOLVED Police: Murderer was killed one year later The two brothers wanted in the June 15 shooting on Stock Island are Jose Luis Espinosa Gomez, left, and Mayque Marin Gomez. MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Contributed

A

decades-old murder has been solved in the Florida Keys with the help of new DNA technology, said Sheriff Rick Ramsay, whose office worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the cold case.

The body of an unidentified female victim was discovered on Feb. 15, 1991, in a wooded area off U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 35. The case became known as the “Valentine Jane Doe Homicide.” It drew national media attention, particularly on true crime television shows such as “Unsolved Mysteries.” Sheriff’s detectives, as well as other law enforcement agencies, investigated countless leads, yet the case remained unsolved for 29 years — until now.

The previously unknown female has been identified as 18-year-old Wanda Deann Kirkum of Hornell, New York. It was determined after a national database search that Kirkum was never officially reported missing to law enforcement. Both her parents are now deceased.

Her killer has been identified as Robert Lynn Bradley, who himself was murdered in Tarrant County, Texas, in April 1992, at the age of 31.

Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Detective Vince Weiner and the FDLE partnered using advanced DNA technology, which helped identify the victim as well as the suspect.

Bradley’s DNA was obtained from the 1991 crime scene in the Florida Keys. That DNA, as well as DNA from his own homicide scene, were recently compared at the FDLE crime lab and determined to be a match. The Texas investigation offered evidence that suggested Bradley lived in Miami, Florida, in late November 1990.

Kirkum was seen hitchhiking out of Key West on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1991. Witnesses recalled seeing her northbound on U.S. 1 at MM10 on Big Coppitt Key and again at MM15. Kirkum was last seen at MM17 still hitchhiking at about 6:30 p.m.

Her body was found by windsurfers the following day at about 8:15 a.m., off a dirt road that leads to an area known to locals as the “Horseshoe,” east Wanda Deann of Big Pine Key Kirkum and west of Bahia Honda Key. Kirkum was face down and nude, with the exception of her bikini top, with which she had been strangled.

Her other clothes were found Robert Lynn Bradley nearby. Forensic examination determined she had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled to death.

Numerous law enforcement officers and experts from partner agencies have participated in this homicide investigation over decades. Countless investigative hours have been poured into trying to solve this crime. The sheriff’s office maintains more than 4,000 pages of investigative documentation. Now, with the victim and suspect identities known, the sheriff’s office is formally considering the “Valentine Jane Doe Homicide” resolved and closed.

“I would like to personally thank Major Crimes Unit Detective Vince Weiner and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their efforts in solving this very serious and tragic crime,” Ramsay said. “This case is a testament and shining example of this agency’s commitment to solving crime, no matter how old the case and no matter the challenges.”

— Contributed

STOCK ISLAND SHOOTERS STILL ON THE LOOSE One dead, one in critical condition after June 15 shooting

T

wo Stock Island brothers have been identified as the suspects in a fatal double shooting that occurred on June 15 at an area locally known as “La Curva” on Stock Island.

Jose Manuel Clemente, 45, of Stock Island, was pronounced dead at the scene. Iliecer Noa, 43, also of Stock Island, was airlifted via Trauma Star to Jackson South Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition as of presstime on June 17.

The suspects, who were still on the run as of June 17, have been identified as Mayque Marin Gomez, 31, and Jose Luis Espinosa Gomez, 34, both of Shrimp Road on Stock Island.

Both men are considered armed and dangerous by detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone who sees the men should not make any efforts to detain them, but should immediately call 911. However, detectives believe the shootings of Clemente and Noa were targeted hits, and not random acts of violence.

The murder and shooting investigation began at 4:50 p.m. on June 15, when the sheriff’s office responded to 5515 5th Avenue, Stock Island.

According to witnesses, the two suspects arrived on a black scooter at a shack in the lobster and stone crab trap yards, where the victims were located. Witnesses said an argument over a Mercedes vehicle preceded the shooting. One witness said both suspects were armed.

Detectives and SWAT team members on June 16 searched a Meridian West Apartment on Shrimp Road, where the two suspects reportedly had lived.

Neither suspect was found in the 6:30 p.m. search. The apartment was empty.

The sheriff’s office and its law enforcement partners continued their search for the brothers on June 17. Both are wanted on $1.6 million bail.

Detectives did retrieve two handguns and some clothing from the suspects’ apartment. It was not yet known whether the handguns and clothing were involved in or worn during the shooting, said sheriff’s office spokesman Adan Linhardt.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the sheriff’s office at 305-289-2351.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 866-471-8477. Tips also can be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips also can be submitted via social media such as Facebook at Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys: click on “contact us.”

— Contributed

29

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

KAYAKERS FIGHT CANCER Castaways Against Cancer go the distance to raise money

1 2

3 4

"I

t's the worst trip you'll ever love," laughed Steven O'Brien, who launched the first Castaways Against Cancer kayak trip from Miami to Key West 21 years ago.

O'Brien, a colon cancer survivor, was on Key West's Smathers Beach the afternoon of June 13, waiting for nine long-distance kayakers to come into view and finish their 160-mile trip from Miami.

The group paddled 20 to 30 miles a day, stopping each night at various places throughout the Keys while raising money for cancer research and honoring those who have battled the disease in all its forms.

The Castaways have raised more than $1.1 million since 2000.

The 2020 trip raised more than $85,000, but that figure will double, as every dollar raised this year will be matched by the University of Miami's Sylvester Cancer Center.

— Weekly staff report LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly 1. The nine kayakers with Castaways Against Cancer approach Smathers Beach in Key West on June 13.

2. Cancer survivor Steven O’Brien launched the Castaways Against Cancer first paddle from Miami to Key West 21 years ago.

5

6

3. Castaways Against Cancer arrive June 13 in Key West after paddling from Miami to raise money for cancer research, including Marathon resident Suzy Curry who has paddled a portion of the trip for years.

4. The land-based crew of Castaways Against Cancer welcomes the kayakers to Key West with final encouragement and cameras.

5. The paddlers receive a warm welcome to Key West.

6. One paddler's son was thrilled to see his dad reach his destination in the Southernmost City.

FUEL UP FOR FATHER'S DAY AND ENJOY A WEEKEND OF FAMILY FUN! DIESEL & GAS • TACKLE • SUPPLIES • BEER & SODA • LIVE BAIT • FROZEN BAIT • ICE • DOCKAGE 1280 OCEANVIEW AVE. MARATHON 305.743.2281 | OPEN DAILY 7:30AM - 6PM

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

IMPROVING LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME! From left to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D

Located at 2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305.294.9914 • Fax 305.295.9691 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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Follow us on Facebook @FourMarlins | www.facebook.com/FourMarlins 1435 Simonton St. | reachresort.com | 305 293 6250 | Reservations Recommended Terms and Conditions: For the safety of all guests and team members and in compliance with the City of Key West’s parameters, all dining patrons will be required wear a mask and to have a temperature check prior to being seated.

Social distancing must be maintained. Dine in only. Limited Seating. Not valid for take-out. May not be combined with any other promotion, discount or special offer. Subject to cancellation. Other restrictions may apply. Must be a brunch guest to enjoy access to pool and beach. One pool/beach wristband issued for each paid brunch. Lost wristbands will not be replaced. No coolers, outside food, beverage or beach chairs. Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

Karen Raspe, P.A. 305.393.9010

karenraspe@bellsouth.net

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IF IT IS TIME TO BUY OR SELL CALL KAREN RASPE 3 0 5 - 3 9 3 - 9 0 1 0 • karenraspe@bellsouth.net • www.KarenRaspe.com ©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

P-P-PAY IT BACK NEW RULES FOR REPAYING PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM LOANS ANNOUNCED SARA MATTHIS

I

sara@keysweekly.com

n response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., the federal government threw an economic lifeline to business owners. The federal government’s first Payment Protection Program amounted to $350 billion and was depleted in two weeks after it was signed into law on March 27. The second round of PPP funding, issued on April 24, was $250 billion and there are still funds available. U.S. business owners have until June 30 to apply for PPP funds from the second round.

On Friday, June 19, the Small Business Administration will file its 19th revision to the PPP Flexibility Act. Among the purported changes are forgiveness of loans to self-employed freelancers and independent contractors as well as other key changes to paying the loans back.

For the businesses and self-employed who received the PPP loans, it was a lifesaver. It meant being able to keep employees on the payroll and cover eligible expenses such as rent and utilities during the COVID19 shutdown. When the program was first announced, business owners had only 8 weeks to spend the money from the time it was credited to their account and no payments were required for the first six months of the two-year loan at 1% interest. If borrowers used the funds for the approved expenses, the loan would be totally forgiven and the local bank repaid by the federal government. The new rules give businesses 24 weeks to spend the money and extend the loan maturity date to five years.

In April when the first round of PPP was being disbursed, neither bankers nor loan applicants understood who was going to grant the forgiveness — the banks or the federal Small Business Administration who issued the funds.

“The borrower certifies and the lender verifies,” said Maggie Sayer, CEO of Keys Federal Credit Union, explaining that it is up to the business owner to fill out the 11 page application, or the shorter “EZ” application. Then the bank verifies the math or, for example, that a utility bill covers the applicable dates. The SBA will make the final determination.

“We’re still awaiting more guidance,” Sayer said.

Here are the five major changes to the new PPP rules: 1. Instead of 8 weeks to spend the money, businesses now have 24 weeks after the date of the loan disbursement. But borrowers who were approved for the 8-week time frame may still pay it off early or provide paperwork to certify the loan was spent correctly.

2. The first PPP rules stated that businesses must spend 75% of the loan on payroll costs. That threshold has now been lowered to 60%. That means if the loan amount (average monthly salary costs multiplied by 2.5) doesn’t equal the 60% in payroll expenses, borrowers could still obtain partial forgiveness. For example, if a business received $100,000 to pay 10 employees, but only had 5 on staff that were actually paid, part of the

loan must still be paid back. The amount is determined by a mathematical formula included in the application.

3. The new rules have two “safe harbor” provisions for businesses that were legally unable to return to the same level of business activity due to federal orders (for example, bars in Florida that were closed from March 17 to June 1, or 11 weeks) and businesses that were unable to staff at the same levels previous to COVID-19 because they are unable to find qualified employees for unfilled positions. Under the old rules, borrowers had to restore salaries and be operating at full business volume by June 30. The new date is Dec. 31, 2020, if they opt for the 24-week extension.

4. The latest revision to the rules implements a five-year maturity period for new loans closed on or after June 5, 2020 and permits lenders and borrowers to extend, by mutual agreement, the previous 2 year maturity date for loans issued before June 5th.

5. Finally, it puts a little wriggle room in deadlines for borrower payments of principal, interest and fees on these loans, extending it to the date the SBA remits the borrower’s forgiveness paperwork, not the applicant.

Keys Federal Credit Union has issued $6.2 million in PPP loans so far. According to Sayer, more than 200 local businesses applied. She said about 10% of those have used the funds and accounted for their spending.

“Most of those who were approved in the first round of funding are ready to go,” Sayer said. “But we have told them to hold on to their paperwork because we don’t know what the SBA’s next step will be.”

According to First State Bank spokesperson Angie Walterson, the bank continues to accept and submit loan applications on behalf of Florida Keys businesses.

To date, First State Bank has helped almost 900 Monroe County businesses to retain or rehire thousands of local employees by obtaining over $53 million in PPP funding. “Due to the pending changes noted above, no PPP loan customers have applied for or received SBA forgiveness at this time,” she said.

Again, business owners and self-employed have the ability to apply for the second round of PPP funding. According to Forbes magazine, as of June 17 there is still $146 billion available.

Federal Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow announced recently that the businesses that received PPP loans should not be identified. Some large corporations that are publicly traded companies have been identified as PPP recipients because they were obliged to share that information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The PPP loans are part of the CARES act, or the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

37

BRIEFLY SENATOR FLORES SUPPORTS MOONEY Florida State Sen. Anitere Flores has announced her support for Jim Mooney, who is running to succeed Rep. Holly Raschein in District 120.

“Jim knows the Keys and the surrounding community better than any other candidate in the race,” she said. “His commitment to the community and his passion to serve will make him an ideal candidate to continue the great efforts of Representative Raschein.” A current Islamorada Village Council member, Mooney has lived in the Florida Keys his entire life.

GARRETT, DAUGHTRY NAMED TO FKNMS ADVISORY BOARD At its meeting on June 16, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council elected as chair George Garrett, Middle Keys citizen-atlarge member, and as vice chair Ben Daughtry, commercial fishing – marine life/tropicals member. Garrett is the Marathon city planning director.

Daughtry is president and CEO of Dynasty Marine Associates and operates Aquarium Encounters in Marathon.

New and reassigned members include Dr. Erinn Muller, Mote Marine Laboratory, research and monitoring; Ken Reda, MarineMax, boating industry from recreational fishing member; Suzy Roebling, Upper Keys citizen-atlarge from alternate; and Karen Thurman, Marathon Hyatt Place, Lower Keys tourism from boating industry alternate.

New alternate members are Dr. Patrick Rice, College of the Florida Keys, research and monitoring; Billy Litmer, Honest Eco Tours, boating industry; and Dave Makepeace, Upper Keys citizen-at-large from member.

Elena Rodriguez, former dive shop owner, retained her seat as the Upper Keys diving member. Representing charter sport fishing, Steve Leopold, Leofish LLC, remains an interim member along with Richie Gomez, Captain Conch Charters, as an interim alternate.

Member and alternate seats for charter sport fishing and recreational fishing will be included in the next recruitment period in late 2020.

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HISTORY

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

THE BUM FARTO FILES:

THE BALLAD OF TITUS WALTERS 1. Titus Rudolph Walters Sr. WALTERS FAMILY/Contributed 2. Titus Walters’ grave in the Key West Cemetery. DAVID L. SLOAN/Keys Weekly 3. The Whitmarsh Lane home where Titus Walters was tortured and murdered. MONROE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER/Monroe County Library

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 in the Keys Weekly while working to solve one of the greatest mysteries in the history of Key West. Share your Bum Farto tips and stories at www.findbumfarto.com.

(Editor’s Note: This week’s installment of The Bum Farto Files includes details of a murder and crime scene that some readers may find disturbing.)

B

lood spatter covered the walls of a Whitmarsh Lane bathroom on Aug. 17, 1975. Officer Charles Powers and Detective Robert Lastre were the first on the scene.

A black male subject slumped in the bathtub. Blood trickled from his mouth and gray matter seeped from his head.

Duct tape covered the washcloth in his mouth, and his hands were bound. The victim had two bullet wounds in his head and one in his chest.

Detective Lastre knew the dead man.

It was Titus Rudolph Walters, the confidential informant who introduced Bum Farto to undercover agent Larry Dollar as part of the drug sting dubbed Operation Conch.

Born in 1941, Walters was only 34 years old when he was murdered. He’d had several run-ins with the law, yet sources who knew him describe Walters as “a bad boy” and “also harmless.”

In 1972, Walters had been charged with murdering Antonio Boan during an alleged heroin deal that went bad on Petronia Street. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but returned to the Keys after several months to stand trial on a drug charge.

Bum Farto’s friend and legal counselor, Manny James, represented Walters on the drug charge. Walters was found guilty and sentenced to one year in jail, but the courts soon reversed Walters’ murder conviction on appeal and he was released on parole. During this time, a Monroe County sheriff’s detective recruited Titus as a confidential informant.

On Aug. 1, 1975, Walters led Detective Charles Major and Agent Larry Dollar to a motel room where a drug dealer named Bobby Marion Francis was selling narcotics. They arrested Francis, who swore revenge on Walters as authorities took him in.

Francis made good on his promise 17 days later, when he and six friends lured Titus Walters to a home on Whitmarsh Lane.

Francis ordered Walters to his knees and held him at gunpoint while the rest of the group sequestered in the kitchen.

Francis squeezed the trigger and a .38 caliber bullet entered Walters’ head. Walters didn’t die. Francis duct taped Walters’ wrists, dragged him into the bathroom, and forced him to a backward-seated position on the toilet. He shoved a washcloth in Walters’ mouth, covered it with tape to stifle the screams, took money from Walters’ pocket and sent two of the crew to procure needles and Drano.

When they returned, Francis injected Walters with a mixture of drain cleaner, battery acid and heroin. Then he watched Walters and waited for him to die.

According to witness statements, Francis emerged from the bathroom after 15 to 20 minutes saying, “Damn, his momma must have some strong blood roots, that f****r just won’t die!” Francis looked at the person who owned the home and said, “I’m gonna owe you a pillow,” and threw Walters into the bathtub, forcing the pillow against his head.

Francis fired a second shot, but Walters didn’t die. A final bullet shot through the heart caused massive hemorrhaging and death. Francis emerged from the bathroom, laughing. Walters died a death no man deserves. He was the first casualty of Operation Conch.

Police arrested four suspects for the murder. Twenty-three days later, “handcuff day” of Operation Conch unleashed a string of arrests that filled the local jail.

Key West Public Defender John Keane requested permission to withdraw from representing defendants in the murder of Walters as well as 12 others arrested on drug charges in Operation Conch.

Keane explained that while representing Walters on a grand larceny charge, he was told things in confidence that now created a conflict of interest.

“There are definitely conflicts of interest in representing those charged in the Walters case and the drug cases later,” Keane said. It was business as usual in Conch Town.

Bobby Marion Francis went to the electric chair. Titus Rudolph Walters went to the Key West Cemetery. There were no winners, only losers. And “handcuff day” was just beginning.

39

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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WORLD CLASS SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN, GEORGE CALDWELL MD COMING TO THE KEYS. Dr George Caldwell has been a leader in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery of the shoulder, elbow and knee. He has been a team physician for the NFL, MLB, NHL and numerous sports programs. Following Princeton University, he attended Wake Forest Medical School. He trained at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the nation's number one orthopedic hospital. In addition, he completed two fellowships, one at the University of Pittsburgh and another in Switzerland. In research, Dr. Caldwell has developed groundbreaking anesthetic techniques to facilitate patients’ post-operative experience.

Castaways Against Cancer landed in Key West on Saturday, June 13 to finish their 21st annual kayak trip from Miami to Key West, a journey of 160 miles in 7 days. We partnered with Sylvester Cancer Center this year to donate 100% of our fundraising, $85,000, which Sylvester is matching. A total of $170,000 will be going to fund pediatric cancer research. Cancer is a terrible disease but for a child it is a horror and their parents unthinkable. I thank everyone who donated to me. I kayak the Keys with this group, 108 miles, and I can't think of more dedicated people

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KEYS SCHOOLS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYSSCHOOLS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020 KEYS

By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE

IN-PERSON GRADUATIONS

T

he school year ended virtually for students all over the world, but some Keys high school graduates will celebrate in real life and real time at in-person graduation ceremonies.

In Key West, graduates will celebrate the end of their high school careers on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium. The ceremony will look much different than it has in the past, but school officials were eager to give the Class of 2020 something more than a digital departure from high school, said retiring KWHS Principal Amber Archer Acevedo.

The class valedictorian and salutatorian will speak at the ceremony, along with Superintendent Mark Porter, who will pass the reins to incoming Superintendent Terri Axford next month.

A mandatory rehearsal will take place at 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 18 at the stadium on Kennedy Drive.

All students planning to participate must register.

Attendance is limited. Each graduate received four guest tickets, which must

be presented upon entry.

“The graduation will be in a different format than normal and it is important that all students and guests read and follow all the guidelines outlined on the school’s website,” states the announcement from school officials.

Marathon High School will hold its in-person graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. at the athletic complex. Each graduate will have 10 tickets for family members to attend. The school says social distancing guidelines will be followed. Students will be sitting on the bleachers while parents and families will be seated on the field.

Masks will be required to enter or move. Entry to the ceremony will be through the front gates.

Coral Shores High School will not have an in-person graduation ceremony this year. Principal Blake Fry said the decision was based on a survey that gathered the level of interest and the number of responses from the graduates of the class of 2020.

KAPOW AWARDS FOR KEY LARGO SCHOOL STUDENTS

Pictured in the screenshot are Key Largo School student awardees Kamal Al-Hamid, Christopher Calatayud, Sabrina Martinez and Mariam Yzaguirre. Also pictured are Tiffany Zepeda, KLS teacher; Laura Lietaert, KLS principal; Darren Pais, KLS assistant principal; and Heather Scarano, writing teacher. Contributed

K

ey Largo School eighth grade graduates Kamal Al-Hamid, Christopher Calatayud, Sabrina Martinez and Mariam Yzaguirre received special awards from Learning for Success Inc.(LFS) through its Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) program during a virtual ceremony on May 28.

The presentation was the first one done virtually by LFS, rather than during the school’s traditional live graduation event, due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The student awardees were chosen based on essays they submitted describing their experience with the KLS Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

“Ever since enrolling in AVID, I have learned ways to improve valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, organization, time management, inquiry, note taking, and public speaking that can be applied to various situations in real life be that in school or a future,” said award winner Chris Calatayud in his essay.

The special awards were sponsored by grants from Bank of America Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities.

“We’re thankful for the support we get from the KAPOW program and the generous contributions from Bank of America and Publix Charities for our outstanding students,” said Tiffany Zepeda, AVID teacher at KLS. AVID is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. AVID teaches skills and behaviors for academic success; provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships; creates a positive peer group for students; and develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination More information about Learning for Success, Inc. and its KAPOW program is available from John Casbarro at (786) 877-0334, or at kapowlfs.com.

More information about the AVID program is available from Zepeda at Tiffany.Zepeda@ KeysSchools.com.

— Contributed

KEYS SCHOOLS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

43

MANDY MILES

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

mandy@keysweekly.com

DUKE UNIVERSITY HONORS LOCAL MIDDLE-SCHOOLER KEY WEST 7TH GRADER EARNS HIGH SAT SCORE

M

atthew Robertson earned an SAT score that would grant him admission to many top colleges.

But Robertson has plenty of time for college plans. He just finished seventh grade at The Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Key West.

Robertson was Matthew Robertson, a seventh honored recently grader at The Basilica School of

by Duke University’s St. Mary Star of the Sea, earned Talent Identificaa high SAT score and was recogtion Program (Duke nized by Duke University’s Talent TIP) for achieving an Identification Program. exceptional score on the SAT, the same test taken by college-bound high school students. Seventh graders who score at least a 540 in the SAT math section and/or a 550 in the verbal section are invited to join Duke TIP, a nonprofit organization that recognizes academically talented students and provides advanced learning opportunities that foster their intellectual and social growth.

“Each year, Duke TIP identifies a select group of students as academically gifted, based on their standardized test scores. Those students are invited to take the ACT or SAT, which can provide crucial insight into a gifted student’s strengths and abilities,” states a press release that invited Robertson into the program.

The highest scorers among these students typically are invited to a special recognition ceremony hosted by one of more than 24 colleges and universities.

While the in-person ceremonies were postponed this year due to the pandemic, Duke TIP celebrated these students’ academic achievements by providing their families an at-home ceremony tool kit.

Matthew Robertson was proud of his achievement and said much of the test, particularly the math section, came easily to him. Some of the verbal sections were more challenging.

“But it was the same test high school students take before they apply to college, just without the written essay portion,” Matthew told Keys Weekly.

Basilica School principal Robert Wright and Robertson’s mother, Mayed, both said they are so proud of Matthew and his brother as well as their academic achievements.

More information on Duke TIP, including qualification requirements for its Talent Search Program, is at tip.duke.edu.

Left to right: 2020 Teachers of Merit Karen Castro, Betsy Ford, Neda Jackson, Donna Tedesco, KWHS Principal Amber Archer Acevedo, Pat Rech, Wanda Spencer, Mike Truhan, Paula Mercer and Jody Westbrook. CONTRIBUTED

WITH HONORS..

TEACHERS, STUDENTS WIN AWARDS

Left: Divya Navani received a $27,500 Honor Roll 100/Charley P. and Orsolina Toppino Memorial Scholarship from the Key West Chamber of Commerce. CONTRIBUTED Right: Key West High School Spanish teacher Belinda Rodriquez received the first-ever Harry and Linda Bryant Award for teachers.

T

he unorthodox school year just ended in the Florida Keys, but local organizations are still honoring teachers and students with awards, grants and scholarships.

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys recently awarded the first-ever Harry and Linda Bryant Fund grant award to Key West High School Spanish teacher Belinda Rodriguez.

Key West native Liz Wooten-Reschke established the fund to honor her late parents for their four decades of community service in the Florida Keys. The annual $1,000 grant celebrates the critical role educators play in our community, according to the Community Foundation.

The foundation also honored nine Key West High School teachers with the David Wolkowsky 2020 Teachers of Merit awards. The awards are given annually on behalf of the late Key West philanthropist and businessman, David Wolkowsky. Administrators at KWHS select the recipients, who go the extra mile in their passion for teaching and dedication to students.

Wolkowsky left a legacy gift upon his death in 2018 to ensure the Teachers of Merit awards are funded for future generations.

Science teacher Donna Tedesco was named the 2020 Teacher of the Year and received $25,000 for her “commitment to excellence that shines through in all areas as she institutes new programs, mentors colleagues and provides schoolwide leadership,” said KWHS Principal Amber Archer Acevedo.

Eight other KWHS Teachers of Merit each received $5,000: Karen Castro (Spanish), Betsy Ford (English), Neda Jackson (student services), Paula Mercer (government and economics), Pat Rech (exceptional student education), Wanda Spencer (counselor), Michael Truhan (math) and Jody Westbrook (social studies).

Many of those teachers had student Divya Navani in one or more of their classes.

Navani is heading to Harvard University.

A $27,500 scholarship from the Key West Chamber of Commerce will help offset the costs of her goals.

The chamber each year awards the Honor Roll 100/Charley P. and Orsolina Toppino Memorial Scholarship, which is funded by the Toppino businesses and Key West Chamber members.

Navani plans to become a music attorney to represent artists, who, she said, have been negatively impacted by major record labels.

After an internship at local radio station Island 106.9, Navani now has her own radio show that highlights “artists who are underrepresented in the alternative space, like women or Latinos or blacks,” Navani said.

At Harvard, she will major in data analytics, which combines applied math and computing. “Today you can create a digital experience that is incredibly personal,” Navani said. “You can listen to five songs and a program will know who and what interests you.” That undergraduate program will lead to law school.

The Chamber also awarded two $2,000 Gerald “Moe” and Marina Mosher Vocational Scholarships, to Leela Sorbelli, who will major in nursing at The College of the Florida Keys and Jose Pichardo, who will attend fire college in Ocala. The vocational scholarships are named in honor of the late Moe Mosher, a founding partner of Historic Tours of America.

Finally, the chamber’s $1,000 William Appelrouth Scholarships this year go to Leislany Garcia-Montero and Roosevelt Joseph, two members of the KWHS graduating class with a record of outstanding community service.

44

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

RUNNING FOR KIDS L

ara Rutskin-Martin, at left in the top photo, presents a check to Hunter DeMauro to benefit the national Sunshine Kids Foundation. Rutskin-Martin, a Marathon Realtor and, recently, a virtual run organizer and founder of Hapynkeys Running, collected a group of like-minded women to run to raise funds for children stricken with cancer. Trish Hintze, Kristy Ann, Sandy Robinson, Kim Hana, Rutskin-Martin, Michele Brossard, Blair Shiver and Terri Swanson ran either a 5k or 10k. CONTRIBUTED

OBITUARY

LEE GANIM

L

ee George Ganim passed away on June 5 at the age of 82. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Sept. 28, 1937, to the late George and Emily Ganim. He was blessed with one brother, Donald (Mary Ann) and three beautiful nieces, Christine, Theresa and Stephanie.

Lee was ordained a Maronite Catholic priest in 1963 and served as an Air Force chaplain and secretary to Archbishop Zayek.

He moved to Key Largo in 1971.

There he met and married Roseann McGrath in 1974. In less than five years they were blessed with their four precious sons, Steven; Daniel (Sharon) and grandson Christian; Gregory (Megan) and grandchildren, Bentley and Alexis; and Dominic. While living in Key Largo, Lee served the community in many different positions. He was chairman of the school board, president of the board of Realtors, owner of Ganim’s Realty, owner of Ganim’s Restaurants,

member of the board of Community Bank, and an active member of St. Justin Martyr Church. He and Roseann moved to Port St. Lucie in 2004.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of Lee’s life will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church St. Lucie, Florida on June 27, at 11 a.m. There will be a reception after the service, which will take place at the clubhouse of Hammock Cove in Port Saint Lucie.

The address for the reception will be provided at the service.

Due to COVID-related distancing requirements, the church is only permitted to allow a maximum of 140 people to attend the service. As such, should you desire to attend the service please be kind enough to reach out at your earliest convenience at the following email address: leeganim@gmail. com. The family will make every effort to save a place for all who wish to physically attend the service. However, given the relatively small number of permitted attendees, they are unable to ensure that everyone who desires to come will have a place. The family apologizes in advance for any inconvenience, and asks that you not plan to attend the service unless they have confirmed that there is sufficient room for you and your family.

For those not in the Port St. Lucie area, or unable to physically attend the service, we are planning to stream the service. If you wish to view the service, you may do so at the Facebook page of Aycock Funeral Homes and Crematory at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.

In lieu of flowers, donors may make donations in Lee’s memory to The Brian Muha Memorial Fund Inc., 874 Helenhurst Court, Westerville, OH 43081-1908 or online at www.brianmuhafoundation.org; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.

BRIEFLY BEWARE OF COVID-19 SCAM CIRCULATING IN THE KEYS The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County is warning residents of potential telephone scams regarding COVID-19. Residents have been contacted by callers stating they are with the Florida Department of Health and requesting social security numbers and medical information before the caller can provide “COVID-19 results.”

These are scam calls. The department will not call to ask for social security numbers or medical information. Any COVID-19 test results must be released in person and will require a photo identification and a signed release of information form.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.

WESLEY HOUSE SEEKING FOSTER PARENTS IN KEY LARGO Wesley House Family Services is actively seeking nurturing families interested in providing a loving home to children who are in the foster care system in the Florida Keys.

Foster family classes begin Thursday, July 9, in Key Largo at the agency’s office, located at 99451 Overseas Highway. Classes are held weekly for eight weeks with appropriate social distancing.

Registration is required. To register or for more information, call Megan Burgess at 305-809-5020 or e-mail at megan.burgess@wesleyhouse.org.

Together, Wesley House Family Services and prospective foster families can increase the capacity in our communities to provide nurturing caring homes to care for the most vulnerable children.

AUDUBON HOUSE & TROPICAL GARDENS REOPENS Key West’s Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, 205 Whitehead St., reopened to the public on June 16. With new social distancing measures in place, guests can safely enjoy the historic, threelevel captain’s home, winding brick pathways and lush gardens with exotic trees and plants.

Visitors are required to wear a mask while on property, and masks will be provided free.

The home and gardens will have markers on the ground to keep guests 6 feet apart. Hand sanitizer will be stationed throughout the property. Additionally, the staff will be regularly cleaning all surfaces.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

45

BRIEFLY My mother, on the other hand, could not stop swearing for some reason. I guess that’s just how she showed her excitement. e at Keys Weekly want to honor the men and women serving in our local military installations. With help and advice from our community members in the armed forces, we’re proud to present our Military Spotlight.

Branch of Service and Unit?

U.S. Coast Guard - Station Islamorada

How many years have you been in the military?

2 ½ years

Hometown? Yorba Linda, California

What is your job? My position at Station Islamorada is within the Deck Department and my primary duties are to serve as a Boat Crew member, Boarding Team Member and eventually as an advanced Pursuit Coxswain.

Why did you join the military? I joined the Coast Guard to follow in my parents’ footsteps and serve my country. Both of my parents, BM1 Todd Venero and BM1 Jennifer Bittman, achieved the rank of Boatswain’s Mate First Class during their time in the Coast Guard.

They first met more than 25 years ago at the same unit to which I am currently stationed (Coast Guard Station Islamorada).

It all started with my mom’s first day on board. My dad, as the Operations Petty Officer, had a suspicion that my mom was Coast Guard Investigative Services (CGIS). So, essentially, my parents’ relationship and the beginning of my story began because my dad thought my mom was a “spy.” I have admired them greatly for as long as I can remember and wanted nothing more than to be like them.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you plan to remain on active duty? As of now, my love for this branch of service, as well as my Boatswain’s Mate specialty, grows exponentially day by day. I currently have no plans to separate at the end of my first enlistment.

Had you ever been to the Florida Keys before your current assignment? Only once while on a vacation with my parents, long before the Coast Guard was even something I knew existed.

Did you choose Islamorada or were you just assigned here? I grew up hearing all the amazing stories from my parents about this station in particular. Of their 20plus years of Coast Guard service, this was BY FAR the highlight for both of them. At the conclusion of Boatswain’s Mate “A” School, I placed well enough to get my number-one pick and Station Islamorada had an opening.

What were your first thoughts when hearing you were coming to the Keys? My first thoughts were, “I can’t wait to tell my old man.” The toughest, most stoic man I know was brought to tears when he learned his “sonny boy” was going to be running the mangrove cuts in the dark of night to save those periled by the sea, just as he did almost 30 years ago.

Hobbies? I enjoy fishing, working out when possible, working on my boat or motorcycles, as well as studying for my next qualification (that’s not so much as a hobby, but an obligation).

What do you do in your free time? I go fishing with my buddies or usually hang out at one of our houses if we are not on the boat.

The older guys and some of my supervisors whom I have grown very close to teach me the ropes on anything from what temperature to smoke a piccata steak to what size braided line to spool on my fishing rods.

What do you like most about the Keys? The unique beauty of the crystal clear water, all the different shades of blue and green, the hospitality of all the local people, all the unbelievable fishing locations within 3 miles of shore, 10-foot wide mangrove cuts filled with life. I don’t have the time to put into words everything I admire about this almost other-worldly place.

What do you like most about your assignment? An operational tempo that is second to none, we are always vigilant, never out of practice, always experts.

What would you change about living here in Islamorada if you had the power to do so? I would make it less of a tourist attraction.

From all the stories I have heard growing up to now, the Keys have definitely changed. Not for good or bad, just more of a carbon footprint, more people, more commercial fishing, more everything.

Any advice to give other military seeking assignment here?

You are coming to the crown jewel of the Coast Guard. Be ready to put in the work, because you will be tested daily.

What do you like most about living here? The island time, everything moves slower, but faster at the same time. It’s an unexplainable phenomenon that not many have had the blessing to experience. I have been here for a year; it has felt like two months, but also a lifetime.

ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST HOSTS VIP FIREWORKS DINNER The Rotary Club of Key West invites the community to celebrate the Fourth of July at a private VIP Dinner on the Edward Knight Pier. Enjoy a plated dinner and private cash bar by Catered Affairs of Key West. Reserve tables for 2 to 8 people at $50 per person at keystix.com.

At 9 p.m., guests will enjoy an exclusive view of the fireworks show, presented in partnership with the City of Key West.

Hand-sanitizing stations will be provided. Masks are encouraged.

All proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Key West’s Scholarship Fund.

More information is available at the Rotary Club’s Facebook page.

CITY DEDICATES COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER ON JUNE 19 The City of Key West will hold a dedication ceremony to unveil the new sign designating the Coffee Butler Amphitheater at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 19 at the amphitheater, located at the Truman Waterfront Park.

The City Commission voted unanimously last August to name the venue for Lofton “Coffee” Butler who, at 91, continues to perform. During his long career, he has played for visiting dignitaries ranging from President Truman to the Beatles.

Attendees are reminded to practice social distancing.

Remain 6 feet apart. If you are unable to maintain this distance, or if you have immunity compromises or other vulnerabilities, please wear a mask, for the safety of everyone participating.

POOR BOYS FISHING TOURNEY SET FOR JULY 4 WEEKEND The Poor Boys Tarpon Fly Tournament, based out of the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar in Islamorada, begins on Saturday, July 4 with a kick off at the restaurant from 4 to 6 p.m.

Fishing takes place on Sunday and Monday, July 5-6. Registration is $200 for two anglers. For more information, visit poorboys.info.

46

DARE I SAY IT

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

RECLAIMING THEIR NAME? 4 KARENS DON’T WANT TO CALL THE MANAGER ABOUT IT

M

uch ado has been made of Karen lately. A once innocuous name, “Karen” recently has become shorthand, a term used to refer to white, typically affluent, middle-aged women.

“Karen is the embodiment of entitlement and privilege — the first person to demand to speak with a manager when things don’t go her way. At best, Karen is not happy with the quality of the tomatoes on her salad.

At worst, she’s calling the police on black men for their ERIN STOVER indiscretion of existing in her SICKMEN proximity,” states an online definition of the new term. is artistic director Different origins of the at The Studios of term have been suggested, Key West. Her wife, but the predominant condaughter and notation developed as a crazed terrier put up with her sayhumorous means of shorting yes to nearly hand for people of color to everything. express their frustrations. In the current moral climate, as people of color and their allies fight for visibility, Karen memes have surged, providing a modicum of comedic relief at a time of pervasive and understandable grief and anger.

As the term becomes more prevalent, though, how do the actual named Karens of the world feel about their new forename fame? I asked four decidedly un-Karen Karens for their take on the term…

Karen Luknis, ownercaptain of Venus Charters, said she’s just about ready to change her name to remind people that she doesn’t fit the stereotype. “It in no way resembles me, but I think it’s a fair portrayal of those awful Karens! I do wish they would call them something else, but I can take a joke.”

Key West photographer Karen LudwigO’Leary also sees the humor in the barb. “I think the whole Karen thing is hysterical. It’s so funny because it’s true. It’s all about bitchy, white, privileged, spoiled-brat women demanding their way,” she said. “I don’t mind it because I know I am so NOT a ‘Karen,’ so no offense taken. Now don’t get me wrong — I am a strong, New York-born, assertive woman and am not shy about asking for what I want.

But I would like to think my way is respectful and kind.”

Jewelry designer Karen Moore said she just learned about the new use of her name and finds it “f—ing funny.” She admits to wanting what she wants, but approaches everything from a place of compassion. “I am a girl who’s not afraid to speak out and speak up, but I am discerning and respectful. My friends say I use it for the good of others, rather than to serve myself. I still don’t see myself as a Karen, more of a person who cares. I have always said my whole life, I can’t help it - it is in my name, ‘Kare’.”

Karen Stewart, a St. Louis-based racial justice scholar, has also chosen to lean toward lighthearted acceptance rather than offense. “For anyone to claim it as a slur is, ironically, peak Karen behavior,” Stewart said. “And if anyone disagrees with me, I am taking it up with the manager!” While she’s laughing along, though, she’s also unpacking the connotations, and brief history, of the word on her nametag.

“Men’s names are also hijacked by popular culture (Uncle Tom, Stan).

What makes Karen different is the always-negative social context now ascribed to the name. I initially winced when it became shorthand for rude, ignorant, olderish white women, yet couldn’t deny there was more than a hint of truth behind what the name represented. Karen stings personally because I’ve dedicated much of my life to dismantling white supremacy in myself, others, my students and in our institutions and policy, and the name is often used when white women have openly demonstrated their racist beliefs. If my name can help point out and focus a conversation on dismantling white supremacy, though, I am beyond grateful to play even a small role in making that happen.”

Our four Karens agreed it’s not really about the name, but about the behaviors the name describes — a funny moniker that hopefully may prod women to acknowledge their privilege and use it to better ends. If the Karen phenomenon pushes us along through some well-intentioned teasing, it’s probably worth the trade-off for those women who have temporarily lost the name lottery. For the moment, while they endure the brunt of the joke, let me say — I’m sorry, Karen. And Karen.

And Karen. And Karen.

47

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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48

WEEKLY INTERVIEW

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

BEHIND THE SCENES

WITH FLORIDA KEYS BREWING CO’S LEAD DESIGNER The Weekly sat with McBay to learn more about where she finds her gem-toned, tropical-themed inspirations.

“Craig makes the beer, and I make it look pretty,” Cheryl McBay confessed to Keys Weekly. “That is my sole job, and I love it. I don’t know much about beer. I don’t step into his realm, and he doesn’t step into mine.”

McBay is a third-generation Conch. Her grandfather moved to the Keys in the ’40s or ’50s, and was one of the first commercial fishermen out of Key Largo Fisheries.

McBay and her husband Craig opened the Florida Keys Brewing Co. (FKBC) in March 2014 at the back of Morada Way. The McBays also had their twin babies, Rose and Arlo, in May 2014. The kids, now 6, have grown up in “true Keys style,” according to their mom, in the water 24/7, never with shoes on, and with their baby swings and walkers around the tasting room. In 2015, the McBays opened their signature storefront along U.S. 1 in Islamorada. The entire place is very family-oriented, with McBay’s mom helping out with the decor and design of the beer garden.

And with that, McBay’s signature tropical, bright prints and tie-dyed style became a Keys mainstay.

“People know this is where all the tie-dye happens,” McBay said. “I have enough to dye all of Islamorada.”

Regarding her trademark designs, McBay confessed she has “no background and no computer skills” in terms of designing for the brewery.

“I design everything in Word, then convert to PDF,” she said. “Sometimes, I’ll even draw designs out by hand.”

McBay buys images online and arranges them to create the look she wants. “I say I want this flower with this background, and (merchandise manufacturers) will put it together. Sometimes, it’s hard to explain, and I’ll cut pieces out and physically create what I want from them,” she said.

While a little unconventional in the design world, the process has worked to make FKBC’s tropical duds coveted throughout the Keys and by many visitors from all over. Sun shirts, hats and Tervis cups feature everything from mermaids to bonefish to logos from their best-selling beers.

Full Name? Nickname? Cheryl Ann McBay. My nickname was ‘Pigeon’ in high school at Coral Shores ’cause I’m so pigeon-toed. I didn’t mind; I thought it was cute.

Where did you grow up? Islamorada.

Where did you and Craig meet? Oh, this is a good story. Hog Heaven at 2 a.m., completely sh*tfaced. It’s literally the only good thing to come out of Hog Heaven. I never dated locals; he was from Canada, down here on a fishing trip. Now, we’re married with kids and a business.

What’s your favorite beer? We opened with Run Aground Brown. It’s still my favorite.

What’s a locals-only secret you’re willing to share? Fishing on the patch reefs is better than in the deep. I love the little patch reefs inshore like Three Sisters (off Rodriguez Key); my grandma used to call it ‘The Honey Hole.’

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Make coffee. It doesn’t matter what kind. I’ll drink it black, with cream, anything.

You do all the designs. FKBC is known for its mermaids and tie-dyes. What inspires you? It morphed into that. I love mermaids.

And tie-dye, I’ve been wearing it since high school, so that was a given. My hashtag is #tiedyetillidie. I own the .com and I wanna open a tie-dye shop.

What’s your favorite design/product you’ve created? The tap handles. I designed them from scratch and worked with the artist until she came to be. The mermaid tap handles had to be done over three times: bigger boobs, smaller shells. She’s been banned off Facebook quite a few times, but she came out really good. Her name is ‘Flakey’ for Florida Keys.

What’s your favorite event at the brewery? The 420 party. That is my favorite, since we tie-dye. It’s a full day of tie-dye, and all my best friends help me do it. Last time we did it, we had over 100 stations for tie-dye. And, we have the best music that day.

Cheryl McBay stands with Jack Jefferson, the brewery parrot, in front of one of the many painted walls at the Islamorada taproom. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

What’s the best time of year in the Keys?

Summer. I don’t mind the heat. Never have.

I love being outside; I actually won’t go in the water until June. When I married Craig, I told him, “You do know we will never live in Canada.”

Most exciting project you’ve got coming up? We are putting a food truck on the property. Tacos Jalisco will be opening a second location.

If you had the chance to take anyone to dinner, who would it be? My grandma. She was badass, a total Keys Kritter. She loved fishing and loved drinking. She was just a really cool lady. She never met my husband.

She passed right before we started dating.

Who has the best key lime pie? Mine! I put macadamias and coconut in the crust.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To make mean people nice.

FINISH THESE SENTENCES Keys Life is … laid back.

Beer is … Ha! Delicious.

Mermaids are … real!

Art matters because … life would be boring without it.

49

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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Congratulations to our Buyer and Sellers!

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

- KEYS

from page 6

T

he penalties also include private rights of action.

People can bring their own action if they don’t believe that law or code enforcement or government is doing enough, Shillinger explained. The county attorney noted that this is merely a “tool” likely to be used to “level the playing field” between business owners where an owner in compliance feels his business is being hurt and his competitor fails to follow the ordinance.

The ordinance will be effective immediately upon execution, and will sunset on June 1, 2021. Commissioner Craig Cates suggested Dec. 31, 2020 instead, but Carruthers noted, “Dec. 31 doesn’t get us through the flu season and heavy tourist season. We won’t see all the transmission from all our visitors until after Dec. 31.”

Commissioner Michelle Coldiron noted that the Tourist Development Council (TDC), sheriff’s signs and county signage at airports and bus stops should all change their messaging to alert visitors of the mask requirement. Carruthers mentioned that the county was already working on banners on utility poles up and down the keys urging the use of masks and maintaining other safety protocols.

“They need to include masks when packing, and we should ask [the TDC] to do some kind of advertising to bring masks,” Coldiron said.

Director of Airports Richard Strickland chimed in, noting that airlines already require masks, so visitors arriving at county airports will likely already have a mask. And if not, he added, the airport has over 40,000 masks to hand out to any passengers who don’t have one. County Administrator Roman Gastesi also gave the chambers of commerce 1,000 masks to hand out to visitors who don’t have one.

Spencer Krenke, who runs a “Masks in Public Project,” commended Shillinger and his staff for the “incredibly thoughtful” ordinance.

“It’s an impossible thing to write, and you’ve done it,” he said. “I just want to say it’s incredibly well-drafted.

I don’t know why politicians think they can manage this virus; we have to let science speak.”

51

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SUMMER 2020

JELSEMA JOURNEY FREE Summer Experience

The Florida Keys Jelsema Center is offering a free summer overnight camp experience for at-risk youth ages 10-17. Don’t forget to ask about our free transportation, too! Contact Sebastian or Christi now to apply and save your spot!

FKCS is a local, private 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. All financial contributions support programming and services in Monroe County. Photographs used in this publication are not those of shelter clients. They are included for illustration purposes only.

Sebastian @ 305.432.1218 Christi @ 305.852.2882 x239 www.fkcs.org We also offer many free non-residential programs to children & families in need: Individual & Family Counseling Crisis Management Substance Use Prevention All Stars® Program

52

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To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Karen represented the Sellers of: 50 7th Street Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC •

•

•

L

ike many, Nancy Heise doubled down on her hobby during the “safer at home” coronavirus quarantine. She invested in an art medium called PMC, or precious metal clay.

“Other than a couple of clay classes, this was all brand new to me,” said the Marathon resident.

Then, she entered a contest and placed first in the beginner category in the Creative Hope Jewelry Project Challenge and Virtual Exhibit. The contest, open to artists around the world, was about spreading calm, hope and promise for both viewers and the artists.

Heise won with a gorgeous fine silver pendant studded with semi-precious stones with an underwater theme.

“Underwater, life is constant,” Heise said. “I find both healing and inspiration in the ocean that is teeming with life and flowing movement.”

The precious metal clay medium originated in Japan in the 1990s. It’s a combination of small particles of metal (silver, gold, bronze or copper) mixed with an organic binder and water. The pieces are carved and filed and then fired in a kiln. Heise spends hours if not days on each piece, creating it, then adding the finishing touches of patina, which create the contrast, and buffing the final piece.

Heise said she wants to plan a Keys workshop for those who want to learn more about the craft.

For now, her pieces are posted to her Facebook page and can be found by searching her full name, Nancy Heise.

KEYS DISEASE

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

WELCOME BACK! Help us love you even more!

O

n June 1, the roadblock ended and visitors were welcomed back into the Keys. In the time between then and now, hotels and resorts and vacation rentals began welcoming guests, restaurants expanded capacity, and bars were finally allowed to reopen. It’s just like it was in the old days…

Except it’s not. There’s still a pandemic raging around the world, and Florida still averages around 1,000 new Covid-19 cases a day. While perhaps the most dire predictions didn’t come true, Covid-19 is still a serious disease with complications and a mortality rate that can’t be ignored.

So please accept our welcome of our visitors back to the islands, with some suggestions that will make us love you so much more!

1. Be nice. ‘Nuff said.

2. Yes, we’re all aware that the governor’s latest Executive Order encourages and recommends following CDC guidelines like wearing masks and social distancing.

And we’re aware that masks aren’t required by law. Local businesses, however, can set their own policy on wearing masks. If you are in one of these businesses, please be nice and put one on. Trust me, no one wants to hear anyone rant and rave about freedoms being taken away and all that other conspiracy theory BS. Besides, just look at it this way: if you wear the mask, you’ll become measurably more anonymous to all the security cameras monitoring your every move. Just saying.

3. The left lane is for faster traffic; the right lane is for slower traffic. Just like back home. And that lever that comes out of the steering column controls the directional signals on your automobile. Appropriate use of these “blinkers” can make everyone feel so much better about things in general. Please trust me on this. Also: bridges with humps are not there for you to stop and take photos and selfies. Other traffic will assume that the bridge lanes are for moving traffic, and the worst possible selfie is the one that shows the semi in the background just before it crashes into your stopped vehicle on a bridge.

4. We hope you get the occasion to visit one of our awesome beaches or parks! As you enjoy the visit, please keep in mind that other groups down the beach may not want to hear your latest favorite hip-hop track at 128 dB. The same

goes for the same ice cream truck music loop that keeps repeating and repeating, all the while inspiring suicidal tendencies in everyone caught within a 500-foot radius.

JOHN Just be nice and BARTUS considerate of is a City of Marayour neighbors thon councilon the beach. man. He also is 5. If you’re a musician who enjoying a cookperforms around out at one of the town. For more beach pavilions, see johnbartus. don’t just strew com and discard bones and tendons like ancient uncouth cave dwellers. Pavilions have trash cans right nearby, and you can help keep the beach clean and free from terrifying creatures like fire ants and grizzly bears.

6. If you’re walking your pet, please carry one of those bags for poop scooping. Once you have your precious Fido’s droppings secured in the bag, remember that the job is only halfway done. That bag must make it to a trash receptacle so it may complete its final journey. If there are a trash bin and a recycle bin side by side, don’t be confused.

While Fido may have “recycled” his dog food into what’s in the bag, the bag goes in the trash — not placed on the ground between bins as one recent confused beach visitor actually did.

7. Be super nice to the people who serve you in restaurants and bars. They spent months without an income, and are really glad our visitors have returned. The tips they earn help them put their way through this thing called life. A 20% gratuity will go a long way in helping them recover from the financial hit most of us took, and it will certainly help with your good karma.

Welcome — we really are glad you’re back! We hope you enjoy yourself so much that you’ll come back again and again! Enjoy the islands, and I’ll see you around wherever music is played.

— Catch John Wednesdays at Herbie’s, Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, and this Friday at Boondocks and 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

53

To our BUYERS and SELLERS. We hope you enjoy your new homes.

Ginger represented the Buyers of: 1099 Copa D Oro, Marathon, FL 33050

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC •

•

•

COMMERCE CORNER Established in 2013, DK’s Beach Boutique excels in customer service.

“We personal shop, deliver, dress you for that special occasion and, sometimes, we are even an ear to listen,” said owners Donna Kirchner and Mia Molek. “The key to our success is treating our customers like gold. And, we consistently find fresh, unique, fashion forward clothes and accessories.”

The co-owners said they know how to style and dress women and have fun doing it.

“It shows we love what we do,” they said. “You may come in a stranger, but you leave as a friend!”

The boutique participates in a number of local causes including the Marathon campus of the SPCA. There is also the DK’s Gift hut located just a few doors down from the boutique.

Location: 303 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach Website: www.dksbeachboutique.com Email: dksstylehut@gmail.com

54

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

June 26, 2020 | 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Join us for the Grand Opening of our New Island, Rustic & Seasonal poolside restaurant - Chicken Walk!

Offering a journey for your taste buds! Come try the newest uptown eatery by Spottswood Companies!

Located poolside & along our waterfront patio at the Marriott Beachside Live music by Rusty Lemmon $25 per person | Unlimited sampling of our new menu Mingling Style Cash bar available on the waterfront patio Chicken Walk libations offered at the Chicken Walk bar

55

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE 15TH STREET MARINA MARATHON, LLC GIVES NOTICE OF THE INTENT TO SELL OR DISPOSE OF THE FOLLOWING VESSEL ON JULY 16, 2020, 9:00 AM AT 890 15TH STREET, MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 328.17, 15th Street Marina Marathon, LLC reserves the right to remove vessel from auction prior to auction date.

15th Street Marina Marathon, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

Vessel Name: Anne Bonny, 1974 Chris Craft Florida Registration: FL8926RF Length: 35, fiberglass, inboard Identification Number: CCHML1300674 Publish: June 11 & 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that on June 4, 2020 there was tendered for filing with the Federal Communications Commission an application for assignment of license of broadcast station WPIK, Summerland Key, from SUMMERLAND MEDIA, LLC to MAGNUM BROADCASTING, INC. WPIK operates on 102.5 MHz. The officers, directors and 10% or greater LLC members of assignor are Ricardo Mayo, Jr. and Nieves Mayo-Alvarez. The sole officer, director and stockholder of assignee is Michael Stapleford.

A copy of this application and related material is on file for public inspection at www.fcc.gov.

June 11, 18, and 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: June 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

attorney employed by the personal representative.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the Notice of Administration is served is required to file any objection that challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person. The 3-month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed.

The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred

by Section 733.212(3), all objections to the validity of a will, venue, or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or 1 year after service of the Notice of Administration.

Persons who may be entitled to exempt property under section 732.402, Florida Statutes, will be deemed to have waived their rights to claim that property as exempt property unless a petition for determination of exempt property is filed by such persons or on their behalf on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such persons or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property.

An election to take an elective share must be filed on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, an agent under chapter 709, Florida Statutes, or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse; or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent’s death. The time for filing an election to take an elective share may be extended as provided in the Florida Probate Rules.

Personal Representative: THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY 600 Brickell Avenue Suite 2400 Miami, Florida 33131 Attn: Isaura Velez, Second Vice President Attorneys for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A. John J. Grundhauser, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0705373 Candice J. Palte, Esq. Florida Bar No. 118840 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 810 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 5291500 Fax: (305) 5298855 E-Mail: jgrundhauser@dwllaw.com cpalte@dwl-law.com Secondary e-mail: ralverez@dwl-law.com

NOTICE OF SALE Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Notice of Sale of Surplus Vehicles The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be selling a number of surplus vehicles by sealed bids. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Wednesday, July 1st. 2020. The bids will be opened publicly on Wednesday at 10:30am on July 1st, 2020.

A list of vehicles to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso.net.

Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by contacting: Michael Cabot 305-293-7477 Michael Griffin 305-292-6832 Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 5525 College Rd, Key West, Fl. 33040 The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters building at 5525 College Rd., Key West, Fl. 33040 28 – VEHICLES On the following dates and times: June 23rd, 2020 9:00am – 11:00am June 25th, 2020 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Aviation building at 10100 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, Fl. 33050 1 – Sikorsky Helicopter (fire damaged) Minimum bid $25,000.00 On the following dates and times: June 23rd, 2020 9:00am – 11:00am June 25th, 2020 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Sheriff’s Office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition.

All sales are, as is, no warranty.

All sales are final.

Publish: June 11 & 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF SEIZURE Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave, Tavernier, FL 33070, will sell or otherwise dispose of the contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All contents in: A-2 – Justin Matson B-22 – Catherine Regan Sale of all Goods, June 29, 2020 at 10:00AM. Publish: June 11 & 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Grant Management Services for the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout Program Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www. demandstar.com OR www. monroecountybids.com.

In response to Covid-19, the Monroe County Purchasing Department will be implementing a new electronic process for receiving and opening sealed bids.

Monroe County is committed to continuing to receive and process competitive solicitations while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and those who attend bid openings. Please do not mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00P.M., on July 16, 2020. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows: Grant Management Services for CDBG-DR Voluntary Home Buyout Program 07/16/2020 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, please email: ombpurchasing@monroecounty-fl. gov. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on July 16, 2020. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-02 Notice is hereby given that KIM WEIDE holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2013/2649 Alt Key No: 1661341 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2013 RE: 00537820-000000 Description of Property: BK 14 LT 30 LAKE SURPRISE ESTATES KEY LARGO PB4-162 OR179-98 OR372-209 OR689-233 OR767-862 OR831584 OR866-1577 OR1046-856QC OR10612102QC Name in which assessed: SCHUMACHER ANDREA LITTLEFIELD All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-03 Notice is hereby given that ALEXANDRA AZNAREZ holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2016/1747 Alt Key No: 1632813 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2016 RE: 00513510-000000 Description of Property: BK 3 LT 2 PARADISE POINT PB316 KEY LARGO OR75-278 Name in which assessed: MCNELLY ELWOOD W MCNELLY CATHERINE W All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020 Sale Time: 10:00am

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-08 Notice is hereby given that FCAP AS CUSTODIAN FOR FTCFIMT, LLC FL TAX CERT FUND I MUNI TAX, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/1496 Alt Key No: 1560014 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00456440-000000 Description of Property: BK 6 LT 4 LARGO GARDENS KEY LARGO PB4-38 OR531-87 OR2483-904/06 Along with: Mobile Home – Year Make: 1973 – Make: Charm – Vehicle nr: 60451812 – Title nr: 6231720 Name in which assessed: CAMPBELL LINDA S All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-11 Notice is hereby given that LAND VALUE HOLDINGS, INC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/816 Alt Key No: 1363588 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00291420-000000 Description of Property: BK 21 LT 1 PORT PINE HEIGHTS 2ND ADD PB4-167 BIG PINE KEY OR781-1486 OR811-776 OR1478-1236/37 OR1625-26 OR2673-1157/58 OR26761217/19C OR2746-1658/60 Name in which assessed: LEON J LUIS All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-12 Notice is hereby given that JOSE LUIS SPECHT COMPANY 401K PLAN holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/793 Alt Key No: 1341819 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00270180-000000 Description of Property: BK 10 LT 3 EDEN PINES COLONY 1ST ADD BIG PINE KEY PB5-26 OR518-47 OR896-1648 OR9392351 OR1714-2333 OR26731157/58 OR2676-1217/19C OR2746-1658/60 Name in which assessed: LEON J LUIS All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-13 Notice is hereby given that JOSE LUIS SPECHT COMPANY 401K PLAN holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/757 Alt Key No: 1290726 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00223520-000000 Description of Property: BK 4 LT 22 THE LADIES ACRE 1ST ADDN LITTLE TORCH KEY PB5-102 OR604-43 OR806-1004 OR972-1589 Name in which assessed: STEVENSON ANN All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2020-15 Notice is hereby given that JOSE LUIS SPECHT COMPANY 401K PLAN holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon.

The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/348 Alt Key No: 1116220 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00099460-000100 Description of Property: 26 65 33 GRASSY KEY PT LOT 1 OR3-300 OR125-495 OR5031037/38 OR802-1109/10 OR806965/66 OR994-1668/69 OR1096-2279/80 OR11081087/89 OR1109-1959/61 OR1109-1962/64P/R OR1144496/97 OR1144-500/01OR13691852/53 Name in which assessed: GRASSY KEY LAND COMPANY INC All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: July 22nd, 2020 Sale Time: 10:00am Dated this 2nd day of June, 2020 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish June 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-31-A0001-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET BUCK REYNOLDS AKA MARGARET BAMBACH REYNOLDS, Deceased.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The administration of the estate of MARGARET BUCK REYNOLDS AKA MARGARET BAMBACH REYNOLDS, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070, File Number 20-CP-31-A0001-PK. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Last Will is February 3, 2017.

The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorneys are set forth below.

The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any

56

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES mmanresa@dwl-law.com Publish: June 11 & 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-31-A0001-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARET BUCK REYNOLDS A/K/A MARGARET BAMBACH REYNOLDS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARGARET BUCK REYNOLDS A/K/A MARGARET BAMBACH REYNOLDS, deceased, whose date of death was March 23, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070.

The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorneys 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 WITHIN 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 11, 2020.

Personal Representative: THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY 600 Brickell Avenue Suite 2400 Miami, Florida 33131 Attn: Isaura Velez, Second Vice President Attorneys for Personal Representative: DUNWODY WHITE & LANDON, P.A. John J. Grundhauser, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0705373 Candice J. Palte, Esq. Florida Bar No. 118840 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 810 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Telephone: (305) 5291500 Fax: (305) 5298855 E-Mail: jgrundhauser@dwllaw.com cpalte@dwl-law.com Secondary e-mail: ralverez@dwl-law.com mmanresa@dwl-law.com Publish: June 11 & 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-49-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ARTHUR J. MRAVIC Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

The administration of the estate of ARTHUR J. MRAVIC, deceased, whose date of death was April 30, 2020, 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 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 11, 2020 Personal Representative: LYNN MRAVIC PO Box 2583 Key Largo, FL 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Urban J. W. Patterson, Esq. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar Number: 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, FL 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: June 11 & 18, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATTER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and persons having claims against the Decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATTER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 18, 2020.

PATRICIA DESANCTIS, as Personal Representative of Estate of JO-ANN FOLLETT FAIRCLOTH LAW OFFICE OF R FRANK MYERS Attorney for Personal Representative: R. Frank Myers, Esq., BCS Fla. Bar No. 0984892 12331 Towne Lake Dr., #9 Ft. Myers, FL 33913-8016 (239) 690-3322 Fax: (239) 561-9837 Frank@RFrankMyersLaw.com Alyssa@RFrankMyersLaw.com Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

The date of first publication of this notice is June 18, 2020.

Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick Email Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Andrew M. Tobin Email Address: tobinlaw@ terranova.net Florida Bar No. 184825 Andrew M. Tobin, P.A. P.O. Box 620 Tavernier, Florida 33070 Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-31M IN RE: ESTATE OF JO-ANN FOLLETT FAIRCLOTH, Deceased.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION The Administration of the Estate of JO-ANN FOLLETT FAIRCLOTH, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court WITHIN THE LATTER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 20-CP-000032-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH NEMEC, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Joseph Nemec, deceased, whose date of death was March 28, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000019-M IN RE: ESTATE OF ROGER W. SAILING, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The administration of the Estate of Roger W. Sailing, deceased, File No. 20-CP000019-M, is pending in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The name and address 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served, must file their claims with the clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: June 18, 2020.

Dated this 12th day of June, 2020.

Personal Representative: BRENNAN SAILING 699 McKinley Pkwy.

Buffalo, NY 14220 Attorney for Personal Representative: M. BARBARA AMARO, ESQ Florida Bar Number: 611298 8950 SW 74 Ct., Suite 2201 Mailbox A-19 Miami, FL 33156 (305) 384-7213

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES (888) 508-5215 Fax Barbara@AmaroProbateLaw. com Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-025-M IN RE: ESTATE OF ALFRED CRISTY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Alfred Cristy, deceased, whose date of death was April 12, 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 (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 18, 2020.

Personal Representative: Edward T. Waldorf 661 28th Street, Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-Mail: Service@ floridakeyslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: RMiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE # 44-2020-CP-000043-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHEN MARK FRAYSHER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of, STEPHEN MARK FRAYSHER, deceased, whose date of death was April 9, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims 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: June 18, 2020.

Personal Representative: Susan Ciccolini PO Box 877 Islamorada, FL 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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: June 18, 2020.

Personal Representative: James T. Breslin a/k/a Jimmy Breslin 3 Maloney Avenue Berlin, New Jersey 08009 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: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000034-K IN RE: ESTATE OF LEON EDWARD CRANE a/k/a LEON E. CRANE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Leon Edward Crane, deceased, whose date of death was September 28, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-36-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JOAN ELIZABETH BERNI Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOAN ELIZABETH BERNI, deceased, whose date of death was March 20, 2020, 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 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 18, 2020 Personal Representative: LAURA BERNI 100 San Marco Drive Islamorada, FL 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: Urban J. W. Patterson, Esq. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar Number: 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, FL 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

KEYS EATS

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

57

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

THE RIGHT AVENUE T

here’s a new avenue for subs in Key Largo that’s bringing a bit of flavor from the city of Buffalo, with fresh cold cut and hot subs made for takeout and delivery.

Located at the former Domino’s Pizza, in the median at MM 98.9 next to Mr. C’s Gourmet Ice Cream, the Buffalo franchise, Avenue Subs, opened its doors just as the coronavirus pandemic closed the Keys to visitors in March. Even with the shutdown, Nick Cortese’s business still operated as orders from locals came in.

All in all, he said, business has gone quite well, thanks to the local support.

“It’s been amazing,” he said. “The locals have really supported us during the whole time the Keys were closed. And now they opened the floodgates and it’s even a little more busy now. It’s still mostly locals who just come back as return customers.”

Originally from Buffalo, Cortese is no stranger to the Keys, having spent summers and weekends as a kid at a property his mother and father owned. In 1975, Cortese’s father retired and moved the family to Florida. Cortese was 6 years old at the time.

In 1984, Cortese decided to end his school career and open his first pizzeria, known as Nick and Tony’s Avenue, on 19th Street in Fort Lauderdale.

In 1995, he moved back to Buffalo, where he ran his own Avenue Subs franchise for seven years. He then returned to the Keys, where he’s lived since 2002.

Avenue Subs mimics the pizza and sub shop that Cortese’s father opened in Buffalo back in the 1960s. As expected with a Buffalo sub shop, the rolls are oven-toasted, with cheese and toppings loaded on. The meats are freshly sliced once the order comes in, to give patrons a delicious sub Cortese wants them to enjoy.

The menu features a variety of favorites such as the roast beef sub, pizza sub and Italian combo, which is made with ham, capicola, salami and provolone. There’s no going wrong with any of the selections, including the pizza sub that’s loaded with sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni.

Other menu selections include salads like the antipasto that’s made with ham, turkey, salami, pepperoni, Swiss and provolone cheese and vegetables. Sides include garlic bread, soup and chips.

Cortese said the menu that patrons see today is only half of what the shop will offer.

“We’re going to be adding the steak hoagies and cheeseburger subs once I get my grill and fryers,” he said. “We’re gonna have all the grilled stuff going.” Cortese says he’ll also offer a chicken finger sub.

(All Buffalo natives, including myself, are ready! And Cortese says he’s met a lot of people from his hometown here locally.)

Avenue Subs is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Be sure to check out the daily specials. For more information, visit Avenue Subs’ Facebook page or call 305-7417461.

At Avenue Subs, all subs are made with fresh-cut meat with oven-toasted rolls. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

58

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2018-CA-751-P KENNETH G. BRADEN, Plaintiff, v.

ROBERT GROSTEFON, CANDICE GROSTEFON, KEN STEPHENS (Deceased), STEPHENS FAMILY DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED 4/4/2002, DIANE M. CHESTNUT, as Successor Trustee of the Stephens Family Declaration of Trust Dated 4/4/2002, GARY WATKINS, as Personal Representative of the Estate of CAROLYN BLAZO, PATRICIA CROSSGROVE, BANK OF NORTH AMERICA A/K/A WELLS FARGO and ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE , ESTATE, INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: DIANE M. CHESTNUT, as Successor Trustee of the STEPHENS FAMILY DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED 4/4/2002, heir of KEN STEPHENS (Deceased) whose residence is unknown and who is not known to be dead or alive, and any and all Unknown Parties claiming as heirs, devises, grantees, assignees or under or against said Defendants.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to Quiet Title on the following property in Monroe County, Florida: Lot 21, Block 16, LARGO GARDENS, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 38 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. has been filed against you and ROBERT GROSTEFON, CANDICE GROSTEFON, KEN STEPHENS (Deceased), STEPHENS FAMILY DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED 4/4/2002, PATRICIA CROSSGROVE, BANK OF NORTH AMERICA A/K/A WELLS FARGO, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JAMES S. LUPINO, ESQUIRE, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel, LLP, 88539 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070, on or before July 16, 2020 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.

DATED ON: June 10, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Gwen Douglass Deputy Clerk Publish: June 18, 25, July 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

PARKWAY, FLORIDA CITY, FL 33034 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: CLAUDETTE SUE-ANNE MCLAUGHLIN, whose address is 605 SOMBRERO BEACH RD, APT 308, MARATHON, FL 33050, on or before July 2, 2020 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Monroe County Clerk of Court, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, 3117 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL, 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address.

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

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

Dated: May 18, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shakia Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 3-8925 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 10th day of June, 2020.

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

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

Telephone: (305) 292-3423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-11 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-9558771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800-955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

221 EAST BREMER STREET CADILLAC, MI 49601 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ARIEL BECKER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER 1407 ESSEX STREET ESSEXVILLE, MI 48732 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA KRISTINE KEARNS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER 1407 ESSEX STREET ESSEXVILLE, MI 48732 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) DENNIS DORRIES, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER, JEREMY DORRIES, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER, ARIEL BECKER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER AND KRISTINE KEARNS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER, 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 5711, Week 47, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Contract No.: 2-18218 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 10th day of June, 2020.

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

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

Telephone: (305) 292-3423 or via the Florida Relay Center. To make calls through the Florida Relay Center, you may dial 7-11 or use the following toll free access numbers: 1-800-9558771 (TTY); 1-877-955-8260 (VCO); 1-800-955-8770 (Voice); 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII); 1-877955-5334 (STS); 1-877-955-8707 (French Creole – available from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily) Publish: June 18 & 25, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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

NOW HIRING – Full or part-time 220 or 440 Insurance Sales agent for Busy Big Pine Key Insurance Agency.

Must be experienced in homeowners & auto. Able to crosssell, prospect, generate quotes, selfmotivated.

(Agency under new ownership/ management).

Please contact (305) 807-5338.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-DR-35-M Division: Family CLAUDETTE SUE-ANNE MCLAUGHLIN, Petitioner and ANTWON PIERRE HOLMES Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: ANTWON PIERRE HOLMES Respondent’s last known address: 835 W DAVIS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA000229-K DIVISION: Civil Beach House Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs.

Elaine Boyce Lewis, et al.

Defendants. ________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO COUNT I AGAINST DEFENDANT ELAINE BOYCE LEWIS To: ELAINE BOYCE LEWIS 55 FULTON AVENUE JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and all parties claiming interest by, through, under or against Defendant(s) ELAINE BOYCE LEWIS, 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 B21, Week 8, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA000102-K DIVISION: Civil Windward Pointe Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a corporation not-for-profit under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Karen Kay Becker, et al.

Defendants. _______________/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO COUNT I AGAINST DEFENDANT DENNIS DORRIES, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER, JEREMY DORRIES, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER, ARIEL BECKER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER AND KRISTINE KEARNS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER To: DENNIS DORRIES, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER 128 GEORGE STREET CADILLAC, MI 49601 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA JEREMY DORRIES, AS POTENTIAL HEIR OF KAREN KAY BECKER

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 d e t a i l s .

EMPLOYMENT

All Keys Yamaha hiring Retail Parts/Counter Help. Marine outboard knowledge a plus.

Quickbook experience a plus. Hours M-F 8a5p. Apply in person at 2001 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-743-3530 Front Desk Help need in Medical Office in Key Largo. Experience preferred, part-time.

Excellent Customer Service a must. Call 305-852-3232 or apply in person at 97840 O/S Hwy, Key Largo.

Boat Rental company in Marathon hiring Boat Cleaning & Detailing Person. Call 305-4817006 Shelter Bay Marine in Marathon hiring Qualified Mechanics.

Contact Steve at 305-743-7008 City of Marathon - Job Openings: Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee , Street Maintenance and Temporary Utilities Maintenance Worker.

EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us Key Colony Inn now hiring AM/PM Servers.

Apply in person.

700 Ocean Dr, Key Colony Beach or call 305-743-0100.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578 HOUSING FOR RENT

Efficiency For Rent in Key Largo, Unfurnished. $800.00/month (water & electricity included) 9 5 4 - 2 1 4 - 4 9 7 0 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

59

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOUSING FOR RENT A F F O R D A B L E HOUSING IN M A R A T H O N .

Furnished apartment available for rent. $1,800/ mo. F/L/$900 Security.

3 Bedrooms, Full bath, Full kitchen with all utensils.

Apartment completely furnished.

Bedrooms sleep two and contain dresser, desk, partial closet and bunk beds. Shaded back yard, tables, chairs and BBQ grill. Limited inside living area. Coin operated washer & dryer on property. For information call Bob Brayman 305-7435929 or bbrayman@ hallsdiving.com.

A F F O R D A B L E HOUSING IN M A R A T H O N .

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@ hallsdiving.com

RV LOTS FOR RENT

Large RV Lot for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $800/month plus utilities. 305-942-0789

FULL TIME OPENING

Bartender/Server

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Or call for appt. 305-481-3067 OPEN Tue-Sun 11am

Apply at S.S. Wreck 58835 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key

We offer competitive wages, excellent benefits, and a fun work environment.

Logistics Coordinator

Assists Warehouse Manager, & others, with a variety of administrative functions including duties relating to coordination, communications, and document management.

Coordinate aircraft transactions with customers and the line service technicians.

Prior customer service experience a plus. The ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and overtime as needed, is required.

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

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

Construction Foreman

FT POSITION WITH ADMIN AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Experience in high-end residential; finish carpentry, drywall, windows/ doors, understanding of building systems & construction techniques.

Must have excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills.

Must be compassionate and professional.

Bachelor’s degree and field experience a plus. Drug free workplace, EOE.

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

EOE/Drug-free workplace

Please send resume and cover letter to sholt@fkoc.org. No phone calls.

Jr. Interior Designer

SERVICE MANAGER / DIESEL MECHANIC

DIESEL ENGINE MECHANIC NEEDED

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED!

Monroe County School District

Monroe County School District

New facility on Stock Island opens in July Salary Range up to $35.43 Experience Required, Certification Preferred, Must Obtain CDL class B license with P and S endorsements

New facility on Stock Island opens in July Salary Range up to $25.63 Experience Required, Certification Preferred, Must Obtain CDL class B license with P and S endorsements

Apply online: www.keysschools.com For more information call 305-293-1400 ext. 53400

Apply online: www.keysschools.com For more information call 305-293-1400 ext. 53400

Contact Kris Schluter kris@marathonaviation.com (305) 743-3717

– KEY WEST

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY The Monroe County Land Authority Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a conference telephone call on June 24, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Members of the public wishing to access the meeting should call 888-585-9008 and enter access code 177-166-577. The meeting agenda is available online at www.monroecounty-fl.gov. For additional information or to submit written or other physical evidence for consideration at the meeting, contact Dina Gambuzza via phone at 305-295-5180; via email at gambuzza-dina@monroecounty-fl.gov; or via mail to Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 207, Key West, FL 33040.

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

FULL TIME – KEY WEST

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

Finish Carpenter

Monroe County School District

Salary $17.15 – $24.15/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations) No Experience Required, Benefits, CDL Training Provided – work as a Bus Aide while training, Full Time or Flexible, Part Time Hours - 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

P/T FRONT DESK P/T HOUSEKEEPER

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

20-30 hours/week. Must be able to work Saturdays & some Sundays.

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

Call: 305-743-0240 or 305-587-0359 to apply.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Also looking for Saturday only housekeepers.

60

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

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

WESLEY HOUSE FAMILY SERVICES IS SEEKING: FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - Healthy Families program in our Key West office. This position has the primary responsibility for initiating and maintaining regular long-term home visits and making referrals and collaborating with other service providers to support healthy families with children prenatal through age 5 years. Position pays $16.00/hour.

CHILD CARE TEACHERS at our Inez Martin

Child Development Center in Key West. This position has the primary responsibility for the health, safety, intellectual activity social interaction and overall development of the children in the program ages 2-5 years old. High School Diploma required plus 45 hours of DCF Child Care Training. Position pays $15.00/hour.

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

NOW HIRING FRONT DESK AGENT PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANTS HOUSEMEN ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN EXPERIENCED LINE COOK EXPERIENCED BAKER

We offer competitive benefits: 80% paid medical and dental insurance, 12 paid holidays, birthday paid day off, retirement plan with employer match and much more.

Interested candidates can email resume to HR@wesleyhouse.org or stop by 1304 Truman Ave. Key West Wesley House is an EEOC employer and Drug Free Workplace.

NOW HIRING

DOCKHAND

Mechanical Experience a plus! Salary based upon experience and qualifications.

Busy boat rental business with a fleet of 17 boats, duties include but not limited to, taking care of keeping our fleet in pristine condition for our daily rentals. No Keys Disease here, as we work hard to enhance our client’s vacation experience.

Reduced rent housing available to the right person.

Send resume captpips@aol.com or come into our office at 1480 Overseas Hwy to fill out an application. Between 10 am and 2 pm.

No phone calls please, as we are a very busy office.

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Children’s Case Manager Case Manager (Forensic & Adult) 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!

bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

Background and drug screen req.

GREAT BENEFITS!

Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

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

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

SUDOKU

SOLUTION

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations $15 per hour to start

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

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

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

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 / JUNE 18, 2020

BOAT LAUNCH

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 50% OFF FOR LOCALS ONE STOP SHOP - MINI MART BEER - WINE - BAIT - ICE

Florida Ankle & Foot Institute Ankle & Foot Surgeons

We are here for you

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

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @ GRASSY KEY MARINA BAIT AND MARKET

305.440.3055 | 7am - 7pm - 7 days a week 59073 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON (MILE MARKER 59 - NEXT TO DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER)

KEY BY THE SEA

KEY BY THE SEA

WATERFRONT MOBILE HOME $174,900 | MLS# 584200

VACANT DRY RV LOTS $129,900 EACH | MLS# 584464, 585607, 587619 AND 584201

Your safety is our priority TELEMEDICINE ALSO AVAILABLE

Dr. John F. Torregrosa

Dr. William Thetford

Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics www.AnkleAndFootSurgery.net • www.AmnioAndPRP.net

7 MILE BRIDGE VIEW

18 COUNTY BUILDING

VACATION DREAM HOME $589,000 | MLS# 589139

RIGHTS AVAILABLE $1,700,000 | MLS# 584210

MALLORY PINTO | SALES ASSOCIATE C: 813.846.6759 | O: 305.735.4095 mpinto@oceansir.com

• Fractures/Dislocations • Heel Pain • Joint Arthritis or Pain • Muscle Tears • Tendonitis/Tendon Injuries (Achilles or Others) • Reconstructive & Trauma Services • Ligament Injuries • Wound Care • Nerve Injuries • Bone Repair/Regeneration

305-853-5151

TAVERNIER

91550 Overseas Hwy, Suite #107

MARATHON

13365 Overseas Hwy, Suite #101

KEY WEST

3720 Roosevelt Blvd, Unit G

62

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

NEW & REPAIR

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

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

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

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

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

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

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 for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

When It Rains It Pours!

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

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

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

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

www.TewesMortgage.com

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

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC.

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service

305-998-8953

Phone: (305) 743-5288

Insured • Professional • Reliable

Serving Key Largo to Key West

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

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

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

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 / JUNE 18, 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

64

KEY WEST / MARATHON / UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JUNE 18, 2020

START YOUR DAY

512 FRONT STREET WWW.TWOFRIENDS.COM

OLD KEY WEST WITH A TWIST OF SOMETHING NEW

AND END YOUR DAY WITH A KEY WEST ICON BUBBAS 2019 | KEY WEST PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

WINNER OF BEST HAPPY HOUR, BEST BLOODY MARY AND BEST FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS. RUNNER-UP BEST RESTAURANT. NOMINATED FOR BEST BARTENDER, BEST BLOODY MARY, BEST BAR, BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT, BEST FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS AND BEST HAPPY HOUR.

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER | KARAOKE | DAILY LIVE MUSIC